enjoy

Necessary Costume

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… for horseback riding includes a helmet, a vest, slim pants called culottes, boots and gloves. Mei-Shun ordered all (thanks a million, Shin), has not yet received any except for a pair of culottes. She is so much looking forward to seeing them soon. On the other hand, Japanese dance requires at least one cotton yukata, made with a texture on which a pattern of school where a dancer belongs to is dyed. Kikunoe Ryu has chosen this one, a pair of chrysanthemum profiles bound in calyx.

Daki-hiraki-kiku

Daki-hiraki-kiku

Introductory Lesson

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Thanks, Maroo. He is very handsome and kind, a white pony, 20 years old, played a role of Mei-Shun’s partner yesterday. Our club let us prepare for riding; we have to brush his/her body, clean inside horseshoes, put cushions on the back, etc., before lessons. Nice idea it seems — we agree with them. Soft pats and gentle talking during preparation would help our wordless conversation.

Clever Horses

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They are just great. 110 and more horses are working for a club in Ryugasaki. They work much harder than many of us; 6 days a week from 10:00 to 20:00. Rachel, the first partner of Mei-Shun, is a 17-year-old girl who has a shiny brown coat. She is kind and patient enough to follow beginners’ awkward signs to stop, walk and trot. Thanks, Ray-chan. Mikan-chan gave a permission to communicate with you. See you next week with a banana.

Sweet Rachel

Half-baked Proficiency

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Mei-Shun loves learning foreign languages. She has studied English for the longest time (30 years and more!) while French and Chinese follow. However, she has not reached the best positions; failed three times for Grade 1 of Eiken Test, gained Grade 3 of French and Chinese tests sponsored by our Government. She just hopes that her “hobby” would work to teach Japanese abroad in the future.

Air-conditioner Free

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Autumn brings a happiness to Mei-Shun. As she sits on the sofa, Mikan-chan immediately comes onto her lap. Still in August, we have been enjoying cool weather from yesterday. It seems a bit too soon, yet it would be hot and humid again in a few days. Let’s make a good preparation in mind and body, baby.

Sweet smile

Sweet smile

 

Great to See You

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Torrid weather gives us good chances to enjoy water melons. Vertical cut is normal for them, yet Mei-Shun had a little dream — yes, a horizontal cut to make the sweetest disk. And this morning, her dream finally came true. Thank you, Shin. He ordered it to a corporation called Tele-farm. They grow organic fruits and vegetables based on customers’ command via PC.

Before

Before

After

After

Travel Recommendation

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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.

Piano Lover

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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.

Well done.

 

Japanese Culture@holiday

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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.