Yesterday (and today) was one of those very August days — we made dill pickles and beetroot soup for winter. And Helmī discovered the ultimate trick for peeling a mountain of onions without crying: swimming goggles! 😂 Honestly, I’m impressed. She looked ridiculous, but she was the only one with dry eyes. The winter pantry … More August Days: Pickles, Onions & an Eclipse
There’s going to be a partial solar eclipse on August 12, and I’ve started hunting for the perfect place to watch it. Technically, I could just stay in my garden. Here in Gulbene, the eclipse will begin at around 8:05 pm, reaching its maximum at about 8:56 pm — and spot in my garden might … More Hunting for the Perfect Spot
Yesterday ended with the most peceful sunset after an incredibly hot and humid day. We were hoping for rain, but it never came, so there wasn’t much relief from the heat. At 8 p.m. I made myself an iced coffee with caramel syrup. It was delicious… until I realized my personal barista (me! 😄) had … More Sunset, Coffee, and Another Step Forward
One of the things I love most about this time of year is bringing home little gifts from the garden. Last night, I came inside with an armful of fresh harvest – cucumbers, string beans, and everything needed for fermented food: horseradish leaves, blackcurrant leaves, and plenty of fresh dill heads. The zucchini plants have … More Little Gifts from the Garden
There is something special about picking the very first cucumber from the greenhouse. They are not the perfectly straight, glossy cucumbers you see in supermarkets. One is a little crooked, another has a funny shape, and they certainly wouldn’t win any beauty contests. But to me, they are perfect. They were grown without chemicals, watered … More The First Cucumbers of the Year
Yesterday, I shared one of the most magical wildlife moments I’ve ever experienced—a hoopoe unexpectedly visiting our home. I truly thought that would be a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. For more than two hours, I couldn’t stop thinking about that beautiful bird. I felt so inspired that, around 8 PM, I grabbed my camera and headed outside. … More An Evening Gift from Nature
Some moments in nature feel almost magical — the ones you dream about for years, but never really expect to happen. Today I had one of those moments. This beautiful bird is a hoopoe (Upupa epops) — or pupuķis in Latvian. Seeing one is quite rare here. There are only a few hundred hoopoes in … More A Rare Visitor: My Unexpected Encounter with a Hoopoe
Some evenings are simply magical, and this was definitely one of them. The Latvian band YŪT performed in the beautiful surroundings of Jaungulbene Manor, and I can’t think of a better setting for their music. There is something special about listening to live music surrounded by history. Jaungulbene Manor, located in the Vidzeme region of … More An Evening with YŪT at Jaungulbene Manor
This weekend we joined the Home Café Days here in the Gulbene region, and what a lovely tradition it is. For one weekend only, farms, family homes, gardens, and small businesses open their gates and transform into cosy little cafés. Instead of visiting restaurants, you travel from place to place, meeting local people who have … More A Weekend of Home Cafés
I almost forgot to share this little garden update! More then a month ago, I decided to plant strawflowers next to our pool. I had no other pace. At the time, I wasn’t completely sure if it was the right spot, but now I’m convinced it was a great idea. The plants have settled in … More Strawflowers by the Pool
Nelle and her friend both recently earned their cycling licences, opening up even more possibilities for summer adventures. They have already discovered how much fun it is to explore by bike, and this week they set off on another little road trip together. They cycled about 14 km (9 miles) each way, making it a … More A Little Summer Adventure on Two Wheels
Sometimes a blog post doesn’t need a big story. Today, it’s simply me in my new dress, wandering around the garden. The dress made me feel happy the moment I put it on. It’s comfortable, feminine, and perfect for a warm summer day. The kind of dress that makes you want to slow down, stroll … More Just Me and My Garden
We had terrible winds, so we decided to escape to Salacgrīva this weekend. We had problem, the road was blocked, but we know other way around. In Salacgriva I think I almost melted. The weather was absolutely beautiful… if you’re a lizard. The sun was so strong that even standing still felt like an activity … More A Summer Weekend in Salacgrīva
Yesterday I wandered around the garden with a basket in one hand and a cup of tea in the other, just checking on how everything is doing. I was happy to discover that my mint hasn’t started blooming yet. That means it’s still the perfect time to harvest it for tea. I always try to … More A Little Tour Around the Garden
Yesterday evening we had dinner with a beautiful view. The weather was calm, the kind of evening that makes you want to stay outside just a little longer. After dinner, I wandered over to the vegetable garden with a handful of seed packets. It might be July, but there’s still time to sow a few … More A Little Bit of Hope for Autumn
Yesterday evening, Jānis and I declared it a sushi night. No special occasion. Just one of those evenings when neither of us felt like cooking, and sushi sounded like exactly the right idea. Sometimes the simplest plans turn into the nicest memories. After dinner, we went for a walk. The weather couldn’t quite decide what … More Sushi, Storm Clouds, and a Stork
There has always been one wildflower that has felt a little more special to me than all the others. In Latvian, it’s called ilzītes. My name is Ilze, and ilzīte is the affectionate, diminutive form of it—the kind of name someone uses with warmth and kindness. Ever since I was little, I’ve loved the fact … More The Little Flower That Shares My Name
It’s so hot here in Latvia today — +29°C (84°F for my USA friends). I don’t think I’m built for this kind of heat! 🥵 On the bright side, it’s the perfect weather for everyone who needs to cut the grass and make hay. ☀️ This evening, the temperature finally dropped to +20°C (68°F), and … More Heat, Hay, Sweet Peas & a Friendly Stork
This morning, before I even picked up the watering can, something caught my eye on the greenhouse floor. A snake skin. For a second, I just stood there looking at it. It was much bigger than the one I found last year. Last summer, I only noticed the old skin after I had already watered … More A Snake Has Been Visiting My Greenhouse Again
It’s peony season again. My mother-in-law has so many different peonies growing in her garden. Every year they put on a beautiful display, but this year one flower completely surprised me. My daughter brought me a single yellow peony. I had never seen a yellow peony before. Pink ones in every shade? Yes. White and … More A Yellow Peony
Four years ago, I made dozens of beeswax candles. Most of the beeswax I used was bought from my friend Aija, but until this Līgo, I had never actually seen where it came from. I absolutely loved visiting this place. Surrounded by nature, this is where Aija brings the honey frames after the harvest. Here … More Where My Beeswax Once Came From
I’m still not quite ready to leave our Līgo memories behind. ❤️ There were so many little moments that made the celebration special. Nelle had her own little photoshoot around the abandoned houses, where she looked right at home exploring every corner. She made two new furry friends, had plenty of fun, and even decided … More Still Sharing Our Līgo Celebration
This year’s Līgo was wonderfully simple. We celebrated right next to the Baltic Sea, listening to the waves, watching the sunset, and enjoying time together as a family. No big plans, no rush—just fresh sea air, good food, laughter, and the feeling that sometimes the simplest celebrations are the ones we remember the longest. I … More A Simple Līgo by the Baltic Sea
Today is Līgo, one of the most special days of the year here in Latvia. This year we decided to celebrate it a little differently. We packed the car, gathered the kids, and set off on a journey across almost the entire country to visit our godson (krustdēls, as we say in Latvia). The drive … More A Līgo Journey to the Baltic Sea
This week is terribly busy at work! It feels I have no time for anything else! I can’t wait for this week to be over. The drive home from Salacgriva was absolutely spectacular. The first summer night fog of the year had arrived, quietly covering the land like a soft white blanket. I always look … More The First Summer Night Fog
Sometimes the weather has a way of testing our patience. This weekend we were in Salacgrīva, my hometown, for a birthday celebration of a lovely boy! Unfortunately, the weather decided not to cooperate. It was cold, rainy, and windy, and since the celebration was outdoors, we spent most of the day trying to stay warm. … More A Rainy Day in Salacgrīva and a Field of Lupins
It’s monday morning. My inbox is full, my task list is long, and I’m wondering how I’ll get everything done. But that’s a problem for one task at a time. I want to share something much more impressive than my workload. A few days ago, just before a thunderstorm arrived, I looked up and saw … More Right Before the Storm
Some evenings are simply too beautiful to let slip away unnoticed. This sunset was one of those moments. The sky was painted with soft colours, the clouds catching the last light of the day, and everything seemed to slow down for a little while. I stood there looking at it, knowing that a single photo … More I Couldn’t Resist
This week I had the chance to travel to Līgatne for a work meetup. Most of my workdays are spent at home, sitting behind a screen, so it was a nice change of pace to get out, meet people in person, and spend a day somewhere different. The meetup took place at Zeit, and I … More A Lovely Day in Līgatne
Today we visited the former Latvian Army camp site in Litene. The forest was peaceful, birds were singing, and it was hard to imagine how much history this quiet place has witnessed. Before World War II, Litene was one of Latvia’s largest military training camps. Thousands of soldiers spent their summers here learning military skills, … More A Visit to Litene
Yesterday’s sunset was one of those moments that made me stop whatever I was doing and simply look. The sky was painted with beautiful shades of orange, pink, and gold. Soft clouds drifted across the horizon, catching the last light of the day and turning into little works of art. They looked almost too perfect … More A Colourful Goodbye to the Day
Yesterday I had plans. I wanted to go for a walk after lunch, stretch my legs, and get some fresh air. But then the rain arrived. And honestly? Thank goodness for that. Instead of heading out, I sat inside with the door open and watched the rain. No mosquitoes buzzing around my ears. No pressure … More A Rainy Day Gift
It was finally time to clean up and set up the pool for another summer. Unlike many sensible people, we didn’t clean it properly in autumn. We emptied the water and left it outside all winter. With temperatures regularly dropping to -20°C here, I was too nervous about leaving water inside and hoping for the … More Pool Season Has Begun
The greenhouse has changed quite a bit over the past few weeks. The first photo shows what it looked like when I finally decided it was time to tackle it. There were boxes, bags, old cardboard, and all sorts of things that had accumulated over time. After a good clean-up (apart from washing the greenhouse … More Progress in the Greenhouse
Today is the 1st of June, and just like that, school is over. The kids are home! I’m happy for them. Summer holidays always felt magical when I was a child — long days, freedom, adventures, and not having to think about school for a while. Now, as a parent, I see it a little … More June Has Arrived
This morning, I stepped outside with one simple goal — to see what food I could find in the garden. To my delight, there was plenty. I picked fresh rocket, radishes, dill, spring onions, and salad leaves for breakfast. There is something incredibly satisfying about gathering food just a few steps from the kitchen. It … More Shopping in My Own Garden
Some photos are special not because they are perfect, but because they capture a moment that can never happen again. Recently, some relatives spent time going through old slides and photographs. I can only imagine how many boxes, memories, and tiny pieces of family history they sorted through. And among all those slides, they found … More A Photo Found Among Old Slides
Being in Riga for a work conference feels a little strange in the best possible way. It’s work, yes, but also not really just work. It’s one big mingling event between colleagues and clients — conversations flowing from reports and dashboards to travel stories, coffee, and life in general. Yesterday evening I had such a … More A Few Days in Riga for a Work Conference
In the weekend, me and Helmī spent some time gardening together, and honestly, those are the moments I want to remember. We planted beans together — the kind you eat whole with the pod. I made the holes in the soil with a poker, one by one, and Helmī carefully dropped the beans inside. Such … More Little Garden Helpers and Hopeful Foxgloves
After spending hours planting tomatoes in the greenhouse, carefully trying to fit every plant into its “perfect” place, I stood there looking at the remaining empty spaces between the beds and thought… “Well… surely I can still squeeze something else in here.” And that is how I ended up scattering calendula and marigold seeds all … More Companion Flowers for My Tomatoes
I spent almost the entire afternoon in the greenhouse on Friday — around 2.5 hours cleaning it up, planting tomatoes, moving things around, and trying to calculate what else I can still squeeze in there this year. A while ago I even wrote about it here: And honestly? I still have a complicated relationship with … More My Greenhouse Tried to Kill Me Again
This afternoon we received a cell broadcast warning on our phones — a message telling people in several regions of Latvia to stay indoors because of a possible drone threat in Latvian airspace. Not war. Not missiles falling around us. But still something frightening enough that schools moved children into safe places inside the buildings … More Today felt different. Heavy. Disturbing.
Jānis decided that, considering the situation in the world — living next to an aggressor country and having Donald Trump as the president of the USA — we should plant potatoes! Honestly… fair enough 😅 My answer was simple: “No problem. Talk to your dad — he has a tractor and knows what he’s doing.” … More We Planted Potatoes 🥔
I got a question recently — why raised beds? The answer is simple: heavy clay soil. Our entire property is covered in it. If I want to plant something directly in the ground, I need to dig a hole by hand, bring in compost or better soil, fill the hole, and only then plant something. … More Let’s Talk About Soil
A week ago I mentioned that we were working on something bigger outside. Well… now I can finally show you what it was. Can you guess? Three long raised beds. Not pallet collars this time — proper wooden raised beds built from real planks. And honestly… it all started because I realised I needed more … More We Were Working on Something Bigger
The journey with my rhubarb started on February 25th, when I decided to sow rhubarb seeds that I got as a birthday gift. 🙂 Someone probably thought it would be a funny joke… but clearly they forgot who they were giving them to. I absolutely love growing things from seed, so of course I took … More Rhubarb From Seed
Congratulations to all the mums and grandmothers around the world on Mother’s Day. ❤️ This Sunday turned out to be really lovely this year. In the morning the kids brought me flowers, which already made the day feel special. But what surprised me the most was something their teachers had prepared at school. Each teacher … More A Slow and Lovely Mother’s Day
And honestly? I’m not even sure I like Mother’s Day that much. This year I bought our family tickets to see Emīlija Bērziņa in concert (I’ve also been listening to her music on Spotify lately), and I’m genuinely looking forward to that. I didn’t know it’s on Mothers day! Music, time together, an evening somewhere … More Tomorrow is Mother’s Day.
Terrible 24 hours… My breakfast this morning — couscous, pesto, tuna, and Fetaki cheese.My husband’s breakfast this morning — a hospital meal. Yes… I had to call an ambulance for Jānis last night. He is coming home at the moment I’m writing this… But not because everything is sorted out — because they HOPE it … More Not Out of the Woods Yet…
After what felt like an endless stretch of cold, ice, and even snow, today finally brought a little bit of relief — a warm 17°C (62°F). It almost feels unreal to step outside without that biting chill in the air. Check the pic of Marley 🙂 This change means more than just comfort. At last, … More Finally, a Warm Day
So… we had a decision to make. Stay home and watch every little detail, or go and live a little — carefully. We chose to go! It was Niks’ birthday (Helmī cousin) — he turned 7 — and it was one of those parties you don’t want to miss. The kind that happens outside, with … More April birthdays: Part II
I was lucky enough to spent some time with Līga from Cēsis Medieval Castle garden. It was two-hour lecture about raised beds and kitchen gardening and seed swap. It all happend in Gulbenes Library. And somehow, it felt like a piece of the Cēsis Medieval Castles kitchen garden had travelled to us. Līga Eglīte’s kitchen … More A Medieval Castle Garden Came to Gulbene
The storks are back. I noticed them a week ago. They always return quietly, and at the beginning it looks lonely. For me it’s a small shift. A sign. In Latvia, their arrival means something deeper than just birds coming home. It feels like the land is waking up again. Spring is here for sure! … More Storks has returned!
The raised beds are ready. Weeded, mulched, and quietly waiting — just like me. Now it’s that in-between time where everything looks prepared, but not much is happening yet. The sun teases a little, but I know better. The last frost here usually lingers until late May, and anything not frost-tolerant still has to wait. … More Waiting for Warmth
The 100th day of the year has its own quiet rule in Latvian garden — peas go into the soil. No discussions, no overthinking, no checking the forecast for the tenth time. No matter what, the peas are going in. Some years the ground is still a bit cold, some years it’s perfectly ready. It … More Peas Go In on the 100th Day
I’ve written about coltsfoot so many springs now. About waiting for them, about picking them, about drying them carefully for tea. It has become something like a rhythm — not a strict ritual, but a familiar return. 2017: https://latvianmom.com/2017/04/21/coltsfoot-is-blooming/2018: https://latvianmom.com/2018/04/25/coltsfoot-finally/2025: https://latvianmom.com/2025/04/02/coltsfoot-the-hidden-guardian-of-spring/ But this year feels… different. I have changed. And somehow, I feel like I … More Coltsfoot hasn’t changed. I have.
I have a small piece of news to share. YouTube After thinking about it for… well… for 13 years, I finally started a YouTube channel. At the moment there are only two videos there. One of them is in Latvian, but please don’t let that stop you from visiting anyway. You can still come along, … More Some news to share 🌱
Lately, I’ve been ill.Nothing dramatic, nothing you can clearly point a finger at — just this exhausting, dragging 37.2 °C (about 99 °F) that keeps coming back. On paper it doesn’t sound like much, but in my body it feels awful. Aching muscles, heaviness in every limb, that strange “almost-flu” feeling, and a constant tiredness … More Somewhere Between Sick and Fine
Snow was falling quietly when I noticed a family of deer near the house. I was watching from the living room door, camera in hand, when they suddenly ran off — not because of me, but startled by the neighbor’s dog barking. In the deep snow, they didn’t look elegant at all. More like tumbling … More A Snowy Evening with Deer
You can read about my rainy day here: https://dzivezemozola.wordpress.com/2025/10/12/lietaina-oktobra-svetdiena/ Ilze
Yesterday was such a magical evening. The full moon turned red during the eclipse, and it was breathtaking to watch! The moon glowing in that deep red color was both strange and beautiful. I loved every moment of it. Mostly, I loved seeing my girls’ curious faces and hearing them voice chat with friends all … More Blood Moon
The last day of vacation is here. Tomorrow is not only my first day back at work, but also the school year starts. We really need to get ready for it… and honestly, I haven’t done much preparation at all…. But the big news of today is the sofa – it’s finally ready! I absolutely … More Vacation Day 31 – The Last Day
I started my day with a watercolor doodle. This time I decided to try drawing an amanita mushroom – such a classic forest symbol of autumn. It was fun to play with the bright red cap and little white dots. Later in the day, I didn’t really feel like going out, but we were invited … More Vacation Day 30 – Watercolors, a Garden Party, and a Sunset
In the morning, I went for a walk and brought home a beautiful maple leaf. I even tried drawing it later. It didn’t turn out exactly as I imagined, but considering I’ve had no prior training in art, I think it came out pretty well. It feels so refreshing to slow down, notice these little … More Vacation Day 29 – Leaves, Sewing, and Small Joys
I started the day at 6:45… just woke up, without an alarm! Not sure why, but I decided to take the day as it comes. First thing, I went for a walk and collected maple samaras – their shapes are so perfect and delicate. Feeling inspired, I tried my hand at watercolor and painted the … More Vacation Day 28 – Morning Walk, Watercolors, and Foraging
The morning greeted us with a chill in the air – colder than usual, a gentle reminder that autumn is on its way. On my walk I noticed the grass covered in dew, and the spider webs glistening like lace in the morning light. It was such a beautiful sight, delicate threads sparkling as the … More Vacation Day 27 – Sunshine and Sewing
Day 26 morning started with a little surprise – we found a snake skin in the greenhouse! I guess my greenhouse is cozy enough that even a snake decided to hang around. I actually love the look of the skin, so I’m drying it and will keep it in a jar as a little keepsake. … More Vacation Day 26 – Car Troubles and a Snake Surprise
Right now, the streets of Riga are alive with the heartbeat of Latvia — voices raised in harmony, feet moving in intricate steps, and a palpable sense of unity in the air. The 2025 Latvian Song and Dance Festival, known in Latvian as “Dziesmu un deju svētki”, is in full swing. Held from July 5th … More Celebrating Heritage: Latvian Song and Dance Festival in Riga
One of the things I’ve been thinking about lately is where our food really comes from. For us, chicken meat has a special story — not just a package from the store. Jānis’s parents bought 30 chickens, broilers raised specifically for meat. It feels like such a luxury to have a few of those chickens … More Where Our Chicken Meat Comes From
We spent the weekend in Salacgrīva, and while it wasn’t warm or calm, it had its own kind of magic. It was windy — very windy — the kind that makes your coat flap wildly and your hair whip into your mouth. But there was also a bit of sun here and there, and thankfully, … More Weekend in Salacgrīva
The June solstice is almost here. On Saturday, June 21st, 2025, at 05:42 in the morning, the sun will reach its highest point over Gulbene—and we’ll be living our longest day of the year. It’s hard to ignore. The light stretches forever. Evening feels like afternoon, and morning arrives so early that the birds start … More The Longest Day – Summer Solstice in Latvia
This morning started like any other – I was making tea and preparing to dive into work, when a surprisingly loud chirp-chirp-chirp pulled my attention toward the front door. I peeked out and there it was – a great tit, perched confidently in the bush just next to the entrance. The sound was so sharp … More A Little Star in the Bush
One of the containers I planted tomatoes in had a few holes at the bottom—nothing fancy, just enough for drainage. But with all the rain lately, it flooded a few times. Turns out, the roof rain collector was clogged, and all that water ended up pouring straight into that one unlucky container. My poor tomato … More A Surprise Under the Tomato Container
I keep skipping my walks. I know I should walk more—I want to walk more! But getting to 10K steps a day feels completely out of reach right now. Honestly, I wish I could be one of those people who just naturally hit their step goals without even thinking about it. You know the ones. … More I Skip Walking More Than I’d Like To
Working remotely has its perks, but sometimes it feels like I’m on a tiny island far away from the heart of everything. While most of my colleagues live close to Riga and occasionally gather in cafes for Tuesday work-togethers, I stay in Gulbene full-time. That means I miss out on casual chats, spontaneous coffee breaks, … More When a Colleague Cycles 108km/67miles to Visit You
Saturday night turned into early morning. I couldn’t fall asleep—wide awake until 4AM. Maybe it was the full moon, maybe it was the one cup of cola I had (and I never drink caffeine!), or maybe just life’s current chaos, but sleep simply wouldn’t come. I had restless legs, and I stepped outside, thinking some … More 4AM: Can’t believe my eyes
We finally climbed the hill we always passed by — and discovered it was part of the Struve Geodetic Arc. A rainy-day reminder that history is sometimes right under your feet. … More The Hill We Finally Climbed
An accidental food delivery turned into a rainy-day road trip, a manor visit, and a sushi celebration. Sometimes the best plans are the ones you didn’t make. … More We Traveled Where Our Food Had Already Been
Every year on 4th May, Latvia celebrates the restoration of its independence — a peaceful yet powerful moment in our history. On this day in 1990, we chose freedom, reclaiming our voice after decades of Soviet occupation. Unlike louder national holidays, this one feels more personal. We raise the flag, have a white tablecloth, and … More 4th May – Latvia’s Quiet Celebration of Freedom
We had a burst of summer warmth these past few days, but now it’s back to the chill — just +11°C again. Yesterday, I noticed the Prunus cerasifera in bloom — the first tree to flower on our land each spring. It always arrives too early, like a quiet whisper before the season truly begins.And … More Prunus cerasifera: The First to Bloom
Yesterday, I saw them again—the doe family that had visited throughout the winter. It was a quiet and peaceful sight, one I had almost forgotten in the bustle of everyday life. They had come regularly when the ground was covered in snow, searching for food, their graceful forms blending into the stark landscape. But by … More The Return of the Doe Family
Last autumn (see here: https://latvianmom.com/2024/10/27/planting-tulips-and-daffodils-our-winter-greenhouse-experiment/), we planted tulip bulbs in terracotta pots and left them in the greenhouse (see here: https://latvianmom.com/2025/02/17/bringing-winter-into-the-greenhouse/), curious to see if they would sprout earlier than those in the garden. With winter behind us, we almost forgot about them—until about two weeks ago, when we spotted the first green shoots breaking … More Update on Our Tulip Experiment: A Surprise in the Greenhouse!
Friday morning, we woke up to a thick layer of snow—silent, unexpected, and beautiful. Just when it felt like spring was near, winter had other plans. The trees stood heavy with fresh snow, and our house looked even cozier against the white landscape. None of us were thrilled, a thick snow blanket covered the road … More A Morning Surprise: A Blanket of Snow
Today, a flock of Bohemian waxwings came to visit! These birds always catch my eye with their sleek feathers and striking markings, but what amuses me most is how angry they look. Their sharp gaze and confident posture make them seem unimpressed with the world around them. Despite their grumpy expressions, watching them was a … More The Birds at My Feeder: Bohemian waxwing
Winter has arrived in Latvia! A few days ago, the temperature dropped, and snow started falling. It’s been here for five days now, and everything is covered in a beautiful white blanket. The world feels quieter and more peaceful, and I’m enjoying the crisp, fresh air. Crisp means there should be sun soon! The kids … More Winter is Here, Snow is Here! Where is The Sun!?
As a proud Latvian, my heart swells with joy to see our creative spirit shining on a global stage. At the 2025 Golden Globes, Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis’ Flow triumphed against industry giants like Disney’s Inside Out 2 and Moana 2, as well as the latest Wallace & Gromit and The Wild Robot. Winning Best … More Celebrating Latvian Excellence: Gints Zilbalodis and “Flow” at the Golden Globes
After appreciating the bold personality of the Great Tit, I turned my attention to another, quieter visitor to our feeder. At first, I thought it was the Willow Tit. Its soft, understated plumage—subtle browns, grays, and a small black cap—fits the description perfectly. But as I watched more closely, doubt crept in. Could it be … More The Birds at My Feeder: Willow Tit… or Maybe Marsh Tit? (Poecile montanus or Poecile palustris)
Great Tit (Parus major) is the first and most frequent to arrive. Its familiar black-and-yellow plumage, framed by a bold black head, is a cheerful sight against the duller tones of the season. I’ll admit, the Great Tit feels a bit predictable—its visits so routine that I sometimes catch myself dismissing it as boring. But … More The Birds at My Feeder: The Great Tit…boring
Let’s talk bird feed! Usually, I buy sunflower seeds and fat balls from Janis’ parents’ vet shop to keep the birds fed throughout the winter. This time, I decided to try something a little different and ordered a big bag of mixed feed: oats, dried worms, seeds, and even some corn. I’m not sure if … More Winter Bird Feeding: A New Mix and a Little Family Humor
I stumbled upon a beautiful Amanita muscaria right next to our house recently. What a sight! It’s such a stunning mushroom, with its bright red cap and white spots—definitely a showstopper. Of course, we all know it’s poisonous, but it still adds something magical to the landscape. I love how nature keeps inching closer to … More Amanita Muscaria and the Beauty of Nature Close to Home
On the 11th of November, Latvia celebrates Lāčplēšu Diena, a day to honor the bravery of the Latvian soldiers who fought for the country’s independence during the Latvian War of Independence in 1919. The day is named after Lāčplēsis, the legendary hero known for his strength and courage in battle. For many, Lāčplēšu Diena is … More Lāčplēšu Diena: Honoring Latvia’s Heroes
As October draws to a close, the crisp air and fading autumn colors remind us of the beauty in transitions. Today is the perfect moment to cherish the little things: the crunch of leaves underfoot, cozy evenings with warm drinks, and the excitement of… not Halloween, but the approaching Mārtiņdiena. November is also significant for … More Embracing the Last Day of October
Yesterday’s challenging walk transformed into a delightful adventure when 9-year-old Helmī found joy in photography with my old Canon. Despite a rough start, she blossomed with curiosity, capturing Latvia’s beauty through her eyes. It’s heartwarming to witness her potential as a budding photographer for our blog! … More Seeing the World Through Helmī’s eyes
This weekend was extra special as we had Linna’s friend over! They’ve been best friends since kindergarten. Things changed a bit when Linna chose German as her third language and her friend opted for Russian. They are not in the same classes anymore. Despite the shift, their bond remains strong, and I hope it continues … More A Weekend with Friends and Golden Autumn in Latvia
I can’t believe the northern lights reached Latvia this week—and I missed them! 😭 My colleagues were lucky enough to catch the stunning display and took some incredible photos of the glowing greens and purples lighting up the sky. It’s rare for us to see something like this, so I’m feeling a bit of sad. … More Chasing the Northern Lights
So, I usually take a midday stroll, but now I can walk anytime in my unfinished house area. There are cool trails nearby, and I did a nice 1km yesterday at 6am. The sunrise and fog were just stunning. It felt magical and peaceful. I really love this place! 🧡 … More Couldn’t Resist: A 6AM Walk Through Fog and Sunrise
As October arrives, Latvia transforms into a vibrant autumn wonderland. The air turns crisp, the days shorten, and nature’s colors come alive in gold, amber, and crimson hues. Birch trees glow with yellow leaves, while maples blaze in fiery reds and oranges. Leaf peeping is at its finest, with fallen leaves creating a rich carpet … More Embracing October: The Enchanting Transformations of Autumn in Latvia
As autumn sweeps across Latvia, the country celebrates Miķeļdiena, this year it’s on the 29th of September 2024. Held around late September, Miķeļdiena marks the end of the harvest work and is a time to give thanks for the year’s bounty. Celebrating the Harvest Latvia’s Miķeļdiena is a joyful conclusion to the harvest season. Communities … More Why Latvian Miķeļdiena Might Outshine Commercial Thanksgiving?
Yesterday, we celebrated Helmī’s 9th birthday, and today the festivities continue! It’s a milestone for more than just our smallest girl—it’s the first party we’ve ever hosted in our unfinished house! And honestly, it was magical. The space is spacious and open, just what we envisioned for these kinds of gatherings. The kids loved the … More Celebrating Helmi’s 9th Birthday in Our Unfinished House
When you think of walnuts, Latvia might not be the first place that comes to mind, right? The first time I encountered a Latvian walnut tree was in Vērmanes dārzs, a beautiful park in Riga. I was struck by the tree’s majesty and resilience, knowing it had weathered countless harsh winters. Since that moment, I’ve … More The Resilient Walnuts of Latvia: A Hidden Gem