Mikan-chan knows well the best place to take a nap. Her current favorite is a narrow space in oshiire (=Japanese-style closet) of our bedroom. Here is the way she sometimes notifies mom where she stays. And please find coins which Shin generously left in the pocket.
Hi, mom.
Laundered to shine?
This vase is made by 辻常陸 whose works of simple beauty attract us. It is Professor S. who first informed us on him — she gave Mei-Shun a mug to celebrate her late recovery. Not only drawings but also the kind-to-hand shape of his work lets you feel really refreshed after tea. Now, a thistle joined our table while full blossom of wisteria and three little butterflies wait for white flowers to top them.
Mei-Shun finished learning how to dance Suisen-Tanzen today. Since it has been superficial so far, the role of a night butterfly in transient loves must be soaked into dancer’s limbs and mind from now. She has only three months and a half left before the stage performance. Practice, practice and practice would continue.
… and suddenly disappeared. He showed a good appetite last night — it seemed that he had survived pretending to be a part of avocado in daytime. However, the more he eats, the more he exposes himself to bird’s eyes. A big contradiction in a small life, isn’t it?
We visited Namari onsen (=hot spring) in Hanamaki, Iwate Prefecture this weekend. It takes 2 hours and a half from Ueno by Tohoku shinkansen (=bullet train). Our first trip to there found several ryokan (Japanese-style hotel) spread along a winding mountain path. Nicely alkalescent water and quiet environment give you a genuine relaxation.
Mikan-chan’s favorite pieces include Nocturne Op. 9. No. 2 by Chopin, Pavane pour une Infante Défunte by Ravel, Clair de Lune by Debussy, etc. When finger exercises are finished, she comes back to the living room. Here is her expression of satisfaction at mom’s performance.
Well done.
Our avocado has a friend. It was first in the size of one’s finger nail, while has grown almost ten times as big as just a few days before. It kept this camouflage as a stalk among leaves even when watered. Amazing power of nature.
Good disguise
Tora-chan was waiting for Mei-Shun at the porch this morning. She gently meowed asking a treat. Oh, your leg has recovered from the injury. You lost a little weight, didn’t you? All right, eat as much as you like. Purrrrr …
Today is Marine Day, the 3rd Monday of July. Mountain Day would be added to our list of national holidays on August 11th next year. One of the reasons for these recent enforcement seems that summer vacation for schoolchildren are set from late July to the end of August. Parents would like to share joyful time with children as long as possible.
