In a metro area of 37,000,000 people, God has given us a house with a tiny perimeter around it; just enough space for a bit of nature. That, is an undeserved blessing from God!  Even in the dead of winter, we get this view from our living room. 

It was time for a shot of nature again today so I googled to find a new spot and headed out to a large park on the western edge of Tokyo. Sadly, I got there 4 trains later, only to discover it was closed, because of the pandemic. So, I googled some more and wandered some, finally coming upon a tiny neighborhood park. It would have to suffice. But it was perfect. 60+ degrees, sunny, and all decked out in it's "Sunday best."

Evangeline decided to rent a garden plot here in Tokyo! Yesterday was the 1st day of the season. Both Evangeline and I grew up with large family gardens, but now we are learning the Japanese way of doing it.  If you've ever appreciated the craftsmanship of a Japanese car or tool, you will appreciate the Japanese way of gardening.
Around 100 people are renting garden plots in Farmer Takada's field and together, we flow the instructions of Master Takada - to the "T." In the end, every plot should be identical. 

First, we gather around Farmer Takada as he creates his plot and explains each step.

Then, we each move to our 30-square-meter plot and begin to work.

First, we measure off the plot, marking with a stake where each row will go. 40cm, 60cm, 60cm, 30cm... each row the appropriate width for the vegetable which will be planted there later.

Next, we go to the 3rd row on the east end and dig it out - 60cm wide, 40cm deep. (This is Evangeline's garden, but she let me come along on the first day!)

In the bottom of the whole, we spread exactly 3 cups of fertilizer and 8/10 a bucket of ash.

Next, we fill in the whole and level it carefully with a long pole . (It felt like we were finishing off cement rather than planting a garden.)  Then, very carefully, did a trench around the rectangular plot.

When the trench is complete, we cover the perfectly sculpted rectangular plot with black plastic to warm the earth and retain the moisture, using the trench to bury the edges of the plastic.

And, our first row is complete. Here we will plant sweet potatoes!

So, the warm weather is gone; it's back to freezing, but that hasn't deterred these "weeds" from blossoming. I pull these all the time in our garden, but maybe I shouldn't.

The crystal clear Tama river snakes through the mountains which rise out of the Kanto plain and fill the Okutama 奥多摩 region of Tokyo. It is one of our favorite places for a quick escape to nature.

Today was a school holiday, so we set off early for Okutama. It's only 24 miles (40 km) from our house, but took 2 1/2 to drive. (Driving our of this mass of humanity takes time - and patience. ) But, the drive is always worth it.

Today. February 22. Temperature: 70F (22c).  This is NOT normal, but we were not complaining. The sun was hot and we were warm even in light shirts. One step into the Tama river, however, was enough to remind us that it is still winter.

This morning, the plum trees are chilling as their feet are planted in the frost.

In my home town of Meadville, PA, February is still the dead of winter. In Tokyo, it is already the beginning of spring. Most nights still drop below freezing, but the days are mostly sunny and often climb into the 50s or even lower 60s, on occasion. The plum trees blossom and the daffodils bloom. It's perfect weather for an afternoon walk.

The Japanese love nature, and so even in the midst of this huge metropolitan area of roughly 37 million people, there are little parks and pieces of undisturbed nature tucked here and there. Shakujii park (石神井公園）is just about an hour walk from our place and my favorite place in the neighborhood to get away from city.