Professor M returned from South Africa on business, gave Mei-Shun a fine souvenir; a box of rooibos tea, Shin’s favorite. He takes as much as 2 bottles of 2 liters a day in summer, makes his wife to boil it in a designated kettle three times every hot day. Now fragrant olive began to give nice scent, a messenger to inform us on advent of the comfortable season.
Thank you so much, Ms. I and Mr. Vanilla Arc. Mei-Shun finally made it: a certificate for the 4th grade of horseback riding technique would come to her hands soon. She played horse-related scores including “Life of Merry-go-round” and “La chevaleresque” before driving to the club. The former needs more practice, like gallop steps do to this happy face who has just graduated from a beginner.
Well done, mom.
… in the rain, right? When Mei-Shun brought a newspaper to mom-in-law this morning, she found Tora-chan sleeping on the bed. Although our garden cat, she sometimes occupies comfortable places for her “mom” including a wisteria-vine chair covered with fluffy cloth, a silk cushion and the bed of course while sheets are in the washer. Oh, please go ahead, no greeting is required.
It started raining hard after Mei-Shun got into Ms. Scarlet to and from the hospital, with a good phone call from Dr. A deeply wished. By the way, August 15th of lunar calendar was yesterday. In spite of weather forecasts, she was able to enjoy 仲秋の名月= the most beautiful moon of the year. Even if no sight of a full moon like tonight’s, another luck often comes.
Gingko fruit smell was washed away.
Oh-oh, hi. How are you? The other day when Mei-Shun tried to close a shutter, Mikan-chan was sleeping aside. She therefore went out on the balcony where something fluffy stayed at the bottom of window. Reaching her hands, she found it move onto the wall, crawling toward the edge. Little batty, say thanks to the baby cat who avoid her mom to touch and frighten you.
I, mom says. Meow, is it so? It is because of its attitude, moves like ridiculing me. And whose speed is suitable to follow, easy to catch. However, I cannot see any in my territory these days. Maybe they all ran away, recognized my wisdom and dexterity. Of course, I’m a big girl who had 15th birthday yesterday. The same as mom’s mom? It doesn’t matter. You are my mom, I am your girl. Purr … purrr …
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Mei-Shun visited her mother’s home to celebrate お彼岸=(o)-higan, a week with Autumnal/Vernal Equinox Day in the middle, helping the latter make ohagi. Her late father, who was the second boy of an old family in Kyushu, loved this Japanese sweets from his childhood. He missed it for a while after coming to Tokyo, felt so happy when his young bride served handmade ones.
Mom’s hagi
Our hagi
Mei-Shun read several sites mentioning the difference between these similar desserts, found a clear answer. “Parfait” comes from French to mean a perfect dessert; layered ice cream, fruit/chocolate sauce and whipped cream with cornflakes on the top. “Sundae” used to be sold on Sundays; ice cream decorated by various toppings. Well, which would you like, or would you mind choosing one?
Last time when Mei-Shun visited a hair saloon by 5-minute walk from home, a cup and saucer was served. Soooo cute as usual, makes her happy to see. Some of her friends do not like dots pattern, while is quite fond of by herself. Such red and small round shapes remind of holly fruits to represent merry Christmas, don’t they? At least this tree in our backyard would agree on the idea.
敬老の日, Respect-for-Elderly Day is set on the 3rd Monday of September. Mei-Shun bought a bouquet for mom-in-law with one of her favorite autumn flower 吾亦紅. We can see them at sunny mountainside or highland including 草津 where her mom stays once a month. She always tells her younger daughter that they are easy to grow in the garden, yet has never heard her success.
meishunkikunoe 