Husband & Wife Trip to Nara

Yesterday was a national holiday in Japan. It was the birthday of the previous emperor which kicks off Golden Week. The kids didn't have the day off school however, so my hubby and I went to Nara. We had a nice lunch and went to the Kasuga Grand Shrine and its garden. Also walked through Nara park to visit with the 'messengers of the gods' (the deer) It was a beautiful day and a great day out.

Medical Expenses

Just thought I'd fill you in on the recent medical issues we've had to deal with. First Gil (pictured on the new quilt I made for him) needed his yearly rabies shot. I found a new vet who we like better than last year's vet. As it was the first time they had seen Gil thay insisted on giving him a heartworm test before giving him any flea/tick/heartworm medicine. I was reluctant because it is so expensive (over $200 back in Indiana). At the end of the visit, after an initial check-up, rabies shot & certificate and heartworm test, the bill was.....$68 (6,870 yen). The heartworm test was $20. I told them how much it costs in the US. They said that is where their test comes from! You all are being WAY OVERCHARGED!!

Now, the girl had this swollen eye with a yellow pimple under the lid. The school nurse recommended an eye doctor nearby. The staff spoke no english, but the doctor did. He checked the eye, determined it to be chalazion and prescribed 3 pills and 2 types of eye drops to be given 3 times a day for 3 days. The doctor visit cost approximately $58. The pharmacy was next door (again no english). We got all the medication for $32. Can you imagine, all this with no insurance (I'll file later). The eye is already looking better.

KWC at Heian Shrine, Kyoto

A small group of ladies from KWC went to Kyoto to visit the Heian Jingu shrine. Although it was raining, we had a nice day.I hope to go back when it isn't raining. The garden was very beautiful. After the shrine and lunch, we went to the Kyoto handicrafts center.

Dog and Blossoms

Gil enjoys his daily walks, but even more so in cherry blossom season. Here the cemetary is made even more beautiful with loads of cherry trees. I thought Gil was enjoying this photo shoot, but when we got home he threw up. I guess nerves got the better of him. It seems he's not yet ready for the Cat Walk!

Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossom viewing parties along the river in Shukogawa. The trees are beautiful and the parties are lively.

Hanami at Himeji Castle

Went to a hanami party this weekend. The weather was beautiful and as you can see from the photos the setting was exquisite. We had a lunch of Italian and Japanese cuisine served with champagne. We were served by young ladies in kimono while two musicians played japanese flutes. It was a great day out.

April Fool's Prank

I made these delightful cupcakes for April Fool's Day. They look like some sweet delight, but were really meatloaf with a mashed potato topping. Gotcha!!

Sumo Basho

Last Saturday, we went to Osaka to the spring Sumo tournament. It was very exciting. There was one controversial bout where the main judge couldn't tell who hit the ground first, so they made them have a do-over! My 2 favorites fought each other in the next to last bout of the day. Asashoryu has been the reigning champ for quite a while, so even though he was behind in the tournament, I never thought he'd lose to Kotooshu--but he did. Here are some stills of the match. When Kotooshu pushed him out of the ring, the audience began to yell and throw their seat pillows towards the ring. The tournament winner was Hakuho, who never lost a single match throughout the 15 day basho. (As usual, the photos are in reverse order)