Estonian summer is incredible! Cool temps, lots of sun, green green grass in our yard, the forest and sandy beach nearby, and lovely rains and rainbows. Every day I thank the Lord for the wonderful gift of good weather in this part of the world, when stateside friends are paying AC bills for keeping cool in the sweltering heat. I'm not sure AC units are even sold here. I decided to post photos from a random pool of activity, rather than the usual essay.
Yesterday Olivia and I joined other moms for a walk in the Open Air Museum, a retrospective of old Estonian village life. I was thrilled to finally see it.
Olivia and this little guy were on a serious mission! Both have recently "gotten their legs" and are sturdily running with everything they've got, in pursuit of a horse and buggy that passed by. I loved the fact that Olivia met her match in this endeavor. She left me in the dust many times.
After two hours of exploring and trying to keep up with the others, she and her playmate RoseLynn shared a ride back to the car in the wagon.
Earlier in the week, I discovered Olivia in a pail of rainwater that I had been meaning to dump out. Her lips were purple from the cold. Oops!
Matt finally got to painting the front walkway this week, and I'm loving it (honey I know you do too). Wood weathers easily in one season here, so despite the fact our house is a little under two years old, the wood had turned as gray as that on the rustic buildings at the Open Air Museum. We've been so focused on the back yard that the front entrance has been looking quite Beverly Hillbilly.
We're walking Imbi in our old neighborhood. She always starts out thinking she can't do it. And believe me, I almost think it's not a good idea myself. My mom warned me that stroke victims have impaired judgment that gets them into trouble; they think they can do things they can't. But then we get going, and it turns out to be a lovely time, and her emotions improve with the workout and fresh air. Bath time is a different story, ha! It's my workout while she gets to sit and relax. On this last walk, the lady who bought our flat saw us and delivered a letter for me, from the US Social Security Administration. Oops! Gotta submit that address change.
It takes Imbi about 45 minutes to walk 500 steps, so am very thankful for the play areas nearby.
A garden venture of mine that appears to be going smoothly...pumpkin,
watermelon and potatoes. No oops...yet.
Back in the house, I discovered Olivia doing something I had not expected for a few years. At least.
The most wonderful times are at the beach. Matt and I noticed last week that there's nothing more immediately soothing and relaxing than taking a walk on the shore. All our hard work of the day is forgotten in the sound of the wind, the feel of sand in between our toes, and the always astonishing sight of blue skies and sea.
All that's missing from this otherwise idyllic picture? A wave my hubby could surf on. :D
