Mel-san came to Japan from Hawaii again this year, and he came to see me today. We visited Shuzo and Dolce’s grave, and then we had lunch at the same restaurant as last year. We talked about a lot of things. We had a wonderful and enjoyable time. Thank you so much for all the souvenirs from Hawaii! (Michiko)
Tomorrow is April. It’s the season for cherry blossom viewing and sightseeing, but I don’t like crowds. I have a plan for when spring arrives: to take a rickshaw ride. I would like to find a weekday times in Kamakura when it’s less crowded with tourists and take a rickshaw ride before the rainy season and the hot summer arrive. I don’t like motion sickness, but if it’s a comfortable ride, I would love to enjoy the feeling of a mini-trip. This photo shows a lovely, warm brass boat. I received it as a souvenir from Bangladesh a few years ago from Kishore-san and Kakoli-san. (Michiko)
Spring is here in Hawaii! The past two weeks have been nothing but constant rain and south west winds with many parts of all the islands having trouble with flood conditions. This past week the weather has finally changed and now there are blue sunny skies with breezy North winds to dry out the islands from all of the rain. It is still a little bit cool in the early morning and evening but this will soon give way to warmer weather. Some of the trees have now blossomed and it is green all around!
I received this ivy from Semimaru-san’s garden in Zenko at the beginning of last autumn. I enjoyed the ivy in a vase throughout the winter. One of the stems even retained its green leaves and welcomed spring. I’m so happy! (Michiko)
This was my 25th Yamaha drum lesson at Fujisawa Yurindo. I’ve entered my second year. (Started on March 7, 2025. Two 30-minute private lessons per month). I will be taking things at a slow pace, seeking sharp, mini-excitements from new experiences. (Michiko)
A tapestry in the style of a noren (traditional Japanese curtain). This is my second one. I made it by hand. It has a quiet and refined style on a sliding door for a closet! (Michiko)
These are three pairs of tongs. I don’t use them for cooking. I use them to pick things up when they fall on the floor. I’m trying to find ways to avoid putting undue strain on my hip joints by squatting down. I’ve added one, two, and now three pairs. I keep them in three different places in my room. They’re very convenient. The first step is to be creative and resourceful.(Michiko)
Last week the Hawaiian islands had a very big storm that brought lots of rain and flooding to all of the islands. The storm lasted one week and our apartment lost power as many homes did for 22 hours! After the storm the weather was still rainy but without the strong winds after 3 days another storm has hit the islands again and although the winds aren’t as strong this time there is lots or rain and flooding again. We are all looking forward to Spring!
The third movement of Beethoven’s Tempest Sonata. Despite loving this passage, I’ve never been able to play these 40 measures at a fast tempo without stopping. My goal is to create a grounded sense of exhilaration while keeping my third knuckles flexible and flowing, but I’m happy that it’s not easy. (Michiko, a violinist who practices piano)