On June 24, I visited Kiriyo on my own and again, came home with vegetables from her garden. I tried to refuse them but she was very insistent.
I was uncomfortable about receiving without giving, and later, Toshiko reminded me about Japanese gift etiquette. So, I helped Toshiko bake some scones so that I could take a gift to Kiriyo. A couple of days ago I took my little parcel to her. Unfortunately I could not make her hear me and after calling many times, I left the parcel in an obvious place and left.
Today, Shoko visited Kiriyo with me to explain who had left the scones. Shoko had to enter the house and wake her and then Kiriyo wanted to give us tea. With great difficulty and many thanks, we refused with promises to come back later. But we did not succeed in refusing her generous offer of more potatoes.
So I owe her again!
It is lovely to be so generous and it is right to show gratitude but I just find it all just a teeny bit stressful. I seem to always be left owing.
p.s. I am so very grateful to my Nakatsue friends and especially Toshiko and Kiyoshi. I could never repay them with enough gifts. I will always be in debt to them.
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