Ugh. No relief from the heat. If anything, it is hotter than yesterday. Large City to the North is not friendly to Frost Giants. The humans have no consideration for me, though, so we are off. Time to get going! Things to do! People to see! Double ugh.
But first: breakfast! The human female’s preoccupation with waffles— and difficulty with them—has been documented here before, from her slap-dash approach to toppings to her inability to fill a waffle iron completely. She is at it again. The inn at which we are staying has two waffle irons, one of which makes the standard round waffle at which she fails so spectacularly, and another which produces conjoined quadruplet wafflettes. The female, self-righteously believing she is saving a few calories, has opted to only make two. And eat them plain. They don’t taste as nice that way, but at least I’m not forced to look at one of her Jackson-Pollock masterpieces.
Our main activity for today is a visit to the Botanical Gardens. I hear they are very fine, especially one sub-garden which has been groomed in the style of a garden from the other side of this realm. We shall begin here.
The human male, who has lived in foreign parts, says this is a lantern. I do not see how that can be correct, as there is no bulb and no cord. Nor is there a reservoir for kerosene or other combustible. Obviously it is a rustic little rain shelter, for use should inclement weather arise. Or possibly, a very fancy bus stop. Luckily, we have no need of either today.
There is a series of pools and falls running through the garden. The human female has purchased some fish food to feel the finny denizens of the pools.
But I have let these most persistent waterfowl know that breakfast is served.
The fish are coming, but the ducks are faster, so likely the fishies will go hungry.
Once the ducks are distracted elsewhere, the feeding frenzy can begin. Don’t get too close to the edge, Sigyn! One of those gaping mouths could suck you right in!
It is not only ducks and carp who appreciate a good fish kibble.
Apparently, there is a lot of eating going on here today, because down by the big pool, there’s a big blue heron standing perfectly still, just waiting for a bite-sized carp to get a little too close…
The landscape materials here are very fine. This boardwalk through a bamboo thicket is both decorative and sturdy.
The bamboo itself is eminently suitable for dangling.
Sigyn, should you be doing that so soon after breakfast?
The human female has given up trying to count the number of maple varieties represented here. Sigyn, naturally, prefers the ones that are red all year round.
Another rain shelter. This would make a cute little summer house, don’t you think, Sigyn?
There is not much blooming at this time, but trust my sweetie to make a beeline right for the showiest blossom.
The bluey-purply ones are nice too. They look like little bells. Or, if you are Sigyn, big bells.
While Sigyn and the human female are botanizing and the male is taking photographs, I can explore a bit on my own for a while.
Neener neener neener.
Sigyn has rejoined me and we are completing our circuit of the garden. There is some very decorative bamboo fencing. Mortals, why cannot we have this at home?
The gift shop is apparently partially a nursery. It sells these quaint little trees.
As well as the tiny little buildings to put next to them to give them a sense of scale. (Actually, rather than making the miniature trees look big, the tiny houses just make Sigyn look ENORMOUS!
All of our exploring and marveling at the beauties of nature, as well as our reading about the symbolism of the objects in this garden, have left me with just one burning question:
Sigyn, if I bought you this raccoon sake set, would you use it?
What is is they say in this realm? “Stay tuned, kiddies. Lots more to come!”
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