クルミくんの食欲はその日によって大きく変わっています。昨日、今日は食欲が無く、食事を摂ろうとしません。妻が手で与えるとやっと少し食べ始めました。そして食事が終わるとすぐに眠ってしまいます。こんな日が続いています。今日のボランティア活動で C さんといつものように会話をしていて、お互いに今年の目標を決めました。C さんは日本語検定試験の N1 を既に取得しているので、次は漢字検定試験に挑戦することとしました。私もこの機会に漢字検定試験に挑戦してみます。数日、暖かな日が続きましたが、まだ寒い日々が繰り返されています。足りなくなってきたので、ストーブ屋まで足を運んで薪を買ってきました。後部座席を倒して半立米の薪を運ぶことができました。庭の巣箱に四十雀が来るようになりました。営巣が始まることを期待しています。
Kurumi’s appetite varies greatly from day to day. Yesterday and today, he had no appetite and refused to eat. When my wife fed him by hand, he finally started eating a little. As soon as he finished his meal, he immediately fell asleep. This pattern has been continuing. During today’s volunteer activity, I had our usual conversation with C-san, and we decided on our goals for this year. Since C-san has already obtained the N1 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, she decided to challenge herself with the Kanji Proficiency Test next. I also decided to take this opportunity to try the Kanji Proficiency Test also. Although we had a few warm days, the cold weather continues to return. As our firewood supply was running low, I went to the stove shop to buy more. By folding down the back seats, I was able to transport half a cubic meter of firewood. Lately, Japanese tits have been coming to the nest box in our garden. I hope they will start nesting soon.
早いもので 2 月になってしまいました。クルミくんは寝ている期間が長くなりましたが毎日、相変わらずの生活をしています。右目の白濁が進んできたために時々、家具にぶつかりながら歩いています。夜は私たちと一緒のベッドで暖かくしてあげています。皮下点滴は 1 日おきになっています。私は昨年の光熱費を計算してみました。売電価格が低いので自宅で発電した電気は昼間に湯沸かしをして、なるべく使うようにしました。また電気会社を変えたために支払った電気料金は大幅に削減でき、太陽光発電を入れる前の半額程度になっています。30 ヶ月乗ってきた電気自動車ですが、これまでに 5,400 kw 充電し 24,000 km 走りました。平均 4.3 km/kw で、充電価格にすると 25 円で 4.3 km 走ったこととなり、ガソリンに比べて大幅に経費を抑えています。先週は修理のために代車を運転しましたが、これも電気自動車でした。
Time flies, and it’s already February. Kurumi has been sleeping for longer periods, but he continues his daily routine as usual. His right eye has become more cloudy, so he sometimes bumps into furniture while walking. At night, we keep him warm by letting him sleep with us in our bed. His subcutaneous fluid injections are now given every other day. I calculated last year’s utility costs. Since the electricity selling price is low, we tried to use as much of the electricity generated at home as possible by heating water during the daytime. Additionally, by switching electricity providers, we significantly reduced our electricity bills, bringing them down to about half of what they were before installing solar panels. I’ve been driving an electric vehicle for 30 months, during which I charged it with 5,400 kWh and drove 24,000 km. On average, it achieved 4.3 km per kWh, meaning that at a charging cost of 25 yen per kWh, I could drive 4.3 km for 25 yen, making it much more cost-effective than gasoline. Last week, I drove a loaner car while mine was being repaired, and it was also an electric vehicle.
I made the reservation last autumn, but since Kurumi wasn’t feeling well, we asked to postpone the trip until the very last possible date. This time, we finally managed to travel together. It might be the last trip we’ll take with Kurumi. Although it was selfish of us to bring him along, it seems Kurumi prefers to relax at home. From the restaurant of the hotel overlooking Suruga Bay, we were able to see the beautiful “Moon Road.”
During the New Year holidays, my son and his wife visited Japan, and we were able to spend time together as a family. The end of the year was particularly special as it coincided with Kurumi’s 15th birthday, making it a time of continued joy. Although Kurumi’s appetite can be inconsistent, he is doing well. The daily IV treatments remain a tense moment for both Kurumi and me, as neither of us has fully gotten used to them. Since the beginning of December, we’ve had continuous sunny days, leading to dry weather. For my son and his wife, who live in a tropical region, the cold and dry climate seemed quite challenging. This New Year, we were even able to spend time at a hotel with Kurumi.
Starting next spring, Green Cars will be added to the Chuo Line. Currently, they are available for free during trial runs, so I decided to give them a try. The double-decker cars provide a comfortable and smooth ride. However, I might not use them once they become a paid service. I have also finished my final university class for this term. Although I missed one session due to a medical appointment, I was able to participate meaningfully in the course overall. As for Kurumi, I’m relieved that his blood test results came back favorable. However, we still need to continue the daily IV treatments. The city is now fully adorned in Christmas decorations.
It’s December, and the days are getting colder. In the evenings, we’ve started using the wood stove to stay warm. Kurumi is gradually getting back to his usual routine. I’m relieved that he’s started eating the dog food he used to have before. His appetite is strong as well. At the end of this month, Kurumi will celebrate his 15th birthday, and it seems he’ll be able to welcome the New Year in good health.
This week, the daytime has remained relatively warm. Though today marks the end of November, we’ve only used the wood stove twice this month. While the warmth at this time of year is helpful, climate change has been affecting crops, causing some vegetables to see price surges. We might use less firewood this year, but we had some freshly delivered today. Kurumi is doing well and is gradually returning to his usual diet. We still don’t know what caused the decline in kidney function, but it might have been a result of the hot summer.