When I looked at the road information in the morning, there was an accident near Hachioji on the Ken-O Expressway and there was a traffic jam to Sagamihara, so I headed for the Tohoku Expressway via the Metropolitan Expressway, and this is Kamikawachi SA on the Tohoku Expressway. The store is full of various Utsunomiya dumplings! It takes a little over an hour from here to Nasu.
我が家からだと那須は軽井沢よりやや遠くて、片道3時間半くらいかかります。
From my home, Nasu is a little farther than Karuizawa, and it takes about three and a half hours one way.
I’ve been to Gunma for work since last Friday. This is Kanra Town, Gunma Prefecture, and there are famous cherry blossom spots here. The blooming time was about a week later than in South Kanto, and it was in full bloom this time. I will omit the explanation below, but please enjoy the row of cherry blossom trees in a rural town in Japan.
I had a business to go out this morning, and when I was watching the breaking news of MLB in the parking lot there, Otani of the Angels hit a home run! It is a picture of that moment. lol
I met a new face dog on a walk in Shichirigahama this morning. He is Mio (Bernese Mountain Dog ♂, 3 years old) and is the successor to Mina, who died about two years ago. Mio’s owner said that Mio’s former owner couldn’t continue to keep Mio, so he took Mio along to his home.
I was informed by a veterinary clinic about a heartworm test for Konatsu, so I went to the test with Konatsu. In addition, the health checkup (mainly checking built-in functions, etc.) that started two years ago is also included.
There was no problem this time as well. Since last year, the heartworm preventive drug prescribed at the vets has become Nexguard, and it is also effective in exterminating fleas and ticks, and the vet said, “Tick has already adhered to dogs walking in the forest of Hiromachi. Let’s take medicine from the end of this month. “
This is the result of a blood test. The ALT, which indicates the condition of the liver, is a little high, but at this level there is nothing to worry about nervously. Compared to half a year ago, Konatsu’s weight has increased by 1 kg, so it seems that there is some effect. The vet said, “It’s a pity to eat less, so make her diet more for seniors, get a little more exercise, and feed her usual dry food with beef because beef fat works to protect the liver, ” so, I’m going to do this.
その他は何も問題はなく健康そのものですと太鼓判を押されました。
There is nothing else wrong and it ’s good health.
It was a heavy rain. I took a walk at Shichirigahama in the morning, but the rain and wind became stronger from around noon, and there was no sign of stopping even in the evening.
とても傘を差せるような状態じゃないので、こなつも私もレインコート着て散歩の準備中。
The wind was so strong that I couldn’t put an umbrella on it, so both Konatsu and I were preparing for a walk wearing raincoats.
普段の雨の日はもっと簡易なレインコートだけれど、今日は全身を覆うタイプで歩きます。
It’s a simpler raincoat on rainy days, but today Konatsu walks with a raincoat that covers the whole body.
Just opening the door and looking at the outside seems to make me feel uncomfortable walking, but Konatsu doesn’t pee unless it’s outside the house, so I have no choice but to go. And today I came back after just walking for about 20 minutes.
こんな雨の中でしたが大も小もしっかり済ませてきましたよ(笑)
It was raining like this, but Konatsu has done pee & poo. (lol)
As an extra edition, it is a soba travelogue. It’s difficult to explain in English, but Nagano Prefecture, where I traveled this time, is famous for soba noodles. I went to two soba restaurants, so I’m introducing them. The English translation is omitted below.
On this day, I decided to go to the dog park in Iizunayama Park, which I missed the day before. It’s about 10km away from our place of stay, but it’s a rural road so I can drive for 15 minutes.
The picture above is what I tasted. Local “Komagatake (Masuru Shinshu Distillery)” This is smoky and very delicious. When I looked into Mars Whiskey, it was Kiichiro Iwai, the creator of Mars Whiskey, who sent Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whiskey, to Scotland. Mars whiskey was born based on the research report in Scotland, and it seems to be today. Among them, “Komagatake Rindo”, which has been discontinued, is said to be a phantom whiskey and is difficult to obtain. I was able to drink only one cup here last fall, which was unbearably delicious.
I went to bed on this day when I got tipsy in a good mood. The next morning is already the last day. On the last day, I always buy fresh vegetables at “Tsuruya”. The usual pattern is to buy as much as I can in the car.
ここの駐車場には相変わらず県外ナンバーの車が多い。（人の事は言えないけど･･･）
関越自動車道の寄居PAで休憩中。ここから自宅までノンストップで戻ってきました。
Taking a break at Yorii PA on the Kan-Etsu Expressway. I came back to my house non-stop from here.
As soon as I arrived at Regina Resort Karuizawa and took a rest, it was time for an evening walk. I wanted to walk along the riverside path in front of me the next morning, so I headed to Iizunayama Park in Komoro this evening.
公園はこんな山の上にあります。
The park is on the top of such a mountain.
公園の入り口には小諸高原美術館があり、興味あったけどこの日は休館日で残念。
There is the Komoro-kogen Museum at the entrance of the park, and I was interested, but I am sorry that this day is closed.
One part of the park is the ruins of Fujimi Castle, which was built in the 1500s. And I came here for the purpose because there is a dog park in this park, but it seems that I can not reach the dog run unless I enter from another entrance. I couldn’t help it, so I decided to come back tomorrow and walk around here on this day.
そして、楽しみにしていた夕飯の時間です。
And it’s dinner time I was looking forward to.
最初にこなつの食事が運ばれてきました。鹿肉サイコロステーキ120gです。
First, the Konatsu meal was brought in. 120g of venison diced steak.
早く頂戴！という顔してる。
Konatsu has a face saying “Please give me soon!”.
ここからは私たちのです
From here it’s ours
私の世代は「最初はビール！」と決まっている(笑)
My generation, “Of course beer at first!” (lol)
前菜の盛り合わせ、春らしい盛り付けです。
Assorted appetizers, spring-like arrangement.
春キャベツのポタージュ、鯛のポワレ、口休めの林檎のシャーベット、と進み､､､
Spring cabbage potage, sea bream poele, apple sorbet for the appetizer, and so on …
The usual Tokyu Harvest Club Hakone Koshien, where I just went to a hot spring, ate dinner and went to bed, and didn’t go anywhere except for a walk with Konatsu.
夕飯もルームサービスのお弁当にしたので1日目は殆ど部屋で過ごしていました。
We used room service Bento box for dinner, so we spent most of the first day in the room.
On the second day, we checked out early and had breakfast at the “Bakery & Table Hakone” cafe on the shores of Lake Ashi.
それほどお腹も空いてなかったのでコーヒーとクロワッサンだけの朝食。10:00になればテラス席がオープンするのでこなつを一緒に連れていけるけど、このときは9:30だったので私たち二人だけでした。 I wasn’t so hungry so I had breakfast with coffee and croissants only. The terrace seats will open at 10:00, so we can take Konatsu with us, but at this time it was 9:30, so we were the only ones.
ここから富士五湖自動車道～中央高速を走り、長坂からは一般道で軽井沢に向かいます。
From here, take the Fuji Five Lakes Expressway-Chuo Expressway, and from Nagasaka, take a general road to Karuizawa.
途中、中央高速の双葉SAで休憩したときにこんなのを発見。
On the way, I found this when we took a break at Futaba SA on the Chuo Expressway.
中で食事もできるので寒い時期の犬連れ旅には有難い。
This is a free rest area where you can bring your pets, and you can eat inside, so it’s great for traveling with dogs in cold weather.
ここは清里を過ぎた辺り。この日は快晴で、八ヶ岳がキレイに見えました。
This is around Kiyosato. It was fine on this day, and the Yatsugatake mountain range looked beautiful.
そして、箱根から休憩含めると約４時間でレジーナリゾート御影用水に到着。
Then, including a break from Hakone, we arrived at Regina Resort Mikage Irrigation in about 4 hours.
To my surprise, Konatsu began to scream just before arriving here. Did she remember here when she came only once last fall? Konatsu may have some fun memories, but even so, I was impressed with her great memory.
さあ、ここで2泊のんびり過ごしましょう。
Let’s have a relaxing and enjoyable two nights here.
Unexpectedly, my work is so busy that I can’t update my blog. Even so, I go to Shichirigahama for a walk of Konatsu every morning, and Konatsu can meet and play with her friend dogs. However, I haven’t taken pictures.
なのでこんな写真しかありませんが、こなつは元気です！
So I only have this picture, but Konatsu is fine!
来週中頃には更新再開できるかな？
Maybe I can resume updating in the middle of next weekI.
Many dogs gathered in the Shichirigahama Square this morning as well. Today I will upload only the photos without commentary, but I think that the fun atmosphere of the dogs will be conveyed. The dog that will appear today is … ・Anzu ( Australian Labradoodle ) ・Bobby ( Labrador retriever ) ・Hina ( Labrador retriever ) ・Howl ( Border collie ) ・Luka ( Australian Kelpie ) ・Konatsu ( Mixed breed )
Yesterday, a veterinarian asked me, “Since the end of last year, the number of dogs that are sick has increased, and many dogs have diarrhea. Is Konatsu okay?” “No worries! “
お散歩行こうか？
Shall we go for a walk?
「行きます行きます！」と階段を駆け下り
Run down the stairs saying “I’m going!”
何気におすましポーズで歩き始める。
For no special reason, start walking in a cool pose.
先ずはシバちゃんのお宅に行き、2頭で歩く。
First, go to Shiva’s house and …
こうして並んでみると、やっぱこなつはデッカイねえ。。。 次はフータ君に会いに歩いて行く。
When two of them walk side by side in this way, Konatsu is really big… Next, they will walk to see Futa.
Konatsu went to a veterinary clinic in the morning to shampoo and cut, and came back refreshed.
毎度のことですがカットした後は毛がツヤツヤ！
As always, the hair is shiny after cutting!
3月3日はもう一つ、雛祭りの日でもあります。海外の方のために簡単に雛祭りを説明します。
March 3rd is also the day of Hinamatsuri ( Doll’s Festival ). Hinamatsuri is an occasion to pray for young girl’s growth and happiness. Most families with girls display dolls for Doll’s Festival called hina-ningyo (hina-dolls). So even in my house, my wife and I decorate the hina-dolls as shown in the picture we did for our daughter and Konatsu.
ひな人形は宮中の様子を表しています。
The dolls depict the imperial court.
The Emperor
The Empress
Three court ladies We have been doing this for over 30 years now.
娘もこなつももう若くはないんだけど、この先もずっとこうして続くのでしょう。
そして、こなつママはこなつのお祝いのためにあれこれ準備中です。
And my wife is preparing this and that for the celebration of Konatsu.
ご近所のワンコ仲間がこなつの誕生日プレゼントを届けて下さいました。
A dog friend of my wife in the neighborhood delivered a birthday present for Konatsu.
嬉しくて笑顔になっちゃうね！ “I’m happy and smile!”
そして、夕飯の時間になりました。 And it was time for dinner.
私達、人間用は雛祭りの定番「ちらし寿司」 For us humans, the standard item of Hinamatsuri “Chirashi-sushi”
こなつ用には、国産牛肉100%のハンバーグとマッシュドポテト、飾りに野菜やゆで卵など
For konatsu, 100% beef hamburger and mashed potatoes, vegetables and boiled eggs for decoration, etc.
凄い勢いで食べ、あっという間に完食でした。更にデザートは､､､
She ate quickly. Furthermore, dessert is …
昼間にママが準備していたケーキを焼いて
Bake the cake that was prepared in the daytime
豆乳ヨーグルトで包み、苺をトッピングする。
Wrap in soy milk yogurt and top with strawberries.
人間が食べても美味しそう。。。
It looks delicious even if I eat it…
こなつも美味しかったようで、こっちもあっという間に食べ終えた。
It seemed to be delicious, and Konatsu finished eating it in no time.
Even a close-up photo, Bruno has a nice face. He always approaches me when he finds me, but it seems that he is aiming for food, and he has reached out again this morning!
Because today is Monday, there aren’t many dogs who came for a walk, so everyone went home early. Konatsu also walks for about 20 minutes and the walk is over.
帰り道、見慣れたいつもの風景ですが､､､
On the way home, it’s the usual scenery I’m used to, and …
今日は雲が低いのか、富士山がこんな見え方でした。
Maybe the clouds are low today, and Mt. Fuji looked like this.
This week I went on a business trip to Gunma immediately after staying in Amagi for 4 days, so it was the first time in a week to go to Shichirigahama in the morning.
Since the purpose of this trip is staying in hotel, we rarely go out, and we repeat meals → walks → meals. That’s why it’s all about food. We decided to ask for room service instead of going to lunch on that day.
こんなメニューです。この中から私達が選んだのは､､､
We chose from these …
私はカレーライス
I chose curry rice
こなつママはハンバーグサンド。 私のは普通のカレーで可もなく不可もなく、ママのは美味しかったそうです。 My wife chose hamburger sandwich.
この後はまたしばらく仕事をすると夕方の散歩の時間になり､､､ After working for a while, it was time for an evening walk …
ドッグランへ行き、こなつは元気よく走り回った。
We went to the dog park and Konatsu ran around energetically.
This is one of the Japanese traditional cooking techniques. It’s typically used for decorations using daikon radish. A crunchy texture in the mouth enhances the taste of sashimi.
焚き物
焼き物 魚は寒ブリ、手前は右から花豆・柚子小袖・柚子松風・金柑&蓮根
国産牛の炙り
Wagyu steak
もちろんお酒もどんどん進み、上はワイン、下は日本酒
Of course, I’m going to have a drink tonight ! wine (top), sake (bottom)
そうするうちに、お釜から湯気が上りご飯が炊き上がったようだ。
In the meantime, it seems that steam has risen from the pot and the rice has been cooked.
生桜エビの炊き込みご飯です！ 私もママも大満足
This is rice cooked with raw sakura shrimp. We were very satisfied !
デザート 苺とアイスクリームに豆乳ソースがかかっていてこれも美味しい。 Dessert: Strawberries and ice cream with soy milk sauce, which is also delicious.
こうしてあっという間に4日間が終わり、、、 In this way, the four days were over in no time…
最後は小鹿に見送られて帰路に就きました。
At the end we were sent off by the fawn and went home.
