Warm Feet, Warm Heart

I was standing here forever, trying to figure out what I wanted. There were so many to choose from. Long socks, ankle socks, five-toe socks...oh my!

Ended up taking so long that I decided just to take a photo and come back another day.

Slide and Glide

Winter season without ice skating is like Christmas without a tree.

Growing up watching every national and international figure skating competition in the United States, I always wanted to be Kristi Yamaguchi and secretly thought that Victor Petrenko was kinda hot. And although I could never manage to throw myself into the air to do a jump or get all bendy and do a Biellmann spin, I've always loved skating and go to the rink every chance I get.

The skating rink at Seibu-en Amusement Park is open from 10am-4pm on weekdays and 10am-9pm on weekends. I'm seriously considering getting a season pass.

Not Winter Yet

I always think that if it's going to be this cold outside...it might as well snow. But no sign of snow yet.

PS: Hoping to post a few photos of DC after things settle down this weekend :-)

Beyond Tired

I can almost hear these men muttering "Thank god it's Friday..." as they ride the train home. I'm sure you can imagine their faces, too. Pure exhaustion.

But whether it's from work or just too much drinking, I can't be sure.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend!

Sudden Rain

It's been raining a lot lately. And there are many people waiting for someone to come pick them up at the station exit, like she is.

But then there are others, like me, who walk home in the rain with their umbrellas. Because at times, I like getting all wet and rained on!

In the Still of the Night

The night seems to become brighter by the year. I'm sure the sky is just as dark...but even in the middle of the night, there are lamp posts that shine and 24 hour stores that are open.

And while I am very grateful for all of this (especially when I'm walking back home from the station at night)...sometimes I miss the pitch dark nights where all you can see are the stars twinkling above.

Empty Road

Just a regular road. But I liked the contrast of the white building and dark wall...

(PS: I haven't been able to comment back to everyone as I'm away from home at the moment. I'll try to drop by soon! Thanks so much for commenting! I very much appreciate it :D)

Every Morning

Rush hour can be quite crowded.

I took this photo a little before rush hour, when people start gathering on the platforms, waiting for the next train. A lot of people get on the train at Tokorozawa Station.

Hello Autumn

The breeze already has a bite to it. It's definitely autumn here.

Street Art

This is one of the manhole covers you'll find in Tokorozawa.

There is a Henri Farman biplane flying over tea fields as Tokorozawa is both famous for being the birthplace of Japanese aviation and producing tea.

You will also find the city tree, bird, and flower included in the design...Ginkgo leaves floating above, a flying skylark, and tea flowers below.

I Stand Alone

There used to be a couple of houses here.

But just a few weeks ago, they started tearing down the wall and now most of the lot is cleared. Except for this lone tree.

I wonder what they're going to do with it. I hope they leave it.

Rooting for you, tree!