Happy in Finland

Tag: Winter

  • Winter Gardening

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    by

    richbedhall
    in ,

    This winter in the South of Finland we have had a disappointing amount of snow. In the capital region it has only been possible to cross country ski where the city authorities have created tracks from snow blower made snow. As a result, these places are very busy with keen skiers and for me, a…

  • A Warmer Spell

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    by

    richbedhall
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    It’s a real nuisance when in the middle of winter, a warm spell occurs.  Plus 1 or 2 above freezing leads to a small melt. The roads may be cleared of snow completely, but the walking tracks, and footpaths with compacted snow melt slightly and then refreeze solid and very slippery.  Boots with studs become…

  • At last – Spring!

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    by

    richbedhall
    in ,

    This last winter has been dragging on for nearly six months.  Snow in November, and on and off until surprising us all with a last blast of 20cm in mid-April. Here in Southern Finland, we thought Spring was well underway in early April with warm sunny days. The Snowdrops and Crocus were flowering and then…

  • Waiting for Summer

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    richbedhall
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    My motto of ‘Happiness is an inside job’ is particularly valuable when it is minus ten outside with light snow showers.  I don’t envy those who have to work outside in this colder weather. In Finland, most of the outside work closes down for the winter.  Building sites go quieter after the summer and autumn…

  • The Finn Edge

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    by

    richbedhall
    in

    The English Migrant’s View Having moved here to Espoo with my lovely Finnish wife in late September 2012, I was looking forward to the adventure of setting up home in a new country.  I had visited previously in 2006 with a group of my business and agricultural students which was unforgettable particularly as we drove…

  • Between You and the Road

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    richbedhall
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    From the 1st of November to 31st March in Finland, tyres are required appropriate for the conditions, a legal requirement but also drivers will notice a huge benefit on snow using winter tyres. Summer tyres are made of harder rubber for better wearing characteristics in warmer weather and also have less aggressive tread patterns for…

  • Some Snow How

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    by

    richbedhall
    in ,

    Coping with a long Finnish winter is mostly about mindset and preparation.  Of the two, being properly prepared is important and also helps the mindset.  October is the month for getting ready for winter and not just admiring the misty mornings and leaves falling. Since moving to Finland, I have got into a winter preparation…