Four weeks have gone by since the official summer holiday came to an end, and I find myself still spending this week at the summer house, relishing the warm weather that lingers. The sun hangs high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the landscape, while soft breezes rustle the leaves of the trees surrounding me. Now the temperature has settled at a pleasant +20°C; it is nice enough to enjoy early morning coffee outdoors, Evenings are perfect , the horizon is painted with hues of orange and pink as the sun sets, creating a picturesque backdrop that makes it hard to believe that summer is truly slowly slipping away.
It has been an odd summer; the first half was so unseasonably cold that it hardly felt like summer at all. However, everything changed dramatically in the middle of July when our holiday commenced. To our surprise, we experienced the longest hot period in Finland’s recorded history—an astonishing 22 consecutive days of weather ranging between +25-30°C. This was a remarkable shift that caught many of us off guard, as such temperatures are not the norm for our region. We spent our days enjoying the sunny days in the shade, laying in the hammock, not really doing much. Lazy hazy summer days. Spending time with family, by the sea and lakes. Enjoying tasty fresh food prepared by others. I didn’t even take that many photos, hardly any. That is if I compare it to what I have done.
The increase in extreme weather has become a point of concern for many, as it is evident that these phenomena are occurring more frequently, likely due to the impacts of climate change. As I reflect on this summer, I cannot help but wonder what changes the future holds for our weather patterns and how we will adapt to them in the coming years.
I have made few posts, but I apologize for not commenting on posts, and I have also been slow in replying to comments. I feel bad about it, but the thing is I feel almost guilty when there is a lovely summer day and I choose to stay inside. So I don’t . The summer is so short here, and when you have the opportunity to enjoy the good weather, you have to take it. It’s a time for outdoor life, barbecues with friends, and simply soaking up the sun’s rays. We have a long winter, and during that season, the days can feel endless as we spend more time indoors. Therefore, when summer arrives, I want to embrace every moment of it, squeezing in all the joy that I can before it slips away once again. I will try to do better …
Now I will post few photos, as this is a photography blog. Words have not really been my thing, but I am trying to include more …
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 
I know what you mean about guilt and blogging. But really, it’s supposed to be our pleasure, our down-time. We should kick guilt out of the window!
I know, I let the summer win.
Enjoy the outside while you can. Those temperatures are so good for lazing in the hammock or paddling by the pier.
The climate change is worldwide and those who deny of the existence that it a real thing are deluded. The world has warmed by 1.5 degrees since the industrial age and will continue to rise unless we do something now. The land has now heated by 1.3 degrees. This alone will lead to decline of vulnerable species.
Governments don’t act together but in isolation which in a way helps but we need to act as a whole.
The largest emitter of greenhouse gasses and fossil fuel users just don’t care. Yes I am looking at you China, Russia and the United States of America mainly.
Sea level rises have hit the islands near Australia and we are going to take the whole population of Tuvalu as climate refugees.
Sorry to hijack your post but it is something that we need to be aware of.
No worries Brian, i am with you on this issue. We can see it in our summers and winters a like. Our winters in southern Finland are slowly looking like those in central Europe, more rainy, less snow.
Thank you Ritva. I hope we can adapt to new weather patterns.
Beautiful images!
Thank you 😀
I love that row boat on the lake image.
Thanks Dawn
Ritva, you were in a beautiful place to enjoy your summer. That hammock looks so inviting!
Thanks Beth, we are fortunate to have this place to spend our summers
Picture book perfect summer days! You’re right – why would you want to stay indoors blogging when the outside world is this inviting?!
No, it is crime to spend summer days inside…it’s raining and thunder at the moment so I can be inside with no guilt
I’m glad you’re taking full advantage of the summer weather Ritva. We’ve had six weeks of temps in the mid 90s (32-35c ). I’m tired of the heat and concerned for the changes too.
it is too much, and as we don’t have air conditioning in most of the houses the inside temperature is not suitable for sleeping…
Ugh.
A great way to relax and enjoy. Your images are beautiful.
Just being and doing little is relatively relaxing
You are so right!
cheeers to august
Don’t feel guilty about WordPress posting and replying etc. It’s far more important to enjoy the sun while you can.
(the floods and other weird weather around the world are too horrific to even watch on YouTube these days. I think I need a fast from it all and your post about summer is the perfect antidote).
Summer beauty – the boat scene is lovely
These are beautiful pictures. Finland looks incredible. I was only saying to my son the other day how much I would like to visit Finland and Denmark. I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer.
I second Vicki!
Love the rowboat and hammock photos especially! Beautiful shots! We have experienced a very hot summer here in Ontario this year, none the less its been awesome, hard to believe August is almost half over now!