Finland ~ Monday and Tuesday

April 15 & 16

Monday was my moving day.  On his way to the airport, my brother dropped me off at the home of my brother-in-law and his wife.  Anne suffers from migraines so she had some down time, and their children were in and out with school and work, so I had some free time to go out for a walk.  Across the highway from their private road is a path that leads to a golf course.  Their oldest daughter introduced me to the place and then went off on a run.  I explored at a more leisurely pace.

A quiet little creek

I soon left the paved path and found a little trail into the woods.  The temperature was perfect and the air was filled with birdsong.

Lingonberry plants carpet the forest floor, glistening in the sun

At home I have a couple of lingonberry plants that have already had a flush of new red leaves bud out.  These are still wearing their sturdy green winter coats.

Lingonberry Plant

Pussy willow trees seem as common in Finland as birch trees.  I often see the cut branches used in decor here.

Pussy Willow

Tall trees and long evening shadows

The road home

Tuesday was one of those "stay at home" days that are so needed on long trips.  Family members came and went from work, classes and activities.  A very musical family, I was treated to several impromptu concerts throughout the day.  Anne and I took our afternoon coffee outside and had a long visit in the early spring sunshine.  As an aside, here in Finland I've started having a cup of regular coffee in the afternoon and it hasn't affected my sleep at all.  At home I only drink decaf past 10:00 in the morning.

One of the neighbors is a handy seamstress and had agreed to do an alteration project for Anne.  We walked over to their house to bring the jacket.  Both the woman and her husband were out working in the warm spring sunshine.  He lived in Michigan in the early 1950s so spoke excellent English.  We had a nice visit about their home and all the gardening that they were doing. 

Friendly neighbors

Traditional Easter decor

Supper was delicious salmon smoked in a box on the grill.  The man of the house didn't want his picture taken so we'll just appreciate the fish.  It was pretty amazing!

Hot smoked salmon