Outdoor workers are often accompanied by a photographer to document their work. In a case like this, it would be difficult to tell in a few weeks’ time if the work had been performed adequately, so photos tell the story and prove the work was done.

The sign notes the date and location as well as cryptic notes. This one says ikegaki karikomi nezumimochi 4/m in chalk. Ikegaki karikomi means “hedge trimming” But as far as I can tell, nezumimochi is not a real word. Nezumi means mouse or rat. Mochi is a sticky rice cake. Perhaps it is a gardener’s codeword for a style of cutting. Posted by kuri at March 16, 2002 07:58 AM