Autumn has already reached 乙戸沼 Park. Fortunately, these pale orange fruits, perhaps blown together on the brick lane by storm, were not ripe enough to emit that odor — you have only to be wary not to step on them. On the other hand, your hats would be safe passing under these red candies whose mother tree might be a 楠=kusunoki, camphor grown in our backyard.
Cicada guys, they say your season has already gone. However, in spite of well-known saying that 暑さ寒さも彼岸まで= “Both sultry weather and freezing one would end at autumnal and vernal equinoxes”, we still have summer in daytime these days. Mei-Shun admires your energy, hoping you would be able to meet good girls to marry. So does Mikan-chan as well with her paws crossed.
Sunny autumn days contribute well to mom-in-law: they are indispensable for her hobby to take care of our garden. When Mei-Shun hung futon mats in southern balcony, she found Tora-chan serving like an attendant. Yes, an empty box is always yours. Oops, sorry to interrupt you, Ms. Mantis. Mei-Shun saw you fly for the first time — or she did not know you can do it. Looking frail onto your back, wings really make good job.
Mei-Shun walked around 乙戸沼 Park after a long time — almost one month and a half since she visited there in July. Yes, she missed you, Mr. and Mrs. Cormorant. Great to see fountains make upside-down umbrella in the center of the pond again. Oh? it looks a bit distorted by just a breeze, depending on direction maybe. And mom, they are the flowers you mentioned before, aren’t they?
In 1965, 清流園 garden was constructed within 二条城 site to offer hospitality to visitors. Western half is Japanese style, served by 和楽庵 and 香雲亭 tea rooms while eastern half in European atmosphere. Southern lane features weeping pagoda trees which bloom in white, butterfly-shaped from late July to August. Oh, Mei-Shun nearly forgot mentioning this lady’s tress who looked waiting for her.
How long has Mei-Shun left him alone? Dripping accident occurred in … February. She went up to the roof floor accompanied by a repairer, gave a glance at dry, brown Mr. Banana pot. And she found it grown up in healthy green this morning. Oh, you have a younger brother. Great to see you again. Kindly let us express the best gratitude while sincere respect for your survival.
We are still in rainy season, yet no drop beats the ground around here these days. Dry wind starts to blow just after dawn, makes us feel exhausted. Sometimes grey clouds are seen, heavy thunder heard from far away, never reach this area expecting good shower for plants. And one of Japanese summer symbols seem to stay in their subterranean home: white cicada babies still wait the best timing to appear.
That seems why hydrangeas are said to carry messages like “whim” and “arrogance”. On the other hand, blue flowers have “patient love” while “humbleness” with lace caps. Mei-Shun has to thank to the Ys, because they let us enjoy not only the last one in violet but also pink gradation. And she is happy to do so to mom, who really represents sky-blue following below in her garden. Dad, you loved it so much as well.
We have 夏至=geshi, the 4th of summer 二十四節気 today. The longest daytime in an year should serve for a romantic dinner in sunset for example, yet rainy season often prevents us from doing so. Well, good rainfall is indispensable for our good life. Mei-Shun’s proposal here is to go out with your favorite umbrella, raincoat and boots. How’s your idea, lovely little frog?
Mei-Shun gave Princess Cymby pots 2 kinds of fertilizers; one is liquid for once a week, the other solid once a month. Satisfied at their livelier looks, she found smaller (=younger?) princess accommodates an unique friend, another baby mantis. Can you kind followers recognize him/her below? Interestingly, he/she has tabby in legs, seems to camouflage him/herself as a plant.
meishunkikunoe 