It may be cold here, but signs of spring are appearing on the urban streets.
This little plum tree is just around the corner from the Girlie's apartment.
We headed to Shinjuku on Wednesday, to explore Okadaya - another multi-level crafter's heaven. Buttons, fat quarters, trim, yarn, sewing machines, looms, books - almost everything you might want - and across the alley is several floors of fabric. My, oh my. We got kind of lost on the yarn floor, but came away with sensible purchases:
- a cache of Tawashi yarn and pattern book
and the yarn to cast on brella's Norwegian Totoro Mittens (rav link). Virtuously, I have already cast on the mittens and they are moving along very nicely, thankyouverymuch.
Odayaka was our only Shinjuku destination, so, as we were a bit overwhelmed by the crush of people and highrises in this commercial district, we opted for a return to Kichijoji. "After all," the Girlie observed, " We're already halfway there." Our destination? Avril, of course! My list was prepared, and we could shop and eat at the pizzeria she had been wanting to try, and maybe even have time for the tofu donut shop.
I'm trying to be sensible, people. I could have bought much, much more, but then I'd have to carry it back. Suitcases only hold so much and I am only one little middle-aged lady.
The pizza at La Befana was good and the pasta and salad were delicious. I know, pizza in Tokyo? But sometimes you need a break from all the wonderful sushi, udon, and rice, know what I mean? Sadly, we did not make it to the tofu donut place until after it closed.
Yesterday, was a stay-at-home adventure, waiting for the kerosene delivery man and photographing the plum blossoms at the beginning of this post. I am really relishing the "home base" I have here in Kita-senju and the opportunity to view the everyday life of a neighborhood.
Today we will venture into Nishi-Ogikubo, to find a bakery and shops that are new to the Girlie. We also aim to return to Kichijoji for tofu donuts. And tomorrow we head out of Tokyo to Tochigi , to visit the Girlie's host family from eleven years ago and teach a cooking class.
Sayonara for now!
