Summer Activities

We have gotten out and done a few summer activities, some of which are pictured here. The city of Kobe had free admission to many area attractions for a few weeks. Here is a photo from the Kobe Port Tower which the boy & I visited in early August. Also here are several pictures from Osaka where the girl & I went to view fireworks. A friend had invited some of us to view the fireworks from his office in the sky building. I got a few good photos.

1st day of school 2009-2010

Today is the first day of school....finally!! Hoping for a great year.

Enjoy the pics.

PS If you noticed the trail of footprints going up the steps and beyond....it is evidence that the pigs were out last night!!

US Trip

Well, I'm sorry I haven't posted anything in a while, but it is so hot, I usually dread coming upstairs to work on the computer. I forced myself this morning, so lets see what I can come up with.

The trip home was long and full of avtivities. In Indy we visited friends, went to doctors and dentist, visited universities, shopped and ate. In Ohio we visited family, cleared out my father-in-law's house, shopped and ate. We were all ready to get back to Japan for some quiet time. Our flights were smooth and we arrived safely and on time to all our destinations. Hubby and Gil were exstatic to see us upon our return. It took us about 1 1/2 to 2 weeks to return to a normal sleep pattern and now we are fine. Just counting down the days until school starts. Here are a few photos from the trip.

Goodbye Mom-aw

After returning to Japan from our visit back to the US, I had hoped to regale you with stories and photos of the trip. But sadly, before all that, I must share my sadness at the death of my grandma. She had gotten sick for the first time in her life about a month ago. She was 89 yrs old but didn't look a day over 70. She knew we were coming for a visit and told me she'd try to hold on till we got there. And she did. She always was strong. We had a wonderful time with her, she looked great and was in good spirits. 5 days after we left, I got the call that she had passed away.

We'll miss you Mom-aw. We love you.

Trip

As we prepare for a short visit home, Gil is watching and worrying. He doesn't seem too pleased. Seeyou all soon!

The Ever Elusive Fried Egg Crab

If any of you recall this blog from its early days, you'll be reminded of all the photos of signs that I posted. I can't seem to find one of the fried egg crab to put up now, but maybe you can remember it. The sign was always found near a little stream and had a picture of what appeared to be a crab, dressed as a fried egg. I was always curious about those crabs and now, 1 1/2 yrs. later, I have finally found some! The first two were sited while out walking with Gil in the morning. Then, a couple of hours later, Gil spotted one on the patio!(Not sure if it followed us home or was a different one all together.) They don't really look like a fried egg in real life, but with so many of them around right now, it must be what the signs are talking about! Anyway, here are a few pictures of the crab and his capture. If I run across a photo of the fried egg crab sign, I'll post it.

P.S. The crab was not harmed, it was relocated to a spot farther away. And luckily he hasn't come back.

Day Out in Suma

Fnally got together with my ikebana sensei in Suma. We planned to take the ropeway to the top of the mountain, but it was closed. She thought she was not genki enough to climb to the top, so we went halfway. It was a beautiful day and we had a nice time. After the hike, we went to her place, where she showed me how to make sushi. I can't believe it, but I liked it. I was nervous about it, as I have never even wanted to try sushi, but it all turned out okay.