Flowers!

Last year, I couldn't believe the joy of 'The flower'.

Living in the countryside for the first time, I have never seen so many flowers out and about. I was so amazed that I wanted to preserve them, so I tried to dry them. This worked for a while, but it is so time consuming and this year, time is even more precious, so we are keeping them fresh!

The first poppies have appeared around the lake and I was cheeky enough to steal one. However, even weeds are helping to make the house look so much prettier!!

チャーミーレイ　

poppy by the lake

poppy by the lake

 This one has a long way to go before it looks like anything I have seen at the flower shop. But, we have two flowers on these lovely plants (charmirei) that I almost ruined last year. I had planted them outside, but my neighbour gave my strict instructions to re-pot and move indoors! Good job I listened to her!!

Sunflower-CRAZY!!!

The sunflower seeds have gone crazy! Let's hope they continue to grow and actually flower this year!!

Decorating the house!!

flowers galore!

And recycling bottles!

A taste of Indonesia

I was lucky enough to get an invite to a lovely Indonesian lady's house. She studies at the same Japanese class as me and comes from Solo, Java island.

Dried eel - a delicacy from Java, along with seeds from  a 'big tree'.

She made lovely mie goreng and then offered up this odd looking eel. Now, I don't mind a bit of Unagidon, but this was too lifelike for me. Apparently, you had to break off the head and crunch away.

I wasn't brave enough to try, perhaps still scarred from my dried cockroach experience!

The light brown things are seeds, but I couldn't gather which tree and I also couldn't get over the fact that they looked like the skull of the eels!!! They were the same size, but thankfully, they were definitely not...They were sweet, crunchy, but not skulls!

We washed it all down with some delectable ginger tea and I was fortunate enough to get a souvenir to take home! Looking forward to a cuppa!!

What fun!!

Sunflower 2012

So, last summer, I managed to watch my sunflowers grow and grow but not flower. (See this picture - The flower-less Sunflower)

I am determined to not let it happen again.

I bought a couple of packets of small seeds from the wacky shop up the road, then, remembering that I have hoards of seeds for Mimi, our hamster, I took her dinner and planted it!

It rained all day yesterday so I haven't been looking after the plants so much, but I took a peek today and was soooo excited to see that some of the seeds have sprouted or are in the middle of actually sprouting!! I think I a excited as a child would or should be! But, it's my first time at starting from scratch, so I am allowed.

Sprouting & sprouted.

There is another pot too, so hopefully this summer, we will be living in a jungle once again!

Harsh Winter

It's certainly a lot colder in the countryside and we have learnt the hard way that you need to be prepared and brace yourself.

Next year, despite my paranoias, I want a kerosene heater. We bought some electric radiators this year, but, with the fan heaters, there is a lot of electricity being eaten up and we cannot use all together without it all blowing the fuse. So, for the past few months, we have literally been gathered, huddled and wrapped up in the living room staying warm and minimising any visits to rooms not heated.

Still, now we are finally reaching the end of March and we have rays of sunshine! We also have lots of Spring showers, but I would rather forget about that!

 

 I have been able to get back out in the garden, which, to me, is like a new feng shui release.On the bank holiday, I planted some spinach seeds that I found on sale in a quaint, cute local store (I shall have to upload some pictures as no words can describe its uniqueness), as well as some pansies.

Up on the balcony, we have a big cactus surviving happily and this plant, bought last year, and its magically starting its own cycle again. Apparently, it is a plant native to Japan and is seen wild in Gunma prefecture.

 

Today, I threw some sunflower seeds in some planters to see what would happen. I just want to see green and colour, even if there is nothing much. I also got talking to the neighbour again (she is my expert on matters of the garden). She ever so kindly gave me a cutting of this blossoming tree. She called it Obai, although, i can't seem to find a translation for it, so shall just enjoy its cute beauty as it flourishes.

Thank heavens for sunshine.

6 years in Japan!!!!

Wow - just reached my Japan-iversary...#groan#

BUtttttt, it is always exciting to recall how long I have been here because I left the UK with the plan to check out Japan and be back in a year (and collect my turtle!!). And, here I still am, sans turtle (RIP T.T) but with hubby, dog, hamster and SOOooooo much fun wrapped up in a big ball of memories.

Sure, it has been an emotional journwy what with recent events, but I would not change Japan for anything else. Not yet, anyway.

I have learnt to snowboard, I study Japanese - whether I can speak it is debatable. I am learning Taiko and I love origami and almost refuse to leave the house without my lunch looking 'kawaii'.

A furoshiki does the amazing job of making a regular tupperware pot seem exciting!

I have (re) developed a crazy kitty obsession with possession ranging from hundred (yes) of hand towels with pictures of Hello Kitty dressed for each region, town etc...Chopsticks, socks, computer cleaners, stickers, ear muffs (modelled by one of my students!), a chair, slippers, bags and just regular toys, but the toys don't last long when Elbi is around!

It has been an adventure to say the least; I have explored some long-dreamt-of Asian countries and hidden places, not least Indonesia. I have taken a new path of life, not just down the teaching road (absolutely LOVE kindergarten work) but, also developed a deep interest in the environment around us and am furthering my studies in that field too.

When I left England, I had a suitcase that had far too many clothes in and had to be sent back; I cried more than buckets for I thought my life was over...Really, it was just beginning!! Woo Hoo!!!

6 years in Japan!!!!

Wow - just reached my Japan-iversary...#groan#

BUtttttt, it is always exciting to recall how long I have been here because I left the UK with the plan to check out Japan and be back in a year (and collect my turtle!!). And, here I still am, sans turtle (RIP T.T) but with hubby, dog, hamster and SOOooooo much fun wrapped up in a big ball of memories.

Sure, it has been an emotional journwy what with recent events, but I would not change Japan for anything else. Not yet, anyway.

I have learnt to snowboard, I study Japanese - whether I can speak it is debatable. I am learning Taiko and I love origami and almost refuse to leave the house without my lunch looking 'kawaii'. 

A furoshiki does the amazing job of making a regular tupperware pot seem exciting!

I have (re) developed a crazy kitty obsession with possession ranging from hundred (yes) of hand towels with pictures of Hello Kitty dressed for each region, town etc...Chopsticks, socks, computer cleaners, stickers, ear muffs (modelled by one of my students!), a chair, slippers, bags and just regular toys, but the toys don't last long when Elbi is around!

It has been an adventure to say the least; I have explored some long-dreamt-of Asian countries and hidden places, not least Indonesia. I have taken a new path of life, not just down the teaching road (absolutely LOVE kindergarten work) but, also developed a deep interest in the environment around us and am furthering my studies in that field too.

When I left England, I had a suitcase that had far too many clothes in and had to be sent back; I cried more than buckets for I thought my life was over...Really, it was just beginning!! Woo Hoo!!!

3/11...one year one

The Blog has been neglected of late due to extra studies. But, I have to write my thoughts on today.

I thought it important to share today with friends given the sheer atrocity of this day last year. It was a lovely day in Tokyo; the sun was shining and positive vibes were plenty.

We ate a great (British) lunch and then moved to a nearby cafe. A few of us stopped on a bridge at 2.46pm to remember. It was peaceful, sunny and we all stared thoughtfully into the murky water below. What got me was that not a single car stopped; not another pedestrian paused for thought. It seems Tokyo really never stops. That made me sad, sadder than the events themselves.

Since last year, there have been endless stories of positivity, progress and peace. Residents of Tohoku have come so far (not all of them, it must be also noted and still many are suffering in shelters) and we have to take this as our inspiration. If they can move on and look ahead then, so can we.

 Japan, Tohoku - we love you.