Tag: finland

Pikisaari: Nature and Culture in Oulu

Captures from Finland, Cities, iPhone photography

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.

Bright red animal and abstract shapes decorate the exterior brick wall of a building surrounded by greenery.

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!

How do you feel about those chair legs, kind of cute?
My husband standing next to a large rusty metal sculpture that has art inside in front of a brick building

I hope this post has enough windows for Monday Window.

The Atmosphere of Nallikari Beach in Summer

Captures from Finland, Photography

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!

A lifeguard tower on a sandy beach overlooks a calm sea with Nallikari Observation Tower, better known as Nallikari Lighthouse, on the top of the breakwater at the northern end of the beach in the background.
Children and adults enjoying a sandy beach with a unique rope climbing structure under a cloudy sky
A group of friends enjoying a sunny day playing beach volleyball by the water’s edge
To enjoy alone time by the Baltic ssea
Groups of people enjoying a sunny day picnicking and relaxing under tall green birch trees in a park
Time to enjoy Ice cream, it is a summer must.

Lunch at Oulu’s Charming Yacht Club

Captures from Finland, Photography

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

A serene wooden dock nestled among lush green trees along a calm riverbank
A serene river gently flows through a lush, green forest on a calm summer day.
You can see thousing on the other side of the Oulu river.
Two men fishing peacefully from a small boat on a calm lake surrounded by lush greenery
a closer look, capturing the reflection on the water
Bridges: In the background, the bridges of the Oulu River estuary connect different islands and districts. The view is directed towards Tuira and its bridges. Oulu is known as the “bicycle capital,” and the image reflects the local lifestyle where cycling is a popular way to get around the waterfront areas.

Tired

Flowers, iPhone photography, Photography

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

Captures from Finland, Flowers, Photography

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.

Wood Horsetail: A Living Fossil in Your Yard

Captures from Finland, Nature, Photography

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

Captures from Finland, Flowers, iPhone photography, Photography

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.

Gravel road
Field of dandelions
They do look nice, I really enjoy taking pictures of them
Fluffy dandelions
How you frame your picture is so important

Have a happy Thursday🙂 I am enjoying it in the hammock

When the weather is fine 😁

May night in Finland

Captures from Finland, Cities, Photography

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

Dark clouds at 11PM
The train arrived on time
The streets are empty

Monday window

Captures from Finland, Photography

This is fresh from the camera, one of my favorite spots to sit and relax Monday Window

Time to relax

Ageless Passion: Soccer

Captures from Finland, Photography

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.

Sunlight peeks through tall trees in a lush, green park under a clear blue sky in a nice May evening.

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

Captures from Finland, Photography

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.

A vast field of bright yellow dandelions stretches under a cloudy sky, bordered by lush green trees.
A vibrant field of dandelions stretches alongside a winding gravel road under a cloudy sky, bordered by lush green trees.

The Short-lived Beauty of Spring Flowers

Flowers, Photography

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.

Oxalis acetosella, common wood sorrel, cuckoo bread, shamrock

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.

common wood sorrel, cuckoo bread, shamrock

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.

common wood sorrel, cuckoo bread, shamrock

Participating in Terri’s The Flower Hour #31

Last on the Card – April 2026

Landscapes, Photography
Sony 7III

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.

Last shot with my OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

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.

Iphone 17 Pro

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

The Gouverneto Monastery – nearly the last one 😀 as a header

Easter Day

Photography

Johns Cellpic Sunday

Pussy willow’s are sign of spring
Going low, moss on grey Easter Day
Keeping the house warm and cozy
Having a rest, a day time nap 😴 isn’t that a luxury

Trimming Trees Under a Bright Sky

Photography

For Debbie’s Six Word Saturday

A person stands on a rock, pruning a bare tree in a garden on a sunny day. The surroundings include green shrubs and a wooden fence.
A man is trimming a tree in his backyard, under the bright blue sky, surrounded by all the greenery around him.

Shaping Trees Beneath a Radiant Sky

Last on the Card – 28 February 2026

Captures from Finland, Photography
A landscape from the hill behind my house in Kirkkonummi, Finland, the snow-covered trees and a bright blue sky was shot with my Sony 7III and Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 lens

Last one on the card – February 2026

This IPhone shot I am also sharing with John’s Cellpic Sunday

This winter landscape capturing a vast expanse of snow-covered sea and distant trees under a cloudy sky was taken in Espoo, Finland. Shot with IPhone 17 PRO

Fresh coat of snow

Captures from Finland, Photography

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.

Snow covered trees
Trees on the hill
A serene winter scene showcasing trees blanketed in fresh snow against a clear sky.
Evergreens under snow
Man at work

Winter Photography: Enchanting Icy Landscapes

Captures from Finland, Photography

I enjoy capturing the details of winter; these were not taken recently, but they have been recently edited. I love how I was able to find new, interesting, and beautiful aspects while doing this, and I am happy to continue sharing my winter finds.

Icicles formed on rocks and branches by a flowing stream.

Icicles, resembling the sharp teeth of the season, elegantly hang from branches and rugged rocks, forming a scene that is both picturesque and enchanting, ideal for photography. A blanket of sparkling white snow covers the ground, beneath the soft winter sunlight, while a partially frozen stream winds gently through the landscape. It was quite chilly. The icy stones along the banks provide an artistic element to the surroundings, reflecting the glimmering light as the water flows softly over them. The fragile beauty of frozen grass, embellished with countless shimmering icicles, amplifies the wintry allure, instilling a sense of peace and awe. This breathtaking landscape captures the essence of winter’s beauty; it’s wonderful to take a moment to appreciate the serene, cold elegance crafted by nature.

Winter water scene featuring a partially frozen stream with icy rocks and flowing water.
Icicles form on snow-covered branches, winters teeth.
Icicles forming on a rocky surface.
Close-up of icicles and freezing water droplets on a rocky surface.
Frozen grass adorned with icicles, captured in a partially frozen stream
A serene winter scene featuring a partially frozen stream with snow-covered rocks and frosty branches.

I added a gallery of the same images if you wish to look at them enlarged.

Icicles and Flowing Streams

Captures from Finland, Nature, Photography

The stunning beauty of winter, featuring icicles and frozen plants that perfectly frame a flowing stream. This picture captures all the cool details of the season, showing off the calm yet eye-catching sights that winter landscapes bring. The mix of cold elements and running water gives a fresh take on nature in this chilly time of year, making you appreciate the delicate balance and beauty found in winter’s embrace. I hope the vibe of winter’s charm in nature comes across.

Icicles and frozen vegetation framing a flowing stream,the beauty of winter details.

Participating in Macro Monday.

red Mill and partially Frozen River

Captures from Finland, Photography

Winter and cold weather make for a nice backdrop for the old red mill in Immilä, Finland

I uncovered some historical insights, and here they are in a nutshell. The Immilä rapids have been the site of grain milling since the Middle Ages, with the earliest written record of mills dating back to 1548. The first sawmill emerged in the 1760s, by which point a settlement and an inn had already established themselves on the hill. As the 19th century unfolded, the population grew, and Immilä transformed into a vibrant village of craftsmen and millers. Following World War II, three mills were operational in the Immilä rapids; alongside two sawmills, there was also a power plant equipped with auxiliary machinery, including a bark planer. The final mill to close its doors was the Immilä district sawmill in May 1969. Of all the mill buildings, only the one erected in 1901 in the Immilä district remains today.

A winter scene featuring a red mill surrounded by snow-covered trees and a partially frozen river.

Monday Window: 26 January 2026

A picturesque winter scene featuring a red woodenmill beside a flowing river surrounded by frosted trees and ice.