I got some great gifts for my birthday!
A bouquet of flowers arrived in the midst of my post tooth extraction gloom. It lifted me up!
After the trip to Nagano, I have understood my inadequacy in all things sake. What do I need? A sake book!
Kikuta Ichiro san is a great artist. He painted my byobu. I am honored that he regards me as a friend. https://thequietripple.com/2020/09/20/byobu/
He gave me a painting of an Iju blossom. You will be tired of me talking about Iju, but it is the most beautiful of flowering trees. https://thequietripple.com/2016/05/11/iju/
The white pigment is made from crushed shells. The gold is real gold flakes.
Such good times!
The Quiet Ripple Defines The Pond 
I have had quite a time adding my cheers and good wishes regarding your day of birth, but hopefully this one will reach you: YAY! Happy BIRTHDAY Old Thing (I can say that, being older than you) 🎂💞! ~Rachel
On Tue, May 25, 2021 at 1:04 AM The Quiet Ripple Defines The Pond wrote:
> spikekalashnikov posted: ” I got some great gifts for my birthday! A > bouquet of flowers arrived in the midst of my post tooth extraction gloom. > It lifted me up! Thank you! After the trip to Nagano, I have understood my > inadequacy in all things sake. What do I need? A sak” >