Hot In Here

"Hot in.....
So hot in here.....
So hot in.....

Its gettin hot in here,
So take off all your clothes.

I am gettin so hot,and I wanna take my clothes off."
- Nelly


Taking our clothes off was not necessary since clothing (and swimsuits) are prohibited inside. The boys and I experienced our first Finnish sauna - correctly pronounce "sow (rhymes with wow) nah" - today.

Once a week we head to Mäkelänrinteen Swimming Pool for a few hours of water fun. They have 2 saunas (Hotter and Mild) available in the women's locker room. Each week I consider taking the boys inside. Today we finally took the plunge and went into the Mild sauna. The boys giggled the entire time as they ran around the 15x10 room naked. I tried to have them sit on our towel and relax but soon realized it was not going to happen. After about 10 minutes Little was ready to leave and fair-skinned Big was red head to toe. I think I could have enjoyed it without the kids and in a quiet environment of course. We will see how we all behave next week.

Sauna is the only Finnish word in the English dictionary! There are more than 2 million saunas in Finland, one for every 3 people. That means there are more saunas than cars here! They recommend children as early as 1 year to start participating but many families start them as early as 2-3 months and some even give birth inside. Saunas are enjoyed in the 'buff.' It can be done socially with your family or close friends. Business deals also take place inside. Very few coed saunas still exist these days, unless it is in your own home or summer cottage.


SAUNA - WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? (taken from Springs Sauna)

- Soothes and relaxes tired muscles
- Helps relieve mental fatigue
- Relieves tension and stress
- Provides a cardiovascular workout - Helps condition the heart
- Increases metabolic rate
- Improves circulation
- Provides temporary relief for arthritic pain
- Promotes healing and releases natural pain killers, Beta Endorphins and Norepinephrines
- Increases resistance to illness by strengthening the immune system
- Burns as many as 300 calories during a normal Sauna session
- Helps maintain clear, healthy skin - and provides an after glow of a rosy complexion
- Promotes a wonderful feeling of well being and a total body experience that no bath can duplicate
- Adds luxury and value to your home

Want to learn more...check out 'Bare Facts of the Sauna.'

The Blizzard

"When the world leaves you shivering
And the blizzard blows,
When the snow flies and the night falls
There's a light in the window and a place called home
At the end of the storm."
- Judy Collins


Mention the word 'blizzard' to anyone from the south and they immediate think..."OOOOH, ice cream delight from Dairy Queen!" But here in Finland it is "OH, snow & wind, wind & snow, more snow, more wind!" Not that we experienced a real blizzard today, but it was a day with 8 hours of continuous snowfall and gusting winds. The temperature remained at -1 Celsius the entire time, allowing a warm day to play outside while the snow was falling.


Once the boys were suited up we played in the backyard with our toy trucks, making roads in the snow. Then we headed to the mall to buy a sled. They had a blast pushing and pulling each other. Then we all ran around catching the large snowflakes on our tongues.


After our 4:10 pm sunset, the clear skies and full moon illuminated the snow covered ground. We decided to go back outside for round #2 in the snow. The park seemed magical with the stillness of the night and the 6 inches of powder.





The boys rode their sleds down hills and we attempted a snowman. After a brief snowball fight, we enjoyed a few handfuls of fresh snow then headed home as it was nearing bed time.

First Snowfall

"Oh the first snowfall of the winter.
What a joy for a boy to behold.
In each house you'll find a sleigh,
That was waiting for this day.
And of course, down the road a hill,
For each Jack and Jill."
- The Carpenters


After yesterdays flurries, today yields to a light blanket of snow topping flowers, cars, rooftops, and swings. Enough where any native Texan would call this a 'white Christmas' but it is just the beginning to 5+ months of winter in Finland. The temperature is well below zero (Celsius) now but take away a few more degrees for that gusting wind. Still, not cold enough to keep us inside.


We headed to the neighborhood park today not wanting to stray too far from home in case we did get cold. The boys enjoyed the fresh air and attempted to make snow balls with their water-proof mittens. Before long, a few more daring mothers and children joined in on the fun.

Monster Mash

"He did the mash.
He did the monster mash.
The monster mash.
It was a graveyard smash.
He did the mash.
It caught on in a flash.
He did the mash.
He did the monster mash."
- Bobby Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers






We were able to celebrate Halloween tonight with Big's preschool. Even though the boys did not participate in the traditional 'trick-or-treating' they still had the time of their life. Music filled each room and every ghost, goblin, witch, princess, Darth Vader, and Snow White danced with delight. A buffet was provided along with a selection of desserts and beverages. At the end of the night they announced the best costume. "And the winner is...THE CHICKEN!" It was a huge turnout for a Halloween party in a country that does not partake in the event. Saturday is Finland's observance for All Saints Day.

Thanks to our awesome friends from The Mound, Big and Little were able to decorate pumpkins, bake Jack-O-Lantern shaped cupcakes, and consume some American Halloween goodies.


We hope everyone had a safe and adventurous Halloween back at home! We experienced our first snowfall of the season today. Only a few flurries but enough to get us excited for winter. We will see everyone NEXT month!

Daylight

"Daylight, I wanna see daylight.
Wanna see daylight that shines all around.
Daylight, I wanna see clear blue light.
Wanna see daylight that shines all around."
- Asia

Daylight savings time came to an end during the early hours of this morning. As darkness is creeping upon us 5 minutes faster each day, we need all the 'daylight savings' we can get here in Finland. Prior to the time change, cars were still driving with their lights on at 0850 as I walked Big to preschool in the mornings. Now sunrise will occur around 0730 and sunset around 1630...this week that is. We currently have 10 1/2 hours of visible daylight. Next week we will only have a little more than 9 hours, continuing with a steep downward trend until December 21-22 when the Winter Solstice occurs. All of the streets, parks, running trails, etc are lined with ample lighting so you can keep your daily routine in spite of the darkness and families are equipped with their "happy lights."