caterpillar invasion !

OK, this isn't really a 'kemushi', it's a caterpillar that will no doubt turn into a beautiful butterfly once we have released it into the wild, but you ain't gonna be a butterfly on our time buddy!

This is 'Sansho' 山椒　that he is eating - a Japanese or Aisian pepper plant! It's adds a nice flavour to our cooking...but only without the caterpillar!

Tomatoes

 We have been enjoying the home-grown TOMATOES of late!!! OMG - Soooooo Yummmm

  

The housewife is back!

 

It's vinegar time once again, this time to be rid of the  fruit flies! 
Simply add some apple cider vinegar to a small bowl with water and washing up liquid.
The sweet vinegar attracts the flies, while the washing liquid keeps them there.

Getting green again!

YUM!

Can't cope, won't cope - we have moved away from the noise and the dirt and found a little piece of zen in a big city of crazy! Lucky. I am back in the garden, hubby is watching his tomatoes, and Elbi is happy rolling on the rug! Time for a deep breath...no more avoiding main roads and hiding on the back streets! Now, we are already there! Suddenly, the city is do-able again!! YOKATTA!

I wasted no time planting those sunflower seeds....!

Even the spider plant is happy!
Cuttings galore for many more plants!

This year's hibiscus! Fingers crossed she survives!

Sanpo - round 3

Its hard to believe tha this is the third sanpo! 
Its just over two years since the big earthquake and the first sanpo was set up to help raise funds for the animals in need.
Well, as the even becomes more and more popular - today 100 people have signed up - we 'regulars' now have the chance to get involved!

Cherry Blossoms 2013! So beautiful!

Tips for coping in the big city!

...having lived in the country, things can suddenly be so daunting when there is endless traffic, people walking blindly down the streets playing with their phones..the list of annoyances go on!

So, the past 3 months have been really tricky for me to re-adapt to the city life....for so many reasons, so I have to remember my own tips and advice so I can handle this crazy city that is Tokyo.


1) The Road Parallel...

Tokyo is a bizarre city. Just seconds away from a three tier highway, take a turning off and you will suddenly find yourself surrounded by a peaceful setting. There might be some quaint old houses, even a temple if you are lucky - whatever you find, there will be a spot of serenity, even if you are just walking to work, you will appreciate the time out from the noise and traffic.

2) Avoid the subway...

Even if you happen to live right by a train station, taking the subway for your commute is not always the justified option. Subways are so oppressive, in any country!! In Tokyo, if you haven't planned your carriage correctly, you might force yourself to walk the length of the platform behind the commuter hoards pigeon-footing it to the next change-over. PAINFUL. I would take the crowded, over-packed (famed for its perverts!) Saikyo sen over the subway any day! Besides, grab the women only carriage and you will be just fine!

3) Switch OFF!

OK - I HATE electronic devices...or at least people using them like they are stick to their hands!! I say this and I was one of them a few years ago...Crikey!! But seriously, people will be in your face, because of lack of space, lack of awareness of space and sheer stupidity...If you can't turn off your phone, at least turn off to the annoying people around you...Stand your ground but don't be mean...I actually saw a stand off yesterday where the two involved actually came close to a fight (never happens here). When travelling, I think you have to imagine that no one else is there...! Stupid, I know but really, these commuters are invisible to me!!!


....as of 8th March, this list stands at 3 points...I may add to it progressively, I may not...
Any further tips that you want to share yourself?? Please do!!!!