walking

I had a glorious day off yesterday. We set off in the morning for the long(ish) walk to my parent's house and took our time moseying along the scenic routes. The dogs loved it and my parent's old monster Nana was brave enough to even cool off in the lake (twice!)! Our puppy-bear wasn't so enthusiastic to try. :) 

We walked along and paused to laugh at Koda trying to eat dandelions. I bet there is a real field in his bowels now. 

I had a tremendous time taking pictures of the wild flowers (ahem, weeds) that we passed. 

(Aquilegia had apparently spread itself into odd places...And while they are pretty, lupines aren't native to Finland)

We even walked through a bit of the woods that are by the folk's home. 

 Those are forget-me-knots growing on the forest floor! :)

At our final destination, I started to wonder what I should paint (always the hardest part), then realized I didn't have any canvases!!! Talk about disappointment! Fortunately, I had the bright idea of trying for the first time oil pastels, and I must say, once I got used to them, it was actually a nice experience. I didn't take any pictures (oops) but I promise I will next time. Maybe Tuesday. I think Tuesday (my next day off -- and birthday!) I might try my hand again with the oil pastels. Or maybe I can get my hands on some canvases. We'll see. Anywhoo, it felt so good to play with the colors on paper again. It had been too long!

And guess what my most-awesomest-ever husband did while I doodled? HE CUT SQUARES FOR MY QUILT!! How is that for love? :) And props to him, he did a better job at it then I did!

We ended the day with a great picnic dinner (ok, sandwiches but they were yummy!) at the garden and proceeded to water plants and plant the last seeds (lettuces and flowers we had forgotten, oops).

It was a really lovely day. I can't wait for Tuesday!! 

This morning we took a quick trip to the store and passed the cathedral which has pretty lilacs and roses in bloom. The smell was good enough to bottle, it's such a shame that it isn't so simple.

 Remember this bush? I took a photo of it HERE when it was bear and full of little birds.

The white roses are "juhannusruusut" = midsummer's roses.

Thanks for reading and if I don't have time to blog again soon, have a happy weekend!!!