Dog Days

Just thought I'd post a photo of the cutest dog in Japan (in my opinion), taking a little rest on his couch. Its pretty quiet now that the kids are back in school.

First Day / Dead Pig

Well the first day of school is here at last. I think they are ready to get back to a routine, I know I am. Here's a first day photo.
Hoping for a great year!
I hate to put the these 2 together but I will anyway.
On our morning walk, Gil and I came upon the gruesome discovery of a dead wild boar, lying in the street! It looked to be about a teen ager, not a massive adult nor tiny baby. It appears to have been hit by a car around the region of the head. Lots of blood there. This being my first real close up of such a beast, I scoured him (actually her) from top to tail for signs of all that drippy mud I always see in the streets but found no mud at all! Very strange indeed!

Universal Studios Japan

We went to Universal Studios Japan over the weekend. It was hot and very crowded, but we had a good time. Afterwards, we stopped at Bubba Gump's for good ole, American grub! It was Fantastic! PS There was this sad little monkey working outside of the entrance to U. S.

Driving Test Disappointment

Just so you know, I failed my driving test last Thursday. I had done quite well, having made it through all the hard stuff and was on my way back to the starting point, when, for no reason I can come up with, I made a right hand turn and stayed on the right side of the road! The Examiner told me to stop the car and look at where I was.It was only then that it hit me, I was driving on the wrong side! He said I would probably have passed except for that outrageous blunder! Well, I wouldn't have given me a license either, after that. I'll have another go at in September. Wish me luck!

Full Set

Just discovered how to get the photos from my phone onto the computer. How did I do it? My daughter had to do it for me!! Anyway, I found this one among them and couldn't resist putting it on. We were in a department store and happened to go past
the wig section and spotted this. Not only can you buy a wig,
you can also get the full set of wig, moustache, beard and
eyebrows!! It looks like the price is about 250 US dollars.
And a bargain at that!!!

Silk Pillow Gang

Finally! Captured on film--although not very well-- the Silk Pillow Cat Gang!!! Those of you familiar with some of the sign photos I posted early on, will remember the sign showing a cat sleeping on a silk pillow. We surmised that it must be saying 'cats allowed' or 'these cats are special'. Well to Gilbert's and my surprise the signs seem to indicate that we are on gang turf, specifically the Silk Pillow Gang.
Over the summer we have encountered the gang every morning on our walk. The leader, Patches, pictured above with motorcycle behind, seems to like us and lets us pass. He is usually posted towards the end of the street. Beyond him around the curve is usually 2-4 other cats, as pictured above. Several cats are usually posted back at what I call their home base. These include 'The Moustache' and her kittens. She is quite vicious and we stay as far away from her as possible. She is pictured with one of her youngest babies near the sign, below. She also appears to have some teenaged kids. They all have her moustache!


Gil loves walking down to their turf every morning to see if he can get away without a scratch. So far he's been lucky. Although if not for my quick reflexes and picking him up in time, he may have become a victim of one of the Silk Pillow warriors. I wish the photos had been better, but I never had my camera on days when they were posing nicely. Oh well!

Hydrangeas of Japan

Still fighting off the jet lag. Thought I'd show you some of the beautiful hydrangeas (hope I'm spelling it right) that I've seen around here.

Home Visit

We have just returned from our first trip back home since arriving in Japan. We had a great time visiting with family and friends. We got to play in the pool, found a possible burial sight (that mystery is still unsolved!) and even had a

surprise birthday party! We did alot of shopping for clothes and supplies we can't find in Japan, as well as visiting with friends. It was a whirlwind 8 day visit! I'm glad to say that the 2 we left behind did just fine without us, but I know they're as happy to have us back as we are to be back. Thanks to everyone back home who hosted us, fed us, drove us, entertained us and helped us to enjoy our short time there. We miss you all!