The Musings of A Simple Country Man
By Hobie Morris
(Brookfield, NY – March 2013
) For over 33 years this simple country man has secretly shared his love with other Norwegians besides his beautiful wife Lois. A Norwegian American of classic Nordic beauty with incomparable grace, intelligence and love for others. Shockingly these other two Norwegians live openly under the same roof with my adorable Lois, my wonderful wife, best friend and daily companion for nearly 47 years.
In all honesty the other two Norwegians aren’t much to look at. They both are Lilliputian in stature, with chubby mid-sections and shapeless chicken thin legs. But both have a certain beauty and charm that this simple country man has found irresistible!
The three Norwegians have several common traits. They all are extremely hard working, reliable, very durable and have a sparkling, bouncy and cheerful persona. All, of course, share a common ancestry. Their roots deep in the land and mountains of the Midnight Sun and majestically beautiful Fjords.
An important digression.
For over 33 years Lois and I have lived quite differently. We haven’t purchased a single light bulb. Our modest home has no electrical wires outlets, switches, motor hums, buzzes, clicks or other noises all too familiar in our electrified, dependent world. One uninitiated visitor thought he had suddenly lost his hearing the quietude was so intense.
Living simply and frugally is challenging. We don’t depend on the “grid” for anything. What others do with electricity we must do by other means. In doing so for over three decades we have by necessity developed some very unusual relationships—that would probably strike “normal” people as rather odd. To that observation we gladly plead “guilty.” Perhaps in our self admitted queerness we have discovered in our simplicity daily joys and amenities that have enriched our simple lives in truly unbelievable and often unexpected ways.
One highly, you might say bizarre, relationship is this simple country man’s love of three Norwegians under the same A-frame roof.
Recently in one of our infrequent slack moments I jotted down reasons for my intense admiration for my indispensable Norwegian connections.
*Each provides amazing heat regardless of the season. (I had better quickly move on before too many inquisitive questions and comments are forthcoming).
*Each can bake. Lois is an unsurpassed baker and the other two Norwegians can bake the baker (pies, fish, etc.). One of our Norwegians has a tiny oven that is multipurpose including a cooking chamber as well as a Sunday morning winter “hair dryer” as we rush to get to “the church on time” where Lois has been the organist for nearly 20 years.
*Each of our two innate Norwegians have very versatile “tops” especially the smallest one. On it water is heated, food cooked, canning done, yogurt made—the list is endless. Lois can do amazing things including heating on the stove top “sad irons” used to iron dresses etc. she has often made on the over century year old foot powered treadle sewing machine that we bought for $15 years ago. It works like a charm.
*All three of my Norwegians radiate incredible warmth. My beautiful Lois lights up with her amazing charm and radiance any place she goes or people she encounters. She loves her God, life, all people and kitty cats. Lois’ warmth is contagious.
*My Norwegians are all beautiful to look at—to listen to, to smell. Each is musical in their unique “combustible” way. This simple country man loves to sit and listen. Peace and quiet, warmed inside and out by unsurpassed ambience.
My three Norwegians. Can you see why this simple country man has loved them so for over 33 years! All close ”family” members—absolutely indispensable. The diminutive Norwegian cookstove (Jotul 404) and the classic Jotul 118. Each built in Norway to last.
And the “Queen” of them all, the love of my life for over 46 years.
For this simple country man, who has been blessed beyond words his gratitude is as boundless as the heavenly stars to his simple country woman.
Hobie Morris is a Brookfield resident and simple country man.