I had been dreadfully worried about her as, just before we left the UK, she confessed that her blood pressure was dangerously high, and I can’t help feeling that our move was contributing to this. She’d been hiding the fact as "she didn't want to worry me", even telling my brother not to tell me - some hope, he never calls anyway.
This is typical of Mum: many years after the event she eventually got around to telling me about her heart attack. Parents can be such a worry: I thought it was supposed to be the other way around.
We also lost a good family friend last month after a long and painful deterioration. Gordon had been a massive influence to me and, together with my darling dad, introduced me to the marvellous hobbies of conservation, wildlife and bird-watching, and I will remember him fondly. And console myself with the thought of him and Dad happy in "heaven" searching for afterlife wildlife.
But, back to Mum...
She stepped out of the taxi from the airport looking absolutely fabulous and healthy! I’m sure the enforced 12 hours of sitting on a plane with her feet up did wonders for her. She isn't one for taking a rest so I was much relieved. It's only been a few weeks since I last saw her, but it seems like a lifetime ago.
Our house appears to be very difficult to find, even with state-of-the art GPS systems. I'd posted her a photo of the front aspect so she could show the driver, but we haven't found a map yet. However, it worked, after a few missed turnings, and the driver was very pleased with himself, grinning broadly and giving us the thumbs up.
After a reviving cup of coffee we set off to counteract her jetlag and show her the neighbouring Shinjuku Gyoen Garden. The perfect antidote for a tired and exhausted botanical artist and nature lover like mum!
At only 200yen to enter (less than £1), this is a cheap and beautiful place to spend time, and Rhiannon and I have spent a lot of time here since arriving. The Autumn colours are particularly spectacular in the brilliant blue sky and clear sunshine. Ginko trees are still bright yellow, and the acers are an almost unbelievable shade of red. Rhiannon has fun running through the fallen leaves, like generations of children before her. We did laugh though, when she jumped into a particularly thick and crunch-looking pile... and disappeared up to her waist!http://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/english/index.html
It was hard to get Mum away from the garden and, being so close to home, she is already planning a sketching visit later during her stay.
