My first month of the year 2017

Hello,  my dear Friends! 

Hope you started healthy, happy new year with peace of mind and smiles.

Now that the first month of 2017 is going to be over, 

I'd like to  share how my January has passed with you.

Isonokami Shrine surrounded by holy cedar trees
I-Phone photo edited by Waterlogue

Year of the Rooster started in sunny, warm weather in my part of the world.
(Chinese Year of Rooster starts from 28th of January.)
My husband and I paid our first visit to the local shrine on the 2nd
 to get purified to start the New Year afresh.

We also visited Isonokami Shrine in Tennri City.
Isonokami Shrine is one of the oldest extant Shinto shrines in Japan.

 There are many roosters roaming around the shrine grounds.

Rooster and Hen walked in formation as if posing for me like models.
They looked caring for each other, which made my heart warm.

A good luck charm, earthenware bell in the shape of rooster from the local shrine

New Year days were mostly spent with my grandchildren.

Legos

Cat's cradle, painting, kite-flying, pla-rails, card game, etc.

I’m happy with some lovely colors when the land is the least colorful.
Assorted Ornamental cabbages with pinkish -purple leaves is one of the New Year ornaments. 

I-Phone photo by Waterlogue

Also happy with the colors of tree blossoms blooming in the middle of winter.

Sazanqua Camellia

Two weeks in the middle of January, much of country had the coldest days of winter. 

Heavy snow fell in northern Japan and Sea of Japan coastal areas
but only a little here in Nara.

The snowiest and coldest days made me lazy.

Snow-melt on the moss in my garden

Lastly, these are paper cranes for well-being of family and world Peace.
I hope the days filled with smiles for each person 

and the world free from tyranny of leaders including lies, distorted facts,
and inhuman and destructive action.

At Nigiwai-no-ie in Naramachi

Wish you a lovely February!