30 April 2008

A post before the 4th Wedding Anniversary. =)


Hello there!

How time flies and it's going to be May from tomorrow! May is a very special month for my hubby and myself. =) Our birthdays fall in May, and this 1st May marks the 4th anniversary of our blissful marriage. =)

We are thankful to God for His wondrous love and deep grace for us, without which we often wonder how things would turn out to be. To this day that we still feel just married, we just can't thank God enough for the many blessings we've received. Through good times and bad, we pray that we'll continue to build each other, and be a blessing to our partner. May the Lord continue to fasten us with His hands always...

We shall be away for a short trip, followed by a few days of ' Golden Week ' holiday in Japan. So, if I don't see you at your place, do know that you're missed! =) Meanwhile, may your days stay blessed and gay...

Before we leave, I'll share what we've enjoyed yesterday.

Photobucket

It was a public holiday yesterday with a good weather. We went on a ride to some distant lakes and landmarks still cold. Much to our delight, sakuras were just begining to bloom there.

Photobucket

At the wide open with just 2 of us, we had the luxury to enjoy the landscape quietly...

I caught some houses by the lake, with occupants residing remotely from much-needed stores ( by at least 10km perhaps ). I guess tranquility comes with great inconvenience sometimes...?

Photobucket

Someone ever shared with me that, being enveloped in Spring's gentleness is a reward for those who've endured the harsh winter for so long, and I can't agree more =D. Just as tranquility may not come easy, to relish Spring simply spells several months of bitter winter and due endurance.
But I guess the pain of waiting and enduring is still worthwhile afterall. =)


Photobucket

My husband likes this sandwiched scene. =)

Photobucket

Though the tough days may come, behind them the better ones follow. You just got to have faith, be patient about the wait, and hang on. =)


Photobucket Photobucket

Sakuras of different shade of pink.

Photobucket

Now, another fact about Sakura today.


While many would have thought that Sakura is a unique blossom found only in Japan, this is not true. I've heard from friends and also read in articles, Sakura trees can be found in Korea, U.K., U.S., China, and other parts of Europe.

Photobucket

What makes Japan boastful about having Sakuras then, and always making Sakura viewing a grand way of visiting the country? Hmm... I'm not very sure. It is a fact that Japan has Sakura trees growing abundantly, and they love the blossom passionately. Perhaps, it is just their means of sharing their favourite things with foreigners.

This dessert on the left is my favourite Japanese dessert, called ' Sakura mochi '. ' Mochi ' is a crepe-like skin made from rice flour.

With filling of red bean paste, the entire bundle is wrapped with pickled leaf of Sakura tree!
The leaves are gathered before autumn in the previous year, treated for several months, before they are brought to shelves in Spring. These leaves carry a fragrance of somewhat cheap perfume, but upon savouring, the leaf, mochi and red bean paste certainly go together in perfect harmony. =) We are fortunate to have a prized confectionary that produces this, and I must have them every week. =P On Sunday when I got my pack, the lady told me that I was lucky to have it cos it was the last pack they could offer as they have run out of the pickled Sakura leaves. =D


Ok, I've got to run now and make some preparation. See you again soon!






11 comments:

bp said...

WOW! These pictures and blooms are AWESOME! Will come back for more, for sure =)

Enjoy your week now... God bless!

Silvia - Magnolia Wedding Planner said...

Thanks for the stunning photos . These blossoms and flowers and gorgeous. and you are for me a real gift from God because you bring into my days so many happiness and serenity! Thanks to the Lord you exist!
Blessed wishes for your anniversary to you and your hubby and have a great holiday.
I hug you thigtly darling
Silvia

stay-at-home mum said...

Congrats, and may God bless the both of you with many more good years together!!

And looking at those photos, anyone just popping by would think you were already on your trip!!

Sakura mochi? sounds yummy!!

Enjoy!!

B.T.Bear (esq.) said...

WOW is it May tomorro? I hav lost trak ov days! I'll show yor fotoes to my sister she will luv them. We hav lots ov pink blossom heer too at the moment. Dilly likes it wen the wind blows it over our garden.

:@D

Admin said...

I like the photo of the stream running under the bridge, with Sakura blooms on the banks. Thanks for sharing.
Happy anniversary and go enjoy!

Ladybird said...

Congratulations on your wedding anniversary! Have a nice trip :)

Those pictures are amazing! The flowers and trees are so colorful!

Piggy said...

happy anniversary and happy birthday in advance!

the pics are lovely, as always! especially the pic of sakura with the bridge!

bp said...

OK, now I see your write-up to go along with the wonderful pictures! And a very HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to you and your husband! Have a wonderful time of celebration now, and I know you will come back with more pictures to share... looking forward to that!

Btw, I finally got round to thanking you for the excellent award and doing my bit to pass it on... also have some blooms to share (when you find the time to bloghop later) in that same post!

~Ling~ said...

Your Sakura photos are beautifully stunning! Love them so much. =)

Have a Blessed and Lovey Dovey Wedding Anniversary! (^^,) May God continue to bring the both of you even closer with His Love each day.

Agape
Jade

bp said...

Hi Stardust,
I've emailed you, do feel free to drop me a line, OK? I'm always here, my friend! Meanwhile, you have a wonderful week and hope it's been a great trip and anniversary celebration for you and your husband!

Stardust said...

Dear everyone,
Thank you so much!!! We really appreciate your loving! May your life be blessed too with abundant love!