On August 1 we drove to Hallandvik, in the municipality of S\u00f8gne, the location of the nearest hytte of Ingunn and Per Skretting. \u00a0(They have two hytter! \u00a0We have twice enjoyed being at their Bortelid hytte on New Years Eve!) \u00a0After a welcoming toast, we had a pleasant walk over the property of the hytte. \u00a0It 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. \u00a0I spread mine with raspberry topping, and could scarcely stop eating long enough to snap a few pictures. \u00a0Yummy. \u00a0Later, 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). \u00a0On our way to the area, we passed by the house where Ingunn was born. \u00a0Turns out the area is dotted with her relatives. \u00a0When we returned to the hytte, Per challenged us to a game of bocci. \u00a0He was well on his way toward totally humiliating the rest of us when we were saved by a brief shower.<\/p>\n
The rest of the afternoon is a blur of friendly conversation and delicious food and drink. \u00a0I remember many glasses of wine. \u00a0I remember a bowl of various fruits. \u00a0I remember a delicious dinner, and more wine. \u00a0I remember an enormous bowl of cream with blueberries and strawberries and raspberries. \u00a0I remember strong coffee. \u00a0But most of all, I remember the warmth we always feel when we spend time with the Skrettings.<\/p>\n\n\t\t