「みち草」してってよ・・・。赤提灯の「カアちゃん」みたいな挨拶ですみません。
各方面で優れた方々と言うのは実はとんでもない「みち草」の名人が多かったと聞きます。
ましてや私のような凡人は同じ人類として、優れた方の何倍もの道草を頂かないと秤のバランスが取れません。
卓球、登山、ボート、水泳、スキー、利き酒、薪割、アマチュア無線、アウトドア−・・広く、浅く、遊んでってネ。

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December 31st (Sunday) Sunny

Today, I set off early in the morning, hoping to get my walk done early.

When I was discharged from the hospital after completing anti-cancer treatment in early spring, my stamina had declined and I had to take breaks from walking.


Since then, I've continued walking every day, even during the extremely hot summer days, thanks to the fully air-conditioned course at AEON Mall.

And I was able to complete the course without dropping out at the recent Kurohime Cross Country Championships, which has given me a boost of confidence.


What I've been convinced of this past year is that my hard work has paid off!


And today, Asahi Shrine, located along the course, also seems to be ready for worship.




<<2025: Memories from "Michikusa">>
Hover over the small image to enlarge it

Major Events and ContentsMajor Events and Contents

January
Meal delivery service begins for anti-cancer treatment

Chemotherapy and hospitalization: January 14th
February
 Chemotherapy and discharge: February 13th

Radiation therapy and completion: February 17th
　
　　March
　		　Incorporated Nordic skiing as rehabilitation to regain physical strength. 　
　　April
　		One year after arrhythmia surgery, graduated without any abnormalities.

While worried about lack of physical strength,
　
　　May　
　
　Gaining confidence in Nordic skiing

Kawaguchi Table Tennis Teams Perform Well in the First Half of the Season
June
Taking on large ceramic pieces, including large plates
　
　　July　
　		　Ham Friends Eyeball Gathering　 　
　　August　
　
　Walking at the Mall to Beat the Heat

Hotel Yunojin at Mt. Tanigawa with my table tennis friends

September


Trip to Hokuriku with my table tennis friends
October
50th Anniversary of Ski Club Founding

November
Trip to Katsuura with Table Tennis Friends

Kawaguchi Table Tennis Team Tournament: Good Performance
December
 First Skiing: Cross-Country Skiing

First Match: Kurohime Cross-Country Tournament

　
　　
　		　33 books to read in 2025　　　　

I hope everyone has a happy new year. I intend to enjoy life to the fullest.


Tuesday, December 30th, Sunny

As expected, I overslept by about an hour this morning and woke up around 7:00 AM. By this time, it was bright and slightly warm outside.

After breakfast, almost an hour late, and cleaning up, I rushed to the au shop at 10:00 AM to troubleshoot my phone.


My phone has a tethering feature that allows me to connect to my computer when I need to access it in places without WiFi.

However, with free WiFi becoming more and more commonplace, it's incredibly convenient to be able to access the web on my computer anywhere.


However, the long-established inn in Shinanomachi where I stayed last night didn't have any such fancy facilities, so when I tried to use my phone's tethering...

Why did this happen at the au shop this morning? Wow! My settings were set to not allow tethering. Ugh... What a stupid phone!!


I finally got around to "training a bonsai," a plan I'd been planning for a while. The bonsai pot was homemade. I waited until winter, when the potted plants would be dormant.

I managed to prune the seedling down to the roots and secure it firmly in the pot with wire.

Monday, December 29th, Sunny I woke up to my usual alarm at 5:45 AM at the long-established inn in front of Kurohime Station. It was a cold, snowy morning, as expected.

After breakfast, I took a reserved taxi and arrived at Kurohime Cross-Country Ski Resort at 8 AM.


Having arrived here, I finally got a real look at the whole area. It was not a tourist spot, but a fully-fledged sports facility.

There was no shop, and food and drinks were only available if I brought my own.


I was competing in the 65+ division. There were six people on the entry list, and I was the first to start.

The competition started a little before 11 AM. I had no idea what pace I should set.


I just finished the race. Shortly after the start, I was quickly overtaken by everyone. But my goal was to finish, so I persevered and eventually overtook one person.

In the end, all six of us finished, and despite being the oldest, I came in fifth place. The weather was great, and it was a lot of fun.

Sunday, December 28th, Sunny

It was quite chilly this morning, probably the lowest temperature of the year.

The large dish I'd left on the balcony, which had accumulated water from the recent rain, was frozen this morning.


However, as time passed, the sun got stronger, and it became quite warm inside during the day.

And today I set off for a ski competition.


It's a cross-country ski competition at Kurohime Plateau in northern Nagano Prefecture.

I took the Shinkansen to Nagano, then the Kita-Shinano Railway to Kurohime Station.


I'm going to bed early tonight.



December 27th (Saturday) - Cloudy Huh? They said it would be sunny today, but it's been cloudy since morning and the sun isn't even visible.

Since it would get colder later in the day, I went out for an early walk at 2:00 PM.


When I went outside, I saw a clear patch of sky and clouds just above my head, meaning the north was sunny but the south was under the clouds.

By the end of my walk, a patch of sunshine had appeared from the north, but it was too late, so I'm fine.


Looking from above, the sun was shining just above the left curve, next to the bamboo grove where I had mowed the grass.

Looking at the schedule, this might be the last one of the year. Thank you for your support, even though it was midsummer.






Friday, December 26th, Sunny

It's been a beautiful sunny morning. However, the wind is strong, and the trees in the garden sway violently from the living room, making it look cold.

But thanks to the sunlight, the glass-walled living room is warm and comfortable during the day.


Now, after lunchtime, I decide to finish my walk while the sun is still shining.

The first kilometer is downhill and on flat land along the Minuma Irrigation Canal. Large trees block the wind, and I can feel the warmth of the sun.

Up the hill from Kisoro Minami Bridge, you'll come to a hill that was farmland until two or three years ago, but has now been transformed into a residential area.

From here, you'll pass through some ups and downs and finally, two kilometers before you, you'll come to the public road I maintained yesterday.

It's a jungle that I've been hesitant to enter since the summer... but today it was clear and I was able to walk through it.


From here, you'll climb up the hill again and after 3km you'll pass an area dotted with large landowners' fields.

Once you reach the top of this gentle slope, you'll reach the area where I live. You'll then go around the public road at the top of the forested slope along the Minuma Irrigation Canal and arrive at your home.

December 25th (Thursday) Cloudy

My usual walking route is about 3.5km, but I managed to make effective use of the slopes.

Starting from my house, it's downhill and flat for about 1km. From there, it's a constant series of ups and downs...


It was more of a walk than a stroll. Yes, I didn't run, but I did walk with a fairly forward-leaning posture.

However, with the scorching heat of summer, I gave up on walking outdoors and stuck to the fully air-conditioned walking route at the AEON Mall.

Now that it's cooler, I've returned to my neighborhood, but the flat ground along the main road and the Minuma Irrigation Canal is fine.

It's a public road that slopes down after about 2km into the latter half of the course, but I wonder if anyone else was walking on it.

When I started walking on the course, it was completely overgrown with weeds and was impossible to walk on. I was walking on the adjacent reclaimed land without permission.


It's only about 75m, but I had to clear my own path... I did my best.

After two hours of work, starting tomorrow, I'll be able to walk on the public road. To everyone who was walking on the reclaimed land, please walk on the public road.

December 24th (Wednesday) Rain

I received meals from Co-op Delivery. Today, there was a small cake in the cooler.

I've never tried sweets before, but I tried this small cake. It's delicious.


When I think about it, my trailer's tires have only had one problem in its 50 years, and I had to replace the tube once.

That's right, tube-type tires were the norm 50 years ago, so I informed the tire shop of that fact.

I got a call from the tire shop yesterday, with a surprised voice.

The wheel is so corroded that it's impossible to mount a tire in this condition...

I decided to use the wheel with the spare tire, without a spare... Well, if it were me, I would have just wrapped it in tin sheeting without making a fuss. (lol)


It was a cold, rainy day... but I went to the pool for the last time this year.

As expected, there were only six people swimming... I'll be back next year to take care of my health.

Tuesday, December 23rd, Sunny

I don't usually pay much attention to my trailer tires. I actually took my trailer to the gas station about two weeks ago.

While I was filling up my car with gas, I asked the attendant to keep the trailer's air pressure at 4kg.


After I finished filling up, the attendant pointed out where the air was leaking from.

When I looked, I found that when the pressure was increased to 4kg, air was leaking from the gaps in the wheels... but when the pressure dropped to about 2kg, it held up fine.

This meant that my plan to transport an overload of firewood was shelved, and my previous plans to transport firewood were shelved.

I asked a tire shop to look for used tires, but they couldn't find any tube-type tires like this, so I had no choice but to get new ones.

Today, I got a call from the tire shop saying that the wheels were severely corroded and would need repairs...


The Metropolitan News was just broadcasting a ski resort accident drill in Katashina Village, Gunma Prefecture.

I hope I can practice safely this year without needing to worry about them.

Monday, December 22nd, Sunny

After completing surgery for esophageal cancer and anti-cancer treatment, I will be used to collect survival data for five years according to the cancer treatment program.

After completing my final post-surgery checkup in the first year, my doctor gave me a yearly summary.


"You... were an incredible elderly patient."

Normally, this type of initial treatment, superficial scraping surgery, results in a complete cure in nearly 80% of cases.

If I'm still young, he recommends anti-cancer treatment to eliminate that 20% risk. However, as an elderly person, I wouldn't recommend it...


I wanted to eliminate even 20% of that, but my doctor warned me that, while I was healthy, I was concerned about the risk of side effects from anti-cancer treatment.

But, despite monitoring my health, I underwent anti-cancer treatment, and as expected, I experienced significant side effects. My kidney function, blood sugar levels, and various antibody functions all went into the red.

Naturally, I was prescribed prescriptions for these, but within three months, everything returned to normal. I was able to get through this year without any regrets.


I'm feeling like the weather is going to be perfect for next week's game.

December 21st (Sunday) Cloudy After two nights of fun with my skiing friends, it goes without saying that sleep deprivation takes its toll.

No matter how much time we spent talking, there was never enough. Still, I managed to stay in bed by 10 o'clock, practicing self-restraint...


I usually go to bed at 8 o'clock, so that's two hours of late sleep, and over two days, I've lost four hours of sleep (lol).

Today, I tried my best to make up for those four hours, but even though I woke up an hour late, it's not that easy to get back.

The weather is bad today, and temperatures are apparently higher nationwide for winter.


My body is also in a bad mood, so this is my first Nordic skiing trip, rather than the usual alpine one.

Sliding down a mountain is different from skiing, where you walk and run on your own, and the physical strain is inevitably different.

Because I walk a lot on a daily basis, I haven't noticed any after-effects. However, my arms are extremely tired.


However, by this morning, the pain had decreased to about one-third, and I'm hoping my arm movement will improve even more by tomorrow.

Saturday, December 20th, Cloudy

I left Hotel Sanrakuso, where I'd stayed for two consecutive nights.

Itoen, a nationwide hotel chain, is also thriving here in Oigami Onsen.


A one-night stay with two meals, plus all-you-can-drink alcohol at dinner, cost just under 10,000 yen. This is hardly worth the effort of the nearby hotels.

Moreover, the room I stayed in this time was one of the "special rooms," but if you don't mind, the total for two consecutive nights was 12,400 yen.

Apparently, the hotel is fully booked every day, with service that far exceeds that of a low-class guesthouse.


I stayed with three ski buddies, and although there was no elevator and it was a little far from the baths and dining area, we didn't mind at all.

The two of us headed to the ski resort today, and although my legs and hips were fine, my arms were getting tired from the pole work, so we gave up skiing and headed home.

I wondered how long it would take to get from the inn to the ski resort? I measured it exactly and it was 13 minutes from Oigami Onsen to the roadside station.


I think I'll use it from time to time in the future.

December 19th (Friday) Sunny As is common on sunny mornings, the temperature at my lodging, Hotel Sanrakuso in Oigami Onsen, was quite chilly due to radiation cooling.

However, as time passed, the sunlight was very pleasant and the reflection of the snow made the day even warmer.


My ski resort is finally in top form. My Nordic cross-country skiing training base is completely reserved for me today.

There's a parking lot right nearby, so I even brought a chair to rest on and was able to practice to my heart's content.

Thank you for the wonderful, sunny weather and a great practice session.


Starting tomorrow, this area will become the main waiting area for the first lift, so staff members have been here since lunchtime to prepare.

I'm also stuffed after two and a half hours.

Thank you.




December 18th (Thursday) Sunny

The morning at Katashina Roadside Station wasn't too cold, and I slept well.

While cars were rushing to the ski resort, I leisurely prepared breakfast.


We set off for the mountain around 8:00 AM.

My first goal for today's first ski trip was to try Nordic skiing as soon as possible.

As expected, the slopes were frozen solid ice in the morning. Hoping for a little more sunshine, I hit the slopes around 9:00 AM.


The ski resort's recommended slope is the Violet Trail, which is just one lift ride up, but there was plenty of snow on the lower slopes, making it ideal for Nordic skiing.

And no one comes here. Enjoy plenty of classical skating to your heart's content.

My goal is to be able to keep running for 20 minutes. It looks like I can do that.


I took a break in between, but I worked up a good sweat for two and a half hours.

December 17th (Wednesday) Sunny After breakfast, I took a break, but I still had trouble stabilizing my ski gear, taking it out and putting it away.

Once I started, I just accepted some inconveniences.


It's tempting to pack everything I have into my bag, but in the end, it just gets in the way.

The key is determination. If the cold is unbearable, just go home.

After all that, I packed my gear into the car and set off just before 11:00.


It's amazing how the roads are jammed at this time of year. Congestion...con ... We entered the mountain path and the road became deserted, but it was already mid-winter.

The journey usually takes four hours, but today it took five hours, and we arrived at Katashina Roadside Station early in the evening.


We'll rest here tonight and head up to the ski resort tomorrow morning.

Tuesday, December 16th, Sunny It feels like the morning sunrise is getting later and later with each passing day. It's 5:45 AM and it's still pitch black.

But the winter solstice is on the 22nd, so it'll probably get even later for another week.


After coming down to the living room, the garden started to lighten a little and it looked bright outside.

Amidst all this, the autumn leaves on the maple tree look particularly beautiful. I didn't plant this maple tree either; it grew here all by itself.

Rather than feeling the deepening of autumn, it feels like preparations for winter.


I finally ran out of my 2,000 yen rice reserve, so I had no choice but to buy the cheapest rice at the supermarket.

I had some octopus I was planning to eat as sashimi, so I decided to make "takomeshi" (octopus rice) by cooking one cup of rice in the microwave.

Rice comes from all over the country... but it still cost 3,900 yen.


Well, it wasn't bad, but considering the price of stockpiled rice, it should be twice as tasty.

Monday, December 15th, Sunny

Maybe it's because I'm getting older, but even for long-distance travel, trains have become more convenient.

Well, I've always been a self-proclaimed "hidden techie," so I've always enjoyed my own train trips.


Since retiring, I've been traveling almost exclusively on local roads, which has been a truly wonderful and enjoyable experience, unlike the highway travel I used to take.

I have less money to spend, but I have plenty of time. Plus, trains offer discounts, and I can enjoy a drink while looking out the window.

Soon, if I use a card instead of cash for shopping, traveling, or buying train tickets...oh wait, I'll earn points and it'll work just like cash.


I've joined JR's Adult Holiday Club, but there's no reason not to buy tickets in a way that earns me points.

I've combined my previous "JR Points" and "Zipangu" services and linked them to "Eki-net."

With Eki-net, you can purchase reserved train seats and tickets from your computer. You can then retrieve those tickets from ticket vending machines at stations.


I'm trying to keep up with the ever-increasing convenience of our world.

December 14th (Sunday) Rain...then cloudy I thought I heard rain in the middle of the night...or maybe not.

After getting changed and going down to the living room, the balcony was wet as if it had rained.


I had heard that it had been a while since the Kanto region had seen rain. Come to think of it, I hadn't even done farming in the sun or reading in the rain...

Today's weather was neither sunny nor rainy, just cold.

I enjoyed reading this morning for the first time in a while.


For over 15 years, I have read not so-called regular books, but e-books, delivered online to my tablet.

Last month, Reader Store suddenly asked me to register a new ID and password, so I did.

This was an unexpected result. I could purchase new books without any problems, but sometimes when I tried to repurchase a book I'd already purchased, I was forced to buy it twice without any warning... And when I wanted to reread that book, I had to purchase it again.


After much deliberation, it took a little time, but I was able to purchase books and add them to my My Book bookshelf just like before.

December 13th (Saturday) Sunny My alarm woke me up at 5:45 AM. It was still pitch black outside, and I couldn't tell if it was sunny or cloudy.

After getting changed and going down to the living room to have tea, I finally saw the outside.


I need to get ready to go skiing next week.

The sunshine is relatively warm, so I thought I'd load everything I'll need into the car today.

And, by the way, although it's a little late, there's some firewood being split and dried in front of the charcoal maker during the summer.


I decided to pull the trailer over and load it up. It was only 145 yen/L for a full tank at the gas station, which was a relief.

I also decided to inflate the trailer tires to 4 kg/cm2 to prepare for carrying heavy loads of firewood.

Air leaking?! The store clerk informed me of the problem and said they couldn't fix it, so I headed straight to a tire shop.


This old tire might need replacing, and I'm not sure if they have a replacement. Anyway, I'll contact various places next Monday.

Friday, December 12th, Sunny

The wind had died down, but a strong chill still hung over. Even though I'm used to extremely cold climates, I braced myself for the cold weather.

But since the wind had died down, it wasn't cold enough to make a big fuss.


Rice is my staple food for breakfast. The price of rice at the supermarket is 4,300 yen for 5 kg. What's going on?

I haven't really paid much attention to the taste of rice, so I've been eating old rice from my stockpile, considering the price. My stockpile is almost finished.

I make rice by cooking 2 cups of rice, 1 cup of germinated brown rice, and 15g each of black beans and azuki beans, but the price of germinated brown rice has also gone up.


Today, I decided to take a chance and ordered a product called "Germinated Brown Rice with 16 Grains."

There's a special offer going on right now, so the quantity has increased, and it even comes with a ceramic pot that can make freshly cooked rice for one person.

What's more, it can be cooked in the microwave. This is interesting... Until now, I'd just cook it and refrigerate it, but now I can eat freshly cooked rice every time.




December 11th (Thursday) Cloudy, then sunny

I've been preparing since yesterday for the final firing of the year.

Well, I'll be working with high temperatures from now on, so I don't mind too much, but it wasn't too cold this morning, but it was still cold.


Next week, I'll bring the firewood I made while I'm at the ski resort.

There's a miscellaneous pile of leftover firewood on the drying rack, so I'll clear that out and use the leftover firewood for today's initial firing.

The firewood is finally starting to catch fire and it's finally getting warm.


There are two pieces in the kiln for this firing.

That's a large plate. The two pieces we're making today are the largest we can bake in this kiln...

If even one of them turns out well, I'll give it 100 points.


The days are getting shorter, and once it's past 5 o'clock, it gets dark all of a sudden, and the flames glow eerily.

Wednesday, December 10th, Sunny

The sun is rising much later. It's still dark by 5:45 AM, when I wake up every morning.

It's still dark even when I open the curtains, so I turn on the light and get dressed.


I go down to the living room, make some tea, and read the newspaper, and it's already light outside.

It's not yet the winter solstice, so dawn will probably get even later from now on.

As usual, I have breakfast while listening to the radio, but the air is clear and the electricity supply seems good, although interference and unexpected problems are typical of this time of year.


It was a calm, windless afternoon, so I went for a walk before it got too cold.

It's a lovely warm spring day, and I've completely forgotten the harshness of midsummer.

The Minuma Irrigation Canal has also been cut off and is no longer flowing.




December 9th (Tuesday) Sunny When I woke up and got dressed, I thought... Hmm? Maybe it's not that cold.

Yes, it was a slightly milder morning than usual.


That said, I have the air conditioner set to heat the living room first thing in the morning...

Lately, when I'm cleaning up after dinner, I've been thinking about the crimson color that shines on the sink window.

It's warm enough in the living room now that I don't need to turn the air conditioner on full blast, so I opened the small window. Wow, the beautiful maple leaves are coming up.


I recently bisque-fired a large plate, and I was planning to have it fully fired soon.

At every stage of the process, you'll encounter situations where you need new tools or further ingenuity.

And today, we're glazing it. If you make a mistake, it will splash and cause a big mess.


I tried using a pulley attached to the ceiling. Hmm, it looks like I need to come up with another solution.

Monday, December 8th, Sunny

I finally underwent surgery after developing symptoms of esophageal cancer at the end of last year.

Since the beginning of the new year, I've been devoting myself to treatment, including chemotherapy, for the past year.


All treatments were completed in March, but there was more snow than usual on the mountains.

I took this as a golden opportunity and continued training at an altitude of 2,000 meters, taking up Nordic skiing until May.

Thanks to this, all of the side effects of chemotherapy, including kidney disease, blood sugar-related disorders, and risk factors for resistance indicators, improved before summer.

And as a first-year treatment, I'm required to undergo four gastroscopy and CT scans, and today was my fourth of the year.

The test results will be revealed at a doctor's appointment next week.

The frequency of the tests decreases over the years, but there are 15 tests over a five-year period. This determines the five-year survival rate for cancer patients.


In the riding grounds across from the cancer center, people could be seen enjoying equestrian sports in the warm sunshine.

December 7th (Sunday) Sunny

I had club table tennis practice scheduled for this Sunday, but there was a traffic restriction on the bus route from my house.

I knew this for a while, but today is the day of the annual Kawaguchi Marathon, and the bus route in front of my house is part of the marathon route.


After finishing breakfast, I had to leave my dishes in the sink and rush to get ready, or I'd be stuck on the route if I didn't leave before 8:30.

It was a tight time, but the traffic restrictions were lifted just as I passed the intersection about 500 meters ahead, so I made it in time.


There were about 10 club members, but we were able to practice properly.

Although I didn't improve my technique this past year, I feel that it was a very meaningful year in terms of recovering my physical strength after cancer treatment.


I'm also happy that the young people who were weaker than me until last year have become so strong that they're no longer evenly matched with me... but are now so strong that they're out of my reach.

I'll be concentrating on skiing for a while, so goodbye.

December 6th (Saturday) Sunny

I said the wind had died down and the temperature would rise a little from yesterday, but the sunshine was unreliable and it was colder in the living room than yesterday.

I decided to spend more time in my studio, so I spent today on the second floor. The warmth of the stove is truly exceptional.


I had been hoping to do another firing before the end of the year. And I decided to just do a large plate.

For now, I'm just painting the outline, and since I made a special device for the glaze, I'll focus on that another day.


I wanted to go for a walk while it was still warm, but I got a little busy with the pottery, so I ended up leaving just before sunset.

I was a little worried it might be a little chilly, but within five minutes my body had warmed up and it was actually a pleasant day for a walk.






December 5th (Friday) Sunny Once again, it was the coldest morning of the season, with temperatures finally dropping below freezing in some areas.

Maybe my body has gotten used to the cold, but it didn't feel that cold.


I knew there was a shop with a big "Vehicle Inspection" sign next to the local gas station where I always fill up.

My favorite auto repair shop has closed, so I asked if they could help me if something ever happened. "I'd be happy to!" I received a pleasant response.


I also stopped by the local post office and deposited the 1,000 yen bill I found yesterday into my credit card account. This 1,000 yen bill wasn't a coincidence; it was a gift from God.

It was only 1,000 yen, but I had it properly recorded in my bankbook and returned home.


I accessed the "Lottery" page on my computer and bought 10 tickets for the 1 Billion Yen Year-End Jumbo Lottery! I added 2,000 yen to my account and bought 10 tickets.

That's all for the story of what happened with the 1,000 yen bill I found. The rest is for privacy (lol).

December 4th (Thursday) Sunny

Nordic skiing equipment is distinctively different from alpine skiing gear in many ways.

So I modified the specifications of the ski storage bag (jet pack?) in my car, and also the carry bag I use for transportation.


I mentioned on Tuesday that I went to Nippori, the town of fabrics, to buy some bolts of fabric.

Even I don't mind wading through a crowd of older women to find the fabric I'm looking for when the time comes.


So, without a blueprint, I went straight to the actual size and created a Nordic ski storage and transport bag.

It took me two full days, but I finally finished it. This bag contains two sets of skis, one for classic and one for freestyle, but they weigh only about the same as one half of a pair of GS alpine skis.


The strong north wind that had been blowing in this afternoon had died down, so I headed out for a walk while the sun was still warm. On a lonely farm road, a thousand-yen bill drifted in from somewhere, carried by the north wind.

I'm happy to play cat and mouse with 100-yen coins, but this is the first time I've seen a thousand-yen bill. What should I do... Should I deliver it?

December 3rd (Wednesday) Cloudy, then sunny

It was a chilly, sunless morning. The weather forecast predicted a seasonal wind would blow in the afternoon, bringing winter-like clear skies across the Kanto region...?

It was swimming pool day, so I got into the water, feeling the cold. It felt like the coldest time of the year, from getting out of the pool to drying off after showering.


As I left the sports center building, the vibrant colors of the surrounding autumn leaves filled my eyes.

Today was probably the best time to see the leaves... and next week they'll be gone after they've fallen.


I recently received two postcards from the government. One was about the date of my cognitive function test for my driver's license renewal, and the other was about applying through the pension online system.

Even gold driver's licenses for seniors are only valid for three years. I've already reached three years, so I scheduled my cognitive function test in the middle of ski season, so I applied for a change and somehow it was approved.

I received documents such as a change notification for my pension payment, but I was able to apply via smartphone, so I scanned the QR code.

I've never made any payments on my smartphone. I always do everything on my computer. Something terrible could happen if I were to make payments on such a small screen.

December 2nd (Tuesday) Cloudy

One of my hobbies is, as I used to call it, sewing. When I want something, I make it myself, whether it's woodworking, steelwork, or sewing.

And I get my sewing materials in Nippori. Today, I walked through Nippori's textile district looking for sewing supplies.


Every store was packed with women browsing the shelves, and it wasn't the kind of place where a guy like me could sneak in.

But if I kept thinking about that, I probably wouldn't be able to buy the materials I wanted.

I finally managed to pull out the bolts of fabric and take them to the cutting room. Tomorrow, I'll start enjoying the fun of sewing.


Though it took longer than expected, I finally arrived in Akabane a little late at 1:00 p.m. My destination was the pub "Marumasuya."

Recently, even at this late hour, there's been a line outside the bar, but fortunately I was able to enter without a wait and take a seat at the counter.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, there's still a partition between the bar and the one next to me. Even though there was probably a young woman sitting next to me, I couldn't talk to her...! This is the end of my long-loved drinking spot.

Monday, December 1st, Sunny

They say that influenza infections have started earlier this year than in previous years and have already reached a critical stage.

I usually aim to get my vaccination around December 20th, which would cover most of the ski season, but I decided to get it earlier.


My doctor's office opens at 9:00, but I thought I could reduce the wait by arriving early and checking in early.


I arrived 30 minutes before opening, expecting to be the first one there on a Monday, but I ended up being the fifth in line.


Even so, I finished my consultation and vaccination by 9:30, picked up my usual blood pressure and gout medication at the pharmacy next door, and returned home at 10:30.


My arm still won't lift up after the vaccination... I'll get the tires changed before any symptoms appear.


Since last year, we've been using an electric jack to help us without using any physical strength.


When I finished just before noon, I couldn't lift up the arm that had received the vaccination.


Sunday, November 30th, Sunny The second half of the team tournament, an important tournament for the Kawaguchi City Table Tennis Federation, to which I belong, took place today.

Each club in the city's table tennis federation forms teams of four to six players and competes according to their assigned rank in the first tier.


Three teams from my club are participating. The youth A team is in the second division, the elder C team, including myself, is in the fourth division, and the mid-level B team is in the fifth division.


When I looked at the bracket, I thought about how I should organize my teams. We're evaluated based on the results of our four-team league block.


Of the three matches, we decided to sacrifice our team against teams that clearly didn't look likely to win. The outcome of either match was down to luck, so we organized the Division 5 teams with a sure-win strategy.


As expected, our sacrifice strategy was a complete failure. However, one match was a complete win, and the other was a close loss, but we managed to stay in the class for next term.


I didn't win the individual match, but in the doubles match, my teammates and I worked well together and achieved a landslide victory.


We had a fun celebration at a local Chinese restaurant.


Saturday, November 29th, Sunny

Yesterday was the usual bisque firing, but I had a special large plate... two plates in particular.

I didn't notice anything unusual during the firing, so I was confident there were no major failures.


However, I've often had unfortunate experiences, especially with plates, where I've taken them out and found them cracked.


So I can't just open the kiln and make an instant judgment.


I have to carefully inspect them after taking them out before I can make a judgment.


It appears that all the plates were successfully bisque fired without any failures.


It's too early to celebrate yet. The real challenge is yet to come.





November 28th (Friday) Sunny It was a slightly warm morning. The weather forecast predicted yellow sand, but there was no sign of it.

It was a calm, sunny day, so I started bisque firing the pieces I had set in the kiln yesterday.


There were two things to keep in mind for today's bisque firing. The first was to keep the temperature around 100°C.


Even if the clay is dry after molding, if even a small amount of moisture remains inside, a steam explosion can destroy the piece.


The second was that at temperatures around 400°C, the organic matter contained in the clay begins to decompose and gasify due to heat. I've experienced destruction due to this gasification several times.


When bisque firing in this kiln, I first gradually heat it over charcoal, and I've been able to control the temperature around 100°C without any problems recently.


And while it takes a little time, I've recently discovered that the bark that's produced in large quantities when making firewood is also easy to control, especially since the heat is weak.


I think everything went smoothly and without any issues.


November 27th (Thursday) Sunny, then Cloudy

It was a rare two days in a row of calm, sunny weather, but...

It wasn't all that easy. After noon, the blue sky disappeared and the sky was covered in clouds.


A group of great tits came to visit our garden early this morning.


They moved so quickly I couldn't count them, but I think there were probably about six of them.


Perhaps it's because the neat, pruned garden trees make it easier for them to fly, or perhaps the birdhouse in its new location is unusual.


They also took turns bathing in the water bowl. After taking turns playing for about two hours, they flew off somewhere.



The weather was so nice and warm in the morning, but it started to get cloudy in the afternoon. Even though it was still early, we went for a walk before it got too bad.


November 26th (Wednesday) Sunny

The weather changes every day, but today was a sunny day. It was clear and sunny from the morning.

The sunlight reached every corner of the living room, making the temperature comfortable from the morning.


It was my usual pool day this morning, so I went out, but my body wasn't too cold, so I didn't feel any sense of despair when I got in the water.

And even after getting in, I enjoyed a comfortable swim in the water.

And what really lifts my spirits is the glass-walled pool, so the slanting sunlight creates swaying mayflies in the pool.

Speaking of which, I've been going out at times when there aren't many people using the pool lately, and today there were still some empty lanes.


When you come out of the pool, the cherry blossom trees in front of the sports center are in full autumn color, in full bloom.






November 25th (Tuesday) Cloudy/Rainy

The weather here seems to change every day. When the sun comes out, it's warm and mild, but when the sun doesn't shine, it's cold and dreary.

The weather forecast for today predicts rain in the afternoon... which doesn't look good.


Walking, as it's called, has become an essential part of my daily routine.

Well, maybe I'm being overconfident, but even after turning 80, I can still enjoy table tennis... and skiing, even if I can't perform as well as I used to, can still be enjoyed to a certain extent.

All of this is possible only if I have the confidence to walk regularly.

Especially starting this year, I want to incorporate Nordic skiing into my winter skiing routine.


This spring, when I returned to the snowy mountains after completing my cancer treatment, my alpine skiing friends were gone. However, there was still plenty of snow left on the mountains, which had seen heavy snowfall, so I started rehabilitation by skiing to regain my strength. And it was so much fun.


That's the main reason... it was fun. It even made me think, maybe I should aim for the All Japan Championships next?

Dreams can only be achieved through daily hard work. Even on rainy days, I walked the Aeon Mall course... and ended up getting a Starbucks coffee... professional coffee is really good.

November 24th (Monday) Sunny It was a holiday, and there was no table tennis practice, so I ended up sleeping in a little.

Waking up an hour late at this time of year feels like waking up in spring.


After a leisurely breakfast, I organized and planned the various tasks I needed to do for Little Bird today.

First, the stage for the bathing area. The support posts had become quite low because I had to cut them every time they rotted. First, I'll rebuild them to their original height.


The support posts are inserted into 50mm gutters buried underground, so they can be removed and moved if necessary.

I went to a home improvement store and found three different thicknesses of burnt stakes to find the one that best fit the rain gutters.


I also picked up some driftwood from the Yubiso River when I went to Mt. Tanigawa in the summer, and remodeled the perches to serve as play equipment for small birds.


I then installed them in three places on trees in the garden after they had been cut down and pruned.



Sunday, November 23rd, Cloudy It's been cloudy since morning, and it looks like we won't be seeing any sunshine. It looks like it's going to be a cold day.

It was table tennis club practice day, but we had a local friendly tournament, so many of our club's goodwill ambassadors joined us.


As a result, today's club practice consisted of just six people, and we only had two rounds of practice matches.

Three of us, including myself, were over 80 years old, one in their early and late 70s, one in their late 70s, and one woman. So we played two sets of games, with plenty of breaks between sets.


The gym was generally quiet, but I was especially impressed by the young people there, who seemed to be having fun playing a unique sport...

Apparently it's called "One-Bounce Volleyball."


The ball is large and distorted, like a balloon. After hitting the ball into the opponent's court, it bounces once and is then passed within the team.


It's a deformed ball like a rugby ball, so it's fun to see it bounce off in unexpected directions after bouncing.

There are many women playing, and laughter is constant, making it a fun game to watch.

Saturday, November 22nd, Sunny

It was a cold morning, but the sun was shining brightly, and there was no wind, making it feel like a mild, warm spring day.

There's still one more day of pruning work left in the garden. I have to get it done so I can make it to New Year's.


The garden is much tidier than before. However, the trees continue to grow at a rate that's imperceptible to the naked eye.

That's right. I didn't realize it, but I realized that the flat area in the garden is quite narrow during the summer.


Recalling my memory from two or three years ago, I pushed the trees back to the point where I thought they would probably retreat.

This is what the garden looked like before after pruning.


I also made three bundles of branches and leaves using my packaging box.


I also took down the birdhouse from the stand, cleaned it up, and put it back up.



November 21st (Friday) Sunny

It was a chilly morning, but the sun shone brightly this morning, making for a warm feeling early in the morning.

I woke up at my usual time and chatted with my radio friends over breakfast. Since this weekend is a three-day weekend, I said goodbye for a while.


After dinner, I cleaned up... and today is household trash collection day, so I took the things I'd prepared in advance to the collection site along with the general household trash.

For some reason, I felt a sense of relief today, and unusually wanted to have my first cup of coffee of the morning, so I made some. Delicious!


I usually don't respond to every call from my cell phone. I also try to avoid answering my phone as much as possible.

The internet on my mobile phone is probably only about one-fifth the view of a computer. I recognize that communicating online in such a situation is extremely dangerous.


I opened my computer while drinking coffee. I use it to communicate on LINE and Facebook, and of course, emails too.


I received an email informing me of the release of the year-end Jumbo Lottery tickets. I buy 10 Jumbo tickets online every summer and at the end of the year.

Today, I bought some tickets again, thinking of them as an investment in my lottery funds.

November 20th (Thursday) Sunny

This morning, we again didn't see any clear blue skies. As predicted by the weather forecast, the clouds cleared around noon, allowing the sun to shine into the living room.

I hadn't really paid much attention to it before, but perhaps because the sunlight is now slanting, I can't help but feel like the dirt on the window glass is blocking the sunlight.


What's more, the slanting light makes the dust and other deposits on the window glass stand out, catching the light and becoming very clear.

I decided to put on my boots and watered the garden with the spray bottle I'd been using all summer.


Come to think of it, I feel like I watered the garden like this every year around this time.

Then I use the window drainer on my car to scrape off any dirt along with it.


Wow, cleaning the windows at this time of year is such a refreshing feeling.


When I think about it, I only clean my windows around this time of year...and I'm reminded again that this is the time of year when I feel the most like I'm cleaning my windows.



November 19th (Wednesday) Sunny Every morning, the temperature is the coldest this winter... and it's been updated almost every day.

It was the same this morning, but as long as it's a clear winter day, the living room should be warm no matter how cold it gets.


Clouds came and went for a while this morning, and with no real sunshine, it was a chilly morning.

I headed out thinking I'd be cold since it was pool day, but it didn't feel that cold when I got in the water.


Despite the colder-than-usual weather, there were a few more people, mostly young people, than usual.

Perhaps they thought it would be empty if it was so cold.

By the time I got out of the pool just before noon, the sky was clear and the sun was warm.

The giant metasequoia tree towering in front of the sports center was also starting to turn red. Aren't these leaves evergreen?






November 18th (Tuesday) Sunny

The weather forecast has been predicting that today will be the coldest morning of the week...

Even by the time I wake up at 5:45, it's getting darker and darker every day, and I can't even get dressed without turning on the light.


By the time I made miso soup and finished preparing breakfast, as usual, the sun hadn't even reached the living room, and it was a cold morning.

While I was having breakfast and communicating with my radio friends, the sunlight finally began to peek out from behind the nearby forest.


However, it wasn't particularly clear and sunny during the day, and it was more of a moderately sunny day.

As I headed out the front door to do some morning shopping, a burst of red caught my eye! A 50-year-old maple tree in a pot was turning red.

It had never turned such a red before, and I thought it had fallen from a dirty brown leaf, but it looks so beautiful now.

It feels like winter is just around the corner.


Apparently, more than 1 meter of snow fell in one day at Sukayu Onsen in Aomori.



Monday, November 17th, Sunny It was sunny from the morning and the temperature rose, making for a comfortable day.

The weather forecast predicts that a chill will move in from the evening, bringing with it a cold wind and chilly temperatures.


While today may be the last day of warm sunshine, it was perfect weather for airing out my futon.

I warmed my futon thoroughly during the intense sunshine, so I'm sure I'll be able to sleep well and stay warm again today.


According to reports, influenza infections are currently spreading significantly.

I usually get my flu shot around December 20th every year, but I was wondering if I should get it a little earlier.

I have a regular checkup (for high blood pressure and uric acid levels) at the beginning of December. I've also booked a vaccination (for both the flu and COVID-19) to coincide with that.

The Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament is also exciting, with heated battles. However, the fact that there are so many former ozekis in the makuuchi division makes the competition even more intense and interesting.


Every time a match is restarted, the camera captures the atmosphere in the arena. At these times, I often make discoveries like, "Oh? That person..."

There was also a lady wearing a topknot today.

Sunday, November 16th, Sunny The weather is finally getting nicer, and we're finally enjoying sports.

Oh, the parking lot at the sports center was full today, so I managed to find a spot in the corner.


Oh! A large number of players have already gathered on the field, and it looks like the opening ceremony is taking place. I wonder if there's a regional gateball tournament today?

Meanwhile, at the gym where we practice table tennis, there were enough players to play against everyone during practice. We had a great, intimate practice.


After practice, I was pleasantly sweaty, so I stripped naked and jumped into the shower, but the hot water never came out.

Is that for real?!? Apparently the shower was broken.

Well, thankfully it wasn't a cold day. I quickly dried myself off with a towel and figured it was fine, but nope!!







Saturday, November 15th, Sunny It was cloudy in the morning, but as time passed, the sky cleared to a beautiful clear blue.

I slept well yesterday, and today I quickly hung my futon out on the balcony to prepare for a warm night.


Also, it seems that the pruning work on the slope forest along the Minuma Irrigation Canal, where I walk, has been completed.

Although it was only a 500m stretch, there were two fallen trees last year, causing road closures. The pruning work for next year was planned with this in mind.


My current ski instruction book... I've watched it countless times on YouTube, but I think this is probably Nakajima Park in downtown Sapporo.

Even during this lecture, many local residents were enjoying cross-country skiing in the background.

I'd love to do that in Sapporo this season too. So, I decided on a date and started looking for accommodation in Sapporo.

First of all, everything was expensive due to the inbound tourism! And there weren't any! Even searching for accommodations after the Sapporo Snow Festival was too expensive.

I finally found one... but since I always use Rakuten to help me find accommodations, I was able to search for "Bonus Eligible" deals.


On February 17th and 18th, between club training camps and tournaments, we're planning to enjoy some city skiing around Sapporo's Nakajima Park area.

November 14th (Friday) Sunny It's been a beautiful sunny morning. The temperature has risen quite a bit, and while it's not as warm as it was a while ago, it's still pleasantly warm.

It's been a while since I've had a chance to expose my futon to the sun, so I'll sleep in a nice, warm futon tonight.


My walking route runs along the Minuma Irrigation Canal. I was worried about this before, but I found a pink ribbon and a number on the grove here.

I called Kawaguchi City's Green Space Conservation Division and they asked, "Are you sure they're going to cut it down?" "No, we're just going to maintain it so it stays healthy."


So, I've been pruning branches and other structures for the long-term conservation of this slope forest for about a month.

There was no high-altitude work today, but on Tuesday, workers climbed up to the top of a tree that was about 15 meters tall and removed branches.

That's right, we can't bring heavy machinery here, so we had to do all the pruning by hand.

Some of the trees are quite old, but they're all large, measuring 60-70 cm in diameter. I can only hope that the work is completed safely.

Yesterday, I made salted squid for the first time in a while, and I had some leftover ears and spines. It was delicious on the charcoal stove!




November 13th (Thursday) - Cloudy

This fall's weather hasn't been stable. It seems like every other day...? Today, there's no sign of sunshine at all.

And the forecast is calling for scattered rain in the afternoon.


My daily walk should be between 3 and 4 PM at this time of year.

If that doesn't work, I'll go to Aeon Mall, but that's not always available. The best time is definitely 10 AM, right after opening.


So, when I couldn't decide, I decided to go for a walk at Aeon, which is a sure thing. Of course, there were some stores I wanted to stop by.

Every day, I carry my silly camera in my pocket, ready to instantly record any moment.

This morning, I spotted some kind of animal in my yard. It wasn't a bear or a deer, but it seemed to have gone into the bushes over there. I immediately checked my camera!!

Suddenly, I got the message, "SD card not recognized." Is it a loose connection? I tried removing and inserting it several times, but it still didn't work. Even spraying contact improvement spray didn't work!

There's a Yamada Denki store in the mall, so I went to ask for advice. They can't test it here. You'll either have to buy a new card, or buy a new camera and insert that card. "Don't say stupid things! I hope this store closes down and disappears soon!


My computer had no data on it, so I tried resetting it. It worked! But if I don't know the cause, it'll be a disaster if something like this happens again while I'm traveling.

November 12th (Wednesday) Sunny

It seems like a beautiful sunny day has been spreading since the morning. My colleagues on their way to work are also cheery.

However, the temperature is constantly updating, and some of my radio friends have finally reported that it dropped below 10°C this morning.


The sun is streaming into the living room, bringing a warmth that makes me grateful for the sunshine.

Today is pool day, so I continued reading while sipping tea until it was time to head out.


From my house to the Higashi Sports Center, where my favorite pool is located, it's about a 30-minute drive north of the city, near the Tokyo border.

A little further away is the closest place to my previous workplace.

Four years have passed since then, and once the Kita Sports Center, my table tennis practice base five minutes from my house, is renovated and construction is complete on the prefectural indoor pool, both the pool and table tennis will be five minutes away.

I'm looking forward to another year.

It's the season when the water feels warm the moment you step into the pool. The cherry blossom trees in the parking lot have begun to turn red.




November 11th (Tuesday) Cloudy The weather forecast called for clear skies, but the sun never made a dent in the morning, and the cold weather continued.

The box I used to pack the branches and leaves I pruned yesterday was pretty damaged from overuse, so I spent about two hours repairing it.


It didn't look like it was going to get any warmer after that, so I returned to the living room with the heater on and continued reading while drinking coffee.

This novel is over 450 pages long, so it'll probably take another full day.


I'm watching the question and answer session in the Diet's Budget Committee with interest, but some of the opposition parties probably have nothing to do with the budget... Don't waste your time on trivial things.

With such a sloppy opposition party, they can only criticize the government, let alone transfer power. It reminds me of the Hatopopo administration of the past.

A productive Budget Committee, with evenly-spaced ruling and opposition parties, allows for fruitful deliberations and hope.

I'll be driving to ski resorts more often this coming ski season, so gas prices are an issue that's very close to my daily life.


I think it's a great result that the provisional gasoline tax rate of 25.1 yen per liter is settled before the end of the year.

However, with the current gasoline price subsidy set at 10 yen, this will effectively be 15.1 yen cheaper than the current rate. I'm very happy.

November 10th (Monday) Sunny

The rain that had been falling until yesterday has completely stopped, and the sunshine is returning.

This year, I had been planning to thoroughly prune my garden trees, so today was my second time pruning them.


I didn't prune them last year, so it's been two years since I last did, but the branches and leaves have been growing so quickly that it was quite a challenge.

During my lunch break, it started to rain lightly. "What!? Is that the end?" I thought, but it was only for a moment.


The containers used to pack the branches and leaves are quite thick. I thought I'd made it sturdy, but some parts broke due to heavy use.

If I don't repair it now, it looks like it will be irreparably damaged if I continue to use it like this.

Still, I made five packs today, adding to the four I made last Saturday, for tomorrow's trash collection. Tomorrow morning, I'll be transporting all nine packs to the trash collection area in a wheelbarrow.

It will take another day to finish pruning the trees in my garden. Fortunately, it looks like we'll have stable, sunny weather for a while.






November 9th (Sunday) Rain, then cloudy

My alarm went off this morning, and I tried to get up at 5:45. Wait, I'm sure there wasn't table tennis club practice today.

I dozed off again... and finally got up an hour later. Everything was an hour late.


And it's raining this morning, so it's the perfect opportunity to relax at home. I read the newspaper and prepare breakfast... but before that, I'll do my daily radio calisthenics.

The live broadcast time has long since passed, but I open my website and start exercising with the radio calisthenics I've registered on YouTube.


I spent the whole day reading, but the temperature must have been quite low, so I had to keep the air conditioner on all day.

If it were sunny at this time of year, the sun would fill the living room and I'd be spending the day in just a T-shirt, so it made a big difference.

I left the house for a walk around 4 o'clock, after the rain had completely stopped.

The trees along the walking path seemed to be starting to change color.


When I think back, the ups and downs on this walking route were quite tough after my cancer treatment, but now it's a piece of cake.



November 8th (Saturday) Sunny Another chilly morning greeted me. I woke up once... Oh, it's my usual wake-up time! That's right, my alarm isn't going off today.

...Ah, heavenly heaven. I can enjoy sleeping in for a while... So I dozed off for a while... Then I kicked off the covers and got up.


Maybe it's because I'm cheap, or maybe I'm just so tied up in my internal clock, but I didn't sleep in much, and I ended up waking up at 6:30.

No matter where I go, even when sleeping in my car, breakfast and miso soup are essential. My life may be pretty rigid, but I did my best this morning.


A few days ago, I wrote about pruning the tree in front of my house and taking it out on garbage day, but that was just the beginning. The problem is, pruning trees in your yard is a big job.

The temperature was low, just the right temperature for wearing thick work clothes. I had no choice but to do it... I pulled out a long stepladder and even used an electric saw instead of pruning shears.

Soon, my small yard was filled with branches and leaves. You're right, trimming them isn't that hard.

The hard part is trimming them to a size that can be put into the general garbage collection center and bundling them.


In the past, to avoid the hassle, I would load them directly onto a trailer and take them to the incinerator. Now, a fee is charged based on weight, so I put them out as household waste.

Today, I made four compressed bundles of branches and leaves to take to the garbage collection center.

November 7th (Friday) Sunny

It seems the north wind picked up a little today, making it a bit chilly, but as the days go by, the sunlight reaches deep into the living room, making it warmer.

That's right. Before I knew it, I wondered why I was wearing so many layers and felt comfortable in just a T-shirt.


I posted a question on Facebook about washing the living room tablecloth and received advice from many professionals.

From the president of a restaurant in Ginza and the proprietress of a long-established guesthouse in Katashina Village, Gunma Prefecture.


The wooden table is uneven, so I used a tablecloth to compensate for that.

In the end, we decided to take both of their opinions into consideration.

First, we removed the table top from the assembled table and used a plane to flatten it.

We considered using chemical paint, but we knew that furniture would naturally show signs of wear with use, so we decided to finish it with beeswax.


Then we laid each tablecloth on.

We'd like to welcome everyone in this style for a while.

November 6th (Thursday) Cloudy...Sunny The rain had stopped and the sea looked calm, with no whitecaps, at the resort hotel this morning.

Mist was rising from the mountain valley, creating a rather beautiful scene.


Since the plan for today was originally to rain, I decided to just relax and enjoy a morning bath and a beer.

Breakfast was around 10:00, as I hoped to finish by 10:30.


Now, let's take it easy and get ready to head home. From what I know, I could either return the same way I came from Katsuura, or take a longer detour around the Boso Peninsula.

The Uchibo Line was a truly enjoyable train journey, with a beautiful view from the window.


The only thing I noticed while drinking was that the train was shaking a little too much.

I recently made a similar comment on the Joetsu Line, and the following week a locomotive derailed... but you shouldn't underestimate my railway diagnosis.



November 5th (Wednesday) Cloudy

I took the Musashino Line to Funabashi, and from there to Katsuura, Chiba Prefecture, on the Sotobo coast.

The weather forecast is calling for rain! Fortunately, it didn't rain and we had a great time.


The Katsuura Underwater Aquarium is located about 100 steps down a spiral staircase to a depth of about 8 meters, where we discovered a wonderful world.

At aquariums, you usually observe the fish from the outside, but here, it seemed as if the fish were observing us.


Schools of small fish also seemed to be observing us, moving slowly and quietly in the gentle currents of the water.

Tonight's accommodation is the luxury resort hotel, Tokyu Resort Hotel Harvest Katsuura.


I received a shareholder discount coupon from a table tennis buddy, so I'm staying at this amazing hotel for a great price.

It's good to have days like this every once in a while.



November 4th (Tuesday) Sunny A certain incident prompted the first cross-country skiing enthusiasts' get-together this spring in Shinjuku.

Right now, there's a department store under construction around Shinjuku, especially the west exit, so it was a bit difficult to find our way.


The meeting took place at Uotami, located on the top floor of the Uniqlo Building, and everyone there was already a familiar face in the alpine skiing world.

It all began in early spring this year, at an open-air bath in Gunma Prefecture. After completing my final treatment for esophageal cancer, I went to the open-air bath as part of my rehabilitation.


Oh, I happened to meet someone I met at the World Masters here and we chatted about skiing for a while. It was during the All-Japan Masters Tournament, and a cross-country skier from Tochigi Prefecture came on the scene.

I didn't pay much attention to the conversation at the time, but now that I think about it, cross-country skiing seems like a good way to improve my physical strength. In the end, I spent the next two full months solely on cross-country skiing to recover my strength.


Compared to alpine skiing, Nordic skiing seems a bit more insular, but it's quieter and less dangerous for older skiers, so I thought I'd invite everyone along.

Today, I was making a big splash from the top floor of the Uniqlo building at Shinjuku West Exit.

I'm looking forward to sharing information with my friends and spreading the fun.

November 3rd (Monday) Sunny I thought it was relatively warm for this time of year. However, a northwesterly breeze started around 2:00 PM.

The temperature difference throughout the day felt quite large. The wind also got stronger, so I guess it was the first cold wind of the season.


The other day, I posted on Facebook about how the dry cleaner couldn't clean our dining tablecloth, and when I asked them to try stain removal again, they said they couldn't do any better.

But then, how do they wash tablecloths at high-end restaurants? I've received advice from various sources, so I'm taking action.


Well, I've received positive feedback from a new cleaning company saying they're trying it out, and I've taken countermeasures myself.

The owner of a high-end restaurant suggested we coat the solid wood tables and use them as is. Meanwhile, the landlady of a guesthouse suggested using individual tablecloths instead of large tablecloths.


I decided to incorporate both ideas. First of all, I wanted to make the current uneven surface fairly flat.

This was my first time planing a large surface, and it was quite difficult.



November 2nd (Sunday) Sunny The weather forecast called for sunny skies... but it was more of a cloudy day than anything else.

18 people showed up for table tennis club practice, the highest number of participants to date. Still, we were fortunate to have a table for everyone.


Well, with that many people, even if we practiced by following the usual rules, it would be impossible to exhaust all the bases.

The weather was nice, and everyone seemed to enjoy sports.


I got home in the afternoon, but the US Baseball World Championship, which I'd been interested in, was still going on in extra innings.

The Dodgers tied the game at the last minute, forcing the game into extra innings, so Yamamoto was pitching again as a closer.


Catcher Smith hit the game-winning home run. Yamamoto then shut out the Blue Jays' counterattack with a final double play.

The Dodgers achieved the team's first consecutive championship. Even so, Japanese players were the stars of the show, and Yamamoto even won the MVP award...



November 1st (Saturday) Sunny The cold rain passed by midnight. I didn't set an alarm this morning, but it was only 30 minutes later than usual.

I woke up 30 minutes later than usual, but as usual, I read the newspaper and drank tea. Since I couldn't make it in time for radio calisthenics, I started up a video on my computer and did it.


It's been chilly for a while, but the temperature has finally warmed up a bit.

However, there wasn't as much sunshine as I expected, so I couldn't enjoy the sunshine.


I ordered a Makita electric planer online. It's a reputable brand, but it's surprisingly cheap when ordered online.

I ordered it on Thursday, and it's supposed to arrive today. It's a genuine, high-quality product, and it comes with both a warranty and a guarantee from the dealer, so I feel at ease.


The southerly wind kept me warm all day.

I was busy doing some DIY work, so I was late, but I enjoyed my walk in the calm weather and the deepening autumn.



Friday, October 31st, Sunny

It was a pleasantly chilly morning, not as cold as yesterday.

I came down to the living room and noticed the leaves on the trees in the garden were turning a faint red, so I took a photo.


I was nearby during the day yesterday, but I never expected the leaves to turn this red.

I couldn't believe it could become so eye-catching overnight.


I still don't know the name of this tree. It's been in my home for about four years now.

It originally grew wild in the Katashina Village forest I manage about six or seven years ago. I was mowing undergrowth when, suddenly, it hit the edge of my blade and flew off.


The following year, I remembered and carefully nurtured it. The following year, I carefully dug it up from the roots and brought it home. Its trunk had beautiful stripes.

I grew it in a flowerpot for a year, and then planted it in my garden the following year. Now, in the fall of its third year, I've started looking it up again today, but I'll call it a "Celastraceae tree."

This tree probably sprouted from bird droppings in the mountains. It bloomed and bore fruit...and then the birds ate the fruit and left the tree to defecate...it's quite a drama.

October 30th (Thursday) Sunny Finally, the weather is starting to feel like autumn. With sunny skies, the slight chill will give way to a warmer mood.

Today, I finally decided to get rid of a tree in my garden that had been bothering me for a while.


The Magnolia grandiflora tree didn't bother me much when it was small, but recently it's grown so large it's become a nuisance.

After 20 years, it had grown too big to relocate, so I cut it down.


Tomorrow, I'll take it to the garbage dump as general household waste... I disposed of it as combustible material.

The stumps were also meticulously treated to prevent new shoots from emerging.


We will gradually cut down trees around the area without overdoing it, to create a brighter space.





Wednesday, October 29th, Sunny This morning also started off with a record low temperature for the week. However, the clear blue sky symbolizing autumn just wasn't there.

It seems like this autumn weather is somehow cloudy...


Even as time passed, it still wasn't sunny enough to hang out the futon. It was a bit cloudy and not refreshing.

When I think about it, the only thing that felt autumn-like this year was the morning and evening temperatures, and the sky wasn't yet high.


Still, today was the day to go to the pool.

I'd been watching a baseball game for a while, but it seemed like yesterday's dramatic developments were unlikely... so I headed to the pool.


No way, no one's watching baseball today, so why is the pool empty?

The lanes were empty, so I was able to swim leisurely.

After leaving the pool, the sun finally started to shine in the parking lot, and I was happy to have a warm car.

Tuesday, October 28th, Sunny

Although it's weak, the weather in the Kanto region is said to be winter-like. So, I was hoping for a clear blue sky, but it's mostly cloudy.

Despite the north wind, the sky didn't turn out to be a clear blue.


I've started watching the American baseball World Series. Game 3 between the Blue Jays and the Dodgers, who are fighting for their second consecutive championship.

Thanks to Ohtani's outstanding performance... by the ninth inning, the score was tied at 5-5 and it was an exciting battle.


The battle continued with a constant stream of 0000... and no decision. However, it was frustrating to see "walk!" called four times when Ohtani was batting.

Freeman's home run in the 18th inning decided the game, giving the Dodgers a two-win victory. It took so long today that it felt like a doubleheader.


I recently had my tablecloth cleaned, and I'd like to refund the fee and return the item.

Apparently, dry cleaning companies can't remove the main stains, which are wine stains and other water-soluble stains.

I've asked a different company to do it. Is it really that difficult? I wonder how they wash tablecloths at high-end restaurants.

October 27th (Monday) Sunny It must have been a few days since it last cleared up. I was getting tired of the extremely low temperatures and gloomy weather.

The sun came out, but the sun's power wasn't particularly strong, and the weather was mostly cloudy, but that was probably due to the warm air.


Even though it was sunny, the sunlight was so weak that I didn't feel like hanging out my futon.

It's the perfect season to do things like tending to the flower bed at the entrance.


In the afternoon, my usual co-op came to deliver meals.

Yes, I used to get meals delivered during my cancer treatment, and I still get them delivered on weekdays.

It was so warm that I went for a walk without a jacket.






October 26th (Sunday) Cloudy/Rainy It rained from the morning, and it felt like it continued through the night.

The long autumn rain... continued all day today. The temperature also remained low.


It was warm while I was moving, but after a short break, my body got completely cold.

Well, thanks to that, it was a comfortable temperature for table tennis practice.


A relatively young player at my club... has been improving incredibly for about two years, but he's been losing a lot lately.

He's big, so he has a long reach, and so I often find myself hitting the ball with a smash only to have it retrieved and then being counterattacked.

I certainly don't want to think that it's because my physical strength and technique have declined.


I believe their skills are definitely improving. Today, too, I was like, "I'm going to use every dirty trick to win!"

Still, one win is enough to make them unstoppable. I'm happy about that.

Saturday, October 25th, Cloudy/Rainy Thank you for last week's hard work... but today we gathered to talk about the table tennis club's 30th anniversary.

The younger members of the table tennis club might be wondering, "30th anniversary... What's that about?"


But the club has come this far not only because of us, but also because of the support of our friends and family.

For that reason, we decided to celebrate this milestone by inviting not only our family but also the people who have supported the club.


Today, four of the founding members of the table tennis club, all in their 80s, gathered at my home.

Coincidentally, our reliable team members, who dominated the top positions in the 80s at the recent Kawaguchi City Table Tennis Championships hosted by the Kawaguchi City Table Tennis Federation, decided to hold the event.

We, too, want to enjoy playing table tennis for many years to come. We shared this determination.






Friday, October 24th - Cloudy

Apparently, Mount Fuji's first snow fell. It's said to be much later than last year, but the lowest temperatures this fall have been breaking every morning recently.

Today's weather forecast predicted some sunny spells, but while there was some sunshine, it wasn't a clear, sunny day.


The air conditioner in my living room is finally on heating mode...

I want the wind to be blowing directly downwards, but it won't listen. When I got back from my walk, it was blowing downwards...?


The temperature was perfect for a walk. What? The forecast didn't even say it was going to rain.

Well, judging by the sky, it doesn't look like a big deal... so let's go! And so we set off.

As I walked down the hill and onto the walking path along the Minuma Irrigation Canal, I noticed a large sign. I wonder if something new is about to start?


Looking more closely, I saw that they were planning to spend about a month landscaping the forest.



October 23rd (Thursday) Sunny

I've decided to call today's weather sunny. But the warmth of the sun just won't shine down on my head.

It seems like it's clear and sunny in Omiya and further north. The northern sky is a bright blue.


On the walking path, burning field smoke is illegal, but for some reason it brings back memories and makes me want to cheer them on.

On days like this, I'm editing my post-retirement life... I'm halfway through my working life now.


And today's theme is Ski. I've uploaded a compilation of all the comments I've received.

I've received a lot of kind words from all over the place. I guess skiing is a big topic after all.

But for me, everyday life is a much bigger story.


I want to accomplish my goal this year.



October 22nd (Wednesday) Rain This morning, the temperature felt "cold," and the weather wasn't great, so it was still dark when I woke up.

My alarm woke me up at my usual time of 5:45 AM. Even with the blackout curtains open, it was still hard to find my socks.


When I ask my friends my age, what am I doing getting up so early? They ask, "What am I doing here?" But I'm drinking tea, reading the newspaper, and just barely making it in time for some radio exercises.

Then, it's time to prepare breakfast. Making miso soup, the source of my energy for the day, is an absolute must-do.


Anyway, by 7 AM, breakfast is ready on the table, and I'm ready to communicate with my radio friends! Then, we start the morning off with a leisurely breakfast and plenty of conversation.

With so many people listening on the main calling frequency, even I feel nervous when I first speak. Will I be able to get a clear voice?

"CQ Local 7N3FBV, are there any stations?" Responses come in from all over, and with a sense of relief, I head off to search for a sub-channel. I then instruct each station to move to an open frequency, and my breakfast begins.


Today is Wednesday, and some of my fellow radio buddies know my plans for the day, and sometimes they ask me, "It must be cold at the pool on a day like this, don't you think?"

But at this time of year, the pool water feels warm when you first get in because your body is already cold. But after 30 minutes, you have to pee and have to get out, so I guess it's still cold.

October 21st (Tuesday) Cloudy

It looks like we won't be able to expect pleasant weather this week. I can see the osmanthus flowers blooming from the living room window, but their scent doesn't shine through the glass.

Not only has the temperature been low since this morning, but the sky also looks like it could rain at any moment.


Yesterday, I enjoyed a walk around the neighborhood, but with the weather today and the uncertainty of when it could rain, I decided to skip it.

Then, I went for a walk at AEON Mall, which I've been using a lot this summer.


I headed out first thing in the morning to catch the 10:00 AM opening, and as I mentioned before, immediately after opening, the staff at each store stand outside to greet customers.

I've gotten used to this, but I wonder what would happen if I delayed my departure by about 10 minutes...

It was the right decision. The aisles are still empty, and the morning greetings at the store are over, so there's no hassle. I've decided to go at this time from now on.


Even at home, the temperature is said to be early December. I don't usually wear slippers inside the house. It makes it difficult to move around, and I don't want to trip on the stairs or anything like that.

But my feet are cold, so today I'm wearing thick, thermal socks. They're warm.

Monday, October 20th, Cloudy I woke up this morning and my throat felt a little scratchy. Could it be that I've caught a cold?

As per my usual routine, I took my temperature, blood pressure, and pulse while having my morning tea. Well, my temperature is normal, so there's no problem.


Even so, the temperature has been dropping day by day this fall, with new lows this fall every day.

If I recall correctly, I know that if I were to test fire my wood stove at temperatures around this level, it would be extremely hot.


It seems best to dress a little warmer and wait for my body to get used to the cold.

The weather forecast looked uncertain for the afternoon and evening, so I went for a walk around 3 o'clock.

Even at this time, the air was crisp and refreshing.


The shrill calls of the shrikes also made me feel the depths of autumn as it deepened.




October 19th (Sunday) Cloudy

I've been diligently participating in the annual Kawaguchi City Table Tennis Federation tournaments from spring through fall.

Today marks the start of the Kawaguchi City Table Tennis Championships. Champions from every age group, from young people to us, will compete in championship matches.


My club members participated in each age group, but our 80-somethings, who have been practicing regularly for over 30 years, dominated the top spots.

Well, I guess the fact that we were able to play in the same spirit as regular club practice was a big part of what made it so enjoyable.


Everyone else in the table tennis club has been dedicated to table tennis all year round, and unlike me, no one takes a break during the ski season to play table tennis for six months.

Still, we advanced steadily, and it turned into a showdown among our friends. It wouldn't have been surprising if anyone, including me, had emerged victorious.

In the end, the first and second place finishers were pretty evenly matched, but I came in third.


As with skiing, it was also fun to compete head-to-head with my close friends.


Let's continue to work hard and lead the way as seniors.


Saturday, October 18th, Sunny

Saturdays are usually days when I can sleep in. That's right, I don't set an alarm.

But I usually wake up around the same time... I love the way my thoughts wander as I doze off.


Then something happens and I can't stand it anymore, so I get up and say, "Eeeees ...


Although I'm about an hour late, I'm still sipping tea and reading the newspaper at my usual pace... I'm playing with my YouTube videos for the radio exercises I've already finished.

After dinner, I'm playing a bit with the flower bed by the front door... With each slight shift in wind direction, a faint fragrance drifts from the backyard.

"Oh!? Are they finally blooming...?" I hurried into the garden, and although they haven't bloomed yet, the osmanthus buds are galore!


Autumn has officially arrived in my garden.


Of the articles from the past 21 and a half years, the article "Changing your car" has been updated.





Friday, October 17th, Sunny Oh... today's weather wasn't too bad. That was my first impression that morning.

By the time breakfast was over, the sun was shining, and I thought, "Huh? Is it going to be sunny?" But then, it suddenly cleared up.


The wind was a little chilly, but it had been a while since I'd ridden my bike, and I was glad it wasn't the season for profuse sweating followed immediately by a runny nose.

It was already past 9:30 when I left home after finishing my morning chores.


It was already a clear day along the Minuma Irrigation Canal, a pedestrian and bicycle-only path, and the wind had warmed up, making for a truly pleasant ride.

No irrigation water flows through the Minuma Irrigation Canal. It's a bit disappointing that the irrigation canal would have been running a while ago, when the heat was still intense.

In this season, cycling instead of walking would be a great way to refresh your mind and maintain your stamina.






October 16th (Thursday) Cloudy/Rainy

Maybe my body hasn't adjusted to the lower temperatures yet, but I'm starting to feel like my futon is a little cold at dawn.

It's still a little cold on its own, so I've put a blanket over it, but I still think it'd be better to have a little warmer at dawn.


Today, I had a quick radio chat with local stations over breakfast, and during the conversation, I asked, "How's everyone's futon situation these days?"

I'm relieved to hear that everyone, like me, is wondering what to do. Yes, my body just can't cope.


As was the case yesterday, the pool water temperature was the same last week and yesterday at 29.3°C. Last week, it felt cold when I got in, but yesterday it felt warm. It's strange how things change depending on your body temperature.

By the way, today the weather has been a bit sluggish all day. Despite that, I've been walking the ups and downs in my neighborhood for a while, but I decided to go for a walk at AEON Mall for the first time in a while.

Yes, with the unsettled weather lately, I haven't had any plans to sketch, so I thought I'd try drawing some floral creatures for a change, so I went to the flower shop at AEON.


Then, for the first time in a while, I enjoyed a Starbucks coffee and watched the people coming and going in the city.

I realized that sometimes times like these are necessary.

October 15th (Wednesday) Cloudy This morning, it was still just under 20 degrees, about 17-18 degrees. It already felt cold, but a summer blanket was still just right.

So, am I losing my sense of summer heat? Well, if I think of it as autumn again, the temperature is still comfortable.


I had planned to go to the pool this morning. My body was cold, and it brought back memories of last week's cold pool temperature of 29.3 degrees Celsius, which made me shiver.

I thought it would be the same today, but the water temperature was about the same, so oh no! The pool is warm. My senses are really off at this time of year.


I got out of the pool and headed to my car, but it was completely different from the cold weather I had felt before, knowing I'd have to park in the shade.

The weather remained cold even after lunch.

I continued reading the book I'd started yesterday, "Writers," which tells the story of the behind-the-scenes world of reading we enjoy from various angles.


It made me realize how difficult it is to earn a decent income while doing what you love, anywhere in the world.

The editor told a struggling writer who won a new writer's award, "Please continue to cherish your work at your current company." It was both interesting and poignant.

Tuesday, October 14th, Cloudy

It was a chillier morning. It was perfect weather for the pottery kiln repairs we had planned for today, but rain was forecast for the afternoon.

As I previously reported, the kiln door collapsed the other day after I removed my work.


My savior was a large crowbar I had at home. I tied a rope around the support post to prevent the casters from slipping, and then used the crowbar to raise it while further shortening the rope.

Once the door was securely closed and firmly attached to the kiln body at four points, just as it was during firing, I began repairing the support post.


There are clear signs of poor adhesion at the base of the fulcrum where the weld came loose.

After polishing the area with a grinder, I welded it again. It didn't come out perfectly, but it worked.

Then I set it up again, opened and closed it, and checked.


I'll continue enjoying pottery in this kiln for a while.

I tried my best to get it ready before the rain started, but it's still raining in the evening... But I'll sleep with my pillow high.

Monday, October 13th, Cloudy Even though it was Health & Sports Day, a national holiday, the city's sports facilities were open to the public for free, so it was practice day for the table tennis club.

Given the long weekend and the weather not looking too good, a large crowd of 16 club members came.


The temperature had dropped, making it a comfortable season for exercise, so I thought it would be crowded with many members, but surprisingly, we were the only ones there.

And since the free use was on a one-hour rotation, there was no one waiting, so we were able to practice for the usual two hours.


In the past, this day seemed to be quite popular and popular.

However, perhaps there's a slight trend of people turning away from sports.

It felt so good to sweat so much. But I ended up taking a long nap after lunch.






Sunday, October 12th, Sunny It was completely unclear whether it was hot or cold this morning. But by the time I left around 11:00, it didn't look like it would be unbearably hot.

I struggled with what to wear, but I ended up going with my training clothes.


The general meeting ended without incident, followed by a social gathering.

New members joined from my club, Nij?kaishi Alpine, and it looks like we'll become the largest club faction in this organization.


Everyone was nominated as the moderator, and we shared our recent updates. Many of you boasted about your illnesses, which really got the atmosphere going.

I also talked about my cancer treatment last year and my newfound interest in cross-country skiing.

The event started early and ended early, so we returned home while it was still light outside.






Saturday, October 11th - Rain It wasn't raining yet this morning. Immediately after dinner, I took out the pieces from yesterday's final firing.

The temperature inside the kiln was still high, but not too high to remove. I thought the results were pretty good.


Then, when I was trying to put the kiln door back in place, the welded part of the support arm that supports the door came off. It was the same spot where it had come off and been repaired before.

Then, I did a quick weld, but I don't think it was perfect.


The door has casters underneath, so the tilt caused the door to shift significantly, bending the arm extending from the other support.

I quickly managed to hang it from a pipe in the ceiling with a rope and prevent it from tipping over. Now, what to do next... It seemed like it would be difficult to do it alone.

Well, I had a quick coffee and considered what to do. Should I ask someone for help to stand it up... or call a contractor?


I came up with a brilliant idea... I tied more rope to the support pillar to secure the casters so they wouldn't slip any further. Then, I used a large crowbar to gradually raise it while shortening the fixed rope.

It worked. Then, I gradually shortened the rope I'd pulled up. I got it back in place in about an hour. Next, I'll remove all the screws from the support pillar to strengthen the welds.

October 10th (Friday) Sunny

This morning was cloudy and cool. I had planned to do the final firing of some pottery today, so I thought the weather would go smoothly.

However, the weather quickly cleared up. Today was a special day, with a high probability of sunny weather.


The temperature rose rapidly, making it a very hot day. Fortunately, the humidity was slightly lower than in the summer heat.

Today's firing was a little late. I started after breakfast, so the temperature finally reached 700°C just before noon, so I switched from firewood to a kerosene burner.


While we were eating lunch, the temperature steadily rose, reaching 1000°C at one point, and then by 2:30 we reached our target of 1250°C.

From this point on, we were able to maintain a stable temperature by fine-tuning the fuel supply valve to the burner, so we were finally able to relax.

This firing marked the 65th firing since the kiln was built. For now, we're still aiming for stable completion, but I'm thinking about taking on a new challenge soon.


A new challenge can bring major failures, but it can also bring even greater joy.



October 9th (Thursday) Cloudy After passing Hachijojima, the typhoon made a sharp right turn, moving away from the coast of Japan.

As a result, cold air from the north has blown into the Kanto region, causing temperatures to plummet this morning.


Of course, this trend continued throughout the day, and it was cool...or rather, the temperature dropped enough that I felt like I needed to weave.

It's not yet warm enough to test fire the wood stove, but the temperature has dropped to a comfortable level for both indoor and outdoor work.


For now, I'll be doing pottery. The bisque firing is complete, and all that's left is to paint and wait for the final firing... Or, the clay has been wheel-thrown and is dry and waiting for the bisque firing... And then there's the clay waiting to be wheel-thrown.

It looks like the temperature will be low tomorrow, so I painted and glazed the bisque pieces in preparation for the final firing tomorrow.

This time, I also made plates, so the number of pieces is fewer, but I only painted enough pieces to fit in the kiln.


Tomorrow, I'm ready to fire the pottery kiln for the first time in a while.



October 8th (Wednesday) Sunny

The morning temperature dropped to a comfortable level. By the time we headed to the pool, the sun was getting stronger and hotter, just as predicted.

We arrived at the pool, got ready, and got in. I was so hot I thought, "Wow, it's so cold!"


But the water temperature was 29.3°C, so it would be quite warm in winter.

With the change of seasons, I'm getting used to the water, but the pool was empty and I could see far into the distance, which was very refreshing.

Maybe I pushed myself a little too hard... I took an hour-long nap after lunch.











October 7th (Tuesday) Cloudy

It's a very cool morning again today. I have a lot of things I want to do in my room, but I need to tidy up the outside, which I haven't been able to get to until now.

I changed into my work clothes and started pruning the tree next to my parking lot. My neighbor's wife was about to leave when I passed her, saying, "Thank you for your hard work."


"Good morning, Mr. T. It's me." "Oh! I thought you were cutting down trees at Mr. Fujimori's house with the craftsmen."

My neighbor had never seen me dressed like this before, so she was certain it wasn't me.

It's such a cool day, so today I started by pruning the kiri tree next to the parking lot, and the zelkova, ash, and nandina trees by the entrance.


Then, using the branch and leaf compression and packaging device I made...?, I managed to pack them into four bundles ready for disposal.

It's been a while since I've done any sawing or heavy labor, but I managed to finish in time for my evening walk.


And now, I'll wrap things up by hoping that this scenery will remain this way this winter without any major issues.

I took a nice, relaxing bath to relieve my fatigue.

October 6th (Monday) Cloudy Yesterday was the ski club's 50th anniversary party, and my best friend, a former ski resort patrol captain from Katashina Village in Gunma, stayed over at my house.

In the morning, I had my usual miso soup and breakfast (mixed grain rice, salad, and dried bonito flakes and okra dressing), followed by coffee and another enjoyable time.


I dropped her off at Higashi-Urawa Station before 9:00 and then headed straight to the flower section of the hardware store.

Florists have recently been selling new varieties, and many flowers are no longer searchable by name like they used to be.

The flower bed by the entrance that I've been working on for a while is now almost complete.


Photos from yesterday's ski club's 50th anniversary party have gradually started to appear today.

Everyone looked happy in the final group photo.






October 5th (Sunday) Sunny

My club, the Nijukaishi Alpine Ski Club, celebrated its 50th anniversary with a party at the Ginza Mikasa Kaikan.

A friend of mine, a former patrol captain at Marunuma Kogen Ski Resort in Katashina Village, also came along.


I'll write more details later, but that's all for today.














Saturday, October 4th, Cloudy

Huh!? I hadn't had time to read a novel in a while, so I finally had a great time.

I was thinking about writing a review after reading it, but it seems I read it exactly one month ago.


Today was a day in between the weather. It's unclear whether it will rain in the Kanto region, but the cool temperatures were a blessing.

The temperature dropped so suddenly that I still hadn't decided on comfortable clothing.

Well, I was so oppressed by the heat that I couldn't even think of having a warm drink if it was cold.


It seems that autumn will be short-lived, and this comfortable weather will be short-lived as we enter winter...

Get enough sleep, exercise, eat well, and stay healthy to prepare for winter.






October 3rd (Friday) Cloudy

I woke to my alarm and it was a chilly morning. I opened the curtains and expected the same magical scene as yesterday, but there was no fog this morning.

It looked like the sun was about to come out for a bit, but as time passed, the clouds spread and it was cloudy all day.


After cleaning up after breakfast, I headed first thing in the morning to my doctor?a nearby clinic.

I also need to take medication every two months, so I'll bring along my daily blood pressure, pulse, and temperature records to make sure there are no changes in my condition and get my prescription.

This time, I returned home with a two-month supply of three medications: antihypertensive medication, gout prevention medication, and blood thinning medication.


Since there are no meal deliveries on weekends, I stopped by the supermarket to buy some milk and other items, and since my gas station discount coupon was about to expire, I stocked up.

That's all I did, and yet the morning was already over.


My walking route is getting more comfortable with each passing day, and today was another pleasant walk.

I wonder what's going on... I haven't seen anyone I used to meet and greet often. I wonder if they're doing well.

October 2nd (Thursday) Sunny

I woke up to my alarm. Opening the curtains, I was greeted by a fantastical world, with only the tops of the trees shrouded in milky white.

I'd forgotten, but every autumn morning, I remembered the scenery like this.


That's right, I'd forgotten, but it's already autumn. It's cold... I almost want to utter the luxurious word.

Within an hour, the fog had completely vanished and the scenery returned to reality, but it was still a comfortable morning.

I dressed in long pants and a jacket to protect myself from mosquitoes, but the temperature wasn't enough to make me sweat, so I ended up working outside.

I was removing some ivy and creeping plants that had gotten tangled up near the fence that separates our neighborhood from our neighbor's when suddenly, four or five large wasps jumped out and started chasing me.


I frantically flung the ivy and creeping plants I was holding onto around and ran away, but they didn't pursue me any further after I got about 5 meters away.

I found a hornet's nest in the crossed fence. The entrance was facing me, and I could see the large nest at the back.


After the commotion died down, I sprayed Fumigation Killer into the entrance of the nest. As expected, they were stronger than long-legged wasps and didn't fall in one hit.

After attacking them several times, I finally defeated them and discovered they were Japanese hornets.

October 1st (Wednesday), Cloudy and Rainy I was surprised by the sudden drop in temperature that morning. I instinctively pulled out my long-sleeved clothes and bundled up.

Even though it was low, it was only 22°C, which is quite warm for midwinter... but my body still hasn't gotten used to it.


And just when I thought it was the right day for the pool, it was scheduled.

My time slot was a particularly quiet one, and there were about 7-8 people wading in the designated lane, but few people swimming.

The water temperature was around 28°C. It's amazing how a slight difference in water temperature can make such a big difference.

But once I got in the water and started swimming, the water temperature was more comfortable than ever. It seemed crystal clear, and I could even see a group of sea lions swimming in the lane far away (the ladies from the swimming club).


Today, I got out of the pool and headed straight to AEON Mall for ramen. It was almost lunchtime, and it was a sight to behold, a packed lunch like I'd been missing for a while.

I had a reservation for my cell phone to revolt at 1:00, and I was able to transfer my data from my old phone.


It's cool enough tonight that I want to sleep warm...? Or maybe it's cold?



Tuesday, September 30th, Sunny

At this time of year, the sun starts to set, and the sunlight reaches about one-third of the living room, making it hot.

However, after 3:00 p.m., the sun shifts to the west, and the living room becomes cooler.


It's been more than two months since my last walk. I walked my own route for the first time in a while.

The best part about this route is that it has both uphill and downhill sections, which I love.

I set out on this route just after 3:00 p.m., when the weather started to cool down.

I wondered what I would say if I bumped into any familiar faces I'd seen occasionally... but I didn't see anyone.


My smartphone suddenly started asking for my password. It's never asked for anything like that before.

I tried every conceivable sequence of numbers, but I'm convinced my phone is out of date, so I'll make an appointment tomorrow to clear everything.


It's inconvenient unless you have a stupid phone.



Monday, September 29th, Sunny

This Sunday, the ski club I belong to is planning a party to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

I joined midway through, so I attended the 30th and 40th anniversaries, but I wanted to participate in this year's commemorative gathering to show my gratitude.


The last 40th anniversary was in Asakusa, so I bought a happi coat at Nakamise Street in Sensoji Temple before heading to the venue and wore it to the event.

I was sure the happi coat I wore then must be somewhere in my closet... so I looked for it, and there it was.

I had washed it, but I never would have worn it straight out of the wash.

I'd seen an ironing board somewhere in the house, so I searched the storage shed where I could find one, and there it was, waiting for me.


My wife used both the iron and the ironing board when she was alive, but it's been over a decade since I've seen them...or rather, I wonder if I've ever used them in this newly remodeled house.

The iron was cordless while in use, and it was steam-powered, so it was the latest model. I don't think my wife used the ironing board often, but it was still in good condition.


I hope it's sunny next Sunday.



Saturday, September 27th, Sunny

It was still a summer day during the day, but the mornings and evenings were much more bearable.

There were a few people in the gardening section at my usual home improvement store.


I had no excuse for the flower bed by my front door...it was pretty neglected over the summer.

I mowed it on a cool day the other day, but it was left bare, so I went to the flower shop today to start...

I'm not just randomly picking and choosing, but I bought some flower seedlings for about 5,000 yen and planted them.


There are still a few summer flowers in bloom, so I'm keeping an eye on them to make sure they don't fight with each other.

I helped some of the flowers that managed to bloom despite the scorching heat by setting up supports to encourage one last bloom.

I only have a short time left before sunset to tend to the flower beds, but I hope to gradually make them more beautiful.





Saturday, September 27th, Sunny

It was still a summer day during the day, but the mornings and evenings were much more bearable.

There were a few people in the gardening section at my usual home improvement store.


I had no excuse for the flower bed by my front door...it was pretty neglected over the summer.

I mowed it on a cool day the other day, but it was left bare, so I went to the flower shop today to start...

I'm not just randomly picking and choosing, but I bought some flower seedlings for about 5,000 yen and planted them.


There are still a few summer flowers in bloom, so I'm keeping an eye on them to make sure they don't fight with each other.

I helped some of the flowers that managed to bloom despite the scorching heat by setting up supports to encourage one last bloom.

I only have a short time left before sunset to tend to the flower beds, but I hope to gradually make them more beautiful.





September 26th (Friday) Sunny Oops! The intense heat has returned again during the day. And the humidity is unbearable.

Today, I decided to walk to AEON Mall without hesitation. And today's break was on the roadside...


Since I started walking in this town, I've become a resident of it.

Which store is on which floor? Which of them have I visited?

Next time, I wonder which store I'd like to stop by...


Yesterday, I took a break on the street-facing terrace of a certain famous coffee shop, but today I rested on a bench on the street.

Walking at a slightly faster pace is physically demanding, so I need a short break before driving home.

At first, I was worried about being seen lying around in a place like this. But with so many people passing by, I wasn't worried.

Well, once I got used to it, it felt like my town, so I'd actually be happy to see someone I knew.



September 25th (Thursday) Sunny

As time passed, the temperature rose toward midsummer levels.

I felt like I could go for a walk around my usual neighborhood for the first time in a while, but the rising temperature put a stop to it.


I traveled to the Hokuriku region last week, so it felt like it had been a while since I'd even walked.

Anyway, I headed to AEON Mall despite the weather forecast.

Yes, I can even buy things like interdental brushes and printer paper here... I was reminded of the power of large commercial facilities.


After walking around the area twice as usual, I decided to take a break at a certain coffee shop here today.

There are two shops, one that sells coffee for 280 yen and one that sells coffee for 380 yen. Of course, if you're just looking for coffee, the 280 yen shop will do.

I like this terrace. It's like a corner of the shopping street, so you can enjoy watching people walking around.

You can see scenes you can't see around my house, like young mothers shopping with their babies cradles in front of them.

It's a lovely terrace. I think it's a relaxing space where you can stop by occasionally and enjoy a nice, expensive cup of coffee to fill your soul.

Wednesday, September 24th, Sunny This was after a conversation with my radio buddy this morning about how "the heat and cold last until the equinox... they say that's true."

The Japan Meteorological Agency says this cool weather will only last today, and that tomorrow will be even worse, with extreme heat expected on Friday and the day after.


Well, for now, I'm just happy to be able to enjoy a comfortable day.

The pool water temperature has calmed down a bit, to the point where I get a little shiver when I get in.

But once I'm in the water, I start to feel like maybe it would be better if it was a little cooler... I'm feeling a bit spoiled.


I see... comfortable temperatures are still a long way off.





Tuesday, September 23rd, Sunny The morning temperature has dropped significantly, and even my usual summer gear feels a little chilly.

My blood pressure, which I measure every morning and evening, was a little high today at 141... I guess it's just my body's defense against the cold yet.


I went to the sports center for table tennis club practice, and for the first time since summer, I wore my training wear.

It seems that each club member had other commitments for today's holiday, so the number of participants was small (10 people), but we were able to practice in depth.

My table tennis performance in Choshi has improved considerably, and I feel like I'm finally back to where I was last year.

Well, I did manage to take a break that suited me.


I've started to enjoy playing on equal terms with female club members and people my age, not to mention the younger players.

But this happens every year... Just two months until ski season, and the table tennis skills I've built up so far will all be back to square one next spring.

But I'll just keep working hard for the two remaining matches: the Citizens' Age Group Championship and the final team match.

Monday, September 22nd, Sunny Between the long weekend, my radio friend was at work, and after dinner, I headed to the cancer center.

On the 9th, I had my third regular checkup at the cancer center. I received the results and confirmed my next appointment.


The post-treatment screening program for esophageal cancer requires a total of 15 gastroscopy and CT scans over a five-year period.

So, I've only just completed the third of those.

While it may seem like a lot at first glance, I'm actually grateful for the fact that I'll be able to receive sufficient checkups over the next five years.

I'm taking a positive approach, knowing that I'll be able to undergo a wide range of checkups, including camera and CT scans, as well as blood tests, to monitor my body for any changes.


Of course, the worst case scenario of cancer metastasis is unacceptable, but CT scans can also provide reassurance by detecting other causes of cancer.





Sunday, September 21st, Sunny It was a pleasantly cool morning, but it looks like it's going to be sunny, so I guess it'll get hotter as the day progresses.

I've just returned from my trip to Hokuriku and need to settle my travel expenses.


Well, I could have done it on my own, but this time, three of us had to pay together at different locations, so I went with two friends who live nearby.

At one of the guesthouses, we each paid the bill the morning we left, at another I paid by card online, and someone else paid for the drinks.

I've just received all the receipts, tallied them up, and calculated the adjustments.

Phew, that's one thing that's finally settled... It was a little after lunchtime, but I thought I'd grab a drink...


While relaxing and saying things like, "Wow, that was a fun trip...," I casually looked through my receipts while drinking, when... "Hey, something's wrong here."

The receipt from a restaurant in Kanazawa... "This oden portion @ 2,500 x 1 was delicious for me, but you guys had some too, right?" It should have been x3, but it didn't say two servings.

Well, I'm going to go to bed with a tingle in my heart, trying to live 70% of my life as a good old man. My goal isn't 100%, it's always been 70%, but what would you do?

Saturday, September 20th, Cloudy

It seems autumn has suddenly arrived in the Tokyo area. The morning temperature was more than just cool, it felt a little chilly.

However, just as our lives become more comfortable and we start to become more active, mosquitoes also start to become active, which is a real problem.


The census, which is conducted every five years, was delivered to my door by a staff member, who called me at my door, rather than by post.

I had already seen on the morning news that the survey could be completed online starting today, so I thought it was pretty quick.

A couple who looked a little younger than me were visiting each household to deliver the forms in person.

Not only did they receive the forms, but they must have been extremely time-consuming and expensive to conduct such a thorough and meticulous survey.


I completed the online survey and submitted it in just five minutes.





September 19th (Friday) Sunny

I woke up in the morning at a guesthouse overlooking Toyama Bay. I slept comfortably with the nostalgic sound of the ocean on my pillow.

This guesthouse was a quiet inn located a little closer to Takaoka than Himi. And the sashimi was so delicious, it would have been incredibly expensive if I'd stayed at a hotel.


In the morning, I took a walk along the coast before breakfast. The pristine scenery of Japan's authentic coastline?white sandy beaches and a windbreak of pine trees?was very peaceful.

After breakfast, I took a commemorative photo with the owner and promised to visit again.

Today, I finally decided to head home. The weather had cleared up after the entire line had headed south, and the wind somehow reminded me of autumn.

I took the Himi Line to Takaoka and then to Toyama Station. While waiting for my return Shinkansen train, I reminisced about getting off at Toyama Station 12 years ago and going to the castle.


The Shinkansen train traveled along the Sea of ??Japan under a clear autumn sky. The sea and sky were beautiful near Itoigawa.

As I headed from Myoko to Nagano, I could still see some ominous clouds, suggesting it was still humid.

I arrived home early, around 3:00 AM.

Thursday, September 18th, Rain

My hotel was near Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa. I woke up at 5:00 AM to take an early morning stroll around the garden.

But the weather... There were pitch black clouds and flashing lightning to the north. But with the morning glow around here, I wondered if the weather would hold out...


After a 10-minute walk to Kenrokuen Garden, a light rain started to fall, and just as I was about to enter the park, it turned into a downpour.

I gave up and quickly returned to the hotel to warm myself up in the morning bath.

After a hearty breakfast, we gave up on Kanazawa and headed for Toyama. Our destination was Himi, but unfortunately, it was raining, so we gave up on exploring.

We decided to eat sushi at Banya, a tourist spot near Himi Port.


We weren't aiming for anything unique, but the sushi we had was satisfying.





Wednesday, September 17th, Sunny

A leisurely wake-up and a morning at a quiet guesthouse near Wakasa Bay.

We were the only guests, but the hostess welcomed us warmly and we set off for our morning departure.


After the landlady saw us off at Mikata Station on the Obama Line, we headed for Kanazawa.

This local line was delayed due to maintenance, leaving only eight minutes to transfer to the Shinkansen at Tsuruga Station.

I managed to board the train one minute before departure, but I didn't know where the unreserved seats were. I didn't realize they were in cars 1 and 2 until 15 minutes before arriving in Kanazawa.

It was too much of a hassle to move from car 8, so I moved around between empty seats and spent a little time on the deck.


Arriving at the hotel in Kanazawa, I met up with my cousin who lives in Kanazawa for the first time in 10 years. I'd often spoken to her son via email, but...

It was my first time meeting him. What a great young man! Stay healthy, Toshi-chan.

Tonight, I'm heading to the tranquil city of Kanazawa

And maybe some Kanazawa oden?

Tuesday, September 16th, Sunny

Early in the morning, I boarded the Hokuriku Shinkansen.

To commemorate the first anniversary of the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen Tsuruga Line, JR released a 5-day round-trip pass, so I took advantage.


First, we got off in Kanazawa and took the Ishikawa Railway to Shiroishi City, a facility where you can see various Shinkansen trains.

Transportation was difficult, but thanks to a local escort, we were able to complete the tour.


And tonight... we transferred from Tsuruga to the Obama Line and stayed at Yoshiokaya in Mikata, where we were treated so well 12 years ago.

We stayed at a quiet inn surrounded by Tsuruga Bay and dotted with lakes.


Listening to the landlady's story, a lot has happened over the past 12 years. Of course, it was a time of deep memories for us, too.





Monday, September 15th, Cloudy

The chirping of insects in the mornings and evenings, compared to the heat of the day, feels a little more somber, bringing a sense of autumn.

Today, on Respect for the Aged Day, I received a small gift from my neighborhood association.


My neighborhood association has a total of 474 households. Of those, 190 are 77 years old or older, and they sent tea and a 500 yen Q-card to each of them.

The percentage of elderly households within the neighborhood association varies by group, but ours is a relatively older group, so it's even higher.


Just last year, we decided not to ask elderly households to be our group officers.

However, I had already been a group officer for four years when I was in my 30s, so I had been removed from the rotation card list for a long time.








Sunday, September 14th, Cloudy

Severe heat was forecast again today. However, thanks to some cloudy weather, it wasn't as scorching as it used to be.

Thankfully, our car wasn't as hot as it used to be after practice.


The gymnasium was Shingo Sports Center. It's been a while since we last practiced, but we're used to it now.

We had two practice days in a row, today and tomorrow, but I only practiced today. There were 12 participants, and I played against almost everyone.


By the way, I started using new rubber today, and my win rate today was 50%! It was an amazing result.

I wouldn't say it was entirely due to the new rubber, but it may have had some influence.


However, I still couldn't beat the young women today. At one time, I was definitely stronger than them.

This shows that the growth rate of the young people and my ability to hold on have become weaker.



Saturday, September 13th, Cloudy

It was muggy as usual during the day, and it even rained occasionally.

It's saury season, so I'd love to have a charcoal fire in the garden, but that's not possible.


Speaking of which, how long does it take to grill fish in an electric kitchen? I always forget if I haven't grilled it in a while.

Ah, it was six minutes.


I'm sure I have a plate for saury somewhere. I haven't grilled enough saury that I even forget I made that plate.

The timer signaled the time before the saury even started to smoke, so I opened the grill and it was cooked to a reasonable degree.


And my pacific saury-eating skills hadn't diminished at all, as I finished the meal with a savory delight.

One fish for 200 yen. I had to get used to the price... Is this normal?



September 12th (Friday) Cloudy

I've tried to make sure no one ever says that about widowers.

To make a good first impression, I've made it my motto to keep the front door flower bed clean and make everyone's visits comfortable.


With the scorching heat this summer, I didn't want it to turn into a desert, so I installed a lot of automatic watering.

Amazingly... I'm sure the flowers were thrilled with the water, but the weeds were even more thrilled!


The hot sun and the abundant watering have caused our weed flower bed to become a mess.

Well, that's another reminder! I'll keep this in mind for next year.


And today, with the sudden cooler weather, I quickly pulled out the weeds in the flower beds.

There were an incredible amount of weeds...and even though the weather is relatively cooler, the humidity is so intense I'm drenched in sweat.

I'm hoping for a little more coolness before I can show off my flower beds to my guests.

September 11th (Thursday) Sunny/Rainy

The unsettled weather continues, just like yesterday. Heavy rain is not surprising.

I went to AEON Mall for a walk. As usual, I was able to walk around in a comfortable environment.


I take it for granted, but this mall seems to be a collection of the town's commercial districts, and at night, there's probably no one there except for security guards.

When I look at this commercial facility with that in mind, a truly mysterious feeling arises.


If it were a local shopping district, the store owners and most of the employees would be relaxing behind shutters, watching TV after dinner.

But no one said anything like that. When the mall opened in the morning, the shopkeepers who had arrived at work bowed and greeted everyone who visited like clockwork.


I'm starting to think that I might have to get used to this somewhat unsociable shopping street.

After my first walk, I decided to relax at Starbucks.

I spent some time watching the people passing by.

Wednesday, September 10th, Sunny/Rainy

It was a bit muggy and unpleasant compared to the past few mornings. Well, today is pool day, so it's not a big deal.

To get to the pool, I drove along National Route 122 toward the city, but halfway down a hill overlooking Tokyo, a huge cumulonimbus cloud appeared ahead.


When I arrived at the Higashi Sports Center, where the pool is located, it still didn't look like it was going to rain, but I parked my car in the indoor parking lot to avoid the heat.

The pool water temperature had dropped 0.8°C from last week to 30.9°C. This alone made swimming feel much easier.


And to my surprise, there was lightning while I was in the water! , you can tell.

In a pool with a full glass window, the weather outside is reflected in the water. So, when swimming in winter, the water shimmers like a mesh in the sunlight, creating a beautiful sight.


I got out of the pool just before noon and found a torrential downpour outside the parking lot! I was once again glad I didn't park my car outside.

It took 30 minutes to get from the pool to my house, just like the trip there, but for some reason, after 15 minutes of driving, there was no sign of rain.

When I got home, there was no sign of rain either. ...Oh, it was around 2 PM, and maybe it still rained for about 15 minutes?

Tuesday, September 9th, Sunny In my case, the standard treatment was surgery, chemotherapy, and then gastroscopy and CT scans four times a year until the second year.

I'm still in my first year, and I've only had two checkups this year, so I came to the Prefectural Cancer Center for my third.


Since I have four checkups a year, my last one was in June. I'll probably have another one in September and another in December.

The two previous checkups were split over two days, with a gastroscopy on one day and a CT scan the next day, but now that I'm used to it, I've decided to have both tests on the same day.


Therefore, to reduce the burden on the patient, gastroscopy is performed under single-stage anesthesia, which shortens recovery time and allows the patient to return home earlier.

This time, I underwent gastroscopy under double-stage anesthesia, as I was able to take plenty of rest, but I barely remembered anything after it.

The CT scan that followed went smoothly without any problems. The test usually takes about a day, but completing it all in one day reduced the burden on the patient.





September 8th (Monday) Sunny

Prime Minister Ishiba seems to have finally decided to resign. However, I maintain a conservative political stance, which is the basis of my life.

However, when it comes to hobbies and other things, I am willing to be as innovative as possible.


Unfortunately, the question is whether I can master these skis or these table tennis rubbers with my physical strength and skill level.

A more objective perspective is required.


So when I want to buy new ski equipment or change my table tennis rubbers, I can't make a decision without consulting someone.

Kawaguchi Table Tennis Gym has a long history of producing many young table tennis players who have become professional table tennis players. I also try out different rubbers here, receiving advice.

I chose a black rubber made in China for the forehand and a red rubber made in Germany for the backhand.

It's like throwing gold coins before a cat... or pearls before a pig... Well, it's a similar story when choosing skis.



Sunday, September 7th, Sunny Despite the daytime temperatures, the mornings and evenings are becoming more bearable.

Today was club table tennis practice day, but perhaps everyone was suffering from summer fatigue. Six club members showed up today.


However, the public table tennis tables were not even available! Although badminton practice was held on one court, the gym was empty.

Usually, when there are more than 12 people, there are some people who I never see during practice, but today we had a two-round practice match with everyone.


We try to keep our car in the shade during practice, but today's location seemed to be in the shade the whole time, so I was glad we weren't in the car after practice.

However, when I got home, the sun was still strong, but gradually the sunlight reached about one-third of the living room.

Now it seemed like I needed to do something about the sunlight, otherwise the air conditioner wouldn't be working properly.





Saturday, September 6th, Sunny The weather was truly beautiful after the typhoon, leaving behind a refreshing chill.

I'd like to say that autumn has deepened since the typhoon passed, but the sun was strong and the intense heat returned after 9:00 p.m.


Well, they say the heat will continue for a while, so I'll let it do what it wants.

By this time of year, I've already made my travel plans, and today I came to Kawaguchi Station, where there's an interactive ticket vending machine, to arrange my train tickets.


You can buy a JR Adult Holiday Club ticket for one person at a nearby station, but if you're looking for tickets for three people, especially reserved seats, this interactive vending machine is the way to go.

It took a little time and a small line formed behind me, but reliable ticketing was the most important thing! Nevertheless, I managed to get three tickets for the Hokuriku region and its autumn travel.


Now, I headed to the bus stop to take the bus home again, but unfortunately, the crosswalk turned red and green, and by the time I got to the bus stop, the bus I was waiting for had already departed.

I took the opportunity to take the elevator to the top floor (11th floor) of the old station building, now a commercial facility.

After enjoying the beautiful view, I returned to the bus stop and the next bus was waiting to depart.

September 5th (Friday) Rain

It's finally raining. Despite the frequent heavy rainfall in the surrounding area, it's been a long time since I've had rain in my home, which was disappointing.

Because of the rain, I'm thinking of skipping taking out the trash today and packing it up properly and putting it out the next day.


However, the rain doesn't seem to affect my daily routine of my last walk of the week, so I went ahead and did it.

Thanks to my recent regular exercise routine, I've got a good rhythm, I'm getting good sleep, and I'm in great health.


News broke of a derailment on the Joetsu Line during a test run of a steam locomotive in preparation for the autumn tourist season.

I've ridden the Joetsu Line twice this year, once in early July and once just a week ago. I didn't notice it in July, but when I rode it last week, I thought something was wrong.

I'm a secret techan, and I've ridden every train in the country. And I always carry a sake cup, which I guess you could call a "measurement" of the railway's safety operation guidelines.


I'd love to leave my drink on the table and enjoy the scenery as it passes by, but on trains with a lot of turbulence, I'll switch to my hand and wait for the tremors to subside.

However, on the Joetsu Line last week, I tried to switch my drink to my hand to reduce the swaying, but I ended up spilling it three times. Just when I was starting to wonder if there was something wrong with the tracks, it happened.

How about it? If I were to ride Doctor Yellow on a local line with my sake cup... I wouldn't turn it down if I was hired as a contract driver.

September 4th (Thursday) Cloudy/Rainy The rain has finally started to fall. Until now, the weather forecasts have always been a bit bleak, and it's been difficult to get a good rain.

The temperature is a little low, but rain like this would force me to cancel my usual walk, but AEON Mall is definitely an indoor stadium. (lol)


I've gotten quite used to the store and have a good idea of ??what types of shops are there.

For example, there are three eyeglass stores, so I thought it must be a very competitive area... Then I noticed the number "0 yen" next to one of them.


If you stop and look closely at the shop across from the third floor to the second floor, you'll see a glasses cleaner with a sign saying, Please feel free to use it....

After my walk, I went to the shop and, just as instructed, my glasses looked clean and refreshed.

I've become quite comfortable finding these kinds of shops.






Wednesday, September 3rd, Sunny

Today is Wednesday... which means I'm planning to go swimming at the pool.

With the scorching heat we've been experiencing, parking my car outside would make the drive home a nightmare, so I parked indoors.


At worst, I'd be happy to park my car in the shade, like I did last week. However, finding a spot wasn't that easy, so I left home earlier than usual.

First, I pulled into the regular first-floor parking lot...and lo and behold, there was a space available.


It was dark and my eyes were getting used to it, but I carefully parked. The second floor of this space is the pool, so it must be carrying a lot of weight.

The thick pillars, which don't fit in with the parking lot, look intimidating, but I was able to park safely.

Today's pool water temperature was 31.7 degrees Celsius, and I still couldn't stop sweating even after I finished swimming.


.



Tuesday, September 2nd, Sunny

It's been scorching hot every day, but I can't let it go.

It's hot, I'm careful about heatstroke, I'm not allowed to go outside, I'm not allowed to exercise... If I take advantage of this, it'll be too late to complain about my physical condition once autumn arrives.


The human body rusts rapidly. By the time I notice, it's already rusted to the point where it can't be repaired by scrubbing it with sandpaper.

So I'm going to get it running before it rusts away. My car and steam locomotives both stop working if they're left idle.


To maintain my health, I exercise five out of seven days a week. And since I'm no longer young, I also set aside two rest days for exercise.

At this time of year, I spend one day playing table tennis, one day at the pool, and three days walking. Since walking poses a risk of heatstroke, I discovered AEON Mall walking.

The best place to do it without the crowds is probably just after opening time, for an hour each day.


I was grateful for the early hours of the morning, working up a sweat walking around the mall.



September 1st (Monday) Sunny Today marks the start of September. It was a bit muggy this morning, and at this rate, it looks like it's going to be extremely hot during the day.

I finished updating my website this morning and notified my friends on Facebook and LINE of the update.


And especially on Facebook, which I get every day, it lets me know what posts I've posted here in the past on this day.

Naturally, this is from September 1st. For most of my posts, I get comments like, "September is coming..." but I can't even flatter them.


Today is one of two days off a week for exercise. Monday and Saturday are days off...or rather, I'm taking sports rest days.

I spent almost the entire morning reviewing the "Video Production Course" I had recently completed. I also watched videos created by the instructor next to me, and felt a deep appreciation for the subject.

I was once again amazed at the level of skill required to express one's thoughts using video technology in this way.


I received a LINE message from Kawaguchi City announcing that they have installed Li-ion battery collection boxes in the city. Hey, hold on a second! Can foreigners really handle such difficult sorting? Kawaguchi City's incineration facility is still unavailable due to a fire that is likely caused by one of these batteries.

I wonder if there's a more reliable solution that everyone can accept?

Sunday, August 31st, Sunny

Even though today marks the end of August, it was another scorching hot day.

I finally found a shady parking spot, but when practice finished, I was out in the blazing sun (lol)


As summer draws to a close, the daytime temperatures have been incredibly high every day.

It's especially bearable in the mornings and evenings, but the temperature difference seems unbearable.

Today's table tennis club practice was also very hot, so at the captain's instruction, we all took a group break midway through.

As you get older, breaks are helpful, but even a short break means having to start the engine all over again (lol).

I managed to finish my practice comfortably, but the shower only gave me lukewarm water instead of the cold one. I was soon covered in sweat again.

I rushed to the parking lot and found that my car, which was supposed to be in the shade this morning, was now parked in the scorching sun.

Oh, I wish the autumn breeze would come soon.

Saturday, August 30th, Sunny A hectic week passed by in the blink of an eye. But there was one thing I couldn't forget...

As the saying goes, "Strike while the iron is hot!", and I wanted to put it into practice as soon as possible.


In fact, a week ago on Sunday, I participated in a video production workshop organized by the Kawaguchi Community Video Study Group, a group of volunteers from Kawaguchi City.

I had been hoping to get a chance to participate, so when I heard that the capacity was limited to 15 people, I signed up first.

But even so, a limit of 15 people meant I couldn't afford to fall behind! That put a lot of pressure on me. As expected, in addition to the instructor, volunteer members provided one-on-one assistance to each participant.

I was lucky enough to have a kind and caring female member sitting next to me, who assisted me with the operation, which was a great help.

I should have reviewed it immediately after returning home, but I had a short trip coming up and my daily swimming and walking trips prevented me from getting started. Finally, after a whole day of work today, I finally managed to get it done.

This is a basic process of cutting and splicing multiple videos, but I tried editing 16 videos. At first, I wondered if it wouldn't work... But I couldn't give up, for the sake of the female member who assisted me. ...After a while, I started to get the hang of it.

This is my first video, Aeon Mall Walking. I've put it together in 3 minutes and 20 seconds.

Friday, August 29th, Sunny It was time to go to bed, so I tried to freshen up the bedroom...but I was hit with a chill. I instinctively opened the window and felt a pleasant breeze for the first time in a while.

Of course, last night I slept soundly until morning without the air conditioner. Oops, it took me about 18 seconds to fall asleep. The chirping of the insects in the garden is a sign of autumn...


The temperature remained comfortable for a while in the morning, but as the sun rose, it returned to its usual temperature.


A notice arrived in my mailbox from the company that built our house... about our 20th-year inspection.

Has it really been 20 years already? I retired, my children moved out, and we were thinking about finding a home that would be comfortable for just the two of us.

After some unfamiliar apartment life, we finally completed our second home. Then, while we were unpacking the furniture, my wife complained of feeling unwell...

My wife was diagnosed with stage IV cancer, and as the doctor had predicted, she only had two years to live. It's been a hectic decade, caring for her mother and my own mother.

Now, quietly reflecting on the past, I'm thinking about requesting a 20-year inspection.

Thursday, August 28th, Sunny It's cloudy today... Apparently, a front moved south, causing some cloudiness in the Kanto region.

Well, the temperature only dropped a little, but the overall weather remains the same. I'm enjoying another day of walking in the air-conditioned room.


Speaking of walking, the other day I came across a question asking, "What's your walking age?" I measured it and was delighted to find out it was about 65 years old.

This morning, while I was preparing breakfast while listening to the radio, I heard the phrase "lifespan...?" and an expert commented on it.


Until now, I've certainly experienced ups and downs in my health checkup blood test results, wondering whether my health age was actually different from my actual age.

Therefore, I think it's correct to think of both the health age measured by blood tests and the walking age measured by walking as part of the "living life expectancy."


In fact, average life expectancy and healthy life expectancy are firmly quantified statistically. This analysis is said to be even more specific within that health category.

Which year will you be unable to work hard the day after staying up all night? Which year will you refuse a large meal? Which year will you try to avoid crowds? There are some interesting analyses, such as:

Wednesday, August 27th, Sunny

Today, Wednesday, is my swimming day.

It was a little reluctant to go because it was the day after a quick outing, but I steeled my heart and went.


The daytime temperature seems to be rising ridiculously every day. And today was incredibly hot.

The sports center where the pool is located also has a small amount of indoor parking.

However, it's always full, so I gave up and parked my car in the large outdoor parking lot.

But today, I desperately searched for an available space indoors, but to no avail.


But I found a shady spot near the back entrance. Sorry! I'll park here so I don't get in the way.



Tuesday, August 26th, Sunny I always passed through Yubiso Onsen town at the foot of Mt. Tanigawa during summer skiing practice at Machigasawa from May to July.

Among them, Hotel Yunojin stood out as a particularly luxurious inn, and this was my first stay.


However, due to a failed attempt to maintain its luxury, management became strained, and the hotel was acquired by Itoen Hotel, which now operates it.

My dream of staying at this hotel had finally come true. It was a fun hotel with a pool and ping-pong table.

At 10:00, after a leisurely check-out, I arrived at Yubiso Station, about a 10-minute walk away, with a pleasant stroll.

From the platform at the unmanned Yubiso Station, you can see an upbound Joetsu Line train descending through the Tanigawadake Tunnel and looping down.


Approximately 3-4 minutes later, the train glides into the station's platform.



Sunday, August 24th, Sunny...

It was already hot this morning...or rather, the humidity was too high.

The moment I entered the gym today, I felt a muggy heat.


Still, about 14 club members participated and worked up a sweat, but after about an hour, the captain ordered a group break.

I think that was probably the first time that had happened.

Thanks to that, everyone finished practice safely and headed home.








Saturday, August 23rd, Sunny...

Well, I don't know what you all think, but I think smartphone peripherals are also included in the scope of mobile phone companies.

If you buy a computer at an electronics store, they'll also take care of the peripherals and give you advice.


Lately, I've been struggling to transfer photos and videos taken with my smartphone to my computer for processing.

In my case, all the photo data on my computer was taken with a stupid old camera (sorry, camera guy), so I removed the SD card and used the data.

I tried several different cables that were compatible with the jack, but nothing worked. I switched to au and went to ask for advice, but from there it's up to the electronics store.

Today I went to the electronics store and bought a sturdy data cable. It solved the problem so easily!


Actually, I'm taking a class at the Kawaguchi Community Video Study Group tomorrow, and the process involves transferring videos from my smartphone to my computer and then editing them, but I made it in time.

Only elderly volunteers are willing to kindly teach the elderly.

August 22 (Friday) Sunny...

The temperature continued to rise this morning. I headed to AEON for my daily walk.

With the Obon holiday over, the store feels peaceful and calm.


I wonder how many times I've walked here today? Well, it's already the ninth day.

That means I've walked around the corridors of this massive shopping complex twice a day. Naturally, the stores on each floor catch my eye, and I'm gradually getting to know where each store is.

Despite what I've said, it seems I've fallen prey to AEON's commercial strategy. By coincidence, I've shopped at AEON four times recently.

Well, I was like, "Oh, there's a store like this in a place like this!" So, you know, it was a win-win situation as politicians often say.


Until recently, I had my smartphone contract with J-com, but before that, I was with au. It's cheap and the system is the same... But today, I got an even better deal from au, so how about it?

You're right, I'll have to ask au, which has a consultation shop, for more advice. I'll switch again!

Thursday, August 21st, Sunny... It's muggy on a windless morning, as expected. I'll be turning on the air conditioner right from the start.

Today is walking day, so after tidying up in the morning, I headed to the large AEON shopping mall.


Every shopping mall has a large parking lot, but this one is a multi-story parking lot.

The shopping mall is four stories tall, including the movie theater on the top floor, and the parking lot has a mezzanine level to accommodate it, making it eight stories tall and spacious.

I arrive just in time for opening, so I park my car near the start of the walking trail on the first floor.

It was scorching hot during the day today, but the car was cool, so I was able to drive home comfortably.


I thought there was a nasty tropical depression, and it seems it's finally become Typhoon No. 12.

They say it's moving slowly, so I doubt it'll hit us by the beginning of next week... I'm planning a little trip.

Wednesday, August 20th, Sunny...

The temperature difference between morning and afternoon has been getting worse lately.

Well, that just means the mornings and evenings are getting easier to bear.


Today's plan is to swim in the pool, but I still have a little time... but the temperature is rising rapidly.

So I have no choice but to turn on the air conditioner! So when I head out to the pool, I leave it on.

While I'm swimming in the pool, my car is basking in the midday sun, heating up like a kettle.


When I come home from a warm pool in a hot car, it's a real pain if the house is hot, so I feel a sense of relief when I open the front door.


It looks like the heat will continue for a while.



Tuesday, August 19th, Sunny... The Obon festivities have come to an end at large shopping malls, and they've returned to a quiet state.

During Obon, the aisles were packed with stores setting up tables for events, making it difficult to walk.


The temperatures are still high, so I'm going for my walks at this shopping mall.

I'm a bit late to say it, but I'm grateful for this facility.


By the way, these are large shopping malls you'll find all over the place, but my friend told me that you can walk at any of them.

By the way, the place I go to is a 200m round trip on each floor, and the course is set up on floors 1-3, so the total course is 1,400m.


I walk around here twice in about 40 minutes.



Monday, August 18th, Sunny... With the Obon holiday over, I felt like the city was back in full swing.

While chatting with my radio friends, I noticed that the roads were incredibly empty this morning, with no traffic jams.


These days, working people may be taking an extra day off after their long weekend, adding on to their paid vacation.

Such a person, too, was hit by a car the other day, so he's heading to a body shop near his workplace for repairs.


Come to think of it, I've been commuting by car for 30 years, but I remember only one collision with another vehicle.

It's probably difficult to avoid accidents in this increasingly motorized world. As far as I know, he's been speeding twice, running a red light once, and inflicting damage on himself once...


It's scorching hot again today. And today is a rest day for me...

That's true, my body still screams after table tennis practice like today, so I refrain from exercising on Saturdays and Mondays.

I haven't even gone shopping, and I'm just quietly reading a book in the air conditioning. Meal deliveries have resumed today after the Obon holiday, so I'm relieved...

Sunday, August 17th, Sunny... The morning and evening temperatures are dropping, as if autumn has arrived. However, it's only a short time before we reach midsummer!

I sleep comfortably with the window open, but this morning it got chilly and I woke up wrapped up in my futon.


And just two hours after I woke up, the temperature soared to over 30°C.

I almost turned on the air conditioner, but I decided not to because I was heading to the sports center.


The gym wasn't too hot yet, making it comfortable for practice in the morning.


However, even after practice, I still used cold water to cool my body down, but by the time I got changed, I was still drenched in sweat.


In any case, today's table tennis practice ended safely. I wish autumn would come soon.





Saturday, August 16th, Sunny...

The temperature difference between morning and evening and daytime has been getting quite large lately. While the cooler nights are welcome, the resulting daytime temperatures are also quite high.

It was a Saturday, a holiday, and the traditional Giants-Hanshin game was on in professional baseball. Kellogg reported that a heavy rain warning had been issued for my area.


I'm active five days a week, and today was my day off, so I spent the morning drawing and reading, and the afternoon watching baseball.

After a while, an emergency alert came on the TV, and I wondered if there was another earthquake somewhere... but then it turned out to be a heavy rain warning, and it was in southern Saitama, where I live.


Soon it started to rain. I thought it was a welcome rain for our family. It feels like it's been a while since we've had rain like this.


It was a pleasant rain, but it was just a normal rain, so I thought it might be a little more severe if it was a warning level.


Well, if it weren't for the thunder, I would have welcomed this level of warning level.

By around 4pm the sun came out and the rain stopped.



August 15th (Friday) Sunny I was surprised. It was already cold last night, so I was tucked into bed.

The morning temperature was 26°C, and it looked like we'd start the day off comfortably, but...oh dear, the temperature rose sharply.


I always take a photo of my silly camera once a day to record the day.

Today, I was supposed to have taken some photos of the summer drought, but when I tried to play them back, all I got was a "Memory Error!" message and the photos wouldn't play.


I've been using my silly camera for over 20 years, and this was the first time I'd ever experienced something like this.


I can only imagine how frustrating it would be after taking so many photos on a trip.


After formatting the SD card, the shutter still recorded the images as if nothing had happened.

I clicked the e-book version of the new novel I'd just started reading again! It seemed fine.

I don't know what happened, but I'll keep it in mind that these things happen.

Thursday, August 14th, Sunny

It was a surprisingly cool morning. The temperature was about 26°C, so I'm hoping to say goodbye to the scorching summer heat.

The long-range forecast warned that things wouldn't be as easy as expected.


The weather was mostly cloudy, so the temperature didn't rise too much today.

I'm not a big coffee drinker, but I wanted to drink some hot coffee for the first time in a while, so I made some. Delicious!!


I went for a walk around AEON Mall again today. As I mentioned before, it was empty right after opening at 10:00, making it comfortable to walk around.


However, it's annoying when store clerks come here and try to sell us things while we're walking around during the Obon holiday.


I think most of the staff are part-timers, not full-time employees, but this is no different from Kabukicho in Shinjuku.

They'll probably impose restrictions on this soon.



Wednesday, August 13th, Sunny

Wednesday is my daily routine of swimming. After my wife had hip surgery, that was the only day we went to the pool for rehabilitation.

My wife had hip surgery in her early 50s. Her rehabilitation consisted of water walking. I was still working at a company, but I decided to join her at least once a week.


This was 30 years ago, but my wife, who had been water walking every day at the pool, soon learned to swim.

After a while, my wife, who called herself a hammer... tried swimming. I could do a little... breaststroke and dog paddle, but I was able to do it.


Well, I could only do a few strokes, so learning the freestyle was a dream. It was inspiring to see my wife, who is a bit of a hammer, finally learn to swim.


Since then, I've continued my weekly routine, but I've only just realized how good my continued pool swimming is for my body.


I had a lovely swim today. The pool was empty, probably because everyone had returned home for Obon.

The water temperature was still high and uncomfortable.

A large flock of starlings was pecking at something on the lawn at the sports center.

Tuesday, August 12th, Cloudy Thankfully, the weather has been quite bearable for a while now. For the past three days, I've been sleeping in the cool night breeze without air conditioning.

I can't help but feel naive, thinking that summer is finally over. The heat will return next week... Okay!


It's a bit cloudy, but the temperature is fine outdoors. However, it looks like it might rain occasionally, so I'll continue walking at AEON Mall.

Today, I decided to take it easy and just stroll around, looking at the shops here and there... yes, window shopping, as if I was going to do some.


Yesterday's table tennis practice was supposed to be a rest day, but I changed my plans a bit, so I was still a little tired from the previous day and decided to go for a walk.


So I decided to be a little lazy and just walk leisurely, following the route inside the mall.


It took 50 minutes instead of just 40 minutes, but it was a relaxing walk that felt like I was swimming a relaxed stroke...not bad, I think.

The route around my house is varied, with ups and downs, but I often stumble even when walking on completely flat ground.

That was a point that was deducted in my gait assessment. Even at home, when I climb stairs...Ouch!! I often do that.

Monday, August 11th, Cloudy The temperature is low again this morning. The club has been practicing table tennis for the past two days, but I took yesterday off and am going out today.

With this temperature, I think I'll be able to get plenty of exercise and enjoy table tennis. I'll fill up my thermos with drinks, chill them, and bring them with me.


For most practice sessions recently, I've been filling this large thermos with drinks, but I often end up having to take the bottle home empty.

The club members split into two groups yesterday and today, but 12 practice partners still came and we had a great time.


Until now, there had been almost no regular visitors, but with the unseasonable weather and drop in temperature, the park was bustling with families and other visitors alike.


The sun came out in the afternoon, and the humid heat returned.








Sunday, August 10th, Cloudy with Occasional Rain

In western Japan, a linear precipitation band appeared, causing record-breaking heavy rain and some damage.

This impact also affected eastern Japan, with cloudy skies and occasional rain this morning, but thankfully the temperature was cool.


Today, along with tomorrow, is my club table tennis practice day. Unlike before, I'm choosing one over the other, as I'm afraid practicing two days in a row could damage my health.

So, I decided to spend the day quietly at home, with tomorrow's practice day as my chosen day.


When I went down to the living room this morning and checked the thermometer, it was a fairly cool 27.5°C. And when I open the windows all the way, a pleasant breeze blows in, making me feel even more comfortable.

I spent the whole day comfortably enjoying the natural breeze without turning on the air conditioner.

Oh, the wind got a little stronger in the afternoon and it felt a little chilly, so I closed the windows.


I don't think summer is over yet, but days like this sometimes mean autumn is approaching.

That's right, there will be news of snow in just three months.



Saturday, August 9th, Sunny The scorching summer heat is finally starting to wear off, judging by the morning and evening temperatures... This morning, when I came down to the living room, the room temperature was 27.5°C.

I immediately opened the windows wide and let the late-summer morning air flow into the room. The wind direction was a little different, coming from the east.


By around 10 o'clock, the sun was shining brightly, and the scorching heat returned to its usual midday, so I spent the day quietly in the air conditioner.

I've received so many reports from friends on social media, and I remember reporting back to you all from wherever I went, just not that long ago.


For example, in the summer, I go to cooler places... Until recently, I spent my summers staying at a hut in the Kirigamine Plateau, at an altitude of 1,700 meters.

It was certainly cool and comfortable all day long. And, I didn't have to cook; I mainly went cycling around the plateau in the cool mornings.

However, after years of living like that, I began to feel dissatisfied. I couldn't play table tennis or swim in the pool. If I had to say, I guess I could read to my heart's content.


Now, I'm spending my time at home in an air-conditioned room, but I still read a fair bit, practice regularly with my table tennis friends, and regularly go to the pool to let off some steam.

Well, I can't decide which way of life is right just from this alone. But for now, I'm happy with my current situation. (lol)

In the evenings, I can clearly see the Saitama City fireworks from my window. I can't see the Kawaguchi City fireworks, but is that free? Thank you.

Friday, August 8th, Sunny

By the third day, I felt a bit more relaxed walking the AEON Mall walking path.

As usual, I started out feeling a little reluctant to greet the store owners and other shopkeepers in front of their stores right after they opened.


Today's time for two laps, approximately 2.9km, was just 40'. Although I walked briskly, I used the escalators to move from the first floor to the third floor.

Perhaps the key was being able to rest there. Interval-like movements, rather than inertia, were something I wanted to incorporate into my walking routine.


By the third time, I had a general idea of the facility, so all that was left was to explore the corner with advice for walking.

I can only express my gratitude for the commercial facility's generosity in dedicating a significant amount of space to creating such a facility.


First, we analyze basic movements, analyzing each part of the body from every angle as you walk. This system is said to be derived from the walking posture evaluation standards of the ASICS Institute of Sport Science, a renowned sports equipment manufacturer.

While the detailed analysis may not directly apply to current sports, we hope to recognize that balance age, which is important in competitive sports, is still young.

Then, as an overall evaluation, you will receive a rating of "What is your walking age?"

In fact, this evaluation will also lead to further training courses to identify areas for improvement.

Thursday, August 7th, Sunny with Rain

The temperature has dropped a little, but the weather remains dreary. A front is expected to pass through today.

I discovered the AEON Mall walking path the day before yesterday and tried walking it, but I couldn't quite figure it out.


Yesterday was supposed to be a swim in the pool, so I decided to explore the walking path for the second time today.

The map in the brochure said that the starting sign was right at the mall entrance on the first floor of the parking building, so I arrived right at 10:00 AM when the store opened and found it right away.


The overall view seems to be a round trip between the first, second, and third floors, with escalators connecting each floor.

One lap is 1,440m, which is incomparably longer than the indoor walking routes at local sports facilities, and it's fully air-conditioned... what a relief!


The mall had just opened, so it was empty enough that I could walk at a fairly fast pace without any problems. I've been here before, so I checked out the shops I'd been to before as I walked.

After completing one lap, I started on my second lap. I was out of breath because I was walking fast, but thankfully, I could take an escalator between floors, so I could take a break.

When I reached the finish line of my second lap and looked at my watch, I saw that I had 42 minutes left.

It's 12 minutes longer than the walk I take around my house, but I guess it's about the same amount of exercise since there are no ups and downs in the hills.

Wednesday, August 6th, Sunny with afternoon thunderstorms

I was dozing off around 3:00 PM. After lunch, I was tired from swimming in the pool that morning, so I dozed off.

I was woken up by thunder. It was raining! I quickly brought in my swimming trunks that were hanging out on the balcony and locked the doors to each room.


In that sense, it was a good thing that the thunder woke me up. All the windows were wide open... but

There was a flash, followed immediately by an incomprehensible "whoosh!" sound, followed by a "boom!" It was very close.


Our house has been struck by lightning before. Air conditioners, walkie-talkies, computers, televisions, intercoms...all my electronic devices were destroyed in an instant.

Knowing how scary that can be, I immediately unplugged my computer and television. The lightning rumbled nearby for about five minutes before passing away.


I went to the pool in the morning. Oh?! It was surprisingly empty... It's before Obon, so it's not as busy as last week. I calmly had the lane all to myself and swam.

I couldn't take it, so I took a break. I got out of the pool and checked the water temperature at the monitoring office. It was 31.7°C, "within the control range."





Tuesday, August 5th, Sunny

Last night, while absentmindedly watching NHK's Tokyo Metropolitan broadcast, I noticed a program promoting walking at a shopping mall near my house.

That's right! This shopping mall, with its massive walking area and air conditioning?unlike any sports facility in Kawaguchi I know?was a hidden gem for me.


With the recent heatwaves, I've been lacking exercise and I'm on the verge of falling ill. Yes, I'm a migratory fish, so I need to be constantly moving.

Due to the heatwave, I've decided to give up my daily walking and cycling along the Minuma Irrigation Canal for a while. All that's left are pool days and club table tennis practice.


That means I'm only exercising two days a week. Including rest days, I wanted to set aside at least three more days for exercise.

To exercise, I commute to the swimming pool 30 minutes from my house. Even club table tennis practice takes 20 minutes to the sports center. And this shopping center is only 10 minutes away!


The facility is well-marked with clear directions.

And surprisingly, there's even a facility that allows you to evaluate your walking style via a monitor.

The evaluation results are displayed on a monitor, which makes me feel even more excited. My walking style still makes me feel almost 20 years younger? That's great!

Fully air-conditioned, rest areas scattered throughout, drink bars everywhere, and a sun-shielded multi-story parking garage for a comfortable return home.

Monday, August 4th, Sunny It's so damn hot every day... I'm going to ignore it and not worry about it too much.

Today's tomatoes. It's in season now, so I'm eating lots of fresh tomatoes every day.


But for some reason, all the other fruits are priced at over 100 yen each.

I know that farmers put a lot of effort into growing them. But even if I leave tomatoes alone, they just keep ripening in the summer.


They don't need to be so perfectly round. They could have a more earthy flavor... I've been feeling that way lately.

And when I cut them to make them easier to eat, the delicious juices keep leaking onto the cutting board, which I feel is a waste.


Just before noon, I saw a commercial TV program that showed the faint peaks of a mountain range visible on the top of a tomato. If you avoid cutting through them, the juice won't spill.

What!? I didn't know that. It's true! If you cut through the valley, you cut the partition, preventing the juice from spilling.

I often eat it with tomato juice these days, and since I can transfer the juice to a container before it spills, it's stress-free.



Sunday, August 3rd, Sunny Throughout my life, I've always thought that a clear, refreshing autumn day comes after a typhoon.

That wasn't the case. The gym felt humid even before practice began.


Recently, several club members have been absent from practice due to injuries or poor health. Still, 14 of us practiced today.

Fortunately, although I'm not in perfect health, I have a good appetite and am getting plenty of sleep, so I practiced with the understanding that this is just how healthy an 83-year-old should be.


Drinking water frequently is essential. In my day, drinking water during exercise was prohibited. While this isn't the case anymore, every time I drink water, I sweat a lot.

Today, the young people were especially active and moving around, so I felt like I was being pulled along.


My stamina has also improved, and I'm now able to endure two hours of practice in the scorching heat. And I'm happy to have friends who will join me and keep going.

After practice, I took a shower to freshen up, but sweat just kept pouring out of my body, ruining my new clothes.

When I got home, I took another shower. Then I had to stay naked for a while until the sweat stopped. It was just so hot today.



Saturday, August 2nd, Sunny

It looks like the stray Typhoon No. 9 has finally left the eastern seas. Huh?! It looks like Typhoon No. 10 is following closely behind.

Anyway, in the midst of all this, we'll start our plans for today just before this morning, starting at the usual time.


Everyone gathered after 12:00 PM, but the temperature outside had risen considerably, and it was getting pretty intense...

There was a pleasant breeze in the morning, and I thought we'd all be able to gather and make good plans... but the temperature rose sharply, and it became quite difficult.


Well, I had the air conditioning on full blast, but with a feeling of relief, the group arrived home.

Every year, we've planned our trip for the first week of September, but this year we've decided to delay it a little.


So, let's make it the third week of September. We've decided to take the Hokuriku Shinkansen, and on the first day we'll go from Tsuruga to Mikata, returning to the place we stayed at 13 years ago.

The landlady answered the phone and I'd love to stay with her again... Her husband passed away last year, but now her children have taken over the business.

13 years... It seems like just the other day to us, but things are changing.



August 1st (Friday) Cloudy with occasional rain A northeasterly breeze has been blowing since last night, allowing me to sleep comfortably. This morning was another cool one.

The errant Typhoon No. 9 has finally approached the Kanto region. However, the rain is minimal... and the wind is still only a gentle breeze.


Today marks the beginning of August. In my calendar sense, I'd like to say that summer has finally arrived... but when I think about today's temperature and the scorching heat we've experienced so far, I have mixed feelings.

Today I visited a local clinic. It's basically my family doctor... and I'm grateful that they always write referrals when I complain of feeling unwell.


Here, I receive regular prescriptions for blood pressure lowering medication, uric acid lowering medication, and blood thinning medication. However, I consider this to be my primary care physician, so I share all of the results of my recent specialist visits, including the results of my pathology test for arrhythmia, my recovery from chemotherapy side effects at Saitama Cancer Center, and the results of my recent adult disease checkup.

The clinic not only issues medication instructions, but also proactively writes down my preferences for lifestyle and treatment plans and hands them over to me.


Overall, my nutritional status is good. As for daily activities, I will continue playing table tennis and swimming, while being careful to avoid heatstroke. Even in the summer, I will limit my salt (sodium chloride) intake and focus on maintaining my health by consuming salts such as potassium chloride.

Overall, I would like my blood pressure to be around 130/80. My weight is 49 kg, down from pre-cancer treatment to at least 53 kg, preferably 55 kg.

No matter which doctor I go to, the patients I see are about my son's age, so I just follow their instructions.



Thursday, July 31st, Sunny

The sun has been shining brightly since this morning, making it a hot day. Even though today is the last day of July, I'm already feeling a bit exhausted.

Well, August is the midsummer of my calendar, so it's probably better for my mental health to think of summer starting tomorrow.


I don't know if I'm motivated or just lost, but Typhoon No. 9 is over the ocean to the south, and in its shadow, an easterly wind has been blowing since last night.

Thanks to that, a pleasant, gentle breeze blew in from the east window of my bedroom, allowing me to sleep soundly this morning.


Well, the sunshine during the day has once again caused the temperature to soar, forcing old folks like me to stay indoors.

However, as the sun begins to tilt in the west, freshness returns to every corner of the garden.


Pour some sake into a small sake cup and take a sip. A refreshing aroma fills your mouth. Autumn will come once this heat passes...

Every year, I think this. Spring won't come unless I overcome this cold... And I have to beat this heat...





Wednesday, July 30th, Sunny It's a slightly pleasant morning. By pleasant, I mean that the thermometer is maybe a degree lower than usual.

Looking at the weather chart on the morning forecast, I'm convinced: Typhoon No. 9 is on the loose? Given the typhoon's location, the Kanto region will likely be hit by easterly winds, even if it's just its aftermath.


Well, that was only for the morning. As usual, the temperature has risen sharply with the sunshine during the day.

Meanwhile, I hear that a massive magnitude 8.7 earthquake occurred near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, and tsunami warnings have been issued across Japan.


To be honest, I had no idea about this until I came home from my usual Wednesday pool workout and watched the noon news.

Considering the devastation caused by the tsunami following the Great East Japan Earthquake, it makes sense that so many advisories and warnings were issued across almost the entire country.


Going back to the pool, the extreme heat of the past few days had finally made the pool water temperature "uncomfortable," as I would have deemed it.

Needless to say, swimming didn't feel refreshing at all, and I simply felt short of breath.

In fact, the breeze in the shade of the trees at the sports center felt even better after I got out of the pool.



Tuesday, July 29th, Sunny

Today is general waste collection day. Food waste and other items must be put out at the collection point by 8:30 AM.

It's still just after 8 AM, and the road to the bus route is icy and cold in winter, but the sun is shining directly on me at this time of year.


You might say I'm weak! But this direct sunlight is quite effective.

So lately, whenever I open my car door, I find a parasol, which I open when I go to the garbage dump. Well, it's a bit embarrassing.


I received a battery for my Makita power tool via courier.

It's the exact same size and shape, but the compatible battery I used to use cost about 3,000 yen. This new one is a genuine part and costs 14,500 yen.


The workload is probably about the same. However, considering the recent increase in electric battery fires, the genuine part's built-in protection circuitry will give you peace of mind.

It's a waste, but I'll throw it away in Kawaguchi City's battery collection system.





Monday, July 28th, Sunny

I've gotten used to the scorching heat of summer and it's not so bad anymore.

The air in the morning feels fresh and I don't have to turn on the air conditioner all the time, just a gentle breeze! I've gotten to the point where I can relax and feel at ease.


According to my schedule for today, I have an interview with my doctor at Saitama Cancer Center, and a blood sampling appointment before that, so I arrived just after 9 o'clock.

First of all, I'll have my urine and blood collected at the blood sampling center, and they'll collect blood into four caps. My appointment with the doctor is at 12 o'clock.


As always, at this cancer center, blood is taken about 2 hours before the interview with the doctor, and the components are analyzed immediately and used as materials for the interview.

I was told that the blood sugar function that had been lingering until the end in June had recovered, and the corresponding medication would be stopped at that point.


And as a hollow, my primary goal today was to determine whether it was correct to stop the medication. Of course, there was also the purpose of investigating the recovery of other functions.

As for me, all the blood tests in the results of the city's health check last month confirmed that all functional declines caused by anti-cancer treatment had returned to the healthy state before the surgery.

However, my doctor only trusts the test results from his own center, so it can't be helped.

In this way, I accept the fact that even though the tests are bothersome, they are protecting me in many ways. Yes, my biggest job is to survive like this and protect my body so I can continue my passion of painting, pottery, and also my favorite sport of skiing.

July 27th (Sun) Sunny

Even in the old days, a proper summer morning was not so painful.

Rather, I felt the freshness of the morning air after a tropical night.


Well, it was a morning like this, so after breakfast I went to the club table tennis practice.

I'm going out today. Although I always go out, today I went to the Shingo Sports Center, which is a little further away.


There were four badminton groups, and no one else except us from the table tennis club. There is also information that a heatstroke warning has been issued today and that sports should be banned.

But the gym in the morning can still survive somehow.


It's a shame that practice is over and I can't share this refreshing feeling with you.





July 26th (Saturday) Sunny

Long ago, when we couldn't communicate easily through SNS or email, mobile phones were not yet widespread.

We amateur radio operators would chat and chat over radio, and occasionally get together, which we called an eyeball gathering.


Nowadays, we can easily send images and exchange information on SNS, and instantly keep in touch with each other by mobile phone.

A fellow radio operator suggested "Let's have an eyeball gathering after a long time," and today, the friends who made the plan got together for the first time in 30 years.


By calling each other by call signs instead of names, old memories were instantly brought back, and we had a very enjoyable time.

But the passage of time is very cruel. Some of the people I was in such close contact with have already passed away...


It was so much fun, so let's do it again. Yes, to make sure we're both still alive (lol).





July 25th (Friday) Sunny

I have been using Caspian Sea yogurt for over 20 years.

I have been adding starter yogurt to milk as I was taught, but I am a little worried about the heat.


It is possible to turn it into yogurt by keeping the temperature at the right level, but I have been making yogurt using a method taught to me by a woman at the ski club for the past 20 years.

First of all, if I could have consumed milk for my health, I probably would not have made it into yogurt. If I drink milk as is, I get loose stools.


For a while, I ate store-bought yogurt instead of milk, but it was too expensive. Then I learned that I could turn milk into yogurt and consume it.

The amount is 250g per serving, so if you buy 1 liter, you will have enough for 4 servings. Even if you buy high-quality milk with no added ingredients, it costs less than 90 yen...you can't find yogurt this cheap.


There are devices that can control the temperature, called yogurt makers, but I make it by my own intuition. In winter, it may take three days for it to turn into yogurt.

And now, in this hot weather, it takes less than a day to turn into yogurt. The quality varies...and therefore the taste and texture of the finished yogurt also vary.

This is because you are consuming milk, not lactic acid bacteria...so that's fine! .

Thursday, July 24th, Sunny

With the scorching hot weather continuing day after day, there's nothing I can do but stay in an air-conditioned room and read a book and do my best as an adult.

But sometimes the sun seems to be hidden by clouds, and when I look at the garden, it looks like smoke, not clouds.


When I ran out onto the third floor balcony, it seemed like there was a fire in the neighborhood, less than 100 meters from my house.

But it was quiet as if nothing had happened, so I went out the front door and headed in that direction. The neighbors were running around, saying, "Finally, there's a fire!! ~".


The fire engine came and the firefighting started, so I returned home with peace of mind.

Six hoses were connected to the fire hydrant close to my house to put out the fire.


I still don't know the cause, but there have been a lot of accidents with lithium batteries recently. I'm worried about the "compatibility" of Chinese-made batteries, but I'm going to stop using them, even though there are still no problems.

I bought them for 3,000 yen, but I ordered a new genuine product. 14,500 yen... Ouch! !



Wednesday, July 23, Sunny

The temperature is rising earlier each day. This morning, when I came down to the living room, the room temperature was over 30 degrees.

I turned on the air conditioner without any hesitation. It's still July, but it feels like something amazing is about to begin.


Today is Wednesday, so it's set as a day to swim in the pool. Last week, the pool was closed due to the deterioration of the water quality, so I couldn't swim, but I wonder how it will be today?

Before leaving, I checked the pool's condition again before leaving the house. As expected, many students from schools that have started their summer vacation had come and it was crowded.


The water quality looked much better than before, and I could see farther into the distance, and it looked very clean. I asked the staff if it was dirtier than the Seine in Paris, which was used for the Olympic Games.

That's on a completely different level. The water quality of the pools used for competitive events here is aimed at a water quality standard that is incomparable to that of leisure pools.


I felt relieved. And the lane felt a little crowded, but as we swam seriously and regularly, the school children moved to another pool.

I was able to swim at my own pace as usual and come back.



July 22 (Tuesday) Sunny

It's forecast to be hot again today. I went out to get my shopping done in the morning before it gets too bad.

Recently, even on weekdays, the parking lot has been full by around 11am, so I've had trouble finding a parking spot.


I don't do a lot of shopping, but I have to come back here every now and then to buy more milk and vegetables.

By the way, the recent rice commotion...I ordered 5kg of rice for 2,000 yen online, but it's been a week and I still haven't received it.


I took a look at the rice section at Commodity IIda. In stark contrast to the rice shortage, rice was being sold in piles in the rice section.

However, all of the rice was expensive, costing over 4,000 yen for 5 kg. No one was willing to buy it, and the store seemed desperate to get rid of all the rice they had bought up.


The buyers who were complicit in the dishonest business practices of the rice riots need to be given a stern reprimand.

When the new rice comes out soon, there will no doubt be a huge loss of revenue.



Monday, July 21st, sunny

It's Marine Day, but the heat from the morning got stronger day by day during this three-day weekend, and today was the best.

Yesterday there was an election, so the gymnasium was not used, so today many club members gathered together for practice.


Not a single person could come to the gymnasium, especially in this heat.

In the end, we had to rent out our table tennis club for practice. I'm gradually getting into table tennis.


Since I returned to the club after my esophageal cancer treatment, I've been telling young people that early detection of cancer is important, and that they should definitely get the necessary tests.

At that time, a woman who had just turned 60 was diagnosed with cancer. It must have been a big shock to her, but it's not something that happens to other people.


And today, I heard that a club member's father has also been diagnosed with esophageal cancer, and the family is struggling with it. When I asked him how old he is, he said he's 83, just like me.

Cancer has become a disease that affects people close to us, and one in two people will be affected. It's surprising that even people in their 50s and 60s are afraid to swallow a camera.

I'm surprised that there are two club members who would say something so stupid.

Sunday, July 20th, Sunny

It was a pleasant summer sky that I couldn't complain about.

In the morning, the living room is open in all three directions, east, west, and south, but the morning air is pleasant.


This is my personal record, but this morning I heard the cicadas for the first time. I wonder if they are still a little weak because I'm not used to it.

Today I went to the Angyo Sports Center for club table tennis practice.


What?! I heard from a club member who had arrived earlier that the sports center cannot be used for the Upper House election today.

What?! I wonder if it has suddenly become a polling station for the election. It has never been unavailable for elections before, so the club members were in a panic and dispersed to other sports centers.


I stopped practicing today and came back tomorrow as the club practice day is scheduled... I'm going home today.

I brought my voting ticket with me to vote after practice, so I stopped by the designated polling station at Kisoro Elementary School and voted.

Scandals are not acceptable, but I hope for stable politics.

Saturday, July 19th, Sunny

It was a pleasant summer day from the morning. In real summer, mornings like today are usually pleasant and comfortable.

It's been a few years since I've known about unpleasant summer mornings... It's been a long time since I've had such a pleasant summer morning.


The temperature is a little high at 28°C, but the cool air I felt on pleasant summer mornings made me feel like I was a boy on a summer morning.

Well, as time goes on and the sun gets stronger, I'm already used to the intense intensity of summer.


In normal years, the hot summer comes and then the comfortable autumn arrives, and we enter into the fun travel season.

So, as usual at this time of year, the elders of the table tennis club and I are gathering at my house to make our usual travel plans.


The most fun part of a trip is planning it. ...Or rather, this time I'm having a hard time? I have to reconsider the "JR Seishun 18 Ticket Travel" that I've been thinking about until now.

JR is also reviewing this ticket. We also have to review it as part of JR's rationalization measures.

Today is already the third time we've discussed this year's travel plans.

July 18th (Friday) Sunny

The sun was shining from the moment I woke up in the morning. I was sure that the end of the rainy season would be announced today.

The temperature hadn't risen much between 6:30 and 7:30 while I was making breakfast, so the morning breeze was keeping me warm in the living room.


Since I started cancer treatment at the end of last year, I stopped making my own meals and started asking CO-OP's delivery service to deliver them to me every day.

The main reason was that during my cancer treatment, I had a loss of appetite and at times even had to take preventive medicine for vomiting, so I'm glad I asked them to do it.


However, even after I got over the period of loss of appetite, the delivered food was so bad that I had to endure it and just eat it. But even though I am not satisfied with it, the nutritional balance is good and first of all, my blood pressure is almost normal in many cases.

Thanks to this, I am taking half the amount of blood pressure lowering medication prescribed by my local doctor and seeing how it goes.


So on weekends when there are no deliveries, I enjoy eating salty or bad food to my heart's content.

Today, I made potato salad for the first time in a while. Of course, I added plenty of salt and pepper so much that the potato base turned black.

I'm not satisfied with the taste...? In the evening, I remembered that there was no onion in it! I added it right away and it tasted good.

July 17th (Thursday) Rain...Sunny

During the morning, it was still raining and sunny due to the bad weather until yesterday.

After noon, the sunny days became longer, but I spent almost the whole day reading.


As usual, the air conditioner in the room was set high, but it was still so effective that it felt quite cold, so I opened the window and looked outside.

It was almost 4 o'clock, but...oh! ?...The temperature outside was surprisingly comfortable and there was a breeze, so it looked comfortable.


I immediately got ready to go out and set off on my walking, which I had been putting off for a while.

Going down the hill and walking along the Minuma Irrigation Canal, I can see the slow flow of the Minuma Irrigation Canal, which is full of water, and it seems that energy will naturally rise from within my mind and body.

After walking for a while, I suddenly hear the sound of an ocarina on the wind. I think it's my grandmother, who used to practice here a lot before the heat wave hit.

As I got closer, I saw a woman who had parked her bike on the opposite bank of the Minuma Irrigation Canal and was practicing hard. ...Ah! She made a mistake with that song there before the summer.

I wonder if I'll have to take a break from walking for a while once the rainy season is over? ...I wonder if that grandmother's ocarina skills will improve too (lol)

July 16th (Wed) Rain

The weather is not so good today either. Moreover, the American Major League All-Star Game is being broadcast live on TV from the morning.

Still, it's the only day of the week I plan to go swimming, so I'll be ruthless and go out.


I was hoping to at least watch the first batter, Otani, at bat, but he got a home run! .

I thought this was good enough... but when I arrived at the pool...! ? ? . I can't use the pool...?


The water quality standards for the pool have not been met since yesterday.

I've been going there for over 20 years and it has never been canceled because of something like that.

I would like the inspection results to be made public to see which items did not meet the standards.

And when I found out about this after I arrived, I was very upset. I already made plans based on the calendar at the beginning of the month, so I would have liked to be contacted via LINE or something.



July 15th (Tuesday) Rain

The intense heat has continued for a while, and I've been spending my days holed up inside the house.

The best way to prevent heatstroke is to stay out of the hot air in an air-conditioned room.


While this is going on, my daily exercise has drastically decreased.

So I'm limited to club table tennis practice on Sundays and the pool on Wednesdays, and walking and cycling are off limits.


Today, I noticed that the temperature wasn't rising and the rain stopped at times...oh well...? .

It's not sunny, but the rain stops for a short time in the stormy weather.

I went out for a walk for the first time in a while. The sun was shining, but I had an umbrella in my hand. As expected, within 5 minutes, it started to rain lightly.

About 20 minutes into the journey, exactly halfway through the course, the rain started pouring down, and I finally arrived home after walking through the downpour.

Oh well, I'm not sure if I was sweating or just soaked by the rain, but I headed straight to the bathroom.

July 14th (Monday) Rain

Saitama Co-op Hospital, located close to my house, opened a new health check ward about two years ago in order to focus on community medical care.

Since last year, I have been undergoing health checks using a different medical system, although it is in the same hospital.


I have been trying to maintain my health by adding optional tests that I am worried about, in addition to the free regular health checks provided by the city.

Now that I think about it, last year's test results said, "Mr. Fujimori... With these esophageal camera images, let's do a detailed test at the Botsubotsu Cancer Center."


It's already been a year since then. Nowadays, I spend my days forgetting that I was even a cancer patient, but it all started with today's test results.

My doctor has found no problems with all the results. Please continue to take care of your health.

I have received my health check result sheet, lung cancer and tuberculosis screening result sheet, colon cancer screening result sheet, and high-sensitivity PSA (prostate cancer) result sheet.

For now, I will be free to graze for a year...



Sunday, July 13th, Sunny

I didn't go to bed too late last night, at 10 o'clock, so waking up in the morning was very refreshing.

We had booked a relaxing breakfast time, so we took a bath in the morning and had some beer from the refrigerator in the room.


Now that I think about it, when I visited in June, I forgot my shorts and summer clothes hanging on the clothes rack in my locker.

After that, I brought two ceramic vases that I made as a souvenir to show my appreciation to the landlady who had gone to the trouble of sending them to me by mail.


I was very grateful that they were very happy and even gave me some sake as a souvenir.

It's about a 5-minute walk from the inn to Yubiso Station... along the way you can take in the sights of the Yubiso Bridge area.

While watching the train cross the iron bridge as it exits the Joetsu Line loop tunnel.

We've arrived at the strange Yubiso Station.



July 12th (Saturday) Cloudy

Let's have a get-together at the hot springs at the foot of the mountain with friends who are skiing at Machigasawa in Tanigawadake again as we did in June.

I cheated a little this time and said, "I'm going by train this time..." and two of my club friends said we'll go too.


In the end, we looked up the timetables for the Takasaki Line, Joetsu Line, and local buses and decided to go together.

Since we're going anyway, let's drink while we go, and if so, a box seat would be better than a bench seat.


Let's go in the green car.

It was a short trip, but I arrived at Eirakuso in Yubiso Onsen early in the evening and took a relaxing bath.

Now, it's time for a fun dinner.





July 11th (Friday) Cloudy

Since last night, the temperature has returned to a comfortable level. The Meteorological Agency says that the temperature is around the end of May.

I slept well for the first time in a while. The breeze blowing in through the window while I was sleeping was a first-class sleep-inducing breeze.


And the weather today seemed a little unsettled from the morning. I didn't mind it when I was at home, but my radio friends on the way to work told me that it was drizzling...

Today is the day to take out general household garbage at the garbage station, so I was hoping that the rain wouldn't get serious.


Fortunately, the weather around my house was only drizzling in the morning and didn't deteriorate any further.

On such a comfortable day, there was still pottery work to be done in the studio. I hadn't yet made progress on mixing the clay I would use in the second half of the year.

Mixing the clay was quite hard work, but I managed to finish it and store it in the stockyard.

What about the clay? I tried making a medium-sized plate to upgrade the tableware I use in my daily life.

The clay seems to be in good condition. And when I tried making the medium-sized plate, the skill I used when making the large plate seemed to be quite evident. In terms of technique, too, the bigger the better...



Thursday, July 10th, cloudy and rainy

The sun was weak from the morning, but it was an unpleasant tropical day with a sticky humidity.

I heard that the weather would suddenly change in the afternoon, so I went shopping at Commodity Iida near my house in the morning.


Rice prices have been steadily decreasing as far as I can see from the news...? I'm not the type of person who gets upset by market turmoil, so I thought it was about time to go to the rice section.

There were shelves full of 5kg packs of rice. ...But when I looked at the prices, I was shocked to see that all the rice was priced between 4100 and 4600 yen, which means there was no stockpile of rice. This is clearly an attempt to quickly sell off expensive rice that will become inventory. Commodity Goods should do honest business like a back-alley supermarket. Even if their fresh seafood is third-rate and their prepared foods are second-rate, they are the supermarket of choice for us back-alley people, so I hope they will continue to support us.


Well, after lunch, there was a pitter patter in the garden, and soon the wind started to blow, and it looked like it was going to be a rainstorm as predicted.

I hurriedly closed all the windows in the bedrooms on the second and third floors, but they do it when they have to. A little rain blew in and reached the inside of the room, but I'm glad it wasn't when I was away.

This is what I have to do! . On rainy days, I can read books without any problems and the time passes quickly.

But even though it had been raining heavily for a while, it hadn't really rained around my house, so I was a little touched by the moist rain that had finally come.





Wednesday, July 9th, Sunny

The temperature in the living room was already close to 29 degrees even before 6am. I couldn't resist turning on the air conditioner.

Today I'm going to the pool in the morning, so I was wondering whether to leave it on or turn it off for a while. In the end I left it on and headed to the pool.


The water temperature in the pool has already risen. I thought it was still comfortable last week, so even swimming in it is tiring.

But I managed to finish swimming within the time limit and when I got out to the parking lot, it was a scorching hot hell.


Today I stopped by the station and will be visiting Eirakuso, a hot spring inn in Yubiso at the foot of Mt. Tanigawa this Saturday.

Until now I've been going by car, but I thought I'd try something different and go by train.

It's over 100km one way, so if you buy a round-trip ticket, you can get a 30% discount with the Adult Holiday Club.

I'm thinking of going to a relaxing, secluded hot spring inn.





July 8th (Tuesday) Sunny

I went to the bedroom last night and noticed something. Is there no wind today? The east and west windows were open, but when I opened the south window, a fresh breeze came through.

Last night it was a southerly wind, but I know that if there is wind, the night breeze is much more comfortable to sleep with than an air conditioner.


Thanks to that, I was able to sleep well without an air conditioner. I see... I woke up a little cold after 3 o'clock, but I wrapped myself up in my summer futon and greeted the morning.

However, when I stepped into the living room just before 6 o'clock, the temperature was already approaching 29°C. I had heard the forecast for today, so I immediately turned on the air conditioner.


So today I spent another adult-like day in the living room.

I spent the day reading a book, but it seems that the temperature drops rapidly after 5pm when the sun no longer shines on the garden.

Well, the Meteorological Agency's forecast for the rest of September is that it will be hotter than usual...

I thought that this would be the perfect time for my reading week.





July 8th (Tuesday) Sunny

I went to the bedroom last night and noticed something. Is there no wind today? The east and west windows were open, but when I opened the south window, a fresh breeze came through.

Last night it was a southerly wind, but I know that if there is wind, the night breeze is much more comfortable to sleep with than an air conditioner.


Thanks to that, I was able to sleep well without an air conditioner. I see... I woke up a little cold after 3 o'clock, but I wrapped myself up in my summer futon and greeted the morning.

However, when I stepped into the living room just before 6 o'clock, the temperature was already approaching 29°C. I had heard the forecast for today, so I immediately turned on the air conditioner.


So today I spent another adult-like day in the living room.

I spent the day reading a book, but it seems that the temperature drops rapidly after 5pm when the sun no longer shines on the garden.

Well, the Meteorological Agency's forecast for the rest of September is that it will be hotter than usual...

I thought that this would be the perfect time for my reading week.





July 7th (Monday) Sunny

Last night was a tropical night in my house. Not a single breeze entered the bedroom with all three windows open, and the air felt unpleasant and clingy.

It was the second time this year that I slept under the air conditioner since it rained and I couldn't open the window so I turned on the air conditioner.


This year, there have been reports of tropical nights all over the country, but until now, as long as I had the window open in my bedroom, I was able to sleep comfortably even if I felt cold at dawn and had to close it.

But it was the first time we had a real tropical night. And the relaxing feeling was the same in the morning, so we had to use the air conditioner in the living room from the morning.


I'm still not used to the cooling effect of the air conditioner, so I set it to 29°C. Well, I'm going to gradually get used to living in an air-conditioned environment by putting on long sleeves.

This week, I was able to get some results from learning the technique of molding large ceramic plates in the atelier, so I think I'll be able to relax in the living room for a while.

For the time being, the elders of my table tennis friends just had their first meeting at my house to plan a trip. We need to abandon our original plan to tour Hokkaido and make a new plan.

In the meantime, I discovered a campaign for the Hokuriku Area Tour Ticket at JR East's Adult Holiday Club first thing in the morning, and the content was quite intriguing.

We took a trip two years later to help with the reconstruction efforts after the Great East Japan Earthquake, and also took a tour when the Sanriku Railway was being rebuilt.

I took this opportunity to use the JR Hokuriku Area Ticket to support travel in the Noto region, and called for another emergency meeting of my friends. Another travel planning meeting will be held at my house soon, with the date adjusted.

July 6th (Sun) Sunny

It was sunny from the morning and the temperature rose. I went to table tennis practice with energy (lol)

Today I brought a thermos that holds 850cc.


I filled it with half a homemade sports drink and the rest with ice.

I drank frequently... but it was all finished in a flash. There were still 30 minutes of practice time left...


But I extended the session by 10 minutes, stopped, and took a shower... but the sweat still didn't stop.

I stayed under the air conditioner in the changing room for a while, but the sweat didn't stop at all. In other words, does sweating continue until the drink I drank is gone from my body...?

But I took a 30 minute break and the sweating finally stopped, so I went home.

It was the hottest day of the year.





July 5th (Saturday) Sunny

Travel planning! . There's no problem when I go alone, but when I go with friends, I need to plan quite carefully.

We've been traveling with friends for 20 years now, but this time... a little... from now on... a little...? I have to change it little by little.


All the members of the table tennis club, and the team members, are in their 80s. We have traveled every year using JR's Seishun 18 Ticket.

However, at this age, traveling with the 18 Ticket itself has become quite difficult. And this time, one person is absent due to medical treatment, so there are only three of us.


We always travel in September. I've been traveling with the JR Seishun 18 Ticket, and I've been planning my trip just before it expires, so I've had a good time.

Due to management rationalization, JR has also eliminated the timetable for long-distance local trains. Therefore, local trains using the 18 Ticket are forced to make small transfers.

Last year, I got sick from getting on and off in the lingering heat of summer, using strong air conditioning...and waiting at the platform in the scorching heat...so I switched to a boat trip and spent a relaxing time on Oshima.

Because of this, JR has said that they will sell a new "Seishun 18 Ticket" that can be used jointly with JR Hokkaido due to the drop in demand.

We tried to coordinate the plans that each of us had been considering. Well, it was the first meeting, so to speak.


No good! . We're not young anymore, and if we end up sleeping on a bench at a station platform on our trip, we might get sick when we get back...

Let's plan our trips more, and spend more time on them, so we don't have any regrets. We'll call it a day early today.

July 4th (Friday) Sunny

A pleasant breeze started to blow yesterday evening. Of course, my bedroom is also feeling the pleasant breeze.

My body has gotten used to the heat during the day, but thankfully, this summer I can still sleep comfortably without an air conditioner.


The heat during the day is still the same, but on the third floor where my bedroom is, I can sleep soundly with the windows open on three sides (east, west, and south) and a pleasant breeze blows through.

I probably wouldn't be able to do that if it rained, but this year we've had many days where the night breeze is pleasant and I can sleep soundly without turning on the air conditioner.


Now, every day I stay in my studio and try to make a large plate on the potter's wheel. The clay to be put on the potter's wheel requires a lot of physical strength, such as kneading it into a chrysanthemum shape using the whole body.

And my recent challenge is to perfect the technique for forming large plates on the potter's wheel. It's just like how sumo wrestlers practice every day, covered in sand in the sumo ring.

If the clay fails to be formed on the potter's wheel, you can try again by adjusting the moisture and returning it to the appropriate viscosity. I've been running around like this lately.

After several failures, I was able to make a 340mm, then a 380mm, and finally a 420mm large plate on the potter's wheel today. I think this transition is a master's lesson.

The clay on the potter's wheel is based on the laws of nature, which have two opposing properties: thixotropy and dilatancy.

In order to freely mold the clay, the thixotropy phenomenon is incorporated to make it easier to mold, and the wings of the large plate are spread wide so that they do not droop due to dilatancy.

Oh! That's all there is to it, but even though I knew that, I couldn't do it for 60 years. This week has been an eye-opener...I've finally mastered it.

July 3rd (Thursday) Sunny

The temperature remains high, and the humidity is high, so it feels even hotter.

I would like to have a rain shower every once in a while near my house, but it's hard to find one.


It's hot, so I'm spending my time at home reading books and studying pottery.

The other day, I made a large plate that I'm proud of for its size, and the diameter of the finished product was 293mm. As you know, it was 340mm at the molding stage. That's right, when a pottery piece is molded from clay, its size becomes nearly 10% smaller when it is fired.


How large a piece can be made at the molding stage depends solely on the artist's skill.

When shaping clay, the clay is often killed on the potter's wheel to make it more fluid, but in the case of a large plate, the wings droop due to the fluidity.

What I'm currently researching is to give clay the contradictory properties of being fluid while at a certain point solidifying. I'm close to finding the trigger to do this.

Today's large plate was shaped with a diameter of 380 mm, the largest ever. If I can further improve on this tip, I think I'll be able to freely manipulate the shape.


Wednesday, July 2nd, Sunny

The atmosphere seems a little unstable, and there have been thunderstorms and unexpected rainfall here and there recently, so we can't be complacent.

It was a little cloudy this morning, so the temperature didn't rise, but as time passed, the clouds cleared, the sun came out, and the temperature rose.


By the time I went to the pool, it was completely sunny and I felt like jumping in the pool as soon as possible.

From my long experience, the time of day when there are the fewest pool users in a week and when I can have the lane all to myself and swim at my own pace is today, Wednesday morning.


But I guess I want to spend time in the comfortable water without being bothered. Of course, it's not possible to monopolize the lane by yourself, but the number of users has increased recently.

After lunch, I was tired from the full-body exercise in the pool, so I took a long nap in the air-conditioned room.

After waking up around 2:00, I read the book I was reading, but I was refreshed both physically and mentally and finished without falling asleep.




July 1st (Tuesday) Sunny

Today marks the start of July. It feels like summer is long gone... but the real summer is just beginning.

June is over, but in the Kanto region, there were 16 days of summer heat recorded this June, the highest number ever recorded.


But speaking of July, we need to renew our resolve that the real summer will begin today.

And it has been two years since we were chased out of the Kita Sports Center in Kawaguchi City, which was the training base for our table tennis club team, and moved to other facilities.


Two years have passed since the words "We apologize for your patience over the past four years..." I thought to myself, but it will be completed in two more years.

The city's website also reported that the gym will open on July 1, 2027.

Over the past two years, I have experienced changes in my physical condition, which have led to hospitalization for arrhythmia surgery and treatment for esophageal cancer, so the completion of the gymnasium has given me hope.

In order to achieve its completion, they have made the entire structure publicly available to the general public.


June 30th (Monday) Sunny

It feels like midsummer already, but today is still the last day of June. It is said that this year saw the hottest summer days ever recorded in June.

I often remember to buy some inconspicuous seasonings when I'm about to run out.


I went to the local supermarket while it was still cool, thinking about what I absolutely had to buy, and one of the things I bought was ponzu sauce.

While I was watching a variety show while eating lunch, they were introducing 2,105 items, including food items that are applying for price increases starting tomorrow.


The ponzu sauce I just bought was in there, which I thought was a little good for Sasayaka!

But there were a lot of other things I would have stocked up on if I'd known that would happen.

The price of packaged rice, which I often use when sleeping in my car, has also gone up, and since this is something that is 100% affected by the price of rice, I'll wait for the price to go down as rice prices go down.

But the concern is that once prices go up, they are unlikely to go down again even if the raw materials go down.


June 29th (Sun) Sunny

It feels like the summer heat has finally arrived. The rainy season in the Kanto region is about to end, following the Kansai region.

However, thankfully, the rainy season has moved south for the time being this year, and it is sunny and surprisingly cool in the shade.


Our table tennis club has been moving from one sports center to another in the city, and today we came to Shingo Sports Center.

This place is built to the same design as the Kita Sports Center, where we used to stay. It is still new, so it is relatively easy to use.


And today, the intense heat hit the gymnasium early in the day.

Even so, we practiced hard for an hour and a half, but we stopped because we felt it was dangerous and we didn't want to push ourselves too hard.






Saturday, June 28th, Sunny It was forecast to be a hot day, but there was a pleasant breeze in the morning, so I worked on improving the potter's wheel, which had been a pending issue.

However, after I finished the work and was having lunch, the temperature started to rise rapidly, and I ended up turning on the air conditioner in the living room and couldn't move.


Last year, the president of the woodworking company came up with an idea for a base method for making large ceramic plates, which worked quite well, and all that was left was to hone my skills based on this.

Up until that point, the president had made many prototypes, and there were quite a few remnants left. I devised a way to use this to work on small items on the potter's wheel in a stable position.


Today, I planned to process the remains and make a base for making small items.

Until now, when making relatively small items such as sake cups, tea bowls, and coffee cups, the height of the clay on the potter's wheel changed each time, making it difficult to create a stable molded product.

First of all, I am not a potter. There is no need to make small items continuously. I created a base that allows me to mold each small item at the same eye level, just like when making large plates.






June 27th (Friday) Sunny

I had a comfortable night with the window open as usual. It was a little too cold before dawn, so I closed the window while I was in the bathroom.

The weather cleared up and the temperature rose considerably during the day. As expected, there was a heavy rain shower in the evening, and I was a little flustered about closing the door.


It feels good somehow today... It looks like it's going to be a hot day, but maybe the humidity is lower than usual.

The other day, when I was firing some pottery, I used a kerosene burner to maintain a stable temperature for three hours while maintaining the high temperature.


If you want to maintain this high temperature (1225°C) with firewood, you have to add firewood about twice every five minutes.

That means I have to go in and out about 35 times to add firewood while checking the temperature.

So I decided to light the kerosene burner to maintain the temperature for a long time without having to adjust the cock, so I can have a leisurely lunch during that time.

I use about 1.5 plastic containers, or about 27 liters, for fuel at a time, but I used up all of them the other day.


I don't know when I'll be able to buy more, so I went to the gas station at a comfortable time this morning.

I bought six plastic containers, and stored them on the storage shelf in the yard. That's all I've got for today, physically. 12,240 yen... 2,040 yen for 18 liters.

June 26th (Thursday) Cloudy with occasional heavy rain and sunny spells

After the final firing was completed and the pieces were removed, the remaining molded pieces that had finished drying were already put into the kiln.

The area where the bisque firing was done before the rain started earlier this week was left as it was for a while due to the rain.


Today, the sun came out from the morning and sometimes the sun was very strong.

The water has cleared from the raindrops around the kiln, and it is now possible to open the kiln door.


There were two failures in the bisque firing this time. It is inevitable that there will be failures as handmade laminated pieces still need to be mastered in terms of technique.

I put in four large plates. This also always had a 50% survival rate, but one point, "It's probably okay even if this one is wrong," cracked and ascended to heaven.

Finally, this weather is slowly becoming hotter as we approach midsummer.

These final firings will probably take place in early autumn when the heat has subsided.


And in the heat, I have finalized the concept for my next piece, and will continue to grow little by little while maintaining the cycle of "molding... bisque firing... final firing...".



June 25th (Wednesday) Heavy rain at times

Typhoon No. 2, which occurred yesterday and is expected to hit the Kanto region directly, has become a tropical depression, but the rainfall forecast remains at a typhoon level.

Today, there are occasional heavy rains, so it is difficult to predict whether to go out.


The temperature is low, so I don't feel like going to the pool. Moreover, it started raining heavily again when I was about to leave.

Even when I was driving, I had to turn my wipers to the maximum power, so the amount of rain seemed to be quite intense.


After leaving my house, the hilly area ended and I had to go down the hill into the city.

Sometimes when it rains like this, the drainage at the bottom of the slope doesn't keep up and the water floods. So I thought if I was going to turn back, I should do it now.

Well, it wasn't a long, intense rain, so I was able to reach the pool safely and swim back.

It looks like this weather will continue for a while.






June 24th (Tuesday) Rain and clouds

The weather was gloomy in the morning, and the wind that had been blowing until yesterday suddenly stopped, making me imagine a rather unpleasant day.

Then, after breakfast, the rain got stronger as I was leaving to visit my brother's house for the first time in several years, and I thought, "What the heck?"


My brother lives in Inagi City, in the Tokyo suburbs, but we can visit each other whenever we want from our house.

The last time I visited him, I stayed overnight, but after that, COVID, my heart surgery, and treatment for esophageal cancer meant that I could only meet him by email.


After that, my brother returned his driver's license, and there were definitely restrictions on my life in retirement, including me.

Well, I can still travel this much without worrying about it, so today I took the Musashino Line, the Nambu Line, etc. to visit.

First of all, I'm relieved to see that both my brother and sister-in-law are doing well. Although we've both gotten quite tolerant of alcohol, we toasted to celebrate our reunion.

Oh! How nostalgic... There was a teacup that I probably made more than 30 years ago, and I drank my sake with it.


We had a lot to talk about, but I left around 4 o'clock to avoid the rush-hour traffic.



Monday, June 23, Sunny

There was a breeze, so it was comfortable to sleep at night. And the wind didn't die down during the day, so the discomfort of the rising temperature was gone.

I took this day as an opportunity to light the kiln that I had been preparing to bisque-fire the pottery works I had been making.


Firing the kiln for pottery is clearly dependent on the weather. And it is a golden rule to prepare in advance and be ready to fire without hesitation when the day comes.

Moreover, the kiln that was prepared today was bisque, so even if it was a little late after breakfast, the work up to 800°C could be completed by the evening.


The main items in the kiln today were two large plates and two bonsai flower pots. There were also other items, enough for about three firings.

Actually, just like last time, one of the plates died even though there was no particular strange noise, so even though I didn't notice anything unusual this time either, I still can't relax.

In the evening, I turned off the fire and sealed the kiln.








Sunday, June 22nd, Sunny

It was 7am in the morning, Oh! It's so cool today... I thought.

The sun rose higher and it got extremely hot around 8am. I thought the table tennis match would be pretty intense today.


The 50th Cup, an open tournament hosted by the traditional Kawaguchi City Table Tennis Federation, has been transformed into a Masters Tournament with a new division for 80s.

There are eight players, so the first to fourth place are decided in a block league of four players each, and then the winner is decided in a tournament based on ranking.


I won the first match of the league 3-1. The second match was with another member of our Yuuyukai, and I always knew my opponent's moves.

In the end, it was a full set battle, and the final set was a close one. It wouldn't have been surprising if either of us had won, but I lost.

That opponent also won the final tournament and became the first champion in his 80s.

I was happy about that too. To think that it could have been me... (laughs)






June 21 (Saturday) Sunny

The daytime temperatures are harsh, but our house has not yet needed air conditioning, including at night from evening to morning.

Well, of course the windows are open, but the night breeze blows pleasantly...or rather, it moves slowly and I fall into a comfortable sleep.


Meanwhile, when I go down to the living room, it's already past 6 o'clock and the room temperature is steadily increasing...and it's not rising today.

I wondered if the temperature would remain comfortable like this. Yesterday, I took the pottery out of the kiln for the main firing, and it was a mix of joy and sorrow.


After examining the works, I will report on them along with my thoughts on them in the "About Pottery" section of the website.

Among these, I would like to point out that we have tested the color development of new coloring materials. We asked the manufacturer, "Does it contain any cadmium or lead compounds that violate the Food Sanitation Law?"

The manufacturer is adamant that it does not contain such substances, so please use it with confidence. However, as long as it has "made in China" on it, I will not trust it.

For the time being, I will consider using it only on vases and vases, but I will refrain from coloring tableware.






June 20th (Friday) Sunny

The firing of pottery, which had been prepared for a long time, was carried out today as scheduled.

It was 6am and the temperature was cloudy, so I thought it would be a good timing to fire on a cool day.


It's already been an hour since the fire was lit, and the weather, which had been cloudy until then, has become sunny and the temperature has risen.

Today is the 64th firing. But it's hot, so as soon as I put in the fuel, I come back and monitor it through the living room window.


The temperature rise in the pottery kiln is displayed on a thermocouple thermometer, so I plot the numbers on graph paper at hand and predict the estimated temperature in the future.

Therefore, the work program has been established that firing will be completed in approximately 12 hours for the materials currently used.

It will be completed by 5:00 a.m. while it is still light, if the target temperature of 1225°C is maintained for three hours.

Although we are getting used to it, the temperature we are handling is still high at 1200°C. As always, we must be vigilant and safety first.


Today, we will safely turn off the fire, seal the kiln, and cool it until tomorrow.



June 19th (Thursday) Sunny

This year, it's the season for elderly health checkups and medical checkups.

Except for the options, other general items are free, so I went for a checkup with a few options.


I usually have a gastroscopy and endoscope, but this year I've been getting plenty of treatment at the cancer center, so I had other things done.

I thought I should have an eye exam, which I haven't had in a while, and ask about my fundus, cataracts, glaucoma, etc. with the doctor.


Then I had the usual blood test taken. My arms are already so green that mosquitoes are happy to see them.

What's wrong? , no blood comes out even when the needle is inserted into the vein.

I don't want to do this anymore during cancer treatment!! I've had so many blood draws and injections.

Maybe the blood vessels in the usual parking area have hardened. Today, I was finally able to draw blood while lying down for the third time.


A lot of things happen when you get older.



Wednesday, June 18th, Sunny

The temperature rose more than yesterday in the morning.

At breakfast, the three windows in the living room were open and the temperature was already 28°C.


By the time we finished eating at 8:00, it was 29°C. Today was the day we were going to the pool, so we didn't turn on the air conditioner until we left.

From now on, it's not good for your body to go in and out of an air-conditioned room, so turn on the air conditioner when you come back from the pool.

My body was still warm enough, so the pool, where the water temperature hadn't risen yet, was a comfortable otherworldly place.

Well, I'd like to come here every day on this hot day, but that's not possible.

There must be a table tennis tournament for middle school students in the city today, and many players were having lunch in the shade of the trees.


Good luck, everyone.



June 17th (Tuesday) Sunny

Personally, I think today's sunlight and heat were probably the best this year.

My house is in the suburbs of Kawaguchi City, and it's relatively cool in the summer, but when I think back on it, the intensity of the sunlight today was understandably hot.


Still, the humidity wasn't the worst, so I worked on pottery in the studio.

I've said many times that there are many obstacles to overcome before a ceramic product is born, and that a work cannot be created without overcoming these obstacles.

Among them, the large plate I'm currently working on...well, this is common to all plates, but like a normal tea bowl, the base...I wouldn't say that the foot is important, but the processing of the bottom is also important.

After many failed attempts, I came up with the idea of ??using cushioning material.

The bottom is also quite heavy, so the plate gets crushed and broken during the processing stage.


Until now, my daily evening walk has been around 3 o'clock. However, from today I postponed it to 4:30, but the sunlight is still very strong.

From tomorrow, I think it will be much less tiring to bring a parasol, so I will try to do that.

June 16th (Monday) Sunny

Last night, I slept with the bedroom window wide open for the first time this year, and it was a very comfortable sleep. However, I don't know what time it was, but it got cold so I closed it.

And today during the day, I thought it would be quite hot, but there were still a lot of clouds and the sunshine was not enough, so it wasn't that hot.


Last week, I had a hollow after treatment at the Cancer Center, and today I visited the hospital to hear the results.

Before the doctor explained, "Have you noticed any changes in your physical condition?" "No, I'm completely fine in every way, and I feel like my physical strength has returned to a great extent."

"I see..." There were no abnormalities in the camera or CT scan. And the overall score of the blood test has recovered to the same level as before the anti-cancer treatment.

I stopped taking medicines to treat general urinary dysfunction last time, and I will stop taking medicines for blood sugar levels from now on. In other words, I was told that my condition has miraculously returned to what it was before chemotherapy.

On the way back, I visited Omiya Bonsai Village. I was encouraged to learn that some trees that are 200 to 300 years old are still 500 years old.

I also bought a maple plant and placed it in a pot I made. I'd like to see what it will look like in 200 years.

Sunday, June 15th, cloudy

The rain seemed to have stopped early in the morning. The forecast said that it would rain heavily when we left home.

It seemed that the rain had recovered quickly, which was a relief.


The schedule for various sports related to neighborhood associations in the city is finally getting tight, with finals for each block, so we can't use the usual sports center.

Our home has been under construction for four years, and we had two other sports centers in reserve, but these were also unavailable.

All that's left is to use a facility that has a room dedicated to table tennis.

The Shiba Sports Center is often used for tournaments, and there are about eight table tennis tables permanently set up next to it. We reserved one and volunteered to use it today.

We managed to secure two cars, but there were only five of us, so we had plenty of time to rest and it was a good practice. This was especially important because next week is the Cupola Cup.



Saturday, June 14th, cloudy

It's not raining, and the temperature is low and the humidity is high.

As I was constantly honing my plate making skills, I felt like I had found a turning point to success.


I see... After trying several times, I felt like I was beginning to understand that there was an important turning point between failure and success.

However, it takes a lot of physical strength to handle 3kg of clay to make this big plate, so it's difficult to keep trying.

I've had to knead that 3kg of clay into a chrysanthemum shape and put it on the potter's wheel so many times recently. My muscles are wanting a rest here and there.

Once you have a good grasp of the technique, take a break and tidy up your surroundings.

Switch your mindset and apply glaze to prepare for the next firing.



June 13th (Friday) Cloudy

It's been cloudy since the morning. It's not sunny, it's not raining, it's not refreshing all day.

But thankfully, although the humidity was a little high, the temperature didn't rise, so it was a comfortable day.


First thing in the morning, the clay I ordered online arrived by courier. What a blessing! .

I tried again the large plate I made the other day. That time, I kneaded 3kg of clay well and put it on the potter's wheel.

This time, I measured it on a scale and tried again with the same 3kg of clay.

As you know, a large plate... you have to spread your wings as wide as possible. But that's where the tragedy begins.

Because the wings are so large, they have to withstand gravity and still maintain their shape. Gravity won out halfway through and they drooped.

Such failures are normal, and the clay can be collected and reused.

June 12th (Thursday) Sunny

The rain stopped in the morning and it was a clear, sunny day.

I thought it would be clear and sunny today, but the temperature was still low and it was cloudy.


It's been a turbulent day lately. I've been shaping pottery from time to time in between.

Some of the pieces were made on the potter's wheel, but some were hand-kneaded.

The clay was supposed to have run out at the end of last year, but it was late because I hadn't been shaping it for a while due to cancer treatment, so today was the last day.

I immediately ordered new clay online.





June 11th (Wed) Rain

It rained again today, sometimes heavily, but by the time we went to the pool it had subsided.

The temperature was low, probably just above 20 degrees.


Because the temperature is low, my body is quite cold.

It's strange, but when the temperature doesn't rise this much, I feel like I'm in a heated pool without any resistance when I enter the pool.

It's strange, though, because last week the water temperature in the pool didn't change, but when my body was warm it felt cold.

Today, there was a local basketball game at the gymnasium, so I parked my car far away and jogged around, minding the rain.





June 10th (Tuesday) Rain

It's been raining since morning. As the weather forecast predicted, I was happy to stay at home.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has just announced the start of the rainy season in the Kanto-Koshinetsu region.


There's a saying that it's cold during the rainy season, so today's temperature is just that kind of day.

Well, it's not cold enough to light the stove, but I thought it would be comfortable to make a piece.

I've been doing pottery on bad weather days recently, and today I felt like making a sake cup, so I made one.

Time flies when you're making something like this.





June 9th (Monday) Sunny

When I went to the foot of Mt. Tanigawa, I picked up as many flat stones as possible from the bank of the Yubiso River that flows there.

It was not cloudy or clear from the morning, but it was sunny with some intermittent sunshine.


I had been worried about the stones I was using to retain soil in my flower bed for a while, but they were too big and gradually sunk, causing water to spill out from the gaps between the stones.


I was thinking about doing something about the large stones that made the flower area feel a little cramped.

Then I replaced it with a flat stone and it looked a lot cleaner.

The flowers are just starting to bloom, and the lilies have started to bloom.





June 8th (Sun) Sunny

At the inn at the foot of Mt. Tanigawa, we had a great time talking and stayed up late, so it was the first time in a while that we had a lack of sleep.

So, I went to bed after 7 o'clock last night, and it was worth it, because I was able to wake up refreshed this morning.


For the past four years, I have been practicing at various places for the club's table tennis practice center, but today I went to the Shingo Sports Center, which I haven't been to much.

This place is relatively new, as it was built to the same blueprint as the Kita Sports Center that we used before, but the layout is the same, so I feel nostalgic.


And above all, I'm happy that we were able to practice for two full hours this time as well.

Although it's still not a scorching hot gym, I can say that I've definitely gotten stronger.





June 7th (Saturday) Sunny

The weather was clear and wonderful from the morning. The young people were full of energy and all got up early.

I was probably the biggest morning sleeper. I finally got up at 6:30 and sat down at the dining table, and everyone was having breakfast.


I was a little sleep-deprived, but I was able to eat with them.

Then the young people went out to the snowfield to ski. Like me, those who had decided to graduate from skiing at this time of year took it easy.


I enjoyed the morning bath again.

Still, I left around 9 o'clock and came to the same place as yesterday, where I had decided to sketch.

The wind was really refreshing, but the sunlight was intense.



June 6th (Friday) Sunny My regular check-up at the Cancer Center ended with an endoscopy yesterday and a CT scan today.

And today, I came to Mt. Tanigawa to have a drink at the hot spring inn Eirakuso in Yubiso in the evening.


My skiing buddies at Mt. Tanigawa Machiga for the first time in a while had a drink together.












June 5th (Thursday) Sunny

I woke up at the usual time. Today I went to the cancer center for a regular checkup by bus or train.

During the checkup, there is an endoscopic camera, and that thick thing is inserted not through the nose but through the throat.


Well, it's not painful because you are properly numbed with anesthesia, but please avoid coming to the hospital by car.

If you take the first bus in the morning without eating, you will arrive just before your appointment time of 9:00.


Even after the examination and rest period are over, it is still before 10:00. For now, I ordered udon noodles for a late breakfast at the hospital's Esophagus.

It was midsummer sunshine outside, but it wasn't too harsh. The wind just seemed to blow with a crispness.

Both horses and people were running lightly in the riding arena in front of the Cancer Center Hospital.



Wednesday, June 4th, Sunny

It's been fine since the morning. The temperature has risen steadily with the sunshine, and it's one of the hottest days I've experienced this year.

My body is hot today, but the water temperature is still the same as usual, so the temperature difference is incredible.


It took courage to jump into the cold water.

I've been using my underwater goggles for 2-3 years now, but they're covered in oil and I can't get a clear view even after cleaning them.


I should have replaced them sooner, since they were only a little over 1,000 yen. Today, the visibility underwater is good, so it feels good to swim.

There was no thunder in the evening, but the clear sky suddenly turned to rain, so I hurried up to the second and third floors and closed the windows.

The bedroom was in danger.



June 3rd (Tuesday) Rain It's been raining coldly since the morning. It's burnable garbage collection day, so I took an umbrella and went to the collection point on the bus route.

But the temperature is still around 20 degrees... this is the highest temperature of the day. They say the temperature will gradually drop further.


First thing in the morning, I went to the local clinic to get medicine for geriatric diseases, which I get once every two months.

Despite the rain, there were a lot of patients, and among them, there were surprisingly many who came to see me because they were feeling a bit sick at this time of year.


After returning home, I turned on the radio and spent time in my studio. It seemed like the news was about someone's death towards the end of the news.

I started making clay sculptures. This is fun in its own way, different from shaping on a potter's wheel. Before I knew it, it was lunchtime and I stopped and watched the TV to learn about the death of Shigeo Nagashima.

After lunch, I continued working on the clay model, but time passed quickly. I managed to finish it before dinner. It was fun.



June 2nd (Mon) Cloudy

This is a ceramic work that was announced after updating the HP in June. It was the first large plate that was made, and after the molding, drying, and bisque firing, it made a huge blunder during the actual performance.

In the course of this process, one of the three plates cracked and fell off during the bisque firing stage, and although the middle plate was successful in the final firing, the main large plate turned out terrible.


The main cause of this was that glassy steam crystallized here and there in the kiln, which grew larger with each firing, and finally fell off and fell onto the work.

The first thing that caught my eye when I opened the kiln door were glassy crystals.

The three carborundum plates set in the kiln were carefully scraped off with a steel blade to remove any glassy material.


Aluminum hydroxide was applied to protect the expensive carborundum plates in case of failure during the final firing.

The interior was beautifully set up and we were just waiting for the next firing.

We also cleaned up the surroundings, which naturally made us motivated to work on our next piece. A day like that ended quickly.

June 1st (Sun) Sunny

The temperature is low, so when I sleep deep in my futon, I think I want to sleep forever.

But today is the club table tennis practice day. I hardened my heart and got out of bed.


Last week, there was a table tennis team match of the Kawaguchi City Table Tennis Federation. Our Yuyukai Table Tennis Club A team won the third division league and will be promoted to the second division league next time.

The relatively young B team did their best in the fifth division league but were unable to be promoted, and our 80-year-old C team remained in the fourth division league and will do our best next time.

It was the first practice day since the battle ended, but everyone seemed to have done their best in the women's league as well, so they all started new practice with a sense of relief.


My physical strength, especially my endurance, has improved, and I was only able to practice for about an hour before the team match.

I've gained confidence since I played six matches in the tournament, and today I was able to practice for a full two hours.



May 31 (Saturday) Rain

I didn't expect it to be this cold today, even though it's the last day of May.

When I think back, there were some days at the beginning of this month when the temperature was like summer, but in the middle of the month, the weather was unstable and there was no sunshine, so the days were cold.


And then, at the end of May, it rained again today, just like yesterday, and the temperature was 15℃ with a northeasterly wind...? It was a cold day at my house, about the same as late March.

I had already finished cleaning the stove, but I turned it on again today. It's warm...


It's been four years since the Sogo department store in front of Kawaguchi Station closed, but it seems that a new operator has taken over, as reported on NHK news today.

It's called "Rara Terrace."

It's close to the bus stop to come to my house, so it's convenient for people who want to do some shopping here and have a drink at home.

Well, I don't see any real benefit from it in my life, but I'm happy if it helps the town flourish.



May 30th (Friday) Rain

It must have been raining since midnight. I woke up to the sound of the rain, so I was prepared.

I'm going to spend the whole day inside the house today. Even so, the temperature was only a little above 15°C, so I'll turn on the heater.


After breakfast, I cleaned up and spent some time on my computer writing my thoughts on the book I finished reading yesterday. It gradually got colder, so I finally turned on the air conditioner.

They said that this temperature and weather would continue tomorrow. I was planning to spend tomorrow in my studio, so I think I should light the stove.

I was happy that this week would be the perfect time to do pottery using fire, but I hope the temperature will rise when I'm not using the pottery kiln.


It's around 3 o'clock, my usual time for a walk. Oh? It seems the rain has stopped.

I took my umbrella and went out for a walk. Along the Minuma irrigation canal, bamboo trees filled with rainwater were hanging here and there.

I walked up the slope from the canal and about two-thirds of the way along the walk, and although it wasn't raining, a cold drizzle was pouring down.

I'm glad I brought my down jacket. I shouldn't complain about the cold, the heatwaves are just around the corner.



May 29th (Thursday) Cloudy

The weather forecast says rain from the west, but even if it does rain in the Kanto region, it will probably start at night.

No rain today. I visited Hatanodai Station on the Tokyu Ikegami Line, which was featured on NHK's Capital Region program three days ago.


When I got off the platform, the pleasant scent of the wood made me feel somehow happy.

Acorn seedlings were being grown beside the platform, and when they grew, the trees would be returned to the forest in Tama.

The waiting room is also comfortably equipped with wooden benches, and you can feel the love for wood.

There is also a bench that can be hung up along the wall of the platform, which is not very wide, and I think this idea was made possible by trees.


The Tokyu Ikegami Line has nothing to do with my life, but I feel a sense of familiarity with people who are on the same wavelength as me, and I want to cheer them on.

In fact, Togoshi Ginza Station, two stations before this station, was also built using a lot of wood.

On the way back, I got off the train once and explored the platform there for a while.



Wednesday, May 28th, Sunny

It was a nice, dry day. But the temperature was lower than average.

The sunshine finally reached the Kanto region, which had been getting less sunshine recently, for a long time.


After breakfast and cleaning up, I opened the door to the pottery kiln to see yesterday's work.

The score was only 7 points, which was low.

Well, the main attraction was the large plate with the largest diameter ever, which attracted a lot of attention.

Oh no... there was a stain on the wing of the plate, probably due to some glaze falling off the wall inside the kiln. I need to do a complete inspection and cleaning of the kiln again.


On the day we were scheduled to go swimming last week, the temperature was high, but the water temperature was still at the right temperature... but it still felt cold.

Today the sun came out and my body was still warm as I headed to the pool, but the water temperature felt too cold at first. I guess now is the time to enjoy this luxury.



May 27th (Tuesday) Cloudy

As I announced yesterday, the kiln door suddenly broke during this work, which caused a panic, but we were able to start today's firing with emergency welding.

I had already set up some kindling, so I started the fire at 6am this morning.


I was communicating with my radio friends on their way to work during breakfast, but I made two trips to get through today by putting in more firewood.

After eating and cleaning up, the temperature was still 400°C. The real work is yet to come.


The weather seems to be fully cooperating with today's firing and the rest of the pottery firing, and although it's a cold rainy season, I was happy about this.

If we can somehow get it to 1000°C by around noon, we can leave the temperature control to the kerosene burner and the tap will determine how hot it is.

The dryness of the firewood and its size also affect combustion. Today everything is just right and it's burning well.

The fire is rising vigorously from the smoke exhaust at the top of the kiln, proving that it is burning well.

After about 12 hours of firing, we turned off the fire at 6pm and sealed each opening of the kiln.

May 26th (Monday) Cloudy

The weather has been cloudy since the morning, and the temperature is low. The clouds that seem to be a remnant of yesterday have not left the sky.

In the end, the weather remained unsettled all day... or rather, it seems that this weather will continue for a while.


One of the plates that I bisque-fired three days ago cracked and was dropped, but I prepared the rest for the final firing.

The large plate I was looking forward to... I had cleared the bisque firing, so I wanted to finish it somehow.


When I opened the door of the pottery kiln to apply the glaze and load the kiln, there was a loud "bang!" and the door tilted.

The welded part of the door pillar came off because it wasn't welded properly.

I quickly pulled out the welding equipment from the warehouse and did some welding work for the first time in a long time. It's been so long that my skills and experience have faded.

Well, it stuck together without any problems for the time being, but the welded part is so thick that it could come off again at any time.

I can hear the voice of my friend, the president of a steelworks, from heaven: "This can't be called a pain!"

May 25th (Sunday) Cloudy

Unfortunately, it's raining, but it seems to be recovering by morning.

Today is the day of the Kawaguchi Table Tennis Federation's men's team match. I participated in the team's last place, although I am not very good at it.


Kawaguchi City's table tennis team matches are ranked from 1st to 5th divisions, but our club's C team, which is made up of the elders, is somehow fighting in the 4th division league.

A block of 4 teams plays a league match, and if they win all of their matches, they are promoted to the higher league, and if they lose all of their matches, they are relegated. Today, we have already played against 2 teams and are already at the brink of collapse with scores of 1-3 and 1-3.

If we lose the remaining matches, we will be relegated. The members in the first match tried hard and won, the members in the second match won without complaint, and the members in the third match are struggling.

I also played the fourth match while thinking about the third match. In the end, we won all four matches, including mine, and we were able to maintain our league status.

I was tired, but I was able to finish it in a fun way.





May 24th (Saturday) Cloudy

I've been going to Akihabara a lot recently for wireless equipment, and it's rained twice, so I've been going by car.

What should I do today? Will it rain again? No, it doesn't look like it's going to rain until the evening today, so I'll go by train.


Of course, there's a hidden agenda behind going by train. Today is exactly one month since my 83rd birthday, so I'm celebrating it.

Anyway, I haven't been to a bar in over a year. On the way back from Akihabara, I made the excuse, "Oh, I got off the train again..."

By the way, there was a fire at Akabane Ichibangai when I wasn't here, but now everything is peaceful.

The appearance of the store and the counter are exactly the same as before. The behavior of the staff behind the counter is also taking orders...huh? Entering them into a tablet...?

Previously, they would say to the cashier in a loud and powerful voice, "Hi! Number 5, one loach toji!" but I'm worried that they might have accepted the order.

But I was relieved to see that the loach toji arrived with the same appearance, shape, and taste as before.

As for the bill...the proprietress used to count the balls like an abacus and say, "Yes, it's 2,600 yen," but now the staff member smoothly takes the bill from her hand...It's changed a bit.

May 23rd (Friday) Cloudy

I was expecting a chilly morning, but it seems the temperature is not rising as much as I expected.

I'll have to weave one more layer than usual, otherwise it will be too cold. I was right to schedule pottery on a day like this.


Because it's bisque firing, the target temperature is 800°C. On the day of the main firing, the firing is hurriedly started early in the morning to raise the temperature, but today I'm taking it easy.

The important thing about temperature management in bisque firing is to proceed slowly so that the steam generated at around 100°C does not damage the clay.

When it gets close to 400°C, the organic remains contained in the clay will start to gasify. If you don't proceed slowly here, it will explode and break.

Up until about 600°C, I spent a lot of time adding large firewood like the kind used for stove fuel, but then I started adding more well-dried, finely split firewood.

The temperature rose quickly and reached the target of 800°C just after 2pm.

The kiln this time contains the largest plate we had the other day. If it's safe, I'm looking forward to what happens next.



May 22 (Thursday) Cloudy

It was hot and humid last night, and it continued to be so in the morning.

But after 3pm, I felt like the wind was changing direction and it was getting cooler.


During cancer treatment... I realized how wonderful it is to be healthy, and I thought that I had to overcome this treatment at all costs in order to regain that health.

And when I was going to do rehabilitation in Nordic skiing, I first tried to get clothing that would make me feel positive in order to lift my spirits.

The clothing I came across was DUARIG, made in France. Feelings are big, and this new clothing helped me endure the difficult rehabilitation at high altitudes and improved my physical strength.

Right now, I'm trying to improve my physical strength through club table tennis practice, but I'm still halfway through. Meanwhile, the team competition will start this weekend.

Anyway, I was thinking of breaking away from the so-called training wear of the past, so today I went to buy some summer sportswear.

I was distracted... They were all functional and many of them had designs that lifted my spirits. ...And so, the Dualig contributed to my rehabilitation during the winter.

I've renewed my resolve to make sports fun, not fighting, from now on.

Wednesday, May 21st, Sunny

The heat is about the same as yesterday, but today the humidity will be even higher, so it's important to be extra careful about heatstroke...

It was certainly dry yesterday, but today there is no wind and the humidity feels sticky.


Of course, during this winter, I often had to take a break from going to the pool while skiing, but this year is different.

Since last summer, I have been suspected of having esophageal cancer and have been going to the Prefectural Cancer Center for tests and other things that have taken up a lot of time.

And of course, I was hospitalized and had surgery... and then a schedule was set for scientific anti-cancer treatment after the new year, and I was finally released at the beginning of March.

However, because of the supplementary tests and instructions from my doctor, everything took priority over me, it was difficult to find a date to go swimming on the pool day.

When my doctor asked me if I could decide the dates of future tests as I had done in the past, I decided to go to the pool on Wednesdays if possible.

Today was the first time I was able to go to the pool. It was such a hot day, so I thought it would be very refreshing.

Even though my body was hot, the water temperature in the pool had not yet risen, so I was surprised at how cold it was due to the temperature difference. However, from now on, the water temperature will gradually rise due to the influence of the high air temperature.

May 20th (Tuesday) Sunny

It's forecast to be a first-class summer day.

It's said that it will exceed 30 degrees Celsius in Saitama, and even 35 degrees Celsius in the Chichibu area.


The other day I drove to Tokyo. It was a holiday, and it rained from the morning, but I was able to get there without any problems.

Today, it's the same Akihabara, but it's a weekday, and the weather is sunny and hot. Luckily, I was able to park in the parking lot on the side of the road from Manseibashi Bridge.

That's right. From this location, you can go to the wireless equipment store under the overpass in 20 minutes. It only cost 300 yen.

I then went to Kandahar Ski Pro Shop on Yasukuni Street and bought a ski backpack that I had always wanted.

Luckily, the on-street parking here was open, so I was able to use it. I was lucky today.

Anyway, I stopped at a red light in Tokyo. The driver of the Akabou car that was parked right behind me got out and knocked on my car.

"It's been a long time," "Oh! Hello, I never thought I'd meet you here..." It was a practice buddy from the table tennis club.

May 19th (Monday) Cloudy

The temperature is not as high as yesterday, so today's weather is a good time to take precautions against the cold.

If the sunshine comes out, the temperature will rise a little and it will be more comfortable... It was a day that made me think that.


Yesterday's Yomiuri Shimbun came with a separate Sunday edition, but I was busy yesterday so I only looked at it today.

Among them were various puzzles, and for some reason I could not skip the crossword puzzles, and I always got them right and finished them.

I filled in the questions with the horizontal clues, and left the parts I did not understand as they were, and went to the vertical clues. That usually filled in the questions that I did not understand with the horizontal clues.

But what happened today? I can't figure it out because it's crossed vertically and horizontally... and even when I searched for something in the dictionary or on my computer, I couldn't find it!

Well, I spent some time thinking about it again after lunch, but I still couldn't figure it out. Damn it!! I lost at my first ever crossword puzzle.



May 18th (Sunday) Cloudy

The weather forecast said it would be very hot. On such a day, I went to practice at the table tennis club.

It wasn't that hot in the morning, so I put on a jacket, but took it off when I arrived at the sports center just before 9 o'clock.


The gymnasium was a relatively cool environment.

However, my physical condition is still not such that I can keep going for a long time, but I still managed to play for an hour and a half.

The team tournament will be held next week. I plan to participate in the tournament without pushing myself too hard.

Our team consists of four members in their 80s, but this time one of them is hospitalized for surgery and is out. Last time, I was also out of the team, so this is a critical moment.





May 17th (Saturday) Rain

Today's newspaper said that the Council for Cultural Affairs has designated the Tower of the Sun, which was built 50 years ago and installed at the Expo site, as an important cultural property.

I had been interested in it myself, but when I found out that my friend had visited the Tower of the Sun, I suddenly went to visit it too.


I then made a painting based on the sketch I made at that time and introduced it on my website in January of this year.

Works of art have an interesting charm, and even if you react negatively to them at first, you can't help but be interested in them after a while.

I had been thinking that I had to go and see it, but I was just about to feel the urge to make a painting of it.

The previous Expo was probably over 50 years ago, and it has been going since then, so the lack of reaction to it being designated an Important Cultural Property only now is just like me.

The designation this time is about the architectural technique. Looking at it from the side, it is certainly clear that the huge arms stretching out 25m to the side could have been installed so stably with the technique of the time.

It seems that it will be some time before we can change our perspective and designate it as an Important Cultural Property as an art and craft item.

May 16th (Friday) Sunny

It was sunny but a bit gloomy this morning, and it seems like the weather is heading downhill.

The humidity seems a bit high, and if the temperature keeps rising, it will be a very unpleasant day.


The other day I was in Katashina Village in Gunma Prefecture. At times like this, if you have various apps, you can get discounts on the facility fees, so I often use them.

If it's during the ski season, you can get a 50-100 yen discount by showing the app even if you use the hot springs there, so it feels like a great deal.

However, the ski season is already over... that's right, you can also get a discount if you show that you're a member of the JAF Automobile Federation. When I tried to open my smartphone there, a message appeared saying "Update your system."

I couldn't do it locally, so I tried to update it today after things had calmed down. It didn't work...

I spent 30 minutes trying to update my smartphone's system, but it didn't work.

On the other hand, the JAF website says, "We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused to some people..." blah blah blah. It's really stressful.

May 15th (Thursday) Sunny

The wood splitter and remaining firewood brought back from the mountain yesterday were still on the trailer, but I gradually cleared them away.

I spent a long time chopping firewood while wearing a suit that looked like I had stepped on a sumo wrestler's shiko, so my muscles were really sore.


I loaded the firewood that didn't fit in the tower onto the trailer, but most of it was knots and couldn't be split cleanly.

It didn't fit in the feed port to be burned in the stove, so I loaded it under the balcony in the garden instead of on the firewood drying rack to use as fuel for the pottery kiln.

In situations like this, a wheelbarrow is very useful, as it can load about 30 kg at a time, so I only had to carry it in about five times.

Also, when cutting logs into logs (cutting them to the same length to fit the stove), scraps are generated.

Most of them will be processed into fine firewood for kindling, but I plan to keep the ones with beautiful grain and a reasonable size for a while.

I brushed them well, washed them with water, and dried them.

May 14th (Wednesday) Sunny

Ahh, it's the morning at the Oze Katashina roadside station, and I can't jump out of bed because all my muscles are sore.

All the wood-chopping work is done, and the tools and remaining firewood are loaded onto the trailer. All that's left is to hitch it up and go home.


I slowly woke up and it's already the third morning of my car camping life. The temperature at night is quite comfortable for sleeping.

I was able to sleep soundly, and I'm so familiar with this roadside station that when I wake up I think, "Huh?! Where am I? This isn't home..."

I had breakfast, did my morning business, and was ready to leave. At 8 o'clock, I arrived at the trailer parking area, hitched it up, and checked it!

It's still this late, so I finished saying hello to the charcoal shop staff and Kyoko, the thatched roof dyer, yesterday.

Now, as I was about to leave, a person moved in the rearview mirror. Kyoko was up so early, and I'll meet her again in autumn. "Take care of each other..."



May 13th (Tuesday) Sunny

Yesterday's work was making firewood... cutting logs... but it was raining while I was cutting the logs to fit the stove.

It's been sunny since morning. The temperature is also crisp and makes me feel refreshed. It's hard to quit this job because of days like this.


Yesterday afternoon, the weather improved and we were able to start chopping firewood.

Today, the clear weather made it possible to start working at the workshop by 8 o'clock.

Kenichi, who is working on charcoal next to me, and Kei-kun, who is just checking the condition of the charcoal kiln that was lit yesterday, have plenty to talk about in between.

We were excited to hear that Kei-kun has decided to travel around Europe in June. He said he wants to investigate the charcoal-making situation in each country and would like to hear about it when he returns home.

We were able to maintain the seasonal scenery of Katashina Village this year as well.



May 12th (Monday) Light rain

It was raining during the night. I thought the weather was progressing as predicted.

When I woke up at the usual time, the rain had stopped and the surrounding scenery was exactly like it had just rained. I wonder if it will recover and become sunny from now on.


I had told the charcoal maker that I would be working from today, so he had already prepared the necessary amount of lumber at my workshop.

I started right away, but the weather forecast was sunny, and sometimes it even rained lightly, which was frustrating.

Still, it wasn't bad enough to need shelter, so I put on my raincoat and continued working. The rain was not more than a light rain, and we managed to continue working.

After a period of light rain, we worked under mostly cloudy skies, but the temperature was low, which was a good thing.

We finished at 4 o'clock, and it looks like the sky is heading for clear skies tomorrow, hey! I'm looking forward to the weather! 。



May 11th (Sun) Sunny

This summer is forecast to be quite hot. And they say the hot days are likely to arrive quite early.

Last year, we started chopping firewood in Gunma in June, but this year, we are heading out today to finish early.


Yesterday's weather in Saitama was slow to improve, so we loaded the trailer with mountain tools such as a firewood splitter and set off this morning.

Today, we were driving with a trailer, so we drove very carefully and at a moderate speed.

When we entered National Route 50, the sky was clear and we felt welcomed.

We arrived in Katashina Village just before 3 o'clock, left the trailer at the work site for tomorrow, and went straight to Yoriiyama Onsen to relax for the first time in a while.

As expected, the cold wind still blew here in the evening, so we still had to take off our down jackets.



May 10th (Saturday) Rain, then cloudy

It was raining when I woke up as predicted by the weather forecast. I had already expected it and was prepared, so I wasn't discouraged.

I had decided yesterday to do some ceramics today with a strong resolve.


I had planned to mold something on the potter's wheel for the first time in a while. Before that, I was worried about what was happening to the clay.

It has been proven for many years that the clay used for molding will last quite a long time if it is kept in a plastic case and moistened with a wet towel.

Clay certainly looks solid when it is left still, but it becomes fluid when it is loaded. This is the same phenomenon that occurs when the ground for a house liquefies during an earthquake.

When kneaded well, the surface of the clay mass looks like chrysanthemum petals, so it is also called chrysanthemum kneading.

I suddenly tried a large plate. First, I tried a size of about 25 cm, which is the size that usually works well, so I tried the limit.

I don't know what happened, but I ended up making the largest plate I had ever made. When I measured it with the dragonfly I use as a scale, it was the largest size that could be put into the kiln.

May 9th (Friday) Cloudy

As if by agreement, the weather changes every day. The morning started with a cloudy sky that was not very clear.

Incidentally, today is the day for general household garbage collection, so I went to the bus route that is a garbage station.


Every year in May, automobile tax is paid, and my family received a tax notice.

The amount was 45,400 yen. My car is already 21 years old, so I'm sure there will be no tax reduction measures for exhaust gas regulations for a long time, but it's less than I expected.

Even so, the tax payment system in society is very strict.

I accessed my bank account through internet banking, and when I entered the collection agency number, payment number, confirmation number, and payment category, the exact amount I paid was displayed and it was taken away. Amazing! (lol)

Anyway, my car is getting old, but I'll keep using it as my tool for a while longer.



May 8th (Thursday) Sunny

I thought it would be a bit cloudy in the morning, but after 8 o'clock it cleared up and the temperature rose.

I received my medical records from the cancer center I was staying at in accordance with the information disclosure system.


This winter I've been busy with a series of esophageal cancer-related treatments. But even now, there are still a lot of questions about the history of that treatment that I wonder why.

It's over now, so isn't it okay? You might think that, but I predicted this disease 10 years ago and was waiting for it.

Despite that, the doctors and nurses who explain the condition are so busy that I don't have time to listen to their explanations in detail. This medical institution was a little too cold towards someone like me who was not in a life-or-death situation.

There were several times when the doctor in charge and the person in question would not even let me take pictures of the image monitor when I was receiving explanations. Male doctors don't mind and let me take pictures, but female doctors (maybe it's just a coincidence) are in the rules and that's a problem! .

So I appealed to the medical compliance department of the cancer center, checked the information disclosure system, and requested disclosure.

It cost about 3,000 yen, but they disclosed everything. There were 361 sheets of medical records, more than 500 images on a CD-ROM, and even contact information regarding the handover of the doctor in charge and exchanges between the doctors who had originally performed the health check and the doctors who had requested the cancer center... it was very interesting.

May 7th (Wednesday) Sunny

It was a beautiful, eye-opening day.

Two weeks ago, I wore an electrocardiogram monitor for a week straight, and today I came to hear the explanation after the analysis was completed.


The wind was a little strong, but it was a pleasant May day. Just one year ago, my heart arrhythmia was a problem, and I underwent catheter heart surgery.

I heard that my senior from the ski club had his second surgery, and that adventurer Yuichiro Miura had his third surgery before going to Everest.

In my case, there were no problems during the follow-up observations one month, three months, and six months after surgery. And this was the final examination of my first year, and I passed, so I have been decided to graduate.

According to the doctor, the pulse rate of 833,000 beats (1 week) was fine and there were no problems.

"During the measurement period, there were two days when the heart rate was extremely high, and tomorrow was the day." "Yes, I did high altitude skiing training at an altitude of 2,000m."

After this, I will transfer to electrocardiogram management for the annual regular adult disease checkup... I am happy to report that I have graduated.

May 6th (Tuesday) Rain

Once again, the weather changes daily... today has been a perfect rainy day since the morning.

General household garbage is collected twice a week, but I was able to take it to the collection site while it was still raining lightly.


I am an amateur radio user, and when I'm at home, I enjoy talking to my friends every morning as a fixed station.

Even when I'm traveling by car, I call out "CQ local..." and talk to my friends at my destination.

Recently, something's been strange... Looking closely, I see that the antenna is malfunctioning and chipped. It's a common accident, but it seems to be the same.

I need to buy a new one... but today is still a holiday. Okay, let's drive to Akihabara! .

It's been more than 15 years since I last came here by car. Where did the old town go?!

The store selling wireless equipment was in an old building.

May 5th (Monday) Sunny

It was a pleasant sunny morning. I had decided to oversleep because I hadn't practiced table tennis in a while yesterday.

Well, fortunately I had practiced moderately yesterday, so I woke up a little late without too much damage.


In other words, it was the first time in a while that I had a day to relax at home. I decided to clean after breakfast.

First of all, the vacuum cleaner. I changed the attachment and cleaned all the rooms on the first floor from the living room, the stairs to the second floor, and the stairs to the third floor.

I felt good after using the vacuum cleaner in the studio and Western-style room on the second floor, and my bedroom on the third floor.

I also cleaned the toilet. I even used chemical detergent on the parts that were difficult to clean with a brush.

I spent the whole morning devoted to cleaning. Well, it's okay to have a day like this every once in a while. The carp streamers look nice.



May 4th (Sunday) Sunny

The temperature is not that high. Table tennis players are starting to prepare for the spring team match from today.

It's still a long holiday, but many club members should come as usual.


To get to the sports center where table tennis practice is held, we use the side road of the outer ring road...R298, but for some reason there were a lot of police officers this morning.

It seems that they are setting up a speed trap, and many of the cars of vacationers are being caught.


When we arrived at the sports center and asked everyone about their situation, it seemed that there were no problems.

It's been a while since we last practiced table tennis, but we started off moderately without pushing ourselves too hard.





May 3rd (Saturday) Sunny

I had given up on skiing this year, but after finishing chemotherapy for esophageal cancer, I went to the ski resort the next day after completing my final examination on March 3rd and 4th.

Then I was shocked. I couldn't ski... I didn't have the strength to push myself forward. Even when I turned, I couldn't withstand the pressure...


While I was feeling disappointed in the open-air bath at Hanasaki-no-Yu, the athletes who had finished the All Japan Masters Tournament came into the bath.

There, I happened to have a conversation with an athlete who had participated in cross-country skiing, and he recommended cross-country skiing to recover his strength.


I still skied 24 days this season. Most of that time I spent cross-country skiing to recover my strength.

It was a tough time, but I set my goal to win a prize in the All Japan Masters Cross Country.

The competition was held on a special slope at an altitude of 2,000 meters, aiming to win in both classical skiing and free skating.

Today's weather was clear, and I put my gear away with a fair amount of satisfaction.

May 2nd (Friday) Rain

The long weekend is finally in the second half. My schedule had me planning to go skiing on these two days if possible.

Well, that depends on the weather. After skiing in good weather yesterday, the weather was rapidly declining, so I headed home.


As expected, it started raining in the early hours of the morning. Today was the day for collecting household garbage, so I was able to take out all the garbage generated on the mountain.

I felt a sense of relief. In other words, it was the moment I realized that the ski season was over.


Now that I think about it, I had been living a life without reading for a while.

I made some coffee and read a book... I wonder how many days it had been since I had such a calm day.





May 1st (Thursday) Sunny

It was a little chilly in the morning at the Oze Katashina Roadside Station. As usual, I had some tea, got ready to go, and headed to the ski resort.

It was a long weekend, so I couldn't predict how crowded it would be, so I arrived a little early, just before 7:00.


Oh no... I was the first one there, but there were still two hours to go, so I prepared breakfast and ate.

I was completely ready by the time the ski resort was at 0-10 minutes.


Club member Tanaka-san still makes the most of his little time on the alpine ski slopes, while Akiyama-san is now a mountain climbing alpinist.

Akiyama-san and I took the gondola to the top of the mountain and said goodbye there.

I had been doing classic skiing for a while, so I reviewed it with skating skis for the first time in two months.

At first I was flipping over so easily, but today I didn't fall once and I didn't have any dangerous experiences. I guess I'm getting used to it.

Wednesday, April 30th, Sunny

Today we are heading to the ski resort. As expected, it's a long weekend...there seem to be a lot of cars on the usual general roads.

After leaving the city and entering the mountains, the driving finally started to feel normal.


Usually it takes exactly 4 hours to get there, but it took almost 5 hours, so I was a little tired.

After a short nap, I woke up and saw a skiing buddy from Tochigi Prefecture coming into the roadside station. He opened the window and said "Hello, hey...", but then just left.


By this time, it was already evening, and I was thinking about starting a drink, when Seiichi knocked on the door.

It's been a while since we've had a drink in the car.

It's a bit cold wind, but I think the conditions will be quite good tomorrow.



April 29th (Tuesday) Sunny

It's a beautiful sunny day. The breeze is fresh and I don't sweat even if I work a little.

I still have plans to go skiing, but I think it's okay to change the tires.


Every summer, I used to sweat a lot when changing tires, but today's comfortable weather makes it easier.

Also, since last time, I've changed the jack to lift the car to an electric one, so it's much easier and safer.


But it's become a bit slower and slower, so the time it takes hasn't changed much.

Even so, I was able to finish changing and storing the tires in the morning with plenty of time to spare.

I spent my lunch break in a hammock in the garden, and it was so nice I even took a nap...

The weather was so refreshing I felt like my soul was being sucked into the sky

Monday, April 28th, cloudy

The forecast doesn't look like we can expect much weather today.

Well, it may not rain, but we'll just have to stay indoors.


The temperature isn't hot, but I don't know if it's comfortable, but it feels a little cold.

By the way, the carp streamer at the entrance has faded quite a bit and the streamers are all tangled up, which is a disaster.


I was planning to replace it on a nice day, but I replaced it with a new one today.

I wonder how it will turn out in the fresh breeze of May.





April 27th (Sunday) Clear skies

It's a little cold this morning. There seems to be a chill in the sky, so the ski resort will be in great condition this morning.

I've been thinking about the flower bed sprinkler system for a long time, and I think I've finally finished it.


I've always wanted to use PVC pipes for the sprinkler system.

The current sprinkler system is not accurate, so if the wind blows, water is wasted in the wrong direction.


I want to ensure that water is sprayed where it is needed without waste. To do this, I want to use PVC pipes to spray water appropriately in the right places.

It looks like the amount of water in the flower beds on the upper level can be well controlled.





Saturday, April 26th, cloudy... stormy weather

It's part of the world these days where you can get away with doing things in the exact opposite order.

When I decided to start cross-country skiing, the first thing I did was to watch videos of skiing on the internet.


Well, after that, I got advice from people with experience, but I was limited in time and space, so I ended up doing things in the opposite order.

When I had a little more time, I looked for an official instruction book and found a book from 30 years ago.


People who bought this book a long time ago and no longer need it... have stocked books that they have bought back from this system called Value Books.

The publisher, Ski Journal, no longer exists, and the book cost 1,300 yen at the time, but I can get it back in my hands for about 400 yen, which is great!





April 25th (Friday) Sunny... Cloudy in Tokyo

I woke up at a roadside station. The sky was cloudy... Looking towards the ski resort, it seemed like the weather wasn't going to be good.

When I saw the information about Tenno Sakura, a famous local spot, on the live camera, I thought, "Oh! Isn't it the best time right now?" and decided to go there right away.


I've been interested in it every year, but I've never been able to get there at the right time, and it's been about 10 years since I've been there. I went first thing in the morning, so there were no cars in the parking lot.

Eh!? Can I have it all to myself?


I quietly and carefully observed the thickness of the trunk and the contrast of the petals, which was very interesting.

The surrounding houses also had a very tasteful look.

A mini skunk cabbage garden was maintained near the parking lot, and it was small but beautiful.



April 24th (Thursday) Sunny

It was a refreshingly clear morning. It was a moving experience, as the forecast hadn't been that bad.

Today is my 83rd birthday. I'm grateful to be able to ski in good health.


I've climbed the mountain countless times, but today I'm doing my rehabilitation exercises here at 2000m after cancer treatment.

Unfortunately, even though we're at 2000m today, the temperature has risen considerably, so I took off one layer...two layers...and ended up wearing just a T-shirt.


It's rare to meet some people at this time of year, and I think this is the first time I've been to Marunuma Ski Resort, Mr. Kojima and Mr. Hagiwara...it's been a long time.

Today, I took breaks on and off, but I worked hard at cross-country skiing.





April 23 (Wed) Rain

The clouds were suspicious from the morning and it looked like it was about to rain. When I went to get the newspaper, it seemed like it had rained again.

While eating, the weather forecast said that the main rain was yet to come. I'm prepared for another day of rain.


Yesterday, I had to remove the ECG monitor and ship the device, and today I have an appointment at the Cancer Center... I'm busy with doctors every day.

Well, they're trying to make sure that the various post-mortem hollow tests don't overlap, but it's still pretty busy.


Today at the Cancer Center, I had a decision made about whether to continue the diabetes medication I had been taking after chemotherapy.

My numbers are approaching the ideal values, but I'll continue a little longer. They said that my other blood and other components have almost returned to normal.

I've already prepared for skiing, so I'll go straight from Okegawa to the Ken-O Expressway...Tsurugashima...Numata.

Tonight I'll rest at the Oze Katashina roadside station.

Tuesday, April 22nd, Sunny...?

The weather forecast was supposed to be stable and sunny for yesterday and today. However, today it will only last until morning, and after that it looks unstable with suspicious clouds appearing.

Although it didn't rain, it won't be as pleasantly sunny as yesterday. Hmm, a cold wind is blowing...


There were no particularly hot days this week, and I didn't sweat a lot from exercise, so the day to remove the ECG monitor arrived safely.

As I mentioned on the day of installation, it was simple and sometimes the feeling of wearing it was faint, so it was finished without any dragging on my feelings.


However, this adhesive tape is stubborn... Even if I try to peel it off with force, it adheres to the skin so well that it is difficult to remove.

When I applied a little force, the main body and the electrode part came off, but the electrode part still did not come off the skin. I carefully found the beginning of the adhesive tape and managed to pull it off.

I put it in a Yu-Pack as it was... I sent it off. I'm planning to investigate the results in about two weeks.

I can't say I like baths that much, but I feel great after a week.

Monday, April 21st, Sunny

After returning from skiing in the mountains, I felt the comfortable weather for the first time in a long time.

Yes, I finally felt like doing it, so I pulled out my hammock and set it up in the garden.


When I was planting trees on the mountain and growing the forest, I thought, "One day, when these seedlings grow big, I want to hang a hammock here and take a nap."

With that goal in mind, I endured the harsh undergrowth cutting in the summer mountains. And after 12 years, I achieved that goal.


Well, I couldn't take a nap in the mountains, but I set it up in my garden the following year and was able to take a nap whenever I wanted.

However, the comfortable season is only short. Last year, the rainy season brought with it scorching heat, and it was more practical to stay indoors and rely on the air conditioner rather than spending time outside.

This year is almost over. I'll take as many chances as possible to enjoy a nap here.



Sunday, April 20th, cloudy

The weather forecast doesn't look very good. I've decided to take a rest day too.

After doing classical cross-country skiing for about five days, I was able to confirm that I could enjoy it as well.


However, I used the boots with the skating attachments removed.

I tried skiing for a few days. Sometimes the attachments get caught and can cause unexpected damage. I came to Kandahar to buy special boots for this occasion.


The boots are very simple and not very distinctive. The length of the boots is also shorter, so they feel more like sneakers.

I'll put them side by side. The left one is a skating boot. The right one is a classical boot.

.



Saturday, April 19th, Sunny

When I wake up at the roadside station at the usual 5:45, I have a feeling that today will be a bright and sunny day, unlike yesterday.

Usually on weekdays, I go to the toilet after radio exercises and head to the ski resort, but today is Saturday, so I leave at 6.


That means that by around 6:15, when I usually start drinking tea, the parking lot is open and there are already more cars than usual.

However, there are still three hours until the ski resort opens and the lifts start moving.

I'm going to boil some water, drink some tea, and prepare breakfast. Even if I do it slowly, it's too early.


Today I'm planning to practice in the morning and then go home. If I get too worried, I'll have to drive afterwards.

During the descent, I was driving comfortably with the windows open, but once I entered the city, it was scorching hot.

I didn't hesitate to turn on the air conditioner and headed home.

I'm sorry... my camera battery was low and I couldn't take any pictures. I took this picture from the live camera when I got home.



April 18th (Friday) Sunny

The atmospheric pressure is generally stable and sunny. It looked a little cloudy in the morning, but this is a comfortable indicator.

I did think I would need a jacket at 2000m above sea level after getting off the gondola.


No, I soon realized that this was the perfect temperature for exercising. And even if my body warms up, it's still perfect without making me sweat.

I was told to refrain from strenuous exercise that would make me sweat heavily because I'm wearing an ECG monitor for the rest of this week.

The monitor is small and I don't feel it on my body, so I tend to forget about it.


I returned to the roadside station from the ski resort in the morning, had lunch, and had a little wine, but sleepiness hit me.

I slept soundly for nearly two hours with the car door wide open.

It's a really comfortable season.





April 17th (Thursday) Sunny

It was sunny, but the sky was not very clear due to the influence of the south wind.

They say that the weather will continue until this Saturday. It's about time to get ready to go out.


Until now, I have been doing rehabilitation exercises two days a week and slowly recovering my strength over five days, so I have been making good progress.

However, last week I added a day of competition to my two days of rehabilitation, and the damage from this was quite severe, so it was only yesterday that I was able to move my legs and hips.

Then, in the evening, I confirmed that it was okay to go for my usual walk, and decided to leave for the ski resort today.


The road was clear and we arrived at Katashina Village at the usual time of around 3pm. It would be the perfect time to take a bath here, but... Oops!

This week I've been wearing an ECG device on my chest all the time. It's so small that I don't feel it, so I tend to forget about it.

The roadside station was deserted too. There was only one other club member there tonight.





Wednesday, April 16th, Sunny

This morning the wind remained, but it wasn't as strong as yesterday, and the sun was shining brightly from the morning.

The flower bed at the entrance, which I had left alone for a while. The flowers that had worked so hard to bloom during the winter will soon be replaced with flowers that can withstand the heat.


I was also transformed into a flower-blooming old man, with a fresh mind, from the morning in this weather.

And from now on, the most important thing will be to ensure that watering is possible every day in the drought.

I have already experienced a water leak this year as a result of changing the piping. The water pressure is only 2 atmospheres, but it is unbearable to keep it flowing.


After careful consideration, we decided on a two-way watering system, and since the upper level has weak sunlight, water is sprayed from the pipe holes.

The lower level has strong sunlight and is very dry, so we adopted a large-volume watering system.

We'll have to wait and see what happens this year.





April 15th (Tuesday) Sunny

It was sunny, but the wind was strong, so outdoor activities such as flower bed maintenance were canceled.

Today, the hospital called me to the hollow of the cardiac arrhythmia catheter surgery I had done a year ago.


I heard that there are many seniors who have experienced catheter surgery for cardiac arrhythmia.

However, the success rate of this surgery is not very high... and it seems that some percentage of people have to undergo reoperation a year later.

I heard that the famous Yuichiro Miura had it done three times. I heard that a senior from the ski club also had a reoperation just the other day.

In any case, it was only a three-day hospital stay, and the burden on the body was small... so the hospital seems to be saying, "Please come again..."

Well, to make such a judgment, we need the results of the electrocardiogram recorder. Well, if it's decided that I can graduate without any problems, that's the best thing.

Six months ago, I had lines attached all over my body with tape and my body got unbearably itchy. Now I only need to wear this one thing.



Monday, April 14th, Sunny

Thank you for cancelling the event yesterday due to the bad weather!! That's all I can say.

My body was so exhausted that I couldn't even make it to the slalom event.


I usually communicate with my radio friends on weekday mornings, but this morning I decided to take a rest and take a break.

So I set my alarm so it was just after 7am when I woke up naturally. It seems I've been bouncing for 10 hours.

Even so, my calves are so tight that I can't walk properly.

Well, I managed to do the housework while limping, but I need a little more time to get back to full health.

The weather is completely different from yesterday, and the moss pinks in front of the entrance are in full bloom.





Sunday, April 13th, cloudy to rainy

Yesterday was exceptionally nice weather. However, the weather forecast predicted that today, due to the influence of a low pressure system, the weather could be awful.

Sure enough, at 7am, the Mitsumata Gondola was closed due to strong winds... meaning the ski resort was closed, and the competition was canceled.


I've been competing at this time of year for years, but this was my first experience of the ski resort being closed because the gondola wasn't working.

Well, that's inevitable. Even if you've made all the preparations, it's a common occurrence in snow sports where you're fighting nature.

I decided to go home after this. I would definitely be heading home on a regular road, but I decided to pass through Minakami and try the Gunma Prefecture Bokyo Line for the first time in a while.

The snow has already melted from the mountainous areas of Gunma Prefecture, and most of the signs of spring are starting to appear. It was a roughly 5-hour trip on the local roads, using the usual Akagi North Road.

A club member filmed me skating at yesterday's competition. The first and last giant slalom of the year. It was scary, but fun.

The rain continued to fall when I got home.



April 12th (Sat) Clear skies all day

The sky cleared up rapidly from the morning. It was exactly as the weather forecast predicted.

After breakfast and getting ready, I arrived at the gondola station, and the weather was so bad that the number of customers was swelled to an incredible extent.


The wait for the gondola was more than 30 minutes, but we had to buy tickets before that. Surprisingly, we also had to wait 30 minutes.

We were divided into two groups: one to buy tickets together and the other to line up for the gondola, but we managed to get on the gondola after just 30 minutes of waiting.

Thanks to the help of the staff and everyone else, the competition run was perfect and I was able to ski without any worries.

The time was slightly later than the scheduled time, but with this stable weather, I think the second run was more satisfying.

It ended safely, but tomorrow is the slalom schedule, but the weather forecast is predicting an ominous situation. Well, we can't make a decision until tomorrow.





April 11th (Friday) Sunny, then cloudy

Decent weather for a downhill forecast.

We went out to the slopes and skied down five green runs before heading to Mitsumata Ski Resort.


When I think about it, even though today's skiing was alpine, it was on slalom boards, and this season was still before GS.

So for tomorrow's competition at Mitsumata, I have no choice but to ski on these slalom boards for both giant slalom and slalom.


First of all, it's important to ski with self-restraint, but once you start, it's important to keep that feeling of self-restraint.

To do that, I'm going to stop wearing full dresses and wear my bib number over my overcoat.







Thursday, April 10th, slightly cloudy

The morning at the roadside station below the ski resort, the morning chill is gone and the lukewarm temperature makes me think of spring.

The fine weather we had yesterday was not there today. Still, I enjoyed gentle spring skiing.


The slope I chose to go Nordic skiing on is 2,000 meters above sea level, and there is little oxygen, so I walked a short straight course one way here to get out of breath.

I was quite shocked because I never expected that my physical strength would decrease so much from anti-cancer treatment.

And when the ski resort found out that I had started training here... it was a surprise, but they added a circular piste course here.


And today, after two weeks of not being able to use Hotaka Ranch, I returned here and was able to complete this circuit course three times without a break.

Well, maybe it's because I've gotten used to skiing, but I'm happy that in just a month I've gained enough stamina to complete half the competition course.

It was only a two-hour practice, but I did it three weeks, twice. The course for people in their 80s is 3km, so I think I'll be able to cover that distance soon.





Wednesday, April 9th, Sunny

The weather forecast is making me anxious over the weekend. Well, it can't be helped.

I'm heading to the ski resort, and with a bit of hope I'm heading for Hotaka Ranch Ski Resort, where my cross-country course is.


I arrived at the site where the course is at 3:30 pm, but as I predicted last week, it seems that it won't hold out until this week.

The snow width on the steep course is extremely narrow, making it dangerous for people like me who are not used to it.

And on flat courses, especially when conditions for snowmelt, such as direct sunlight, are met, the snow will be divided in an instant.


I can hear the sound of water flowing in the valley nearby. A river has appeared... the snow must be melting as much as this much water flows.

I understand now. I already know that the snow will melt quickly at an altitude of about 1,300m.

Since I've come this far, I'll stop by Hanasaki no Yu on the way back to relax.

Tomorrow I'm planning to practice at my home slope, Marunuma Kogen, at an altitude of 2,000m.



April 8th (Tuesday) Sunny

It was sunny and warm from the morning. I was a little excited and headed out to maintain the flower bed in front of the entrance after breakfast.

And with this weather cycle, today is probably the best condition for cherry blossom viewing. I also took a stroll along the Minuma Irrigation Channel.


This year's flower bed in front of the entrance is a little behind compared to recent years. I was trying to make up for my delayed skiing schedule due to cancer treatment, and the early spring flowers were damaged because I ran a storm water drainage system under the flower bed.

To make matters worse, the water supply pipe that waters the flower bed had a leak, which caused a big hit to the amount of water used, which was depressing.

This month's water usage meter reading results. This month's usage was 22 cubic meters, last time 9 cubic meters, the time before that 12 cubic meters, and the same period last year 7 cubic meters.


Despite this, I'm going to pull myself together and continue to work on the automatic sprinkler system.

I've started on the sprinkler system for the upper flower beds. I'm also thinking about drilling holes in the pipes for the shower system myself.

Today I just tried connecting the system. I'm thinking about taking a moderate shower, but nothing will happen until I try it.





April 7th (Monday) Sunny

There were thunderstorms due to unstable weather in some places. It was mostly sunny and warm.

After watching the classic skiing video last week, I bought the classic skiing poles that I had been considering.


I was vaguely thinking about Nordic skiing after all. Just like alpine skiing, you change the board and the poles depending on how you ski.

Strictly speaking, it seems that you should use boots for skating that have a certain degree of ankle support and boots that don't tighten like classic boots, but I shared these because they don't feel strange when used together.

I was told that I could use GS poles for alpine skiing, but I had them adjusted to a slightly longer pole than GS poles, assuming that the slope of the course would not be too steep.


So now I have all the equipment. Now I just have to practice... well, I'm just trying to recover my basic strength.

It's been a year with a lot of snow, so I'm looking forward to seeing how long I can do it and how far I can go.







April 6th (Sunday) Sunny, then cloudy

Last week's forecast said that today's weather would be sunny, with the cherry blossoms in full bloom, and it would be a wonderful Sunday.

However, yesterday they said that the weather would be rough until the morning, and rain would fall in the afternoon.


My plan for today was a rest day, but the other table tennis club members had club practice in the morning. So we planned to practice table tennis in the morning and have cherry blossom viewing in the afternoon.

However, because of this weather forecast, we were asked if we could have a cherry blossom viewing party at our house. Of course, we're always OK with it! So the club elders gathered at noon.

I also took photos of the cherry blossoms along the Minuma Irrigation Canal in the neighborhood during the clear hours before noon and showed them on TV.


But what's the weather forecast for today? Just as the party at my house was getting into full swing, the sun came out and the sky gradually turned blue.

The weather is completely unpredictable. It's about time for everyone to return, so I saw them off outside the front door. It was beautiful and calm.

The moss phlox in front of the entrance was also blooming beautifully.





April 5th (Saturday) Sunny

It was chilly at the Katashina roadside station this morning. It was probably due to radiation cooling, so it must have been a clear day.

When I woke up, it was still sunny. Yesterday, I had a drink and chatted with a senior club member until 7am, and this morning I said hello to the club member who arrived that morning.


Everyone else was heading to the pole camp at Marunuma Kogen, but I headed to the Nordic venue at Hotaka Ranch Ski Resort, where it was probably the last time for today.

When I arrived, there were about three cars parked there, so I wondered if there were any friends there today. Last week, there were high school students and families with Nordic families, but this week, there was no one there yesterday or today.

They are probably backcountry skiers who climbed Mt. Hotaka. Despite the cold weather last week, the snow has melted and today is probably the last day.


There are two types of Nordic skiing. One is the free running style, which includes skating, which we have been doing up until now. And there is the classical running style, which we started yesterday.

This time, we worked hard on the basic form of walking skiing.

As was the case yesterday, after two hours of practice, I am completely exhausted and need to take a two-hour nap to recover. And I have to go home today.

It seems that some animals have defecate in such a sacred place. From next week, we will move to Marunuma Plateau, which is rich in snow, to practice.





April 4th (Friday) Sunny

Finally the sky was clear. I felt bright for the first time in a while.

I immediately headed to Hotaka Ranch Ski Resort, which has a cross-country slope that I visited last week.


When I came here last week, there were about five families of high school students and elementary school students. However, no one came today, so I practiced alone.

And today I tried out classical skiing, which is important to me, for the first time.


I had an idea of ??what it would be like to ski because I saw high school students practicing last week, and I had some knowledge on the internet.

As for the poles, I was initially told that GS poles would be fine, so I was going to use them.

However, I guess a certain appropriate length is required for a classical posture.

Today I focused on practicing without poles, which is the basic technique.





April 3rd (Thursday) Rain

As predicted by the weather forecast, it started raining in the morning, and it looks like it will continue all day.

But I'm hoping for a good weather forecast from tomorrow, so I'm heading to the ski resort.


The car continued to drive through the rain and crossed the northern mountain range... the pass on the Akagi North Road. The rain stopped, but there was a thick fog that blocked visibility.

It seemed like the weather was improving in the north.


I was thinking of stopping at a hot spring on the way, but it was closed today... Oh no... That means the hot spring near the parking lot where we arrived must also be closed.

If you know this in advance, you won't have to panic. I went to Hanasaki no Yu, and it was quite crowded despite the weather.

In the evening, I arrived early at my usual roadside station, Katashina. The weather in the Oze area, as seen from the toilet window, seems to be improving.

The surrounding mountains will also be beautiful again with new snow.

.



April 2nd (Wed) Rain

I can stand the low temperatures, but the rain every day is really getting to me.

It's raining so much that it makes me wonder if something has happened to the weather on Earth.


I'm feeling rotten and don't want to do anything... so I thought I'd just watch some TV. What's NHK BS Movies doing?

Oh, it's a pretty plain movie. An elderly man meets a man in a two-person hospital room while undergoing cancer treatment. ...Come to think of it, I was in the same room as a cancer patient and talked about life until just recently.


A 2007 film directed by Rob Tyner. The two cancer patients are played by Edward (Jack Nicholson) and Carter (Morgan Freeman), a cool pair.

At first, they met like they were in the same room as each other. As they shared the pain of their cancer treatments, they got to know each other through many conversations.

And then, three months later... They were told they had only six months to live! In other words, they were told that they would both succumb to cancer and die in six months. So they came up with something called a coffin list, and decided to list the best things they wanted to do before they died and do them.

As they went skydiving and traveled around the world together, they realized what was really important and what they had to do.

I haven't been told how much longer I have left to live because of cancer, but as a matter of common sense, I'd say I have about 20 years left to live. It was an interesting and meaningful movie.



April 1st (Tuesday) Rain

The temperature has been midwinter since the morning. The winter heating is still running at full capacity... I can't believe it's April from today.

It's been pouring cold rain for almost a day and will probably continue until midnight.


The Iroha maple tree in the garden seems surprised by the cold rain, even though it has sprouted beautifully and new leaves have appeared this year.

And behind it, the overly tall hedge has turned a vivid red with the young leaves of the Benikaname.

On the right front, there is a tree with only a thin shaved head and no sign of new leaves.

I moved this young tree that grew naturally on a slope where oak trees were planted in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture to my garden.

It is calm, as if it had grown in an environment where it would not easily grow branches and leaves.

When the branches and leaves of this tree spread, it will be the true arrival of spring.



March 31st (Monday) Cloudy with rain

The temperature is lower than previous mornings. The low temperature will continue after this.

The temperature has been rising steadily toward spring recently. There were also summer days, so there was some concern.


Although there were sunny skies on Saturday, it has been cloudy since then and the cold north wind has dominated.

I feel depressed and I feel like I have been thwarted as I was trying to start doing activities for spring.

According to the weekly weather forecast this evening, the weather will continue like this for the next 2-3 days, and the weather will improve by the weekend.









March 30th (Sunday) Cloudy then sunny

It was cloudy until the morning. As the day approached, the sky cleared up and I felt happy.

It was a little early, but in this rare weather, I went down to the Minuma Irrigation Channel where the cherry blossoms were likely to be in bloom.


The temperature is a little low and the wind is probably coming from the north. But there is plenty of sunshine, so the temperature feels warmer.

The Minuma Irrigation Channel should not be needed for agricultural use yet, but it is still in the trial water flow stage... Water is flowing through the dried-up channel, and the atmosphere is improving.

Families probably came to see the flowers. The little kids are holding hands and having a great time.

If this temperature continues for a while, the cherry blossoms will easily last until next week. Then I got a call from a table tennis buddy: "We're going to see the cherry blossoms next week. How about it?"

Of course... OK!!





March 29th (Saturday) Rain

The weather has changed again, with sunny and rainy skies repeated in a short period of time, and it is cold and rainy this morning.

Well, it is true that rain is the best way to rest the body. Ok, let's take today off...


However, for a poor person, nothing suits a day off better than a day off. Plans are gradually running through my head.

The weather conditions next week. The amount of snow at the special cross-country skiing venue I observed the other day, and many other things ran through my head.

The conclusion is to start cross-country skiing classics a little earlier. Until now, it was called free skiing, but in competitions, it was not considered a problem no matter how you skied.

However, in classical competitions, skating is prohibited and only the so-called sliding skiing technique is allowed, with parallel movement on the skis.

After breakfast, I waited for Kandahar to open, and decided to head out after confirming that the young second-generation president, who is my specialist advisor on classical skiing, was there.

I brought along a video of my five days of practice and first checked my skiing, then asked for his opinion on classical skiing. That's great! I recommend it.

So I got some new classical skis. It will be a great encouragement for my future skiing life.

March 28th (Friday) Sunny

Drinking hard for the first time in a while! Ueda, Seiichi and I enjoyed this year's snow viewing party. Oh, it's already 11 o'clock...

Woke up slowly, Seiichi couldn't join us for breakfast because he had to take care of his mother, but he went home first.


Although the weather is going downhill today, it seems to be recovering quickly. Ueda seems to be heading straight back to Chiba.

I went to Katashina Village Office to ask about the planning department for this year's 49th All Japan Masters Ski Championships. It seems to be the education department, which is the large building next door.

A large building between the village office and Hokkori no Yu. When I asked there, I was told that the person in charge was currently outside clearing the steel beams, so I was guided to meet him.

I was in charge, but... Looking at the exact location of the cross-country skiing event and the current situation, there is still plenty of snow, and local children are practicing, so please go.

I turned right on the road to Hanasaki no Yu and passed Chirorin Village, and I remember that I had been here before. I guess Hotaka Ranch Ski Resort is closed now.

It seems that the area where the parking lot used to be has been opened as a skiing venue, and the old parking lot has been turned into a special venue.

The slope leading to the ski resort in the past is still set as a slope for the competition, so I don't have the courage to ski here for the first time. Today I limited myself to practicing on a gentle slope.

March 27th (Thursday) Sunny

It was a calm, sunny day. When I got on the gondola to the summit, I saw that it was for me...

To my surprise, the summit had a 100m straight line of packed snow, but it had been turned into a circular course.


So a practice course of nearly 300m in circumference had been created.

And the slight difference in elevation made it interesting, with subtle changes to the expected competition course.

I would normally go to the ski resort information desk and ask why they did this, but I'm grateful and will use it.

In any case, I started this in the hope of recovering my physical strength, and the high altitude training at 2000m is the best I can do for now, as I can run here for a week straight.

Anyway, I want to get used to skiing. And my goal is to be strong enough to run 3km by next year.





March 26th (Wednesday) Sunny

In the morning, I thought it would be a calm spring day. After 7 o'clock, the ski resort was covered with pitch black clouds.

This is one of the spring storms, a localized struggle between low and high pressure.


In general, it was predicted that yellow sand from the continent would reach the entire country.

Apart from that, the mountain areas were affected by localized low pressure, which is typical of spring, and strong winds.

I also chose the area around the gondola station at an altitude of 2000m as a stable training spot for Nordic skiing, but today I can't climb.

Now, I looked for a place to practice Nordic skiing in the ski resort, and somehow I found one.

We did two hours of intensive basic practice, but we were so tired that we took a nap after lunch, the same amount of time as we practiced.

I hope to have a little more time to practice tomorrow.



March 25th (Tuesday) Sunny

I postponed my plans by a day and headed to the mountains to ski.

Even though it was sunny, the outside sky was hazy due to the influence of yellow sand.


As humans get older, their bodies start to feel pain all over. The pain is probably because there is some kind of symptom there.

However, humans also have a tendency to be lazy. And as we get older, we deceive ourselves and come up with ways to avoid this difficult situation.

In other words, if you pamper yourself, you will take advantage of your pampering and want to take the easy way out...the easy way out.

I know that about myself, so I encourage myself by saying, "Move and heal your body even if it's a little painful!"

As the car approaches the mountain area...oh dear, I bump into familiar faces one after another and say hello. It seems like there's a higher chance of bumping into someone you know here than if you lived in the city.

After taking a dip in the hot spring, I arrived at the Katashina Roadside Station and bumped into my friend Goma-chan again.

It looks like the weather will be good tomorrow too.

March 24th (Monday) Lightly cloudy

It was cloudy, perhaps due to the spring haze, but there was some sunshine shining through.

Thanks to this, the temperature didn't rise as much as yesterday, but it was a warm and comfortable day.


Last week I went Nordic skiing for two days. I'm still not used to it, so my body was working with unnecessary force here and there, and it left behind lumps.

I didn't recover in just one day yesterday, so I decided to postpone my departure for the snowy mountain today.


I rested yesterday, but today I made an effort to actively loosen up my body.

I pulled out the loosening roller I used before and used it.

The muscles right next to Benkei's body are especially tense, which never get tense during regular skiing.





March 23 (Sun) Sunny

It's been a clear morning and the temperature is expected to rise.

I'll do the laundry while eating and take care of my skis while it's still cool.


Even so, I set up for waxing relatively early in front of the entrance, but the sun is already shining brightly.

The wax seems to be sticking quite well.


The warmth has also caused the Magnolia magnolia flowers in the garden to bloom.

In the afternoon, I walked along the Minuma Irrigation Canal on my usual walking route, but the cherry blossoms don't look like they'll bloom today or tomorrow.

Well, if you include the full bloom, I think I'll go next week.





March 22 (Saturday) Sunny

I was so tired yesterday. I came back from the ski resort to the roadside station and took a 3-hour nap.

Needless to say, the main reason for being so tired was practicing Nordic skiing.


The training location is 2,000m above sea level, and there is little oxygen, so it's high altitude training. The biggest reason is that I'm not used to skiing.

Even so, I fell countless times yesterday, but only once today. Well, let's take our time and work hard.


Yesterday, I practiced for 2 hours and it was quite tough, so I stopped after an hour today. I still have to drive for 4 hours to get home.

I made a farewell gesture towards the live camera that was watching over me and got on the gondola going down the mountain.

I wonder if the road will open up...





March 21 (Friday) Sunny

As predicted, it was sunny from the morning, so I got up early and headed to the ski resort parking lot. It was too early, so I waited a little before I could enter the parking lot.

I slowly prepared breakfast near the center house and waited for the ski resort to start.


Today's plan is to ski five runs of the intermediate green course non-stop in the early morning. As usual, it was a morning piste, but it was no problem early in the morning.

I went to the patrol headquarters and asked if it would be a problem if I put on Nordic skis and walk around on the peak today. I think it's okay, but I would like to check with the information desk.

The information desk is near the gondola boarding point, so there's no problem at all. OK! , and the comment was to be careful as this area was within the snorkeling course.

These skis... are difficult. I've fallen on them so many times. They're just like the bamboo skis I used to ski on a long time ago.


I'm not going to lose.





March 20th (Thursday) Clear skies

The weather forecast said it would be clear from the morning, so I thought the clear skies would gradually spread in the early morning, but the clouds tend to spread easily.

Still, I left the house after tidying up in the morning and got ready to go. The road conditions were a bit poor, with many private cars on the weekend.


I usually drive on public roads on weekdays to go to the ski resort, but this was different from usual and there were unexpected traffic jams in various places.

I wasn't in a big hurry, so I just went with the flow and drove leisurely until I came to the usual north side road of Mt. Akagi.

Most of the cars on this road seem to be familiar with this road and only passersby. In the afternoon, I passed several acquaintances returning from the ski resort.

I passed three friends here alone, including one who was waving from afar. Unfortunately, I only recognized one person.


I arrived at Katashina late in the afternoon. Many club members were participating in the Marunuma Cup at the ski resort, but it seems that several people are staying at their usual lodging today, so I'll stay there too.





March 19th (Wednesday) Rain, then snow, then sunny

It was a slightly warm morning with no chill. I was having breakfast around 7 o'clock and talking to my radio buddy, "Something white... is falling."

I'm sure we had a similar conversation yesterday and it turned out to be snow. But I wonder what it will be like today...


"What!? It's snowing in my yard!"

"Maybe it's because your house is a little high up...?"... Well, that was the kind of conversation we had fun talking about that morning.

But after a while it started to snow in earnest and it looked like it was going to pile up in no time.

Even so, the snow stopped after about two hours and the sky seemed to be brightening.


The sun came out in the afternoon and the temperature rose. It seems that it will be sunny and the temperature will rise from tomorrow.





March 18th (Tuesday) slightly cloudy

The weather seems to change every day these days. It was such spring-like good weather yesterday, but today it has been cloudy since morning.

I would like to wax my skis according to the schedule. And I will also be waxing my cross-country skis for the first time.


As you can see in the photo, the board next to it is a relatively wide slalom board. In comparison, the running surface of a cross-country ski seems to be only one-fifth of that.

The wax melted by the hot iron is too narrow, so it drips out.

And there is also a problem with scraping off the wax. The skis cannot be fixed to the wax stand holder.

And now, I know that in the middle of the running surface of these country skis there is a deep groove line, which was often found on old skis.


How do you wax this area? Well, you just have to learn as you go.





March 17th (Monday) Sunny

I went to Kandahar, a ski pro shop in Kanda that I always use for alpine skiing.

I usually have absolute confidence in alpine skiing, but in fact the current president was a Nordic skier when he was a student.


So it was hard to see inside the store...or maybe I just couldn't see, but with the president's guidance, there was a wide range of skis and boots for beginners to experts.

I was vaguely thinking of aiming for both classic and open style, but the president suggested that I first get familiar with Nordic skiing in an open style without any difficulty...so I went along with that line.

That's when I finally decided on my boots and skis. I went to the store as a complete novice, but I felt relieved to have a reliable advisor there.

I had the plates attached and the set was complete, and it was about one-fifth the weight of the Alpine.


I brought them home and tried them on again in my room.

I was excited, just like when I bought my first skis. I hope that my skiing life will be rich for many years to come.



March 16th (Sunday) Rain

Today's weather forecast is rain, and I was also looking forward to this weather forecast so that I could rest.

I turned off my alarm clock, which goes off every day at 5:45, so that I could take a break today.


Well, I woke up naturally because I went to bed early after 7. I could hear the rain, and because of that, I thought the light coming through the curtains was about the same...I looked at the clock and it was 6:15.

I didn't sleep in as much as I had hoped. Fortunately, the muscle pain in my body was relatively mild, more than I had expected.

I went down to the living room and saw the garden from the balcony, and the cold rain was falling.

Today is the perfect day to rest.








March 15th (Saturday) Light clouds

Yesterday, I was in the middle of uploading my diary and my computer warned me about a low battery, and then it was cut off.

I apologize for the embarrassing situation this time because I forgot to bring a power cable.


I uploaded it as soon as I got home, but it was like a wasabi that had lost its aroma and it didn't have any firmness.


Today, there was a slalom camp at Marunuma Racing Club, so I applied to participate.

Well, I didn't think I could ski properly myself, so I was careful not to get caught up in everyone's pace.

I was still about two-thirds through, and thought, "Ah, I'm going to get too tired if I don't stop here..." so I went around to look around before 11 o'clock.


It was only a set of about 25 turns, but it raised my spirits, and by the end I was exhausted and almost out of breath.

First of all, I managed to complete the fifth day of skiing and returned home safely.



March 14th (Friday) Clear

It was a clear, clear day with no wind. I was blessed with the best weather for my first skiing trip of the season.

The temperature certainly seemed to have risen as predicted, but the snow was still not yet in a state where it would rot at the altitude of the ski resort.


Oh dear... My computer's battery warning.













March 13th (Thursday) Sunny

It's been a clear morning, and the sunlight is spring-like and comfortable.

While communicating with my radio friends, it's sunny today, but it's hazy and I can't see very far.


In the midst of all this, I made it to the ski resort.

I can't quite remember how many years it's been since this wonderful road was built, but I left home early and arrived at Akagi's north side road in the afternoon.

Before entering the first long tunnel, I turned right onto the old, difficult north side road. It took a while, but the old, difficult road...I wonder what it's like now.

There still seemed to be houses around back then, so I went down the road to the bottom of the valley. There was definitely a village...but the road was closed beyond that.








March 12th (Wednesday) Cloudy, Rain

There was a brief period of sunshine, but by the evening it had turned into a downpour.

Today was the day I went to the Cancer Center to hear the results of my first follow-up examination.


The results of my follow-up examination two weeks after being discharged from the hospital. I was a little nervous when I heard the results.

No abnormalities in the CT scans or X-rays! In particular, the images of the esophageal wall where the surgery was performed showed that there was no trace of the esophageal wall.


My car's mileage had reached the miles required for an engine oil change, so I went to a nearby gas station to have it done.

Until now, I had changed the tires every 6 months at 5,000 km, but this time it was exactly one year.

You can see how low the activity was this year.

The odometer on this car was replaced with a used one, so I need to add 44,000 km to get the actual odometer reading. 227,000...?



March 11 (Tuesday) Cloudy, Rainy

Where did the spring-like sunny weather go yesterday?

It's already cloudy since morning, and the temperature is calm and not cold, but the warmth of the sun yesterday was exceptional.


So, although it was a morning without a chill, the day without the sunshine was still unsatisfying and lonely, and cold.

I'd like to be happy that I was able to get my laundry done thanks to working hard yesterday without knowing that the weather would change so much.


I went out shopping, and there were some early-blooming cherry blossoms in the gardens of my neighborhood.

It's a dark cityscape, but the cherry blossoms are particularly soothing.







　Monday, March 10th, Sunny

I didn't set my watch this morning, so I could be a little spoiled. However, I woke up naturally about 15 minutes late.

I was prepared for my body to ache all over from the morning, but...oh? .


Maybe the pain will come out tomorrow. I'm not very good at dealing with my old body these days.

First of all, I had breakfast, did a load of laundry, and went out for a walk while the sun was still shining.


When I set off, I felt spring in the warmth of the sunshine, but when I went down along the Minuma Irrigation Channel, the north wind was quite light, but it was still cold.

And what about the cherry blossom buds...? .

They are still so small and hard that it's hard to predict what will happen until another week.





March 9th (Sun) Sunny

It snowed during the night and we were worried about what would happen, but the weather cleared up, but it was cloudy at times, which was frustrating.

Well, the sun came out at times and the weather seemed to have cleared up for the most part. The last club training camp ended safely.


I was checking my physical condition for these three days, so I didn't get to practice in the pole, but I was happy that I was able to do a free run without any problems.

I sometimes helped out by preparing the course for the practice run, and I got excited watching everyone's skiing up close.

And today was the last day of the club training camp for this season. I was pleased that this season also ended safely without any club members getting injured.


After this, everyone split up and took the practice equipment to the parking lot and disbanded.

The next time we'll see each other is on October 5th at the club's 50th anniversary party.





March 8th (Saturday) Sunny, then cloudy

The weather forecast said it would be sunny for the next two days. Today, it was a little cloudy.

I decided to take the gondola to the top of the ski resort.


It was cloudy, but the shape of Mt. Nikko Shirane was clearly visible nearby.

After that, I went down from the peak to the bottom in one go, but I was quite tired.

Light snow started to fall early in the afternoon, so the weather won't last long.










March 7th (Friday), slightly cloudy

It was a morning when we were worried about snowfall, but it was only snowing as far as Oze, and it was only light snow.

All the skiing friends I said hello to here yesterday have already departed, so I feel like I'm the only one left.


I slowly started preparing breakfast. Then, around 8 o'clock, the sun started to shine and the weather started to improve a little.

I arrived at the ski resort and went to the information desk and said, "It's late this year, but today is my first day skiing. Please give me the season pass I requested."

It took a little time, but they found my documents, took a photo of me, and issued my ticket.


I immediately went to the Blue Course, which is said to have a relatively gentle slope at the ski resort, and greeted some familiar faces.

I also skied carefully, but...come to think of it, the skis I wore today were for SL skiing, but they were my first skis.

I was relieved that I could ski very naturally without any discomfort. I think I skied about six runs today...I'm gradually getting used to it.



March 6th (Thursday) Cloudy

It was a hot morning. However, it was a little cold to leave the air-conditioned room and work outside.

While having breakfast, I said goodbye to my fellow radio stations and told them that I was going skiing and wouldn't be able to see them from tomorrow.


After cleaning up after our meal, we quickly loaded our ski equipment into the car.

This is the first time we've skied this season, so the thing we're most afraid of is forgetting something that we usually always take with us.

At the worst, we even forgot to pack our ski boots.


We made sure to be safe as we crossed the mountain, but the recent heavy snowfall barely affected us.

What we didn't expect was that the nearby hot spring we arrived at was closed today.

We spent some time relaxing at the Oze Katashina roadside station before going to bed.



March 5th (Wednesday) Light Rain

Following yesterday's endoscopic examination, a follow-up examination using CT images was performed today.

Yesterday, I was unable to drive due to the effects of anesthesia, but today I was driving, so I was able to tolerate the weather.


This follow-up program will include blood tests yesterday, today, and next Wednesday, as well as a comprehensive evaluation, which will all be combined into one test.

This cycle will be repeated for two years, four times a year, for a total of eight times, which is a bit daunting.

Even so, the fact that there are tests means that we can detect any danger, but when I think about having a medical checkup four times a year, I couldn't be more at ease.


In particular, I am secretly investigating the changes in γGDP values ??associated with abstinence from alcohol and drinking based on the results of blood tests.

Recently, there have been situations where I have been forced to stop drinking, and the γGDP values ??have been showing interesting behavior.

I would like to help with research into how people can spend the rest of their lives enjoying alcohol without putting a strain on their bodies, even while undergoing treatment. ...For now, only I know the data on whether I drank or not.

Many blood tests seem to be able to provide more valuable information than doctors, such as blood data from recent cancer centers and arrhythmia hospitalizations. (laughs)

March 4th (Tuesday) Cloudy

Endoscopic surgery for esophageal cancer, chemotherapy to prevent recurrence, and finally follow-up visit.

Follow-up visits are very important after any illness, but are often taken relatively lightly.


However, even if you are told that your chances of cancer recurrence are only about 4% and that you will be barely affected, that is just a number.

Even if you are afraid of airplane accidents, they are still safer than other modes of transportation such as cars... but for those who are involved in an accident, it is 100%.

Also, this follow-up program has the advantage that any sudden changes in your body will be detected sooner than for people who normally live without any problems.


It started raining again in the evening... but it turned into snow and the temperature was lower than yesterday.

I wonder what it will be like tomorrow morning.



March 3rd (Monday) Snow

It was a warmer morning than usual. However, that was only in the morning, and the temperature dropped further by noon.

The rain that started falling in the morning gradually became mixed with white snow, and by 11 o'clock it had turned into large flakes of snow.


I didn't have any reason to go out anywhere, so I quietly enjoyed watching the snow.

A thin layer of snow had piled up on the balcony.


The snow stopped by the afternoon. I'm planning to go out by bus or train tomorrow, but at this rate it should be fine.







March 2nd (Sun) Sunny

Once they get used to the warmer temperatures, they start to enjoy playing in the water.

Even though I had been trying to prevent freezing by turning off the water valve during the winter, it seems that the flowers and soil are now basking in the sun and craving water.


It's an automatic sprinkler system, but we needed to come up with some ideas for how to sprinkle the water, so we were forced to design it in the spring.

I wonder if this is how it turned out.


The sound of fire engines passing by on the main street is loud. Maybe there was a fire somewhere.

I went to the balcony and saw smoke somewhere... Oh! It's surprisingly close.

I ran over there and it looked like the house was already completely burned.



March 1st (Saturday) Sunny

It was a holiday, and many people were seen walking along the Minuma Irrigation Channel under the warm sunshine.

There is no water flowing in the channel yet, but there will be plenty of water when the rice fields start to be cultivated.


The temperature was surprisingly like April... but it was a really warm day.

I took the time to carefully observe the branches of the cherry blossom trees, which I had never thought of looking at before.


The buds are still hard, but they look clearly different from those in the middle of winter.







February 28th (Friday) Sunny

It's been cloudy since the morning and there's no sunlight. It's probably just the fog that's typical of spring mornings...

It's almost noon and the sun is finally coming out and the temperature is rising. And the water is about to get warm... I guess.


The flowers blooming in the flower bed at the entrance are relatively resistant to the cold, but they do not dislike warm weather.

We have had many sunny, dry days, so they need water on sunny days. I water them in response, but I often forget to turn off the water valve.


The piping I made leaks badly. When it gets warmer, I plan to seriously redo the water piping.

Create a grip for the stop valve in the basement... It will be possible to open and close it while standing, and you won't forget to close it.





February 27th (Thursday) Sunny

As the sunlight reached the room from the morning, the temperature rose steadily.

I usually keep the glass door closed, but today I opened it and the air was fresh, but I didn't feel any cold.


I went shopping before lunch and found some clams for sale at the supermarket, so I bought some.

I immediately enjoyed barbecuing the clams over a gas burner before lunch.


Based on the results of my blood test at the cancer center yesterday, my doctor told me to work hard and I was able to complete the program without any side effects.

I was worried that my condition would worsen, so there would be no point in giving it to him.

It's only two clams, but they're perfect for a gift! .



February 26th (Wednesday) Sunny

I thought it was a warm morning. The coldness in my toes that I had been feeling lately is gone and my heart is at peace.

Today I'm going to the Cancer Center early to have my blood drawn and then my doctor's diagnosis.


I was interested in the blood test to see what kind of changes had occurred exactly one week after I was discharged from the hospital, but it seems that there were no significant changes.

No matter what I do, I get tired easily and I can sleep as long as I want if I want to... so I didn't think the results would be very good.


As expected, the numbers here didn't change much.

Well, I was relieved to hear from the doctor that there hadn't been any major changes. He said it would take a little more time to determine the blood components of concern.

It seems that he will be sending me test results regularly so that I can input my data.

February 25th (Tuesday) Sunny

This is the walking course that I didn't pay much attention to when I was healthy and could play sports anywhere.

Since regular sports are tough, I'm trying to at least do this walking properly.


I'm happy that Minuma Irrigation Canal has been developed into a healthy road and is now easier to walk along.

On one side of the canal, the slopes are forested and conservation measures are being implemented, but the problem is the rice fields.


In the past, this area near the city was known as the Minuma rice fields, and was a quiet, tranquil area with a seasonal atmosphere. This area was also an urbanization control zone, so it seemed that the circular shape had been preserved.

In the last two or three years, all the rice fields have disappeared, and construction material storage areas have increased... and construction waste has increased... and now there is even a project to crush and recycle concrete foundations.

Finally, today I sent a complaint email to the Kawaguchi City Urban Planning Management Division. I wonder what kind of response I will get.

February 24th (Monday) Sunny

The sunlight coming through the window gets stronger day by day. ...And that's the story of the southern half of our house.

Opening the living room door, the hallway leads to the toilet, bathroom, stairs, and entrance hall, and it's like midwinter, so you'll need to wear a blanket to do anything.


That's why I spend most of my day in the living room, where I can wear just a T-shirt, and where I also work on my computer.

While I was in the hospital, I had various blood tests. In the end, the doctor will look at the results and then make a treatment plan.


I didn't just say that I was happy, but that my current results are relatively good compared to other people's results so far.

I decided to get the test results in hand each time. Today, I put them in a spreadsheet in Excel and I was able to understand quite a bit.

Also, the day after tomorrow I will have a blood test one week after being discharged from the hospital. I think my action plan will become more realistic after seeing that.

February 23rd (Sunday) Sunny

The cold wind is still blowing. Looking at the live camera of the ski resort, it looks tough.

The sun shines until midday, but the clouds appear around 3 o'clock and the north wind takes over.


Yesterday I sent white plum blossoms, but today I will send red plum blossoms.

Come spring.








February 22 (Saturday) Sunny

The sun was shining, but by mid-afternoon it was covered in ominous clouds and it was bitterly cold.

The wind didn't die down, so the temperature felt even colder.


There were plum blossoms blooming here and there on the walk, but I didn't get to the point where I could really enjoy them.

Come spring.








February 21st (Friday) Sunny

For the first time since being discharged from the hospital, I set my alarm and got up as usual. It was 5:45 and the sky was brighter than before, but there were still 30 minutes until sunrise.

If I don't get up at this time, I won't be able to read the newspaper, do some radio exercises, prepare breakfast... and then have breakfast after 7... or rather, I won't be able to make it in time for conversations with my radio friends.


This schedule isn't so hard once you get used to it, but it's a bit tough for someone who was hospitalized until yesterday.

I still managed to make it in time, but since I have a three-day weekend starting tomorrow, I'll take the morning off and gradually get my body used to it.


When I was discharged from the hospital yesterday, I was asked to pay the bill. But wait a minute...? 2-3 days before the radiation treatment before hospitalization, the maximum amount was reached under the high-cost medical care system, so the bill was zero yen.

So, since it was the same month, same illness, and same facility, I thought it would be zero yen... so I called the hospital and asked.

The high-cost medical care system has three payment categories: outpatient medical expenses, inpatient medical expenses, and dental medical expenses. Apparently, each is calculated differently. Is there anyone who knows that much about it!?

February 20th (Thursday) Sunny

Today the north wind was strong, but the sun was shining and I was able to be discharged from Saitama Cancer Center without any problems.

The side effects of the second round of chemotherapy were a little worse than the first, but they were not too bad and I was able to finish safely.


Repeat your name and date of birth many times throughout the day. This is probably the most effective way to prevent medical errors, and every time your meal is served, you receive it by calling out your name.

Especially when receiving an injection or IV, the barcode on the wristband attached to your arm is checked, and the patient is released from the hospital.


The morning sun rises over the horizon of the Kanto region. Now, a new day begins.

I will visit you from time to time for follow-up examinations, but for now, thank you for your care. Thank you to all the staff.



February 19th (Wednesday) Sunny

Today's plan is to have a meeting about post-discharge care and follow-up on my prognosis.

My body is now free of any cables from IV drips and I'm feeling extremely comfortable.


When I had some free time, I thought I would change into my outdoor clothes and go to my car in the parking lot.

That's right, the pad that was used to immobilize me during radiation therapy when I leave the hospital tomorrow is quite large. I thought I'd put it in my car today.


The wind was a little cold, but the sun was shining and it was a pretty wintery day, so I took the opportunity to take a walk around the cancer center grounds and come back.

There is a horse riding ground across from the cancer center. There is a horse riding ground near my house, but it is on a completely different scale.



February 18th (Tuesday) Sunny

It looks cold outside the window. The sunlight is weak inside the hospital window, but it's extremely hot by the window.

The chemotherapy drip injections have finished, but the drips for cleaning will continue for another day to make sure that the chemotherapy toxins do not remain in the body.


In the evening, the results of this morning's blood test showed that the treatment was progressing smoothly, and the cleaning drip was completed.

I had already scheduled a hot shower for today, so I was able to take one and feel refreshed.


After coordinating with the doctor and head nurse, it was decided that I would be discharged on Thursday, February 20th.





February 17th (Monday) Sunny

I'm in a four-person room, but two more people joined me on Monday, so there are three people in the room today.

They're still young, so I can't even say hello to them in depth, and if there are no problems, I might be discharged tomorrow.


Today was the last day of two treatments. First, 96 hours of chemotherapy ended at 4pm.

I immediately booked a shower, so I took a nice, hot shower for the first time in a week and felt refreshed.


Another thing is that today was my last radiation treatment, so I said goodbye to all the staff for all their help and returned to my room.

At that time, I was also given a molded pad to firmly secure my body to the radiation therapy machine.

By the way, this was made to fit my body, so it cannot be used by anyone else, and it costs about 100,000 yen!

February 16th (Sunday) Sunny

This morning, I opened the curtains to see the beautiful sunrise over the horizon, but it wasn't clear enough for the sun to come out.

It was already almost 7 o'clock when it got very late and it started to get light outside. Everything I could see in the distance seemed to be asleep.


I wondered what Mount Fuji looked like from the corridor with the western window, and it, along with Mount Buko in Chichibu and the mountains of Gunma, were shrouded in mist.

Today, chemotherapy is still being administered intravenously, but radiation therapy is on hold and the hospital is calm, like a quiet holiday.


I also spent the day engrossed in reading, just like yesterday.





February 15th (Saturday) Sunny

Looking at the eastern sky, it was around 6 o'clock, the time when the sun was rising from the horizon. It was wake-up time at the hospital.

The person sitting next to one of the windows was discharged yesterday, so when I woke up and opened the curtains all the way in the morning, it was sunrise.


And today at around 10 o'clock, the two people at the entrance were discharged, and finally I was left alone in this room.

It was so quiet that I was able to spend the whole day reading a book.


The way this hospital manages medicines is that the medicines to be taken each day are sorted and put into each bed, and patients return the swallowed medicine shells to the designated container.

A nurse will check and record what you do before and after drinking.

You will spend tomorrow morning alone in this room.



February 14th (Friday) Sunny

It's a calm, sunny day and the temperature is likely to rise. Even though I've been sleeping a lot, I still feel a little sleep-deprived.

It happened last night before I went to bed. My rental pajamas are changed every two days. Oh, maybe tomorrow...


That's why I thought I'd replace it today. Because, as you can see in yesterday's photo, there are two IV hoses, and in order to get around them and take them off, I have to slip the tank through my sleeve and pull it out from inside the shirt I'm trying to put on.

As expected, I made a mistake somewhere and it became impossible to regenerate, so I had to call the nurse for help.


I was supposed to be able to finish by 9 o'clock, when the lights were turned off, and get a good night's sleep. But, why did I make that mistake...

First of all, many patients at this hospital have such a hard time changing their pajamas... I want to get a patent for a new utility model and make everyone happy.

All sorts of thoughts run through my head... If I make something good, who should I consult and how much should I charge to have it made?

When it's time to get up in the morning, I immediately try to look it up on the internet... "What? There are tens of thousands of them on the market."

February 13th (Thursday) Sunny

It's been sunny since the morning, but the wind seems strong. The view from the window on the sixth floor of the Cancer Center looks like the first spring wind, but it also seems cold.

The dust that sometimes rises from the grounds is unbearable.


Before administering the anti-cancer drugs, various preventive infusions will be administered one after another.

Denosine infusion, 500ml x 2 times to keep the kidneys working well. Halonosetrin anti-nausea drug 50ml. Mannitto S diuretic 300ml.


Finally, in the afternoon, two types of anti-cancer drugs are administered. (FU-5) fluorouracil is administered continuously for 96 hours.

Then, cisplatin, which is made from the decomposition products of platinum electrodes, is administered for two hours.

The fluorouracil nurse is changing the injection drug, wearing full protective gear and rubber gloves over her nursing uniform.

After the replacement work is completed, the protective secondary gloves are returned to the original location and stored away. They are handled with the same care as toxic substances. ●, ▼

February 12th (Wednesday) Sunny

This is my third time being hospitalized at Saitama Cancer Center, so I'm used to everything.

And this time I was in the same room as last time... I thought "Yay!", but I ended up in a bed by the window.


Well, it seems like I have the view from my side of the window all to myself, but if I leave the curtains open the sunlight during the day is too hot.

And luckily the nurse who takes care of me during the day is the same as before, so that's quite calming.


Now that I think about it, this hospitalization is already the fourth corner of my treatment.

Starting tomorrow, I will be receiving 96 hours of chemotherapy infusions, which means I will be receiving the infusions for four consecutive days.

I see... in the bed by the window, the side with more space will probably end up with the infusion on my right hand.

So I decided to sleep with my head facing the opposite direction.

February 11th (Tuesday) Sunny

I made a huge mistake. I got the date of admission wrong.

I arrived at the cancer center and the admission desk was closed. I went up to the ward on the 6th floor and was told, "No, you're due tomorrow."


How did it end up like this? I received a call from the hospital office on Friday evening to confirm my admission.

Whether I said it or not is no longer important. I came home dejected and found a note from the phone call. I looked at it and it was 1/12, tomorrow.


Anyway, I've been putting together "About my esophagus" since the other day, and I was planning to tell my concerned relatives and friends when my medical treatment was over.

For those who have been following my website, I have been letting you know about it each time, but I have put it together for you to see.I've summarized it here.

The layout is set up so that if you use the print function of your browser, you can print the booklet using the page function.

This is also a by-product of me lazing around at home.

February 10th (Monday) Sunny

Every day I go to the radiation therapy room at the cancer center, where about four staff members are always assisting the radiation therapy machine that is being used for my treatment.

They make fine adjustments so that the marks on my body line up perfectly with the marks projected by the irradiation machine.


After going there many times, I've gotten to know the people there and we even have a quick chat in between.

I wonder if this treatment machine costs 40-50 million yen...? No! It's an auction.

During the treatment, I was thinking, "Wow, billions... that's amazing..." After the treatment was over and the braces were removed, the person in charge said, "Well, you can think of it as 700-800 million yen." Wow!!


The chemotherapy is finally coming to an end, and from tomorrow I will be hospitalized for the final chemotherapy infusion treatment.

The sunlight during the day has calmed down, so please look forward to seeing me again from tomorrow.





February 9th (Sun) Sunny

The north wind has been blowing hard since this morning. It seems that there has been a lot of snowfall on the mountains.

On LINE, the ski club I belong to, practice has been canceled due to snow, and I can hear cries of distress from all over the place about the road conditions.


I thought that because of the cold weather, there would be few participants in the club table tennis practice today.

That was not the case. Today was the Kawaguchi City Federation's tournament, the Mayor's Cup.

I did not enter this tournament because it is usually in the middle of the skiing season. The main members participated.


By the way, I wonder how long this cold winter weather will last.

But I'm just grateful for the warmth through the window during the day.





February 8th (Saturday) Sunny

It's sunny, but the north wind is strong and cold. I feel happy when I'm at home with the sunlight pouring in through the window.

I'm sure the ski club is having a training camp today... But when I look at the live camera... Oh no! It's a blizzard.


A new month has passed, and this month I went to the Saitama Cancer Center for radiation therapy, paying enough money to drink at a red lantern every day.

As I wrote yesterday, my payments have now become zero, and this is due to the High-Cost Medical Care Expenses System, which is said to be a system designed to reduce the burden on patients according to their income.

Today's newspaper said that if such a system is not reviewed in the near future, social security in general will collapse.


First of all, the increase in medical benefits due to the sophistication of medical care, and the increase in the number of low-income elderly people who benefit from medical care as we become an aging society.

The government wants to get involved and raise the upper limit of the standard amount based on annual income.

Recently, people have been using their medical insurance to pay for their great-grandchildren's childbirth medical expenses, and the bullying of the elderly has become outrageous!



February 7th (Friday) Sunny then cloudy

I left home early again today and was thinking of reading a book in the comfortable chairs in the waiting room at the center...

Just before my appointment time, I got a call saying, "Please come to reception number 15 soon." Today is exactly the appointment time.


After my treatment, I went to pay at the payment machine. When I held up the barcode with the payment number, the amount was displayed.

What?! There was no payment for today again! I think it's some kind of high medical expense system, and once a certain amount is reached, the rest is not paid.

But last month, my medical expenses dropped to zero after the hospitalization fee, and so far this month I have only paid 18,000 yen. I wonder how they calculate it.


By the time I headed to my car in the parking lot, the sun had completely disappeared and thin clouds were covering it, but it looked really cold.

It seems that these clouds caused snow in Osaka and Nagoya. The cold is really starting to set in.





February 6th (Thursday) Sunny

I continue to wake up at the same time every morning, 5:45. I read the newspaper, do some radio exercises, and prepare breakfast.

After 7:00, I have breakfast and talk with my radio friends about yesterday and today.


It's already 9 o'clock by the time I've cleaned up after breakfast, vacuumed the living room, and settled down.

I have an hour of free time, so I open my laptop and check my emails, look at my friends' posts on social media, and exchange emails.

Soon it's time to go to the cancer center for radiation therapy. My style now is to go early and read a book there if I arrive early.


After finishing my treatment, I came back and had a late lunch, then dozed off. I got up at 3 and went for a walk. It was a set route, about 40 minutes, and was a relatively race-walk-like walk.

On the way back, the nearby sloped forest was being maintained, and there were places where I could see far into the distance.

Today is the 18th day of radiation therapy... 10 more sessions to go! .



February 5th (Wednesday) Sunny

Today, after the radiation therapy is over, I have a scheduled meeting with my chemotherapy doctor.

The radiation therapy ended earlier than expected today, so I thought I would have lunch at the hospital escort, but I ended up eating at a convenience store.


I'm also worried about the results of yesterday's blood test, and if my function remains impaired, the schedule for final treatment may be thwarted.

The hospital has a cafeteria with a good menu, and there is also a convenience store like the ones you find in town, so I had my lunch heated up and ate it in the waiting room.

The waiting room has a silent eating corner... and there is a large table, so I can eat without hesitation.


Soon after, I received a call from my doctor on my calling cell phone and waited in front of the designated room. My reception number was displayed in the column at the entrance to the door.

After the previous patient finished their interview and left the room, the display changed to and I entered the room.

The doctor greeted me with a bright face, so I knew it was a good result. The blood sugar level is improving thanks to the medicine, but my kidney function is recovering on its own, so I'll just have to take care of it.

I immediately went through the hospitalization process and moved on to the final stage of treatment. I was scheduled to be hospitalized on February 12th. Until then, I will continue with daily radiation therapy.

February 4th (Tuesday) Sunny

When I was hospitalized for the first chemotherapy infusion, the blood test results showed a decrease in my function, which was a concern as a side effect, so I started taking medicine last week.

Tomorrow, I went to the blood collection center with my doctor to have a blood test, which will be important information for the future treatment plan.


Today, I arrived at the cancer center early before my radiation treatment, but there were no parking spaces available, even though I arrived at the same time as usual.

However, there is a space a little further away across the road where you can park your car even during your hospital stay, so I parked there today.

Well, the cold north wind is a bit strong, so I'm sure everyone would like to park near the hospital entrance, but it can't be helped.

At the blood collection center, I once again scanned the barcode on the reception sheet I received at the cancer center's automated reception desk to receive a new ticket indicating the order in which I would be drawn.


There are nine windows for blood collection, and blood is drawn in order. Based on today's queue, I was likely to be around 25th in line. Still, it was my turn after about a 15-minute wait.



February 3rd (Monday) Cloudy

Last night I played table tennis, so I tried to go to bed at 8 o'clock, and as a result I was able to get just under 10 hours of sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.

I was feeling refreshed, but the weather was not in sync. The cloudy weather doesn't look like it's going to clear up anytime soon.


Radiation therapy was off on the weekend, but will resume today. Last weekend, I started to feel a slight discomfort in my throat, which I was worried about, but it went away on the weekend.

I'm just halfway through my treatment plan and heading to the last half.

I left a little early and thought I'd read a book at the hospital until my appointment time, but then I got another message from the pager.

"I have some free time, so if you're ready, please come to counter 15..."


Then let's get it done quickly...



February 2nd (Sunday) Rain

Even though it was Sunday, my alarm woke me up. Today was club table tennis practice day, but it was snowing?

I opened the curtains and was very disappointed, but then I thought, "Oh well, it's a good thing..."


My car is equipped with studless tires in case it snows at this time of year, so I'm fine with that, but my table tennis friends can't.

Of course, there were probably many people who wanted to come to practice today but couldn't make it because of the snow.

In the end, 14 members gathered and enjoyed practicing.

By the way, it was only us club members, no one from the general public came.






February 1st (Saturday) Sunny

My regular meals are delivered by CO-OP, a food delivery company, so my grocery shopping at the supermarket has been greatly reduced.

However, I still need to buy some extra food because the delivered meals are lacking in vegetables and the scarcity of luxury items.


It's been almost a month since I started using a food delivery service.

When I think about it, it's never been easier to not have to go shopping during my daily routine.

But then I forget to buy that thing... or oh no! I still had it but I bought it again...

I haven't compared the costs yet, but it seems like it would be cheaper to have it delivered.


If I can't turn this around, I might not be cut out to be a housewife.



January 31st (Friday) Sunny

The mornings are still as cold as ever. Today I headed to the Cancer Center for radiation therapy.

As I continue radiation therapy every day, the side effects that my body reacts to are like a jab in boxing... and they respond quietly to my body.


Immediately to the left as you enter the Cancer Center, there are three automated reception machines lined up. When I insert my patient card here, the necessary details of my medical examination for today are already known.

From the reception machine, I insert the sheet with the call number, medical examination details, and time into a green file, then receive the pager to complete the reception.

There were no traffic problems today, so I arrived about an hour early. I was reading a book in a well-lit area when, after about 30 minutes, the pager started ringing and a message was displayed.

When I checked in, the medical staff at the reception desk knew that I was already inside the center. "It's not your appointment time, but we have some free time, so if you are available, please come to counter number 15."


Coincidentally, today is already halfway through my treatment plan. I have renewed my determination to keep trying, hoping that my blood sugar levels will go down as I start taking the medicine.



January 29th (Wednesday) Sunny

After being discharged from the hospital, today is my doctor's appointment. Before that, blood and urine tests will be done and the diagnosis will be made based on the results.

When carrying out this scientific cancer treatment, it is necessary to proceed carefully as there is a risk of damaging the current health condition of the elderly.


Before being discharged from the hospital, the side effects of the anti-cancer drugs were tolerable, but to be precise, the blood test results showed unexpected adverse effects such as a decrease in kidney function and an increase in blood sugar level.

The blood collection will start early in the morning... so I had breakfast while driving. As expected, I couldn't have rice and miso soup, so I had bread today.

I was surprised at how many people visit the blood collection center every day.


The diagnosis shows that the kidney function values ??have recovered, but the blood sugar level has not decreased as much as expected. If this continues, I will not be able to proceed to the next anti-cancer drug treatment.

The doctor decided to prescribe diabetes medication, so I went to the pharmacy across the street and got a week's worth of medication.



January 28th (Tuesday) Sunny

Day by day, spring is approaching, and it's so warm that I don't even want to put it in my mouth.

The sunlight is reaching every corner of the living room, and I'm now spending the day in just a T-shirt.


Commuting to the cancer center can be quite difficult. I've never missed an appointment, but I've learned that there are many reasons why I arrive too early and have to wait a long time.

I arrived too early again today, but the chairs in the spacious and bright waiting room are more comfortable than waiting for a long time in front of the treatment room, so I read here until the last minute.

I then checked in for the specialized treatment five minutes before my appointment time, and I was immediately put into radiation therapy without any wait.


As usual, I went to the automatic payment machine for treatment fees that I introduced yesterday, and when I took out my book, I thought I would have to wait about 15 minutes with my call number, but the payment calculation was already completed and I was called.

The payment machine showed 0 yen! ... What?! I'm not going to pay...? But I still went to the counter to check. You've exceeded this month's high medical expenses limit, so it's not a problem!

Huh...? So it's free from tomorrow...

January 27th (Monday) Sunny to cloudy

The weather is probably going downhill. It was a sunny morning, but it's gradually getting cloudier.

Today's road to the hospital would be easy if it was always a day like this... but the roads were surprisingly empty and the traffic was good.


So, my appointment was for 11:45, but I arrived before 11.

Even so, I waited in the parking lot for a while until after 11 and checked in. I was expecting it because I had been called without waiting when I had arrived too early before.

But guess what, I was reading a book for a long time and before I knew it, it was almost 12 o'clock. Today the wait was unexpectedly long.


After the treatment, it was the usual scene of people paying.

People who had finished calculating the treatment fee waited for their billing number to be displayed and went to one of the three automatic payment machines to pay.



January 26th (Sun) Sunny

Once you experience a slightly warm day, you start to get scared of the cold winter weather like this morning.

It wasn't a particularly cold morning, but today I went to practice table tennis at the club.


Right now I'm undergoing cancer treatment... but for a while, I'll only be undergoing radiation treatment.

Well, the guidelines in the treatment say not to push yourself too hard, and to move your body as much as possible and relax both your body and mind.

That said, for the past week, I've been forcing myself to go for a walk every day after coming back from treatment, but it seems like I'm gradually getting used to it.


And today, It was sunny and I went to practice table tennis. Still, I had a fun time for two hours, regardless of the content.

But when I got back, I took a nap from lunch until the evening.



January 25th (Saturday) Cloudy then sunny

I woke up thinking that it was a very warm morning even though it was still January.

When I went out to the front door to drop off the newspaper, the sky was covered with clouds and I realized that it wasn't going to be sunny today.


I need to visit the hospital once every two months to get blood pressure, gout, and blood thinning medicine, but it's still a little early.

When I am hospitalized for my second anti-cancer treatment, the hospital will manage all of my regular medications during my hospitalization, so I need to prepare those as well.

The doctor at the clinic also wants to know the status of my anti-cancer treatment, so he is bombarding me with questions about whether I am experiencing side effects, changes in my physical condition, etc.


While watching TV at dinner, the show today is about the coins we use every day, and how they are "troublesome."

I also turned my coin purse upside down and found 10 coins ranging from 1 yen to 100 yen. Among them, the 1 yen and 50 yen coins from 1974 are the oldest, and when I looked it up online...

The 1 yen coins are worth 100 to 500 yen, and the 50 yen coins are worth 900 yen. Wow... Well, I don't feel like that, so I'll just use the 1 yen and 50 yen.

January 24th (Friday) Sunny

As predicted, the weather was mild and warm, reminiscent of spring.

Should I expect accidents like yesterday when commuting to treatment?


Yesterday, if I'd left at least 15 minutes earlier, I would have arrived at my reservation time without any worries. Today, I left at 10:00, 1 hour and 45 minutes early.

I made it on my way to work without any issues, so I arrived just under an hour before the usual arrival time. There were still 45 minutes until my reservation time.

Even so, when I checked in hoping to finish the reception early, they said, "Let's get started right away!"


That's right. Everyone is coming to the hospital from far away, but it seems that there are quite a few people who made a reservation but couldn't make it in time, like me yesterday.

In that case, it would be easier to just arrive early and read a book without worrying too much about the time.

The scene of yesterday's accident was going smoothly this morning as if nothing had happened.

January 23rd (Thursday) Sunny

Driving to work for the first time in 20 years is comfortable and not a problem if you leave with a little extra time.

Once again, I'm surprised at how many terrible drivers there are. Keep left...there are so many middle-aged women who completely ignore the traffic.


There was a bus stop on a two-lane road, so I got into the passing lane. Huh?! I wasn't making much progress... I looked ahead and saw that the light car was completely clear in front of it, but it didn't even seem to be stepping on the gas.

I somehow got in front of the bus and looked at the light car from the driving lane, and saw an old lady driving at her own pace in the passing lane. The car behind was following suit, too, afraid of being sued for tailgating.

I was surprised at how many drivers were driving at their own pace in the passing lane, not just the old lady. Eco-driving...? It seems like there are more people who can't drive flexibly.


While I was doing that, I got stuck in traffic. Since I had plenty of time, I waited patiently for over 20 minutes.

I somehow made it to the top of the detour and was able to make it in 5 minutes before my cancer treatment appointment.



January 22nd (Wednesday) Sunny

During my hospital stay, I was receiving radiation therapy in addition to my anti-cancer treatment, so I would be instructed to go out while I was lying in bed.

But today, for the first time, I will be leaving my home just for radiation therapy.


Fortunately, by adjusting the schedule, they were able to arrange a time for me to leave my house just after the morning rush hour.

The distance is 20.4km from my house, and it takes nearly an hour and a half during the morning rush hour. But today, I left just after 10:30 when the roads started to clear, and arrived in about 50 minutes.

I felt that it was pretty easy. And after just 10 minutes of treatment, I was shocked when I paid the bill! 5,968 yen! If I had known I would be charged this much every day, I would have done it when my health insurance covered only 10% of the bill.


Well, even though I am eligible for high-cost medical care, it will be paid three months later, and the cost of treating the esophagus is not that high, so I guess it was a good thing.

But from now on, I'll be commuting 40km round trip every weekday. My body is still not used to it, so I spent the whole day just lazing around when I got home.



January 21st (Tuesday) Rain then sunny

It seems to have rained this morning. Although not as much as yesterday, it seems to be a sign of the stability of the weather these days.

My doctor also came to the hospital just after 8am and stopped by my hospital room. If there are no changes in my condition, I will be discharged today as planned.


Yesterday, I heard about most of the side effects of this treatment and the progress during hospitalization.

The superficial symptoms of nausea, loss of appetite, and constipation were all resolved without any problems. However, from an invisible medical perspective, blood test results showed a decline in blood sugar and kidney function.

This is probably due to the anti-cancer drugs, but as a doctor, I am somewhat reluctant to proceed with the next anti-cancer treatment unless this improves within three weeks.


Creatinine clearance for anti-cancer drugs is calculated based on creatinine, age, weight, etc., and while my creatinine clearance was an excellent 69.5 before anti-cancer drugs, it's now 59.7. I want to get it back to the 60s.

In any case, I was told to drink plenty of fluids even in normal times. And from tomorrow, I will be going to radiation therapy every day.



January 20th (Monday) Rain then sunny

It seems that it rained in the morning. The scenery outside also looked moist.

However, as the day approached, the weather gradually improved and it became warm.


As of today, I am no longer receiving intravenous chemotherapy, so I feel refreshed. However, radiation therapy is still ongoing.

First thing in the morning, I had a blood test to check how much damage the chemotherapy had done to my body.

After seeing the results, my doctor decided that it was okay for me to leave the hospital, so it has been decided that I will be discharged tomorrow. Almost one-fifth of my chemotherapy period is over.


A blood test showed abnormal values ??for blood sugar and creatinine, and a decline in kidney function. This is likely damage caused by the anti-cancer drugs, and the focus is on how much recovery there will be in the next three weeks.

In the afternoon, I took a walk around the garden with its hedges.



January 19th (Sun) Sunny

Just before the end, the area where the IV injection was inserted was slightly swollen, so we decided to remove the needle.

The anti-cancer treatment injection was scheduled to finish at 2pm. The doctor had to change the needle again, so it was delayed by two hours.


Even so, the first round of chemotherapy treatment was over by 4:30 in the evening. My doctor will come tomorrow to decide on the next steps.

Since I was hospitalized, I have only been able to wipe my body, let alone take a bath.

I left the injection device in place and took proper waterproofing measures, and was able to take a shower for the first time in a long time.


It was fine because it was still winter and dry, but if it had been summer and hot or humid, it would have been really bad.

It was refreshing and I made it in time for dinner.



January 18th (Saturday) Sunny

Today is Saturday, so I'm off. Radiation treatment is closed on weekends, so there is no treatment today or tomorrow.

However, the anti-cancer drug infusion will be given 24 hours a day for five days in a row, so I have to take him with me whenever I go out.


I don't know what ingredients are in the anti-cancer treatment drip medication, but when the nurses handle it, they put on vinyl aprons, gloves, and protective masks, and when they're done, they throw it in a collection bag.

The continuous administration of the anti-cancer drug is connected to another saline solution at the same time to encourage excretion. The instructions say not to touch feces, and if you shake, wash your hands thoroughly.

If that's the case, you'll have to be hospitalized to do this. Once this anti-cancer treatment is over, your doctor will see you on Monday and decide whether you can be discharged, taking into account any concerns about side effects.


If that happens, I will have to commute from home every weekday for 10-minute radiation therapy. The plan is to be hospitalized again in three weeks for the same anti-cancer treatment.

Don't rush, you still have a long life.



January 17th (Friday) Sunny

I was a bit scared at the beginning of the radiation treatment... well, it was because of fear and the "stay still and don't take deep breaths..." thing.

But by the third time, I got used to it... and it was those 10 minutes that I realized that the half-way point had passed.


I think it was good that I was able to ask questions to the technician during the preparation stage, and my second brother also told me about his experience with radiation, which helped me feel at ease.

Radiation is generated electrically in this device, and 2,000 millisieverts are irradiated in 10 minutes. This is the daily dose, and treatment is completed with a total of 60,000 sieverts.

Radiation therapy will take nearly a month and a half, as I will be off on weekends. By the way, if I fly to Europe, I will be exposed to the equivalent of 10 millisieverts of radiation. In other words, I would have to fly 200 times to get the daily allowance.


Yesterday, I suffered from constipation, an expected side effect, but after following the prescribed medication, I had a regular bowel movement like every other morning, which made me smile.

Just in time for the morning, Mount Fuji, which was cloudy and invisible until yesterday, was clear like me this morning. Did you have a regular bowel movement too?



January 15th (Wednesday) Sunny

It's the second day of chemotherapy. I haven't had any particular problems with the 24-hour infusions and radiation therapy, but I've started to experience the expected side effects.

I haven't had a bowel movement before 7am, which I always did every morning. I was given the medicine to deal with it right away, but I wonder if I'll be able to make it by lights out.


The next thing is that the drip also contains a diuretic, but it doesn't seem to be working. My weight has jumped from 53kg to 57.5kg.

I can't reach my wrist because it's a little swollen. This is because a new diuretic is being injected, and I'm surprised that I have to go to the bathroom every 20 minutes.

Well, it was a four-person room, but the toilet was right in front of me, and the nurse's station on this floor was right across from a first-class room.


I spent almost the entire day quietly reading.





January 15th (Wednesday) Sunny

Finally, today, chemotherapy and radiation therapy have begun at the same time.

The doctor said that it would be best if chemotherapy and radiation only worked on cancer cells, but they also have side effects on healthy organs.


Therefore, prescriptions for these negative effects are also necessary in the infusion, which is why there are so many different types of infusions...

Then, just before lunch, I was moved to the radiation therapy room while receiving the infusion, and I'll probably be able to show you a photo of it sometime... a plastic barrier for my own use to precisely fix my body in place.

This barrier was going to be disposed of after 28 radiation treatments, so I asked to keep it. I think the radiation exposure lasted about 10 minutes.


This time, the two main types of anti-cancer drugs are mixed with glucose solution or saline solution, and after the powerful cisplatin is administered, it washes the blood and protects the kidneys.

I will probably be sleeping with a large amount of saline drip all night. It will be 1000ml for 4 hours, and the night nurse will change it for me.


By the way, I have not had any side effects to worry about yet, and my temperature after lunch and before going to bed is just a little high at 36.8 degrees.

A pitiful voice echoes down the hallway from a room somewhere... "Ugh!!!!"

January 14th (Tuesday) Sunny

It was a calm day with no wind. I felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety today, as it was finally the day I would be admitted to the hospital for preventive cancer treatment.

I arrived in the morning, had my blood taken, had my weight measured, went to the convenience store to borrow some pajamas, and then I entered my hospital room.


I didn't have anything else to do today, so I decided to spend the day reading a book.

The nurse in charge showed me the "hospitalization treatment plan" and explained to me. "Given your age, it will be difficult to use the anti-cancer drugs at the strength recommended in the textbook, so I think we will have to reduce the dosage (go easy)."

In the evening, my doctor came to my room and said, "I have looked at the results of your blood tests, and I have confirmed that you have a fair amount of physical strength, so I will try a little bit of the usual combination treatment."


Of course, we will be monitoring the situation, so please rest assured.

The real battle begins tomorrow.



January 13th (Monday) Sunny

I've been hospitalized a few times recently, so I'm getting ready for tomorrow...but it feels like I'm going on a little trip.

The only thing that's different from before is that I no longer have to change the homepage source on my mobile computer before going out.


Previously, I had to copy the source from my home computer to my mobile, write what happened when I was out on it, and then update it to the server.

Microsoft's OneDrive automatically overwrites the data on my mobile PC, so it saves me the trouble of going out.

Well, that's convenient, but it also worries me. Up until now, if an update failed, I was able to fix it on another computer. ...If that's no longer possible and it fails, I'm sure I'll lose it. And because of that, the drive on my mobile PC has become heavy.


I enjoyed playing table tennis yesterday, so I should be feeling a bit sore in my joints today... but I'm fine...? Maybe it'll be tomorrow, but I'm a little worried.

Today I had fun making pottery in the studio again..



January 12th (Sunday) Cloudy

The weather forecast says it may snow in the Kanto region around this evening.

It has now changed to say that there will be no snowfall in the city center, but there is no sunshine and it is a little chilly.


Today and tomorrow are practice days for table tennis, but I went to practice at the table tennis club today to rest and conserve my energy.

I felt refreshed, and halfway through I thought maybe I had gone a little too far, but it's hard to control yourself.

I ended up enjoying it full time, but I'm going to take it easy tomorrow and prepare for my hospital stay on Tuesday.

But it's a shame that my joints hurt not today, but tomorrow... the day after tomorrow.




January 11th (Saturday) Sunny

It was another cold morning today. I said goodbye to my radio friends, telling them that today was my last day and that I will be hospitalized next week.

I hope that everyone will understand my preventive cancer treatment... and that I hope to hear your healthy voices again in the fourth week when I am discharged from the hospital.


I have heard that scientific cancer treatment is tough, so I have been trying to conserve my strength for now.

I have been quietly living my days by going for walks and reading, but I feel like I am gradually getting stressed.

I tried making some pottery by kneading some clay, but the soil is very cold at this time of year!

I was surprised that the cold penetrated to the core of my head, as I have never made pottery in the middle of winter before.


This is no good! I think I will do some light exercise tomorrow and go to play table tennis.



January 10th (Friday) Sunny

The bitterly cold days continue. The Kanto region is in the season of fierce winds.

Today too, if you block the wind and expose your futon to the sun, it will be fluffy and ensure a good night's sleep.


The flower bed in front of the entrance is only getting a little sunshine during the day, so it looks cold.

My garden also looks cold, and while the sunlight is shining into the living room and it's warm, it looks cold in the shade of the trees.

Right now, Japanese white-eyes, great tits, and brown-eared bulbuls are visiting my garden.

Even though it's such a cold day, Japanese white-eyes are bathing in the water dispenser...I wonder if they're okay.


It's almost like you're going to shiver just looking at them.



January 9th (Thursday) Sunny

Morning temperatures are getting colder day by day. It's said that it will get even colder tomorrow.

The snowfall in the Tohoku and Hokuriku regions is the heaviest in recent years, but the Kanto region is calm and sunny.


My homepage celebrated its 20th anniversary last July, and the server, BIGLOBE, is still charging me for that.

The current amount of data is 850MB. The first 100MB was free, but after that, a server storage fee of 500 yen/month is charged for every 50MB. It has been increasing by 50MB every year.

Even so, little by little, it has become a big amount and now it is 8,000 yen (8,800 yen including tax). This monthly expense has become more expensive than a bad life insurance. However, the homepage itself is proof that I am alive, so it was unavoidable.

This winter, I took a break from skiing to undergo preventive cancer treatment, so I had more opportunities to spend time at home during this time of winter, and I was able to spend time on "data compression".


Even when looking at the effect on the server in a management chart, the amount is clearly reduced.



January 8th (Wednesday) Sunny

The rain stopped in the morning and the sky cleared. The wind has died down and the forecast says it will be a warm, sunny day.

The sun is still rising late as usual... does that mean the sunrise is still late? I crossed the nearby forest after 7:30.


It was a cold morning, but the sunlight brought a special warmth into the living room.

I spent some time reading in the sunshine today.

In the afternoon, I went down along the Minuma Irrigation Channel to go for a walk while it was still warm. There was a sign that said "50km to the Tone River." This means that it is 50km from my house to the Minuma Irrigation Channel intake in Gyoda.

I always walk here, but the ribbon on the tree that concerned me the other day was a diagnosis target because this area is an appropriate tree health management area.


The Kisoro slope forest along the Minuma Irrigation Canal has also been well maintained.


January 7th (Tue) Rain, cloudy, sunny

The rain from last night continued into the morning. The sky was still dark early in the morning, so I woke up in the dark.

The weather forecast said that a low pressure system would soon be moving over the eastern ocean, but the weather cleared up once around noon.


Well, the weather was generally cloudy all day. We also had the air conditioner on heat all day.

Now that the New Year is over and things are finally starting to quiet down, New Year's cards are starting to arrive.

I'm already 75 years old, and I've told people that I'll stop sending New Year's cards, but I still get New Year's cards, so why is that?

Of course! If you include a message for me, it's a good update on your precious friend. I'll write back to you, even if it's a little late. However, in recent years, many of my friends have been using e-mail, but there are still many who prefer to write letters.


The weather was sunny for a while during the day, but it seemed like there was still rain in the evening. I went for a walk and the sky in the distance was still raining here and there, so it was a stormy day.


January 6th (Monday) Cloudy

It was a bitterly cold day without the sun.

I visited Saitama Cancer Center again in the new year.


At the Cancer Center, the chemotherapy nurse in charge gave me a detailed explanation of the preventive treatment for my esophageal cancer that I am about to start this year.

After fully understanding that, I had a meeting with the chemotherapy doctor, and finally, the preliminary mask for radiation was made and the final CT scan was taken.

Then, the human body markers necessary for radiation were also administered.

Today, I went around 10 o'clock and was able to leave after 3 o'clock when everything was finished, so it seems to have taken quite a long time. Therefore, I think that this series of arrangements can be accomplished under a great time constraint for those who are still actively working.

I got home after 4 o'clock... the meal delivery I ordered for today had arrived.

I decided to introduce it because I was worried that I might not be able to cook meals during the upcoming treatment.

January 5th (Sun) Sunny

It was a very cold morning. The news said that the Kanto region had the lowest temperature this winter.

My daughter and her husband came to visit yesterday, so I stayed up late, and slept in this morning.


Last night, the light in the bathroom... went out as soon as I turned it on.

The lights in our house have been replaced with LEDs for 15 years since the renovation, but this one hadn't yet.

When I removed the bulb this morning, it wasn't conducting. It seemed like there was a break in the wire inside the bulb.

I immediately went to a home improvement store and bought an LED lamp with the same amount of light and replaced it.

Now, my challenge begins this week! I will be undergoing preventive chemotherapy for esophageal cancer.

While various risks are expected, meals will be delivered by a company and will be delivered from Monday. I have prepared them so that they will be left on this table even when I am not there.

January 4th (Saturday) Sunny

Completely different from yesterday, it was a sunny, calm day with no wind.

My daughter and her husband who live in Yokohama were coming to visit in the afternoon. They said they would prepare the food and other things for us, so don't worry... so we didn't do anything.

Well, these days you can get any food you want as long as you have money. So I think it's convenient to be able to enjoy a conversation without bothering anyone.


My daughter is fine, but her husband doesn't drink alcohol, so I was a bit careful, but it's a normal thing, so once you get used to it, you'll understand that it's just how it is and calm down.

We enjoyed a chat for a while.







January 3rd (Friday) Sunny/Cloudy

Last night, our friend Seiichi suddenly burst into our lodgings at dusk, which surprised us, but we had a great time chatting.

Seiichi has supported our club as a ski resort patrol captain for some time now, and we've become friends.

That's why I stayed up late again.


After breakfast, I headed home. The curves where there had been collisions on the icy road before were now smooth.

A little after lunch, I arrived home and had a slightly late lunch. I had some sacred sake and spent the last three days of the New Year in peace.







　

　　January 2nd (Thursday) Sunny

Last night, it had been a while since I'd last chatted late into the night, and it was so much fun. Thanks to that, I ended up sleeping in past 7 this morning.

Today, there were three of us, so one of us went to the ski resort early in the morning, the other stopped off at a home appliance store before going to the ski resort, and I headed to Hanasaki-no-Yu.

It seems that it snowed a little into the morning, and the village was lightly covered in snow, and Hanasaki-no-Yu was also beautiful with a thin layer of fresh snow. We enjoyed a leisurely bath in the open-air bath.

When I got out of the bath, I was served matcha tea. I asked if I could have some too, and I was served tea and sweets.

I returned to the guesthouse satisfied with the calm and quiet New Year's holiday.







January 1st (Wednesday) Sunny

　　　　 
新年明けましておめでとうございます
　　　　本年もよろしくお願いいたします。

I went to bed at the same time as usual, so I woke up at 5:45 on New Year's Day.

I read a little more of the newspaper and it was time for radio exercises, so I did some exercises and read the newspaper.

Breakfast was a little later than usual, but it was the same as usual. Daikon miso soup, boiled smelt, three slices of smoked takuan, and 250g of yogurt.

Well, I'm not going skiing today, but I'm heading to Katashina Village in Gunma Prefecture, where there is a ski resort.

To spend New Year's at the usual guesthouse with my ski club friends. The snow stopped on the way and the weather became calm.





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