How do you fill these trays? The directions made no sense to me.

A lot of people found themselves confused by the trays. For a good explanation, I would check out the walkthrough here.

The good news is that you can skip this puzzle entirely if you wish. It is one of two ways to make money in the game (the other being doing the Icelandic vocabulary quizzes). Not doing the trays will not interfere with your ability to progress or complete the game. I completed the game having done only the Icelandic vocabulary quizzes.

Good to know. I shall bypass this puzzle. Thanks.

I hope you enjoy the game.

Where do you get a key to the snowmobile? Also where is the alarm in the wheelhouse?

When the time is right, you will be able to find the alarm in the wheelhouse. This occurs after having had a conversation with a certain character.

As far as the key for the snowmobile, Elisabet will give it to you. But you have to first notice/read something else in the game:

Okay, thank you.

Enjoy the game.

Where do I get batteries for the flashlight?

Check out the Culture Center - there are quite a few things that you can purchase there.

What are you supposed to buy for Ned? I was thinking the sweater.

You can buy anything you want for Ned - but it is my understanding that there is one gift in particular that he ends up liking the most. It is not necessary to pick the "right gift" in order to finish the game.

What is the gift that he likes the most? The sword? I heard he makes no comments on the sword as a gift.

That makes more sense than the other gifts available.

How do you do the lion head puzzle? I can't get the lions upright.

What is right middle? There are only three slots.

That must be a typo on the walkthrough.
Try right - comma - middle.

Okay, thanks. I'll try that.

What do you do with the gears in the secret room? I put the gears on the panel but nothing happens. What are you supposed to do?

I believe other parts are needed before this will work.

What other parts? I've got all of the gears. What else is there? And where do you get it?

You will need a wooden wheel and a metal crank. You will find them as you progress through the game.

I have the wooden wheel. It's in place.
I only have one items left on the task list.
1) to repair metal contraption