台風31号が遠ざかって数日ぶりの晴天のなか、朝散歩を楽しめました。公園手前の地蔵さん。
At last, typhoon No. 31 has veered off, and we had a bright blue sky under which we thoroughly enjoyed our morning walk. When we passed by the jizo-san statues near the park,
今朝は小菊に加えてカリンと柿も供えられていました。秋らしい。
I noticed that someone had placed persimmons and quince fruits in addition to the little chrysanthemums - all representative of autumn in Japan.
タイガのオヤツスポット、いつもの築山に到着。
We arrived at the mound in the first field, where Taiga gets her treat.
昨日までの凍える雨天から一変、暖かくて心地よい天気なので、オヤツのあとは周りの景色を楽しみながらしばらく留まりました。タイガはネコのように、喉を撫でられるのが大好きです。ファーミネーターでブラッシングをするときも、ブラシを近づけると喉を差し出してきます。
Up to last night, we had freezing rainy weather. In contrast, it was dry and warm this morning. So, we stayed here and relaxed after Taiga's treat, watching the world go by from the top of the mound. Taiga loves getting pets on her throat, just like a cat. Even with a Furminator, she sticks her throat towards me.
タイガの口の周りから喉にかけて白い毛が増えてきました。
Taiga is getting grey around her mouth and down her throat, showing her advancing age.
橋を渡って城北中央公園の入口広場へ。抜けるような青空です。右側の林を通って公園の上のほうへ向かいます。
We crossed the river and entered the Johoku Central Park. The sky was brilliant. We entered the woods on the right to head for the upper part of the park.
階段を上ると、
Going up the set of steps, 公園の下と上の中間レベルにある「窪地」に到着。
we arrived at the opening which lies between the lower part and the upper part of the park.
いつもはここで左折するところ、今朝は窪地の奥の林へ向かいました。
Normally, we turn left to go up but this morning, we went to the woods at the end of the opening.
ここは川の向こうの草地（現在工事中）を見張らせるところで、草地の向こうに朝日が昇るのを見ることもできます。数年前、犬友たちと待ち合わせて元旦の日の出を眺めたことがあります。
From here, we can look over the field across the river where they are currently doing construction work. From this vantage point, we can also watch the sun rising. Some years ago, about ten of us met up with our dogs in order to watch the sunrise on the New Year's Day.
左に曲がると古代家のある林に入ります。
Turning left, we walked through the woods where a reconstructed ancient dwelling stands.
トウカエデの紅葉が始まろうとしています。去年は坐骨神経痛で紅葉の季節を見逃したので、今年はピクニックランチをしたいです。タイガは現在13歳半、できるだけ沢山の思い出を残したい。
Trees belonging to the maple family were starting to turn yellow, which should eventually turn red. Last year, I missed the season of autumn colours due to my sciatica, so this year, I am looking forward to having a picnic lunch with Taiga. She is now 13 1/2 years old, and I would like to enjoy a lot of things with her.
