I forgot to mention, that I take them out onto a frozen lake, surrounded by woods. There's a nearby path that is well lit - so I have to constantly keep an eye out to make sure the odd ball that's out with their dog, is not spotted by mine.
However, it was very difficult tonight because it was darker and because we have so much snow, the branches are heavy with it! But I am not complaining - it's a beautiful sight! I wish I could take photos with my eyes...instead of having a flash alter the photo! The snow sparkles....the pine trees look like they're covered in laced doilies....just so pretty!!
The weird thing about it being so dark tonight, compared to other nights (I suppose the moon has phased out or something like that) - is that I thought of looking up.
The dark sky was clear and you could very easily see all the stars and constellations. It was breath taking. I was very tempted to simply lie on my back, on a frozen lake (Tim refers to it as a pond - but it's huge and going forth will continue to be referred to as a "lake") and just stare.
You just don't get that in Halifax. You don't get to simply look out your window and see stars. We were so happy when we lived in East River - because there wasn't as much pollution and the skies were clear enough for us to see stars on any given night!
January 6th is a holiday in Finland (as mentioned on my Facebook), as a day to take down the Christmas tree - or take down last year's things. Clean up - look forward to what the New Year has to offer you.
And I intend to do so! I am going to finally scrub the windows of Angels and Christmas trees...the snowman in the kitchen is staying on the window...he's winter-y.
But by "holiday" - I mean - seriously - nothing's open! Europeans seem to have several holidays (noted in red on the Finnish calendars) and this is probably one excellent reason as to why they live a happier life style than North Americans.
I am not saying Europeans (or Finns specifically) are lazy!!!! I'm simply saying the longer school session but more frequent breaks and holidays are a huge factor towards their World-Class education and home lifestyle. I had posted an article before, of the Finnish PUBLIC school system being #1 and one of the most sought-after, especially by the UK....some examples from that article include:
- Children are fed a warm and nutritious lunch every school day - free.
- This saves parents' time and money (although I'm sure higher tax rates go towards the lunch) and children stress of being bullied for their lunch money! (As we always see and hear about in the news or in movies in North America).
- Children do not wear their outdoor shoes inside - they are encouraged a relaxed (but firm studying) environment.
- Children address their teachers by their FIRST NAME.
- The school system is designed to encourage everybody -REGARDLESS OF LEARNING LEVEL - to keep up with each other.
- Tim and I both agree that our Canadian public school system often favoured those that were slow on learning something (I am slow in various topics I assure you!) and those that were more advanced, were often held back in the class because of those that needed much more time to grasp topics.
- They excel in math and sciences (I think?)
- Children start school at the age of 7 and graduate by the age of 19 (average). This adds an extra level of maturity.
- The school year goes from Mid-August to June but with several breaks like a March Break and an Autumn break.
- They learn a variety of languages (besides Swedish, Finland's other National Language) such as: German, English, French, Chinese, Estonian, Russian, Spanish and more!
- Students are also taught life skills all though out their schooling.
- Knitting, sewing, crochet
- Cooking
- BUDGETING
- Cleaning and taking care of themselves in a home setting
Just something to think about!
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