Thursday, 1 May, 2008, Ivalo, Finland~

Dear Journal~

Terve!  Miita kuuluu?  Kiitos hyvaas!

As you can see, it's me, Sari Annike, writing.  It wouldn't be my Dutch friend Miep Groenveldt writing--or maybe perhaps Louisiana Sandusky, my friend in America! LOL  Hope this finds you in good health.  Me, I'm doing okay (for the most part).

I have my days, some days my health gives me no end of trouble (MS or fibromyalgia); other days I can get by with just my cane and hardly have any pain at all.  It's a day by day situation.

That's what makes having something like MS or fibro so maddening because you NEVER know how they are going to manifest themselves, in terms of symptoms!

Last month, around the fifteenth of April, Nik, I, and the kids went to Holland.  We met my friend Miep at the aeroport, and she showed us around Amsterdam, where she lives.  Holland is a most beautiful country, but small.  Finland's bigger than Holland. 

I had trouble understanding the people when they spoke Dutch; Dutch is a very gutteral sounding language.  It sounds like they constantly need to clear their throats when they talk! LOL

We just got back last week, last Friday, as a matter of fact.  We had a wonderful time there; it was good to get away, even if it was only for a little while!

Nik and I are becoming quite the little world travelers:  we've been to Africa, Greece, Norway, Sweden, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Russia, and now Holland (the Netherlands).  Maybe we can add Japan, China, Israel, or Germany (or perhaps Switzerland) to that list. 

Speaking of travel, I heard from my friend, Louie Sandusky in America.  She's getting ready to go to Louisiana, for this huge crawfish festival that she and her family attend every year.  Louisiana is from Louisiana (LOL Doesn't that sound strange?? LOL), and so going to this crawfish festival is like going back home for her.  I hope they have a most wonderful time at the crawfish festival!!

I shall pray for a safe journey for them all.  They're going next weekend.

I still have to email her.  Been too busy chasing kids, working, going to university.  Am getting ready to graduate next month; it's been a long, hard struggle, but I finally have made it.  I am most proud of my academic achievements, especially considering how unpredictable my health's been as of late!

My friend Helvig is working now; he finally got a job, which pleased me.  He's working at a local fishery five days a week; he says it's not the best job, but it's a living; at least he can now pay his bills on time. 

I just hope when he comes to see me, he bathes; I don't want him stinking like fish!! LOL

Ilsa is working, too, now; working at a travel agency.  Don't see her as much as I used to.  Maybe this weekend we can get together.  Maybe even Hel can join us; maybe we can go camping or perhaps to the movies.  Or take the children to the zoo; they'd like that.

Well, I am going to go now; Nik says it's time to eat.  He made lunch, also babysat the children while I wrote in here.  Nice of him to give me a break; I needed it!  Kids unusually hyperactive today, especially Birtta:  she's into everything! LOL

Until later, this is Sari saying "Nakemiin"!  Maybe later we'll go to the Mayfest activities; there's a huge Mayfest celebration going on, with fireworks, music, parades.  Maybe we'll run into Hel or Ilsa there; I don't think they're working today.  It's a national holiday here in Finland.

Nakemiin again! LOL

~Love, your friend, Sari Annike. :)