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.
nature
Full Moon
StandardMei-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.
Japanese Culture@holiday
StandardStart 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.
Bloom Soon
StandardOur 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.
Car Washer
StandardThanks, 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.
Winter Returned
StandardPartial 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.
Thrilling Drive
StandardFog 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?
Joy of Spring
StandardMei-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.
Ume Blossom
Standard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!
We Feel Itchy
StandardMikan-chan has black dirt on her inner corner of both eyes while her mom is a bit troubled on inner side of eyelids these days. It has been heard that women who spend long time together tend to be similar in their biological cycles. We might be so — yet except you, Tora-chan, who lives a wild life outdoors.
