Time flies...

and all that jazz! Busy times and good times. So in this tardy update Autumn has definitely arrived in Norway. The nights had gotten colder and on Kåre and Erandi’s farm, although the sun was still shining there was a definite bite in the air. So much so that when I was in the greenhouse taking photos of the tomatoes (just call me a wannabe artiste...) I managed to get this really cool shot...

it took a moment to realise it was because my lens had fogged up because of the change in temperature! Still the routine continued as normal, more milking (I’m sooo much better than I used to be), feeding, jam making and generally trying to get the farm ready for winter. I also finally managed to get a decent picture of our milk cow and her calf...

The Autumn weather also meant that we were getting clear night skies, which let me grab this picture of our garden kitchen by moonlight...

Yes moonlight! I knew there was a reason that I brought my tripod with me!

One of the unfortunate, but also sometimes inevitable, parts of farm life is the occasional loss of an animal. Nothing too dramatic in our case, just the loss of a couple of mother ducks to the local fox. One lot of ducklings were quite well grown and were put in the barn. The others were only a day old at most and I became surrogate mum to all 12 of them...

How cute are they? They’re small enough to fit in your sleeve too...

hehehe, I am such a child.

Anyway, moving on swiftly one of the highlights in the final weeks at Arstun Farm was totally non farm related and involved yet another trip to Oslo. This time with Paulina and taking in Mortensrud Church...

Yes, that’s a church. Its another example of really, really good modern architecture. I know that not everyone likes this kind of stuff but I think it rocks. For a couple of reasons really. I could go into them but... no actually I will go into them! Well, a little at least. It’s just an excuse to put up more photos.

Reason 1. It doesn’t dominate the landscape. Yes its pretty obvious there’s a building there, but it doesn’t scream “LOOK AT ME” like most old churches. It blends in. See?

Reason2. They’ve built around the landscape. I read that they didn’t actually do anything to the land other than take the top layer of soil off in places. I like that minimal impact. Besides it leaves things like this

 and this...

within the church to tie it more firmly to the landscape (yes that’s bedrock on the floor of the church).

Reason 3. They’ve unashamedly used modern and natural materials in a simple and elegant way

I love the way they’ve used the stone above the windows but not used any mortar, so you get the extra pinpoints of light coming through. Plus the huge windows don’t just bring in light, they let you see the surrounding nature. What could be more peaceful than that?

Argh! Actually I think I’m quite poor at describing this kind of thing so instead I’m going to just put up some more photos!

I loved the twisted window/wall bracing...


I loved the contrast in materials and light, you’d be surprised at the sense of serenity you get when sitting in there.


 and what other place of worship do you know that encourages you to sit, drink and chat afterwards?

I’m tempted to go back in Winter just to take more photos, I bet its beautiful in the snow! Oh and for those that are interested it was done by Jensen & Skodvin. They also did another really cool church which I’ll show you later and the Sinsen Metro station that I took a picture of way, way, back when I first came to Oslo.

Erm, anyway architecture waffle over with, we did a bit more sightseeing in Oslo and I found this little gem of graffiti whilst we were walking about...

Oh, quick mini diversion back to architecture, I saw this cool building which is some student housing...

before heading over to Blå for another evening of excellent jazz.

unfortunately in all too short a time though my stay at Arstun Farm was up. I had an excellent experience though, more chilled out than I could have expected, lovely people and some amazing countryside. I guess I going to leave this overly long post with some pictures from the last couple of days there...

Oh and they made me the most delicious cake when I left, Thanks Kåre! I will definitely be going back soon. Next up Trondheim!