{"id":41784,"date":"2024-12-16T13:19:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-16T13:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/?p=41784"},"modified":"2025-04-27T14:49:09","modified_gmt":"2025-04-27T14:49:09","slug":"annual-photoshoot-snow-scraping-gatherings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/2024\/12\/annual-photoshoot-snow-scraping-gatherings\/","title":{"rendered":"Annual Photoshoot \/ Snow Scraping \/ Gatherings"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">[<em>Photos taken 16 &#8211; 22 December 2024, posted online 27 April 2025.  My main has been devouring <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dungeon_Crawler_Carl\">Dungeon Crawler Carl<\/a> books at an unhealthy rate, I need to get through them so I can start sleeping again&#8230;!<\/em>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was time for the annual photoshoot, so I could complete the annual-family-photo-calendar, which I&#8217;ve stubbornly made for close to 20 years now.  (I clearly suffer from some mental condition!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early in the week I got and accepted a job offer!  I would be starting at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.varist.com\/\">Varist<\/a> on 7 January 2025.  Very exciting!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The week passed in a blur of activity.  I did a lot of snow scraping as the local scraper kept leaving snow in unfortunate places.  I prepped a new knitting project, attended a birthday party, met Finnur&#8217;s coworkers for dinner, there was tidying up for Christmas, and continued decorating.  We also started prepping for house guests that would be arriving soon after Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Monday 16 December 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Yule_2024.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"440\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Yule_2024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41786\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Our yule-card (of sorts).  The whole of Iceland has stopped sending Christmas cards, and instead we post photos on Facebook with season&#8217;s greetings.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241216_094034182.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241216_094034182.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41787\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">It had snowed enough that the scraper came to clear our road in the morning.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241216_130459688.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"660\" height=\"497\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241216_130459688.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41788\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">We had less than a week until summer solstice, and this was the sky at 13 (1 pm).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_4906.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"660\" height=\"440\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_4906.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41789\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Testing the flashes, to see if they flashed with the camera flash (I just have three Canon flashes as my lights.  Simple but perhaps a bit underpowered sometimes.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241216_145344786.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241216_145344786.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41790\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">I set up upstairs, its easiest to control the environmental light there.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_4922.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"440\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_4922.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41791\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Big boy!  He was my guinea pig while I tried to get the lights in a workable  position.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_4948.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"440\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_4948.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41792\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">With big sis.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_4965.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"440\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_4965.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41793\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">All three.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_4986.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"440\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_4986.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41794\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">When this is written, Emma&#8217;s gotten as tall as Anna (perhaps taller?)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_4988.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"440\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_4988.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41795\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A very weird hand-heart.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_5010.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"440\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_5010.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41796\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The sisters.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_5019.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"440\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_5019.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41797\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The adult.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_5045.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"440\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_5045.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41798\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The youngster.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241216_154654752.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241216_154654752.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41799\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The sky at 16 (4) in the afternoon.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241216_185142110.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241216_185142110.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41800\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">It kept snowing&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Tuesday 17 December 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241217_111235732.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241217_111235732.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41801\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">I can&#8217;t remember which body-part was being silly, but apparently I had an appointment with my physio, and I&#8217;m sure he gave me some exercises!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241217_112738659.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"660\" height=\"497\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241217_112738659.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41802\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">It&#8217;s hard to see in the photo, but the scraper had left a tall ridge of snow by the public parking lot, and I&#8217;d pushed it out into the street.  I ended up piling the ridge into a pile on the other side of the road so the lot was usable for all.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241217_115330141.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241217_115330141.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41803\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">They&#8217;d also left the ridge on top of the drains, which was the straw that broke this camel&#8217;s back (me).  I ended up sending the township a note on how it would be wonderful if the scrapers stopped leaving big piles of snow in front of the town&#8217;s own parking lot, because if the cars couldn&#8217;t park there, they&#8217;d park in the street instead, and end up blocking the scrapers.  I also asked them to please stop leaving piles on top of the drains, which I know they can see on a map the scrapers have onboard.  Lo and behold, all of a sudden the scraper dudes started making an effort to clear the drains and the parking lot!  Oh, the power of words and images!!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241217_191820560.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241217_191820560.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41804\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This child appears to not have ADHD.  She can decide to tidy up her own messy corner, and finish the job without any outside prodding.  Quite amazing! <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241217_193129920.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241217_193129920.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41805\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Busy vacuuming.  Now that&#8217;s she&#8217;s taller than me, I need to rethink that area under the stairs, as it won&#8217;t be used as a chill-out spot anymore.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Wednesday 18 December 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241218_121930458.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"660\" height=\"497\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241218_121930458.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41806\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">I&#8217;d found <a href=\"https:\/\/www.garnstudio.com\/pattern.php?id=7568&amp;cid=14\">a free pattern to an open sweater<\/a> that I liked, and went and found yarn that might work for it&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241218_115837957.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241218_115837957.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41807\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">As it was patterned, the shop helpers told me the color couldn&#8217;t be too dark, so this was what I ended up with.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241218_192534779.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241218_192534779.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41808\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">At another December birthday party, with the other set of cousins!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Thursday 19 December 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241219_122455420.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"660\" height=\"497\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241219_122455420.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41809\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Went to check on mom&#8217;s apartment, and bumped into the image on the lower right on a table.  Decided to quickly hang it up using&#8230; <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241219_123621450.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241219_123621450.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41810\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">&#8230; ties from a mask that was also on the table.  It would be easy to move later, and no longer in anybody&#8217;s way.  (Yes, the local hospital has been putting in place an internal mask mandate every now and then when they&#8217;ve started to get overwhelmed by infections.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241219_191256556.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241219_191256556.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41811\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">That night we met up with Finnur&#8217;s coworkers and their significant others at a restaurant downtown.  Yet another fancy cocktail!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241219_195622329.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241219_195622329.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41812\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Very good!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241219_213620854.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241219_213620854.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41813\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A chocolate ball that melted when hot sauce was poured over it. It was ridiculously good.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241219_230439892.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241219_230439892.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41814\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fancy lights in a stairwell, as we were leaving.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241219_230611570.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241219_230611570.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41815\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Chrismas cat was in its usual spot, as we waited for Bjarki to come and pick us up.  So nice having kids with drivers licences!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Friday 20 December 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241220_113256416.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241220_113256416.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41816\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">I bumped into my cousin at the cafe!  Had a lovely time chatting!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241220_125255968.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"660\" height=\"497\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241220_125255968.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41817\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Finnur&#8217;s blue t-shirts.  I was half tempted to put them on hangers and sort by color, but decided against it.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241220_180806322.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241220_180806322.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41818\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">I made it up the stairs after leg-day, yay!!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241220_213341631.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241220_213341631.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41819\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Trying some new duvet covers.  The Black Friday sales are good for buying stuff at a discount for yourself as well as others!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Saturday 21 December 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241221_161036373.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241221_161036373.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41820\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">I vaguely recall Finnur had gong up to the summer house to check that everything was in order.  Therefore, dinner was my responsibility.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241221_161157623.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"660\" height=\"497\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241221_161157623.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41821\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">I&#8217;m a big fan of perfume free soaps!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241221_220051963.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241221_220051963.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41822\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">That evening I suggested we watch Amelie.  I&#8217;d forgotten just how &#8220;French&#8221; it is.  After Emma asked what the age rating on it was I discovered that it&#8217;s &#8220;Rated R for sexual content&#8221; in the USA, 15 in the UK, and &#8220;Tous publics&#8221; or &#8220;for all&#8221;  in France.   Emma bailed on it fairly fast.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Sunday 22 December 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241222_155651057.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241222_155651057.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41823\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Emma got a very cute Hello Kitty themed card deck in her shoe.  We laid all the cards out to admire the cuteness.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241222_162327114.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241222_162327114.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41824\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The tree-acquisition-master with this year&#8217;s tree.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241222_162633087.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241222_162633087.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41825\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Footed!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241222_170003830.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241222_170003830.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41826\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Some hot chocolate had bubbled out of its pot, and Finnur found some chemical trick to remove the burnt residue.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241222_181622146.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"495\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241222_181622146.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41827\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Decorating-partners-in-crime by a fully decorated tree.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241222_182315454.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241222_182315454.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41828\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Siblings on a narrow couch.  It wasn&#8217;t long until Bjarki was booted off!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241222_183912630.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241222_183912630.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41829\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">We had guests coming over after Christmas to stay with us.  I discovered that our old air-mattresses were wimpy-wimps that were not really suitable for anybody older than a 6-year-old.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241222_183947351.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"497\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PXL_20241222_183947351.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41830\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">I asked around, and it turned out we could borrow proper tall self-inflating mattresses from two friends.  Problem solved.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">[<em>Photos taken 16 &#8211; 22 December 2024, posted online 27 April 2025.  My main has been devouring <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dungeon_Crawler_Carl\">Dungeon Crawler Carl<\/a> books at an unhealthy rate, I need to get through them so I can start sleeping again&#8230;!<\/em>]<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was time for the annual photoshoot, so I could complete the annual-family-photo-calendar, which I&#8217;ve stubbornly made for close to 20 years now.  (I clearly suffer from some mental condition!)<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early in the week I got and accepted a job offer!  I would be starting at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.varist.com\/\">Varist<\/a> on 7 January 2025.  Very exciting!<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The week passed in a blur of activity.  I did a lot of snow scraping as the local scraper kept leaving snow in unfortunate places.  I prepped a new knitting project, attended a birthday party, met Finnur&#8217;s coworkers for dinner, there was tidying up for Christmas, and continued decorating.  We also started prepping for house guests that would be arriving soon after Christmas.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Monday 16 December 2024<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Yule_2024.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"440\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Yule_2024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41786\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Our yule-card (of sorts).  The whole of Iceland has stopped sending Christmas cards, and instead we post photos on Facebook with season&#8217;s greetings.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/2024\/12\/annual-photoshoot-snow-scraping-gatherings\/\" title=\"Read More\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16,17,18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-41784","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-finnurs-family","category-hrefnas-family","category-us","post-container col-md-12"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41784","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41784"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41784\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41832,"href":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41784\/revisions\/41832"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41784"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41784"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41784"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}