Week 7

Seven weeks into our move and we are finally feeling pretty settled. By the end of the week, Heather was about done shopping and Nick was nearly finished hanging lights and completely done with pictures. This week, besides work, we took in some fireworks, found some time for true relaxation, and joined the local gym.While Nick worked during the week, Heather did a whole lot of shopping! She spent both Tuesday and Thursday in Odense buying things to get us settled in. We acquired a new vacuum (with super sucking strength), several new rugs (including a beautiful cow hide that Heather is in LOVE with and a rug to go under table in the dining area), an alarm clock (to get the dang cell phones out of the bedroom), and several plants and herbs for the balcony. On the non-shopping days, Wednesday and Friday, Heather found homes for the new purchases and potted several plants. She also thoroughly cleaned the apartment for the first time since moving in. 

Newly potted plants on the balcony
make our apartment feel like home to Heather

In the evenings during the week, Heather and Nick were busy hanging lights and getting the house into shape before our first visitor in Denmark, Nephew Andy, arrives next week for the weekend. 

Entry way with lights and pictures on the wall

It's starting to look more and more like home!

The week wasn't all about work though! Bella went for a few walks after dinner and we enjoyed some beautiful scenery! Heather stayed up late (about 10:45 pm) to watch the sunset on Wednesday night. 

Sunset over town - view from our bedroom window. 

On Friday morning, we (Nick and Heather, Bella stayed in bed) woke up just before 4 am and watched the sunrise together on the balcony. 

Watching the sunrise together on a silent July morning

After the work week, Nick and Heather unwound on Friday night at a festival in town called Open by Night. This year is the 19th year of this evening event and people come from all over the island to hang out, enjoy music and food, and shop an the stores which stay open well into the night. The evening is capped off by a firework show over the harbor. After wandering downtown through the throngs of people, listening to several different bands playing on what seems like every street corner, and trying out some food at one of the food stands set up for the occasion, Nick and Heather ventured back to the apartment (with ice cones in hand) to sit on the balcony and await the fireworks. 

Fireworks over the harbor - view from the balcony

After an impressive display of fireworks, which started at the stroke of midnight, we called it a night. The weekend brought a bit more shopping, but mostly relaxation. After buying a sound bar for the TV on Saturday morning and getting it all set up, Nick and Heather decided to test out the new electronics with a movie day. It was a much needed break from the hustle and bustle of the week!  

Relaxing afternoon on the couch with a movie was the perfect way to spend an overcast Saturday afternoon. 

On Sunday, Heather enjoyed a quiet morning planting her newly purchased carnivorous plants while Nick slept and slept and slept! Heather was quite pleased to find Nick sleeping so well. It's a key indicator that he feels comfortable and relaxed in their new home! At about 11 am when he finally awoke, Nick felt like a new, energized man. A man that was ready work. Nick busied himself installing door stops, hanging the remaining pictures, and installing the living room light. After all this work, it was time to play. So, we headed off with Bella for a walk. We went over to the undeveloped area of the harbor that our balcony overlooks. It has several trails through it and also leads to a small beach area that doesn't seem to be highly used. Unlike Brasco, Bella seemed a bit unsure about the water. She did quite enjoy the new scents though and we are sure she will decide to swim in the sea sometime (although it might take some coaxing from us)! 

Our newest carnivorous: a fly traps.
Hopefully they will eat the occasional bug that flies through our open windows 

With the weekend over, we awoke Monday refreshed and ready to take on another week! After work Monday, we joined the gym and worked out for the first time since moving from Illinois! It felt great! Heather is really looking forward to the yoga and pilates classes they offer too. We both feel settled in at the apartment and ready to get into a normal routine in our new life here!