2015-07: The Least Useful Guide to Fukuoka

Twisted but Nice ― 2015/07/02

つ- or し-shaped cucumbers.
No problem. We cut them before eating anyway.

Lotus 2015 ― 2015/07/08

This year's lotus flower has started blooming.

Summer is coming!

Today's Cat ― 2015/07/09

Tough-looking

Things You Need Only When You Reach My Age ― 2015/07/09

The followings are the things I thought would never get into my life, but turned out to be necessary for my “aging” life.

1. Sheer (yet covering) stockings

JPY 1,080(a pair!)
I used to regard this thing as the most unnecessary, unsexist thing in the universe. However, having lived nearly a half century, it became mandatory to somehow cover my legs, especially the knees and thighs, not to become a public eyesore. It is an etiquette, just like not spitting or belching in public. Sagging calves (imperfectly shaved) with veins standing out are not a fun thing to see. Although it is not easy to ride a bicycle in over 30 Celsius with my legs covered in a film of nylon, I feel rather "safe" putting on them.

2. Pendant magnifier

JPY5,400

I have been wearing quite strong bifocal glasses for several years. But even with them, my eyes need longer time to focus on something in small letters (especially when they are printed in lighter colours) at short distance, such as maps, restaurant and café menu and price tags. Then I realised there were glasses made for this purpose. This is a two times magnifier pendant with leather string, which, I hope, looks less “madam” than metal versions, and goes well with my almost five-year-old Uniqlos.

Turning to a certain age is costly. You have to spend your money to make your life “less miserable” or "remaining the same," rather than “better” or “nicer.”

Today's Freebie ― 2015/07/13

Okara (or soy pulp?)

A local Daiei does “Sunday morning spectacular,” or special morning sale, on the second Sunday every month, which has been one of my weekend delights (see more details about the event here). Products on the offer are not always the best of best, but I love the lively atmosphere—everyone looks very lively—unlike this mega supermarket.

A local tofu manufacturers is regular vender in this event offering two packs of tofu in your preferred style for JPY150, which is a bargain itself. But today the tofu seller gave me a pack of okara (soy pulp after taking soy milk) saying “this is an early bird’s special!” in a rather charming manner.

Thank you for your generosity. But you know, okara goes off very quickly.

You have to cook as soon as possible or it goes literally sour. Ideally, you should cook it immediately after getting home. And once cooked it grow enormously in volume.