Land of the Midnight Sun

I'm just back in Budapest today, by way of four days in Finland.  I was there visiting my exchange-student sister and her family.  Riikka lived with my family for a year when I was in high school, and she still feels very much like a sister to me.  This past weekend I was fortunate enough to be able to join them in their midsummer celebrations at her husband's family cottage two hours north of Helsinki. 

This included about 30+ family and friends, staying up all night, singing, and burning a big bonfire by the lake.  It was a wonderful time, and I'm grateful for having been included!  Now I'm settling in a bit at my friend's flat in Budapest where I will spend some time writing, and hopefully be done with my new novel very soon!