A Seven-Day Floral Diary: From Homegrown Chrysanthemums to Office Farewell Bouquet

At one point, flowers were gathered in my room. And I took photos of their impressive transformation. Today, I would like to share these photos with you while keeping them as a record. 

2023.11.16

I brought home some chrysanthemums my mother grew at her place. The little chrysanthemums are so cute, embraced by the soft morning light. Dear sweet blooms, how do you find your new surroundings?

2023.11.18

Two days have passed, and the flowers have opened more. 

So there are pink chrysanthemums, huh? They are so lovely. I looked up the meaning of pink chrysanthemums. "Sweet Dreams"! What a lovely flower message💕💕💕  I also looked up that white chrysanthemums symbolize “purity” and yellow chrysanthemums symbolize “friendship.”

A small flower arrangement of happy messages brings a smile to my face as I spend time at home.

2023.11.22

My colleagues held a farewell party for me at work and gave me a bouquet. On the train home, I snapped a photo☆

2023.11.22

As soon as I got home, I put them in a container filled with plenty of water. Welcome to my home! I'm happy to have you here for a while starting tonight.

2023.11.23

The next day... Three-colored chrysanthemums blooming vibrantly in the daylight were amazing. They continue to bloom beautifully. The white chrysanthemums look like marguerites, don't they? 

2023.11.23

They all came to my house around the same time. The flowers, arranged in two vases, seem to share their beauty in harmony.

2023.11.23

The orange-toned bouquet looked even more vibrant as it absorbed water, and I was captivated by its lively presence.

I recorded the gentle yet bittersweet memories of a while ago, alongside the photo diary of pretty flowers. Thanks so much for visiting my flower diary. I hope something here touched your heart.

St.Francis Solanus Indian Mission Church & Little Traverse Bay

We came to the coast by car. The morning air was crisp and the place had a serene atmosphere.

St.Francis Solanus Indian Mission Church

W Lake Street, Petoskey Michigan 49770

St.Francis Solanus Indian Mission is the first Catholic church and the oldest building in Petoskey built in 1859. Through its restoration completed in 2008, a Mass is celebrated annually on July 14th.

The church and burial grounds are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Overlooking Little Traverse Bay

O powerful St.Francis Solanus,

you who explored and evangelized in the wilds of South America,

please assist me in the wilds of this world and obtain for me,

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

the grace I ask of you.

Amen.

from Novena to St.Francis Solanus

 

Awesome sunset in Northern Michigan coast

It's about a 35 minute or so drive from Fred Friedli Playground in Petoskey. It should be situated somewhere on the eastern coastline of Lake Michigan.

 We arrived in time for sunset.

Collie took me to the secret spot which he thought had the most beautiful sunset he'd ever seen.

As you can see, this one is different. It's the moment caught on camera by Collie. What a magic!

We were mesmerized by the natural beauty of the sunset in Northern Michigan coast. I also recorded a video: https://www.instagram.com/p/C8oIb_KxZps/

 It is a hidden gem.

It has not been introduced on the internet nor in the magazine. A small number of people park their cars to take a stroll and admire the sunset view. They know this is a hidden gem as Collie knows. 

The tranquil sky and lake with various colors were divine. I didn't dare to locate the place because it was his secret spot. I'll let it remain mysterious... Then, we arrived at our hotel in 30 minutes or so. 

Next time, I will let you know about breakfast at AmericInn by Wyndham Petoskey. 

I'd be happy if you could see it.  Rose

We departed for North Michigan and stopped by AWA SAGINAW AN.

Finished our preparations and headed north by car. 

Ah! Downtown Oxford! I should take a picture of this from inside the car!

I like the vibe of Downtown Oxford, but I don't think I'll have time to hang out here on this trip. We had an awesome time at dinner just once before, but Victoria's Wine & Dine - Victoria's Bistro and Cocktail Bar est 1997 - is a wonderful tasty bistro. 

Having driven for a while, we got off in Saginaw. It was Collie's idea. There is Japanese Cultural Center and Tea House. I didn't know Saginaw, Michigan and Tokushima, Japan are sister cities! The sisterhood originated a young Japanese exchange student from Tokushima. He did a homestay on a farm in Saginaw during semester breaks from Michigan State University. (Collie's alma mater😲!)

Everybody can walk freely in a Friendship Garden. It's open to the public from 12:00-16:00, April through October. A vermillion bridge arching over a peaceful stream is impressive in the nature! 

AWA SAGINAW AN (阿波鷺能庵)　"AWA" is ancient name of Tokushima, Japan.  "AN" is a hut in which tea ceremonies were conducted by Japanese monks. 

Though other tea houses have been built in different locations of the world, this is the first time two international cities such as Saginaw and Tokushima have collaborated in both efforts to increase understanding and goodwill between their citizens. 

peace through a bowl of tea 

More details about Japanese Cultural Center, Tea House & Gardens of Saginaw is :

https://japaneseculturalcenter.org

Taking care of myself & Rose style healthy carrot cake

Happy New Year to all of you☺　How did you spend New Year's?

Today, let me share my carrot cake I baked during this holidays with you before I resume a Michigan travel journal.

I call it "healthy" carrot cake because I'm using organic rolled oats & rice flour (gluten free!), non oil this time! (I just forgot adding...😅 I usually use a little ghee and olive oil), and less sugar. I just put plain cream cheese on top instead of cream cheese frosting. You can feel delicious natural flavor.

This is "Toshikoshi soba" my brother made for my mother. "Toshikoshi soba" is a traditional noodle bowl dish made from buckwheat which Japanese people eat on New Year's Eve. It is said to bring good luck and longevity because they are long and thin. My brother made the dish using duck meat!

On the other hand, I made "Ozoni", traditional New Year's soup with rice cakes and vegetables at my place. I'm cutting each rice cake into 5 pieces because I haven't been able to open my mouth enough since I got injured. That's why I spent this holiday alone at my condo to have a good rest quietly.

It was all of a sudden. I hit my left face strongly on December 23, so I'm barely able to eat with the right side of my mouth slowly. I'm cutting food into small pieces and thinly. I'm taking care of my left knee too. However, I appreciate that I didn't break any bones. I'm saved. Thank you God! 

It doesn't look traditional Japanese, but I cerebrated the New Year in a small way I could while my face and knee ached. 

This muffins are made of plenty grated carrot and apple. Also, an egg, soy milk... Thinner ones have cinnamon in them. I like without cinnamon ones better as they taste very natural and gentle.

I think the beauty is that a carrot cake baked without cocoa brings out the original taste of ingredients and shows each ingredients well when divided. The cut dates are adding lovely sweetness to a cake(muffin). If you want more sweetness, it's pretty to add honey on cream cheese❤︎

I still have pain and can't open my mouth very much, however, the swelling / the gray bruising of my face are gradually going down. I will continue to take a good care of myself😌

I wish everyone a year full of blessings, fun moments, and good health.  Rose

A Christmas time God gave me.

It was in January 2023 that I knew Fr.Callistus at FCC (Franciscan Chapel Center) had passed away last month. I was in the depths of sadness.

One day, I walked to Ballon in Nakameguro. It is a small vegan cafe that provides vegan food like falafel sandwiches, vegan soft serve ice cream, and more. 

This cafe has a very smooth organic coffee served with a nice cup. Taking a seat, I felt calm at the mild taste and foam. It's my cup of "coffee".

I realized they were playing Christmas songs in the store in spite of late January.

Since I lost my biological father in mid-December, I couldn't even feel the Christmas vibes everywhere in the city. But I could feel comforting Christmas through the quiet Christmas music played at the small place in January. I think Fr.Callistus went to Heaven at Christmas time. 

God, thanks for giving me a time to be with Fr.Callistus here.  －   This became my Christmas.

I didn't imagine that a falafel sandwich made of only vegetables would be this delicious! Not only healthy but also tasty...

  +  +  +

I showed up at Ballon later again in February.  It's just the time when I'd been thinking about quitting my job. 

I tried a vegan soft serve & a vegan banana muffin. Delicious, Healthy, Environmentally Friendly. Each has a gentle taste as well as a repeated organic coffee. Luckily, you can ask for soy milk if you want.  

+  +  +

Time has passed. Today is October 1st, 2023. My business at the present company is within this year. I went through the toughest time. I should use my paid holidays to take care of myself, so just a little more patience at work.

I sometimes think about my spiritual father & biological father. At times like that, I always pray, 

"May both fathers' souls be happy and in peace forever..." 

Dedicated to both fathers who ascended to Heaven in December 2022.

Michigan has Northern Lights! Great ones from Mackinac City, Michigan.

Collie took a 4 hour drive to see forecasted Northern Lights. It was an unplanned trip after work. There was a forecast for Northern Lights, then, he decided to get to Mackinac City.

Great lights he never saw. 

Iceland, Norway, and Alaska have these Lights often.  Michigan does, but they are not as bright usually.  He told me that way.

He stayed at the hotel one night there and drove back to the south next morning. He must be sleeping right now. While he was laying down, I am uploading pictures photographed by him. 

Baking a whole small pumpkin in the oven makes a sweet & healthy snack.

I just have to have it when I see a small pumpkin at the greengrocers. Usually I just put it in the oven and bake at 190°C for 30 minutes or so. It depends on each pumpkin's size, but when it smells delicious, it's getting ready❤︎👌

I leave it for a while in the oven to make it juicy and soft using the residual heat. When it gets no longer too hot, cut it like a cake. Of course it's delicious eaten as is. A pumpkin baked in the oven is increasing sweetness. Or you can pour maple syrup etc. onto a slice of pumpkin if you like😘

How about this easy snack of a cute pumpkin when you want to eat something sweet, but healthy snack for yourself?

Attractive lilies have bloomed！

The delivery Collie imaged multiple roses into when he ordered has bloomed excellent lilies.

Great lilies... What a brilliant color they show! I feel a strong smell they go off in my room since they opened flowers. The cherry cloth I bought in Saint Ignace might look a little too pretty for big and mature lilies. 

It's still holidays because I took 2 extra days off for Collie to come to Japan. But the flower arrangement is a substitute for him. He is also doing something in Michigan now. Taking a walk in my town on a sunny day for winter, - he should be here! - I can't help feeling so.

Love is like a flower - you've got to let it grow

John Lennon

We are in long distance relationship. The "long" is not only about distance, but also time. Our situation may not get any better, it may stay like this forever. How can I let it grow?  That is...

To focus on myself.  To keep believing him.

Blogging every day, listening to English podcasts, and studying an English words book full of new words I haven't known are my hope. Though I was thinking about quitting my job in the near future to make it happen, I might have to stick to my present company. So, after the work restarted, I will post here at the possible weekend.

Peace begins with a smile

Mother Teresa

I'll shower my coworkers with love and affection. I'll put my heart into my work. That is what I can do. And then, weekend blogging is my blissful joy. I'm already very grown up, still...turning over a new leaf, I'll try to become an attractive and charming woman.

Thank you so much for visiting Rose's blog.  Please come again and see my up-and-coming Gotanda life in Tokyo.

Love and Smiles

Red-tailed Hawk in Michigan

On New Year's Day, I received this photo from Collie. It seems to have been taken at Orion Oaks when he was trying to walk to stay healthier on December 31. I showed this to my brother. He said, "Wow! What an owl! It must be a rare species."

So I asked Collie, "Is it an owl?? My brother said it must be a rare type of species."

Collie replied, "They are occasionally seem. This one was looking for mice or rabbits...but we, some other people, were surprised to be able to walk near.

I searched and read on the internet that the Red-tailed Hawk is the most common hawk in North America.

No wonder it looked like an owl because...this cutie has a round shape like an owl. My brother says it must be still a rare species even after knowing it's a hawk. Well, let's go with that. American nature is amazing.

a variety of double cherry blossoms near my condo（I could show Collie on video!）

 Hi.. I've been uploading cherry blossoms taken in Gotanda, and it ends at this post. Thank you...

Look at these lovely blossoms! Double cherry blossoms are blooming gathering together. It's absolutely pretty and gorgeous. Oh..and this charming pink is breathtaking!  

Truly, how many kinds of cherry trees there are in my town! Different kind of cherry blossoms are lining alongside Meguro River and they delighted my eyes each day.  

It was a sunny day when I headed for a train station in the morning, and it came up to my mind that I could show Collie those lovely blossoms on Duo! While I was trying to record a video, Collie showed up on my smartphone. Yes! I ran to show him all of those blossoms closest to my condo!

I was (We were) lucky. It rained two days in a row after that sunny day. I appreciate I could show him my lovely double cherry blossoms in full bloom. He said, "I wish I could be there with you!"

Sure it is. I'm really hoping the day will come soon in the near future.