Bad behavior in my neighborhood

I don’t think that cigarette is helping his look or his biking. I miss this corner.

Utility box worker strikes a pose

Sometimes you’re just biking on your way somewhere, and suddenly an unexpected sight distracts you. This utility box worker has everything: great uniform, safety vest, helmet, towel, tools, orange hair, and one leg bent pose. I am glad that men like these are keeping Tokyo functioning.

 

Sakura already falling

Wednesday I was biking to my gym yoga class and admiring the sakura in full bloom along the Kanda River between Nakano Sakaue and Higashi Nakano. After class, I noticed that the warm weather and wind was starting a “snowfall” of petals along the path and in the river. How quickly sakura ends.

The photo above is from Zenpujiki River, near the in-laws’ ceramic studio. Rivers are perfect settings for sakura. Hanami at the narrow park along this river in Suginami is more neighborly and less crazed than more celebrated parks. Below is a night image from central Nakano, where many old cherry trees line Nakano Dori. The lighting is supplied by local institution, Don Ki (the nickname for low-priced emporium Don Quijote). And you can see the moon in the upper right corner.

After a few more days, cherry blossom season will be over.