Wm I Johnson - Finland Trip 1987

Journal Of William I Johnson
Trip to Finland - March, 1987
Grandpa is packed and
ready, yet a whole lot
nervous for this
adventure to Finland to
find and meet some long
lost cousins. Terry
provided tickets for the
long plane ride – Mom
could have gone, but as
you read the journal
you’ll see that it was a
pretty good choice not to
tag along!! Here he is
leaving the country from
their home on Easy
Street, Carlsbad,
California
March 11, 1987
Pg. 1 Well Folks, I’m on my way to a 2 week “Exile” in Finland. Left San Diego 9:30
am Wednesday d3/11/1987. Had breakfast on plane - arrived Chicago 6pm. Left Chicago
about 6:45 pm on way to Manchester, England. Had dinner on plane about 7:30 pm. Food quite
good - seats on both planes about #28-29 seat at window, over wing - right side.
March 12, 1987
Got to Manchester about 8am the 12th. Had to get Taxi at airport - no bus to Hotel
Cresta Court, Altrincham, Cheshire. About 20 min. from airport Manchester. Had trouble
getting English Pounds - said I had to get $50.00 worth, finally got $20.00 worth - 11L. Taxi was
5L 50p going and 5L coming back –

Pic.#2 Street Scene in Altrineham, Cheshire, England
March 13, 1987
Next day 13th left Manchester Airport at 8:45am for Finland via British Air to London.
Arrived London 9:35am, while in Altrincham went to Bank and got $20.00 more in Ls. This time
got 11L 50p. Interesting own wandered up and down the streets downtown - Just few blocks
from Hotel - took some pictures (pict 1-3), quite cold tho. Wondered how I got held over in this
town so away from airport and nothing much to do but go back to Hotel and wait for next
morning to get taxi back to airport.
Girl at reception desk ordered Taxi for 7:30 next morning, Friday 13th. He got there at
7:20 I was waiting in vestibule since 7:15 after checking out. A word about the taxis - After I
was told I’d have to get $50.00 worth of L - and I went to other money exchange booth - I was
told to find out how much Taxi would cost and they’d give me enough exchange to pay taxi -
going and coming.
Pg. 2 After Taxi said it would be about 5L, I got 11L for $20.00 - next day I thought I’d
better get another $20.00 worth when I passed a Bank - so on return trip I’d have some L
without trying to find an exchange desk - so when I get to Finland I put away the English, less a
little for candy bar. The Taxi ride was something to write home about - they drive fast on wrong
side of road and street and driver is on wrong side of car - a little one at that - going to hotel I sat
in back seat with all my luggage - but on return to station next day I sat in front with driver - real
nice young fellow - long hair in back - they have a seat belt rule - just went into effect - 50L find
per person if your driver is caught not belted up or his passengers. Backseat not equipped with
belts yet but will have to be. Only newest cars now have belts in back. I wrapped the leather
coat Janet had me take along into a bundle and put carry strap from one bag and one from a
little Olympian games bag, white welted fabric belt. Was too cumbersome to wear with carry
bag over neck and shoulder to back and other bag to carry by handles - Bundle was really sort
of difficult to handle even so.
Pg. 3 When I got the shuttle plane in London - Heathrow airport I had to put the two
carry on bags in baggage check at check-out, would only allow 1 piece with passenger (coming
back I carried all on with me and put them in overhead compartments - didn’t want them out of

my sight as you will find out later). Oh, I forgot to tell you I had nice breakfast at Hotel before I
went out on my walk around town - part of Hotel cost - had juice, orange marmalade, 1 egg -
potatoes - 2 pork sausage - ham - and mushrooms. (ate only 1 mushroom - real brown - no
taste- left the rest) Breakfast 7:30 to 10:00 just got in before 10:00 last one out. Anyway back
to airport 50p tip. Heathrow on way to Helsinki - my carry on bags went on thru to Helsinki from
the shuttle - plane - baggage, and I had the coat package when I got thru the customs gate I
spotted a WC d(toilet) and went thru the security check “forgetting the coat bundle - till I got into
the restroom (WC) - then I hurried back to get coat - oh boy it was still there sitting on the rollers
- yet, got it and went back to WC - Then on to plane for Helsinki - about 10:45am (Left
Manchester 8:45 at London Heathrow airport - 9:45am -Left Heathrow 10:45am arrive Helsinki
3:35pm - still the 13th Friday. Then the Bus on to downtown and to Hotel Ramada Presidentti.
Real nice place and bus took me right to door - 20-25 min. Served lunch on plane but didn’t feel
like eating - had tomato juice in stead. (took an hr. for bus to Helsinki after other buses came
and went). Bus from airport only cost 8 markka, about $2.00. Snow and icy sidewalks now and
for next almost 2 wks. Tomorrow going to find a cheaper place to stay, will leave here about
10am.
(Note 1: about Ramada Presidentti Hotel - Really more than nice - Beautiful room #342, 2 twin
beds, very good down comforter with envelope type sheet in which comforter is enclosed - like a
pillow (in slip) 80% spun rayon 20% polyamide, warm as down 100% polyester cover, all very
lightweight but warm - repacked my bags and coat bundle in plastic bag, trying to make them
easier to handle and carry).
March 14, 1987
Pg. 4 Got my bags and bundle and got map of Helsinki and a pen from Ramada
Presidentti Hotel, to find another Hotel. Left Ramada Hotel at 9am, walked on way to find
Nietsytolku Katre St., where Mission Home and Hurtti’s old address is 3A and 2A. Finally found
it after losing my way and found I was going in wrong direction. Found service station and
standing bus, not my way, Bus Driver got me turned around the rite way and off I go with all my
luggage really weary by now, got to Nietsyt Polka after going several miles around Harbor Bay -
part large cemetery, all HDstones and ground covered with know - streets and sidewalks icy
and snow also, lots of auto traffic whizzing by - street along harbor is principal thruway, all
mostly small foreign cars, only American cars are Fords - Escorts and smaller, some I’ve never
seen in States. No medium or regular size American cars, but Mercedes, Volvo, and few
Jaguars - finally found building where Hurtti used to live and Mission Home across street a block
North. Could find no apr A-9 only 2 dark hallways going up 4 flights of stairs and Mission Home
closed up, at least couldn’t raise anyone.
Pg.5 Will go there again tomorrow - Sunday 15th, for meetings must be held there Sac
Mtg.altho no sign of meeting schedule outside where Church plaque is on wall, out front and
inside of entry to building. 12:45 pm. Got back uptown Helsinki went to Hotel Vaakuma - Sat.
rate 280mks, Sun 180mks. Went to RR station for some stamps to mail letter to Laura (PO
closed). Not so bad to walk around town now with luggage in my room instead of having to
carry it everywhere - the Hotel had breakfast with room - at 8am to 10:30 on Sunday and was
pretty good. Room not so nice as Ramada, neither as nice plumbing, tho found out Monday
goes to weekly Business Men’s Rate of 420mks day. Signed up and paid - Visa for Monday nite
also.

Pic #21 LDS Mission Home, across the street from
Isomeri apartment, 1 block up.
March 15, 1987
Sunday - Went to Mission Home again for Sac. Meeting. Had bad nite Sat, waking up all
hrs, and not being able to get to sleep for upset and worry - got up at 4:30 - looking up Finn
words I need to use and went down to breakfast at 8 - and on to Mission Homes about 9 - very
busy with meetings and after a little while (Sac mtg at 12 noon) waiting in office, Mission
President visiting Branches up North Finland be back by next Sunday 22nd. So I went back to
Hotel - rested some - went over my notes - plan to go to Hanko Monday am after Breakfast;
Tuesday after breakfast will have to find cheaper room somewhere.
Pg. 6 Breakfast was pretty good - Lettuce tomato bell pepper, carrot sticks, prunes,
toast, scrambled eggs (hard cooked tho) also one morning had porridge, with sweet-berry soup,
quite a lot to choose from, all buffet style. My first step will be to go to Hanko, try to find trace of
Forsstrom Home, or Isomeri or Iisalo. Maybe find cheaper Hotel or whatever turns up.
March 16, 1987
Morning. Up and down all nite again, looking up Finn words and phrases to use. Up at
4:30 gather pictures and raincoat and put in Genealogy information to take with me in case I find
some of family there. Got bus for Hanko 11am, 47mks. (about 2 hrs to Hanko, way out West)
Bus station in Hanko about 2-3 mi. from downtown. Started across town to find phone and
someone who spoke English. Stopped several places, Banks, and stores, no luck. Found
Isomeri phone number in book, called several times, always busy signal. Could this be right
Isomeri? Got 2 mi. seemed more like 3 miles across town (missed downtown altogether) and
finally came to service station, used restroom, bought choc. bar 8mks) and service man (owner,
think) spoke English. Told my story, he looked up number and street address, called, still only
busy signal. A young man at station said he knew where it was, on other side of town (back by

bus station where I had come from) Could I wait while he put in new spark plugs in his Volvo
and he would take me there.
Pg.7 I did, we went back across town to the address in phone book, (phone still busy
signal)
Found the place ½ block back from snow covered street - no one there - snow against door
showed no one had been there for long time - as going back to street - man was still waiting for
me, was talking to 3 boys on bikes - they said family was at this place in summer only - and
some children there they would play with and go to shores; their folks had sail boat and island
not far away.
The fellow then took me to the Police Station - I told my story there and in short while, 2-
3 police and lady secretary got out records and yes - Isomeri’s lived at that house summers -
and names were Lissa and Kalle, the right ones, lived at Neitsytoplkku address and desk
sergeant called maritime office (I told them Kalle was a sea captain) - Found Kalle and Lissa
lived at same address as Dr. Hurtti had, died some 12 years before, It was getting late - desk
sergeant said train would leave for Helsinki in less than 10 minutes almost 4pm - I’d never make
it to station walking, so come to garage, in back and he took me to station in Police car, with
minutes to spare.
Pg.8 Sure was a pleasant experience, wonderful people, and the fellow with the Volvo
that took time out to help me was a split-shift fireman of Hanko Fire Dept. - said he had time,
before he could get his wife from work so he was glad if he could help and he sure did. And I got
the train (Note 2) back to Helsinki, 40mk. $10.00 bus cost 47mk, about 30 mi. or so train
stopped at little town on main line to albo-Turku, named Karis. Had to change to mainline train,
a young lady was also boarding the train with heavy suitcase, so I helped her with case and
took it to her seat. went on in car and found a seat, when we got to Helsinki about 6:30, I
helped her off with the case and another young lady met her at station and I found out they were
going on to Morocco for week - student visit or something. They both thanked me and they
spoke very good English tool Then on to my Hotel room about 7pm. Dark and much colder,
snowed much of day warmer when snowing.
March 17, 1987
Anyway got back to Hotel, checked out of hotel Vaakkuma next day 3/17, and with my
luggage headed out for Neitsyt Palku 2A-9. Stopped at Mission Home, first, couldn’t raise
anyone, went over to Isomeri’s address - found the entrance to 39-10-11-12 and went up 4 sets
of stairs and there was #9 (don’t know how I missed this entrance before) Isomeri name plate
on door. Rang bell and there was Kalle at Doorway a bearded Sea Captain for sure, and Liisa
heard us and came to door. I said, “I am Vilho Ilmari Forsstrom Johnson from California.”
Pg. 9 We all stood at the doorway not believing what we saw real surprise for all of us -
really answer to my fervent prayers - was asked to come in - couldn’t understand how letter had
returned 2 yrs ago - and how we finally got together now. Hurtti had died 12 yrs. ago - 1975 -
year before Ken, of blood clot in brain. I’ll be staying with them next 10 days or so - was really
answer to my prayers (and others prayers too, I’m sure). Except for visiting others of the
Isomeri-Forsstrom family this was the whole reason for my trip. What a day, should be able to
sleep well tonite - nice room to stay in and go to and from the rest of my stay in Finland. Sent
letter to Laura from Isomeri’s apt.

Isomeri Apt. Bldg. Arrow shows their Apt of 35 years. 4 th
Balcony is off the Living Room, My room was next to it.
My room at Isomeris’. Entry Hall just outside this door as also
restroom … Nice room to stay in and go to and from the rest of my
stay in Finland.

March 18, 1987
Just got back from long walk around Bay (Gulf of FInland) past docks where boats come
into Finland in Helsinki The bigger ones when ice is gone, except when FInlandia goes each
day to Stockholm, with ice breaker clearing way out and again in Not so much thick ice when
ice broken up each day till ship gets out to sea - Baltic and Gulf of Bothnia. Stopped at Mission
Home on way back - saw Mission President. He had been here on his mission 1957-58. Didn’t
know Ray, looked up his record and found they had both attended mostly the same areas.
Pg.10 Then back to apt. to write Laura to fill her in on what’s doing! Hope to get to go to
Unsikaupunki to see Terttu and her step-mother who lives about 85-90 mi. up northward part
Turko (abo). Liisa is going to call her to see when she’ll be home. Both are married - Terttu has
son in US Milwaukee, Wis. on student exchange program, also daughter just graduated from Hi
School. Husband a teacher and I think Terttu also teacher.
Was real cold out today, wind off ocean and ice and slush makes feet cold, hands and
ears cold too - I must get back to look up words and phrases I can use to get by when no
English speaking people around. Get pictures and sorting it all out - Had good breakfast, hard
boiled egg, toast, Knashe Brod (hardtack like I used to get at home when I was a boy) and
some special juice from small fruit in North Finland. Kalle says more vitamins than orange juice,
altho it tastes similar.
Helsinki Harbor
Prow of Finlandia
The Finlandia goes each day to Stockholm, you can see the need
for the ice to be broken to clear the way.

Getting tired now, went to bed at 12 Mon. nite at Hotel, up at 6:30 after waking at odd
times all nite - 2:50, 3:30, 4:00 and then went to sleep. How could I sleep not knowing where I’d
get to, and just got bit with the 420mk bill. Said I should be 450 but as it was clerks error they
said the additional 30mk would be excused.
Pg.11 And now this whole room to myself, just off entry hall, and living room - toilet and
basin just off from entry hall and next to this room (pict. 4-5). Also have space in hall clothes
rack too, so I can hang up some of my things out of bag. Washed some socks, took 1 ½ days
to dry. Next time I’ll put them on radiator (did that later and socks and underwear dried over
nite). Have twice as many clothes as I needed but not knowing what washing and drying
facilities might be available I felt I had to be sure to have enough changes. Just remembered
Terry’s Birthday is tomorrow - 35 yrs. - oh boy how time goes by.
March 19, 1987
It’s now 5:15am, up since 4:30 or so going thru Thurs. schedules and what not,
wondering about next - locate library, passport office, records etc, but what can I do with such
limited FInn language skills. Can’t read phone book, or signs on buildings. Hope to go north to
see Terttu and Mrs. Iisole soon. Went to town to passport office, girl receptionist spoke English
quite well - no parents names on passports, so that is out. Library has been relocated in
suburbs. Wouldn’t be able to do much there either with limited language Do better to get
records microfilm from Salt Lake genealogy Library. Liisa just told me their library has no
genealogy dept. Got back with feet and hands cold - cold hardly open, unlock outside door to
hallway and stairs to apartment.
Pg.12 Well, I found out Terttu lives in town called Salo about 2 hrs. from Helsinki, part train
stop for switch to Hanko and about 40 me. closer than Uusikaupunki, where Terttu’s stepmother
is. Hope she can come to Terttu’s when I’m there. Would like to meet her as she was good
friend to cousin Aino, whose place she filled after Aino’s death. Took good care of Terttu and
real good friend of Isomeri family. Found out that I can go to Salo next Saturday 21st, take 9am
train from Helsinki and get to Salo at 11:00. Terttu, Enzio (her husband) will meet me at station
and we go to their home for afternoon lunch and visit. Next Sunday plan to go to Sac. Meeting
at Mission Home and Yussi and his 2 boys plan to come for a visit. Haven’t heard if Risto will
be able to come. They both live in suburbs quite a ways out.
March 20, 1987
Friday, 1am Woke up 11:30 - been going thru pictures - Kalle knows a Photo shop man -
friend from long ago and is seeing him Sunday 22nd and will get copies of some pictures I have

and some Liisa has - I want copy of Picture of Grandma Marjana Forssrtom and picture of mom
and Dad (Uncle Frank and Aunt Irene) when they were married in Brooklyn -
Marjana Gustava Johnsson
Born: May 2, 1847
Married Victor Forsstrom.
Died: @1922, Hanko,
Uusimma, Finland
Mother of:
Oskar Wilhelm aka
Wilho Lahde
August Victor
Franz Adolph aka
Frank A Johnson
Hilma Gustava
Pg. 13 Liisa and Terttu want copy of picture I have of Uncle Frank and Uncle August and
our families when we are all on front porch of 1st house Dad built inn Duluth, and our 2 families
lived together for some time before they went back to Finland intending to sell business and
Hanko property and come to America to stay - this was spring of 1914 - then in August the 1st
World War came on, so they didn’t get to come back - not until about 1926 did Uncle August
and cousin Aino come to visit us in Hollywood. Aino was graduate Pharmacist and was going to
get job in big Drug store and live with us, till folks would get here too - Plans
fell thru when drug chains wanted her to be able to tend soda fountain - make sandwiches and
sodas in addition to pharmacy job. This was too much for her to put up with so she went back
to Finland with her Dad - got married - had business - Beauty Preparations - and a daughter -
Terttu, and died in 1949. 2:00amm guess I’ll try to sleep some more - now 4:45 woke up
thinking of Dad and time we were vacationing on Lake Vermillion with neighbor - Mrs Lee and
her 2 nephews - one 2 yrs older than I was and the other about 45 or so - retired railroad
brakeman. We had been at her Island in lake about 7 miles from town were we left our cars
cause we had to get to and from island by boat.
Pg.14 No roads at that time from town - Town to island altho only about 500 ft. from
mainland. We were ready to go home and all loaded up with our gear - we going home from

week or so vacation - and they, Mrs Lee and family going home for winter - having been on
island all summer - We had our stuff in Launch about 20 ft long or so with sor of a surrey top on
it - Dad and her oldest nephew -Irve- had a 16 ft row boat the round bottom kind - both boats
loaded down to 5-6” of top of gunwhales - Rough weather coming on but we had to go home,
business or something - so into teeth of storm we went - at first we kept in sight of each other
but after 1st hour or so we lost sight of Frank and Irve in little boat - after 3-6 hrs we got to town
and worried not seeing the little boat yet. Some time passed - till the men showed up in the
rowboat (had Evinrude outboard motor on it) and made it in fine shape - especially with Frank
piloting boat altho Irve was very capable also. Here they had worried about our making it (our
pilot was young man with lots of boat experience).
Pg.15 We were worried about them and they us - When they got docked and unloaded
they said they sure were worried about us when they could no longer see us - but they said they
had time of their life in the little boat storm or no - It was such a fine handling little craft, sure
was a rough trip but memorable and all came out safe and sound - Talked of it many times there
after - Mrs. Lee was next door neighbor and good friend - Dad built her house and ours which
we later sold when we came to California in 1919 or so. I was in 5 grade going into 6th. About
5 years later she sold Island - got too crowded, came to California to visit us and was looking for
place to live - we took them up to Arrowhead and Big Bear Lakes but she didn’t care too much
for mountains to climb to get there, so she ended up in the Everglades in Florida. Mom died
and we lost touch with Mrs. Lee - always remember the family and her and the good times we
had together. Told Liisa and Kalle the story.
Went downtown to Bus Depot to check time of bus to airport for Fri. the 27th. quite a
ways away - figure ½ hr to get there on next Fri. Boy oh Boy to be on way home - Little did I
know what was still to happen before I’d really be on my way - got mixed up on way back trying
to get to drug store or somewhere to get shaving lotion - used up the 1 oz. plastic bottle I had
and face gets real sore after shaving - Got lost for an hour or so on way back to apt.
March 21, 1987
Pg.16 Called Mission Home to see if letter from Laura - none. Snowing today going over
map and bus connections - so fearful I might miss Bus connection next Friday (27th) so making
every effort to see I am on time and in rite place - 5 days more after today and my sentence -
exile will be over and I can go home. Well it’s time to get ready - notes, Pictures etc for trip to
Saol to see Terttu family - get train at 9 am at station - they will meet me at 11: at Saol station -
and they did - Had Had disturbing, wakeful nite thinking of trip to Salo in morning - mind runs all
around - trying to understand why I was to make this trip only to find Hurtti gone - How can I get
this family to be exposed to Gospel Plan - and Mission Home rite across the Street -
Set alarm on Janet’s little battery clock in case I might drop off to sleep and not wake up -
3:45 - 4:30. Bus and train schedules get mixed up - one is for to get Bus to airport - one is to
get train at station in Helsinki in morning. Got up and shave and dressed what will I wear -
Green or Gray Pants - Green are best pressed I guess - 8:36 at Rail Station - got to and return
ticket to Salo: 96 Mks - train gone on(?) at 9:12 AM - waited on beach from 8:36 to 9:00 not too
long 24 min seemed much longer. - Benches all filled about 8-9 to eah bench - 3 of them - I
finally got seat on one - at nine went out to train section I was to go on - train was ther - got on -
found seat and waited - finally got on way - thru snow covered countryside - stop few minutes at
Hanko transfer point, then on to Solo - got there at 11:15 -

Terttu and Husband waiting got to their home after 10 minutes or so ride - nice little car -
didn’t find out what it was - got to lovely Home see pict. 6 7, & 8. Also have summer place on
Island, Home, Boat, etc - seems pretty well off for teachers - had nice visit - saw pictures and
saw mine - then had lunch about 2 o’clock. Cole - palmar (cabbage rolls) like mother used to
make when I was a boy.
Pg. 17 Cafe - Bulla (coffee cake), cookies and potatoes too - and mineral water (carbonated
like club soda but some bitter taste) - then took pictures - my camera’s flash didn’t work and
none of pictures came out - Enzio’s camera didn’t work so after working on it a while he came
back and got some good pictures. I’ve already referred to. He’s taking up Photography at
school and has some real nice equipment. Had some real spec pastry - like raspberry filling
real flaky - delicious, more coffee cake and cookies all homemade and terrific. -
About 3:30 got ready to leave to go back to Salo RR Station - train due about 3:50 - got there
about 4 - and some train ride back - snowed all day off and on - Great fields all white and snow
covered trees - forests in foct(?) where train went thre - Just like scenes in train trip in movie -
Dr. Zivago - when we got to Helsinki - getting dark, as when I returned earlier in week (Monday)
from Hanko. Got back to apt OK - about 7:30 or so - real busy uptown. Sat. Eve, train made
several stops so took longer to get back than to go - many people got on at the several stops -
especially at the Hanko transfer point - 8:45 pm - got up 4:30 this AM. Busy day - tired now.
Going to bed- having company over tomorrow - Risto’s children - about 2 pm - will go to Sac.
mtg at 12.
Enzio got his camera working ok, so he took this surprise picture of
Terttu and Taru and caught me with mouth full of Raspberry Pastry.

Terttu and her Daughter Taru with Bill in Salo
Taru has just graduated from Hi School. She has a 17 year old brother in
Milwaukie, Wisconsin on a Student Exchange Program
March 22, 1987
Pg. 18 Sun. woke up 12:30 couldn’t tell between wake and sleep - till 2:30, then on and
off till 4Am - going over things in my mind over and over and still having trouble sorting
everything that’s happened - out to make order or sense. 11 days now down - 5 more days and
nites to go in Finland - Like serving time till I can get plane to start for home - and 3 nites and 2
days before I get plane from Manchester to Home - and sentence served in full. Had good
breakfast today again - blueberry yogurt, vitamin drink, toast, cheese, liverwurst, lettuce tomato
- for dinner spaghetti with ground beef sauce, spec brown bread, salad vegetables and - and
when Risto’s children came we had Jelly Roll (Jam and whipped cream in Roll) cookies, ice
cream bar, cinnamon layered coffee cake, real good -
Went to sac - mgt 12 am - all in Finnish - songs I knew by melody only - 2 Elders at sac.
table - 3 boys passing - Deacons and Teachers - one of missionaries sat by me - wanted to
know if I had called on phone for mail from home - he heard me talking to some other
missionary in foyer - recognized my voice and guessed who I was. Left after sac, was passed
and went back to apt. as some of family were coming over about 2 o’clock -
Risto (the doctor) didn’t make it but his two children came to visit Grandma Liisa - Truli
Marjanna (11 yrs) and her Bro= Mikko Iiro Sokari - 14 yrs. They had been visiting their mother
Leena Mirjiani Koskiluoma divorced from Risto. Children live with Father but Liisa says she gets
along well with their mother and also Yussi’s 1st wife - divorced. is good friends with Liisa - visit
often when family get together. Ex wives are there when children are and all is cordial. Yusii is

re-married and the youngest - Lasse Viktor Alefasnder 4 is from 2nd wife Leena Irmeli
Nupponen.
Pg. 19 His 1st wife - mother of Hurtti Mka Olanm and Karri Pekko, 19, and 18. Had
good visit with the boys - showed pictures I had of their father, Fathers Grand, Hurtti,
grandmother Liisa= and great Grandfather August and Great Grandmother Olga. They seemed
to enjoy seeing their folks.
Note #3 One Time at dinner with Liisa and Kalle we were talking about August and
Frank when we lived together in Duluth and I remembered song Dad used to sing to us on
occasion - goes like this -
Ya se ole ukai Lausen take Ilta,
Kun meiklei odotin -
Suun rei swun Rei - suun rally rally
Kei - Kun meil Lei odetin -
All got a kick out of it - sant it later when grandchildren were visiting.
March 23, 1987
Monday, 7:30 AM Finished letter to Laura - went out and down to corner of building to
drop letter into Post Box there - Don’t pick up till 5:30 pm - real cold and fog again - had
breakfast 9am - scrambled eggs - Drink - toast - Liverwurst - lettuce - Tomato - yogurt - writing
my memories about Uncle August, Uncle Frank (Dad) and Oskar (Father) that Liisa wanted to
know about - spent about 2 hrs yesterday and another 2 ½ hrs today - hope she can read it - my
thoughts race past my writing which suffers when I write fast trying to get thoughts down on
paper before I lose the present train of thought - need to dictate into recorder and then write
from there-
Trying to assemble notes and Laura’s letters in date - chronological order as some times I
didn’t write notes daily but put them in letter to Laura so now I need to reconcile the two records.
Went thru Liisa’s album to select some pictures I wanted copies of and Liisa wanted copies of
some pictures I had - Terttu wanted copy of picture of Johnson and Forsstrom family- the big
one I have of the front of 1st house Dad built in Duluth when we two families lived there together
before Forsstroms returned to Finland in spring of 1916. After reviewing my notes I had nap
from 3:30 to 4:35 - then dinner - real good fish supper and jelly roll - Liisa gave me two pieces in
a napkin to have later. Kalle found a book of Hurtti’s from long ago - “The Last of the Wind -
Ships” story of sailing ships from Finland and 210 pictures of ships at sea -
Pg. 20 4 masted Barques (Like Dad sailed on for 8-10 yrs or so before last yr or 2 he
sailed on U.S. mail steamer from New York around Horn (South America) to San Francisco and
back again till his last voyage about 1902-3 - when he and Irene (mom) settled in San Francisco
- then in 1906 Earthquake after which they went to Duluth, Minn. to start building business as
Uncle August at suggested they do.

Didn’t go out today cloudy - no chance to get pictures and I rewrote the story as I knew it
of Oskar, August, and Frank as best I could into a notebook Liisa provided for that purpose.
Went to bed early about 8:30 -
March 24, 1987
Woke up a lot during the nite - and up early - read - go thru events in notebook etc. Look up
Finn words I might be able to remember to use when I go out again up town and around - want
to get to cemetery where Hurtti is and Aunt Hilma too - It’s snowing lightly again off and on rest
of week I guess -call mission home - no mail - went out to find cememtery - went in right
direction according to little map I have - but missed the right thru street when I got into Harbor
area.
Industrials no street signs finally came to dead end at Docks - Got tired and left leg at hip
started getting sore, so came back in hope of getting to downtown - wrong direction - cloudy -
No sign of sun so couldn’t tell for sure which way was North or South, East or West. Went to
Bus stop and asked 2 ladies waiting which Bus to Downtown - they didn’t understand and then a
lady said in Finnish number of Bus for Helsinki - Asema (Station) which I was able to say - then
after many buses all different numbers from the one I wanted - I got worried again that I had the
wrong 3 - then it came along and it was the one.
Pg. 21 You get tickets on Bus that is Date and Hr stamped and you can transfer to other
Bus within that hr. for same price 5-6 or 8 Mks. depending on how far you go - same Bus price
on any Bus - got transfer for the Bus downtown - but never got it - took ½ hr or so to get
downtown and another ½ hr waiting so I just walked back to apt - mostly down hill to Harbor
where apt. is - Been walking over 3 hrs. and now another 30-40 minutes to walk home - Bus
passed on way - but by then I was feeling OK again.
Got back 2:30 or so - Yussi and boys were to come by 3 - then he called and said
business would delay him some - should be 4 or 4:30 - Liisa then went out to store - I was tired -
rested ½ hr or so - only Wed and Thru. left for me in FInland -after the last 2 wks (seemed like
an eternity at beginning, now time has crept up and almost gone and here I am despairing
because of lack of time - well I’ll try again to get to cemetery to visit with Hurtti.
Well, here it is 4:30 and Liisa got back short while ago - and in come Kalle, with Yussi
and the two Boys - the third one had studies to do at library and couldn’t come. Yussi not at all
like his picture I have of him in army uniform - but 30 yrs. makes some difference - Fine looking
man - heavier but still handsome and oldest boy Hurtti, almost tall as his Dad, who is tallest in
family. (Tall like my Father Oskar - he was tallest of the boys August next and dad - Uncle
Frank shortest) and Lassi Viktor Aliksander is almost 4 and very bright good looking boy also
(mother is 2nd wife)
Pg. 22 Yussi was hunting in Lapland last week - got home Sunday Eve. and I was sure
glad to see him and the boys - had good visit - Kalle says Yussi very busy in Drug business and
very well to do (almost wealthy). Anyway Kalle said he would have to leave - Wednesday
normally Kalle’s day for sauna - Liisa usually goes too, but Kalle and Yussi went and Liisa and
boys stayed home - readying, having cookies, - ice cream - rasa cake - soft drinks. Liisa
reading Easter story to little boy in Finnish - He understands some English and Hurtti is learning
Englich in Hi School - graduates next semester - June ‘87. We are still waiting supper (usually
at 4) from 6:30. Kalle and Yussi should be back soon - I’m tired from much walking today - rest
a while till they come - almost 8 pm when they get back - had supper - special soup - vegetables

and wieners cut up in it - no after taste from wieners - real good soup - with several Finnish dark
breads - hard tack too - some coarse grain breads are quite good - longer you chew the better
they taste - the cookies and cafe Bulla - Coffee Cake.
After dinner I showed Yussi the pictures I had and he really enjoyed seeing pictures I
had from time he and brothers were young boys and pictures of Grandpa and Grandma and of
Mom and Dad (Hurtti and Liisa) and Uncle Frank (my picture of my Father Oskar is still missing)
Was good to visit with Yussi and boys - hoped I would see Risto but he is busy doctor
and lectures to doctors - (he had 3 specialty degrees besides Dr and surgeon) so hope to get
picture of him and family some time.
March 25, 1987
12:30Am snowing - 5am get up - finish Laura’s letter - will be last one -
pg. 23 This has been some experience - never to be forgotten - now or ever - some very
good - and some quite painfully frustrating “but dimming as time goes by and pleasant
memories of meeting my family in Finland.”
Isomerii (Forrstroms, not forgotten - as August said - the only legacy he had and wants
to keep it) Usineru us fube bane - but I hope they never forget the Forrstrom name - it has fine
men like Frank and August (maybe Oskar too). I think now too, as to how Ray must have felt at
times when he was here, only he never had the comfort of fine loving people like Liisa and
Kalle, for which I’ll be eternally grateful.
Got pictures from Turtu today, real good (see pict 6-7-8) going to find Hurtti - cemetery -
tried twice before and got mixed up in directions off of Harbor area - make note of streets to
follow - there and back - Kalle marked on my map about where Hurtti’s grave was - Aunt Helma
there too, but didn’t know exactly where.
Well, this time I made it OK - Beautiful Bldg- Cemetery and north side of road is
cemetery burial area. Just like in any graveyard, but smaller brave areas- Other side of road is
Luthern Church and also cemetery for - regular ordinary burials. It was snowing and I offered
prayer there in snow covered Cemetery area near where I figured Hurtti was and then took
some pictures. Due to difficulty I had not knowing the camera very well, I got 1 picture, a double
exposure, they call it, but comes out fairly well at that. The overcast cloudy and snowing Lightly,
had hoped to catch the snowflakes (quite huge) on camera but due to the superimposing of
other exposures (inside my room)
Pg. 24 You can see dim outline of Dining Room Doors - pictures on wall, table and
window and drapes from east windows 4th floor - on street side - Neitsytpolku - and white
ground snow covered makes a good light for cemetery picture with dark tombstones for contrast
background - the other pictures I took were on film already exposed before as camera’s
numbers showed up film was 36 exposures or ? Anyway I was fortunate to get as many good
shots as I did. This will be #9 picture. Heitaniemen - uurnalehto - Savdudds wmlund Cemetery -
Krenetorianlie - Well - stayed ½ hr or so contemplating this peace and situation - the somewhat
rested - no bus in site started back - Leg now bothering considerable something to do with
hernia maybe –

#9 Cemetery and final resting place of Hurtti and Aunt Hilma.
Double exposure, with Dining Room Doors – pictures & table
Much better after got on our home street and down hill next 4 blocks to harbor and apt. bldg.
Passed Florist shop on way, went in found real nice potted plant, redish blossoms got it for Liisa
- She liked it very much Florist said to keep in cool place - by windows quite cool.
Back about 1pm 913:00). Put on jogging suit so wouldn’t wrinkle clothes - Lay down
exhausted - Liisa wanted me to eat lunch - but too tired - mission was accomplished and I was
ready to rest- (glad I had jogging suit that Cherie made me couple Christmases ago - even
wore it to bed a few times) 3:15 pm woke up - slept solid 1st time in couple weeks 2 hrs solid -
Ease of mind with all projects intended for trip (almost all, most important anyway) completed -
and now can rest unworried except for making bus and plane connections in next few days -
Confirmed plane status - British Airways to London - and bus to airport tomorrow - Friday 27th.
Pg. 25 One thing when it’s snowing weather is warmer - but feet get cold walking on ice
and slush - except for continual overcast - cloudy - today with light snowing was almost nice.
Now will finish my “Last of Wind Ships Book” and see pictures again - really fantastic how they
could get these photos of ships in various stages of sailmaking - 10 -12 men on yard - -arm -
and then taking in sails even during storm when ships at various times was completely covered
with ocean waves and solid water - Camera man up on yard arm that at times almost dipped
into sea.

Suppertime - Reindeer meat - cut up in gravy - just like beef - I didn’t know the difference -
potatoes and some broccoli type vegetable - all very good and usual brown bread and hard tack
which I sure like. Liisa went to sauna Kalle goes out with sailing buddies almost every eve.
Read some of 3rd Ne and into 4th Ne. Got tired went to bed in jogging suit - about 7:30
- Liisa got back about 8 - closed my door - thought I was asleep I guess. Awful pounding noise
woke me up about 10:30 - got up looked outside - saw nothing - tried to sleep again - read for a
while - shorts and shirt almost dry - by radiator, Now 11:30.
March 26, 1987
Awoke off and on till 4:15 got up did exercises I do each morning, push ups,
forward and back in crouch - hands on floor in front - sit ups - 25-30 each also odd deep knee
bends since trouble in left leg - upper. 6 am got up shave and dressed - washed sleeptime
underwear and also socks - dry on radiator - go to breakfast 9am - sun is partly out - will walk up
to Harbor and Market area - try to get some pictures. Took flash pictures at dinner table (double
exposure so got two pictures in one - can make out ok tho) #10 pict. took some pictures of the
marketplace booths - Beautiful ship - Olympic and Finlandia - Largest of Finnish passenger Line
to Stockholm each day - with aid of ice - breaker (pic. 4, 11-15) Also Finland’s President’s Home.
Pg.26 A cold Thursday. The Marketplace (on Bay) sells all kinds of things - Fish, Fruit,
vegetables, Flowers, Furs, caps, hats, gloves, notions, gift items, Mostly handmade - knives, toys,

clothing, etc, etc, etc. On way back to apt. (taking pictures on way) a young man - dark skinned
foreigner stopped me - and in English asked if I knew where certain restaurant was I didn’t know -
He asked if I lived here - I said was visiting from Carlsbad Calif. near San Diego USA - he said he
was from Algeria - spoke FInnish, French - English and Arabic - I told him it was probably as
difficult for him to learn English as it would be for me to learn Arabic - we laughed, wished each
other well and went our way - How did he know I spoke English? Maybe the English - Norfolk
style coat (John’s from Hong Kong tailor) and English type cap that was so prevalent in England.
Kalle told me the Arab - terrorists {my comment: did we even talk about terrorists back in
87?} have young well educated men as fronts in various areas and in Finland there have been
gun-runners operating out of well known restaurants - could this have been one of them?
Pic #11 Helsinki Harbor Market Place Booths
Yesterday on way back from downtown Helsinki there was a young man in Turban (hindu
style) passing out books (Har-Krishna) written in Finnish. He spoke English also, altho he
addressed me in Finnish. I said “ei ymmana” and he said - oh you speak English - he asked
would I like to read his book - I said no-thank you - I don’t read finnish and besides I am from the
USA, LDS - Mormon. He shook hands - said he was glad to meet a Mormon - wish each other
well and I went on my way, leaving him on corner just as Finn Lady inquired as to his “Kirga.”
Back to room apt. at 3:40 pm - sun’s out but air is cold - got pictures on way - (16-21). Confirmed
plane reservation to London. Kalle just came in, Liisa and friend going away to 2 parties. Kalle fix
supper - Liisa and friend left about 4:30 - will be gone for evening.
Pg. 27 Kalle leaving also - sort of relief cause when Liisa here she always wants me to eat
something - going to sort out my things - need or not in next few days - put everything I don’t think I’ll

need in little carry bag (Janet”s) Holds quite a lot when you pack it tightly - mostly clothes so no
problem to pack things in Put all else in my travel bag that goes over my neck and shoulder - Leaving
my hands free for carr bag and coat bundle. Got my Finn Marks for EngL tomorrow at airport,
380Mks - $90.00, or about 50L, so already for tomorrow - To bed 9:30 up 11:30 - sore in nose - use
sea water spray - hear wind rocking light fixture between bldg. (you can just make it out in pict. #5 of
sheet #11) Will use thermal underwear once more tomorrow as cold in England - tomorrow I hope I
can get pict. of entrance of apt. that I originally couldn’t find until with the Police records and the
Lord’s help I found after all -
March 27, 1987
Pg. 28 Friday. Snowing now 5:30 - and wind blows snow off cars parked like sardines up and
down both sides of the street and most cars are foreign - some Fords - Escorts and smaller, some I’d
never seen before - taxis are small buy lots of Mercedes Taxis as in Jerusalem and :alestine -
Helsinki is mostly all apt. bldgs - only in outskirts - small towns do you see individual homes - Like in
England as well.
8:30 almost all packed and ready except for socks drying on radiator. Real cloudy will try to
get picture of entrance - with Kalle there with my baggage - got down about 1:30 and left with goodbyes
and some tears with Liisa and a million thanks; I need to wonder how I can ever repay all
kindness and expense too, for extra mouth to feed and house - No thought to accept anything as I
offered a number of times when she had to go to the store - any way got down the stairs and Kalle
had taxi waiting - took picture with flash not knowing film already all exposed. Something haywire as I
took several pictures in Heathrow Airport, England that came out OK past 27 expo.
Got to Bus station at Finair Station this Bus when direct to airport - got there at 2pm - plane to
leave 4:25. Was after 5 when we took off. Real bumpy ride to London - especially last 100 mr. or so
(about 450 mi trip) got to London Heathrow at 6:30 - was due 5:30 - so with time change and all took
about 2 hrs. (1 hr time change)
Waited for hotel bus (Berkley Arms) all but that one showed up in over 1 hr - some several
times - I was at stall marked Berkley Arms among others - Went inside Information - reservations
desk - and they told me I should call in - I did - said someone would be by in 15 min. ½ hr later no
one. 45 min. or hour later went into desk and girl got me reservation at Heathrow Park - their Bus was
due every ½ hr. now little past 8, little less than 2 hrs.(20 min). Their Hotel had special rate at
reservation desk of 29 1/2L (reg rate 49L) paid 19 1/2L at Desk, rest at Hotel - 3 hrs. from time plane
landed - I finally got to a hotel. Girl at information desk in from Manchester said -
Pg. 29 Hotels much cheaper in Manchester - good to hear - I’ll go there Sunday morning. Tomorrow
I want to get to Temple at Lingfield - 11pm - off to soak in Hot tub and to bed.

Bus Waiting Depot – Numbered for Busses going to Different Destinations
March 28, 1987
3:30 up - 3:45, How to get to London Temple? Downstairs t 7am - made reservation for sat.
nite at same Hotel. Off to Bus depot to get to Lingfield 0 instead of going to London (found out there
was a Marriott Hotel in London from which I know I could have gotten to Temple also 50 % discount
on room) But Porter and bus driver here said no need to go to London - Take Bus from there to
Lingfield about 15-20 minutes away - Great here I go - Crawley about 2 hrs from Heathrow at edge of
Surry - 2 hrs about 10:30 get to Crawley went to Bus depot to get Bus number for Littlefield. Waited
half hour at bus stand where the# Bus was supposed to be at 11am. No Bus - 11:30 No Bus - went
back to Bus stand real cold - 12:30 went into McDonalds for Big Mac - this made my day - got Bus
back to Depot at Heathrow at 2 and got there at 4- was at wrong depot - girl in #4 - another terminal
said get shuttle Bus to #1 Terminal to get bus I needed - got back OK - will go to London Rail Sta.
(about 4:15) Anyway if it’s this hard to get bus to Lingfield how would I get out tomorrow - Sunday - if
I did get there? So back to Heathrow.
Pg. 30 Tomorrow 3/29 Sunday, and stay in Manchester near Plane Depot-Airport
and to Home - Oh Yeah! Wait and see - I had put out a don’t disturb sign on door as I was
staying another nite and didn’t pack my bag - the other bag I never opened (won’t till I get home)
but they came in anyway - changed sheets etc but didn’t replace the crackers or candy in Bowl -
Bum deal - I was hungry about now and after looking at restaurant menu I decided to just drink
some more water - they have good water in England and Finland - soft Katkes real good - Got in
Hot Tub again, and tomorrow - Manchester here I come!
Plan to have breakfast at Rail Station on way to Manchester. Have TV in room - but
nothing worth watching - no news on any channel - Have 4 channels on Cable - costs xtra when
I was at desk, a man checking out looking his bill over complained - How come charge for TV?
They said he had plugged in Cable and that is xtra charge. I wondered so when I got up to

room I checked out Cable and on this nite Sat. nite there was only an x rated movie on so I went
to bed.
March 29, 1987
Pg.31 1am Sunday - Something woke me up - sound like someone in room or
bathroom or hall. No sign of anyone so got up went to bathroom very uncomfortable needed
syringe - took last Vit. C - put on extra clothing real cool in room - put on robe and slippers - got
out Gideon Bible - 1st room in trip that had one - Opened it to any place was Daniel 6 -
Handwriting on wall - Belshazar followed footsteps of Father Nebuchadnezzar - prideful,
arrogant, forsook the Lord - suffered consequences - Daniel set over Kingdom - Princes of
Kingdom conspired to put Daniel in Lions Den. etc.
Back to bed 1:40 - 3:20 woke up chilly - 4:00 got up shave - dress get ready for trip to
Manchester ia London - 5:55 pack 6:45 ready to check out - 7:30 to Bus Depot for London - got
Bus to go Direct to Manchester at 11 am - 2 hrs. later rest stop at place called Blue Boar -
Rathesthorpe - 10 min. rest stop went to W/C (had to go) - came out as fast as normal - got
outside - No BUs - He was gone - sure fast 10 min. My carry on bags in Luggage compartment
on BUs - Bundle (wrapped coat) on seat where I left it - Oh! Boy! What now - went to phone
booth after I got a coffee cake to eat - nothing since McDonald's in Crawley at 1:30 pm
yesterday - then I got on phone to National Express Bus at Manchester - got girl on phone - said
to stand by phone - she would contact dispatcher -
Pg.32 After about ½ hr. phone rang and it was dispatcher - made arrangements for a
relief driver due to pick up a Bus - to exchange drivers - and to meet where I was. He would
look for me at phone booth and I was to watch for him too. Real cold out - so when no one
using phone I stayed in the booth to keep warm - an empty with driver to take over regular bus
and regular driver take the xtra bus back to some town, Bus station near my. Got to Leicester
(Lester) then trans to other bus to Manchester - Then dumped again to wait for Bus to airport.
Waited long time in wrong place till drivers of other # Buses came and went. Other people at
stations at various bus stops in station - till I asked one of drivers which bus to airport. He told
me another place to wait about a block away in same Bus Depot - went over to depot office
about it was closed - Finally after 6 pm got to airport - now to try to find my luggage.
Went to Information desk - called Manchester Bus Office -Nat. Exp. - but it was closed -
wait till 8am Monday. The information girl wanted to know if I’d like a room for the nite and I said
I would but no luggage.
Pg.33 Not much money - they don’t take Visa. But she said a real nice place available
for 18L. I had 20 and some travelers checks too but no exchange desks open this late and on
Sunday - got reservation and Lady came in 15 - 20 minutes to pick me up Then a most
charming place - decorated - TV - and wash basin in room - twin beds, bath - toilet at head of
stairs - other rooms upstairs and some more downstairs. Beautiful bed covers ike pillow slips
over comforters - and decorative pillow on each bed - Big pillows underneath - towel and soap -
couldn’t shave, no luggage - had to sleep in underwear - 8:10 Now nothing to watch on TV.
Looked for news but none - tried anyway - Biggest worry now - luggage - Janet’s leather coat
and all my genealogy information and pictures - and my trip notes except the notebook in my
pocket. Lucky I had taken some Travelers checks out of bottom of onea case and put in my

coat pocket (200). Woke up at 12:40 am - too warm opened windows some - saw what I figured
was nice back yard - bushes, flowers, and Lawns - next morning in light it was really beautiful,
1st Beauty spot -home I’ve seen in England.
March 30, 1987
Pg.34 Turned TV on - and here was an old “Ironside” episode ‘Priest Killer’ saw last ½
hr of it. Then back to bed - 1st place ever was since left home where a window in bedroom
would open - air was fresh and it was raining lightly.
D-Day - Beautiful English Garden - 1am, 2:45, 3:30, 4:05, no sound in house - did
exercises, 4:30 - drank 2 glasses of water will go to WC about 5:05 washed -dressed - no one
up yet - getting anxious to get to Bus Station to locate luggage -Now find out England spring
ahead 1 hr - Spring Daylite saving time - was 7:30 - now 8:30.
Should have caught the 9am Bus to Manchester as I was there at 8:30 (really 7:30 my
time but still early enough for Bus if there was one -Maybe Sunday schedule different. No
matter - here I am now - so where’s my luggage - Nottingham, Stockport or back at Heathrow or
somewhere else, Manchester?
8:50, Still no sound at this Beachwood house - wanted to get to airport information desk
- the girl last nite said she’d leave note afor girl that comes on duty Morn. AM. But a worker
came out as I tried to call Bus Depot from Hall phone in Hotel - got answering service and lost
my 2 - 10p coins it cost to get number. Fellow said he’s have breakfast for me and get me to
station by 8am. Good Deal.
Pg.35 I was hungry and such a good breakfast, egg - toast, bacon, Ham, sausage, Juice,
Milk, and jelly. 7:45 at airport - Information girl there at 8:00 - I described luggage again to her -
she got Bus Co. and they were to trace driver for information on luggage drop - 9:30 Information
located luggage, but where was it? Could it get here before 10:45 when I was to check on
plane - only 1 ¼ hrs left - Bags had tag with name and address but package had none - I
described the bundle with cap and gloves tucked under carrying strap. Now only wait and pray.
Went to plane check in - told director my dilemma - He said luggage or no, check in at 10:45 for
11:45 flight - OK?
Back downstairs and wait - good I don’t chew fingernails or they’d all be gone. 10:45
went to Information Desk - not yet - 10:50 still on pins and needles when girl motioned to me -
she put on a jacket and said me on out with me to Bus Stop - we hurried out to Bus Stop - he
rapped on window and attendant waved at her - came to door with my luggage - then and there
I knew prayers can be answered by why had He waited so long - any way I gae girl 2L she
refused 2-3 times. I insisted it was little enough -she took it to put in coffee fund I would have
given a $100 had it been necessary.
Pg.36 Hurried on upstairs to check out after thanking her profusely - they allowed me to
take it all on plane as carry-on, to put in overhead compartment. Lucky they were small enough
to be put up there - even the coat bundle. 2pm Terrific lunch on plane to Chicago, Filet of Sole
- new potatoes, peas, carrots - Lettuce - Roll, Bun - crackers, cheese, or. juice, olives, pastry -
peach and apricot. - Choc. mint - ½ hr. before had 7up and nuts.
35,000 feet at 460 mph - real rough tho - Like edge of world outside, solid white above
clouds - and sharp cut off to Blue sky like end of world. Read magazine about gracious Angela
Lansbury - 61 yrs old - interesting having just visited her England. 8hr flight took over 9 hrs - the

plane had 3 seats on each side - I had window seat and the lady next to me,after plane took off,
found a seat elsewhere as she was in middle seat between aisle seat and window seat. She
had luggage at her feet that she didn’t want me to put in overhead compartment.
Altogether we were 1 ½ hr late from England to Chicago - but Chicago to San Diego
Plane 10 min. early (5:05 instead of 5:15) because we just cut the waiting time at Chicago.
Spring Equinox - cold winter winds and warm spring winds made turbulence and head winds for
plane to buck so - Last Time-
Pg.37 When I got off plane and in airport, no one there I knew - but no matter - I’m used
to that now - and got downstairs and outside with my luggage - went around this part of the
airport twice - no one sighted yet till I came around again after resting a while on curb - There
was Janet - she said she left the others off to part the Van - then we went back inside and there
was Mom - Terry - Nonnie - Scotty - Jimmy - Jason.
Hallelujah - Home at Last, from my frustrating - excruciating - Prayerful - Bad Luck -
Good Luck - Joyous - Good Fortune - unanswered Prayers Answered Prayers - as days go by
the whole experience becomes more and more memorable - so rewarding to find my families
are still around and will be for long time - Isomeri’s - Huldens, and Hilmas family - must still be
somewhere tho she is gone with Hurtti and the Forsstroms - Hope to find them - if Lissa can
help me -
Thanks eternally - Terry and Janice and Laura for making this trip possible for all the
prayers sent up for me by my Family - Dad
Hallelujah – Home at Last !!!!!