Day 158.

Thursday again. In the morning, ice hall, watched DD practise her double Salchow -- she fell 30 + times, went back to the coach for instructions, fell some more and then -- pulled it off three times in a row, a perfect little double jump! She was so happy, and the coach seemed pretty pleased, too. 

Aksu helping me with the mouse.

The poor crane.

Our crafts class made origamis today. Very difficult for me, but I did manage to make a rose, a tulip, a parrot, a butterfly and a crane. The crane looks very old and wrinkly. I will, however, practise making them, because they are supercute!

Day 157.

We had freshly baked rolls for breakfast. A little research into the magic world of baking revealed that one can refrigerate the dough overnight and  it doesn't die on you.

Spent three hours talking with a friend I hadn't seen in the past 10 years or so. Lots of catching up to do, so we will continue in about two weeks.

Day 156.

DH stayed at home, the doc gave him painkillers for his back which is hurting like hell and a few days off. DD had her second class in swim jumping and had the best of times. I read a book.

Day 155.

As DD and I were heading out of the door, DH returned. He is having a combination of a headache and a stomach ache, which I am hoping is not anything contagious. But in any case, he spent most of the day on the sofa asleep.

I had coffee with a friend, bought vitamin B12 and milk, got home and made bean patties for dinner. A little dry, but ok.

DD came home from school a little upset, there seems to be some sort of a turmoil going on in the class. She wouldn't go into details, but clearly it's a big deal for some of the kids.

Not a day that one would describe as eventful but I like them like this.

Days 153 & 154.

Had my birthday yesterday and forgot the blogging altogether. Got a cd from DH, Lovestrong by Christina Perri. And made a cake with tons of chocolate. Shared it with family and friends.

DD is at the ice hall and will go swimming afterwards. DH is at the gym. I'm hanging out with the cats and enjoying a cup of tea. And listening to the new CD. How I wish I could sing!

Day 152.

Went to town for coffee -- twice. Baked a cake for tomorrow. Knitted a little. Bought some more yarn from a sale. DD's xmas pressies arrived -- finally. Aren't they cute?

Day 151.

Breakfast by the computer.

DD soaking her feet after two rounds of skating in one day: first practise at the ice hall and then outdoors skating with school. The latter was better than she had expected, maybe because the teacher had said that while the other learn the basics, she can do whatever she wants. :) 

A little something I've been making lately.

Day 150.

While DD was at school, I pushed the hoover around a little and then settled down for a bit of crafting. Then off to the shop and to meet DD for her hair dresser's appointment, just a little trim this time. During the evening the usual: dinner, dishes, laundry and a bit of talking about questions larger than life including why do people have diabetes and who decides on national borders.

Day 149.

I should get freebies from Houkutus cafe. I was there again this morning to meet another lovely lady from the office.

DD started a 12-week class in swim jumping. Along with 8 little boys. She loved the coach (who is 15!!) and the way she called them A and the boys. And she loved the jumping and is looking forward to next week's class!

Day 148.

DH's new toy.  From the trash. Runs on a battery and has a very loud alarm. Very loud.

Monday started off well with a cup of coffee with a friend and continued with a brilliant movie, Into the Wild. I've always been fascinated with people on the road, hence my greatest hero has been for year Jack Kerouac. I liked the movie and at the end when I realised it was based on a true story, googled Chris and found interesting stuff about the controversy of his Alaskan experience and death. And Fairbanks City Bus 142, it's still there with folks visiting. Weird. But intriguing.

DD has skating in PE this week, and no skates, no outdoors skates that is. Or rather,  the pair she has is a bit too small for woollen socks and all. So hope for the best as we hunt for a second hand pair of proper skates, not the ones you can buy at a supermarket.

Day 147.

A good lazy Sunday. I'm in the blogging mood, so more next week :)

Day 146.

A wintery day with snow and about - 5 degrees Celcius.

DD had practise, after which she ate her weekly supply of candy and did homework under the influence of sugar. We had sushi for late lunch and I wish I had made just a little bit more.

Aksu the Cat wanted to go for a walk, but was rather dissappointed with all the snow.

Day 145.

DD spent the day at a friend's house. DH and I watched two movies and made pizza. Nothing more to report for today.

Day 144.

5: 15 am wake up
5:50 am wake up DD
6: 10 am head for the ice hall
6:45 am DD starts practise, I head for a walk with a friend and a dog
7:30 am DD off ice and off to school
8 am lie down for a nap
10:30 am off to the post office with a complaint
11 am walk back home dragging a huge parcel, sweat and swear a lot
12 noon trip to the corner store for milk and bread
 3 pm DD calls from school that she is going to a friend's house
4:10 pm DH home from work
5:25 pm call DD to come home
6 pm dinner
8 pm Idols on telly
9 pm DD to bed
10 pm fall asleep

Day 143.

Aksu the Cat is doing much better today, he has eaten, used the litter box and is now sleeping peacefully on the sofa just next to me. He's is still weak and a little "off" but luckily it seems we don't have to make another trip to the vet's. Knock on wood.

Because I didn't want to leave Aksu, I haven't been outside apart from taking the trash out. Luckily I have a pantry and a 10 kg bag of potatoes, so I baked bread (with oats and pumpkin seeds) and made a lovely veggie shepherd's pie with soy and beans instead of meat. And in case I don't want to go to the shop even later on, I found some berries.

Day 142.

A day full of drama. Aksu the Cat seemed to be recovering from his operation well, but early in the morning he went all limp. I called the vet's and they told me to keep a close eye on him and bring him over in case he didn't cheer up. He didn't. We spent the afternoon at the vet's with Aksu getting blood works done and fluids pushed in IV. Not a happy cat, I assure you. The nurses or whatever they are called were great and the doctor, too. Now he's at home recovering and we are hoping that he won't have to go back tomorrow for another IV session, which included a black hood over his head and two little nurses wearing long sturdy gloves holding him back with a lot of weight and force.

I am sooo tired. 

Day 141.

Today I took Aksu the Cat to the vet's -- he got one of his nails stuck on the paw on Saturday and needed help. He got doped, the nail was cut and the bits and pieces removed from the paw and after a shot of antibiotics and pain killers was released home. It took him good two hours to sleep it all off and then he headed right to the bowl as he was kept off food from last night. Now he's ok!

DD is back in school, and happily so, I might add. She was pleased to see her friends and headed off to a friend's house after school.

Day 140.

The first day of the new year: sunshine,  - 7 degrees Celcius, lovely white stilton with apricots, watching a fun movie, spending time with the family. No complaints, so far the year has been great.

Day 139.

Last day of the year and day 139 of my sabbatical. Two naps, fireworks, cheese fondue, a little wine, and good laughs. Not a bad way to spend the last day of the year. Looking forward to the new year and new adventures.

Day 138.

I'm posting this a day late. As I missed blogging yesterday as most of the day was spent on a bus or asleep. My ear has been aching and feels funny, so I'm a little off everything. But we made it back home even in the horrible road conditions and DD bought me a little pressie at the Nurmes ABC-gas station just to make me feel better.

Day 137.

Forgot to take my camera along when we took the kids out to play in the snow. Oh well. Snowmen, snow lanterns and snow spiders were created in no time at all.

Tomorrow we head back home. 

Day 136.

Marking the towels using band aid and a pen. Clever, eh?

Yesterday we ended up staying inside listening to the howling wind and being grateful that the power stayed on. This morning, DD and her granny went to a gym stick class in the morning and now most of the crew took of for a swim. I'm doing laundry and will watch the last episode of Upstairs, Downstairs. In the living room, the other remaining folks are watching sports.

Day 135.

We are at the timeshare villa thingie that my in-laws have reserved for this week. DD is running about with her two cousins, and the grown-ups are going about their own business -- reading, going out for walks etc. Good times.

The villa is quite nice, three bedrooms, a large living room area and a loft. Beds for eight and some spare mattresses, too. We are five adults and three kids, so it's pretty perfect. The kitchen is fully equipped and the nearest shop is just about a kilometer away. And the internet works perfectly, there's also a computer upstairs, but it has been overtaken by the kids. 

My MIL is a phenomenal cook and baker, she does good basic Finnish dishes that are to die for -- so this week DD and I are eating meat. Not the end of the world for either of us. And the meal times and coffee breaks come at regular hours, so energy levels are kept at max.

I brought along DD's laptop (I still don't have one of my own), a book, a crocheting hook and some yarn so I should be well entertained. The kids will do some swimming and downhill skiing (weather permitting) and at one point or another, everyone is kicked out for a walk. Yes, we have done this before, it's like "Dinner for One" , the same procedure as every year. But it's all good.

Day 134.

Took the bus with DD to Vuokatti. Scary ride, as there were tons of sleet on the road and the bus driver was very liberally driving on the wrong side of the road, too. Now DD is happily playing with her cousins, and I am looking forward to coffee and cake :)

Day 133.

A good day, indeed.

Day 132.

Christmas. In the morning, a bit of cleaning while DD and DH went to town to watch people panic over last minute purchases. Rice porridge for lunch, DD went out for a while, I had a nap, made lasagna and played Monopoly. Plenty of candy and some small presents. And the gingerbread house got attacked by I don't know what....

Day 131.

Done today:
- coffee with  a friend in the morning
- stop by at the supermarket for milk and black pepper
- library with DD
- nap with Aksu the Cat
- listen to DD and her friend giggle while they apply liberal amounts of make up
- make DD and her friend wash their  faces twice
- coffee with a friend in the afternoon

To do tomorrow:
- a little laundry to make sure we are presentable at MIL's house on Monday
- make rice porridge in the morning and lasagna for dinner
- make sure someone gets the ice cream from the corner store!!
- play Monopoly, eat chocolate and read a book or two

Day 130.

DD's school ended today and we started our modest Christmas preparations. A bit of cleaning, little shopping (tuna, cheese and chocolate), nothing too fancy or complicated. Found some candles in the cupboard, had to lit them and have a cup of coffee in their dim light. Life is good.

Day 129.

This morning I went into DD's school to watch their Christmas party -- pretty traditional stuff and a wee bit boring, to be honest. the choir sang quite nicely though, and DD looked cute. Later during the day they watched Shaun the Sheep and ate candy....oh the joy of getting a top education?!

I ran some errands and had coffee with a friend. And cleaned two cat litter boxes and a shower drain. No wonder I needed a nap!

Tomorrow is the last day of school, they go in for an hour. So I'm guessing tomorrow will include cleaning and laundry and shopping.

Day 128.

A lof of present wrapping going on -- DD bought pressies for 6 of her friends, with her own money, mind you. Cosmetics mainly :) I've also done some wrapping, but nothing major as we don't do a lot of presents.

No snow yet. Very depressing. And the flu is not going anywhere. Tomorrow I will take my sorry self to DD's school for the Christmas party, as I want to hear the choir sing, and I'm pretty sure I will cry, too.

Day 127.

Got the flu. Not getting much done. DD had her skating club's xmas party and she needed her hair in a bun. That much I managed.

Day 126.

Rainy Sunday. Aksu the Cat decided he needed to get his own room, so he took over a box. DD had practise and we went to see the annual Christmas Fair -- bought a loaf of bread and some locally made ice cream. Now packing up Snowman Soup for DD's little skating friends. A busy but fun week ahead!

Days 124 & 125.

Yesterday we had our company xmas party, it's always a family affair, as the families join in the fun. DD loved the party, as always, mainly because one of her best friend's dad is my colleague and the girls got to do some giggling they can't do at school (I hope). The party was lovely, but being gone for the past few months, there were so many people I didn't know and some jokes I didn't get. But it was good to see many familiar faces and the cake was brilliant.

DD is at the next party, a friend's bday party which is held here.  I'm sure there will be a major meltdown later on. DH went to get some pizza for us. And the cats are doing what they do best, sleeping. I think I'm off for a little nap myself.

Days 122 & 123.

We have been running about like a couple of mad people -- shopping for winter shoes, mailing Xmas cards, taking DD to the physiotherapist.... and the run continues until next Thursday when school break starts. DD is having a present crisis, she cannot figure what she wants for Christmas so it seems she will get stuff she needs. Dreadful, I know. I've asked for peace and quiet, not sure if it will emerge. More tomorrow with photos, I hope.

Day 121.

Knitting, playing with paper and glue, eating leftover cake...oh and someone in our household has a pair of heels, size 36. A lot of walking practise going on...

Day 120.

DD is now 11. To celebrate, she decorated the cake I made in the morning and for dinner we had some egg mayo sandwiches, as requested by the bday girl. She got the pressies she asked for; a pack of felt tips and a Top Model design booklet thingie. Easy day! Much easier than eleven years ago.... :)

Day 119.

Went shopping, DD got a little dress to wear for Xmas parties.

The little cat loves documentaries. She also goes behind the TV to look for birds and horses, which are her favourites.

Day 118.

All set for gingerbread decoration!

The key to solid building is using tons of icing. Or not.

The 10-year age difference showed only in the quality of the decorations, not the amount of used sugar and candy.

DD ended up giggling under the table. After that she went for a nap.

These ladies (decorated by me) look like they could be working at the Oktoberfest carrying huge pints.

The first scraf finished, using yarn called Argentina, a pain to knit but looks fun, so come and get it Kaija!

Day 117.

DD and her friend ate four cinnemon rolls and washed them down with a litre of lingonberry juice.

Pizza with three cheeses and a little side salad.

Puzzle piece transforming into something else.

Baking and playing with puzzle pieces. DD went swimming after school and DH is at his garage working on a project of his own. I'm making coffee and having a cinnemon roll!

Day 116.

For a Thursday, the day was not half bad. After the early morning stroll to the ice hall, I got back home, had coffee and watched Anthony Bourdain. Then off to town to get DD's cousin a Bday pressie. Later, coffee with a friend and TV with DH.

Days 114 & 115.

Yesterday was Independence Day and we spent it in Jyväskylä in a figureskating competition. Good laughs, talks, meeting new people and old friends and creating memories for the kids who were sooo tired but sooooo happy. And yes, we let them eat candy at 9 pm on the train.

DD took a day off from school today and slept until 10 am. Then we had a bit of homeschooling going on, and I just sent her off to practise at the ice hall. I'm beaten and feel like having a huge hangover without the booze. A good day pretty much wasted but c'est la vie, as they say.

For dinner, a lovely tomato and lentil soup boiling up. Winter food.

Day 113.

Getting ready for spending Independence Day at the Jyväskylä ice hall. That's about it for today and tomorrow. Hyvää itsenäisyyspäivää huomiselle, me ollaan Jyväskylän jäähallissa koko päivä!

Day 112.

I have three different knitting projects started. And I'm planning a fourth one, but don't have enough needles. And I am taking turns reading two books, which is very unusual for me. Multitasking?

DH helped DD to revise for a forthcoming test in physics, the topic was space and the solar system -- love listening to their discussions, they both get a little carried away at times. Having gone through the materials, they went for a walk to clear their heads.

I'm making a list for tomorrow, must be prepared for an early start on Tuesday to make it to Jyväskylä. 

Day 111.

Got some supplies in town, some bamboo yarn and a bottle of matte accents. I have some fun projects planned out. But today we focussed on DD learning to knit, they are doing it at school and it's not going too well. There was some drama and tears, but finally we settled down and she was able to knit a few rounds. Tomorrow we are planning three 15 minute sessions...let's see how that goes.

Day 110.

Walked to town in the morning and it was snowing, raining and snowing. The walk takes about 8 minutes so that's a lot of changes in the weather. Too many for my liking.


Had a lovely cup of coffee with a lovely friend. Afterwards, went to the craft shop and held bundles of yarns, came home with the two I was planning to buy. But could have easily spent all my non-existing money there. And they had all sorts of cute buttons, too. And ribbons. I love ribbon.

In the afternoon, donated blood and made of list of unfinished projects I may want to finalise before Xmas. Oh dear. 

Day 109.

December. The snow is almost gone. It's dark. Not enjoying this at all.

DD got her first pressie from the Advent Calendar, a litte mouse and candy. She was overly happy and not upset with the wrapping which is recycled forest magazine pages as I refuse to buy Xmas wrapping :)

I spent 3 hours knitting. Good fun.