My lovely summerhouse neighbor made a home delivery bringing me fresh garlic and honey with summer flowers. It is a joy to have good neighbors ☀️
For Johns Cellpic Sunday
Seasons goods
Tag: finland
Tamminiemi: The Home of Finnish Presidents
There was a moment when it did not rain, as we visited Tamminiemi today, in the link you can find more information about the place
Early history
The Jugendstil villa, designed by Finnish architects Sigurd Frosterus and Gustaf Strengell, was built in 1904 for businessman Jörgen Nissen and later owned by publisher Amos Anderson in 1924, who renovated it. Feeling lonely there, Anderson mostly stayed in his apartment and rented out the villa. Following a suggestion from President Kyösti Kallio, he agreed to donate the villa to the state in 1940 with conditions regarding its lease, but Kallio died before he could reside there, shortly after resigning for health reasons.
Presidential residence
Presidents Risto Ryti and C. G. E. Mannerheim lived at Tamminiemi, while J. K. Paasikivi preferred the Presidential Palace; however, the villa is most associated with Urho Kekkonen, who resided there for nearly thirty years and made it the hub of Finnish politics from 1956 to 1982. After resigning due to health issues in 1982, Kekkonen remained at Tamminiemi, which became his private nursing home until his death in 1986.
This is true to me: During his term of office that lasted a quarter of a century Tamminiemi came into the public eye: Tamminiemi and Kekkonen became almost synonymous.
In this post, I am sharing photos of the quick tour we took there. I have to say times were different, but the house was very modest by any standards for the head of state.
Tamminiemi is located in a park by the sea. This sea scene under a dramatic sky filled with thick, heavy gray clouds that suggest an impending storm. The water of the sea is calm, reflecting the moody sky above and the lush green trees that line the distant shoreline. The dense foliage along the banks adds a natural, untouched feel to the landscape, contrasting with a faint glimpse of buildings nestled among the trees. It feels tranquil yet slightly ominous atmosphere, emphasizing the interplay between nature and weather.
In 1956 the interior of the house was largely renovated and modernized, so that there aren’t many details left of the original Art Nouveau style. At the same time, a sauna was built down by the waterside.
Shared with John’s Cellpic Sunday
Aavasaksa – Finland’s Hidden Gem
Aavasaksa
On our journey north, we took the timé to make a short stop to the beautiful Aavasaksa, a historical hill nestled in Ylitornio within the beautiful Tornio River Valley. It was a truly lovely place, celebrated for its breathtaking natural scenery and the enchanting midnight sun. I was reminded of the fact that Aavasaksa is the southernmost spot in Finland where you can witness the phenomenon of the nightless nights.
Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s part of the Struve Geodetic Arc, which is fascinating as it helps measure the Earth’s size and shape. We did not have time to enjoy exploring the nature trails and hiking routes that reveal spectacular views of the Tornio River leading into Sweden.
Oh, and it is one of Finland’s national landscapes, they reflect the country’s identity and unique characteristics.
Sharing this for John’s CellPic Sunday, I took these with my Iphone 17 Pro and edited them in LRC
Pikisaari: Nature and Culture in Oulu
Still in Oulu, late afternoon 17:30, not that you would know that this time of the year it is so light. Our son is showing us places in in his hometown. Just a little fact about summer nights; last night the sunset was at 00:15 and sunrise at 2:21, creating almost a continuous twilight that casts a magical glow over the landscape.
Back to the topic of this post, I am sharing a few window shots from Pikisaari, located right next to the center of Oulu, which is a real gem! This charming area boasts lots of fascinating architecture, ranging from historical buildings to modern designs that harmonize beautifully with the surroundings. The beautiful nature surrounding Pikisaari, with its lush greenery and serene waters, creates a perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls. Additionally, the vibrant arts and culture scene here is truly inspiring, with local artists often showcasing their talents through various exhibitions and events, making it an ideal spot for both residents and visitors to experience the rich cultural fabric of the city.
The area around the Old Wool Factory is turning into such a cool cultural hub, and honestly, this little island is just so pretty! Pikisaari has such beautiful nature; almost half of the island is untouched, so there’s plenty of space to kick back and soak in the scenery and art you find along the trails. The running paths here in Oulu are honestly the best and they weave through this stunning island! We didn’t feel like running, i never do though, so we just strolled slowly along the river path instead, but I’ll save those picture for another post!
I hope this post has enough windows for Monday Window.
The Atmosphere of Nallikari Beach in Summer
So, it wasn’t exactly sunny at first, but then the sun peeked out from behind the clouds, casting this gorgeous warm glow over the sand. We swung by Nallikari beach in Oulu— it’s such a picturesque spot with stunning scenery and a super lively vibe! The beach has this Blue Flag certification, which basically means it’s well taken care off.. The gentle slope and fine sand make it perfect for swimming and sunbathing, especially for little kids and brave adults. In summer, it’s packed with beach lovers and sports junkies, while winter? That’s when the ice fishers, skiers, and Northern Lights fans show up! As we strolled along the shore, we caught sight of groups playing beach volleyball—talk about a blast, every group had different music and in my mind the ssome of the lyrics were too much for me.! Their laughter and cheers filled the air, making it so lively. Families gathered on the lush green lawn, chatting away and enjoying picnic lunches. Someone even hung up a hammock between two trees—it looked so inviting, and you could just kick back and soak in the sunshine! Not far away, couples and friends were happily savoring ice cream, while everyone seemed glued to their phones. It was such a lively scene!
Lunch at Oulu’s Charming Yacht Club
I am in Oulu, visiting my son, and we had lunch at this lovely Yacht club, which offered a delightful atmosphere that made our lunch experience so relaxing. The location was stunning, providing us with picturesque views of the water and the surrounding landscape. The deck we ate at was beautifully adorned in shades of pink and red, as the vibrant geraniums blossomed all around, adding a cheerful splash of color to our table setting. We took our time savoring the meal, enjoying heartfelt conversations while being caressed by the gentle breeze. It was a perfect way to spend quality time together, surrounded by such natural beauty and tranquility.
For John’s CellPic Sunday All images shot with IPhone 17 Pro and edited in LrC
The tiniest flower, but so beautiful
Debbies Six Word Saturday
Tired
If you’re not in the mood for self pity, skip the text and enjoy the photo 😌
I had one of the worst nights in a long time. My sleep was in shambles, I couldn’t get a comfortable position in my bed, my feet were cold… from within, I was in and out of sleep. Yes I am whining about it… sorry for that. But on a a positive note, I am doing my best so I don’t fall asleep by sitting in my garden/ backyard enjoying the sunshine and beauty of the rhododendrons.
Continue reading “Tired”
Sticky Catchfly is a Nature’s Survivor
Name also Clammy campion (usa), Red german catchfly
Sticky catchfly is a plant that originally grew on rocky areas, dry hills, and sandy meadows. It has adapted to human environments, spreading to pastures and sunny roadsides. The plant can survive long droughts thanks to its deep taproot. Its distinctive reddish-brown sticky substance, which covers the upper stem, helps deter predators like ants. You can often see insects stuck to the stem. When picked, the sticky tar gets on your hands. Sometimes, a pink-flowered version can be found that doesn’t secrete any liquid. Its smaller relative, alpine catchfly (V. alpina), secretes very little or no tar at all.
At the start of summer, the red flowers of sticky catchfly attract queen bees, which are busy creating new colonies and pollinating. When the queen is in the hive caring for her young, the smaller worker bees are less effective at pollination. The flowers also draw in various insects, like butterflies, flower flies, and small beetles. Additionally, pollinators can spread diseases, such as spores from parasitic ustilaginales fungi, and even the sticky substance on the stem doesn’t protect catchfly from these harmful pests.
Too hot to handle
Shared with John’s Cellpic Sunday
Wood Horsetail: A Living Fossil in Your Yard
Every year, I notice the same things in my yard: how different plants pop up, showcasing vibrant colors and unique textures. I end up taking photos, even though I have so many already in my archive. It’s a delightful ritual, as I love capturing the changing seasons and the various stages of growth; each snapshot reflects nature’s resilience and beauty. But that’s how it usually works: every bloom is a fleeting moment that deserves to be immortalized. Now, I have edited some of my old images to highlight the intricate details that my eyes may have overlooked previously, breathing new life into them and allowing me to appreciate the wild plants in my yard in a fresh light.
The picture shows a cool shoot of Wood Horsetail (Equisetum sylvaticum), which people in Finland call metsäkorte.
A close-up of a horsetail plant featuring its segmented, cone-like spore-producing structure against a soft green background.
This plant is like a “living fossil” since it spreads by spores rather than seeds. You can spot Wood Horsetail by a few notable features: Branching: It has delicate green branches that form a whorl, unlike the upright Field Horsetail (Equisetum arvense). Cone (Strobilus): At the top, there’s a structure resembling a pinecone, which holds the spore sacs. Growth Habit: It starts off tan and without leaves, but the shoots eventually turn green and sprout feathery branches. Sheaths: The stem is adorned with reddish-brown leaf sheaths that are fused into lobes. You’ll often find Wood Horsetail in moist areas such as peaty soils, damp woods, and marshes.
A close-up of a horsetail plants
A close-up of horsetail plant with a single water droplet resting on its leaves against a blurred natural background.
I have no last words for this post, other than have a great weekend, and I truly hope it is a sunny one. Embrace the little things constantly changing weather and the surprises it brings.
In the summer time
When the weather is fine you can enjoy the sunshine and…
The yellow dandelion fields they have turned white since our last visit, I reckon it looks pretty nice like this too.
Have a happy Thursday🙂 I am enjoying it in the hammock
May night in Finland
For John’s Cellpic Sunday. I Post photos from few days back, I went to pick up my husband from the train so I took the opportunity to take few photos. I know I shouldn’t take photos while I drive, but the roads were empty of traffic
wordless Wednesday – May 27
Monday window
This is fresh from the camera, one of my favorite spots to sit and relax Monday Window
Ageless Passion: Soccer
For John’s Cellpic Sunday, I am sharing an inspiring collection of photos showcasing men over 60 in action, embodying the spirit and enthusiasm that often defies age. Their unwavering passion and dedication, demonstrating that soccer is not just a game for the young. These players, full of energy 😊 remind us that the love for the sport can flourish at any stage of life. I am looking how number 13 does in the field.
Well it is typical that men at this age get the field later in the evening, this was around 9 PM
Cloudy Skies and Vibrant Dandelions
Cloudy skies, occasionally bit of rain, that is what we have had in the weather front in the past few days with couple hours off sunshine. So here are shots from the road leading to our summer place taken yesterday afternoon. Linking up with Skywatch Friday ~ 22/5/2026, I haven’t participated in skywatch for years, at one time I was a frequent visitor.
The Short-lived Beauty of Spring Flowers
Spring flowers in nature bloom and fade so quickly, their beauty often lasting only a fleeting moment. Last weekend, I took these shots of wood sorrels, capturing their delicate petals and delicate flowers while they were still alive in the warm sunlight. However, this week, there is only the green leaves left, as nature effortlessly transitions to palette of greens.
The taste of the wood sorrel is familiar to many from childhood summers, used to pick them up while playing with friends in the woods. The flavor is refreshingly sour, now I know it is due to the oxalic acid it contains just like rhubarb. We never used it in fresh in salads, soups, and various sauces, where it adds a lemony tartness as fas as I remember.
The beauty I came across during my walk in the woods was what I was searching for, I spotted these delicate wood sorrels, these white flowers, their thin purple veins and yellow centers really stood out. They were nestled among vibrant green clover-like leaves, surrounded by all sorts of other foliage. I took the photo so that the background was softly blurred, filled with warm earthy tones—think soil, dried leaves, and moss—creating a serene woodland atmosphere. Sunlight was gently illuminating the flowers and leaves, bringing out their textures and colors beautifully. Overall, it was just this quiet moment of wildflower beauty in the forest on a bright day.
Participating in Terri’s The Flower Hour #31
Last on the Card – April 2026
By the beach in Maleme a pair of weathered wooden benches positioned on a grassy patch adorned with small purple and yellow wildflowers, a large, leafy tree with a thick trunk, providing a natural backdrop and some shade. The sky is overcast, casting a soft, muted light over the scene. In the blurred background, distant buildings and conifer trees are faintly visible, adding depth and context to this tranquil outdoor setting. My last on the card is from Crete.
A timeworn monastery in Crete, known as the Gouverneto Monastery (or the Monastery of Our Lady of the Angels), is an active place of worship that beautifully showcases its yellow, textured facade, with signs of peeling paint that speak to its age. Notice the small wooden-framed windows and distinctive terracotta-tiled roof, topped with a dome and cross? This architectural detail certainly highlights its importance as a historical and religious site. In the foreground, verdant greenery, including a leafy tree and tall cypress bushes, frames the scene, introducing a natural element that adds depth to the composition. Meanwhile, the rugged hills in the background sit beneath an overcast sky, contributing to a tranquil and timeless ambiance. Established in 1537, the monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and serves as a starting point for a popular hiking trail leading to the Arkouditissa Cave and the ruins of the abandoned Katholiko Monastery. It’s interesting to note that it was originally built as a Venetian-style fortress to protect the monks from pirate raids, featuring thick walls and defensive towers, which further emphasizes its significance on the island of Crete.
A serene night scene featuring a bright full moon partially obscured by thin, wispy clouds. Silhouettes of various trees, including leafless branches and a spruce, frame the moon and enhance the depth of the composition. The sky exhibits deep blue tones transitioning to lighter shades near the horizon, creating a mystical and tranquil atmosphere. Back home or our summer house, emphasizing the natural beauty of a quiet night in the countryside. Taken at 23:19 before May 1st – a day of celebration in Finland.
Participating on Brian’s Last on the Card April 2026
Easter Day
Johns Cellpic Sunday
It’s crumbling down this old barn
Linked to Six Word Saturday at Debbie’s here
Trimming Trees Under a Bright Sky
For Debbie’s Six Word Saturday
Shaping Trees Beneath a Radiant Sky
Last on the Card – 28 February 2026
Last one on the card – February 2026
This IPhone shot I am also sharing with John’s Cellpic Sunday
Vibrant
Look up and see; windows
This weeks Monday Window was shot in Brisbane
Fresh coat of snow
We got a fresh coat of new light snow as the weather is continuing to be cold 🥶 but it looks really pretty in my backyard.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 