It’s already July.

 

by YUKI

It’s already July, and we’re still in the middle of Japan’s rainy season. Thankfully, we haven’t had any heavy rain here yet, although it has been drizzling quite often.

As usual, my thoughts tend to be on the negative side; this weather is making me feel even more down than usual.

Still, a few good things happened last week. Yuki was able to receive his treatment. The side effects have already started again, but we’re genuinely grateful that he could have the treatment, that the medication is still working, and that it has given him more time. I just hope the side effects won’t become too severe this time.

Last week, Yuki’s younger brother came to visit us from Tokyo. They had promised each other, “Let’s meet again once the inheritance issues are settled,” and at last he was able to come. It was a quiet visit, though—there is no contact with his eldest brother.

Yesterday, a computer technician came to repair my PC. I think it’s working again... at least I hope so.

Now a new week has begun. I hope I’ll be able to keep up with my usual routine.

The photo shows rhubarb from our garden, preserved with sugar.

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.