Mademoiselle Vert, a messenger of the loveliest Mikan-chan, was found loosening a bud on one wing, another on the other this morning by Mei-Shun. How cute they are; still smaller than 6 elder sisters, looking like green birdie eggs! She put them on verandah floor for natural shower in the morning. Strong wind followed around noon, let them in for a photo session.
We have 小満=shoman, the 2nd of summer 二十四節気 today. They say はしり梅雨, forerunner rainy season is often seen in western part of our country, while eastern area Mei-Shun’s family live had such a phenomenon. Heavy rain continued from early morning made horsey riding field rice paddy, with no harvest expected. That might be why Mr. Loki danced just a few steps.
Mei-Shun safely let Mademoiselle Vert and Princess Cymby go outdoors last week. Her instruction book for orchids recommends to do so, after night temperature is kept above 12 degrees Celsius. 2024 February and March seemed like exchanged with each other; the coldest former had a few 夏日= days above 25C, the warmer latter did several 冬日= below 0C.
Our backyard gingko started to give lovely little shells. Mademoiselle Vert seems to grow two flower buds, makes Mei-Shun feel really happy — she took them for leaves only, expected no blossom this spring. Hi honey, would you kindly bring Mikan-chan back on petals like her emerald eyes? Your friends outdoors are covered by young colors, shining in light sunshine today.
We have lunar 桃の節句 or March 3rd today. Mei-Shun went out for shopping to prepare a small dinner, walked to the nearest shrine from a nearer-by supermarket car park. Cherry blossoms have already passed their full stages, while lovely petals were falling onto the ground. She caught one on her palm, felt happy and drew an omikuji lot. No. 8 大吉=dai-kichi, the luckiest has come!
We have 清明=sei-mei, the 5th of spring 二十四節気 today. It is said to mean various flowers fill the ground, while Momo-chan puts on a bright pink kimono for only 10 days per year. Maybe as mentioned before, she descends from Mei-Shun’s grandma of mother’s side, grown into such a beauty by mom-in-law. It is great to see the latter found well by her daughters in our garden.
Vernal equinox lets Mei-Shun know day time has become longer, yet 2024 sees it too dark. Clear in the morning, allowed her to hang futon mats outdoors. More and more clouds covered blue sky, with a slight rainfall in the afternoon. Momo-chan, our garden princess gave 1st flower in 2. Sunset had 7 : 3 gray and orange, the former might bring a short storm.
We have 啓蟄=kei-chitsu, the 3rd of spring and all 二十四節気 today. It means the end of hibernation, while seeing a cloudy and chilly weather. It might be better for such animals to wait a little — yet not Shin who returned late last night from U.S.A. Mei-Shun got up at 5 : 00 after a week, warmed bathroom downstairs, shined his shoes and prepared breakfast.
Thank you so much, Professor M. He gave Mei-Shun a photo of cute ume=plum flowers last week, informing her on his business trip to Tunisia. Regarding that flower, mom-in-law never forgets to cook お赤飯=red-bean rice on our national holidays. She puts it into a tiny 重箱=lacquered/layered box shaped like a red ume, which her son and daughter-in-law purchased.
Mei-Shun got on Ms. Scarlet accompanied by Mikan-chan yesterday, when slight rain started to fall. They hoped it would stop for a while, at least during 30-minute lesson with Mademoiselle Angel. However, it was callous enough to change into heavy sleet soon. They were therefore forced to cancel reserved classes, turn toward a department store nearby with a bit pleasure.
meishunkikunoe 