Navajo Rug

"Aye, aye, aye, Katie,
Shades of red and blue
Aye, aye, aye, Katie,
Whatever became of the Navajo rug and you?"
- Jerry Jeff Walker


Most of our runs follow the path that leads us around the bay. It provides a variety of scenery for me and the boys....lots of boats, people, outdoor restaurants, ice cream shops, and rug cleaning. HUH??

For the first few months we passed these docks in the water that I thought encompassed "stand-up picnic tables." I never saw anyone enjoying a meal there, but do you blame them? It was still 40 degrees outside!

Now with the weather warming, it all makes sense. The docks have high tables that you place your rug on for cleaning. People haul their rugs, soap, buckets, and brush to the dock. Lather, rinse, repeat! Then you carry your rug/rugs back to the shore and hang over a post to dry. Once again the trust factor in Helsinki is amazing. No one stills these rugs. After a day or so, your rug is dry and ready to take home.

We have not participated in this event yet, but I promise if we ever do...pictures will be posted.

God Bless The USA

"And I'm proud to be an American,
Where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the ones who died who gave that right to me.
And I'll gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
'cuz there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God Bless the USA."
- Lee Greenwood

I never thought I would be celebrating the 4th of July somewhere other than America. We went to a BBQ at the US Marine quarters in Helsinki. They offered a great spread of meats, salads, and desserts with an open bar. A pool table, ping-pong, and horse shoes provided entertainment. My boys preferred throwing rocks into the water.

All of the guests that we met were connected with the Embassy...employed by, through marriage, etc. So, we were the outsiders and was noticed by all. It was nice talking to other American families that have experienced Finland. Unfortunately the day was not concluded with an amazing firework display or even a black jack or sparkler. Those are the little things we miss from home. But we did enjoy the conversations, connections, food and cold beer.

Lovely Cruise

"These moments we're left with,
May you always remember.
These moments are shared by few.
There's wind in our hair.
And there's water in our shoes.
Honey, it's been a lovely cruise."
- Jimmy Buffett


We just completed our trip to Stockholm, Sweden. We boarded the "ocean liner" (as Big calls it thanks to Baby Einstein's On The Go) Friday evening. After running around on each deck and enjoying the view, exploring in the 2 play rooms designed for children, and our dinner buffet, we managed to have the boys asleep by 2200. The early morning sun allowed us to admire the Stockholm Archipelago before breakfast and our descent at 0930.

Stockholm is an amazing city that offers a lot to see and do. We began with a tour of the harbor, followed by a nap in the park, the Vasa Museum, a long stroll through the city, lunch at an Italian Kitchen, a quick run to the National Museum, a walk through Gamla Stan (Old Town), and a last stop at Marten Trotzigs gran...the steepest and narrowest little street in the entire city (39 steps and 90 cm)!

We had to be back on ship by 1730 for departure. The quick day did not allow us to explore as much as the city as we wanted...but that just gives us a reason to return. After dinner and more time in the play room, we all were in dreamland earlier than the previous night. We arrived into Helsinki Sunday morning at 1000 with our bags full (okay...our maximum limit) of 'duty free' goods and a few souvenirs.

My Favorite Things

"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens.
Brown paper packages tied up with strings.
These are a few of my favorite things."
- The Sound Of Music

Three months into this saga, our stash of "American" goods are becoming slim. We started off with 7 jars of peanut butter, 3 large boxes of goldfish, 3 cubes of velveeta cheese, and a case of macaroni & Cheese just to name a few. Once we arrived to Helsinki and I was able to explore the only 2 chains of grocery stores here, I discovered they did not sell vanilla extract, canned pumpkin, or any dry mixes such as brownies, cakes, muffins, etc. I have learned to make many things from scratch and do without others.

Our grocery store of choice now has an "American" section located on the end of an isle. For the days we are craving a Baby Ruth and do not mind spending $3.06, we can get our fix. The Mac & Cheese they carry is not Kraft, and we have yet to try the generic. Thanks to 2 packages we have received lately, we now have a few more boxes of the Kraft Dinner and some Easy Mac...THANKS again!

With my family due to arrive in less than 3 weeks (YEAH!), they each have been given a detailed grocery list of things to stuff inside their suit cases. Until then, we wait anxiously each morning to see if the door bell rings around 0900 to deliver a package. Thanks to everyone who has sent a little love to us on this side of the Atlantic. I now have enough vanilla and pumpkin spice to last us forever and I am able to keep up with the latest recipes published in 'Southern Living!'

Midsummer Night's Madness

"Midsummer Night's Madness,
Caught me in its spell.
Never have I known such gladness.
Never have I felt so well.
Totally in a tizzy,
And so are all my friends.
The whole world's got me dizzy,
And hopin' that the madness never ends."
- Jem and The Holograms

We survived the longest day of 2006 yesterday. Unfortunately with a cold front moving in, the day did not seem as long and bright as it has been during the previous weeks.

I check out Wunderground daily to view our forecast. I also like to read the 'Astronomy' section provided to see how long our days really are here. Yesterday was the first time I have seen the word shorter next to 'Length of Day.'

June 21, 2006...........Rise..............Set
Actual Time.........3:51 AM EEST.....10:51 PM EEST
Civil Twilight.......1:52 AM EEST.....12:50 AM EEST
Astronomical Twilight
Moon.................1:31 AM EEST......6:00 PM EEST
Length Of Visible Light: 22h 58m
Length of Day 18h 59m
Tomorrow will be 0m 5s shorter.

We were only 2 seconds away from having daylight 23 hours yesterday!

With Daddy out of town, we spent a late evening at the park and ended it with ice cream. Friday is a holiday for the official Midsummer (Juhannus in Finnish) Celebration, offering everyone a 3 day weekend.