Change of the seasons

Yes, the first few trees are changing colors -- the green of the ginko is becoming yellow-green, and the green of the momiji (Japanese maple) is becoming bronze on the first few trees.

But indoors the changes are more apparent.  The stores are now selling gloves, vests, blankets, jackets, long underwear, warm socks, and so forth.  Even though it will get up to 90 today, I am remembering how cold it was inside in Japan.  Heat is expensive, energy is short, and outside is cold, and sometimes damp.

Another sign of fall is the appearance of the 2013 Winter Gift Catalogs.  The window for ordering these gifts is Oct. 10 to Dec. 27.  The Japanese apartment is very small, and there is not a lot of room for storage, so the gifts are mostly food.  For example, fancy meringue cookies are 16 for $35.  Or two small hams of 350 grams each for $45. For $35 you can get delivered to your friend or colleagues' home 6 creme caramels.   For $35 you can get 4 little (5cm X 8cm) one layer (4cm tall) bear shaped cakes.  Cute, yes.