This 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.
It was freezing this morning, representing 三寒四温 of this season with a drizzle in which nobody except for Mei-Shun uses umbrellas in her family. Oh, Tora-chan, you are kind enough to follow her to the garbage collection point. Please keep yourself dry under the eaves.
Mei-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.
Start 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.
Our 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.
Thanks, rain. It continued all day long, cleaned up our cars in a parking space with no roof. It saved Mei-Shun’s time in busy mornings to draw after-bath water in a bucket to melt frozen mirrors and windows … Oh? Tora-chan, please don’t keep your paws wet.
Partial solar eclipse was never seen. Temperature plunged by 10 degrees Celsius. Heavy rain followed cold wind blowing from the north. We might know this happens via weather forecast, still feel a chill in mind as well as in body.
Fog might cover throughout the Japanese Archipelago this morning. It was adventurous to drive in such a circumstance. Today is the last of lunar January, with 啓蟄 (=keichitsu, the third of 24 seasonal terms meaning the day animals come out of hibernation) on Saturday, and the temperature reached 20 degrees Celsius in the afternoon. Oh, little dandelion, it is too soon for you to bloom, isn’t it?
Mei-Shun visited a beauty salon in Shinagawa. She enjoyed many plum trees in blossom along Joban Line. And on the way to the saloon, bright pink color jumped into her eyes — it is 河津桜=kawazu-sakura, a cherry breed which blooms in early spring. After the haircut, she met with Shin at a hotel which accommodates one of their favorite Japanese cuisine restaurant.
春一番, the first spring storm blew in Kanto area on Sunday. A plum tree in the “backyard” began to bloom little by little. You cannot see it from anywhere but our balcony. What a nice privilege we have!
meishunkikunoe 