Nurturing Thursday: A tale of simple life

I am going to share a story, a real one which I heard today.

Yesterday a young boy celebrated his birthday. Everyone was busy during day so the family decided to meet in the evening. Being young and energetic he lives alone in his own house very close to city centre. He has a small garden where he grows potatoes. I have heard this many times, Norwegians are very fond of potatoes but growing potatoes in city centre surprised me. Anyways every year he uses the home grown potatoes for Christmas dinner. I am impressed. Are you not?

During the family gathering on 17th of May,  the Norwegian national day, someone asked about what present he would like for his birthday. He made a joke and said I always wanted to have a steam engine (dampmaskin på norsk) and yes some eye brows were raised.

One family member decided to look for it secretly and he found a fantastic model of a steam engine in a hobby shop.

I used internet to learn more about the reason for this fascination. If you have 4.51 minutes to spare, do watch this.

I must say, I like this promotional short film. Looks like so much fun if one is interested in mechanical work.

Now back to the story, the young boy made Bergen’s famous “hvit dame kake”, it’s a very  traditional kake for any kind of celebration. Hopefully the picture (from internet) gives you some idea. It’s marzipan cake with layers of cream and jam.

He also made hot chocolate for everyone, not cocoa but traditional hot chocolate.

Hero of our story was very happy meeting his family and he liked the gifts including “dampmaskin” very much.  What a great way to celebrate one’s 96th birthday. To make cake and hot chocolate for the kids (now in 60’s and 70’s ) and for grand kids in their 40’s.

The boys sat and discussed about various parts of the steam engine, including the motor and the extension where a woodcutter is in action as an application.

I am sure he will have good time with this new activity in coming days.

Hobbies make us happy – so ignore the mockery and enjoy!!!

For Becca’s Nurturing Thursday!

PS. This 96 year old boy keeps a 180 days bus pass as it is much cheaper than buying ticket everyday when he goes to cafe to meet his friends.