Fun shopping at S-Market & hanging around Hakaniemi Market Hall

It's always fun to see what kinds of things there are at the supermarket abroad.

The weather is very nice this afternoon. Leaving Hakaniemi Market Hall, I wanted to walk in this area as much as I could.

I am a tourist visiting in Helsinki, but I'm hanging around just following my heart as if I were one of the local people.

To see something not in the guidebook! 

While exploring, I was talked by an Asian young guy with the words I couldn't understand. He must have thought I was the one from the same country as him. 

"I am sorry I can't understand what you're saying because I am Japanese, but have a nice day!" I said to him with a smile. :)

It happens pretty frequently when I'm both in foreign countries and in Japan. It's all right.

The medieval architecture in Finland catch my eyes. How nicely it harmonizes with the modern cityscape!

New green leaves are full of hope. For me, this building is like a historic dormitory.

After enjoying walking the town to the full, I went into S-Market. Open 24/7, good assortment for all likings, many familiar brands, and decent price! 

These Finnish bread became my favorite! How great people can buy such high-quality bread freely at the local market. I wish I could get them in Japan! Thin, dense, yet fluffy texture is really my taste and goes with any kind of ingredients as a sandwich. 

And familiar Finnish chocolates were souvenirs for my family, friends and co-workers. (and myself, of course)

I felt sorry for a casher because she had to process every single item of the chocolates with a cash register. However, she was kind in her behavior, and smiling. Maybe she knew they would be lovely presents from Finland in my country. She might even know I am Japanese. It was impressive. 

I preserve classy rows of houses along the street. 

Though I was planning to go to Hakaniemi Market Hall again for my lunch, I was worried whether the chocolate would melt in the sunny weather. I am going to my hotel first to put my purchases, and then I will come back here again. 

The chocolate is full of precious memories in Finland.

   

Exploring the Natural Beauty of my Hometown

I am remote working as many people of the counties. When I felt like I needed a refreshing time away from facing a company laptop all the time, I got out of my room and took a walk. There was a place I'd like to see in such a pleasantly warm day.

Sweet!!! Different kind of cherry blossoms - double flowered cherry blossoms - are full in bloom. It's SO lovely!

I was stunned by how beautifully it was blooming quietly in the corner of a high school grounds. I realized it's really spring now.

Miniature yellow roses are seen here and there♪

And also, I saw double flowered cherry trees blooming in the schoolyard of an elementary school with no one in there. We have a declaration of a state of emergency over COVID-19. High schools are closed during this time. 

This house seems to open a cafe on the first floor. How cleanly flower pots are arranged!

Even if I don't go somewhere by train, I can find the beauty of nature around my hometown. 

You know that spring has come when you see pansies.

The nature takes my breath away.

I wanted to come back to this street where I walked with Collie when he visited Japan. Stealthily, it is my walking course in my heart. 

Dear everyone in the world, take in magnificent scenery in your hometown as you relax.

Love, Rose

Cherry trees boom beautifully as they stand and overcome the snow.

3/28  Rose "Collie, it's snowing right now in Tokyo!"

3/29  Collie "Snow with cherry blossoms sounds amazing."

3/30  The following picture was taken by Rose.

When I went out for stocking up on my food, I saw cherry blossoms at my town still there. It was the day following the snow. 

Cherry trees bloom beautifully as they stand and overcome the snow. 

Cherry blossoms are quick-passing. Having fallen because of snow, and yet they bloom elegantly.

Thank you, dear... I was happy to see your beauty again. Then, I said bye to them and went back home. Cherry blossoms...now you are falling splendidly like snowflakes.

Let's be grateful for each things. Let's always be positive and look for the silver lining.          And...  

Still be careful with your health, sanitize, be careful breathing, wash hands, and stay responsible. :)

May you be healthy and at peace,

Rose

A Blessed Easter to you and yours

Aleluya! 

Let the world rejoice.

One sacrifice for all of the world. Christ has risen!

...and conquered mortal death so we shall have everlasting life.

My best wishes for a Happy and Blessed Easter. 

May God be with you, and all people in the whole world.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 

April 11 Holy Saturday 2020. I say hello from my neighborhood.

So...the day I will resume working at the office had been postponed. I will stay at home until May 6 due to COVID-19 outbreak.

I was trying to upload the pictures of cherry blossoms I took when I went to a grocery store. But an inserting images system doesn't work unfortunately. I found the input screen redesigned when I opened Blogger today. I will upload my pictures on 1 , 2, and 3 below later when the system gets to run properly.  ※2020 4/12 updated in Google Chrome

1

What's up guys? Today is Easter Eve 2020. Though you can't go to church now, you can listen to an audio (click here) of Easter Eve, Saturday April 11, 2020.  

2

I am trying to work from home as efficiently as possible. Sometimes, it tends to be monotonous, but it is a chance to find another way to work with different skill. 

3

Now I don't commute, I don't take a train, and am just being at where I live. These are cherry blossoms in my city I'd like to share with you. 

Stay safe.  Stay healthy.

With all my heart on silent Holy Saturday, Rose

Dainty yet powerful cherry blossoms and new Harajuku station building

Hello people all aver the world. This is Rose.   Guess what, it's snowing out there today!

I'm staying indoors this weekend due to stay-at-home order from the Government. Additionally, it got mandatory that we'll have to remote work from home until April 12th.

I feel lucky to have gone out to admire the beautiful cityscape in Omotesando/Haraduku last weekend.  Cherry blossoms are in full bloom now, but we can't go out this weekend.

The cherry blossoms in Omotesando were starting blooming last Sunday. The pale pink is making an lovely effect on the tasteful building...

What beautiful blossoms they are! And it is amazing, they are blooming directly on a tree trunk!
I always feel the deepest emotion when I see this.

At such a hard time like the present situation of coronavirus in the world, I give my mind to －

When events proceed to their extremes, they give birth to their opposites.

 Another quaint building.  I missed taking a picture of it last year, so I'm glad I did it this time. 

Then we headed for each station. It got an early evening already as we enjoyed filling in each other. 

I walked to new Harajuku station after saying bye to Lady F.

The new Harajuku station building

It started from March 21st in 2020.

I stood still at the flower shop inside Takadanobaba station, my transfer point.

It was like, I expected that I might have to refrain from taking the train for the city for a while.

I looked at delicate cherry blossoms. It's beautiful, but fleeting - like the cherry blossoms we see around the town.

After the long darkness, there would be a dawn.  We know it because      －

When the darkness grew darker and darker, the dawn drew closer and closer.

Your handkerchief can be your original face mask at once!

I posted how I made my face mask before;
ALL SOLD OUT DUE TO CORONAVIRUS! SO I MADE A FACE MASK MYSELF.

Today, I show you how to make your handkerchief into your face mask easily, without sewing!

In this way, fold your handkerchief in four.

Prepare 2 loops. Elastic ones are preferable.
As for me, I chain-stitched with a crochet hook. I didn't joint both ends of the loop, but tied them to each other so it can be flexible in case I want to adjust the length.

This is the inside of the face mask. 

Fold inward.  And make it to the width you want. 

It's ready!     The front side will be...

☆ ☆ ☆  It fitted my face gently and looked natural. People thought I bought a stylish face mask!

How do you like it?  You can wash it easily, also, it will be back to your handkerchief while you don't need a face mask. It is very convenient, and a wise way, isn't it?

Masks are sold out?  Don't ever worry.  Your handkerchief can be YOUR ORIGINAL FACE MASK quickly!

Love to all, Rose