After the harvest, I like to run around the rice fields. But just before summer, the farmers flood the the fields in preparation for the new year’s crop. Though I want to, Dad won’t let me run on the fields when they are wet (though I did once when I was a puppy, and I got really muddy!) because the farmers will get mad. But still, as it gets hot out, passing by the watery fields can be cool. And now the fields are all nice and green because the new rice is growing. The farmers don’t plant seeds; they plant mini-rice plants. The morning dew on the grass feels good on my belly.
But in the afternoon, it is hot. And one of the great things about my neighborhood rice paddy is that there are gutters channeling the water to the different fields. They are the perfect size for me so on those hot days, I just jump in and take my stroll in the water. Cool on my feet. The spider webs in my eyes can be a bit annoying though.
冬の間、僕は稲刈りが終わった田んぼの上を走り回る。暑くなってきたなぁと思ってたら、田んぼに水が張って、横を通ると涼しい。でも水がいっぱいあるからしばらく田んぼの上では走れない。水だけかと思ってたら、よく見ると田んぼの上に緑のものがある。パパが教えてくれた。これがお米になるんだって！！ 日本の里山、綺麗だなぁ。田んぼの上を走れない間、当分、僕の運動は用水路の中。水は冷たくて快適快適。でも蜘蛛の巣が目に入ったり耳につくのが玉に瑕。。。
On hot summer days, I love walking in the water channels that feed water to my local rice paddies. They are a perfect fit. The only downside is all the spide…
