Spring

One glass of...

... birch sap.

When the snow melts and spring arrives, the sap rises. This is the time for one of Finland's delicacies - birch sap.

A hole is drilled into the trunk of a birch tree, and a short piece of pipe fitted. As the sap rises, it is collected in a bucket. The fluid is slightly cloudy and has a very delicate taste. Unfortunately, the season is very short indeed, and the birch sap spoils very quickly - it must be drunk within a couple of days.

Thanks are due to Terttu, our source of birch sap (and 'pulla' and Karelian pies).

Pselling

Recently, the university has been spending vast amounts of its scarce resources on marketing. We have a propaganda department (sorry, I mean communications department). We have a new logo (something resembling a wheelchair).We have a slogan ('Open your mind.' Whatever that may mean). And we have a new image (meaning lots of new stationery). There has been a vigorous advertising campaign, including adverts during 'The Simpsons' and a whole host of gimmicks.

One piece of marketing is a hire car with the university's name on the side.




Look carefully!

Somehow there is just no substitute for old-fashioned learning and attention to detail!

(Credit to Jörg for spotting this.)

Scout Parade

Today, Henry took part in the traditional spring Scout Parade. The event was more important than usual, since this year the Finnish Scout Movement is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

It was a bright, chilly day, so the scouts and guides had to wear warm clothes under their uniforms. Particularly since there was quite a bit of hanging around waiting for things to get underway.

Waiting in front of the town hall.

The Finnish uniform is blue, although some troops use brown, as can be seen on the photo. The individual troops are identified by the symbol on their neckerchiefs. The neckerchief is worn at all scout events but the uniform itself is reserved for more formal occasions.

Henry chatting with a friend from his troop.

Naturally, each troop has its own standard; in Henry's case, it is blue.

The end of the march.

Thomas was also present to watch and he took the video below of the troop saluting the stand. Can you spot Henry?

Young Musician 2

Here, for your enjoyment, young musician Thomas playing 'Morning has Broken'.

It was his first public performance and after a bit of a false start things went fine. Hear for yourself!

Elk's Street followers may be wondering what has happened to the French horn. Well, it is fine and well. As yet, however, there are no videos of Thomas on the horn since he's a little shy.

Young Musician

Below, for the enjoyment of Elk's Street followers, a brief extract of Henry's latest piano performace.

The start is missing because of technical problems, coupled with Henry's style - up to the piano, sit down, play. None of this getting focussed stuff!

As our American friends say, enjoy!





And in case you liked that, here is a link to another video, this time of a slightly older and more accomplished musician.






We're gonna have a supper,
We'll eat some food that's rare,
And at the head of the table,
We'll place brother Henry's chair.
Invite all the local big dogs,
We'll laugh and talk and eat,
But we'll save the bones for Henry Jones,
'Cause Henry don't eat no meat.

etc etc.

End of the road...

... for SaiPa this season.

Having, as tradition demands, been tipped to be clearly last in the SM-League, and having, as tradition also demands, confounded the pundits, SaiPa were in the last play-off position with one game to play; SaiPa-Ilves. Two points behind SaiPa were the millionaires of Jokerit Helsinki.

There was a full house of 4825 in Lappeenranta Kisapuisto, and the Willimies fan club made a big effort to arrange a suitable setting (see the photo below).

The Saipa-Ilves 'tifo'.

And what happened?

The home side couldn't cope with the pressure; the wheels fell off the wagon; and the season ended with a 1:5 defeat.

Never mind! The boys did well to hang on in the fight for a play-off place for as a long as they did. And anyway, it's only 5 months to the start of the next season!

H-M's Malaysia Trip

As some Elk's Street followers will know, Po-Po has recently been diagnosed with a serious illness.

H-M decided to make a quick trip to visit her. During her visit, a family gathering was arranged at Alice's place in Penang. Below, a couple of photos of those present.

The whole gang.

One side of the family.

H-M's trip also included a visit to Kwan's new 'Penang Pad'. Below, a couple of photos.

View towards Kek Lok Si (which unfortunately will be somewhat restricted when the new developments are completed).


View towards Penang Hill (over a number of very quiet neighbours).

While in S.P. H-M took the opportunity to paint Po-Po's portrait. Below, the result.

Po-Po (H-M's mother)

H-M and her mother.

The time went very quickly and H-M was soon back in Elk's Street, where she found that the boys had managed fine, and their diet had been more healthy than just pizza, burgers, and ice-cream. (But don't mention the Mixed Grill!)