A tiny little bird in Rochester Municipal Park in Michigan

Then, we came to Rochester Municipal Park for a walk and chillout. We didn't walk very far. After walking for a while, we turned back and rested on a bench in the shade of the tree.

The Municipal Park is literally a place of play for Rochester residents, over a mile of paved walkway with winding creek, pond as well as courts for tennis and volleyball. About 88 years ago, Rochester residents dedicated a new recreation spot on Paint Creek. Built on the site of a bankrupt dairy farm and a long-abandoned millrace, Avon Park －now called Rochester Municipal Park－ quickly became a favorite place for local residents to play, relax, and picnic etc.

Before finding a bench we sat, I saw a little something that moved small on the ground under the tree. It was a baby bird! It must have been fallen from the nest... I was so worried, but I knew I shouldn't move the little one.

Collie says, if we are nearby, parents birds cannot come to feed the baby bird. So we moved from the place. We sat on the bench, feeling the beauty of the green and gentle warm air in June.

It was not long before we noticed boys started a ball game around the place where a baby bird was on the ground. "I will tell them." Collie stood up and walked to the boys to tell them that there was a baby bird that fell out of the nest near the place they were playing. The boys honestly understood. They moved away from their playground immediately and resumed their play. 

I wondered, how many people in the world can act like him for a tiny little bird? I live far away in Japan. We have been in a long distance relationship for a very long time. However, his act like this is probably the reason why I continue to be attracted by him.

Rochester Municipal Park

400 6th St, Rochester, MI 48307, United States

Rochester Municipal Park is a place I want to visit every time I come to Downtown Rochester. There is a lot of charming cafes and restaurants in the downtown, and this park is also in my heart not only when I am in Michigan, but also when I live in Japan. 

I wish you all a wonderful week, Rose

 

The perfect brunch experience at Rochester Brunch House*

Sunny Sunday afternoon, we came to Rochester Brunch House in downtown Rochester, Michigan♩

Rochester Brunch House  301 Walnut Blvd. Rochester, MI 48307

Mon - Sun 8am to 3pm  Walk-Ins Only to best serve customers

It is a hip cafe located in the heart of downtown Rochester. Since I found this fashionable cafe online searching for nice places I should visit, it's been my plan to put a practice into with Collie. It was very popular as I expected when we visited (besides, it's Sunday noon!), so we needed to wait until we were called. 

I like it when Callie waits together without no irritation when I want to experience some crowded places (that seem almost food...😓) in Michigan. Walked around, we sat and chatted in the vicinity of Rochester Brunch House to kill time. It was also fun.

Fruit Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast with a choice of Blueberry

Mine is Blueberry French Toast from 'Sweet Breakfast' section of the menu. I'd already decided what to order in Japan! You can order at any time during opening hours even if it is written 'Breakfast'.

Collie offered to take a photo from where he were sitting. The perfect shot❤︎

It became a lovely memento at Rochester Brunch House with my boyfriend. 

California Omelet (ham, bacon, tomatoes, onions, avocado, Swiss cheese)

with a choice of Potatoes & Toast

There are some kinds of omelets in 'Stuffed Omelets' section of the menu. I think Collie's one was it. By the way, he didn't know this place, so it was a first visit for him, too.  Tempting potatoes... :3

One more shot by Collie😎

Pink salt bottle on the left (from his side) made a good impression on me.  "Our food is fresh and organic."  That's what it said on the website. Not only fresh, but also organic? How impressive!!!

Please see Charming Rochester Part Ⅱ about my having taken a look at this spot in advance.

I'm having a taste of Collie's (as usual).  I am happy〜〜♬  It is a routine action...😅

I was able to go to a place I had always wanted to visit. Though we had a terrace seat this time, I think it would be nice to eat indoors as well. 

How about a perfect breakfast/brunch/lunch experience at Rochester Brunch House, downtown Rochester, Michigan sometime?

Wishing you a wonderful week, Rose

Sunday Mass at St.Irenaeus Catholic Church in Rochester Hills

Every time I visit Michigan, Collie decides which church to go to depending on where we are at that time. I really appreciate it, and it's nice that we can go to any churches we wish for. This time, Collie suggested our attending Mass at St.Irenaeus Catholic Church in Rochester Hills.

St.Irenaeus Catholic Church  

771 Old Perch Rd. Rochester Hills, MI 48309

It was a sunny good day. After joining the Mass together with residents who may live near Rochester Hills, we came out.  Later, I found this picture was taken at 12:00:00pm on the dot!!!!!

Sunday is a special day of rest and reflection as we prepare for the coming week. Praying together is an ideal way to start a new week.  Lord, I want to express my gratitude for the gift that I could come to Michigan again after 5 years. You have been and will be my guidance in making decisions. You are my strength to face any challenges that may come my way. 

A Prayer for Our Sunday:

Father God, 

Thank You for this Sunday. Lord, we come before you first and foremost with hearts of gratitude. You have seen us through another week, and we stand at the threshold of a fresh week, full of new beginnings. Lord, help us start this bright embarking with You. Stir in us a deep desire to come into further relationship with You. Remind us that it is not solely by going to Sunday service that we worship and come before You; rather, it is through the daily communion with You through relationship and prayer.

+ Mass online of St.Irenaeus is here, every Sunday at 9:45am +

My new journey in Michigan has just begun!

Love of God, Rose

Collie has come back to Rochester!!

Collieが

ｷﾀ━━━(ﾟ∀ﾟ)━━━!!

Here Collie comes!!

（Desperately trying to express in English..）

Finished attending his friend's wedding, he drove back to Rochester. He told me the guys at the table with him were all single at the wedding party..😅 

Collie is my hero. I often follow him around. When I come to Michigan, I can't help but feel happy to be able to spend time with him. 

A little past 10 pm on Saturday night in Downtown Rochester. First, we went to the cocktail bar "BAUS" I suggested, but the music was unexpectedly too loud, so we decided to find another bar.

We came to Tavern. Still a little loud, but sitting at a table by the window was a solution. There is "Sumo Sushi & Seafood" restaurant across the street. I am curious... Take me to the restaurant sometime, Collie? 

City Tavern Kitchen & Bar   423 S Main St, Rochester, MI 48307

It's a pity that my draft beer was tepid. Though a glass of flat beer was unfortunate, I enjoyed a late night date with Collie. :) In Michigan, every minute with Collie is valuable because I can meet him in real life unlike in Japan.

Collie was ordering chicken & vegetables so we could take leftovers to the hotel.

Next morning...🌤

Refreshing Sunday breakfast on my favorite balcony of Royal Park Hotel♬

Chicken & vegetables from Tavern, and my pack is Michigan Pancakes from Downtown Cafe. (I still had it in the fridge..)

A late nigh date in downtown... A light breakfast feeling a crisp morning air... Various other scenes...  All are precious experiences for me. 

With sincere gratitude, Rose

A luxurious condo "Residence at Royal Park" in harmony with Royal Park Hotel

Doing things alone in Downtown Rochester seems over now. When I was almost returning to Royal Park Hotel, I noticed an another luxurious building next to it. What is this? Is it a place where the residents can normally live?

It has really a nice atmosphere! I imagine that people live here are feeling pleasant sound of the wind and the river every day... 

Checking the building on the net, I found it's a condo called Residence at Royal Park.

Right next to the building, there is a path "Rochester River Walk" that leads to Downtown Rochester. So pretty! It almost feels like you are in a resort town. I am, really.

I photograph Royal Park Hotel from the back so I remember this. I like that those 2 architectures have a harmonious image! I included 2 buildings in 1 picture to capture this sight.

I will take a nap and chill at my room of Royal Park Hotel until he comes back at night! 

Got to continue when Collie comes back, Rose😉

Rochester Train Depot & Elevator → Catching Fireflies

What do you think this wooden building is? 

203 E University Dr, Rochester, MI 48307, United States

It's the one I saw when I passed by this morning.

What a fairy-tale-like atmosphere this building is creating! 

And it has a healing effect. I wondered what this place was?

This small historic building was a train depot in the past.

There used to be a railroad next to it!

The original train depot is now being used commercially as. . .

a unique & cute gift shop, Catching Fireflies🌼

The historical building has been passed down and used with care to this day.

It's wonderful!

Click ❤︎here❤︎ for flying soap bubbles♬

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