Shitennoji

A lovely Wednesday walkabout. We headed over to Shitennoji temple, which is not all that far from us, with Shinryu in the stroller.  The weather was quite warm and we had a nice walk.  Shinryu was asleep most of the way there and awake-alert for part of the time we were there, then dozed off again on the way back.  Took a few pictures, too.  

 Saw this old bug on our walk back.

And we stopped at a cute little cafe that we'd never seen before on the way back.
Here, Mom, these  are for you: Ulala and Shinryu!  ... and creme brûlée.

Cute morning.

Shinryu was absolutely not interested in sleep this morning from about 4:20 am onwards. So at about 5:30, i gave in, let Ulala go back to sleep and just got up to play with him and keep him company for a while.  We had a nice time, as we usually do - this is becoming a regular routine for he and i.  Then he got sleepy and so i put him down for a nap on the sofa (closely supervised, of course).  I really enjoy these quiet morning times together. He's usually well rested ( i wish i could say the same!) and not hungry yet, so he's in a good mood. He watches me make my breakfast and pack my lunch while i talk to him and then we read a book (notice in the first pic how he "devours" a good book) and play with his monkey-kerchief (also seen in the first pic).  He babbles away and tries to eat anything within reach and it is so heart-burstingly adorable that it starts my day out right.  =)

plum diddly

Heralding the coming of Spring is most commonly associated with the cherry blossoms here in Japan. But before the cherry blossoms come the plum blossoms. So even though it is still cold, and i still wish i hadn't somehow lost my left glove (it's around here somewhere), and i still shiver during the first part of my morning shower, it doesn't matter because i see these plum blossoms and i know that Spring is not far away.  

I think someone should do a statistical accuracy-over-time study of Groundhogs versus Plum Blossoms. Which one more accurately predicts the remaining length of cold wether?  My money is on the blossoms. I think the groundhog is cute but ultimately just a gamble.   =)

Fondue Sunday

   We headed out to Peter's school in Amagasaki today for some delicious chocolate fondue.  We had a great time and the weather, while cold, was nice and clear.  # kinds of chocolate; milk, dark, and white.  White chocolate fondue was a new one for me, and a bit odd.  The others were scrumptious, with donuts, fruit and sweet breads for dipping.  Yum!  

   Shinryu was a bit overwhelmed to start, having just woken up from his train ride nap.  But he settled (more or less) and we all enjoyed the afternoon in good company.    

Saturday Blue Sky Walkabout

Today was National Founding Day here in Japan. So i had the day off. Normally Saturday would be my busiest day of the week. Such is is the EFL private lesson market in Japan. Instead, i had the day off, which was a nice break. During the afternoon, i took Shinryu so Ulala could have a break and go get a much-needed massage. I put Shinryu in the carrier and we set out on walkabout. We wandered Southeast and looped around back towards Korea Town and then back home. It was a beautiful sunny and cool day, perfect for a nice long walk. Here are some of the pictures i took out and about.

They're coming!

The first pinkish little buds have appeared on the tips of the cherry tree branches, signaling the coming of Spring.  According to the traditional calendar, "Spring" actually started back on Feb 3rd, which is "Setsubun."  For more about Setsubun, see my old post from previous yesteryear: For a Fistful of Beans - Feb2010.

We've been so busy with the baby that winter seems to have just flown past!  Also, it really hasn't been that cold this year so far.  I know there are still another six to eight weeks of relatively cold weather ahead, but i can't help but feel my spirit lifted seeing these little buds getting ready.