Hi all, it’s me, Akie, coming to you from my neck of the woods, Akita.

Wow, are we ever having an unusal spring this year! I think that huge earthquake not only, knocked the Earth off its axis and shifted a few tectonic plates, but also shook things up weather-wise. Things just don’t seem normal to me this spring.

For one thing, our cherry blossoms bloomed a bit later than usual. That was ok because it coincided with “Golden Week” so folks up here could enjoy them on their days off. Unfortunately, some of the days were a bit cool or rainy – not at all the usual weather for us this time of year.  But as you can see from the photo behind me, the blooming was every bit as lovely as in past “normal” years.

This particular tree is my favorite cherry tree. I wait all year for it to come into full bloom. And even though it is a brief two weeks that it fully blooms, it refreshes my spirit and that of other folks here who take the time to take in its beauty. As the saying goes, “Take time to stop and smell the roses.” Or in this case, “The Cherry Blossoms!”

The Tohoku district of northern Japan is still reeling from the aftermath of the deadly natural disasters that hit us a couple of months ago. We are taking in any and all small comforts and joy that come our way. The warm spring weather, the blooming of the cherry blossoms and other seasonal flowers are what we desparately need right now. 

So, if Mother Nature can see fit to give us a break right now, we would surely love some consistent and consecutive bright sunny days! I have “spring fever” and want to get outdoors and enjoy the season. I want to put away my winter clothes and put on my spring and summer ones. But Mother Nature doesn’t seem to be implementing my plan. One day it will be sunny, fine and warm, the next will be cold, windy and stormy. Not sure what wavelength she is on right now.

“Achuuuu!” Oh, excuse me! I might be coming down with a spring cold.

See, what did I tell you!  Spring fever is giving me a cold!

So, a little advice for you all – please take care in these crazy weather days! But when the weather is good, go out and get crazy! Ja, mata ne.