Christmas in July

 

frosty and rudolph made an appearance on tv last week, when the temperature reached 34C (93F)

I've been dreaming of a bit of cold snow, and I'll bet the mail carrier might also not mind after these last few days (and coming days) of an unrelenting heatwave.

 

Next week: any stamp(s) with any connection to the letter 'A'

summer

 

I think I recognize the names of 7 cities from various Postcrossers and my previous knowledge of Helsinki as the capital.

splashes of colour

Some unusually colourful houses (for Canada) in St John's

 
under less sunny skies, is this street in Helsinki

and some unusual colours on this lighthouse on the North Sea

more yellow in Vienna

catkins

 pussywillows for Easter

artist: Maarit Ailio

orange moments

 

"funny moments are meant to be shared"

a 'ladybug' resting on a dewy orange petal

It seems Highland cattle can be found in Westphalia Germany. (the text reads: loyal, soft, not overly delicate, that's really Westphalian style)

This cool cat is enjoying his saucer of tea

snow

sometimes, the snows falls before all the leaves

sometimes, it doesn't fall on mountains in November, as has happened in Japan this year. snow fell on the 6th, but almost immediately melted away, unlike in this vintage postcard of Mt Fuji in winter.

 

 

But, maybe for more consistent views of snow in winter, you need to head over to Finland.
 

black and white

from the top of the world, a trio of long tailed ducks

 

 

 

 to the bottom, with a duo of 

condors and penguins

 

traditional

a 15th century widow, from Finland

from Japan

and from Kenya

for Thursday Postcard Hunt, some fashionably dressed women ahead of International Women's Day

adoration

 

By the time these Magi arrived, the Baby Jesus could hold up his head! As well as the expensive gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, a onesie might have been useful.

 back to Finland for some snow, or lumi

Merry Christmas from Finland

cartoon animals

I had never heard of Moomins until I joined Postcrossing. One day I'll get around to reading a book (if I can find one)

another new one for me was this mole, Krtek. I have found a few episodes on youtube and was pleased to discover that it is all speechless (except for a few exclamation noises) making it even easier to follow.

 

sometimes, animals can even embarrass their mates

 

I haven't read this book, but I LOVE the film version

art deco

Central Railway Station, Helsinki, opened 1919

and a Warhol inspired postcard of the stonemen statues on the front of the station

forsa

 

Forsa Railway Station 1899. This card came from Finland, and in investigating, I find that there is no train station in Forsa. Though there is a Forssa in Sweden.

houses of god

First up is a wooden church built in 1765. The Lutheran church is popular for summer weddings

 

Next is this Catholic Cathedral of Djibouti built in the 1965.  

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Good Shepherd  1969

 

Going way back in time, the Benedictine Affligem Abbey  was dedicated in 1086

three very different styles of houses of worship through the ages for Sunday Stamps

a walk in the snow

When was the last time you built a snowman?

or maybe that is too much work

 

 

Perhaps a long walk in the woods would be refreshing

 

A view in Haminalahti famous for hiking trails and birdwatching

 

One would be lucky to find this partridge on a walk

 

 

 

 

some winter scenes for Sunday Stamps

(on this stinking hot day where it will feel like 42C with the humidity by this afternoon)

maps

 

I like how Finland has a small map showing where the National Parks are located.

In 1949, Newfoundland and Labrador (plum colour) became the tenth province. In 1999, The Northwest Territories (purple colour) split creating three territories.

Sometimes it is good to have a map of all the islands so you can see where in relation to the others your specific island is located.

for Sunday Stamps - maps, flags

red, red rose

February is really not the month for roses, yet for many, this is the go to flower for Valentine's

o my luve's like a red, red rose that's newly sprung in June

Perhaps by June a romantic stroll through a rose garden 

with more than 900 varieties will be possible.

for Sunday Stamps - romantic

getting around

trams, buses, cars, and bikes
the road has room for it all

go

 

The city of Guangzhou has the nickname of "goat city", which explains the goats as mascots for the 2010 Asian Games. This stamp represents Weiqi - or Go - a strategy board game that has been played for thousands of years. One of the five goat mascots is leaping over the board of 'stones' and the city of Guangzhou. (I admit that I did not realize these were goats)

This poor Moomin doesn't look too steady, or graceful, on his tiny feet.

 

for Sunday Stamps - motion