Spring Report

It is the time of year when Finnish schoolchildren get their interim spring school report. Henry, somewhat reluctantly, produced his yesterday.

For children in the fourth class the grades are not given as numbers but categories. The system is such that first the child evaluates him- or herself and then he or she is given the teacher's evaluation, which is followed by some discussion.

The categories are as follows:

• needs considerable support
• needs support
• knows the key elements
• good
• excellent

Below Henry's results:

(Click on the photo to get a bigger version.)

There is a space for parents' comments. So what do I say?

Pancake Tuesday

Pancake Tuesday is celebrated in Finland not with pancakes but with cream buns.

Henry decided that it would be a nice surprise if the adults came home to a tray full of cream buns. He had almost finished before I got back from work.

Putting the finishing touches.

The completed article.

Cleaning up the kitchen is not his talent, and judging by the amount of cream and jam used, economic use of ingredients is not his strength either, but he's a good cook.

Well done, Henry!

By special request

Just for Janet, evidence that Henry really does knit.

Update 3 - Wintry Weather

Europe has been having a 'proper winter' this year - nothing too extreme but colder than in recent years. Below a few pictures.

Wintry view from our balcony.

Thomas trying out an old fur hat.


Boys playing in the snow.

Update 3 - Henry's Birthday

Henry has his birthday in January. And a small party was duly arranged.

Henry opening the welcoming drink for the guests (Spruce-Tip Champagne).

The traditional games were played; spining the bottle, blindfolded search, pass the parcel, and water-land.

(One step forward if the item shouted out is related to the sea, e.g. jellyfish; one step back if it related to the land, e.g. worm; one mistake and you are out.)

Thomas ready for his turn at the blindfold search.

The next person's turn.


The birthday meal.


Birthday snacks (with bassist).


A birthday boy somewhat awed by the 'candle'.

Update 2 - Trip to Helsinki

After the Christmas celebrations, some of the Elk's Street team made a quick trip to Helsinki.

Entertainment included a meeting of the Tapiola Cocoa Club, so named because dinner always ends with cocoa.

The January meeting of the Cocoa Club; Tarja, Pentti, Lulu, Tiina, Thomas, and Henry

Cocoa Club cooks.

By coincidence, SaiPa were playing in Espoo during our stay so Thomas and I got to take in one of SaiPa's away games.

Entry of the gladiators.


Thomas, not too impressed by the performance of the first period.

The boys upped their game in the last two periods, so all is well that ends well. Except if you are a home side supporter.

During our trip I got to meet with Roger, who pointed out that we had been in Finland over 20 years.

Roger, looking as youthful as ever.

The weather was quite cold, so to finish, Helsinki city centre seen from a very cold Suomenlinna.

Update 1 - Xmas

Elk's Street has been inundated with work recently, so the blog has had to take a back seat, but now, following complaints from Elk's Street followers, an update and some photos.

Christmas in Elk's Street followed the traditional pattern; cooking, visit from the great man himself, eating, and more eating.

Tiina and Thomas taking a break from the Xmas preparations to perform some circus tricks.

An old man in red.

Thomas after playing his tune for Father Xmas

Henry and Tiina enjoying the Christmas meal.


The head chef got to eat as well.

Lilli resting on the rocking chair.

On the Street

With this morning's temperature around -26 degrees celsius and the town entering the 81st day since the temperature last rose above zero, it might be nice to remember that Elk's Street's weather in not only snow and ice.

Elk's Street is now on Google's Street View service. To look at Elk's Street HQ and stroll around the area (virtually) do the following:

a) Go to maps.google.fi
b) In the search box type the address of Elk's Street's main residence and click on 'Search Maps'
c) In the left panel there will be a drop-down menu 'more'. Click on the triangle pointing downwards and choose 'Street View'
d) HQ is behind the red gate.

The photos are from summer 2009, probably at the end of June or the first week in July.

And if Google had warned us, we'd have trimmed the hedge!