tighten one's belt

6月３0日付 The Japan TimesのEditorialにNorth Koreaに関する記事「North Korea needs a new direction」がありました。

その抜粋：

Meanwhile, food shortages have deepened after a drought and hailstorms hit a grain-producing region near the Yellow Sea.

In his first major speech during an April 15 military parade in Pyongyang, Mr. Kim said, "It is the party's steadfast determination to ensure that the people will never have to tighten their belt again and make sure they enjoy the riches and affluence of socialism to their heart's content."

ここでtighten one's beltとは：

「(腹が減ったときは,空腹感を紛らわすためにベルトをきつく締めて)生活を切り詰める」と言う意味でした

昨秋植えた山ぼうし(dogwood)の花が咲きました。　意外と可憐な花でした。