A few days ago we got a present from the local farmer, Jaakko, a small silver birch, which I planted among the plumtrees, stawberries and all sorts of weird, rare species that grow on our courtyard. Jaakko is over 70 and retired (do farmers and musicians ever retire?) and is one hell of a character. Obviously he know a lot about plants and seeds and all that, but also has a passion for italian opera, Puccini being his favourite, and is an educated man in all respects. And you guessed it, he has some interesting ,old machinery stashed in his barn; an old Austin from -46,a 50s BMW, immaculate Ariel motorbike from the 50s, just to name a few.
Everytime we talk with the locals, they seem to know the house we live in. " Oh, I remember your house", said one guy, a few years younger than me. "We use to have wild parties there, when I was a teenager. One time I passed out on the porch". Interesting...
I have also been getting ready for the autumn, picking redcurrants from a huge bush next to our house. These berries, as you all know, are a good source of vitamins and all sorts of good things for your body. Especially good for me right now, since I´ve been fighting a nasty bug that I cought in Holland. It´s made me a crumpy ,old man, and I´ve been coughing the hell out of my lungs. Haven´t been the easiest guy to live with, but I´m getting better:). This allways happens when I make a decision to start going to the gym to shape my allready allmost perfect body...
looking forward seeing you all in october.
mudster
