Apples

Let's not do anything spontaneous

Organised scrumping today, as we hopped on the bus to the school's orchard out in the countryside, which is run by a nice little old lady. By the time we got there I already had a headache though, being squashed into the awkward seat at the back. Awkward as in set 90 degrees off, so a sore neck plus the constant shouty boys shouting & variously poking, prodding & low-level repetition torture of being confined in a small space with a dozen 5/6 year olds...

Staggered off the bus, dazed & confused, but sniffed the apple-flavoured air & drifted back to memories of contract picking in New Zealand, all those years ago...frosty morning starts with numb fingers, lung-bursting crisp air, and the spectacular scenery of Otago by the River Clutha. Here, apple varieties are Fuji & an Orin for the domestic table; Shinshu Gold exported.

 

Massive fruit, tiny hands

The kids were allowed to scrump an apple each, which was very exciting and challenging, low-hanging large fruit a premium! Unfortunately, we did not pay attention to anything else, and missed the chance to talk about why the vegetable here & there are important - in NZ silverbeat was grown between the trees on purpose, and I am sure a similar reason here for the spinach (?). 

A team bow & thank you to the orchard lady, and a sample slice to keep us going - very crisp, cold & tasty. Clutching our spoils in both hands, bussed back to base. More headache inducements...

Miso mackerel with footballing little Atsushi for lunch back at base. This lad is a gifted player who is my regular morning colleague in the playground, who for is age is very special in being able to 'see' a pass and move into space (the opposite direction to most ball-followers). Inside the building he avoids me like the plague and will not speak to me!

 

More acceptance of my role here as I became the proud owner of the school trackie top. Felt very guilty at early home time, as the Dragon gave me a shopping bag with apples in it for the family - was worried I was going to have my pockets checked!

 

Spoils of scrumping

Lost patience again today being used as a climbing frame, relentless nagging/jumping up/hand-grasping. Asked to perform English for a full two minutes just before the clock ran out on the day - professionally satisfying afternoon?

What is it with leaves & raking up?! Everywhere I looked today, old people were swooping with brooms & dustpans, ridding the footpaths, playground etc of falling biota. The intensity of this pursuit would have you think they were toxic - might very well be over in Fukushima?