I started the New Year 2004 with growing older as my only goal. Irrespective of the weather I like to be out of doors to the extent that I am beginning to resemble an Eskimo. Many retired people in Finland move to the warmth of Spain. I like winter. It is hard and austere in this part of the world. It has an impact on people, animals and plants. Everything here is hard and cold, but beautiful. Many Finns are ashamed of their country, its remoteness and small size, language and culture. It is these very qualities that I love.

It is great to walk in the dark, cold, wind and snowstorm. I hear the sound of an aeroplane transporting tourists. It looks like it will be a very cold night with Northern lights.