Who Said Scandihoovians Aren't Funny by Nature?

As a mixed breed Scandinavian, I celebrate certain Christmas traditions of the old country(ies).  One of those is Lutefisk on Christmas Eve.  A Christmas carol has been known to be sung to Lutefisk on this special night.
It is sung to the tune of O TANNENBAUM ( O CHRISTMAS TREE  for you non-Nordics).  Enjoy!

1. O Lutefisk, O Lutefisk, how fragrant your aroma
O Lutefisk, O Lutefisk, you put me in a coma.
You smell so strong, you look like glue,
You taste yust like an overshoe.
But Lutefisk, come Saturday,
I tink I eat you anyvay.

2. O Lutefisk, O Lutefisk, I put you in duh doorvay.
I vanted you to ripen up, yust like dey do in Norvay.
A dog came by and sprinkled you,
I hit him vit my overshoe.
O Lutefisk now I suppose
I'll eat you vhile I hold my nose.

3. O Lutefisk, O Lutefisk, how vell do I remember,
On Christmas Eve how ve'd receive our big treat of December.
It vasn't turkey or fried ham.
It vasn't even pickled Spam.
My Mudder knew dere vas no risk
In serving buttered Lutefisk.

4. O Lutefisk, O Lutefisk, now everyvun discovers
Dat Lutefisk and lefse make Norvegians better lovers.
Now everyvun can have a ball,
You're better dan dat Yeritol.
O Lutefisk vit Brennevin ( brandy)
You make me feel like Errol Flynn.

5. O Lutefisk, O Lutefisk, you have a special flavor.
O Lutefisk, O Lutefisk, all good Norvegians savor.
Dat slimy slab ve know so vell,
Identified by ghastly smell.
O Lutefisk, O Lutefisk,
Our loyalty von't vaver.

A true musical classic of the Season.

two of my favorite Ole and Lena jokes:

Whenever Ole went out with the boys, he always took Lena along. Ice fishing, playing cards, bowling - Lena was always there.  One day Sven asked Ole,  " Ole, how come you take Lena along vherever you go? "
"Vell Sven, dis vay I never have to kiss her goodbye."

Lena filed for divorce from Ole.
The judge told Ole  " I'm going to give Lena $400 a month for support"
Old replied,  "Dat's real good, yudge, and vunce in a vhile I'll try to chip in a few bucks myself"

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Nearing Christmas

We finished up Christmas shopping today.  Buying for the grandkids is fun, the rest is a chore ( I guess I shouldn't look at it that way, but I'm just not a crowds guy).  I bought the boys a special common gift this year, in hopes that it would enhance their "playing together" experience.  Their mom doesn't know what it is, and I plan on keeping it that way until they open it on Christmas Eve.  I'll probably be in trouble with Mom and Dad, but I know the boys will love it.  I'll let you know how it goes.

A Christmas Program for the Ages ( specifically 4 )

Last night we attended Jack's first Sunday school Christmas program.  He was definitely a standout for a rookie.  That's him in the center with the red tie and a blue star next to his head.  He is a handsome young lad.  His performance with the star-on-a-stick waving and bell ringing was first rate.  His singing still needs a little work, but overall he was a standout.  His great gramma joined us and had a great time.  This is one of those milestones for the kids and parents and grandparents that will be remembered for years, and will be used to tease him when he brings home his bride-to-be.  He's quite a boy, and a special first grandchild. 

A Happy Birthday for a Happy 4 Year Old

Jack turned 4 on Dec 6. On Dec 5 we attended his birthday party.  Both sets of grandparents, his great gramma, and parents best friends were there ( with their 5 boys!  Poor Elise is the lone female among the kids)  A great time was had by all,eating pizza, having Lego cake and ice cream, singing happy birthday, and opening presents.  Jack got a set of walkie talkies from Grampa and Gramma, so we can now play " Calling all police to catch the bad guys" with some real equipment.   Jack is a bright, imaginative and happy boy, and we couldn't be prouder of him.

EEE-HAW It's Party Time!

Saturday was Wes's "doo" year old birthday party.  Both sets of grandparents, one great-gramma, a great aunt, a second cousin ( also a new gramma) and lots of friends were in attendance.  Sloppy joes were enjoyed by all.  Wes is starting to get the idea about opening presents.  He now realizes that inside that colorful paper is the good stuff ( hopefully a toy ).  In keeping with his Fireman's Party theme, he got a fireman jacket and hat, firehouse and firetruck legos, and fireman party blowout favors.  He also got an electronic reading device and a couple of books to help him learn to read.  Clothes and a Thomas the Train lantern were also in the mix.  A nice haul for a sweet little boy.  The day went too fast, and Wes didn't want anyone to leave and the party to end, but he was a tired little boy by 7:30.  Monday is his 2 year checkup, so we'll see then how he's doing.  I still say that grandparenting is the greatest!

A Special Birthday

Today is my little buddy Wes's birthday.  Just ask him and he'll tell you he is now "doo" years old ( that's 2 in Wesspeak). His big party is tomorrow.  He's having a fire truck theme party.  With relatives and friends, he'll have a good time being the center of attention, which he loves.  His favorite thing to do is to make us adults laugh, and his antics always accomplish that feat. He's a sweet little guy who loves to climb "Grampa mountain", jump around a little bit, and then jump off the mountain, always being sure that Grampa is ready and able to catch him before he crashes to the floor.  He'll play that game until I'm either too sore or too weak to continue.  He's a great kid, and I can't wait to celebrate with him tomorrow.    Happy Birthday Wes!!!!

The Most Depressing Day of the Year

Yesterday was the most depressing day of the year.  We closed the cabin for the winter.  It's a lot of work, but we've been doing it for over 20 years now, so it has become a bit of a routine.  Pull the pontoon boat out of the water, winterize the outboard, load up the deck furniture, and haul it down the road to the neighbor's pole shed, where we store it for the next 6 months.  Hook up the ATV to the dock and pull it up on shore.   Cover the air conditioners, strip the beds, put out D-con and mothballs to keep the mice under control, make sure no food is left anywhere, and last, but not least, drain all the water out of the system to prevent frozen pipes.  Oh the joys of having a cabin in Minnesota, where the winters "up north" can bring temperatures of 20 degrees below zero.  The summers make it all worthwhile, though. It's loads of fun sitting on the deck in June, trying to shoot down the dive-bombing mosquitos with a 12 gauge shotgun. I can't wait until we open the cabin up again next spring.  I wonder how many more years we'll be doing this.