Mei-Shun sees Dr. A every other month before sampling. It takes 2 weeks for a phone call to let her know the latest result. If “Yes”, it makes next reservation in June fixed. If “No”, … oh, let her stop thinking. A big, old cherry tree beside the front entrance looks like celebrating her and Birthday of the Buddha, full of beautiful pink petals.
beauty
Sakura Festival
StandardIt is called 乙戸沼=Otonuma Park, accommodating a quite large pond. Running/walking courses surround the pond hemmed by many cherry trees. You can see various waterfowls while pigeons play in a canal with this tiny cascade. Sporadic fountain-like spray is not to catch your eyes but to uptake oxygen into water.
Your Highness
StandardPlease find Momo-chan, our garden princess. How shiny she is! It seems to Mei-Shun that this 80% blossom is the best. On the other hand, 染井吉野 in the park where she walks in the morning blooms still in 30%. There are 八重桜=yae-sakura trees as well, whose gorgeous flower we could see a month later. Such diversity of spring pink makes our mind really full of joy.
Be Watchful
StandardThis is Queen Peach, mother of Momo-chan whose slender sister is seen on this side. The latter had passed away one year after the photo below was taken. Mei-Shun heard it from mom recently, shocked so much. We have to be like 桜守=sakura-mori, gardeners who take care of famous cherry trees while growing descendants of current breeds to keep loved beauty for long time.
Full Moon
StandardMei-Shun practiced “Clair de Lune” by Debussy in the afternoon, wishing to see 十五夜 over such thick clouds. And it might work, when she drove to pick Shin up after dark, round silhouette of moon appeared for just a moment. Thanks a million, wind, though we have a slight chill with you.
Japanese Culture@holiday
StandardStart of cherry blossom, represented by 染井吉野=somei-yoshino, was announced in Tokyo today. It is measured by sample trees selected all through Japan except for northern Hokkaido and southern Okinawa. Looking one of the most enjoyable jobs for the Meteorological Agency, they visit such designated sites everyday until 5-6 flowers are recognized fully open. And at home, Mei-Shun continues daily check on their garden princess. Please find narcissus knights all face toward her.
Third Player
StandardFollowing ume and daphne, here narcissus comes. Yesterday hit 20 degrees Celsius, today almost the same with stormy southern wind. Hello guys, nice to see you. Please take care, we are still in March.
Fragrant Daphne
StandardShe reminds Mei-Shun of her hospitalization last year — mom-in-law brought a little bouquet. When you cut garden flowers, they lose much energy and wilt immediately. We therefore make it a rule to keep them on the ground. Even so, sometimes a breach is imperative to help isolated family member enjoy one of her favorite.
Brideware?
StandardMei-Shun has found the best way to use “tarha”. It has quite stronger notes, might be better on handkerchiefs for example, according to Professor S. Yes, and another way seems to spray it onto after-bath goods including bathrobes, towels and hair turbans. Since we wash ourselves in the bathroom to prepare for a new day, that name sounds pretty right.
Bloom Soon
StandardOur garden princess looks starting her preparation to come out. They say that cold winter allows Rosaceae plants including cherry, peach and pear to know clearly when to bloom on their buds. On the other hand, warm winter could keep them half-awake and half-asleep — meaning it all depends on each bud when to loose her petals.
meishunkikunoe 