Download this: Rezidents for the PSP /hanami ’07

Just in time for spring... new Rezidents wallpaper for the PSP. In three colours - pink, blue and grey. Collect them all!

p.s. Get the first one here.

Masked

New fellows in the studio! The puzzle is called "shokka-mania" and includes 21 nacho libres in black that can be grouped in a number of different formations ...

Mein kleines Wetterhäuschen

My first encounter with wetterhäuschen was around Christmas in an upscale Japanese toy shop, and I was charmed by the jaunty miniature lederhosen- and dirndl-bedecked man and woman in their woodsy cabin. Mounted on a weight and suspended by a single strand of horse hair, the pair glide slowly in and out of the house as the hair twists or untwists in response to fluctuations in humidity. The transparency of the mechanism added to its appeal but I balked at the import price.

Happy to find a Heidelberg shop selling wetterhäuschen and cuckoo clocks, I decided on this combination hygrometer and old school wind-up pendulum clock. Now it sits above my desk, tick-tocking away…

Souvenir kitsch, but it makes me smile.

Picnic partner

Yesterday's warmer weather brought us to the park for a little birthday picnic, and we were joined by this beautiful egret who rooted through the rushes for its own lunch.

Magenta

"A plush texture and delicate, creamy flavors, make this Champagne hard to resist. It has bright, light notes of lemon, apple, toast and vanilla and a pillow-soft mouthfeel. More subtleties emerge on the fruit-filled, long finish. Very exotic and rich, showing a classic, complex style. Another AWM discovery and exclusive, this small production house comes through our Charles de Cazanove connection in Epernay. The Lombarda family makes this classically styled Champagne (30% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier) in a fruit-driven, delicately toasty style. Along with a nice mélange of ripe citrus, mineral and red berry notes, this well-balanced, bright and intensely flavored wine ends with richness." [Asheville Wine Market] Happy birthday Huschang!

Spring

Back in Tokyo's milder weather, looking forward to hanami. In the shops, strawberry candy packaged in cherry blossom motifs.

Base station Heidelberg

Spent a few hours in Heidelberg, a peaceful respite from the hub-bub of the last few weeks.

Signage on Philosophenweg

Vast woods filled with birdsong and wind

Engraving of Heidelberg castle & gardens

Early cherry blossoms on a gloomy day