Of Cabbages and Kings - Belsbys in Norway, part II: Good times with the family

By LUELLA DOW

Contributor

We continue our visit with Gary and Louise Belsby about their enjoyable time in Norway last fall. Surrounded by relatives, they basked in the rich heritage of the Belsby family history.

Gary and Louise said, “Norway is now a modern country. Oil was discovered in the North Sea.” However, with prosperity, country roads are still not improved. Louise said, “Farmers zip up and down them with their tractors.”

The government is socialist. It subsidizes the farms. Of course, along with the subsidies come high taxes. Gary said, “The price of gas is equivalent to $7 a gallon.”

Louise said, “I couldn't believe the barns they had for their cattle.” Apparently, one might compare them to a five-star hotel for people, all luxuries included. The cows, both dairy and beef, are brought into the barns in October to protect them from the cold and deep snow during the winter. Steep, icy ground is a hazard as well. Another reason for their confinement is the fall rains which soften the soil. The cattle's hooves would punch holes in the surrounding land.

Norwegians treasure their farms and their heritage. Some farms have been in the same family for hundreds of years. Many homes are furnished with beautiful antiques. Norwegians are a neat people and don't litter.

People who live in town like to have a “hut” on a few acres they can retreat to, similar to our lake cabins, a house for the summer in a remote place. Some have sod roofs.

Gary said with a grin, “Every morning we had salad for breakfast. Sliced tomato, lettuce, cucumber, pickled herring, cod or salmon, cheese and bread.”

Louise said, “Norwegian cheeses are wonderful.”

There is a variety of native animals for hunting. Gary participated in a moose hunt, using elk hounds. “Elg” means moose in Norwegian. “One man tracks the woods with the dog and flushes the moose out. Seven or eight people are along on the hunt. The land owner can get permits and give some away to others if he wants. The hunters can choose from reindeer, caribou and moose.”

In the fiords at Trondheim the Norwegians tried to raise mussels in the shallow water. Birds came along and scooped them up. Now the Norwegians have an electronic device that sounds like a killer whale, which keeps the birds away.

Native birds are a treat as well. Ptarmigan and tiar, which resemble a wild turkey, are popular for the dinner table. Speaking of dinner, Louise said, “There is always a traditional candle on every dinner table. No one eats until that candle is lit.”

Another tradition is the singing around the Christmas tree. Gary and Louise said, “The tree is placed in the middle of the room. The family holds hands and walks around the tree, singing carols.” The Belsby family in the U.S. has carried on this Christmas Tree tradition.

Louise celebrated a birthday while in Norway. She was given a red rose for the occasion. Another tradition.

Can you hear the accordions, the banjos, the clap of hands and tapping of feet in rhythm? Happy voices sing a traditional Scandinavian song. The light dims. The candle is lit. And the family sits around the table, joined in togetherness and love.

Luella Dow is a local author and can be reached at [email protected].