Apuyhdistys Retki

Saturday there was a Kuopio District women's outing to the home of the district leader. They live about 4 kilometers from Varkaus and their house is perhaps 50 feet from the water. It is a lovely setting and their home is wonderful. They began the event by raising the flag. Finns seem to sing many different songs as anthems accompanying a flag raising. I've yet to hear them sing their national anthem. About 20 women attended. We were there for 6 hours and were fed three times. First time was a sweet potato soup, bread and mehu. Midday was cookies, some fish quiche, mehu, and cake. Toward the end of the day they served potatoes, kastike, ice cream, strawberries, caramel sauce, 2 kinds of makkara, tomatoes, cucumbers, salad, and bread. There was a visit to an organic gardening expert's home, sauna, swimming, and sun bathing--also a short exercise demonstration. The hostess was gracious and, as you can tell by the meals, generous. It was a lovely, relaxing day.