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Monday, February 15, 2021

Footsteps of Spring

 


梅一輪 一輪ほどの あたたかさ
A single ume flower
single flower's 
worth of warmth
(Ransetsu Hattori, 1654-1707)

One Ume blossom (Prunus mume) in the chilly wind gives us warmth even if faintly.


It was too beautiful to stay indoors yesterday.
I went to Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden to walk leisurely and to see 
and take pictures of snowdrops.



Dainty Snowdrops shimmer pearly white.


Snowdrops are one of the first flowers to appear in the new year 
together with daffodils.


Ducks, herons and pigeons were enjoying themselves in the mid-April-like warmth. 


The duck duo (above) was always together like lovebirds or best friends
as long as I looked at them.
The below is a threesome.








Here's a Valentine's Day message from nature.


Valentine's Day custom of Japan would be unique.
It's only women who present, customarily chocolates or other sweets, to loved ones.
One month later March 14, men offer in return gifts to women.
We love chocolate, but the loveliest present to my husband was 
the hand-made animal cookies from our granddaughter M and her mother.



"Winter General", a very strong cold front from Siberia, is attacking us in a few days.
It's not easy to adjust myself to the frequent big temperature difference,
but ready to face the frigid cold again, wishing another snowfall.

Linked to Mosaic Monday

24 comments:

  1. Those "spring footsteps" are very faint and distant at the moment. I went to see a local snowdrop wood the other day and though they were flowering they looked very sad in the cold wind. Your photos bring some much-needed sunshine today.

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  2. Very beautiful. You are getting spring but meanwhile we had the first snowfalls this past week. I went out to errands late on Sunday and it was raining so the snow will likely be gone by morning. It is still a month early for the blossoms here. It is my favourite time of year when they come. As always I love your posts. have a wonderful spring dear Yoko. xx

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  3. P.S. I love your Valentine's custom. It is very special one and includes the men a month later. I really like that. I hope you get another snowfall before the spring so you can share your lovely photos with us.

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  4. Lovely pictures ! Spring is already there but not yet here...
    Have a shinny week !
    Anna

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  5. Dear Yoko - We have also had a very strong front blowing in from Siberia, but luckily overnight a warmer African wind blew in and all of a sudden the air feels softer.
    The cold made even my Hellebores hang their beautiful faces right down to the frozen ground, but today I see that they are now standing upright and appear to be back to their former
    glory.
    The chocolate cake for your husband looks delicious.

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  6. Not much hope for an early spring here. We’re getting snow! Freezing temps...7 degrees. But I have enjoyed your beautiful photos. Thank you!!

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  7. Wow that cake looks delicious! I love the photos of the flowers and ducks!

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  8. Ja cudnie, wiosennie. Córka mówiła mi, że w Osace też już kwitną, w Polsce co najmniej miesiąc czekania.
    Pozdrówki.

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  9. ·.
    All those wonderful flowers are the prelude to spring. I love the first photo, it contains all the beauty of a haiku.

    Regards Yoko

    LaMiradaAusente · & · CristalRasgado

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  10. Wonderful selection of photos, they are all very beautiful. I especially loved the 9th photo, the close-up of the bird is fantastic.
    Very interesting the custom of Japan for Valentine's Day.
    Have a mild and peaceful week.

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  11. Yoko - the snowdrops are so lovely. I hope that the Winter General does not wreak too much havoc on the newly blooming flowers ... Thank you for returning to Mosaic Monday!

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  12. Your flower photos are visual poems. A separate time for men and women to exchange Valentine gifts would be unique in my world. We can never have too much warmth from the heart, though, especially when freezing temperatures have swept through so many places recently!

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  13. Quiere llegar amiga y empieza a regalar. Preciosa naturaleza Yoko que no entiende de virus y sigue su curso. Me encantan las fotos.
    Buen miércoles. Cuídate.
    Un abrazo.

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  14. Dear Yoko, how wonderful it feels to find myself in spring for a minute! From snowy evening to blooming day! I loved your ducks – pairs of them, herons and pigeons, St. Valentine's Day message, Ume blossoms and haiku.
    Snowdrops, too, so different from ours which are blue and purple with furry petals. It is a constant marvel for me to learn about your country. I’m sure, your husband and M’s grandpa loved her present very much.
    With warmest wishes to you and your family,
    Irina and Doctor B.
    P.S. I’ve just written a post and B. helped to entitle it.

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  15. Hello Yoko,
    What a beautiful springpost! I love to see the blossoms. I hope the cold did not damage your springflowers.
    Have a wonderful weekend
    Marijke

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  16. A descoberta consiste em ver o que todos viram e em pensar no que ninguém pensou.

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  17. dear Yoko such an exquisite sharing regarding spring

    i can tell spring of your country surpasses all springs in other part of lands :)
    these photos are engaging and delightful !!!!!!!!!
    you have special way with words and with handling camera indeed

    loved the flowers ,how utterly white and gorgeous ,loved the message of greeting from nature ,i do believe each object and move of the nature has message for us ,i wish we can have time to read .
    birds are so pretty and water is serene ,so nicely captured
    what a wonderful tradition of Valentine's day in your country :) i bet cookies from your granddaughter made your day :) love is warmth of blood in life specially love of family !
    blessings to you and family my amazing friend!

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  18. Hi Yoko:)
    Beautiful!
    Thank you so much for this post.

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  19. Hello,
    The blossoms are so pretty, I love the snowdrops. Lovely spring mages. The cake looks delicious, I am sure the homemade cookies were great too. Take care, enjoy your day! Wishing you a happy new week!

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  20. 京都の植物園行ったことありませんが、暖かい日にゆっくり歩いたらお花が見れて鳥にも会えてリラックスできそうですね。バレンタインデイ。ご主人にとって何よりのプレゼント!
    良い一日を。

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  21. Dear Yoko!
    As always, your photos are magical.
    I have to wait a long time for the spring flowers to bloom in the garden.
    The cake looks delicious.
    Hugs and greetings.

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