Surviving (well)

I'm sorry. I've forgotten this place. Didn't mean to!

In the meantime, J found a new home only 200 metres from mine. It is practical and very nice indeed. We're gradually getting used to this new situation. We like it being close...

In the meantime, I found some consultancy work which gives me enough income to survive the winter. Luxury! It may be that people who take their montly salaries (or some kind of benefits available to non-entrepreneurs) for granted don't quite get this. However, I feel more than relieved now, after a long period of uncertainty.

Another highlight of this autumn was certainly the 5-day trip to Grandchamp. Such healing presence. Such a caring group... let alone the sisters themselves who again welcomed us so warmly. Nous rendons grâce a Dieu.

Away

Hi. Anyone out there?

July is the month when everyone is away from home in this country. So has it been for me too. I've been away in Kangasala (participating in the annual Paradise Week with a number of old & new friends), in Pöllösaari (at a relative's idyllic summer cottage on a remote island in Lake Saimaa, some 300 km from here) and recently in Åland. On the main island of Åland, we did an enjoyable 3-day bike tour totaling about 100 km. It was very warm...

My favourite place

Last week was my eighth time in Taizé. And, despite the place feeling so very familiar by now, the week was filled with uniquely fresh encounters and experiences. Such a refreshing experience!

Life back home hasn't become any easier. The money worries are still very real, Mom's health is less and less stable, and my back pains are back. Even so, I know that I'm not alone in any valley of the shadow of death. Everything belongs.

J liked his first time in Taizé very much too. We are both touched deeply by "Beati voi poveri". How's that for a mutual Theme Song?!

White substance

One thing is constant this year: snow. And some more snow. And... yet another snowfall.

Despite the ever-recurring white substance, we seem to be moving towards a warmer season. Luckily, there will be another Lapland trip soon, stopping this dangerous development. Both cross country and downhill will be on our menu.

Update

I'm sorry, again! Haven't been around. (For the same reason as last time I reckon.)
To give a quick update, I'm posting three recent pictures.



1. Never during my lifetime has there been so much snow in Helsinki. Now that's a lot!
2. The days are finally getting longer and lighter.
3. The happy-feet life goes on.