Hanatouro 2008

Went to Hanatouro in Kyoto Arashiyama on Saturday, where 'light and shadow nestle against bamboo'. The entire Togetsukyo Bridge area (yes the bridge we biked across in Kyoto when company was here) was illuminated, as were the foothills and waterfront. Parts of the bamboo forest were illuminated, while lanterns lined the pathway on each side. Also in Naka no Shima Park were light displays and lanterns made by school children in the area. It was quite stunning. Alas, my camera battery ran out shortly after arrival! So please enjoy the few photos I was able to get.

Also FYI: My favorite Father-in-Law has been moved from the ICU and seems to be on the mend. Thank you for your prayers and concern.

Prayers

Just a quick request. My favorite father-in-law isn't doing so well. Please keep him in your prayers.

End of the Year Ikebana

We had our last ikebana class of the year, last week. Just thought I'd post a photo of the last 2 arrangements.

Also, so you know what kind of wild pig situation we're dealing with.....They were out last night and Sarah saw one brush up against the glass of the back door! And Gil couldn't go for his morning walk this morning, because they were still out there! Our neighbor was yelling at them and trying to shoo them away, but they're still out there somewhere and I didn't want to risk it with Gil. So we stayed in our own yard. We'll walk later when the pigs have returned to their lair.

This pig thing was kind of intriguing at first, but now they're just a nuisance!

Kobe Luminarie

Went through the Luminarie last night. It was pretty cool. It was started in 95 as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake. Its free. They block off the street and you walk en masse through the tunnel of lights. Not too crowded last night. Enjoy!

Bus Stop Pig

Sorry, no photos. The kids went to the bus stop this morning and I got a call from them, that there was a pig sitting in the middle of the road! I rushed down, camera in hand, to make sure the kids weren't getting attacked. As I came through the gate, the kids were all getting on the bus and the pig was cavorting around off to the side, rooting and such. Everyone was able to get on the bus safely and get to school. I'm thinking I'll have to devise some sort of weapon for us to carry about, for when we run into them(pigs) again. Any ideas? Its illegal to kill them!

PS This photo from earlier.