On August 1 we drove to Hallandvik, in the municipality of Søgne, the location of the nearest hytte of Ingunn and Per Skretting.  (They have two hytter!  We have twice enjoyed being at their Bortelid hytte on New Years Eve!)  After a welcoming toast, we had a pleasant walk over the property of the hytte.  It was another beautiful day in southern Norway, so when we returned to the hytte we lounged on the impressive newly improved and expanded deck, where Ingunn served Norwegian waffles.  I spread mine with raspberry topping, and could scarcely stop eating long enough to snap a few pictures.  Yummy.  Later, we went for a more extensive walk through part of a public area to the south of the hytte, along the rugged shore of the sea in an area called “Hummervika” (Lobster Cove).  On our way to the area, we passed by the house where Ingunn was born.  Turns out the area is dotted with her relatives.  When we returned to the hytte, Per challenged us to a game of bocci.  He was well on his way toward totally humiliating the rest of us when we were saved by a brief shower.

The rest of the afternoon is a blur of friendly conversation and delicious food and drink.  I remember many glasses of wine.  I remember a bowl of various fruits.  I remember a delicious dinner, and more wine.  I remember an enormous bowl of cream with blueberries and strawberries and raspberries.  I remember strong coffee.  But most of all, I remember the warmth we always feel when we spend time with the Skrettings.