This is my 27th Yamaha drum lesson at Fujisawa Yurindo. Things I kept in mind from the last lesson: Make sure to snap my left wrist firmly when hitting the drums. Also, avoid making the right-hand strikes too heavy. The overall rhythm is gradually becoming tighter. (Michiko)
I had my picture taken at my usual hair salon for the first time in a while. It’s Michiko and Michiko-san. My hairstyle is soft-serve ice cream style. I want to grow it long enough to do braids. (Michiko)
My friend suffered from pollen allergy this spring. I’m so sorry to hear that. In my case, I tested positive for allergies to kiawe trees in Hawaii, and to timothy grass and orchard grass in Fujisawa. Kiawe trees grow even in urban areas, and timothy grass grows along riverbanks and roadsides. Thanks to preventative medication that keeps me free from skin and respiratory symptoms, my condition is stable. Please take care of yourselves in a way that suits you! (Michiko)
Weekly rehabilitation. I had some photos taken of my rehabilitation session for the first time in a while. My physical therapist is also teaching me walking techniques tailored to my symptoms. I took a break at a cafe near the orthopedic clinic. (Michiko)
I went to Shirahata-jinja Shrine in Fujisawa to see the Benkei wisteria. It’s a delicate, elegant purple wisteria. This weekend is the best time to see it. Next week, the Yoshitsune wisteria will be in full bloom. The fresh, vibrant green of the trees in the shrine grounds is refreshing. (Michiko)
I always enjoy making offerings for the gravestone. On the days I visit the grave, I also enjoy chatting with friends and acquaintances, as well as pleasant, unexpected encounters that bring smiles to both sides’ faces. Today, I was approached by a new person and we had a pleasant, short conversation. However, I am careful about anything that might cause concern regarding my safety and health. In that sense, I am grateful that there are security cameras installed at my home, in the surrounding area, and in the cemetery, so that I can immediately report anything that raises concern. Yesterday and today, I saw reports of brutal incidents on the news. Security cameras provide peace of mind. (Michiko)
It wasn’t tea time, but wine time. This is Daydream Believer, a cafe run by Chef Keisuke, Yoko-san’s son. It was a wonderful time. Yoko-san and I met at the same cemetery, visiting our respective husbands’ graves during times of grief. Now we are like family, laughing peacefully together. (Michiko)
I made soba noodles. I fried green onions in olive oil until soft. I added sesame seeds, bonito flakes, and a little soy sauce. Put the boiled soba noodles on a plate and topped them with salted salmon and green onions. Finally, I added a raw egg and broke it up a little. It had a gentle flavor. Yay! (Michiko)
I spoke with Jim-san in Honolulu via Signal. He said that after the storm passed, Hawaii is experiencing another stormy rain this week. He said that many tourist boat jobs have been cancelled, which is unfortunate. I hope the beautiful blue skies return soon! This photo was taken when I lived in Hawaii. A single hibiscus I came across while walking in Waikiki. (Michiko)
This was my 26th Yamaha drum lesson at Fujisawa Yurindo. I was still sluggish with the fill-ins where my left and right hands cross, and my rhythm still lacks sharpness. I’ll keep this new challenge in mind and gradually improve before the next lesson. (Michiko)