It’s a warm and sunny day today, with temperatures exceeding 20 degrees Celsius. I went to a soba noodle making experience class at the “Fureai Farm Village” in the Yamate suburbs of Izumi City. However, as someone with limited mobility, I couldn’t make the soba noodles myself. So, I joined two friends and my main goal was to enjoy the soba noodles served after the class, as I had fond memories of the taste from a previous visit. Unfortunately, my plan was thwarted because of the impact of COVID-19, and the soba noodles were not being served. It was disappointing. Nonetheless, the suburban area we visited was a refreshing change of pace. Although it was slightly overcast, the occasional sunshine made it feel like spring, and dandelions were blooming along the agricultural roadsides. I felt my spirits lift, and my enthusiasm for life was rekindled.

今日は20度を超えるポカポカ陽気。和泉市郊外の山手にある「ふれあい農の里」の蕎麦打ち体験教室に行きました。と言っても、足腰の不自由な私には蕎麦打ちなどはできません。お友達二人に便乗させていただいて、蕎麦打ちが終わった後に振る舞われるお蕎麦がお目当てです。以前に参加した時に振る舞われたお蕎麦の味が忘れないからです。でも結局は目算外れでした。コロナの影響で、今はお蕎麦は振る舞われていないからです。がっかりです。でも、久しぶりで出かけた郊外は、薄曇りではあるけれども、時折差す日差しは春の陽気で、農道のあちらこちらにはタンポポが咲いていて、大いにリフレッシュ。生きる元気がまた湧いてきました。