Afi Þorkell

Today we will celebrate my late grandfather's birthday. This is a tradition the extended family has kept for years and we all enjoy meeting up for a coffee and a chat.

Afi Þorkell was my dad's father - Þorkell Björnsson from Hnefilsdalur. Both my paternal grandparents (my grandmother was Anna Eiríksdóttir from Skjöldólfsstaðir) came from the mountains of the East - known as Glacier Valley. People from there were known for being straight forward, quick with words, great hosts and well - quite heavy drinkers. I think all but the last fits my grandparents well. Ok - my grandfather did enjoy his schnapps every now and then (but only for medicinal purposes) but more hospitality and great stories could not be found for miles! Cheers to them both.