My Haiku

 I’m happy to share some good news—this time, two of my haiku were selected in an online haiku group.

In the blazing midday sun, a summer butterfly that does not fear the light

An elderly couple, new rubber boots, the start of the rainy season

Now for this month… I wonder how it will go?

Hard to throw away—bamboo stick for pressing tokoroten, and tokoroten itself

A changed streetscape—at the café, a frappé; how stylish!

Summer arrives—the same old azuki ice stick still feels familiar, even in old age

Good morning 0629

 

by Mieko

by Yuki

June is almost over. July will start this week. We don't know what will happen, but we will just do what we can, one day at a time.

Good morning 0626

 It is raining today, and it looks like it will continue through the weekend. I just hope it doesn't get too heavy.

We usually go to the hospital on Fridays, but not today because we're waiting for Yuki's white blood cell count to recover.

I'm usually rushing around on Friday mornings, but today I can take it easy.

Yuki, on the other hand, is already sitting in front of the TV, waiting for the Japanese national soccer team's match to begin. He's so happy that he can watch it live.

After the game, we'll go to our usual clinic. In the evening, I have a dentist's appointment. I just hope the rain isn't too heavy by then.

The other day I heard a saying that I really liked:

"Throw away one thing every day, try one new thing, and laugh at least once."

I think I can manage the first one!

Rainy weather tends to make me feel more negative. In Japan, we even have a term for it—weather sickness (kishōbyō). Changes in the weather often give me headaches and make me feel dizzy. That's exactly how I feel these days.

Still, somehow, I'm managing.

Today, it is Father’s Day , isn’t it?

 

By Mieko

By Yuki 

 Our lavender has bloomed beautifully again this year. I picked it while the buds were still closed and made dried flowers from it. They make nice little gifts. 

 Unfortunately, my husband's treatment has been put on hold for two weeks in a row, this week and next week. But there is no use dwelling on it. I want to cherish these two weeks and make the most of the time when his side effects may become lighter.

Good morning 0615

 We were able to harvest mulberries from our garden this year.

My home library

 

I have opened a room in my house as a small library for our neighbors and friends. Unfortunately, not many people visit it.

Over the last two days, I have been reorganizing the room and reducing the size of the book corner. I also asked the owner of a secondhand bookstore I know to take away three boxes of books.

She is a real book lover and has a keen eye for both English and Japanese books. I'm sure the books will find their way into the hands of people who will truly enjoy and cherish them.

Good morning 0608

 

by Mieko

by Yuki

We are fine. Last week a typhoon came. It  caused big drops in pressure, and I struggled with dizziness during the typhoon. It made me realize how grateful I am not to be alone at times like this.

Yuki was able to have chemotherapy last Friday.

Anyway, we have a good appetite.

It is a good thing, isn't it?