what with this and that; for a number of reasons
very; considerably; by no means; not readily; middle; half-way point
to (be able to) make contact; to (be able to) get in touch
the other day; lately; recently; meanwhile; in the meantime
Nagano (city, prefecture)
after a long time; for the first time in a while
eggplant (Solanum melongena); aubergine
cucumber (Cucumis sativus)
excuse me; pardon me; I'm sorry; thank you; you shouldn't have; it's too much
mother; mom; wife; you (of an elderly person older than the speaker); she