This year rice planting was basically the same as every other year.. (Un)fortunately I had to go and get Mum from Fukuoka on the first day so I missed out on helping in the heavy rain.... so disappointing! To be completely honest I used to think rice planting was something quite special - the interesting machines, the feel of mud under your feet, the occasional snake slipping in and out of the fields to keep you company and the satisfaction of knowing that you have been part of the whole process - even if the parts you have planted aren't exactly straight! However, as each year passes it is not quite as interesting... much more of a chore than an adventure. That being said, there is always one part of rice planting that is interesting for me every year. That is watching 3 men trying to stop the rice planter from tipping over sideways as they try to get it up the steep ramp between two of our rice fields. It takes one person to drive it, one to stand on the front trying to add extra weight so it won't tip and another to give directions and pretend to push, while yelling abuse at either the driver or the balancer, who happens to be pushing his weight in the wrong direction. Of course you also need a funny-hat lady at the back to laugh and squeal a little as the planter slowly tips to a 45 degree angle. And then of course applaud when they make it safely to the top field! Perhaps next year they will make it to a 60 degree angle to make the day even more exciting.....
gotta get our excitement where we can no.
ReplyDeleteIf that's you standing in the muck then I congratulate you! You have more guts than I do. I'd run screaming because I'm afraid of what's lurking in the mud! lol!!
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