Now, the Turino olympic was over. It's no doubt figure skating was the highlight for Japanese. Japan awaited the first medal and ShizukaArakawa made it! She must savor the taste of her triumph and the significance of her achievement. To tell you the truth, Miki Ando is my favorite skater. She is voluptuous. But I have to admit that her skating is awkward for the very best skater and lacks of sophisticated performance. It's easy for even nonexpert to find out her inaccuracy. To the contrary, Arakawa's skating was perfect. No one can beat her. Figure skating has been dominated by Europeans and North Americans. I'm very happy that she became the first Olympic gold medalist from Asia.

Yesterday, I went to see my mother in the hospital who is suffering fromsenile dementia. She can not tell even her son's name. But shenarrowly recognizes me. She's been already there for two years. I makeit a rule to see herevery two weeks. But yesterday was a little bit unusual for me. I gaveher some snacks and juice as usual . We chat for a while. Thing happenedwhen I was about to leave the room. I rolled her wheelchair to herfavorite place at which she spend almost whole day. I said good-bye. Iasked male nurse to unlock the door. The door is locked to prevent patientfrom prowling. I went out the room. The male nurse locked the door again. Iwaited for elevator coming. But it took relatively long time to come tothe floor. THEN, she appeared by the door and gazed me. Shemaneuvered her wheelchair to the door by herself. I almost burst intotears. I waved my hands again and again. Apparently, her infirmity of oldage are aggravating little by little. I can't help feeling blue.

I'm not crazy about comic at all. But the only one which fascinates me is"1,2 no Sanshiro". This comic was published more than 20 years ago. It is still ingrained in my mind. Recently, the comic was republished as another title -- "Fighting detective". The subject was transformed from wrestlingto detective. But there is the same length of humor among them. Today, I borrowed it from my colleague and read it on a train. I couldn't help reading it. I've criticized adults who read comics on the train. But I can't blame them any more.

I periodically see a doctor for my gout once a month. So far I don't have any paroxysms at all thanks to my strong effort to reduce high calorie food and to abstain from beer in which purine bodies are normallyfound. I achieved 4Kg reduction in my weight. It's not so hard for me toeat less any more. Way to go, Taka!

First gale of the spring!? Strong wind hit Kanto area today. It might be the one. It's called "haru ichiban" in Japanese as a herald of spring. Get your ass here! I can't wait.

Now, I have some kinds of leeway in my mind. Long busy period on the job makes me feel like doing nothing. The time has gone, the song is over, though I'd something more to say.