Called 山下紅=yamashita-beni, they are so beautiful both in taste and appearance that Mei-Shun cannot wait until she meet them at the beginning of winter. Mikan-chan, here are mini-moms you are named after. You are clever enough to know that, greet them peacefully while normal cats do not like them. One of Mei-Shun’s cat fancier friends loves oranges so much. However, he has to go to another room for this dessert since his boy always get angry at it and hit dad by paws.
Mr. Banana stands quietly in morning sunlight, with a new leaf looking half-frozen. How’s Baby Avocado? … Oh, he looks safe, upheld in snow-covered garden. It is awful that current cold wave forces Mei-Shun to arrange protector against frost for them so soon. On the other hand, she found five flower buds of Princess Cymbidium just after returning from the roof floor to watch Mr. Banana. Kindly let her show great pleasure, your highness.
Following yesterday, another natural disaster might beat us tomorrow — snowstorm. If really happened in November, it would be the second record after the first one 54 years ago, they say. It rains a little, chilly in Tokyo today. Buildings on Namiki Street, Ginza are so charming adorned with Christmas lights and ornaments. Convey our warm regards to such amusement, while never to unseasonable Snow White.
It really is in Tsukuba right now. Most of main streets are trimmed by trees beautifully bloom in spring, colored in autumn. Mei-Shun’s favorite includes Japanese maple whose coats depend on daily temperature and weather in summer especially. Perhaps the latter made one yellow instead of red, with already browned leaves on the top. Another keeps green while in part turning into bright red. The only problem is that they are too attractive to keep drivers’ eyes on the road.
10 days have passed since Mei-Shun visited 乙戸沼 Park before. Gingko ladies have changed their dresses from pale green to shiny gold. How great it is to see them in morning sunlight! On the other hand, she felt a bit itchy in thighs at the end of walking. It is because she has stayed away from it for too long — even three-day off gives the same impact. Such a 三日坊主 would be punished by herself.
We had 立冬=ritto, the first of winter 二十四節気 today. And it really was — might be rare for these warming days. In cold wind surfed on water, Mei-Shun walked around乙戸沼. Flocks of waterfowl have already flown onto the pond, lively chatting with each other. However, once look up, vivid colors dressed by tall ladies jump into your eyes. Many gingko trees changed into yellow while some are still in green. Several Japanese zelkova put on brown-red coats.
It was lucky for Mei-Shun to see them on the back of T.T. — Tosen Treasure, a thoroughbred boy with pretty eyes and a round star on forehead. Still single digit years old, he is very kind and friendly, let her feel relaxed after two weeks. Well, does it mean a little progress in her technique? You are supposed to look up while keeping your back straighten up on horses, which is not so easy for beginners. Oh, please wait until next lesson for photos; merciless shower began to beat lovely flowers.
Sonate (sonata quasi una Fantasia) Op. 27 by Beethoven,
Clair de Lune by Debussy,
… share top of Mei-Shun’s favorite piano score list. Mov. III of the former was the last for her to play in front of audience when she was 17. Such difficult one never let her relax, that Mov. I and II are among her repertoire. They tend to appear on Ms. Piano in rainy days, while it rarely does this month. It is why Mei-Shun makes it an excuse to choose these soothing scores that we see the moon later at night after 十五夜.
It is great honor for Mei-Shun to have a chance to visit a mosque for the first time led by Professor S, who is major in interfaith dialogue. Tokyo Camii & Turkish Culture Center is in Shibuya Ward, an amazing place of Islam and art. Marble walls and stairs with an impressive dome and minarets suddenly appear among tall trees. Now indoors taking off shoes, shining stained glasses and arabesque patterns jump into your eyes. Adhan by an imam sounds incredible, just like fantastic music.
Mei-Shun visited 旧古河庭園 with Professor S. They applied for a tour to enjoy autumnal roses there, fortunately won in the drawing. Starting from 9:00, they gave us a 5-minute lecture. It is very interesting that the flower originates in the Middle East, which seems one of the reasons for popularity of rose water around the region. Today’s Ms. Scent is 春芳=shumpo, with lovely silver-pink color and fascinating tea fragrance while Ms. Beauty White Christmas below in creamy white, round petals and fruity aroma.
To be continued to 21st, Fri.
