Sunday, 13th April, 2014.

Sunday 13th April, 2014. 

It was truly an early Spring Day - just magical weather. 

We went out for Ohanami together. 

Outside our mansion are some Magnolia trees. 

Beside the Abukuma River.

Treking away from the river to the Government Offices. 

Ohanami viewing is very popular in Japan; long lines of Japanese 

people armed with cameras and guide maps make the annual pilgrimage. 

I have picked up a few of the local customs .... 

It is definitely some line !  

 Chikako-san standing in from of my favourite Sakura tree. 

It is Takizakura, not so old really,  but I do feel an affinity with this tree. 

Why ? ....... maybe because of 3/11. 

I walk past it everyday and always say Hello ! 

Some yellow tulips adding a blast of colour to Spring. 

What is Ohanami without eating dango, I ask you ? 

We dropped by a dango shop we like and got some delicious treats to eat. 

 Mt. Adatara still has some snow. 

Pansies with their smiling faces brightening the place up. 

The swallows are building a nest under the eaves. 

 Ma and Pa Crane already have a chick to rear. 

Fast work. 

A cool Japanese garden we happened upon. 

Here is the Azuma Snow Bunny ! 

Thanks for the information Koji-san ......... 

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We walked and walked and walked 

and then walked to REGALO Italian Restaurant. 

Our first dining experience there. 

We enjoyed this wonderful Sunday together. 

Saturday, 12th April, 2014.

Saturday, 12th April, 2014. 

I usually take a photo of Sakura on this date. 

So in keeping with tradition, I did again ......... 

The Sakura had almost fully opened, but tomorrow would be the best day. 

April, 2014

I received a postcard from a former student, Mari-san. 

She went on a European excursion and thought kindly enough 

of me to drop me a postcard from Spain  detailing her adventures. 

Thank you, Mari-san ! 

06th April

Sunday

06th April, 2014

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We got up early and drove Demi-chan down to That City

to go to St. Peters and St. Pauls Church. 

It is our favourite Church, what a wonderful place to come to. 

And the other Church Members always make us feel so welcome. 

After Church we went to lunch at an Italian place, Champ. 

1. After lunch we headed north. 
2. Looks like a beautiful early Spring day 
3. however we had a brief snow squall about 30 minutes later. 
4. 
   

We stopped into Komeri Home Centre - 

I use UK spelling, not US spelling. 

I love going there, it always captures my attention. 

05th April

Saturday, 

05th April, 2013 

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After work, Chikako and I met our friend, Chizu-san. 

She is moving to Ho Chi Minh City in 2 weeks for work. 

We took her out for a farewell dinner. 

We all went to Sakeba Dakku 

which we always enjoy. 

Cheers ! 

As it is Lent I cannot drink alcohol, so I drank iced tea instead. 

The snack. 

Chikako san presented Chizu san with two guide books

to Ho Chi Minh City. 

After finishing our delicious Japanese dinner we decided to go 
to Negnin Cafe in Paseo Dori. 

It is a really comfortable late-night place to go to. 

The ladies laid into the booze whilst I sipped Perrier. 

The snack was popcorn - I did not partake, it is a little sweet for me. 

But I did partake of the cheese board - seriously delicious. 

Hot coffee ?  For me, of course. 

The table light was a fake ! 

It was not a real candle but a cheap battery job from China. 

We three had a wonderful night out together. 

Enjoy Vietnam, Chizu !