Day in Mountains (Patreon)

Hey hey, Critters!

I just finished recording the next UJ episode and it starts with a weird thing that happened while I was having lunch with some friends. Curiously, a tree fell in the forest nearby and the only ones who heard it were me and this mountain man guy we were talking to. How did my friends not hear it? I think I solved that mystery, though, in the show (Hint: One of several mountain yōkai). I wanted to post photos here from that day and some thoughts.

1. Vegetarian, Vegan, and Macrobiotic Meals

I have lots of friends and family who visit and are surprised how difficult it is to get a real vegetarian dish (one reason is that dashi fish stock is in almost everything). It's better than it used to be, but still nowhere near the choices I saw back in the States. However, this little mountain, weekend-only, cafe has a buffet of all-veggie, all-organic, mostly picked-that-morning dishes.

I love that they use an iris for a hashioki (chopstick holder).

A tempura okra and okra flower was so good. The chef just went around and delivered one to every person in the restaurant, about 10 people.

Then he came around with dessert. Freshly pounded mochi rice with adzuki bean soup.

After lunch we went for a stroll around the area and came across the chef all dirty and digging up more bamboo shoots to prepare for the next day. That was cute.

Here's the little restaurant. I went with my girlfriends, but I'm going to take Richard there soon. Great food, atmosphere, and the nature sounds were divine. Maybe we can record the ghostly tree falling next time!

Inside.

2. Kintsugi isn't just for broken cups and hearts anymore.

Isn't this a great idea. The owner embarrassingly said it wasn't real gold. But I said, it's wonderfully creative and made me and I'm sure everyone else smile. I love it!

3. Old home to rent for the day and play!There was an old somewhat restored Japanese home that is used for anyone who wants to experience life back in the day. The guy who runs it told us about how kids and/or adults could come to chop wood, build fires, catch and grill fish and play all kinds of old timey games.

I just love the old fashioned thatched roofs.

He said they light fires in the iori to smoke out the place once day. It keeps bugs and other nefarious things out of the roof. When people lived in these homes it was done naturally when they cooked. Poor lungs.

Some moss and stone. Wished I would have brought my nice camera and not just used my phone.

Another ojizo, but with a long head.

So many more posts I have started and my crow journey is really coming along. I need to organize that. I'm taking videos now, learning a lot. I'm recording the Bedtime Story today, too, as well as getting postcards and swag ready to send out. Then there is the pile of clothes I need to fold on the bed...Thank you all, XOXO, stay safe and well, and...

I'll be right back ٩( 'ω' )و

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