While on my morning walk, I passed the local junior high school. The Japan Red Cross was set up, asking people to donate blood. I said I would think about it and continued my walk.

While walking I felt guilty for not donating – my bloodwork is so good! I have low HbA1c (no diabetes), low cholesterol, great blood pressure, I’ve never had any bad diseases in my blood. It seemed I should contribute to my community.

So after dropping off my shopping I walked back over and said I would donate.

The first question they asked me was how old was I. I replied, “69.” I just turned 69 last month. They then asked me if I had donated blood since I turned 60. I hadn’t, So they made a sad face and said I’m too old.

The rules (see photo) are anybody can donate if they are age 16 to 64. And if you have donated since age 60 you can donate until you are 69.

It’s the first time I have ever been told I am too old for something. 😟

On a brighter note, just for fun, I set up an online shop at nominoichi.com. Nominoichi means “flea market” in Japanese. I couldn’t believe the domain was available!

I’m starting with on demand printing of interesting Japanese cultural items, and also items for people interested in studying English, as well as funny English sayings.

On this t-shirt, 私の心は夏模様（watashi no kokoro wa natsu moyou) is a refrain from a famous Japanese song, 少年時代 (shounen jidai – days of youth). It means “my heart is the pattern of summer.” Despite the heat, I’ve always felt that summer is a special time for happenings, especially when young. It’s one of my favorite Japanese songs.

If you have any suggestions for items, let me know!