Here Comes the Sun

I've been told by a number of Finns that the winter can be depressing (really?). Apparently, when spring comes and the days get longer, people's moods noticeably change. Yesterday (Saturday) there was not a cloud in the sky. This was perfect, since we had plans to walk about 6 km across town to the home of one of my professors, so that our girls could play. Emily has two daughters: Evy, 5 and Lily, 3. The kids laughed and played and Janee and I got some actual human interaction and a taste of culture. Dr. Knott, who is a professor/researcher at the University, is originally from Alabama. She has been in Jyvaskyla for 8 years. By her accent now, one would think she was Finnish. Her drawl is long gone. She married a Finn, Ilare (pronounced like "Hillary" without the "H"), and has a beautiful home and family. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and I made out with 12 CDs from their collection which inlcluded 4 Wilco CDs, Liz Phair, Rusted Root, and a Mexican band called "Ozomatli", among others. We took a break at McDonald's near Seppala to get some food and warmth on the way and had a great day in the sun, although the shadows remain long.
























Then today, during Edith's nap (about noon) Lillian and I went exploring (consequently, Janee got some well deserved "alone" time). About 1/2 km from our apartment is a trail leading of into the forest, mostly conifer and birch. The trail runs through the "wilderness" adjacent to the University and University apartments. Huge moss covered boulders, clearings under the pines and glistening frozen streams typify the the woods here. We walked for maybe 45 minutes, eventually arriving at the front door of my department at the University. We used the restroom, had some blueberry tea and Lily drew me some Tyrannosaurs for my office wall. On the way back home, we walked across the lake, where the Sunday crowd was out and about, ice skating and enjoying the day.

The days are growing noticeably longer, although it has been cold. We've had highs between -1 and -10 celcius for the past week or so. Yesterday morning it was -21 degrees Celcius! If the wind stays down, the days are definitely bearable, even enjoyable (and the sun doesn't hurt either).

Tervesin,

jackson