postcard from lapland

these beautiful huskies were part of a six-member sledding team that led me around a 35-kilometre trail in saariselka, finnish lapland. i took turns with a latvian lady at steering and riding the sled. at one point during my ride, i felt the sled was going too fast so i turned around to ask her to slow down -- and discovered she had fallen off a while earlier and i was on a driver-less sled! definitely one of the most thrilling moments of the year.

good morning

no matter where i live, the dining table ends up being my favourite spot. i do everything here - eat breakfast, read magazines, work, send text messages and take short naps when the sun is coming in at the right angle...

i am never quite sure how many place mats to use. it feels a bit odd to use two when it's just me, but that's what i do. i often end up switching sides through the day. today, i'm studying finnish on one side and eating on the other.

should i do it?

when the bay freezes over, we have the option of taking a short-cut over the ice. with the past few days of sunshine, the surface has turned a bit slushy, but many of my neighbours are still crossing. should i follow them? would you? here are some factors to consider:
1) there are plenty of people doing it. none of them look worried
2) but there are a few who consider crossing, and don't. you notice that some of these people are with young children.
3) there are some freshly baked cardamom buns and hot coffee waiting at the cafe on the other side.

why hello

spring! we've been looking forward to seeing you! hope you'll stay a while?