summer

Embracing the August days

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.

enjoying a sunny day by the waterfront, exploring the pier in a picturesque summer setting.

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.

A boy sitting on a dock by the serene lake, enjoying the warm summer day.

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 …

A tranquil lakeside with a rowing boat moored at the water’s edge, embodying the essence of a lazy summer day.

Relaxing in a hammock at the summer house, enjoying the warm weather and the tranquility, plus a good book.

A beautifully plated dish featuring fresh ingredients, perfect for enjoying summer flavors .

Twinkle of lights in my yard

Captures from Finland, Photography

Six word Saturday

Hammock, sauna, and barbecue at midnight

Simply Red currants

Captures from Finland, Nature, Photography

Becky’s Square challenge

It is so nice to pick these from the bush and enjoy them with ice cream and caramel- sweet and sour 😋 and they are ripe now.

Simply Red- blueberry picking

Captures from Finland, Nature, Photography

I was encouraged to stay in my hammock in the comments of my last post. So I did as recommended 😀 Now I can point out how hard work it is to pick blueberries 🫐… 😂

Hard at work. He picked about 5 liters from our own yard.

For Simply Red

Captures from Finland

a full moon rising over a misty landscape, framed by a rustic wooden fence.

In the hush of a Nordic summer night,
The sky glows soft, a canvas of light,
Whispers of breezes dance through the trees,
While shadows play hide and seek with the leaves.
Stars blink awake, a celestial sight,
Laughter and dreams take gentle flight,
In this tranquil hour where time stands still,
The magic of summer our hearts shall fill.

for One Word Sunday: summer

Lens-Artists Challenge #352 – Mellow

lens-artists, Photography

Sofia’s challenge this week is mellowness: a sense of softness, in tones or shapes, the slowness of a summer holiday, where time seems to drift gently by, allowing for moments of stillness and reflection. This kind of relaxation invites everyone to pause and appreciate the beauty of simplicity in our surroundings. The challenge is to convey the sense of relaxation through various artistic expressions, utilizing subdued warm tones that remind one of the golden hour, soft shapes reminiscent of gently swaying trees, and a deliberate focus on creating an inviting atmosphere. This overall aesthetic should evoke a mellow mood of calmness and cosiness, encouraging an experience that soothes the mind and spirit, leaving one feeling at peace and deeply connected to the essence of tranquility that life has to offer. That is my take from her post and these are my photos to show it.

The first set evokes a sense of mellow, relaxed serenity. Lazy and mellow summer days when you can just relax. Finnish summer unfolds with fresh, bright greens that lovingly embrace the landscape, weaving a beautiful tapestry of nature. As the season draws to a close, especially towards the end of summer, a soothing mellowness envelops us, gently contrasting the vibrant days that have passed. This tender ambiance is felt not only in the softening light of the season but also on those peaceful days when the sun paints gentle hues across the sky, easing the brilliance of colors. In these precious moments, we can truly savor the transition as nature subtly shifts into softer shades, wrapping us in a comforting sense of tranquility and calmness that beautifully defines the essence of late summer in Finland.

A serene landscape with grazing animals in a tranquil setting, embodying the essence of mellow summer days.

Second set are flowers, the lovely beauties of summer, that brighten our days and gently coax us into taking our cameras out to capture their stunning beauty and intricate details. These vibrant blooms sway softly in the warm breeze, bringing a sense of joy and vitality to gardens, parks, and meadows. As each petal glistens in the sunlight, they create an enchanting atmosphere that draws us near, inviting us to pause and reflect on nature’s artistry. Their delightful fragrances fill the air, that truly encapsulate the essence of summertime.

Hazy, warm light nights – summer nights are a wonder every year, as the brightness of Nordic summers paints the sky in hues of soft pastels and vibrant colors that enchant all who experience them. For those who know this magic from past summers, there’s a sense of nostalgia as familiar scents of blooming flowers and fresh-cut grass fill the air, evoking cherished memories. And for those who witness this beauty for the first time, the spectacle is awe-inspiring, as they find themselves wrapped in the warmth of endless twilight. Each year, you always submerge yourself in its wonder, surrendering to the charm of late-night strolls, and the soothing sound of waves lapping against the shore. Magical. All Photos 👇 are taken between 10PM to midnight.

Thank you to all who enthusiastically participated in my Books challenge; it was an absolute joy to witness the profound appreciation we collectively have for the written word and the essential role it plays in shaping our lives. Books are not just mere collections of pages; they are gateways that transport us to distant realms, enriching our minds with unparalleled knowledge and stirring our souls with unforgettable stories. Seeing the stunning libraries from every corner of the globe was nothing short of breathtaking—each one a sanctum for avid readers, beautifully crafted and steeped in history, where the echoes of the past resonate through the ages. The creativity and enthusiasm you all poured into this challenge illuminated our shared passion for literature, reminding us how stories—both timeless classics and contemporary gems—continue to ignite our imaginations and inspire our hearts.

This week was a lovely dip into summer, not yet there weather wise, but the light nights are…Thanks Sofia for this lovely topic. Please link your post to hers and use the lens-artists tag in the reader so your post can be found. Next week June 14th, Beth from Wandering Dawgs will host her first challenge so be sure to check her post next Saturday. I sure am looking forward to seeing what it’s like 🙂

You can find out more about the Lens-Artists Challenge here.

Until then keep on smiling ☺ it’s free therapy.

Thurday door -Träskända Manor

Captures from Finland

I am taking you back to the summer, to this lovely Träskända Manor. Nestled among lush greenery and surrounded by blooming flowers, the manor stands as a testament to timeless elegance. It invites visitors to explore its charming architecture and rich history, all while offering a perfect backdrop to be shared in the delightful Thursday Doors

Summer sunset

Photography

I was going to leave it to one photo, but I couldn’t resist capturing more of the breathtaking scenery. The misty sunset painted the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple, creating a mesmerizing display of nature’s beauty. Surrounded by the tranquility of the countryside, there were no neighbors in sight, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the moment. The absence of gnats or mosquitoes was a welcome surprise, and as the clock neared 11pm, the lingering light of the sunset filled me with a sense of contentment. It was a perfect ending to a busy day, leaving me feeling truly happy. 😃

I took photos to all directions but east, I was too lazy to go and walk to the road. Instead, I found a myself staying on our own plot of land , It ialways nice to see how the colors and light varies depending which direction I am looking at.

Our summer home and sauna looking towards South

South view

pointing my camera to the west in these two photos

You see what I mean, could you limit your photos to one, maybe, me no way. Sorry for the overload

Wordless Wednesday

Photography

A Mystical Dreamscape

Captures from Finland, Landscapes

A serene Finnish lakeside, the air thick with warmth and the scent of pine. As the sun dips below the horizon, a soft mist rises from the water, cloaking the landscape in mystery. The birch trees stand like silent sentinels, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze. The sky, painted in hues of lavender and dusky pink, seems to hold its breath, waiting for the stars to emerge.

In these misty summer nights, time loses its grip. The world becomes a dreamscape, where reality and imagination intertwine. The distant call of a loon echoes across the water,. The wooden sauna, perched at the edge of the shore, emits a comforting warmth, inviting late-night conversations and laughter you can hear carrying across the water.

As darkness settles in, the mist thickens, blurring the boundaries between land and water. The moon, casts its glow upon the ripples, creating a shimmering path that leads to infinity. Perhaps it’s the magic of these nights that makes lovers embrace each other, stealing a kiss under the veil of mist. Or maybe it’s the promise of endless possibilities—the feeling that anything could happen in this enchanted realm.

In Finland’s misty warm summer nights, reality fades, and enchantment takes hold. It’s a time when the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the heart opens to the beauty of the ephemeral are you by the lake or next to the fields

Mist rises like a delicate veil, weaving through the grasses and clover. It’s as if the earth exhales, releasing whispers of relief of the warm day.

The trees, their branches etched against the fading light, stand sentinel. Each leaf catches a droplet of mist, turning it into a tiny gem. The air is cool, yet infused with warmth—the remnants of a sun that lingers in memory. Birds settle on fence posts, their calls softened by the mist, creating a symphony of hidden melodies.

As the last rays slip away, the mist thickens, blurring the boundaries between earth and sky.

Sunset is always a treat

Landscapes, Photography

Visit to the outhouse around 11 PM, the sun is setting, nothing spectacular, but always a joy to see colors in the sky. The spots on the window, just dirt. Plus, this is an unedited shot, something I rarely post. Live dangerously… 🙂

The header shows the colors at slightly different direction.

This is for Cellpic Sunday and Sunday Stills

Lens-Artists Challenge #303 – Connections

lens-artists, Photography

Connections, Donna wrote so beautifully about this topic and gave such great inspiration as how to approach the challenge, it gave ideas I could not have thought about.

It’s simple.

The connections we make to people, places, things and ideas, are what give purpose and meaning to our lives.

I have photographed this path – road so many times during the 28 summers we have spent here. I have an emotional connection to it. I love to watch how the light and shadows play on it during different times of the day and during different seasons depending on the sun level. It looks totally different in the summer versus autumn. But to the topic, I have a connection to it. I have spent so much time here I’ve watched my boys grow here and be connected to this place, we have moved several times , but our summer place is a constant. We have with our own hands refurbished and built to what it is now our own getaway.

As a child, we lived by the sea. I wandered through forest to be at the seaside, my bare feet sinking into dew-kissed grass on the way. The forest whispered secrets—how to listen, how to observe. I learned the language of birds—their melodies echoing through the canopy of trees. The scent of pine needles and damp earth seeped into my skin, becoming a part of me. The forest next to the sea has its own distinctive scent, I can still remember it.

Spring unfurled delicate blossoms, and I danced with dandelions, their seeds carried away by the wind. Summer brought lovely shades of green, flowers of many colors and light, warm nights. The wonder of light filled nights surprises me every year. You know they come but you are still amazed. Autumn was a symphony of crunching leaves, bright colors, musky scent and soft tones that comes with low light. I am not going to touch winter , I grant you that it can be beautiful, a big but, I do not feel no connection to it. I am connected to my homeland, my roots are here.

Animals and people, the connection so important so comforting, and it unconditional. The comfort of a cat purr at your touch, dog looking at you with trusting eyes, the loyalty of the constant companionship. Animals have an innate ability to understand our emotions, connect with us on a spiritual level, and offer us healing when we need it most. They remind us that we are all connected and to be mindful of our relationship with the natural world.

I am not going to touch the topic of family… too much to say about that. But it is obviously one of the most important connections we have in good and bad. We all have our own story …

Last week we stepped out of reality with John’s challenge, AI. There is always room to learn something new, and John sure gifted us that opportunity, though I was rather reluctant to do so. I am already working on next week’s challenge, you will see what I come up with by checking my blog. Join me Saturday 12:00 EST to find the next challenge.

Interested in knowing more about the Lens-Artists challenge? Click here for more information.

Bee happy

Photography

Have a great weekend 🐝 be happy 😃

Busy 🐝 Bee

Captures from Finland, Flowers, Nature, Photography

For Cee´s Flower of the Day.

Midnight in the summer is magical

Captures from Finland, Landscapes, Photography

For Debbie´s Six Words Saturday

Cloud watching

Captures from Finland, Photography

We have had what we a typical Finnish summer lately, that’s to say, constantly changing weather, rain, clouds, sunshine and anything between.

Lahti harbour is where you will meet us Lahti residents, and summer residents especially in the summer. The harbour is full of restaurants and cafés. We had coffee at cafe Kariranta Located in the old Vesijärvi train station building, Kariranta is the true gem of the harbour. Pastries baked in the café will make your mouth water.

Coffee and strawberry and blueberry cheesecake

We went there after having chosen the paint to our kitchen floor. We have always thought that it was old traditional gray paint used in old houses, and apparently it is, but actually it was green with gray tones. So weird 😊

Thank you!

Captures from Finland, Photography

I am writing to to apologize for not having responded to all your comments, I have read them and I appreciate your time that you have taken to write them and look through the photos I have posted. I thank you! Below is my excuse 🙂

Finnish summer is usually mild and warm with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The days are long and the nights are short. In fact, during midsummer, the sun never sets in some parts of Finland.

That is a fact and due to that, I like many others, feel quilt if I spend a sunny summer day inside. Weather is topic well discussed here as it can change so quickly, from sunny to cloudy to rain and back again to sunny. As the days are long I spend most of my summer days outdoors.

On a warm sunny morning I start the day by having my breakfast on the patio, the sun is shining bright and the sky is blue. The birds are chirping and the flowers are in full bloom. I love soaking up the sun and enjoying the warm weather, enjoying the peace and quiet of nature. when the time comes to have lunch, we shall enjoy it outside. And well rest of the day is mostly spent outside. We enjoy going to the beach, swimming in lakes, hiking in the forest and having barbecues with friends and family or just sitting and reading, laying in the hammock. Summer, bliss. Basically I am outside from 9 am to 9 pm. Then I am too tired to do anything much.

I tell you all above, because I am outdoors all the time, weather has been OK, not hot, not cold. Comfortable- and I have been outside otherwise I feel like I am committing a crime. We have a long, and cold winter when we get to spend most of our time inside so you HAVE to be out in the summer.

Here are some of our summer joys to accompany this post. Nature is giving us some lovely berries from our own yard. Bilberries from the forest and we have few redcurrants shrubs , strawberries are from the marketplace.

Sailing to marina

Captures from Finland

I am in a slump, you know, I want to do things, I paln to do things, it is my intention and then, I do nothing. Here is one thing I decided to do, and finaly did. A post,

I took these yesterday at Porkkala Marina, we had a lovely brunch there and saw of this wonderful old sailboat, sitting at the dock wathing the ripples on the water. So peaceful…

2nd of July

Captures from Finland, People

It has been a tiring three weeks, but I finally think I have beaten the flu. There seems to be lots of it going around. Maybe I can now get back to certain flow to get may Grete photos posted. But here is just a small summer greeting from my summer place.

Lakeside blues and cool water topped with ice-cream, can you top that? Summer!

Sweet strawberries, the season first for me and they were so tasty and sweet, one of my favorite treats of summer, fresh strawberries and new potatoes.

fresh tasty and sweet strawberries — Fresh strawberries

Fields of hay on a summer afternoon — Summer day in the countryside

Midsummer

Captures from Finland, Landscapes

it is that time of the year again, the amount of light we get, the longest day passed, but we are now celebrating midsummer here in Finland, lot’s of people are driving to countryside to enjoy the this festive season, to be bitten by mosquitos, but some may choose to stay in the cities. Well we came to our summer house to enjoy the light nights and warm summer days that the forecast has promised us for this weekend.

I am still coughing my brains out, tired from lack of sleep as soon as I try to lay my head on the pillow, well in my case at the moment pillows you can say bye bye to sleep. So I haven’t had any energy to post anything. But for midsummer I have to do something to celebrate, I took these at out last visit, it was full moon time, I never got around to posting them, so here is some beauty from one of my favorite places. Beautiful Finnish countryside in the summer.

Droplets

Flowers

As I stated in my 52 Frames post, that I would post a separate post about droplets. Here it is.

I love photographing them, most of them are not worth the digital space they take and sometimes I am lucky and I am happy with them and share them. As you have guessed, I am happy how these turned out. Minimalist, simple and green.