This spring, due to the mild winter, the declaration of cherry blossoms (Somei Yoshino) blooming was delayed nationwide. At my home, at the Fukuroi beauty salonSWITCH/Switch+The owners of "[Sanari Lake]", Mr. and Mrs. Sakai, held a tea party with their Chihuahuas, calling it the "Sanari Lake Chihuahua Club".
On a weekday afternoon, a ChihuahuaKinako-chan (3 years old, female)とWarabi-kun (2 years old, male)They brought them to visit my house.Daisuke SakaiMr. and his wifeTomokoHello. We had planned to go cherry blossom viewing if the blossoms were in full bloom, but unfortunately the blooming is delayed and the spring winds are strong, so we'll be relaxing at home with the Chihuahuas.
Smooth-coat Chihuahua Kinako-chan / Long-coat Chihuahua Warabi-kun
The two are half-siblings, and they look exactly alike!
They are well-behaved and not shy around strangers, and they seem to have quickly made themselves at home, enjoying exploring and sniffing around.
With his big, round eyes and tongue sticking out, Warabi-kun's adorable face, where he often forgets to put his tongue back in, is absolutely captivating.
After completing our usual tour of our home, we headed to the dining room. Since it was a tea party, this time it was a non-alcoholic gathering.
"Mixed Fruit Juice"
This fruit juice is made by blending tropical fruits like pineapple and papaya with strawberries and grapes, then diluting it with a small amount of carbonated water.
"Homemade Basque Cheesecake"
Our homemade Basque cheesecake, made using Spanish techniques, is a must-try for any guest at our home. Its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor, combined with the refreshing tang of lemon, make it an addictive dessert that we highly recommend.
"Three types of boule (plain, strawberry, and cocoa)"
"Blueberry Chocolate"
"Roasted coconut chips covered in chocolate"
A patisserie that just opened in January 2024PATISSERIE MIRAGEThe crunchy and crumbly "Three Types of Boule (Plain, Strawberry, and Cocoa)" and the flavorful Chocolate Coconut, which is a Thailand-exclusive roasted coconut chip coated in chocolate from "Mandarin Oriental Bangkok".
"Caramel Cake", "Almond Sable", "Fruit Cake"
Similarly,PATISSERIE MIRAGE"Amande Sable," a cookie made with plenty of almonds kneaded into the dough; "Cake Fruit," a fruit cake flavored with liqueur; and "Cake Caramel," a coffee and caramel cake topped with walnuts, are perfect for this time of year.WEDGWOODServe it in the "Wild Strawberry" bowl.
"Strawberries and blueberries"
Compare the tastes of Shizuoka's unique brand strawberries, "Benihoppe" and "Akihime," and enjoy them with the large, less acidic, and satisfying "Hamamatsu Blueberries."
Let's raise a toast to the "Chihuahua Club," a gathering of dog lovers, while holding our lovely Chihuahuas!
"Mameya Cafe / Cleopatra"
Our family's go-to coffee bean shop in Fukuroi, which roasts its own beansMameya Cafe"Cleopatra" from Colombia. A well-balanced coffee with just the right amount of bitterness and acidity.
While reminiscing with Ms. Sakai, an old friend from my days as a hairdresser, our conversation revolved mainly around our dogs. Since we both own the same breed, we found we could relate to a lot, especially regarding the unique habits of Chihuahuas.
When I was allowed to hold Warabi-kun, a quiet and somewhat timid boy who is unfazed by anything, he seemed scared at first, but when I massaged him on my lap, he relaxed and became comfortable.
Mr. Sakai, who is always busy with work, usually leaves his dogs in the care of his wife, Tomoko, but on this day he was enjoying spending time with them. Kinako also seemed pleased with the close communication with her dad.
Our dog, Chocolat, isn't shy around strangers, but she's actually a little wary of men and tends to stay away. However, that tsundere (aloof but secretly affectionate) attitude seems to have charmed Mr. Sakai, and she gradually got used to him.
Chocolat wags her tail excitedly when Tomoko holds her, but shuts her out with her front paws if she gets too close. Our little princess is as mischievous and independent as ever.
Mariage Frères/Montagne d'Or
My favorite French teaMARIAGE FRERES"MONTAGE D'OR" is a premium black tea blended with a bouquet of fruits from Bangkok's Golden Triangle, including lychee, ripe mango, and Bengal quince, while the fragrances of rose, safflower, and calendula add a touch of elegance.
Chocolat, who always takes time to get along with the dogs, looks a little tired, but she seems to have gotten used to them and is relaxing in her own territory.
Even so, when you get close, he ends up growling at the usually gentle Warabi. It reveals the spoiled nature of an only child (dog).
Although the distance between them didn't quite close, I managed to get a photo of the three Chihuahuas lined up together. They're all just so incredibly cute!
From the Sakai couple, "KakegawaLittle Red Riding Hood's Fun FarmWe received a wonderful gift of large, beautiful strawberries grown at [location name]. When we opened the box, the rich, sweet aroma of strawberries filled the room. Thank you so much for the lovely gift!
We took our Chihuahuas for a walk to Lake Sanaru, which is just a few minutes' walk from our house. It was a warm day with a temperature of 20℃, and the cherry blossoms were about half in bloom, just a little bit away from full bloom.
Our dog Chocolat, who does things at her own pace, doesn't even glance at the Chihuahuas and quietly and steadily walks her usual walking route.
When I pointed the camera at them to take a commemorative photo, they had a nonchalant look on their faces that seemed to say, "Again?" or "Please take the picture quickly."
I desperately tried to get a good shot of my child, showing my doting parent side, but he just gave me this nonchalant expression (lol).
Chocolat, who was getting bored, let out a big yawn.
My eyes are closing, and I feel like I'm about to fall asleep.
Ah, it finally made eye contact! The 2024 version of the photo of cherry blossoms and chocolate at Lake Sanaru is complete!
The Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms are still only about half in bloom.
The cherry blossoms will probably be in full bloom this weekend, but unfortunately, rain is forecast. Hopefully, we'll see some sunshine sometime next week so we can enjoy cherry blossom viewing under the fully bloomed trees. Sakai-san, Tomoko-chan, Kinako-chan, Warabi-kun, please come visit again soon!
