60: Observing Myself

Our next door is a charming, retro-style café that used to have a warm Showa-era atmosphere.  Sorry, but I can’t say the name of the café.  Until just recently, it was run by an elderly owner who had worked there for over 20 years.  Every day, the rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee would drift through the air, and I loved that scent more than anything. However, around 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy of the shop began to fade. About three months ago, it finally closed down.  I had never actually stepped inside, but still, I felt a quiet sadness when it was gone. Then, a month ago, the property was sold, and a new café opened under a young owner.  I don’t know if it will last 20 years like before, but this time the menu focuses on large portions aimed at younger people—portions that feel a bit overwhelming for those of us over 50. Even so, I often see the new owner working hard. Though the café is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., he stays until 9 p....

Good morning.  I'm feeling a bit sleep-deprived this morning, but yesterday I made a trip to the optician in Shikama for a routine check-up on the glasses I bought there three months ago.   A young, pleasant female staff member kindly assisted me with the inspection. It took about forty minutes to get there by bicycle, one way.  Since I’m not very familiar with the area and rarely go to that part of town, I relied on Google Maps for directions.   Even so, I ended up taking a few wrong turns and made a bit of a detour.  But in the end, it turned out to be good exercise, and I didn’t have any other plans for the day—so perhaps it worked out just fine. The photos have nothing to do with the optician, but I took it on my way back.  The violas were colorful and beautiful.

Today, I visited Himeji Castle. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and I truly believe this is the most beautiful time of the year to see them. The sky was a perfect blue, making it the ideal day for hanami. I had such a lovely time enjoying the scenery and the peaceful atmosphere. I don't know this couple, but I think it's a really beautiful wedding.

Dear Imaichi, Thank you so much for your letter. I was sorry to hear that you’ve been admitted to the hospital and that your surgery is scheduled for tomorrow.  I can imagine you're feeling a little nervous, even if you're observing yourself with curiosity.  I sincerely hope everything goes smoothly and that you recover gently and steadily. Your calm and thoughtful perspective reminded me of my own experience with my husband’s surgery a few years ago.  He underwent a prostate removal surgery under general anesthesia after a sudden health episode.  What was supposed to be a three-to-four-hour operation ended up taking six hours. While he was in surgery, I waited at the hospital, and I still remember how uneasy I felt when several people in mourning clothes passed by.  Of course, that’s a part of life in hospitals, but it left a deep impression on me. Thankfully, my husband recovered little by little. He now requires some care, but we’ve settled into a peacefu...

  My Unexpected Adventure on April 3rd This morning, I checked the weather forecast, and to my delight, it said there would be no rain for a while!  Both forecasts confirmed "partly cloudy with sunshine."  Perfect timing for watering my plants! My 30 strawberry pots were looking a little thirsty, so I grabbed ten 2-liter bottles of water and carefully hydrated each one.  I could almost hear them sighing in relief! After that, I hopped on my bicycle to take part in the Weather News "My Sakura" event, something I join every year.  This would be my 15th photo submission, meaning I’d finally earn the special handkerchief prize!  Excited, I pedaled toward the shrine where my registered cherry tree stood. However, an unexpected obstacle appeared—a construction site!  I had to take a detour, but I reassured myself that this was just another spring adventure.  When I finally reached the shrine and approached my cherry tree… I was met with a surprise! ...

Here is my story with the pet birds. My husband and I do not have children, but we have two male cockatiels who have been with us for seven years now.  One is a Lutino named Cherry-chan, and the other, a normal grey, is called Pearl-chan. Whenever my cockatiels sense that I’m nearby, they immediately start demanding to be let out of their cage.  Even if I tell them, "I just got home! Let me drink my coffee and relax for a moment," they completely ignore me and keep insisting.  Cherry goes, "Fii-fii!" while Pearl keeps chanting, "Key chan, Key chan!"  Apparently, they have decided that my name is "Key chan."   I have no choice but to accept it.  (Well, I suppose I should be honored!) Eventually, I give in and let them out. I used to have a female cockatiel before.  She had the personality of a 20-year-old girl—very easy to handle.  Sadly, she passed away when she was eight years old, just two weeks before my 50th birthday.  I loved her a...