Niigata in spring, 2014 (3)

On May 5, I met my good old friend, enjoyed talking
a lot and had a fine lunch with her.

After saying good-bye to her, I went to Nagaoka
by the Joetsu Shinkansen.

Then I took a taxi to Tochio. Before getting into the
taxi, I asked the driver if he knew the way to Tochio.
He answered yes, but he was almost a stranger.

I gave him directions and he thanked me, saying
“I had a very good experience today.”

Anyway, I got to my sister's.

I was very glad both my sister and her husband
looked happy, in spite of difficulties.





During my stay in Tochio, I took them to すがばたけ by taxi.
It is one of my favorite places.













This is my favorite Mt. Sumon.（守門山）
Its top is still covered with snow.



I was singing a school song in my elementary school days
without I knew.

守門の山は気高く聳え・・・

Oh, where have all those days gone?

It's true we get more sentimental as we grow older.

Going home to Niigata is
really a sentimental journey for me.

Niigata in spring, 2014 (2)

I strolled through the pinewoods and went to the beach.
I was thinking of my husband, my daughter and my dogs
I used to walk with.

The pines have grown very big.









What a beautiful day!

Niigata in spring, 2014 (1)

I stayed 4 days in my own house in Niigata City
and 3 days in my hometown Tochio,
where my elder sister lives with her husband.

How kind of the neighbors to watch and take care
of my house!

Thank you so much, neighbors!

One of my friend and her husband took me to
Yahiko Shrine, 弥彦神社 by car. When did I visit it last?

















We enjoyed こんにゃく田楽 and bought　温泉まんじゅう.





I don't know how to thank you,
Mr. and Mrs. Mi-san.

I had a wonderful day.