Arrival in Finland and first days

April 11 ~ 13

Flying east, catching up with time, always holds a certain fascination.  I wasn't able to sleep so I watched the sun slip down below the horizon and then the blush of morning appeared as the lights of the plane came on and breakfast was served, prior to our landing in Amsterdam.

Sunset

Sunrise

Due to the onset of a cold, I had extreme pressure in my ears which pretty much spoiled the fun of flying.  As we flew over the outskirts of Amsterdam, bright fields of blooming bulbs made a patchwork below.  My picture taken through the dirty, fogged window of the airplane doesn't show the colors but you get the idea.

Bulb fields near Amsterdam

As we flew over the coast of Finland, it was interesting to observe the marked difference in the land as compared to The Netherlands.  Instead of canals and colorful swaths of bulbs, their were ice-rimmed, rocky islands.

Rocky coast of Finland

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I got thoroughly confused in the Helsinki airport and took forever to find my way out.  I'll blame my still painfully plugged ears, though the lack of signage didn't help.  Eventually though, I found myself passing through the unmanned customs gate and there was my brother, waiting to drive me to his home in the country.  Soon I was welcomed into their cheerful kitchen and surrounded by the chatter of children.

In order to beat jet lag, I joined my brother and a few of his children outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine.  In the process of clearing an area for a garage, there was plenty to be done cutting and hauling wood and branches. 

Compact buzz saw being put to work

It wasn't long before I spotted potential Christmas ornaments in the birch logs and was pleased when my brother agreed to cut me some slices to take home.  

Finding the perfect thickness

Birch is such a beautiful wood.

Looking forward to wood burning some designs on these this coming winter.

The day soon became chilly as the sun set behind the trees, reflecting on a distant hill, turning it fiery red. 

One of my nieces generously gave up her bedroom for me so I actually slept quite well on my first night in this new timezone.  After a hearty breakfast on Saturday morning, we were back outdoors, enjoying the sunshine.

The kids were willing helpers, especially when it involved driving the lawn tractor.

Lots of time for play too

The day started out cloudy and cool but soon warmed a bit as the sun came through the clouds.

Bare birches, reaching for the sky

In the afternoon we cleaned up a bit and my brother and I went to a flute concert at a nearby town.  One of my nieces played her flute with many other young ladies.  The somewhat modern music pieces were cleverly interspersed with little drama sketches by budding thespians.  The event was held in this old, mustard colored building.  I've been told that the prevalence of homes and buildings painted in this color of yellow, as well as brick red is due to the fact that in years gone by, the paint was made from local clay.  I'm sure it is no longer made in that way but still, at least in the countryside, these are the predominant colors used.

Music Hall.  I love the curved, horizontal mullions in the upper portion of the windows that echo the curve of the porch roof.

Returning home from the concert, we got back into our work clothes and whiled away the rest of the day outdoor.  Though the sticks were a bit green, we got a nice bonfire going near the birch woods.  The kids wandered down the rather soggy trail to do some exploring.

The little ones enjoyed helping keep the fire going.

Little explorers

After breaking for a tasty soup supper, the rest of the family joined us and we finished off the evening with s'mores around the fire. 

Getting up close and cozy with the fire.

S'mores in the making

Mama and her sweet little one, in the glow of the fire.