In the middle of summer, we often find a fluffy Sphinx relaxing on the floor. Only different from the one in Egypt is that she continues to swing her tail listening to songs of cicadas. When they fly nearby, this creature disappears to rush toward the window.
It’s cooool.
On tatami
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.
It is hard to dance in the middle of summer of course, yet humidity might be worse: it often causes a heatstroke indoors. “Dry” mode of air conditioners therefore works very well this season. And fans are worth your purchase, to make a good air circulation. Now, let’s start practicing Suisen-Tanzen.
broken mop …
into a “spear”.
For a “trip” to Tokyo, Mei-Shun always reserves a window seat of Joban line train to enjoy nice views. Ushiku Pond soon appears on the right. Nisshin Co. factory follows with steam from Cup Noodle-shaped chimney. Many river banks serve as sport fields. And the Sky Tree of course, as colors turn from green to gray.
We have two-day summer from yesterday. The weather forecast said that it is since 1994 — the year we married — to have such hot days in May. In our memory of younger days, summer started from June. Grey sky, humid air and sometimes a bit cold we felt. On the contrary, May has been dry, sunny, full of young green …
The eldest son of Professor S is a doctor, managing a clinic in Nakano, Tokyo. It is so nice to come here by train, chat with him before taking a kind of aesthetic treatment. A diagnosis requiring an operation has prevented Mei-Shun from enjoying this little monthly journey, yet now she is very happy to resume it.
This season has come – when we start using air-conditioners, Mikan-chan flees up to the roof floor. We feel too hot there, yet she prefers such temperature. Ah, that is because your ancestors have come from North Africa – Libyan wild cats, isn’t it?
untitled
15 years have passed since we moved to Ibaraki. It was our first experience to arrange rooms, decide interior design, etc. Now, hands of time have touched here and there in walls, ceilings and floors – our sweet home looks ready for refreshment.
Golden Week seems the best time for rice farmers to start planting. It is so nice to walk along newly-watered paddy, enjoying fresh breeze over it. Night chorus by frogs is so pleasant to ears. All is for happy harvest in autumn, yet stop for a while and let us be grateful to stand on this beautiful place.
meishunkikunoe 