Thank you to Top Veg for bestowing upon me the Tree of Happiness Award. It is my turn to choose six things that make me happy. As the entries have been a bit light on the garden that will be my focus:
Recently stories have been surfacing over tainted rice that has ended up in the food chain. Unsurprisingly, this did not happen by accident, but in the name of profit (as is the custom). The rice is said to have been imported from China and Vietnam amongst others. Contaminated with pesticides and a toxic mould, the rice was destined for industrial use. Instead an increasing trail of hundreds of companies has emerged; covering brewing, food stuffs, the elderly and schoolchildren. (continue reading…)
Elephant garlic ready for splitting
Garlic is an undemanding herb to grow. Sticking a few cloves in the ground and waiting should suffice. In spite of this, the title of this entry is perhaps equally a question. I wanted to jot down a few thoughts for reference; to clarify or simplify. My objective is to be self sufficient in garlic. Japanese grown garlic sells for ¥400 a head, it makes a valuable commodity. (continue reading…)
Descending into the beech forest
Emboldened by last week’s adventure, I set off with the intention of following the popular route to Misen Peak (弥山). From the other end of Motodani dam, the Gyojadani course (行者谷コース) immediately begins to rise. At first, there’s a little weaving through forest. Thereafter, the path climbs up a ridge. Meeting another path, it continues up the adjoining ridge, passing a hut (六合目) at stage six. The condition of my boots deteriorated as quickly as the mist had appeared. (continue reading…)
Train mischief
We have been enjoying the better weather. Kento has had a couple of trips further abroad. One of the less beneficial trips was to the waterfoul park; you have to pay to see them and I didn’t have more than a few coins! Instead, together we explored on the bike until one of us fell asleep.
For sometime now, the day usually begins with an eye poke around six o’clock. This follows hours of Ritsue’s backside brass section (an audible pregnancy ailment).
Kento can now fully undress himself, usually at the wrong moment. He puts in a good effort when trying to dress himself. His latest fashion is a pair of underwear worn as a toga.
Yesterday, I was fortunate to go walking with experienced Tsutomu around Mount Daisen (大山). He celebrated his sixtieth birthday this year and has recently retired.
Tsutomu amongst the nettles
We followed the usual course past Daisen-ji (a Buddhist temple) and Ōgamiyama Jinja (a Shinto shrine) to the Motodani dam. From there we took a steep, overgrown route toward Sankohou (三鈷峰). It was very much a clamber over moss covered rock, decaying logs, disguised deep under leaves.
There was some uncertainty in view of what lay before us. After some progress the nettles became less thick. I passed a discarded bottle of Pocari Sweat and an empty 35mm film canister. It was all the more unfortunate to see the matching top several paces ahead. Joining a path, Mount Sankohou was soon visible. Undulating and curling around were soon closing upon Utopia (ユートピア) lodge. (continue reading…)
The above could be a fair reflection of the weather for the second half of August. To be dispassionate, temperatures were in the mid twenties, there were no typhoons, and perhaps it is me being miserable.
I managed to get sunburnt in the September sun as the weather quickly changed. We have had week of warmer weather. It brought some relief, as I worried about the puddles forming above the potatoes and garlic. Although the rain has now returned, I’m pleased to have spotted that one of the garlic cloves has already speared it’s way through to the surface.
Denise: Adrian, when I saw "Labour Thanksgiving Day", I thought your wife had given birth. :o)
I love the last line ...
Rick Rosenshein: Great blog, beautiful photos and articles. Very informative. Thank you for sharing and keep up the great work. Rick 
Robin Wedewer: How nice to find you and to hear your nice words about Bumblebeeblog.com!
As for the weeding, you know it can ...
Lucy Corrander: Dropping by through Blotanical. Thought I would say hello.
Lucy Corrander
LOOSE AND LEAFY 
Jon in France: 90° or 270°...surely it should be possible to tell depending upon which foot arrives first?
Nice colours. We're just getting to ...