29 May 2010

Nick was out on a work do and didn't get in until 4am, so unfortunately he wasn't in any shape to watch Emily so I could go to class. I'm afraid that is probably it for Japanese lessons, though I was struggling to keep up, and would have had to finish at the end of June anyway as I will be away too long in the UK to pick up the same class again. I can always drop into a lower level on my return.

We left Nick in bed until noon and I took Emily to yet another new playground, on Takanawadai. I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised, but after she had tried out each piece of the equipment she was only interested in picking up berries and leaves. maybe she will become a botanist, after a year of this obsession that shows no sign of abating.

In several places we have been lately there have been wild strawberries (the small berries look gorgeous but have absolutely no taste whatsoever), and here I also found a rogue raspberry plant. There were some delicate lilac-coloured cranesbill flowers that reminded me of dragonflies.

After lunch the three of us went to Kyu Shiba Rikyu for some much-needed family time in the garden there. We had a nice time just following Emily around as she explored.

She really enjoyed herself rushing up the little hills and running back down, out of control.

There was a special display of azaleas and it was amazing how many blooms were crammed onto each small bush.

Well, it seems that the fat lady is waiting in the wings but yet to begin her performance, by which I mean that my reproductive system is still showing signs of life, albeit after 70 days.