Shirakoma Pond before breaking up its ice

I visited the pond on 23 April, when the road near there was open after clearing snow. The pond was still covered thick ice but I felt the breaking up it there soon. The middle of it was honey-combed and melted ice blocks were floating near the shore. Spring is near at hand!

Cherry-blossom Season in Kobe

From our Nagano in early spring to Kobe I went out to the reunion of our old mountain club. Walking along Ashiya River at the foot of Mt. Rokko, row of cherry trees was in full bloom.

Butterbur Sprout

We have gentle and warm rain this morning. Walking in our garden I found light green butterbur sprout, through which we surely feel spring has come. We are also able to eat the sprouts making Tempura and they fit beer very well. I am looking forward to have them with cold beer.