Guitar Heaven

"You know, you're taking me there
To guitar heaven.
You make me feel every sound
You make it shine like a light
I'm gonna lose my cares
In guitar heaven
Go and play that song, boy
I'm gonna stay a while
The way you play that song
Makes me wanna smile."
- Neil Diamond



We were given the chance to bunk up an American backpacker for a few nights this week. The 22 year old college graduate from Colorado is a friend's stepson. He has been on the road since January and does not plan to return home until July, just in time to possibly start law school. Helsinki was considered a "lay over" stop for him as he waited for a Visa to enter Russia. Even though my backpacking days are only a grain of sand compared to his hour glass, one can sympathise of his need for some family time, hot meals, clean shower, and a quiet place to sleep...at least until the boys wake up at 0700!



Traveling with a guitar, the boys enjoyed their first lesson as they strummed away. As always, I enjoyed the adult conversation and the extra chair at the dinner table. I was even able to set him up with a friend in the area who knows Helsinki night life a little (okay MUCH) better than myself. She took him to a nearby bar with live music and introduced him to a few locals until the wee hours of the morning. After staying in Moscow for 10 days, a month in India and a month in China, he plans to return back to the US...safe travels to you!

Fire On The Mountain

"There's a dragon with matches that's loose on the town
Takes a whole pail of water just to cool him down.

Fire! Fire on the mountain!

Almost ablaze still you don't feel the heat
It takes all you got just to stay on the beat.

Fire! Fire on the mountain!"
- Grateful Dead





Finally being blessed with blue skies and sunshine on Sunday, we headed to one of our favorite parks while stopping by the Helsinki Fire Museum. Almost a year ago, the boys and I stumbled on this museum by accident during the celebration of Helsinki's Birthday. The outside was covered with balloons and there were fire trucks and ambulances open for the kids to climb on. Today was a little different...




There were not any trucks to climb on or balloons to take home. The museum was quiet and we were the only visitors. The boys still enjoyed the 3 story exhibit of antique trucks, mannequins in action, and mini-buildings with hot wheels. We were able to peek through the station's windows to see the fire trucks and ambulances, waiting for a call.





In less than an hour we were finished with the museum and headed to the shore for ice cream and park time. We are so glad Daddy is home from his travels!

Danger Zone

"Revvin' up your engine
Listen to her howlin' roar.
Metal under tension
Beggin' you to touch and go.
Highway to the Danger Zone
Ride into the Danger Zone."
- Kenny Loggins






Our morning's cold front led us to the Finnish Aviation Museum. Located north of the city next to the Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport, 72 aircraft are ready for viewing. Also included in the 3 hangar museum are engines, propellers, instruments, radio equipment and scale models.



Prior to arriving at the museum, we were only expecting to get close-up views of real airplanes. But to our surprise there was more! A Cessna to climb on with buttons that made the prop rotate and lights flash, a glider simulator that was VERY realistic (I crashed every time), an out-of-date Finnair passenger plane open for little imaginations as we "flew to Texas," and a fighter jet cockpit to sit in and soar.





The museum did not focus only on planes. They also had a hot air balloon basket that you could climb in, a hang gliding simulator, and the world's smallest flying boat.








After Big "Goose" and Little "Maverick" picked up a few treasures at the gift shop and looked at the planes outside, we headed home for a nap following our fun filled day.

Did you know the swastika is a symbol of prosperity and good fortune and is widely dispersed in both the ancient and modern world. Seen on many of the old Finnish fighter jets at the museum I was curious. The Nazi's did not pick up the symbol until 1935, 20 years AFTER the Finnish Air Force and Army used it as their official national marking (1918-1944).

Spring Is Here

"Once there was a thing called spring,
When the world was writing verses
like yours and mine.
All the lads and girls would sing,
When we sat at little tables
and drank may wine."
- Frank Sinatra






Today the American Women's Club had their annual Spring Party/Easter Egg Hunt. With Easter falling early this year, we were unable to organize the party before the holiday weekend, so we decided on the one following. A head count of 28 kids and close to the same adults, the afternoon was exciting! It was held at a members house in the burbs of Helsinki. Everyone brought a dish to complete a pot-luck lunch. The kids colored and made tissue paper flowers as the buffet line was assembled. We all quickly enjoyed lunch and the kids gathered in a room for singing.




After singing, the kids ran outside with their baskets to gather up 6 plastic eggs each. In return for their eggs, they were given a 1/2 dozen paper egg crate, creatively tied closed with twine, filled with American candy! Laffy Taffy, Sweet Tarts, and Nerds...just to name a few.



Then onto my station...cookie decorating. Yes, I always get volunteered for this at the meetings I do not attend. But I really do enjoy baking them and I pretty much have it perfected. Butterflies, bunny rabbits, and duck sugar cookies were topped with royal icing as the kids decorated their choice with a collection of sprinkles. After 3 hours of springtime fun on a beautiful day in Finland, we headed home.

Man On A Tractor

"Let me do what I’m doing.
Let me be where I am.
Let me find peace of mind
on my own piece of land.
When I’m lost, help me to let go
and find someway to feel
like a man on a tractor with a dog in a field."
- Rodney Atkins




I felt as if we were on the set of Babe or Charlotte's Web. Animals freely walking around at our ankles and wanting a love pat. Pigs, dogs, horses, cows, goats, sheep, and a few other animals were the stars at Rehndahl Animal Farm. Located 45 minutes west of Helsinki, we enjoyed an amazing spring morning/afternoon there today.





Only being my second opportunity to drive in Finland, we thought our 30 minute adventure of figuring out how to "exit" the city center was our big laugh of the day...little did we know the best was yet to come. We found the farm easily and the kids enjoyed the animals, toys, sandbox, etc. With noon quickly approaching we decided to begin our picnic.




We had a marvelous spread on our blanket. The kids were eating PB&J with apples, grapes, strawberries, chips, etc all within reach. Off in the distance we saw a herd of goats (some with horns) inching in on our fun. "We can scare them when they get close!" Yeah...right. They were just as friendly as the pigs, dogs, and sheep up on the hill, only hungrier. Without batting an eye, they invited themselves onto our blanket and started feasting. Imagine 3 kids crying for their sandwiches, trying to save some of our food, and everything else within reach since we all know goats will eat ANYTHING! We managed to save most of the picnic and all other belongings.





After wiping the tears and finishing lunch at a table, the kids went for another round out on the farm...not allowing a herd of goats to spoil a day of fun!

Life In The Fast Lane

"Life in the fast lane'
surely make you lose your mind.
Life in the fast lane.
Life in the fast lane,
everything all the time.
Life in the fast lane."
- The Eagles







Today we ventured to the highly suggested 'Formula 1' exhibition at the Helsinki Design Museum. The boys were on their best behavior as the cars were only for "looking, not touching." 5 Formula 1 car were on exhibit, along with numerous miniatures, engine parts, tires, uniforms, and other accessories.





To my surprise, photos were not allowed inside so I was not able to get any good shots of the boys next to the cars. In a side room...considered "hands on"...there was a real driver's seat for visitors to sit upon. I was able to sneak in a few shots here. The boys loved watching past races on the huge plasma TVs and experiencing the show.

Do Your Ears Hang Low?

Do your ears hang low?
Do they wobble to and fro?
Can you tie them in a knot?
Can you tie them in a bow?
Can you throw them o'er your shoulder
Like a Continental Soldier?
Do your ears hang low?
- unknown



Another lonely holiday far away from family and friends. Compared to last, this year I at least knew where to find a ham for dinner along with other traditional favorites. We even joined the Finnish culture and had pussy willows, grass, and colored feathers throughout the house for decoration. We were kindly invited to join an Easter Egg hunt and cookout Saturday. The boys filled their baskets with chocolates, candies, and toys. We have another hunt scheduled for next weekend too!



















Our other Easter festivities included touring the Post Museum to view their collection of Easter post cards dating back to 1890 and a boat ride to the island of Suomenlinna to see an Easter Egg Exhibition at the church. We also dyed dozens of eggs thanks to Grandma!

Seasons Of Love

"525,600 Minutes
525,600 Moments So Dear
525,600 Minutes
How Do You Measure - Measure A Year?
In Daylights - In Sunsets
In Midnights - In Cups Of Coffee
In Inches - In Miles
In Laughter - In Strife

In - 525,600 Minutes
How Do You Measure
A Year In The Life..."
- RENT



Some days it feels like forever and others it feels like yesterday. It has officially been 1 year since we boarded our eastbound flight to live in Helsinki, Finland. We are not even to our halfway point, but I have this magical feeling everything is downhill from here...or at least that is what I am praying!

Looking back we have not had the easiest year. Many obstacles, challenges, and tribulations were thrown in front of us. Through those times we have grown closer and stronger as a family. Despite the downs, a few ups were given to us also. Helsinki had their shortesst winter ever! A typical winter in the city last 120 days, this year only lasting 40. A real gift for this Texan living here.

We have taken amazing vacations, seen beautiful countries, and experienced more than I ever imagined. Here is to the completion of our first year of living abroad!