In the Yard

“I don’t remember ever seeing my grandparents just sitting and drinking coffee. I often go to the yard swing with my wife in the morning, we bring our coffee, and we can see the sea nicely from beside our boathouse. We just sit there – we don’t even say anything – we just look out and sip our coffee. That’s not something I remember from my childhood.”
Jaripetri Kalske, Tammio

People enjoy spending time in the yard doing small tasks, playing games, enjoying the sea air and the sun, and listening to the sounds of the archipelago. Coffee breaks and meals are part of the rhythm of the day. The outbuildings are filled with both useful and less necessary items collected over the decades. A perfect lawn or large vegetable garden may not thrive in island conditions, but many yards feature flowers, edible plants, berry bushes, and lilacs.

The sauna, often shared with relatives, may be located in the yard or a short walk away. Fishing village houses don’t always have their own beach, as many were originally built inland for shelter. Swimming is often done at the village’s shared boat dock or by arrangement at a neighbor’s or relative’s shoreline.