• Daily Life

    Virtuous Cycle

    Today’s title is more than just a play on words to boast about the beautiful bicycle photos I have been able to take recently. It also refers to what’s going on in my life at the moment. I can’t stop pinching myself to check that I am really going through what’s happening. Essentially, it revolves around the various miracles that have occurred to get me into a great new company, where I am surrounded by extraordinarily talented people and working in an environment so supportive that it is difficult to believe. Hence the pinching. This has brought about such an…

  • Daily Life

    All in the Timing

    A long-time wish finally came true with a session around the Kawasaki Velodrome, and though I notched times that were the slowest of anyone on the day, my timing has been pretty fortunate over the past few months. All seemed lost and forlorn at the start of summer, but I was determined to hang on to my career for dear life to ensure that Mrs. Kangaeroo could fulfill one of her dreams. And the fates were on my side, with a new opening presenting itself at an absolutely perfect moment. And it has ushered in a halcyonic few weeks. On…

  • Daily Life

    Flockin’ Wonderful Time

    All sorts of amazing things are happening at the moment, and I’m taking me time to let them settle in. Biggest is the new job, which is taking up most of my time at the moment and, naturally, has a huge impact on my life and that of those around me. We’ve had some pretty lousy weather recently, being humid, wet and dark, which has had an adverse impact on Kangaeroo Corner, effectively wiping out the kangaroo paw for this year, but also hurting most of the other Aussie plants, which generally like things to be dry and sunny, or…

  • Daily Life

    And Now, The End is Near

    It began to sink in on this morning’s ride along the Tama River that this aspect of my life, such a crucial activity over the years of the covid pandemic, is drawing to a close. Many people are fixtures along the river, just as I suppose I must be for them. Over the years we have become familiar and share greetings, as well as inspiration, and sometimes even the occasional conversation and, dare I say it, friendship. Next week, I begin a new job and will commute into central Tokyo once again. My commute will, unfortunately, be by train, and…

  • Daily Life

    Doggone

    After a blissful stay with us of two weeks or so, Uyu the border collie is gone, having returned home to her mum and dad. It was sad to see her go as she had been our little angel and being with her was blissful. She brought enormous joy and we had great fun. But, as I had noted the last time she stayed her, the biggest lesson Uyu provided was to convey how clearly impossible it would be for us to own a dog, much as I would love to have one. I simply can’t care well enough for…

  • Daily Life

    In Dog We Trust

    Our time with Uyu the border collie is drawing to a close and it has been magnificent. We have complete conviction that our canine companion is a gift from the gods. But it has also been draining. All of us, Uyu included, were exhausted last night. The typhoon skirting by Tokyo and dumping bucketloads of rain on us has actually rendered some relief as it has prevented a long walk and confined us to indoor spaces today. That has meant playing with toys, which is also having an effect on my old frame. I can’t crawl around on the floor,…

  • Daily Life

    Doggedly Marching On

    Every bone in my body is aching, but I am not giving up and am adamantly moving ahead with our current schedule, but boy am I feeling it. Part of the problem might be that I have too much free time on my hands, which allows me to realize how sore I feel. It’s hard to keep busy as I’m trying to look after the dog, the dinosaur and the domicile, all at the same time. My body is feeling the pinch because Uyu and I have been walking about 15 km/day in the sapping heat, spreading the walks over…

  • Daily Life

    Scorched!

    It’s too hot for me to do anything. With requirements to look after Uyu the border collie and to devote time when I can to Dino the rosy faced lovebird, I’m limited in how far I can move. Most of the time I’m stuck at home and can move only in the early morning or night because it’s too hot to go out in the day. I’ve got to buy a new computer, new camera, new phone and new clothes. But with the dog around, it’s too hard to move around outside. She’s a great dog and I could probably…

  • Daily Life

    Big Brother Is Watching You

    Summer is sweltering again, turning the Kangaeroo Corner into a dustbowl, but this year is a little different because my every move is being watched by the untiring Uyu. We’ve been walking incessantly despite the heat, and the beautiful border collie had me worried because she looked exhausted and overheated when we returned home last night. Each day of her stay has exceeded 34 degrees Celsisus, with 80 percent-plus humidity, a searing sun and scorched asphalt. We’ve still walked at least 10 kilometers every day. I’m bushed. But loving it. Walking through the area has also taught me how beautiful…

  • Daily Life

    The Fat Lady Sang

    My job is over. Finished. Kaput. Ended. I am officially unemployed for the first time in 10 1/2 years. All ties to my former employer ended a few moments ago as I sent off the computer and periphery items I had used at home, where I worked from pretty much the outset of the pandemic. A brave new world awaits. I’m leaving with my former employer’s goodwill and best wishes. And I wish them all the best. I would have preferred things turned out a little different, but I think we may both be better off moving forward. I’ve got…