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.

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.



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...?



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. =)

My husband likes this sandwiched scene. =)



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. =)

Sakuras of different shade of pink.

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.

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!