Settling in in Reykjavik

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After arriving in Iceland‘s Keflavik Airport, having breakfast at the Viking World museum, and relaxing at the Blue Lagoon, we headed for Reykjavik in our rental car.  We had only been in Iceland for about 6 hours.

We weren’t in Iceland very long before we were greeted with a full rainbow.

I used the app maps.me on my iPhone to direct us around the island nation.  (Local maps must be downloaded prior to use but the app relies on GPS and not cellular hookup nor wi-fi for connection.)  We easily found the street where our AirBnB accommodations were located and parked (for free) on the street in this residential neighborhood.

I was determined to get a sweater.

Our apartment wouldn’t be ready for a few more hours so we walked to the downtown area to get our bearings and to visit the Handknitting Association of Iceland.  I wanted to buy an authentic sweater that I could wear all week, especially on our planned evening excursions to hunt the Northern Lights.

Hallgrímskirkja is easy to spot.

The easiest landmark to recognize and see is the Hallgrímskirkja church located centrally in Reykjavik at the top end of a rainbow painted street.

Charlie and I ordered double espresso with cream. (The cream was whipped and served on the side.)

On the way way to the sweater shop we stopped at Mokka Kaffi for a coffee break. (We’re still in our first day in Iceland and hadn’t eaten since the Viking breakfast at 8 a.m.)  We took in a few souvenir shops just to see what was on offer.

A really authentic restaurant in Reykjavik.

On the way back to our accommodations we stopped at a recommended restaurant Islenski Barinn which turned out to be our favorite place by the end of our stay.

We stayed in Reykjavik all week.

We walked back to where our car was parked and checked in, then we drove Sug to her place where she also checked in.  We planned to rest until 8:30 p.m. when our excursion booked with Tröll Expeditions to hunt the Aurora was scheduled.  (Unfortunately they canceled us due to cloudy weather that night and informed us they would have no more tours during our stay.)

The buildings in Iceland are built to withstand severe weather — wind, rain, snow.

Next stop: Íshestar Lava Tour

Iceland:

Lagooning in Iceland

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After having a splendid Islandic breakfast at Viking World (which we finished around 9 a.m.) we headed to the Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater spa 20 minutes away by car.

We suspected we were close to the Blue Lagoon when we saw steam clouds rising from the lava fields.

Our reservations were for 9 a.m. but we arrived at almost 9:30 a.m. (Don’t forget, we’ve been traveling without sleep since the morning before when we left Baltimore in the US.)  We were admitted with no problem.

The paved walkway took us right to the entrance.

We were greeted at the desk and given wristbands which gave us entry into the locker rooms, the lockers, and the lagoon .

Although the weather was cold and cloudy the water was very warm and inviting.

Sug and I headed to the ladies locker room while Charlie went through the gents.  We all had to take a nude shower in private stalls before suiting up and entering the lagoon. (Sorry, no photos allowed in the locker rooms.)  I slathered conditioner provided by the lagoon onto my dry hair which I also pinned up to keep from absorbing the minerals in the water.

Even Charlie tried the facial mask.

Our wristbands also gave us access to a drink of our choosing from the swim-up bar and a silica facial mask.  I had a carrot-apple-ginger drink which was delicious.  Charlie and Sug both had kale/mango green drinks.  Sweeter than mine but also very good.

The waterfall was especially warm.

We spent a good 2 hours exploring the pleasantly warm waters of the lagoon which was paved on the bottom.  The waterfall was hot.

The Blue Lagoon was a wonderful and relaxing way to spend a few hours while waiting to check into our accommodations.

Upon exiting the lagoon we picked up towels provided and went again to our respective locker rooms to shower, shampoo, and dress.  On the way out our wristbands were scanned a final time to check if we had made any additional purchases (which we had not).

A really authentic restaurant in Reykjavik.

Next stop: Lunch and AirBnB in Reykjavik.

Iceland:

Jo

A Viking Breakfast

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After leaving the Keflavik Airport in our rental car, Charlie drove us about 10 minutes to Viking World, a museum which offers an early morning (7:30 until 9:30) breakfast in their café.

Viking statue at Viking World Museum about a 10 minute drive from the airport.

I had made reservations via email for the 3 of us —  Sug, Charlie, and me — before we left home .

A traditional Icelandic breakfast including porridge (not pictured).

We were delighted with the extensive buffet menu.

A replica Viking ship hangs in the museum.

That’s Charlie having breakfast under the Viking ship.

Even more exotic was our seating under the Viking ship.

The view from the window in the museum in southwestern Iceland overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean.

The view through the picture window was stunning.

It’s windy in Iceland much of the time.

When we had had enough to eat we packed back into our car.

Blue Lagoon

Next stop:  The Blue Lagoon .

Iceland Posts:

Traveling to Iceland

Jo

Traveling to Iceland

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Our journey to Iceland started many, many months ago since the trip was actually scheduled for last fall but was canceled due to COVID travel bans.

We would love to see even a hint of the Northern Lights

I did lots of research to decide when exactly to go.  I chose the dark of the moon in October so we could have the best opportunity to see the elusive Aurora Borealis.

Flying from Baltimore to Iceland via Seattle made no sense to me.

Originally I scheduled our flights from Baltimore to Reykjavik on Iceland Air with a stopover in Boston.  When I checked our flights to add Sug to the reservation I was informed the flight from Baltimore to Boston had been canceled and now we would have to fly from Baltimore to Seattle to Boston then on to Iceland.

We want to limit our airport stops.

That sounded crazy to me so I truncated our Iceland Air tickets round trip from Boston to Reykjavik and purchased Southwest Airline tickets from Baltimore to Boston.  Unfortunately SW has canceled flights and changed our tickets 3 times which I then needed to rechange in order to  align with our Iceland tickets.

We waited in line in the international terminal at Logan Airport to get our boarding passes for Iceland Air.

We left Sug’s car at BWI airport and took an early afternoon flight to Boston.  We were in the Logan Airport in Boston for about 6 hours before our Iceland flight was scheduled to leave but we went immediately to the international terminal so we could present our documents in order to get a boarding pass.

Charlie always brings a “thrival kit” for long airport waits and other hold ups.

We had with us:

  • passports,
  • Global Entry cards,
  • drivers’ licenses,
  • negative COVID tests taken within 72 hours,
  • barcode for entry to Iceland.

We boarded the flight and departed on time for Iceland.

We only needed our passports and COVID test results. We had been masked since we entered the airport in Baltimore.

About 10 flights from the US arrived at Keflavik Airport within a half hour of our flight.

Our flight to Iceland departed around 9 p.m. and put us at Keflavik Airport a little after 6 a.m. the next morning (2 a.m. EST).

There were lots of travelers but lines moved quickly through border control.

Upon arrival we went through border control then customs where we had to show our passports, proof of vaccination, recent COVID tests, and a bar code from the application for entry into Iceland.

On our way to adventure.

The 3 of us headed to the EuropCar desk where we were upgraded from an economy car to a compact.   We were sent  out to the parking lot to pick up the automatic hybrid Kia which Charlie and  Sug (our car rental expert) examined and filmed prior to driving away.

Viking statue at Viking World Museum.

Next stop:  Breakfast at Viking World.

Jo

October, 2021: Plans

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We have been waiting over a year for this October.  Here are my plans:

  1.  Travel to Iceland.

    Reynisfjara black sand beach is on our agenda.

  2. Work on a project: Install trim at The Glade.

    I want to update the baseboard behind the sofa in the living room.

  3.  Have a masked party.

    I have my masque.

  4.  See a movie:  No Time to Die
  5.  Read a book: The End of October. 
  6.  List Halloween costumes for quick sale.

    Pirate . . . argh!!!!

  7.  Shred old documents.
  8.  Autumnize the mantel.

    I haven’t focused on the mantel or the living room for a long time.

  9. Pick a word to focus on for the month. My word: ADVENTURE.
  10. Write a goal list for November, 2021.

Jo

September, 2021: Checked

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September always seems like a new start — probably because it traditionally begins the school year.  Charlie and  I were married in September, the month that still feels like summer without the high heat and humidity.

In addition to the numbered list below I accomplished a few extra tasks:

  • Had minor eye surgery which turned out to be not a big deal.
  • Began 2 group studies.
  • Had some dermatological work done.
  1.  Celebrate wedding anniversary.  Charlie and I wore our “Charlie and Jo” pins after declaring the day to be our special day.

    Our eponymous pins.

  2. Work on a project:  shore house bed nook.  The nook is totally built, painted, and papered.

    The nook is finished except for a few cosmetic items.

  3.  Throw a party.  We had another lawn party.  This time we used it to celebrate our anniversary.

    Any excuse to have a party is good for us.

  4.  See a movie:  The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel . I enjoyed this movie immensely, so much so that I watched the sequel, The Second Best Marigold Hotel.  The second one might have been even better than the first.

    Loved it!!

    I checked both movies out from my local public library.

  5.  Read a book:  The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.   While the book was good, I enjoyed the stories and stars of the films more.
  6.  Collect all sporting equipment and sell or give away. My son was delighted to get the sports equipment.  It was immediately put into use for having fun.

    Bats, balls, and bike rack heading to a new home.

  7. Make reservations and collect documents for Iceland trip.

    We have reservations on Day 1 to relax at the Blue Lagoon and to search for the Aurora Borealis.

  8. Research slipcover makers in the area. I’m hoping to use a local shop to make slipcovers for my bergère chairs in the living room.

    I have 2 chairs that I would like to have slipcovered.

    I think I’ve found a skilled craftsman, now I just need to find fabric and get a quote.

  9. Pick a word to focus on for the month. My word: RENAISSANCE.
  10. Write a goal list for October, 2021.

Jo

Back to the Fabric Stash

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Twice this year I’ve made new pillow slips for our throw pillows so they will help create a party color theme.  Hermes Orange, Yellow/Blue

The stacked blue bins in the attic hold fabric from bygone projects.

Now that we’re in autumn I checked my fabric stash — 3 large plastic bins in the attic — to see what might help us change the season.

These 2 fabrics — velvet and plaid — complement each other.

I found a project that my mother had started with a large plaid in the colors of khaki, olive green, and claret.  I also found an old pair of trousers made from some really soft burgundy velvet.

Custom made welt cord.

Included in the find was a length of cording that had been covered with matching plaid bias tape.

The cover needs to be at least as large as the pillow with additional fabric to allow for the thickness.

My plan was to try my hand at making this small cache of fabric into pillow covers.  First I cut rectangles from the 4 largest pieces of plaid fabric.  I also cut 4 rectangles from velvet.

Cording is sewn on first to the “right” side of the fabric using a zipper foot, matching raw edges.

Hoping to get as many covers as possible I trimmed the velvet rectangles with cording and then strips of fabric (also in the stash) to match the length of the plaid fabric. I was not concerned about matching the width.

Extra fabric was added to the velvet top and bottom.

I was able to make 4 pillow “fronts” in this manner which I then sewed to plaid “backs” first stitching the sides together.

This method creates a 3-dimensional cover for the pillow which allows for thickness.

I flattened out the fabric and sewed the bottom offsetting the side seams to make a natural return.

I hemmed the open end (at the bottom of the photo).

Then I hemmed the open top edge.

I wouldn’t be surprised if these showed up at Christmas.

I turned the pillow cases right side out and inserted pillows.

Bias welt outlines the velvet.

A 3-D pillow slip.

One of my favorite details is the cording.

Some fall elegance by the fire pit.

That should do it.

Jo

Ponding 3

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After sending new photos to the state pond expert and getting a suggestion to take the pH of the pond, I purchased testing strips from Lowes.

I purchased test strips at Lowes in the pool maintenance section.

At my next trip to the shore house I tested the water when we got there in the early morning.

At 9:30 a.m. the pH results correspond to 6.8.

The pH result was 6.8.  Total alkalinity was 0 (zero).  And, naturally, there was no chlorine.

At 6:30 p.m. the same day the pH was the same as in the morning — 6.8.

I left test strips with my son who, like me, had been a lifeguard and knew how to test water for pH.  He tested again in the late afternoon.

Actually the pond is maintaining itself very well.

A bit of advice we received before the pH test was  that the water settling test showed that the color is not clay turbidity, rather, other dissolved organics and some phytoplankton. A brownish color that does not settle can also be an indication of tannins from decaying plant matter. Tannins are not harmful to aquatic life, but can reduce the pH of the water. The best approach is to reduce the amount of organic matter entering the pond.

Plants are good but maple trees (near the dock) will need to be removed.

I sent the results of the pH test to our expert at the Maryland Extension Agency who said,  “A pH of 6.8 is good. The fact that they [the 2 readings] are similar suggests that the water is well buffered (good alkalinity or amount of carbonate bases) and that the phytoplankton population is light. All good news.”

In spring we’ll move bearded iris (light foreground leaves) from The Glade to the shore house pond.

Our next step is to plant some iris in the pond and consider installing a pump and filter.

Jo

Bed Nook: 6

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With help from Sug and my son we have almost finished building a bed nook on the upstairs landing at the shore house.

The landing area is 114″ long on the window wall and 106.5″ wide.

In the fifth installment we built most of the surround except for the left vertical panel which didn’t fit well due to the varying measurements of the room from one side to the other.

The right has side has been finished for a long time.

We didn’t work on this project at all during the hot summer months. Finally in the cooler September weather we built the remaining piece of the surround.  Construction is finished!!!

The final piece to finish the surround was the right side vertical panel.

While Sug painted the components with coat of primer and 2 coats of white semi-gloss —  “Simply White”, I papered the walls on the inside of the nook.

The wallpaper background is pale yellow with splotches of blue and pink.

I had one roll of wallpaper left from a project over 30 years ago.  I thought it would both brighten up the inside of the bed nook and tie all the colors together since the walls are pink and the ceiling is pale blue.

Before

After papering the nook.

The wallpaper is chameleon-like in that it seems to change color according to one’s vantage point.

The window wall is to the right and the front panel is on the left.

After papering the left side I moved to opposite wall and papered it also.

A mirror and decorative pillows turn the nook into a destination.

I was eager to hang some decoration in the nook itself.  We put a small mirror on the right side wall.

This antique cabinet was in the basement of my first house.

On the opposite side we hung an antique cabinet that I have been holding onto for 40 years — just waiting for the right spot.  It will be a fun space to stash small toys and treasures.

The nook is finished except for a few cosmetic items.

Next time I want to:

  • Add a piece of cornice across the top.
  • Add cove molding  (or shoe molding) to the sides.
  • Paint all unfinished surfaces.
  • Finish the desk tops with edging.
  • Add books, a lamp, and art.

Items in green below have been recently added to the plan.  The original plan with the finished items highlighted in pink font:

  1.  Choose a paint color for the ceiling and walls.  The trim will be Simply White semi-gloss to match the rest of the house.
  2.   Wash the windows and clean shades.  Measure to see if shutters would work.
  3.   Buy paint and prime and paint ceiling and walls. 

    Painting the room made it appear bigger and brighter.

  4.  Measure the room.
  5.  Draw a plan for the bedframe and nook frame.
  6.  Purchase and assemble under bed drawer from Ikea.
  7.   Purchase lumber for the project.
  8.   Build the frame and facing. Remember to move the electric outlet.
  9.   Paint the facing and visible frame.
  10.   Make the bed with fresh linens.
  11.   Hang art inside the nook.  Hang small cabinet.
  12.   Add a lamp to the nook — wall sconce or small brass lamp.
  13.   Wallpaper inside the nook.
  14.   Buy a rug pad and lay the rug.

Before

In progress

More progress.

After

This project was more involved than I expected but we are almost finished.

Jo

Gearing Up

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Next month Charlie, Sug, and I are heading to Iceland.

We will carry these tests with us to Iceland to fulfill the requirement to return to the U.S.

In addition to getting our paperwork in order, reserving tours and activities, and planning COVID testing, we’re gathering clothing that will be appropriate for Iceland.

Waterproof pants

I ordered each of us a pair of waterproof pants.  I’ve heard it’s wet in Iceland. (We already have hooded raincoats.)

I’m hoping these arrive in time so I don’t have to get a different pair at the last minute.

Because I haven’t hiked for quite a while, I ordered myself a pair of waterproof hiking boots by Sorel in a color that co-ordinates with not only my new waterproof pants but also my ski bibs (which I haven’t worn for decades).

We have reservations on Day 1 to relax at the Blue Lagoon and to search for the Aurora Borealis.

I know we’ll want to keep warm and dry especially on our night excursions to (hopefully) catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

We have a packable towel if we need one.

I’m also packing a bathing suit and microfiber beach towel for our foray into the Blue Lagoon and maybe other geothermal pools.

From left to right: Charlie’s hat, Sug’s hat, my hat.

I have included in my gear long sleeve t-shirts, thermal underwear, socks and hats I made for the 3 of us.

I’m planning to splurge on a handknit Icelandic sweater.

I’m hoping to purchase a traditional lopapeysa at the beginning of our visit to keep me ultra warm.

Reynisfjara black sand beach is on our agenda as long as we have reasonable driving weather.

The three of us are really looking forward to this long-awaited adventure.

Jo