Rice seedlings, ready for the taking...

So the fields are glistening under the sun. They water has been poured in, the dirt tilled underneath, and the baby rice seedlings are ready to meet their master. This is my favorite time of year. The rows of fields reflect everything that lies above and beside them. Here's a sampling of the greenhouses and transport of these precious seedlings...they are after all a national treasure in some respects.

Tomomi ちゃん shows off a spry little sprout....
...while I attempt to not trample the babies.
( I had thoughts of jumping onto the fresh, soft "grass" with bare feet and frolicking around joyfully. But I believed the Takahashi family would've had most unhappy thoughts of this adventure and banished me from their farm forever.)