Revisiting Birmingham: Keurig Lessons & Dreamy Homes

After finishing my morning exploration at Kroger, I was relaxing in my hotel room when I heard a knock on the door.

It was one of the hotel staff members. He energetically said he’d show me how to use the Keurig.

The thing is, earlier I’d tried using the Keurig but it wouldn’t work properly, so I thought it was broken. I'd gone to the front desk with Collie, who explained the issue to the receptionist. This staff member must have been contacted by the front desk and came to help, demonstrating step-by-step while brewing me a fresh cup of coffee.

The Keurig worked perfectly, as if nothing had happened😳 Huh, that’s strange—when I tried following the instructions earlier, it wouldn’t start at all😥... Plus, he didn’t come just to check on it; from the get-go, he jumped in and said he’d teach me how to use it.

Maybe before he came, he or someone else had already checked it and found it wasn't broken, so he came back to give me a proper lesson? It worked so flawlessly—like a completely different machine—that I felt a bit embarrassed.

I thanked the lively staff member and enjoyed the coffee. It wasn't quite as tasty as the brew at the hotel's breakfast area, but being able to have coffee anytime in my room is pretty nice..😅

So, with that little coffee adventure wrapped up, I headed out for a walk. This time, I strolled along the street behind the Holiday Inn Express Birmingham, Michigan.

What kinds of houses can I spot around here? Walking through Birmingham and admiring these dreamy homes is such a refreshing and delightful experience.

Revisiting those moments makes them feel fresh and alive again, like I'm living a brand new story right now. That's the magic of travel blogging! My Birmingham strolling journey has that perfect "next chapter" vibe—hoping you're going to love following along!

Later, I told Collie that the Keurig coffee machine hadn't been broken after all, and we tried to go apologize to the front desk staff. But the guy who was there at the beginning had been replaced by someone else, and we never saw him again during my stay.

Maybe I'll try brewing coffee with the Keurig in the hotel room again some other day—while I still stay here. This time, on my own 😌

A Heartwarming Starbucks Treat: Savoring Mindfully in a Ceramic Mug

It’s been quite chilly these days. After walking outside in the cold, there’s nothing better than warming up with a hot drink in a cozy spot.

I usually just grab beans at Starbucks to brew coffee at home, but one day a staff member kindly pointed out I'd won a free drink on my receipt. Naturally, I chose my special cup to savor in the store. 

Steam was gently rising from the warm drink, making it all the more inviting. Actually, a few days later, I returned to Starbucks, having decided what I wanted to order.

The matcha latte was a tall size, made with oat milk and no syrup. Another friendly staff member kindly suggested, "We can add whipped cream too♪" 

This little bonus during my Starbucks visit was a gentle gift of a moment. They even let me sample today's coffee.

You can request a ceramic mug for in-store drinks at Starbucks—short or tall sizes work well for this. Unfortunately, paper cups have a plastic lining that can leach microplastics into hot beverages. I love drinking coffee from paper cups, though.

The matcha latte, with its soft color and flavor, now blended seamlessly with the whipped cream for a richer, creamier taste.

I usually go to Starbucks just for beans and skip drinking coffee there, and it's not only because of the paper cup issue. It's also about saving money. Plus, at home, I can brew it just the way I like with plenty of water to my taste.

Unexpected gestures from the staff, like a free drink and coffee sample, turned an ordinary Starbucks visit into something truly special. Opting for a ceramic mug over paper cups lets us enjoy these moments mindfully—free from microplastic worries—while savoring flavors just the way we love them at home or in-store.

 ◆ Quick Update ◆

I saw a post on SNS saying 70% of Japanese people aren't using their AC for heating! Some are even layering up with coats at home to get by. AC heating costs quite a bit more than cooling, after all. I'm the same—skipping AC heat myself and just using a small ceramic heater occasionally or snuggling on an electric underblanket, covered with my bedding. Let's all stay warm without getting sick! 😊

Join me Kroger shopping in Birmingham, MI—then what?

Hello there! :)

Welcome back to Rose’s blog, where I share glimpses of life alternating between Michigan and Tokyo. This time, it’s Michigan’s turn!

Today, I’ll take you along on a little shopping trip to Kroger in Birmingham, Michigan. 

Kroger supermarket exterior in Birmingham, Michigan

One of the joys of traveling abroad is checking out local supermarkets. Just seeing what kinds of foods they have gets me so excited and makes it such a fun experience😊♪

Wow! So many organic bananas! They're so vibrant and beautifully fresh. The price is super reasonable too.

Kroger Mini Cinnamon Rolls so cute I couldn't resist snapping a photo!

Adorable Mini Cinnamon Rolls😍 Just looking at it makes me imagine bringing them to the office and saying, "Enjoy these with your coffee break♪" But since I'm already savoring the Cinnamon Rolls at Holiday Inn Express Birmingham, these little ones are just for admiring today.

Dave's organic bread looks like something I'd definitely buy regularly and use for sandwiches if I were living in America. There are so many varieties, so I'd probably try them one by one. Unlike Japanese shokupan (sliced bread), the thin slices are perfect for me as a sandwich lover.

Holiday Inn Express exterior in Birmingham, Michigan

A brilliantly sunny day—almost dazzling! Having Kroger so close to the hotel is a huge plus. It's so convenient to just pop over whenever I need something.

Kroger-brand sea salt roasted pecans are something I always crave in Michigan—they're absolutely delicious! Plus pistachios that were on sale, and these cute little water bottles for the hotel that I was just drawn to.

Holiday Inn Express Birmingham room:

Delta blue slippers perfectly matching the blue wall by happy coincidence.

Back from shopping and unwinding in my serene room. The window lets in gentle sunlight, the white bed looks super comfy, and my Delta blue slippers blend aesthetically with the room.

So, what do you think I should do this afternoon, more exploring or just chilling? Now I'm wondering... The day is still young🌷

Visual Lunch Diary: 7 Bold Shots from Bistro Quatre Avril

Hi there! Today, I’m sharing 7 photos of the main dishes from the lunch menu at Bistro Quatre Avril, the place I often feature on this blog☆

"Ready? Let's feast your eyes!"

❶ November 3, 2024

Special de chef: Macaroni façon paella

<本日のスペシャル>シーフードたっぷりのマカロニのパエリア

❷ November 19, 2024

Entrecote sautée SP sauce avec gratin dauphinois

ビーフステーキ スペシャルソース グラタンドフィノワ添え

❸ January 21, 2025

Gratin de fruits de mer <限定>シーフードと野菜のグラタン

❹ February 11, 2025

Hachis parmentier

アッシパルマンティエ（マッシュポテトとひき肉のグラタン）

❺ February 25, 2025

Escalope de porc panné sauce Milanaise avec pate

エスロカップ（ミラノ風カツレツ）パスタ添え

❻ March 20, 2025

Poulet roti à la provençale sauce BBQ avec gratin dauphinois

ローストチキン プロヴァンス風 BBQソース グラタンドフィノワ添え

❼ April 26, 2025

Special du jour: Roast-beef servir avec pureé de marron, topinambour et pomme de terre

<本日のスペシャル>ローストビーフ 栗と菊芋とジャガイモのピュレとともに

That’s it for this Visual Lunch Diary — I’ve shared 7 shots from my recent lunches. I hope you enjoyed this series of delicious moments😀

You can check out my previous post about Quatre Avril here:

Not a Bakery Croissant, but Bistro Quatre Avril’s Deeply Satisfying Handmade One.

Stay tuned—I'll keep bringing you Quatre Avril's powerful yet elaborate dishes through the impactful photos!

My Favorite Way to Enjoy Hot Biscuits: Day Two Breakfast at Holiday Inn Express Birmingham

Here’s a look at my Day Two breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express in Birmingham, Michigan!

I grabbed a cinnamon roll, a biscuit, hash browns, a sausage patty, and omelets (one egg white veggie, one regular). A banana too! Fresh coffee is a must ❤︎ of course, and a little orange juice.

♪ A plate loaded with all my handpicked favorites ♪

Here’s the post that really focuses on the signature cinnamon roll from Day One.

→Holiday Inn Express Breakfast Day One—Plus the Sweet Story Behind the Cinnamon Rolls

Right now, let me show you my favorite way to enjoy this breakfast. I love making a little sandwich by putting the sausage patty inside the warm biscuit. The mildly sweet biscuit with a bit of syrup on top plus the savory sausage makes a sweet-and-salty combo absolutely irresistible.

I’ll keep enjoying my style of having a warm biscuit with a sausage patty inside😊

+*+*+* A little side story +*+*+*

I had three different mini chocolates from Whole Foods on the dresser, just for the cuteness, planning to enjoy them one by one… but somehow, one of them mysteriously disappeared.

The one that went missing was the blue coconut milk chocolate, which was such a letdown for me. The only small silver lining is that coconut isn’t really my favorite, but still, coming back to the room and finding it gone was a total shock😳 When I told Collie, he was surprised too and said it might be because I didn’t leave much of a tip—though of course, that still doesn’t make it okay. I even asked AI about it, and it said that small treats sometimes get eaten by the housekeeping staff, so if you don’t want them to disappear, it’s best to put them away… which honestly left me with mixed feelings😔

I once read that in a survey of Americans, about 70% said they don’t leave a pillow tip, so I figured even one dollar would be better than nothing. Still, the next day I decided to leave two dollars. Collie said I really should leave at least three dollars, or even five, but coming from Japan, where there’s no tipping culture, two dollars seemed like all I could manage.

So, I’m off to Kroger now.  Stay tuned for my little exploration report next time!

Small Joys, Gentle Steps

**Quiet Blessings and a New Year’s Rhythm

After spending the New Year holidays with my family, I’m back in my own place now, slowly settling into my quiet, everyday rhythm again. How has your New Year begun, I wonder?

On my visits to my mother's, I often come back home with wild yuzus and summer citruses she’s picked for me.

A glass bowl with yuzus and summer citruses, placed quietly in my room

When something becomes ordinary, we tend to stop seeing its beauty. But the fact that I can see the world with my eyes, hear its sounds, speak with my voice, and walk on my own feet to the places I go every day — that’s something truly precious.

And owning the home I live in is one of the quiet joys in my life. It came at just the right time — a sanctuary where I can slow down and breathe. While I hadn’t always expected to be living on my own, if I were to do so, I wanted to live in a lively city. I’m not rich, but this modest, renovated apartment has given me the city life I hoped for in this current chapter of my life.

That little mini pumpkin from back then — I got one for myself.

I’m learning that it’s okay not to push myself. For example, if I give my heart to someone and they don’t respond in kind, I think it’s necessary to step back a little — to protect my heart and let it rest. I shouldn’t accept being treated that way as normal. I am someone who deserves to be treated with more care and kindness.

I’ve already given so much of my love. That’s truly enough.

Sometimes it’s good to step back and see things through a different lens. When I feel hurt or unseen, I don’t have to keep giving my heart endlessly. I can rest. I want to remember the quiet blessings around me: the soft light in my cozy room, the warmth of coffee, the view of the city and sky from the window. I don’t need to be perfect or do big things. Just living gently, noticing small joys, and being kind to myself — that’s how I want to move through this year.

Wishing you peace and beauty in your day, Rose

Come to the Table: PIME Missionary Fr. Piero Masolo's 'From Heart to Heart' Story

Before I left Japan for Michigan, Collie came up with the idea that I might like to go to a fundraising dinner. When I told him I’d love to, he bought two tickets in advance and made a reservation for us. I had never been to a fundraiser in the U.S. before, so I wondered what it would be like.

I’d be talking with the other guests at the table, I realized. I should be ready to respond naturally in English. I’d like to leave a good impression as a Japanese person, if I can. Would they welcome me warmly, I wonder?

The dinner was scheduled for my second day in Michigan! As evening approached, Collie came to pick me up by car at the back entrance of the hotel. We hadn’t coordinated what to wear, so I just went with the outfit I had planned myself.

He complimented my outfit—phew😌. And I finally had a chance to wear my very first pair of about 3-inch heels, which had been sitting in my closet, waiting for a special occasion like this with him.

The PIME fundraising dinner on October 2, 2025, was held at the San Marino Club in Troy, Michigan. We arrived early and helped ourselves to a little bit from the appetizer corner before taking our seats.

The tables were round with assigned seating like this. I was nervous, but Kathy from the ITALIAN TRIBUNE, sitting to my right, was such a lively woman and spoke to me very friendly. The two men sitting across from me also welcomed me warmly. I introduced myself, saying I had just arrived in Michigan from Tokyo yesterday when I shook their hands, and surprised them.

And to my left was the reassuring presence of Collie. I couldn't quite keep up with the local topics between the locals...💦, but there I was, feeling relieved.

One of those cheerful men across from me was Fr. Piero Masolo, a PIME missionary. He even came over to me to talk and scrolled through his phone to show me photos of his friend—a Japanese woman living in Japan. He also showed me pictures of the girls he cares for so dearly. I was truly moved to see this priest enthusiastically searching through his photos just to share them with me.

The meal was served family-style, with large platters brought out one by one for each of us to share.

After returning to Japan, I read an article written by Fr. Piero Masolo in the PIME quarterly magazine MISSION WORLD (September/October 2025 issue) I had received that evening.

It was about his experience at 17 in Bogliasco (a beautiful village near Genoa, Italy). There was a woman named Maria Teresa, a friend of his relatives. She was kind, but there was something else, something special about her. Even though they were meeting for the first time, he felt like she already knew him. What she said applied perfectly to him, even though it wasn't directed at him specifically. This is weird! Maria Teresa was about to leave that place soon. He offered to accompany her to her car in the street—because he wanted to figure out why she seemed to know him so well. When he asked, she just smiled and handed him a book she had written.

He was curious and puzzled, so that same night he started reading it. It was entitled "From Heart to Heart." And that book brought him to tears—he sat there reading and crying. For the first time in his life, he felt Jesus' presence. His Heart was finally talking to his heart through Maria Teresa's words, and his heart started burning. Meeting Maria Teresa changed his life.

Fr. Piero Masolo likens his experience to the two disciples devastated by Jesus's death. They didn't realize the traveler walking and talking with them was Jesus himself. However, when the three sat down at the table together and the traveler took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them, those two recognized him. This became proof of the Lord's resurrection. The first effects were their burning hearts. For Fr. Piero Masolo, the theological journey of those two disciples in the Gospel of Luke was embodied in his encounter with Maria Teresa.

Sad that my first-time event 3-inch heels are missing from the shot!😅

Back in Japan, I took another look at the PIME quarterly magazine and became curious about "From Heart to Heart" written by Maria Teresa, so I searched for it—but I couldn't find the book anywhere.

One of the cheerful men sitting next to Fr. Piero Masolo came over to me as the dinner ended and we left the table. He complimented me, told me to enjoy my time in Michigan, and shook my hand.

I'm so grateful to Collie for giving me this wonderful experience. If I ever have the chance to meet Fr. Piero Masolo again, I'd love to talk with him about "From (Jesus') Heart to (your) Heart."

"Were not our hearts burning while he spoke to us

on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?"

Luke 24:32

The PIME U.S. Mission Center    www.PIMEusa.org 

27405 West 10 Mile Rd Farmington Hills, MI 48332