Michael’s diary: The rhythm of late Summer in Finland
Michael’s summer in Finland continues to unfold in small but meaningful way, from clearing sheds and tending gardens to fishing lessons with family friends. This week’s diary captures the rhythm of late summer: the long-awaited relief of rain, the fresh taste of smoked fish, and the simple joy of picking berries. A glimpse into everyday life, rooted in Nordic nature and tradition.
Monday: Yardwork, Berries, and a Mysterious Pile of Skis
The weekend passed quickly. Sundays are usually light with a bit of yardwork, nothing major. Most of the work happens Monday to Friday, with Saturday set aside as my full day off from both yardwork and freelance writing.
I started the day with a check on the garden, watering the berry patches running along the wall. We’d had a good harvest already, and I wanted to make sure there’d be more for next time, whether I was here to enjoy them or not, since I knew my cousin appreciated them too.
The previous week had been fairly relaxing and my cousin wanted to make sure we got plenty done this week. The shed was cleaned of everything that was excess within it. Everything unnecessary was pulled down: boards from the beams, piles of odds and ends, nails sticking out where they shouldn’t.
It was a lot.
Among the clutter we discovered more skis: six pairs the week before, three more today, plus a handful of mismatched ones. Why so many? No answers, only more questions, as we left the pile for another day.
More questions than answers as we finished the day, dealing with the pile another time.
Tuesday: Rain Returns to Finland
Rain! Glorious rain!
As someone from British Columbia, I never thought I would be happy to see the rain but it was much needed after weeks of relentless heat. The downpour was intense. There were even flashes of lightning and sounds of thunder booming overhead. The smell was crisp and invigorating and I enjoyed it immensely, more than I thought I would.
I was tasked with sorting a large collection of nails and screws. How long could that take?
The answer: two hours, and I still wasn’t done. The time sorting them was slow and boring, though it was welcome from the previous day’s heavier tasks. Much like the rain. Perspective was helping turn it into something enjoyable.
Wednesday: A Fishing Trip (or Not Quite)
The first time I went fishing was with my grandfather and father many years ago during a summer in Finland. I don’t recall how old I was (I don’t think I was past ten). I do remember catching a small fish and my grandfather putting it back into the water.
The following time was many years later when I was on a lake with my dad. I vividly remember what I caught after a few hours of being on the water. Vegetation. Needless to say, I didn’t think fishing was for me.
But my cousin had found some rods left behind by the previous owners, and my interest was sparked again. We trekked an hour through the forest to a small pond… only to find it gone. The ground was soft and buoyant, but the water had vanished. We could feel the ground underneath being rather buoyant but there was no sign of the water. Had it dried up? I’ve not seen this before… and my cousin was surprised too.
We tried other spots but had no luck. A call from one of our grandfather’s old friends changed everything. He told us the traps we’d found weren’t for fish at all, but for crabs! He had more wisdom than I’d ever know and kindly offered to take us out on his boat another day.
Thursday: A Trip to Kajaani for a Finnish Passport
Back in Kajaani, I needed to sort out my Finnish passport. Without it, I couldn’t open a bank account or access certain services. Oddly enough, passports here are issued at the police station.
My photo was taken at a nearby passport photography shop and I was given a barcode that the Police would use. There was no physical copy. I admit it had been awhile since I had gotten my passport but I could have sworn I needed a physical copy, but, I was told I didn’t.
I headed to the police station and took a number while I sat to wait. There was one other gentleman present and another who showed up later, a quiet day. I was thankful as it didn’t seem as though it would be long. The process was quick: state my name, show my Canadian Passport, and get my finger prints taken. I was told it would take roughly 5 to 8 working days.
I gave my cousin a call and we met up again before wandering around to look at some of the shops, spending more than five hours in the town, walking well over 8,500 steps in total! It was quite a lot for me and I needed to get back home.
We arrived around 6PM got an offer for the fishing trip that evening. I wanted to go, but I was too exhausted.
The others returned later on with three fish. I learned how to quickly clean and cook the fish. Cleaning the fish was fould work and not something I’d want to repeat. At least I can say I did it once! Thankfully there was a smoker that was left behind that we used and the fish was delicious.
Friday: Berry Picking and a Well-Earned Rest
By Friday, both of us were worn out. The week had been full.
I spent the day picking currants with an old berry picker I’d never used before. Clumsy at first, but eventually I got into the rhythm and managed to fill a bowl. We cleaned and lightly sugared them before tucking them away in the freezer.
End of week reflections
The week had come to an end and I was looking forward to my day off coming up. The satisfaction of seeing the place coming together never dulled. The place was coming together, the fruits of our labour literally in hand. My first real summer in Finland was turning out to be truly gratifying. Still, I was looking forward to a quiet weekend, and to September, when Helen would come to visit.
And perhaps, a well-earned break from yardwork.
