Big Red Dinosaur Loader Gets A Free Bath

Tokyo turned on the best weather of the year so far today, and the Big Red Dinosaur Loader celebrated with a free bath, albeit an unintentional one.

Big Red fell into the drink when I propped it up on the waterside to take a photo under the gloriously azure skies that perfectly matched its hue.

Built for rough stuff, the bike was perfectly fine, and it actually turned into a much-needed wash.

It was another day to slide in a second ride, which I was quite fortunate to do. I knew today was going to be demanding, as I had meetings scheduled for nearly the entire day. These are aimed at helping operation of the retirement village where we live.

Deprived of riding for much of the past half year, I was really keen on getting out today. I have known about these meetings for months, so when I heard the weather forecast was for a bright and sunny day of 18 degrees, I got a bit resentful toward the process.

But the people I work with are a wonderful group. I probably could have pulled out and not been missed as most of what happens in the meetings goes over my head anyhow. But they have been good to me, and there whenever I’ve needed a hand. So, it was fulfilling my responsibilities that won out, and I got to enjoy a good learning experience in the meantime.

Anyway, I had already ridden in the morning as it was. I’d woken early, got dressed and headed out well before dawn, riding the entire journey in the dark.

I’d originally hoped to be able to ride in shorts, given the temperature, but was glad I didn’t in the end, as it was still bloody freezing. I needed to remind myself that it is only the middle of February and there’s plenty of cold left before we get consistent warmth.

Getting Hit For A Six

Valentine’s Day in Japan is awesome because the custom is for women to give men gifts, and not necessarily only to those for whom they have romantic feelings, as is customary in the West.

Mrs. Kangaeroo, who has very dubious tastes in men, has no such weakness when it comes to giving gifts. She is a thoughtful and considerate gift giver, and always nails it when giving someone a present. She hit me for six this year, literally as it turned out. Among a huge bag of pressies she handed over to me were a bloody decorative cricket bat and ball!

Finding such treasures in Japan is little short of a miracle, but it is the type of thing Mrs. Kangaeroo does consistently, and with aplomb!

Add to that, I also scored a great T-shirt (that fit perfectly despite my yo-yoing weight over the past year!) and a huge basket of irresistible chocolates (I know this because I tried to avoid them after having just one). The chokies are a Lindt imitator, but much nicer than the real thing. And they’re coated in love!