Is spring here already? It certainly feels like spring. It was 21 degrees centigrade in Nagoya on Sunday, and some people were even wearing short-sleeved shirts. According to the weather reporter, a strong wind from the south, called “haruichiban” in Japanese, brought the warm weather. There is another sign of spring, too. The plum trees are in bloom, so now is the perfect time to go to see plum blossoms. However, you don’t have to go far. You can see them on trees in gardens and in parks around the city. You can also see them at orchards where farmers grow “ume.” (102 words) You can send me a comment or your own story at jaremaga@gmail.com

In the Winter Olympics, some athletes get another chance. Some don’t. When I got up yesterday morning, the TV was on, and I could hear cheering. It was for the Miura-Kihara team in the figure skating pairs event. They were in 5th place after their mistake in the short program, but they had a second chance. When they did their free program, they gave a perfect performance and won the gold medal. The Japanese ski jumpers, Nikaido and Kobayashi, were doing well in the men’s super team event. Then, it started snowing heavily, and the event was cut short before Kobayashi’s last jump. They couldn’t beat the teams that already had six jumps, so they lost their chance for a medal. What a disappointment!   (126 words) You can send me a comment or your own story at jaremaga@gmail.com

I sprained my left wrist last Wednesday. The doctor took an X-ray, and no bones were broken. Luckily, I am right-handed. I can write with my good hand, and eating with chopsticks is no problem. However, there are many things that are difficult to do with only one hand. I can change my clothes, but it takes more time than usual. I can’t tie my shoes or zip up my bag. I can’t drive, so I had to take the subway when I went to work last Friday. A man sitting in front of me saw my hand in a sling and gave me his seat. I was very grateful. My problems have helped me to understand the problems of handicapped people better. Happily for me, my wrist is getting better, and I am looking forward to having two good hands soon!  (142 words) You can send me a comment or your own

Can you guess what these two colors mean? White is the color of the Winter Olympics. Every time I turned on the TV this weekend, I saw snow and ice. Athletes from countries around the world raced and jumped for gold, silver, and bronze medals. The biggest surprise to me was the Brazilian skier who won the country’s first medal in the Winter Olympics. It was a gold medal, too! I had no idea that you could ski in Brazil. Brown is the color of Valentine’s Day. I got some delicious chocolate from my wife and from my daughter. However, when I watched a TV report about a famous Japanese chocolate maker, I was shocked. The chocolate wasn’t brown! Some was blue, some was green, and some was red, and each piece cost over 2,000 yen!   (136 words) You can send me a comment or your own story at jaremaga@gmail.com