Tulips Again, Purple and Pink Spring Flowers, Rinshi No Mori Park

Spring is coming to an end and summer is around the corner, and my home server is full of photos taken from earlier this year. In late March, the family joined friends at Rinshi No Mori Park for a birthday picnic. The sakura were just coming into bloom, but the other flowers in the park were the ones putting on a show. I couldn't confidently identify these flowers, but I think that the purple ones are hesperis matronalis (or Dame's Rocket) and the bright pink ones may be vervain (or verbena or Holy Herb).

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f5.6, ISO 100, 1/60 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f4.0, ISO 100, 1/80 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f4.0, ISO 100, 1/50 sec.

Summer is almost over... or Buzz Off

The cicada or "semi" in Japanese are still out making plenty of noise. Their summer singing is one of the unique things I will always remember about being in Japan.  Their songs are almost deafening in the middle of summer even in a small Tokyo park. However, as the temperatures drop, their songs start to fade. This semi was spotted by my wife while we were in Rinshi No Mori Park in Meguro.

Anyway, I wish I had my macro lens with me, but it wasn't to be.

There's a really good post on cicadas in Japan at the Tsukublog - What's the Buzz About.

Accident? What are you worring about?

I am worrying about  HYGIENE!!!  That's what... Usually, Japanese are super duper obsessive about it.  People always have handkerchiefs to dry hands, and always tissues to blow noses to avoid spreading germs.  But in most parks where there are water play areas, there are always several children in nappies (or diapers) playing.  It looks worse that it is... but even swim diapers hang a little lower than regular diapers and can leak.

Anyway, I am always amused by t-shirts with nonsensical English (aka Engrish).  Considering the location and condition of the nappy that this child is wearing, I feel that there is nothing that would stop an accident if it were to happen.