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Typh0on #19, Hagibis
Social media sources and the news are loudly warning about Super Typhoon 19, which looks like it might make landfall in Japan over the weekend. But where it will hit, and at what intensity, is a matter of speculation at this point. Tod & I are scheduled to go to Mie-ken to celebrate our 30th…
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Spicy
Jalapeños, habaneros and jalokia (ghost) peppers, locally grown, are a highlight of our late summer farmer’s market shopping This year, we got our chilis right before the typhoon and power outage so we couldn’t freeze them. Instead I sun-dried half of them and put the other half into vinegar. After ten days, I bottled the…
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Brave or stupid?
Futatsuyama models his mamushi (pit viper) bite. Futatsuyama fears nothing. He is an unstoppable force, facing down raccoons and playing with snakes. This swollen foot is likely the first of many. A couple of days ago discovered a pair of abcessed wounds on his flank. He isn’t the kind of cat who learns lessons. Does…
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Rice straw
The cats are about to get a new winter shelter and it will be padded with the lovely wara (rice straw) from my neighbors’ organic farm. All four cats were very curious about the straw, and soon curled up on top of it for a nap. I think they will enjoy it this winter.
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Bedcats
I spent this cold, rainy morning catnapping with four lucky cats who got a special treat of Bed Time. They were surprisingly well behaved.
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Warm bath for cats
The boys have decided that the cover of the bath is a nice place to relax when the bath is full of warm water.
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マザー牧場 (Mother Farm)
Today we took a day off from everything and went on an adventure to Mother’s Bokujo, a farm-theme attraction about a half hour north of us. It exceeded my expectations. For those who like wholesome fun, it’s a great day out. I thought it was nicely designed so that the experience was light and energetic…
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Happy half-birthday, kittens!
Six months ago, Three gave birth to Maura, Futatsuyama, Isabella Bird, and Fritter. These days, they look more like cats than kittens, but they still play like kids. Today they got a lunchtime treat. Maura waited til everyone else rushed for the first bowl, then he sauntered over as I sat down the second bowl.…
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Happy at harvest
I didn’t take any photos today. The view from Hatanaka’s rice fields was beautiful and it always makes me happy to see the Hiratsuka valley nestled into the mountains. The images are etched in my mind: the red torii in the distance; the mined-flat top of the mountain to the west; the nearby trees and…
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Licking Hour
Ah, the kittens continue to be adorable as they approach their half year birthday. Today I came outside and they came running over to sit near me. They were doing their own things, but everyone had something in common, licking.
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