Before going to work...

I bought 2 bunches of ”正月榊” (Shougatsu Sakaki) for the private ”神棚” (Kamidana), a Shinto alter in my room.  Compared to a nomal ”榊” (Sakaki), a brunch of Cedar and Plum tree  were specially attached to each to celebrate and welcome the New year. 

Several Weeks ago, I found a plum flower booming in one of them right after coming back from Enryakuji temple in Mt. Hiei. It looked as if a symbol and sign of happiness. I really admired of the vitality, strength and dignity of life. A few days later, all the petals fell off, and no hints of blooming for a while. 

However I found another one or two start blooming. It's is almost mid February, and some plum trees outside are also blooming. Spring is surely coming. I'm relieved that I didn't give it up and throw it away...

I woke up this morning feeling shuddered. Before going to bed last night, it was not so cold, but the temperature seems to have dropped during the night. And I opened a balcony's window to breathe in some fresh air, and found a slight of snow powders covering the roof of my neighbor's houses. 

At this moment, a severe Winter low pressure belt are covering and passing especially over Hokuriku and the cost of Japan sea area. I immediately decided not to go to a coffee at a McDonald in my neighbor. It's OK, and I was supposed to wait for a parcel from Amazon.

While waiting for it, I started preparing for my "弁当” (Bentou) box for my shift using some left-overs in the fridge. I try my best every time to put as many choices of food as possible. However not enough repertoires yet. Sometimes I check Instagram how others are making their own "弁当” (Bentou) box.

They actually look very great and delicious with many choices of food using vegetables, meats and fruits. More colorful than mine. I wonder how I could improve my cooking skills. And I always come to a conclusion that I just need to go through more trials and errors cooking many recipes. 

The parcel from Amazon arrived just before going to my evening shift. I actually gave up receiving it within today, and already called the delivery company to keep it in their logistic center in my neighbor. However the delivery man was right there when I got out of the entrance.

I bought a “注連縄” (Shimenawa) for the Shinto Alter in my room. I rushed back to my room to attach it to the alter, and then later I went to work. When I got out of the entrance once again, it was snowing in the Sun shine. A very, very beautiful and wonderful fortunate coincidence. I should've tried to take at least one photo, but it was a pity that I didn't.

A quick coffee at a McDonald, I got a receipt which my waiting number was "333". Even though I know it was nothing but a coincidence, I felt I may be receiving something a fortunate accident from the God sometime very soon.

It's OK, and I'm just expecting it.

Masami