Finns enjoy walking on the open ice covering the sea in the winter, but the temperatures this winter have been warm. A short cold spell froze the ice, but the sunny day threatened to make this Sunday afternoon the last possible day to safely go. Pekka and Taina suggested that we try a little walk. They collected some rushes to put in a vase at their living room.
Close to the shore, the ice was solid, except near rocks where it would crumble under our boots. A pool of water had accumulated near the shore, but beyond that was more ice.
The shoreline at the western edge of Espoo have many coves. The bright sun had melted much of the ice just since that morning.
Returning to Pekka and Taina’s house, the large windows facing the sea are prominent.
On some days when I visit Finland, I stay in the house alone when Pekka and Taina have gone to their offices, and work on my computer in the quiet. Now and then, I’ll come up to the big windows for a look onto the sea … but leisurely Sundays with good weather are a rarity.
