Last night Janne and I were lulled to sleep by the otherworldly tune that ice sings as it freezes. It's a sound that's unique to the coldest of nights--a deep, resonant whale song that seems more appropriate for outer space or the deep sea than a tranquil lake in Finland. Lake song in my ear, my eye spied the outline of white, frosty branches through otherwise black windows and reminded me of what a special place this is, and how lucky we've been to live here. The enchanting, winter scenery that greeted us in the morning reinforced this feeling and I went about my morning routine with an extra spring in my step.
Then, I reached for the faucet and discovered that, once again, our water system has failed and life without running water has resumed. That pretty much sums up what life here has been like this past year. Trials and triumphs, ups and downs, fulfillment and disappointment, always played out against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. It certainly hasn't been an easy year, physically or mentally, but it has been a good one.
I'm sorry things have been quiet around here lately. Even life in the backwoods can get busy and demanding and leave little time for hobbies. We're off to do some holiday traveling soon, so it will continue to be quiet for a little while still. But I hope you'll stay tuned! It's taken all my self-control not to write about some of the Christmas goodies I prepared, but all will be revealed post-holiday when no surprises can be ruined. In the meantime, I'd like to say a big, heartfelt thanks to everyone who's read this blog over the past ten months. I've so often been cheered and encouraged by your comments and emails, and you've truly helped make this experience a joy. Here's wishing you all the very best for the holiday season and for 2010!



