A Quiet Evening Walk Together on Poppleton Street, Birmingham, Michigan

This is probably my seventeenth visit to Michigan. After checking into the hotel in Birmingham that Collie had booked for me(us), he asked me what I'd like to do with the rest of the evening. I suggested that we take a walk together along Poppleton Street.

I’ve been to Birmingham several times before, and it’s one of my favorite places in Michigan. I wanted to walk along this Poppleton Street with Collie—a street I used to stroll often, one that had left a lasting impression on me.

While living in Japan, I try to study English at my own pace and focus on finding happiness in my everyday life in a way that feels true to myself. Spending time alone happily is important and right, but maybe I'm also consciously tying to do that because otherwise, I might start wondering why we live so far apart and begin to feel uncertain. So when I finally come to Michigan and see him in front of me, I feel a quiet pause inside me as I try to adjust my heart to being here again.

On the first day of October, I stepped off the sidewalk onto Poppleton Street to take a photo. Though it was already evening, the sun was still bright, pouring a warm light over the quiet neighborhood.

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Collie was taking this photo of me from behind! ^o^

It was a warm October, and the leaves were just beginning to change color.

The autumn colors were starting to show, glowing softly in the sparkling sunlight.

A large residence near Poppleton Street, Birmingham, Michigan

In no time, I was walking along the nostalgic Poppleton Street with Collie the very day I arrived in Michigan. The hotel was booked for six days, mostly for me; he hadn’t really stayed there. He is currently busy taking care of his mother, visiting her daily to check on her condition, so he doesn’t have much time to spend with me. Even so, I'm truly thankful to have come all the way because I can meet him in person like this, basking in the comfort of his gentle smile.

Tomorrow morning, I will take a walk along this street again on my own. I'd love to experience the morning atmosphere of Poppleton Street too. Just like I do in Japan, I will take some personal time here happily and meaningfully. The time spent with him is a treasure. The time spent alone is also a treasure, made even more meaningful because of him. Because we are connected in our hearts.

Try the Signature Carrot Cake and More at Chilling Coffee & Bake, Hatanodai

Hi everyone, this is Rose. How are you enjoying the autumn season? Today, as I mentioned in an earlier post: Why I Fell in Love with Chilling Coffee & Bake’s Carrot Cake (and Everything Else!), 

I’d love to share a little about my favorite Carrot Cake. It’s my absolute go-to Carrot Cake!

 

Signature Carrot Cake at Chilling Coffee & Bake

This Signature Carrot Cake is shaped like a shortcake. The sponge is loaded with nuts and uses brown sugar for just the right sweetness. While it contains spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, they are gently balanced—not overpowering—making it delicious for everyone. The cream cheese frosting, enhanced with a hint of lemon tang, perfectly complements the sponge.

My personal preference is to add little to no lemon flavor to cream cheese, but even so, the Carrot Cake from Chilling Coffee & Bake is absolutely delicious🌷

Seasonal Pumpkin Pie at Chilling Coffee & Bake

Since we’re at it, let me also introduce another cake. This is a pumpkin pie that appears only for a limited time in autumn. Be sure to check it out here→ Chilling Coffee & Bake Instagram*

Classic Victoria Cake at Chilling Coffee & Bake

Victoria Cake is also very tempting☆ If you enjoy something here, why not try some of the other tempting treats to take home? Besides what's in the showcase, there’s a note showing what’s available, so be sure to check what kind of "Bake" they have that day.

How was it? Chilling Coffee & Bake is definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in the area—even if it’s just for that.

Hope you have a lovely day❤︎  Rose

My First Delta Comfort Experience: Three Meals and Airport Frenzy

Whenever I went to Michigan, I always flew economy to save some money. But this time, I decided to treat myself and booked [Delta Comfort] for the first time. It’s just one step up from [Delta Main](economy class). The legroom is a bit more spacious, and while the meals are pretty much the same, the nice perk is boarding earlier in Zone 3, which means I can settle in and relax a little sooner. 

There’s no more drink & snack service right after boarding like before COVID. These days, the welcome drinks are offered starting from [Delta Premium Select] (one class above [Delta Comfort]) and in [Delta One](the highest business class).

So, when the dinner service started, I asked for sparkling wine🥛as my first drink, enjoying the feeling of a welcome drink♪ The sparkling wine is no longer served in a small, cute bottle like before; instead, it comes in a recyclable can, which I found quite stylish and delicious.

Delta dinner plate

During dinner, I had red wine for my second drink. It was rich and enjoyable.

The seat layout in [Delta Comfort] is 3 (left) - 3 (center) - 3 (right), 

while in [Delta Premium Select] it is 2 (left) - 4 (center) - 2 (right). 

Since I prefer to spend my time as comfortably as possible in my seat, I like the aisle seat in the middle section of [Delta Comfort]’s 3 (center) layout. This is because I believe it has the lowest probability of having to get up when other passengers stand to go to the restroom.

[Delta Premium Select] offers wider seat width and seat pitch, along with adjustable footrests and leg rests, plus perks like welcome drinks and meals served on real dishware. However, for me, sitting in the aisle seat in the middle section of [Delta Comfort] holds more value.

 PIZZA TWIST, traditional in-flight snack of Delta

This PIZZA TWIST thing was served as a light meal in the late night. I’m impressed with the creative way they made pizza easier to eat! It’s designed to be a convenient, tasty snack that fits well in the limited space of airplane service.

It was cold on the plane, and I felt chilled, so I asked for a warm cup of tea to accompany the midnight snack.

Delta morning plate

As we approached Detroit, it was time for breakfast. Although yakisoba(noodle) was also an option, I deliberately chose an omelet because I wanted to get some protein. For my drink, I had tomato juice, thinking about its beauty benefits.

There were curious sounds of cats meowing—probably someone had smuggled a cat on board—and babies crying, but my first time on [Delta Comfort] was a good flight. As usual, I also enjoyed the movies.

Near the airport exit at Detroit

Having safely passed through customs, I sent a message to Collie saying, "I've arrived ^^♪" 

Calls and SMS are possible with Biglobe Mobile’s international roaming, but data communication is not. (For data, I use GlocalMe’s pocket WiFi.) While I was wondering whether to turn data roaming ON or OFF on my smartphone, Collie appeared quickly! We hugged after a long time apart, but Rose went back to worrying about the data roaming issue.

Collie laughed and said, "Is your smartphone more important than me?" Rose replied, "No, Collie, you’re the most important, and I hugged you first!" Rose returned to checking the data roaming —because setting it wrong could lead to a huge bill...

I later found out that the correct setting was to turn data roaming OFF on my smartphone, and for safety, also turn mobile data OFF.

It was a somewhat rushed reunion (sorry, Collie), but from here, our three weeks together in Michigan begin🌷

See you nest time...  Rose

Bistro Quatre Avril: Mains and Desserts to Brighten Your Day

My Go-To Café: Bistro Quatre Avril – Visual Lunch Diary, Part Two ♪

Plump, Thick-Cut Steak with a Generous Serving of Vegetables

A hearty steak made from thick, energetic cuts of beef—always cooked to perfection and served with a sauce that changes every time and never fails to impress. Instead of fries, the chef pairs it with tender roasted potatoes, a small touch that shows his care for balance and well-being.

One of the desserts that day was a cake made with 夏みかん (natsumikan), a Japanese summer citrus fruit. The chef always works with seasonal ingredients, creating desserts that are both original and full of character.

Juicy Tomato Farcie (Stuffed Tomato) with Rice and Vegetables 

One of the restaurant’s signature dishes, the Tomato Farcie (Stuffed Tomato), is a traditional dish from southern France. It combines the gentle acidity of tomatoes with minced meat—fresh, comforting flavors, paired here with rice for a delightful twist. A little taste of luxury in everyday life.

It was a lovely strawberry bavarois, with a soft cake base and a bright, sweet-tart sauce that made the plate look as beautiful as it tasted.

How was it? I’ll keep sharing my Quatre Avril Visual Lunch Diaries, so stay tuned! If you missed the previous one, take a look here: Visual Lunch Diary: 3 Main Plate Highlights from Bistro Quatre Avril

◆ Quick Update ◆

I recently upgraded my gear—now using a new MacBook Air M4 and a Galaxy S25. The S25 isn’t fully supported yet by Biglobe Mobile (my mobile carrier), so a few functions are still acting up, but I’ll see how it goes. Can’t wait to get comfortable with both and make them a natural part of my life.

And Now, Off to Michigan! – The Beginning of a New Journey

It’s been about two years and four months since I last visited Michigan. Just like last time, I just stopped by the SKY LOUNGE for a cup of coffee before my flight. I’d always flown out of Narita Airport, so this is only my second time flying from Haneda to Detroit.

Since I have a Saison American Express Gold Card, I’m an eligible credit card member. By showing my card at reception, I can enter the SKY LOUNGE. Also, when I purchase my ticket with this card, travel insurance for the U.S. is automatically included.

I didn’t have much time that day, but I couldn’t pass up the chance for at least a coffee break! I placed my cup on the table just for a little photo memory—can you spot it? ^^  Unfortunately, it was drizzling outside. I grabbed a quick coffee and then headed off.

Then came the long, long walk to the Delta gate for the Detroit flight. It really pays to head out early.

This time, my train was delayed due to the gloomy weather, and I barely made it to the airport on time. I was relieved to make it in time for boarding! Browsing the tempting airport shops and enjoying a snack before takeoff will have to wait until next time.

The journey starts here.  I will start my new travel chapter. 

And now, off to Michigan!

Sweet Apple Starts: Autumn Notes from Michigan and Tokyo

Hi, it’s Rose. I spent three weeks in Michigan from October 1st and returned to Japan last week. Now that my life in Japan has become more flexible, I was able to spend an unusually long three weeks in Michigan just living as if I were a local. According to local news, this October was the warmest on record in Michigan—just like Tokyo—with a few days that felt almost like summer.

I’ll be sharing bits and pieces from my time in Michigan here soon. I think I’ll alternate between posts about daily life in Japan and stories from Michigan. I hope you’ll enjoy following along again.

The Apple Pie Roll from Quatre Avril, my favorite bistro in Tokyo

Autumn is settling in here in Japan, too.  The photo today is Quatre Avril’s Apple Pie Roll. 

The innovative Tarte Tatin I introduced before is also back on their dessert menu for the season.

Reinventing Tradition: Bistro Quatre Avril’s Simply Apples Tarte Tatin, Sugar- and Butter-Free

Take a peek if you like❤︎  Let’s savor this beautiful autumn together.     Wishing you cozy days, Rose*

◆Quick Update◆

I’m getting a new MacBook Air, so this will be my last post written on my current one. It has truly served me well for many years. I wish I could have kept using it longer, but its support period ended quite a while ago...💦  So from next time, I’ll be writing with my new MacBook Air. Wish me luck on getting it all set up! I hope you’ll enjoy the new Michigan series that’s coming soon🌷 

See you again.

I will be taking a short break from this blog. I expect to resume writing toward the end of October.

This blog is a continuation of my very first journal in Japanese:

ミシガンに恋してhttps://esnl.exblog.jp, which remains a precious part of my roots. Later, I began writing here on Blogger in English. Some readers have found me for the first time through this English blog, while others have followed me here from my Japanese writings.

At some point, however, this blog stopped appearing in search results. Perhaps I may have written something Google deemed unfavorable. I have occasionally expressed my thoughts on social issues. Even so, I have no intention of deleting those posts, because for me, a blog is a precious record of my life—capturing who I was in each moment of time.

the seven-colored light emitted by the crystal suncatcher in sunlight

I am deeply grateful to those who still make their way here despite the blog not appearing in searches. If I continue to write sincerely, I believe that one day the blog may once again be indexed in Google Search Console, making it easier for people to find this place. I look forward with hope to that day.

When I return, I want to offer even more engaging posts, something that will bring joy and inspiration to you. Until then, please stay well and happy.

A little extra: a photo of something like oatmeal muffins filled with sweet red bean paste.

For Japanese readers who continue to visit my blog, as well as for those from other language backgrounds, I have written bilingual posts here:

• Finding My Voice, Living My Truth
• Raise a Glass to Yourself — When Effort Becomes a Treasure
• Do pets show up to thank the people who cherished them after they passed away?

Thank you for being part of my journey by visiting this space. 　 See you again soon!   Rose*