Akemashite Omedeto Gozaimasu. This is Mei-Shun’s first omikuji (=sacred lot) of 2016.
第二十二番 吉 The 22nd Lucky
このみくじにあう人は たちこめていた雲間に 再び月の明るさが射し込むように 万事気短にする事なく よくよく思慮すれば 神仏の御加護の下 幸せが訪れる
For those who see this sacred lot, consideration on every deed: never being in a hurry would lead to bright happiness under the protection of the God, as moonlight breaks through night clouds.
This Tuesday on the way to home, Mei-Shun dropped in at a branch of 菊廼舎 in Tokyo Station. She reserved specially-designed cans of 冨貴寄, with the symbol of coming 2016 申=monkey, for friends and herself. They are called 年女 or 年男 = people of the year, who were born in the new year symbolized by one of 12 animals. She makes it a rule to send that delicacy to her precious 年女 or 年男, since it seems to bring a good fortune.
A notice of our tax numbers has finally reached us. Starting delivery last month, many troubles have been heard regarding this system. We therefore had no expectation to receive it within this year — well done, postmen. A photo is necessary to apply for a card? All right, good timing. Mei-Shun has to renew her passport soon.
Labor Thanksgiving Day takes Monday this year. It works well for us, since Shin had a business trip to Toyama on Saturday. Working Sunday sounds awful, doesn’t it? Mikan-chan looks happy as well, satisfied with warm arms of daddy.
It is believed to be a forerunner of good luck in our country. However, it appears in your cup only when a twig green tea is employed. Many of them are cheaper than non-twig ones, meaning rich people hardly see this message in tea.
Standing in the center.
邦楽発表会 has been held one day before today so far. That gave us good convenience, since many of Mei-Shun’s friends interested in Japanese dance live around Tokyo. However, it was delayed toward 15th, Sunday this year. Our public holidays set in November do not apply to Happy Monday System, fixed on 3rd for Culture Day while 23rd for Labor Thanksgiving Day. We wonder why; the former accommodates a number of cultural events throughout Japan. Won’t you wish a national holiday followed?
It was so shocking for Mei-Shun to see her favorite tea shop closed last year, yet recent finding that they have another branch in Tsukuba made her delighted. As season recommendation, a cup of twig green tea called karigane, meaning song of flying wild geese, was served. Twigs pruned from tea plants are mixed with leaves, giving a bit bitter and refreshing flavor.
Kumano is famous as a place good brushes are handmade. Mei-Shun has thought it means the city accommodates the ancient shrine for a long time, that is a big misunderstanding. This city belongs to Hiroshima Prefecture. She learned it at a shop in Ginza lately.
Wrapping
Portable brush
We feel a bit hot in daytime while cold at night these days. Mei-Shun was looking for her kappogi, an apron with sleeves. It is stored in our closet under futon, blankets and silk kimonos during summer. Laying one on another is not a suitable way to keep kimonos clean; humidity could hurt them seriously. Drawings made of paulownia wood is the best, yet we cannot afford any further space.
The second Monday in October is Health and Sports Day. Originally set on 10th Oct., Happy Monday System works to increase serial holidays. Thanks to nice weather for activities outdoors, many sport events are held at schools and local communities. Early in the morning, fireworks are shot off to let us know it goes ahead. Good luck, children. We grown-ups would enjoy sleeping more.
meishunkikunoe 