Mary and infant Jesus at Meguro Catholic Church St.Anselm

When adversity comes, simply keeping clam is not enough.

We cannot fight the enemy of our soul with a slogan.

Nor can we carry on in our own strength.

We need to rely on and gain our strength from God.

We need to trust Him completely and totally.

And full of grace art thou, dear Mary...

My style of Matcha Latte at STARBUCKS and Matcha powder from Shizuoka, Japan.

I went to nearby STARBUCKS for the first time after 5 months from my moving in. Since the store was crowded, the employee handed me a reservation plate so I put it on the table to save my seat before I ordered my drink. 

Luckily, there was a seat with a view. My recent favorite is Matcha Latte with oat milk, all milk, and no syrup. I need to pay extra cost for oat milk, but all milk is free!

Rose at STARBUCKS in Gotanda

I sent Collie Matcha powder made in Shizuoka, Japan through iHerb secretly expecting health benefits. 

Collie is like, he heard American women/co-workers go there call it "StealBucks"...because it is expensive, but they still go there.      　 Haha, I wish each drink was 1 buck cheaper at least!（Rose）

He says, "If I make tea..I do at my house or work. If coffee..I go to McDonald's or Tim Hortons. I order a small or medium black coffee, with no cream or sugar because Rose said it was not healthy. Sometimes I just dilute with water as she suggested as I still don't drink coffee frequently."

Actually, I like having a coffee leisurely looking outside through the window at spacious McDonald's. But I should stay away from it because I can't resist the temptation to order french fries or McGriddles!

Collie at home in Michigan

He says, "Actually I found some Lipton Matcha tea I forgot in my cupboard. But I am not sure if it is the same type and strength as Matcha powder tea." 

Lipton's one is green tea with Japanese Matcha. Mine that was sent to Collie is 100% Matcha powder. 

☺　a few days later　☺

He sent me a message. "I just came back to my home during lunch today...and I got a delivery. Thank you Rose! Wow. I must learn how to use it, and compare to my Lipton Matcha tea. Thank you Rose!!!! xoxo"

Well, I really hoping it will help him assist his health. As a side note, I sent him Organic Matcha Ceremonial Grade. I chose it for him, but I think I'll try Organic Matcha grade A for myself soon.

Collie's relaxing time at Lake Huron in Port Austin, and blazing scarlet sunset.

 I went to Port Austin in Michigan one day by myself to give me a rest.

I went in Lake Huron to swim a little.

Most of the water was nice clear blue...but some near the beach was green matcha color. It seemed a little cloudy..but I think it was still safe and clean. I think because the wind and waves were causing some turbulence and moving sediment under water.

It was all beautiful and relaxing. I really enjoyed one or two hours.

Good night, Rose.

From Collie, with love.

Instagrammable Oat Latte & Carrot Cake @TONER TOKYO

 I visited a neighboring cafe I'd been curious about for a while since I passed it by on a walk.

Oat Latte  &  Carrot Cake from Today's Sweets @TONER TOKYO

How instagenic! Although I'm not on Instagram... The stylishly monotone interior is unified with gray-smoke texture and it gives us a feel of comfort, yet sophistication. Check it out if you have Instagram --> @toner_tokyo

TONER is still new. It started here from Mar.27th, 2021. It opens from 8:30 a.m. so how about a good start of the day, feeling a cool fresh air in the morning?

This is the most elegant Carrot Cake I've seen ever..! Look at how finely cheese cream is decorated on top! The cake was somewhat fluffy different from a usual dense type. 

Mine is made using oat milk. The mild tasty latte is not only gentle for my health, but also my heart.

This modern, stylish cafe is versatile, like, for a breakfast, lunch, break, and even as a bar at night.

A coffee cup is unique. A round, thin, and smooth cup seems to be a signature at TONER. Each coffee is freshly brewed to order using a pour over. I am impressed that a cup is put on the small warming plate while the coffee liquid drains into a cup through the coffee filter. 

If you have a chance to visit TONER, sit back and enjoy a cup of coffee made with care!

Good day, Rose xx

night scene of the riverside buildings in Gotanda

I'm visiting my secret tranquil spot from time to time.

Something in my life made me feel like going that place.  Here we go!

Looking at the blue sky lifted my spirits. It's so hot today too!

Walking further alongside the Meguro River, I came to this place again. 

I like the comfortable breeze here.  It's like I'm in another world. 

The other day, I had a lunch here with a sushi bowl and canned sparkling wine that I bought nearby. The thing is, while I was taking a walk, I got sooo starving!   

I will come back here again.  I found peacefulness in a big city.  This is my secret tranquil spot. 

Now only one place in Japan! How about chilling at Anna Miller's in a pleasant atmosphere?

Friday evening, on the way home after work, I got off at Shinagawa Station. I decided to visit Anna Miller's in Shinagawa after a long while. Across from the Shinagawa Station, I could go there smoothly as before. And thankfully, I was offered a table by the window with a good view! 

This is nice! I will sit back and relax for a while here. Anna Miller's Takanawa is a chain of American Food Restaurant and became the only one Anna Miller's remaining in Japan.

A smooth coffee is creating an even more peasant moment. "Would you like a refill of coffee?", charming waitresses are attentive to pouring a refill into our cups.

I felt cheesecake was different from what I remembered. This cheesecake is pretty white and more of a rare cheesecake than a baked cheesecake. I do like dense yellowish one like New York Cheesecake. Maybe it has changed? Or I changed.

Anna Miller's features 30 varieties of homemade pies, baked fresh daily. Which one are you intrigued by??

I ordered a pumpkin pie additionally. A mildly spiced pumpkin pie reminded me of American one.

Anna Miller's American Food may help you to feel like traveling in the U.S.  Anna Miller's in Shinagawa is open 7 days a week in the Keikyu Wing Shopping Center Takanawa.

I miss ASTORIA PASTRY SHOP in Michigan https://astoriapastryshop.com. I thought back on cheesecake and carrot cake of ASTORIA. Oh, it's fascinating...!

Enjoying a pleasant atmosphere at Anna Miller's, I walked to my condo. Though I followed several quiet narrow paths I didn't know, I got relieved when I somehow reached a Main Street of my town! It was sort of an adventure.

You too have a wonderful weekend, Rose