Swans Enjoy Sunshine

 

I went to a swamp to take a walk around. Some kinds of ducks are in water under the warm sunshine.

To my surprise, about 20 swans have spent days here. Two years ago, I just watched 3 swans. I don't know why so many have decided to stay here. 

I thought about their way of life when I was a child. As you know, they fly to warmer areas from north in the early winter and fly back in the beginning of spring. I have no idea why  they chose this habit. Have they never felt difficulty of moving 5,000 kms without any insurance? Are not migratory birds in envy of convenience which resident birds are blessed with?

I watched some young ones that were born probably one or two years ago. How was your trip to here? I hope you can enjoy warmer days in safety.

White swans look beautiful, anyway.

They do not exaggerate their brave behavior. They love their children everytime and everywhere.

Handmade Soba (Buckwheat) Noodles 手工蕎麥麵

I got 1kg buckwheat flour at Motegi, which was harvested this autumn.

I usually mix 80% buckwheat and 20% wheat flour to make noodles smooth and long. Wheat flour would be mixed to connect buckwheat smoothly. This time I made the noodles with 100% buckwheat and water alone. 

During mixing buckwheat with water, I was fascinated with its fresh nutty flavour. The dough is green. The wonderful color reminded me of soba fields in summer under the sunshine.

I extended the dough with a long rolling pin to 1.5mm thick. When you bite pure buckwheat noodles, you will feel they are not smooth and stiff in case noodles are thick. I tried to cut the flattened dough into 1.3mm wide each while buckwheat is mixed with 20% wheat I cut it into 1.5mm. The taste was good!

This buckwheat is one of the best gifts this year.

A Small Town In Mountains

I went to Motegi to buy new buckwheat flour.

 There still remain two old style warehouses. 

The hill behind them is ruins of a castle.

Earthworks have been well preserved. These tall trees are cherry.

Many maple leaves changed to bright red.

I enjoyed the high blue sky and red leaves.

I found three cherry trees are in full bloom.

There are two kinds of cherry: one opens blossoms in spring, the other in autumn.  It's rare to have a chance to see cherry blossoms and red maple leaves at the same time.