I really miss my Vikings, but the hassle of trying to follow them from Spain is often too much and I find I know nothing of what they are up to. This trip though has given me a chance to watch a few games and get back in the spirit. I don’t really expect to see them in the Super Bowl, being a realistic Minnesotan, but I do dream. Hence this Joke for all you Minnesotans with Super Bowl dreams!

Ole and Sven die in a snowmobiling accident, drunker than skunks, and go to Hell.

The Devil observes that they are really enjoying themselves. He says to them ‘Doesn’t the heat and smoke bother you?

Ole replies, ‘Vell, ya know, ve’re from nordern Minnesooota, da land of snow an ice, an ve’re yust happy fer a chance ta varm up a little bit, ya know.’

The devil decides that these two aren’t miserable enough and turns up the heat even more. When he returns to the room of the two guys from Minnesota, the devil finds them in light jackets and hats, grilling Walleye and drinking beer.

The devil is astonished and exclaims, ‘Everyone down here is in abject misery, and you two seem to be enjoying yourselves?’

Sven replies, ‘Vell, ya know, ve don’t git too much varm veather up dere at da Falls, so ve’ve yust got ta haff a fish fry vhen da veather’s dis nice.’

The devil is absolutely furious. He can hardly see straight. Finally he comes up with the answer. The two guys love the heat because they have been cold all their lives. The devil decides to turn all the heat off in Hell.

The next morning, the temperature is 60 below zero, icicles are hanging everywhere, and people are shivering so bad that they are unable to wail, moan or gnash their teeth. The devil smiles and heads for the room with Ole and Sven. He gets there and finds them back in their parkas, bomber hats, and mittens. They are jumping up and down, cheering, yelling and screaming like mad men.

The devil is dumbfounded, ‘I don’t understand, when I turn up the heat you’re happy. Now its freezing cold and you’re still happy. What is wrong with you two?’

They both look at the devil in surprise and say, ‘Vell, don’t ya know, if hell iss froze over, dat must mean da Vikings von da Super Bowl.’

Goofing around on the North Shore of Lake Superior!

Sledding on x-mas from ryan and gabriella opaz on Vimeo.

A quick run down the slopes after x-mas breakfast!

Today is my Dad’s birthday. Last year I had a chance to be in Minnesota for his birthday. That was for the big six, oh! One year later and I’m stuck on this side of the big pond unable to spend the day with him. This is the worst part of living abroad, but thanks to skype I get to talk to him weekly. My dad is a pretty darn amazing guy. He’s always available to talk, and he has gone farther than is necessary in helping Gabriella and my dream to live abroad come true. Both my parents are pretty special. I’m lucky to have them. Thanks to both of you.

So have a great day today, enjoy a cigar and some good scotch! I’ll be in Spain toasting you with a glass of bourbon, sadly without the cigar. We’ll see you in a few more months.

Love, Ryan