shitsujisanada

The holidays abroad were quite relaxing. We spent around a week in Paris checking on the galleries, catching up with our friends, and taking the dogs on walks around the city. The weather stayed nice -- only a couple days of rain -- and it was wonderful to play a game of pickup as well as take a few early morning runs on the Champs-Élysées.

Barcelona was fantastic. The beach house we rented was on a private beach on the south side of the city. Renge was particularly fond of rolling in the sand. The water was a bit too cold to swim in, but that was fine.

I start teaching at the academy my brother and I went to next Monday. The board has decided to try and modernize things a little so that the entire thing isn't so archaic. Plus, it allows me to maintain S-rank without having to test every so often. It will definitely be much better, in my opinion.

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( Private )

(ooc: strikes deleted)

I know it is late notice, but I have decided to cancel the kendo lesson for tomorrow. I think during this situation it would be best if we were with our masters.

There have been numerous calls and emails. I have fielded each one of them so that they don't disturb Yukimura-sama.

The tea, pitcher, mugs, and canvases all arrived and have been put away. However, I think I'll have to place an order for a few pots soon.

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( Screened to Atobe )

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( Private )

It was nice to see my brother and his family over the weekend. My nephew is rather tall for his age. I wonder if he will end up as tall as my brother who is only a few centimeters shorter than I am. I suppose time will tell. He quite enjoyed the things that Yukimura-sama and I brought. My sister-in-law also enjoyed the Gardening Mama game I purchased when I was in Tokyo last.

My brother is the same as always. I was lucky in that I got to learn a few more things from him on how to be a better butler. Not to mention, I finally beat him in a kendo match. Maybe over the summer I will get the chance to see them again.

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( Private )

Barcelona was nice, but I'm glad to be back in Japan. Though, I would really like it if all this damn snow went away. I would like to play tennis and practice kendo outdoors.

Speaking of which, are Thursday afternoons at 4:30pm still good for lessons?

Yukimura-sama found a drama called Otomen and it has kendo in it. I admit to glancing at the kendo scenes to see if their form is right. I'm impressed that it is. I want to try making those cakes. I made paella last night. It was good, but I think I need to add another spice to bring out the flavor more.

Picked up a few plants for Yukimura-sama when I had enough time to do so. A hibiscus and a tulip. They are barely peeking through the dirt right now, but with the extra lights we have, they should be blossoming in no time.

( Private )

(ooc: strikes deleted)

Yukimura-sama, I'm sure Sakaki-sama informed you well ahead of time, but Mukahi Gakuto, Hiyoshi-sama's butler will be apprenticing under my supervision for the next two weeks. I will do my best to make sure he does not interrupt your daily schedule. I've also taken it upon myself to not give him any of the more delicate jobs, such as checking the plants.

If there is anything in particular I can do to make the next two weeks go easier for you, please let me know.

Mukahi, 4am sharp.

( Private )

The play is a week away. I've succeeded in memorizing my lines and moves. I hope we all do a good job with it.

Kendo lessons have been going well. I'm rather surprised by the interest and enthusiasm from the masters and other butlers. If anyone else wants to participate, Yukimura-sama has given me Thursday afternoons for the lessons. Everyone is doing well. I have just a few notes though.

( Notes )

Since the weather is turning colder, I thought I would bring out my Greek cookbook. I've succeeded in making a batch of baked stuffed apples for Yukimura-sama. I have another dozen. If anyone would like one, please let me know and I'll properly wrap them and bring them by. They are best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, but to each their own.

I've brought all the plants away from the windows and set them on various shelves and tables. Thankfully I was able to procure some low intensity lights to mimic sunlight so that the flowers can keep blooming. I've already repotted the violet twice. It's doing quite wonderful.

( Tennis )

( Kendo )

Tezuka-sama, I would like to practice judo with you if you have the time.

( Private. )