KUMPAI...Cheers to 2009...The Year of the COW.
It is now New Years Day here in Japan and it is about 8:30 am and I just got back from watching the first sun rise of 2009.
Yesterday we took the train northwest of Tokyo and climbed Mt Takao. It was a long,uphill hike with lots of slopes, and many a staircase which led up to the different temples and shrines along the way. It was a very interesting and colorful hike, with all the New Years arrows, door decorations, amulets, stacked rice cake balls with oranges, etc...on the alters and for sale at each of the locations.
At the summit we looked across the valley and beyond the different hues of blue mountains and had a great view of the snow covered dome of Mt. Fuji. Beautiful!!! We sat there on a stone wall and had a little snack lunch while basking in the warm sunshine and then we made our way down a more scenic trail. We enjoyed walking through the woods on a very moist and narrow path alongside a babbling brook.
At the bottom of the MT and near the train station we watched some men rolling out dough to make soba noodles which are the New Years traditional food. We then made our way back home on the train where we had our own homemade soba noodles for long life, along with some pot stickers and shrimp/veggie tempura paddies. It was quite tasty actually.
After dinner we went to the neighborhood Buddha temple which we just found the other day on a walk around Yamate-cho. I knew there was one in that general direction, but I could never tell which little alleyway or staircase lead to it.
We watched and kept warm by the very BIG, hot and smoky bonfire where the Japanese burn their last years new years decorations, old wood plaques from the graveyards... while listening to some chanting and prayers from the monks before the ceremony began to ring the big bell 108 times to wipe away ones sins of the past year.
There were many people lined up to take there shot at ringing the bell and others lined up to drop some coins and say a prayer, buy an aumulet, arrow, decorated door spray, 2009 New Years COW Decoration of some sort.
It was a very interesting to see all the different generations gathered in one place and to see how they each celebrated this evening according to the times. The older folks were much more sedate, and conservatively dressed with a few women in kimonos and right next to her was a young gal in fishnet stockings, black boots, mini skirt and she and her friends were drinking,very talkative, taking pics and having a good ole time...
We then made our way up and down the bluff and then across the snowflake bridge over the canal and into Chinatown. Sadly we got there right after the dragon and lion parade ended. We were in front of the shrine as the parade guys with their sparkly pants and papermache lion heads were returning to their storage area. Darn ...to hard to be 3 places at the same time. We did hear lots of fireworks though and one bowl some young kid lit off right in the middle of the road about 10 feet from us, made me feel like I went deaf for a moment..it was so LOUD and it left my ears ringing for about 15 minutes after.
We walked through the very busy streets and then made our way over to the Shinto Shrine of my friends from the school and watched as a samller crowd paid their respects at the alter, kept wartm around avery controlled small bonfire in old barrels. It was watched over by about 25 men all decked out in their blue Yokohama fire dept jackets. So interesting to see them all there with the small contained barrel of embers and then to think of the HUGE one at the temple and one little garden hose laying on the ground in case of and emergency.
The cute little ladies of the shrine were serving some of that hot sweet rice milk and so we enjoyed a small taste before coming back home for our other flavored mochi cremes.
We decided to stop by Laser Rush and see Leo and Pauline who we ran into earlier on the train back from the MT. We had one drink at their pub to ring out 2008 and in 2009. We then slowly made our way up the last set of stairs for the year. WOW..I have never climbed so many stairs in one day and I was very glad to take a nice hot shower before going to bed for a few hours of sleep.
I was in bed at 2:30am or so and then up a few hours later to go and watch the first sunrise of the New Year. Kalen and CJ decided to watch it from home, but Mike and I ventured out into the cold and very crisp morning air and over to Harbor View Park to see the sunrise. We were not alone as many gather for this very special Japanese New Years Day Tradition. I took many a photo from different angles and view points as the sun in a bakl of golden light rose up from the horizon and above the tree tops. Then as I walked home Icaught another glimpse of a very statly snow covered Mt Fuji-san in the Yokohama sklyine. WOW what a beautiful start to a New Year in Japan. I am so looking forward to what this new year will bring and can't wait to find out what adventures are in store for CJ and I as we continue our life here in Asia.
Cheers to 2009...Kumpai
My New Years resolution is to learn more Japanese and to take advantage of new opportunites and times here with CJ
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Merry Christmas 2008 from Harriman's in Japan
Merry Christmas to all.....
Sorry I have gotten a bit behind on my posts here, as we have been very busy and covering lots of ground here in Japan.
Christmas Day was spent with the family at home and having the usual breakfast of oranges and sweetbread. This year mandarin oranges replaced the usual naval and apple cake took the place of Grandma Solvei's Swedish Tearing.
We then opened silly gifts from our stockings while enjoying family favorites I imported from America. Reeces Peanut Butter Bells, M&M Peanut candies,Old fashioned Creme Drops and Snickers.
A few little gifts were opened and then to wrap up the festivities the annual scavenger hunt which has the kids running up and down the stairs from room to room and outside to find the next clue and then the grand gift at the end. They always seem to enjoy the opportunity to be like little kids again and CJ and I enjoy watching them giggle, laugh, smile and try to decipher my scribbling.
Next we made our way out into the sunshine and to explore Yokohama. We walked past lots of Japanese tourists out and about to see the Mansion halls decorated with balls of holly and red and green ornaments, Christmas Trees....
A crystal clear view of the harbor we had and then some fun down the bluff at Yamashita Park watching a juggler who had many a young asian toddler and adults as well transfixed by his firey stick tossing and a little game of rugby too.
A walk out onto the International Pier where 2 big cruise ships were docked and wher we found a spot to have a quick bite to eat as we watched the sunset over Yokohama and the beginning of the light show where neon lights at the amusement park lit up the ferris wheel and other rides.
A look at a Japanese photo display, stop at Mike's Favorite Snoopy Store and a peek at the decorated Christmas tree at Queens Square and Landmark Tower before returning for our homemade Christmas dinner. CJ grilled some delicious savory salmon steaks to go with our green beans, squash, salad and Christmas Cake of course. We found one at the pier for $10 and they even threw in 2 bottles of sparkling soda and a CD.
It was an enjoyable day and we are thankful the kids and Mike could be here with CJ and I.
....and to all a good night
Karla and the reindeer gang
Sorry I have gotten a bit behind on my posts here, as we have been very busy and covering lots of ground here in Japan.
Christmas Day was spent with the family at home and having the usual breakfast of oranges and sweetbread. This year mandarin oranges replaced the usual naval and apple cake took the place of Grandma Solvei's Swedish Tearing.
We then opened silly gifts from our stockings while enjoying family favorites I imported from America. Reeces Peanut Butter Bells, M&M Peanut candies,Old fashioned Creme Drops and Snickers.
A few little gifts were opened and then to wrap up the festivities the annual scavenger hunt which has the kids running up and down the stairs from room to room and outside to find the next clue and then the grand gift at the end. They always seem to enjoy the opportunity to be like little kids again and CJ and I enjoy watching them giggle, laugh, smile and try to decipher my scribbling.
Next we made our way out into the sunshine and to explore Yokohama. We walked past lots of Japanese tourists out and about to see the Mansion halls decorated with balls of holly and red and green ornaments, Christmas Trees....
A crystal clear view of the harbor we had and then some fun down the bluff at Yamashita Park watching a juggler who had many a young asian toddler and adults as well transfixed by his firey stick tossing and a little game of rugby too.
A walk out onto the International Pier where 2 big cruise ships were docked and wher we found a spot to have a quick bite to eat as we watched the sunset over Yokohama and the beginning of the light show where neon lights at the amusement park lit up the ferris wheel and other rides.
A look at a Japanese photo display, stop at Mike's Favorite Snoopy Store and a peek at the decorated Christmas tree at Queens Square and Landmark Tower before returning for our homemade Christmas dinner. CJ grilled some delicious savory salmon steaks to go with our green beans, squash, salad and Christmas Cake of course. We found one at the pier for $10 and they even threw in 2 bottles of sparkling soda and a CD.
It was an enjoyable day and we are thankful the kids and Mike could be here with CJ and I.
....and to all a good night
Karla and the reindeer gang
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Happy Christmas Eve from Japan
Hi All
Well it is actually Dec 26th here in Japan, but we have been so busy the last few days I have not had time to jot down anything till now.
Everyone is sleeping in or doing their own thing this morning so I will take a few minutes to get you up to date on all the happenings here in Japan.
Christmas Eve day we met CJ at the Ramen Museum for lunch. We enjoyed some very garlicy ramen as well as some miso based and soy sauce based soups. It was no joke that we lost our noodle as we legally slurped our hot and savory soups and enjoyed some egg like looking sweet cakes after.
We then made our way up to Shinbuya, Tokyo to see the Akihabara Electric town and all the electronics, lights, colorful signs... First we spent an hour or so in the Club Sega game pavilion where Mikey, Kalen and the Harriman Boyz tried their hand at a few racing games. I walked around and looked at all the Manga posters, books and figurines. I hoped to see lots of girls dressed in their maid costumes,but we saw more santas and 1 reindeer than anything else.
The Santas I ran into, were passing out little cards of a NEW Manga charcter who's Birthday it was today. I guess everyone here likes to dress up like Santa as many a store had employees dressed in the red and white outfits as they tried to hawk and sell their numerous wares. I can not believe the high inventory all these stores here hold on their shelves. Yikes !
We then wandered the streets and made our way to the train station and over to the Shinjuku area of Tokyo. As darkness fell over Tokyo the skies lit up with many a neon sign,and we saw many a Christmas tree light,stars twinkling,snowflakes a glow as we walked through the 2008 Shinjuku Light show at Times Square. Was so fun to watch the faces of surprise on young and old as they pressed a button and watched the color change on the very lacy looking gazebo.
We walked up and down some more streets and as the cool wind blew I wondered how these girls in their short shorts and boots of all varieties and styles kept their bare legs warm. I was a bit chilly even though I was bundled up in my gloves,turtle neck, tights under my jeans, scarf, jacket...and was still a bit chilly. Interesting Christmas apparel I'd say.
We finally found a little restaurant that served pork cutlet and so we entered the bottom floor of this building to have our Christmas Dinner of some very sweet and savory specially prepared pork cutlet, with cabbage salad, brown rice and pickled veggies.
After dinner we made our way back home on the numerous different subways and trains and had a night cap of sake and some fancy cakes flavored with mango, carmel and chocolate banana before laying our heads to bed so Santa could get down to business.
Konbonwa
Karla and the reindeer gang
Well it is actually Dec 26th here in Japan, but we have been so busy the last few days I have not had time to jot down anything till now.
Everyone is sleeping in or doing their own thing this morning so I will take a few minutes to get you up to date on all the happenings here in Japan.
Christmas Eve day we met CJ at the Ramen Museum for lunch. We enjoyed some very garlicy ramen as well as some miso based and soy sauce based soups. It was no joke that we lost our noodle as we legally slurped our hot and savory soups and enjoyed some egg like looking sweet cakes after.
We then made our way up to Shinbuya, Tokyo to see the Akihabara Electric town and all the electronics, lights, colorful signs... First we spent an hour or so in the Club Sega game pavilion where Mikey, Kalen and the Harriman Boyz tried their hand at a few racing games. I walked around and looked at all the Manga posters, books and figurines. I hoped to see lots of girls dressed in their maid costumes,but we saw more santas and 1 reindeer than anything else.
The Santas I ran into, were passing out little cards of a NEW Manga charcter who's Birthday it was today. I guess everyone here likes to dress up like Santa as many a store had employees dressed in the red and white outfits as they tried to hawk and sell their numerous wares. I can not believe the high inventory all these stores here hold on their shelves. Yikes !
We then wandered the streets and made our way to the train station and over to the Shinjuku area of Tokyo. As darkness fell over Tokyo the skies lit up with many a neon sign,and we saw many a Christmas tree light,stars twinkling,snowflakes a glow as we walked through the 2008 Shinjuku Light show at Times Square. Was so fun to watch the faces of surprise on young and old as they pressed a button and watched the color change on the very lacy looking gazebo.
We walked up and down some more streets and as the cool wind blew I wondered how these girls in their short shorts and boots of all varieties and styles kept their bare legs warm. I was a bit chilly even though I was bundled up in my gloves,turtle neck, tights under my jeans, scarf, jacket...and was still a bit chilly. Interesting Christmas apparel I'd say.
We finally found a little restaurant that served pork cutlet and so we entered the bottom floor of this building to have our Christmas Dinner of some very sweet and savory specially prepared pork cutlet, with cabbage salad, brown rice and pickled veggies.
After dinner we made our way back home on the numerous different subways and trains and had a night cap of sake and some fancy cakes flavored with mango, carmel and chocolate banana before laying our heads to bed so Santa could get down to business.
Konbonwa
Karla and the reindeer gang
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
It's Christmas Eve Day in Japan Dec 24th, 2008
Merry Christmas Eve to all of you...it is Dec 24th here in Japan
I am once again awake early and the "young adults" are all still nestled asleep on their Japanese futon beds with visions of more Jumbo-cho's I'm sure, dancing in their heads... They were up late waiting for CJ to return from a very important work party at Asia's biggest distributor for Graco here in Japan. It was a GREAT HONOR for CJ to be invited and so he and Tad from work did not pass on the opportunity.
Monday CJ and Graham got up early and ran down by Yokohama harbor and Yamashita park before CJ headed to work.Later Graham and I went on a shopping spree to buy him a futon bed and to stock up on food for when we all gather together on Wednesday night. We had quite a work out carrying all the goodies up the big long sets of steps. My legs,lower back and shoulders I'm finding this morning are a bit out of shape. I can tell my body has missed the daily walking/carrying I get here, while I rode in the car for the last 2 months back in MN. UGH!
Who knows...perhaps if I am a good BIG Momma...Kalen who is now an offical Graduate from Cortiva Institute of Massage might give me a little body massage? Now that I think,... would be the best Christmas present ever, besides my family all being here together after one long year apart...hint...hint.
Graham has been in hog heaven as he watches many a Rugby match on TV while chillin and getting caught up on his jet lag. I too got through a bunch of paperwork and mail that had accumulated over the last 2 months and it felt good to get a bit organized once again. Monday night CJ made Graham one of his favorite potsticker and sticky white rice meals and they washed it down with a few different Japanese beers.
Tuesday the guys went for another morning run through Chinatown and past Yokohama Stadium. After breakfast we all headed in a different direction and down to the Canterbury store so Grambo could look over all the Rugby jerseys, hats, balls, shirts... We then made our way down the very busy and festive Motomachi shopping street where many a Japanese shopper was out and about on this National Holiday. You see the Japanese folks are BIG savers of their money, and so the govt has made many a National Holiday so that people will get out and spend their money. December 23rd is the Emperor's Birthday and many were doing just that buying stuff left and right.
Next we found ourselves at Don Quixotes so the guys could stock up on a variety of Japanese Beers and Sake. Graham thought parts of the "fully loaded with inventory" shop looked like a Japanese Spencer Gifts type store. I get dizzy just looking at all the stuff in there, but the prices are good though,and so I do go there quite often.
We then made our way back home and up another new set of steps, ate some lunch before CJ was off on the Shinkansen Bullet Train with Tad to the party down south in Nagoya. After the rugby game was over, Graham and I took another walk down the other side of the bluff to do more shopping and to see the mom and pop district of shops. He met my pal Charlie the produce man while I loaded up on a bunch of different veggies and then got some rice crackers at the Gruppe Honomoku store.
We walked back through the side streets and took pics of Holiday decorations, flowers, architecture and then caught a little bit of an outdoor Holiday concert at one of the western mansions in the park at the end of our street. Back home Graham watched more Rugby and I made some dinner preparations for when Kalen and Mike showed up later in the eve.
Kalen called to tell us she made it throught customs and that they were now getting on the 5:20pm Narita Express. Graham and I made our way back to Canterbury's so he could get his rugby ball. Yep, he couldn't even wait till Christmas. We then walked through a very busy and colorful Chinatown, bought Kalen some delicious coconut macaroon tarts and then we were off to the subway to go meet her and Michael at the RR station. More Jumbo-cho's were purchased for dessert and reward after a very looooooooong travel day.
Back home we had spaghetti dinner. Ok so it isn't really a Japanese meal, but it does have noodles. haha CJ will be the cook of more traditional Japanese fare while the kids are here, I will keep with my American style and flava. For dessert we had a ZEN like moment when eating the Jumbo-cho's we always talk about and happily the kids agreed they are Delicious !!! YUM YUM YUM !!
Then I was off to bed and the youngin's waited for CJ to return home. The kids are now all waking up on the morn of the 24th and CJ is back to work for 1/2 a day. We will have some breakfast and then make our way to see his work, the Ramen Museum for lunch and then up to see Cos play and Manga dressed folks in the Akihabara area of Tokyo. We too hope to see holiday decorations before they are all taken down and preparations for the NEW YEAR are made after Christmas.
More soon about our advenutures in Colorful Tokyo
Karla and family
I am once again awake early and the "young adults" are all still nestled asleep on their Japanese futon beds with visions of more Jumbo-cho's I'm sure, dancing in their heads... They were up late waiting for CJ to return from a very important work party at Asia's biggest distributor for Graco here in Japan. It was a GREAT HONOR for CJ to be invited and so he and Tad from work did not pass on the opportunity.
Monday CJ and Graham got up early and ran down by Yokohama harbor and Yamashita park before CJ headed to work.Later Graham and I went on a shopping spree to buy him a futon bed and to stock up on food for when we all gather together on Wednesday night. We had quite a work out carrying all the goodies up the big long sets of steps. My legs,lower back and shoulders I'm finding this morning are a bit out of shape. I can tell my body has missed the daily walking/carrying I get here, while I rode in the car for the last 2 months back in MN. UGH!
Who knows...perhaps if I am a good BIG Momma...Kalen who is now an offical Graduate from Cortiva Institute of Massage might give me a little body massage? Now that I think,... would be the best Christmas present ever, besides my family all being here together after one long year apart...hint...hint.
Graham has been in hog heaven as he watches many a Rugby match on TV while chillin and getting caught up on his jet lag. I too got through a bunch of paperwork and mail that had accumulated over the last 2 months and it felt good to get a bit organized once again. Monday night CJ made Graham one of his favorite potsticker and sticky white rice meals and they washed it down with a few different Japanese beers.
Tuesday the guys went for another morning run through Chinatown and past Yokohama Stadium. After breakfast we all headed in a different direction and down to the Canterbury store so Grambo could look over all the Rugby jerseys, hats, balls, shirts... We then made our way down the very busy and festive Motomachi shopping street where many a Japanese shopper was out and about on this National Holiday. You see the Japanese folks are BIG savers of their money, and so the govt has made many a National Holiday so that people will get out and spend their money. December 23rd is the Emperor's Birthday and many were doing just that buying stuff left and right.
Next we found ourselves at Don Quixotes so the guys could stock up on a variety of Japanese Beers and Sake. Graham thought parts of the "fully loaded with inventory" shop looked like a Japanese Spencer Gifts type store. I get dizzy just looking at all the stuff in there, but the prices are good though,and so I do go there quite often.
We then made our way back home and up another new set of steps, ate some lunch before CJ was off on the Shinkansen Bullet Train with Tad to the party down south in Nagoya. After the rugby game was over, Graham and I took another walk down the other side of the bluff to do more shopping and to see the mom and pop district of shops. He met my pal Charlie the produce man while I loaded up on a bunch of different veggies and then got some rice crackers at the Gruppe Honomoku store.
We walked back through the side streets and took pics of Holiday decorations, flowers, architecture and then caught a little bit of an outdoor Holiday concert at one of the western mansions in the park at the end of our street. Back home Graham watched more Rugby and I made some dinner preparations for when Kalen and Mike showed up later in the eve.
Kalen called to tell us she made it throught customs and that they were now getting on the 5:20pm Narita Express. Graham and I made our way back to Canterbury's so he could get his rugby ball. Yep, he couldn't even wait till Christmas. We then walked through a very busy and colorful Chinatown, bought Kalen some delicious coconut macaroon tarts and then we were off to the subway to go meet her and Michael at the RR station. More Jumbo-cho's were purchased for dessert and reward after a very looooooooong travel day.
Back home we had spaghetti dinner. Ok so it isn't really a Japanese meal, but it does have noodles. haha CJ will be the cook of more traditional Japanese fare while the kids are here, I will keep with my American style and flava. For dessert we had a ZEN like moment when eating the Jumbo-cho's we always talk about and happily the kids agreed they are Delicious !!! YUM YUM YUM !!
Then I was off to bed and the youngin's waited for CJ to return home. The kids are now all waking up on the morn of the 24th and CJ is back to work for 1/2 a day. We will have some breakfast and then make our way to see his work, the Ramen Museum for lunch and then up to see Cos play and Manga dressed folks in the Akihabara area of Tokyo. We too hope to see holiday decorations before they are all taken down and preparations for the NEW YEAR are made after Christmas.
More soon about our advenutures in Colorful Tokyo
Karla and family
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Back in Japan and out of the snowy cold weather
Ohayogozaimous
It is about 10:3am on Dec 22nd and I finally arrived back home last night to a balmy 66 degree Japan.We had a major snow storm blowing through Mpls when we were leaving and so got a bit of a delay as they shoveled off the runway. CJ, I and Graham are here now and Kalen/Mike will arrive tomorrow on the 23rd from snowy and cold Chicagoland. We are looking forward to regrouping and to see how they celebrate Christmas and New Years here Japanese style.
For those who don't know. I have been in MN since October 27th and helping my mom and dad. My dad was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor and Non Hodgkins B Lymphoma back on Oct 6th and had surgery to remove the tumor Oct 10th. I went back to help get him to and from his 25 radiation and numerous other doctor visits.
Dad came though all that with flying colors and graduated on Dec 17th with cake and congrats from all the girls at the clinic. I have kept all abreast who are interested in that info on this Caring Bridge site here
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bernardmslick ...so check it out if you want to know more. I too will add to it when I make phone calls back home and see what is going on with them. Lisa will also write her perspective from MN.
I am now hoping to get back on this blogsite to give you updates here on what life is like in Japan during the winter months. Today it is almost 68 degrees, sunny and clear. Maybe we will see Mt Fuji-san when we head out on our errands. CJ has seen it already as you can see on the attached photo.
I am unpacking,making up my grocery list, organizing some papers and checking out stuff on my computer. Graham and CJ went for an early morning run down along the harbor before CJ headed to work and now Grambo is waiting for me and chillin while watching rugby on TV.
We will head out on the town to get a few things at the store this afternoon, as it is a national holiday tomorrow so I am not to sure what is open. It is the Emerpors Birthday on Dec 23rd.
More later.
It is about 10:3am on Dec 22nd and I finally arrived back home last night to a balmy 66 degree Japan.We had a major snow storm blowing through Mpls when we were leaving and so got a bit of a delay as they shoveled off the runway. CJ, I and Graham are here now and Kalen/Mike will arrive tomorrow on the 23rd from snowy and cold Chicagoland. We are looking forward to regrouping and to see how they celebrate Christmas and New Years here Japanese style.
For those who don't know. I have been in MN since October 27th and helping my mom and dad. My dad was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor and Non Hodgkins B Lymphoma back on Oct 6th and had surgery to remove the tumor Oct 10th. I went back to help get him to and from his 25 radiation and numerous other doctor visits.
Dad came though all that with flying colors and graduated on Dec 17th with cake and congrats from all the girls at the clinic. I have kept all abreast who are interested in that info on this Caring Bridge site here
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bernardmslick ...so check it out if you want to know more. I too will add to it when I make phone calls back home and see what is going on with them. Lisa will also write her perspective from MN.
I am now hoping to get back on this blogsite to give you updates here on what life is like in Japan during the winter months. Today it is almost 68 degrees, sunny and clear. Maybe we will see Mt Fuji-san when we head out on our errands. CJ has seen it already as you can see on the attached photo.
I am unpacking,making up my grocery list, organizing some papers and checking out stuff on my computer. Graham and CJ went for an early morning run down along the harbor before CJ headed to work and now Grambo is waiting for me and chillin while watching rugby on TV.
We will head out on the town to get a few things at the store this afternoon, as it is a national holiday tomorrow so I am not to sure what is open. It is the Emerpors Birthday on Dec 23rd.
More later.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Nov 8, 2008 Bernie's Blood Clot and Lutefisk Dinner
Hi All
It is Saturday morning and mom and I are getting ready to go back to the hospital to visit dad. He went back in the hospital on Thursday night as he develeped some swelling in his right ankle Wednesday night and after going to the doc and ER on Thursday they found he had a blood clot. So he is now back at Mercy and resting in the hospital bed with Heprin IV blood thinner dripping in, to dissolve the clot.
Mom and I will head to EP later to pick up relatives Esther, Jean and Margaret and then a quick visit with Bernie at the hospital before going to the scandinavian dinner of Lutefisk and Meatballs at mom and dad's church.
As of last night. He will still start his radiation on Monday afternoon.
Hope all is well with everyone
Karla
It is Saturday morning and mom and I are getting ready to go back to the hospital to visit dad. He went back in the hospital on Thursday night as he develeped some swelling in his right ankle Wednesday night and after going to the doc and ER on Thursday they found he had a blood clot. So he is now back at Mercy and resting in the hospital bed with Heprin IV blood thinner dripping in, to dissolve the clot.
Mom and I will head to EP later to pick up relatives Esther, Jean and Margaret and then a quick visit with Bernie at the hospital before going to the scandinavian dinner of Lutefisk and Meatballs at mom and dad's church.
As of last night. He will still start his radiation on Monday afternoon.
Hope all is well with everyone
Karla
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Nov 5th, 2008 Bernard is home and happy Obama WON!!
Hi All
Just wanted to let you know I will be making my blog updates for the next few weeks while I am here in MN on the Caring Bridge sight which I have made to keep all of the family and friends up to date on my dad's current health issues.
Please go there to see what it is I am doing to keep busy each day while I help my folks pack up the house and take my dad to his daily raditaion treatments.
We just brought him home today from the rehab center and he will start radiation on Monday. He is hoping to go to the Lutefisk dinner at their church this weekend. Next weekend to the Packer game in Green Bay with Mark and the following week to the Iowa Gopher game with his nephew Mike from Iowa.
He walked around the block and down to the mailbox today when we got home and then slept most of the night in his chair while mom and I cleaned up before the nurse comes tomorrow. Already it feels better to have him here and not have to hang out at the rehab place and do nothing all day
Please feel free to call and or send letters, emails or make comments on either this blog or the caring bridge site. Bernie and Solvei would love to hear from each and everyone one of you
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bernardmslick
Good night
Karla and all
.
Just wanted to let you know I will be making my blog updates for the next few weeks while I am here in MN on the Caring Bridge sight which I have made to keep all of the family and friends up to date on my dad's current health issues.
Please go there to see what it is I am doing to keep busy each day while I help my folks pack up the house and take my dad to his daily raditaion treatments.
We just brought him home today from the rehab center and he will start radiation on Monday. He is hoping to go to the Lutefisk dinner at their church this weekend. Next weekend to the Packer game in Green Bay with Mark and the following week to the Iowa Gopher game with his nephew Mike from Iowa.
He walked around the block and down to the mailbox today when we got home and then slept most of the night in his chair while mom and I cleaned up before the nurse comes tomorrow. Already it feels better to have him here and not have to hang out at the rehab place and do nothing all day
Please feel free to call and or send letters, emails or make comments on either this blog or the caring bridge site. Bernie and Solvei would love to hear from each and everyone one of you
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bernardmslick
Good night
Karla and all
.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Oct 27- Nov 1st back to Minnesota with the Slick's
Jean and Karla made their way back to Minnesota and Wisconsin on Monday Oct 27th. We were supposed to leave at 3pm and arrive at noon of the same day....now figure that one out. We ended up leaving late as there was mechanical failures with the plane and in the end they ended up switching all of us to a different jet. We thankfully got here with no troubles and actually had quite an enjoyable and relaxing ride. I slept and so time flew by for me. (pun intended:-) Cindy picked us up at the airport and dropped me off at home. I am slowly adjusting to the time zone and now that I can get on this computer seem to be waking very early in the morning to play catch up for all the days that have passed me by. Yikes I have lots of bookwork to do.
Monday Oct 27th I just hung out around the house and got things in order, bought some groceries, went through mail, cleaned a bit as dust really accumulates in a closed up house.
Tuesday Oct 28th went to see my dad in the Innsbruck rehab center up in New Brighton MN where he is now residing and has been since his cancerous brain tumor was successfully removed on Dec 10th. My dad is doing well and having some physical and speech therapy (not for his speech but for spatial issues).
I have been staying up at my parent's house with my mom so to transport her to and fro to visit my dad. She does not drive and it looks like my dad will no longer be driving either. With his spacial difficulties we feel it would be too dangerous. We will watch and see how things go, but we are quite sure at this point, the reality is that he will drive no more. He is adjusting to that news. He too is having a bit of trouble with his left arm and leg. He does have bursitus in his left shoulder from years before and that seems to be giving him some trouble and soreness when doing his arm strenthening exercises. His spirits seem to be very good, though yesterday he talks of wanting to go home.
Wednesday Oct 29th we went to talk with the oncologist and she told us about the different options of chemo and radiation. She thought radiation would work best for dad at this time and so we are pretty sure we will take that route. We have an appointment on Tuesday Nov 4th to talk with the radiologist. After the doctors visit we took dad home so he could have dinner with us there and to have some time together to discuss things we just learned at the doc's office. He enjoyed being home again and was surprised at all the food we were preparing.
Thursday Oct 30th
I spent the day with mom and dad and getting voting ballots for them and then enjoyed a nice dinner and get together with my Honduran buddies Bob, Donna,Hoda, Dave and Steve at Michelle's. Was fun to see and chat with my friends again.
Friday Oct 31st---Happy Halloween !!!!
I spent most of the morning at my EP house on the phone with social workers, Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield while trying to find out what coverage we have for long term care,radiation and or chemo treatments. Also talked with some assisted living services and we will meet on Monday Nov 3rd to see what kinds of options we might have there as well. We are thinking it may be time to move mom and dad to another place besides the house where they have more access to things especially since neither of them drive. We are looking to get them closer to Mark and Lisa in St Paul as who knows when or where I will be living in the near future and it takes alot of time and energy for Mark to come this far north after work each day.
So we are busy trying to sort out many different ideas and aspects of this new found health crisis we have at hand. Helped mom and dad fill out their election ballots and then took dad for a ride in the wheel chair outside to enjoy some fresh air and the last of the fall colors here in MN. I was very happy to see some brillant colors upon my return here to MN, as they have yet to change in Japan and I presumed they were done already here in MN. Have enjoyed asking my dad who is a man of very few words, some questions from a book "Questions for my Father"--finding the man behind your dad that I had and learning more about his youth and the things he likes, what he thinks... Came home last night and had Taco Friday with my mom and then played some games of Sequence with her. She kicked my butt !!! No trick or treaters here, but we did see a few little ones that came to visit relatives at the rehab place :-(
Saturday Nov 1st
I am now here at my mom and dad's and will soon be going to the rehab center again to visit with my dad. I have to first drop off their absentee voting ballots at the court house. WOW...can I just say here, I can NOT believe all the money that has been spent on advertising for this upcoming election. We get so many advertisements in the mail each day, it makes me sad to think how many trees were destroyed to print all that junk mail that just gets tossed in the garbage.:-( I have only been here a few days but already I can't wait till election day is over. It has been interesting to come back to this side of the world and to see and hear all that is going on, as I really have heard nothing much for the last 4 months. I have NOT missed it at all.
We are going to check with the doctors to see if dad can come home and to see how he and mom cope here together. I will be here to supervise for the time I am in MN.
More soon
Monday Oct 27th I just hung out around the house and got things in order, bought some groceries, went through mail, cleaned a bit as dust really accumulates in a closed up house.
Tuesday Oct 28th went to see my dad in the Innsbruck rehab center up in New Brighton MN where he is now residing and has been since his cancerous brain tumor was successfully removed on Dec 10th. My dad is doing well and having some physical and speech therapy (not for his speech but for spatial issues).
I have been staying up at my parent's house with my mom so to transport her to and fro to visit my dad. She does not drive and it looks like my dad will no longer be driving either. With his spacial difficulties we feel it would be too dangerous. We will watch and see how things go, but we are quite sure at this point, the reality is that he will drive no more. He is adjusting to that news. He too is having a bit of trouble with his left arm and leg. He does have bursitus in his left shoulder from years before and that seems to be giving him some trouble and soreness when doing his arm strenthening exercises. His spirits seem to be very good, though yesterday he talks of wanting to go home.
Wednesday Oct 29th we went to talk with the oncologist and she told us about the different options of chemo and radiation. She thought radiation would work best for dad at this time and so we are pretty sure we will take that route. We have an appointment on Tuesday Nov 4th to talk with the radiologist. After the doctors visit we took dad home so he could have dinner with us there and to have some time together to discuss things we just learned at the doc's office. He enjoyed being home again and was surprised at all the food we were preparing.
Thursday Oct 30th
I spent the day with mom and dad and getting voting ballots for them and then enjoyed a nice dinner and get together with my Honduran buddies Bob, Donna,Hoda, Dave and Steve at Michelle's. Was fun to see and chat with my friends again.
Friday Oct 31st---Happy Halloween !!!!
I spent most of the morning at my EP house on the phone with social workers, Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield while trying to find out what coverage we have for long term care,radiation and or chemo treatments. Also talked with some assisted living services and we will meet on Monday Nov 3rd to see what kinds of options we might have there as well. We are thinking it may be time to move mom and dad to another place besides the house where they have more access to things especially since neither of them drive. We are looking to get them closer to Mark and Lisa in St Paul as who knows when or where I will be living in the near future and it takes alot of time and energy for Mark to come this far north after work each day.
So we are busy trying to sort out many different ideas and aspects of this new found health crisis we have at hand. Helped mom and dad fill out their election ballots and then took dad for a ride in the wheel chair outside to enjoy some fresh air and the last of the fall colors here in MN. I was very happy to see some brillant colors upon my return here to MN, as they have yet to change in Japan and I presumed they were done already here in MN. Have enjoyed asking my dad who is a man of very few words, some questions from a book "Questions for my Father"--finding the man behind your dad that I had and learning more about his youth and the things he likes, what he thinks... Came home last night and had Taco Friday with my mom and then played some games of Sequence with her. She kicked my butt !!! No trick or treaters here, but we did see a few little ones that came to visit relatives at the rehab place :-(
Saturday Nov 1st
I am now here at my mom and dad's and will soon be going to the rehab center again to visit with my dad. I have to first drop off their absentee voting ballots at the court house. WOW...can I just say here, I can NOT believe all the money that has been spent on advertising for this upcoming election. We get so many advertisements in the mail each day, it makes me sad to think how many trees were destroyed to print all that junk mail that just gets tossed in the garbage.:-( I have only been here a few days but already I can't wait till election day is over. It has been interesting to come back to this side of the world and to see and hear all that is going on, as I really have heard nothing much for the last 4 months. I have NOT missed it at all.
We are going to check with the doctors to see if dad can come home and to see how he and mom cope here together. I will be here to supervise for the time I am in MN.
More soon
Oct 25th Colorful Kyoto
After breakfast we got another daily bus pass and then were off to check out more of the 2,000 temples and shrines here in Kyoto.This is a big spread out city and so it takes longer than you think to get around. I also read about a flea market that happens every 25th of the month and so we made our way to check that out after visiting a very big and old Buddhist temple.They were very busy getting it in tip top shape for the upcoming 150th anniversary.
At the flea market, it was fun to see all the ladies and girls digging through very colorful piles of old kimonos, and to see the old toys and collectibles the Japanese folks have accumluated over the years. There were food stalls of all kinds. Lots of pickled veggies, dried fruits, octupus balls, pastrys filled with that tasty bavarian cream,something that looked like Lefse and they fried it and then dipped it in curry or sesame flavored sauce...
They had the usual carnival games for kids,and goldfish to take home. It was a very colorful atmosphere with lots of people and activity. We had planned to see more temples but got caught up in the sights and sounds, tastes and smells of the market and then another street fair we happened upon when in search of the zen temple. We got a quick peak at a very colorful tree and some raked gravel before the gates shut for the night and we had to be back to the train for our night ride back to Yokohama. We ran back to the hotel to get our backpacks and then off to find the BIG PIE place before boarding the train. We sadly got all turned around and were too tired from all our exploring to try and find the Dessert Heaven. So after taking a photo of Jean with some Harajuku looking girls we grabbed some other gooey pastries and made our way on board the lightning quick train and our rapid return to Yokohama.
It was a delightful day and a weekend of wonderful waether. A great way to end the trip and visit with Gma Jean here in Japan. Back at home we enjoyed our pastry with it's flaky crust topped with vanilla custard frosting and blueberries and inside yellow bavarian cream on the bottom and in the middle some poppyseed like cake...almost too many things happening at once for me, but it was good!
Sunday Oct 26th
we just hang out in the house and repacked for Gma and KJ's return back to the USA.
Sayonara from Japan
At the flea market, it was fun to see all the ladies and girls digging through very colorful piles of old kimonos, and to see the old toys and collectibles the Japanese folks have accumluated over the years. There were food stalls of all kinds. Lots of pickled veggies, dried fruits, octupus balls, pastrys filled with that tasty bavarian cream,something that looked like Lefse and they fried it and then dipped it in curry or sesame flavored sauce...
They had the usual carnival games for kids,and goldfish to take home. It was a very colorful atmosphere with lots of people and activity. We had planned to see more temples but got caught up in the sights and sounds, tastes and smells of the market and then another street fair we happened upon when in search of the zen temple. We got a quick peak at a very colorful tree and some raked gravel before the gates shut for the night and we had to be back to the train for our night ride back to Yokohama. We ran back to the hotel to get our backpacks and then off to find the BIG PIE place before boarding the train. We sadly got all turned around and were too tired from all our exploring to try and find the Dessert Heaven. So after taking a photo of Jean with some Harajuku looking girls we grabbed some other gooey pastries and made our way on board the lightning quick train and our rapid return to Yokohama.
It was a delightful day and a weekend of wonderful waether. A great way to end the trip and visit with Gma Jean here in Japan. Back at home we enjoyed our pastry with it's flaky crust topped with vanilla custard frosting and blueberries and inside yellow bavarian cream on the bottom and in the middle some poppyseed like cake...almost too many things happening at once for me, but it was good!
Sunday Oct 26th
we just hang out in the house and repacked for Gma and KJ's return back to the USA.
Sayonara from Japan
Oct 24 Gion Corner in Kyoto with the Geisha Girls
CJ Jean and I got up very early to catch the Shinkansen to Kyoto. We enjoyed the very fast 2 hour train ride at 180 mph and were happy to arrive so quickly at Kyoto. Of course Karla and Jean were excited to see real live Geisha Girls and so we were off in search of our up close and personnel encounters with the mystery girls behind the white made up faces.
We arrived in Kyoto and were greeted by perfect weather and lots of new sights for our eyes to see. Jean and I thought we died and went to heaven when we passed a pastry shop that had all kinds of huge fresh fruit pies. We vowed right then and there to be sure to stop and get one before we left to go back to Yokohama. YUM!!
Next we hopped on the shuttle bus to the Righa Royal Hotel, where we dropped off our bags, bought a day bus pass and then made our way to the Gion district in search of Geisha's, Geikos (what they really like to be called) and Miekos (apprentice geikos).
First we made our way through a very big Shinto Shrine where I captured a photo of CJ and Jean with a couple in traditional Yukata robes and their Ricksaw driver. We then walked down the street to Gion Corner and to our surprise and delight we ran into the first of our many sightings and encounters with Geiko Girls two stood chatting outside the entrance to a tea garden. YAHOO!!! It was so exciting for me and I felt like a real paparazzi. FUN!! We watched girls walk down the streets in the daylight and then as night fell we saw them return to the streets all made up with their painted white faces and hair adorned with many a bow, comb, bangle. It was VERY EXCITING!!! My camera of course did not reboot and click fast enough and so I didn't get as many good pics as I had hoped for. I did enjoy myself though.
In the daylight we made our way through the different geisha districts and shopping areas. I still can NOT believe how much shopping is done here in Japan, it is CRAZY how many shops there are, everywhere? We also walked along the river and watched an old lady feeding some very big birds hawks or falcons of some kind. Hunger took over and we stopped for a Delicious meal of pork loin and croquettes. It was a fun meal as we had to prepare our own sesame sauce for dipping the tender and very succulent pork slices coated with some kind of flaky batter. They gave each of us a mortar and pedestal and we ground up our sesame seeds and then added two kinds of soy sauce to it. Jean had crab, CJ had soy/mushroom and I had potato/veggie Croquettes. The pork and Croquettes were also served with thinly grated cabbage and some yummy dressing and pickles too, which Kyoto is known for. It was mighty tasty and fun.
After dinner we went back to Gion Corner for the traditional Japanese Arts show. CJ and Jean were pooped from walking and so they waited in line at the hall for tickets while I made my way down to the street and was ecstatic when I came upon a house where the Geikos were leaving and getting into taxis and some went walking right past me on the street all made up in their makeup, silk gowns, geta wood sandals and white tori socks. FUN FUN FUN!!!
I then made my way back in time for the show...and yes it was hard for me to pull myself away. The show was enjoyable and Jean got to participate in the tea ceremony with a lady from Switzerland. We saw a tea cermony,Japanese dancers, flower arrangements made, puppetry, noh skit. After the show, Jean and I attended another Tea Ceremony and learned the art and rituals of a Japanese green tea ceremony. It was very interesting and quite different then the chinese tea ceremony CJ and I attended when we were in Sweden last June. I found I like chinese green and ooolong leaf tea better than the powdered and foamy green Japanese tea.
When the show was over we made our way back into the lit streets of Gion Corner and caught many more glimpses of the girls going in and out of the different tea houses and restaurants. CJ and Jean were tired and so they made their way back to the bus and the hotel, I on the other hand was too intrigued with all the goings on and so I stayed and walked the streets some more getting glimpses of this very different lifestyle. I had nice visits with other "paparazzi" from Switzerland, France, Germany, Canada... had many more pics to take and just had fun watching the girls moving to and fro.
Finally pulled myself away so to catch the last bus back to the hotel. I did not want to walk across town in the wee hours of the morning. When I got back to the hotel I had a whole other experience trying to get into my room. When we dropped our bags off earlier in the day on arrival to Kyoto we could not check in and so I did not know what room we actually had. I had hoped to quietly sneak in the room as I figured CJ and Jean were fast asleep. The guy at the front desk told me the room number, wouldn't give me a key and so I went up and knocked on the door. No one answered. So I went back down to the desk and asked for a key and explained to him how I had hoped not to wake them up. He finally gave me the key and when I went back up and put the card in the door and when I pushed it to open it was double bolted and I could here people talking in Japanese. They sounded scared. :-( So I apologized "sumimasen" and quickly shut the door and went back down to the desk and once again tried to explain what happened. They called that room and asked for Chuck-san but all they got was Japanese people talking. So now I/we had woken some strangers up and scared them half to death.
I then pulled out CJ's business card and they finally got me the correct room on the 6th floor not the 8th floor. Before I went up I had them call the new room and sure enough Jean answered and luckily they were still up.I still wonder what that poor couple must have thought when some foreigner was trying to get in 2 different times and interrupting them in the middle of the night? Crazy!
We arrived in Kyoto and were greeted by perfect weather and lots of new sights for our eyes to see. Jean and I thought we died and went to heaven when we passed a pastry shop that had all kinds of huge fresh fruit pies. We vowed right then and there to be sure to stop and get one before we left to go back to Yokohama. YUM!!
Next we hopped on the shuttle bus to the Righa Royal Hotel, where we dropped off our bags, bought a day bus pass and then made our way to the Gion district in search of Geisha's, Geikos (what they really like to be called) and Miekos (apprentice geikos).
First we made our way through a very big Shinto Shrine where I captured a photo of CJ and Jean with a couple in traditional Yukata robes and their Ricksaw driver. We then walked down the street to Gion Corner and to our surprise and delight we ran into the first of our many sightings and encounters with Geiko Girls two stood chatting outside the entrance to a tea garden. YAHOO!!! It was so exciting for me and I felt like a real paparazzi. FUN!! We watched girls walk down the streets in the daylight and then as night fell we saw them return to the streets all made up with their painted white faces and hair adorned with many a bow, comb, bangle. It was VERY EXCITING!!! My camera of course did not reboot and click fast enough and so I didn't get as many good pics as I had hoped for. I did enjoy myself though.
In the daylight we made our way through the different geisha districts and shopping areas. I still can NOT believe how much shopping is done here in Japan, it is CRAZY how many shops there are, everywhere? We also walked along the river and watched an old lady feeding some very big birds hawks or falcons of some kind. Hunger took over and we stopped for a Delicious meal of pork loin and croquettes. It was a fun meal as we had to prepare our own sesame sauce for dipping the tender and very succulent pork slices coated with some kind of flaky batter. They gave each of us a mortar and pedestal and we ground up our sesame seeds and then added two kinds of soy sauce to it. Jean had crab, CJ had soy/mushroom and I had potato/veggie Croquettes. The pork and Croquettes were also served with thinly grated cabbage and some yummy dressing and pickles too, which Kyoto is known for. It was mighty tasty and fun.
After dinner we went back to Gion Corner for the traditional Japanese Arts show. CJ and Jean were pooped from walking and so they waited in line at the hall for tickets while I made my way down to the street and was ecstatic when I came upon a house where the Geikos were leaving and getting into taxis and some went walking right past me on the street all made up in their makeup, silk gowns, geta wood sandals and white tori socks. FUN FUN FUN!!!
I then made my way back in time for the show...and yes it was hard for me to pull myself away. The show was enjoyable and Jean got to participate in the tea ceremony with a lady from Switzerland. We saw a tea cermony,Japanese dancers, flower arrangements made, puppetry, noh skit. After the show, Jean and I attended another Tea Ceremony and learned the art and rituals of a Japanese green tea ceremony. It was very interesting and quite different then the chinese tea ceremony CJ and I attended when we were in Sweden last June. I found I like chinese green and ooolong leaf tea better than the powdered and foamy green Japanese tea.
When the show was over we made our way back into the lit streets of Gion Corner and caught many more glimpses of the girls going in and out of the different tea houses and restaurants. CJ and Jean were tired and so they made their way back to the bus and the hotel, I on the other hand was too intrigued with all the goings on and so I stayed and walked the streets some more getting glimpses of this very different lifestyle. I had nice visits with other "paparazzi" from Switzerland, France, Germany, Canada... had many more pics to take and just had fun watching the girls moving to and fro.
Finally pulled myself away so to catch the last bus back to the hotel. I did not want to walk across town in the wee hours of the morning. When I got back to the hotel I had a whole other experience trying to get into my room. When we dropped our bags off earlier in the day on arrival to Kyoto we could not check in and so I did not know what room we actually had. I had hoped to quietly sneak in the room as I figured CJ and Jean were fast asleep. The guy at the front desk told me the room number, wouldn't give me a key and so I went up and knocked on the door. No one answered. So I went back down to the desk and asked for a key and explained to him how I had hoped not to wake them up. He finally gave me the key and when I went back up and put the card in the door and when I pushed it to open it was double bolted and I could here people talking in Japanese. They sounded scared. :-( So I apologized "sumimasen" and quickly shut the door and went back down to the desk and once again tried to explain what happened. They called that room and asked for Chuck-san but all they got was Japanese people talking. So now I/we had woken some strangers up and scared them half to death.
I then pulled out CJ's business card and they finally got me the correct room on the 6th floor not the 8th floor. Before I went up I had them call the new room and sure enough Jean answered and luckily they were still up.I still wonder what that poor couple must have thought when some foreigner was trying to get in 2 different times and interrupting them in the middle of the night? Crazy!
Oct 22 -23 Tokyo and Graco with Gma Jean
Hi All
Well I finally got this computer hooked up and am connected once again with the outside world. Yeah, Can't believe it has been so long since I was last on here. Alot has happened since I last wrote on here. Let me try to get you up to speed.
Wednesday Oct 22 Jean and I spent the day in Tokyo and had a lovely day strolling in a lovely Japanese garden right in the middle of the city just below the Tokyo Dome. We enjoyed watching many coi fish eating bread crumbs tossed to them by local children, walking over rock paths across the water and up many a ster and over bridges of all varieties. A few trees were starting to change colors too and so that added an even prettier view to the area. We then made out way on the subway over to the Tower but first stopped at a very colorful Buddhist Temple where many child memorials were all decked out in red caps and bibs along with many brightly spinning pinwheels blowing in the breeze.
Next we stopped and savored an energy boost ice cream and fruit crepe at the base of the Tokyo Tower while I too enjoyed taking pictures with 10 different cameras of the local Japanese teen girls on a field trip. We then made out way up the first elevator and took in the city scape of Tokyo where we looked at all angles of the big city in the daylight and then up to the next observation area for a night view when it was all illuminated. I had a ton of fun making light photos by shaking my camera and seeing the effects of the 1000's of colors. One of the intersecting highways looked like an orange starfish to me as all the carlights shone along its 5 different arms
We then joined CJ for Shabu Shabu dinner and Jean got to enjoy her first taste of sushi as well. She liked it, but not the shrimp eyes glaring right at her as she took a bite of its tail. She too will need to continue her pratice with chopsticks...she is left handed and that seemed to add another complication to the mix :-)
Thursday Oct 23
We woke to a rainy day in Yokohama and so we hung out at home till it was time to go meet CJ for lunch. We ended up staying home longer than expected as the rain was coming down pretty good and so we opted to meet CJ for dinner instead. We enjoyed our train and subway rides up to northern Yokohama and then the walk along the path through the woods to Graco. Jean got to meet a few of CJ's secretaries and Tad while getting a tour of his office and the newely renovated and cleaned up building. WOW...what a difference new carpet, paint and some banners made. It felt like a whole different building than when I first saw it back in July. Nice Job Ceeg!
We then made our way to a Hawaiian restaurant for supper where Jean and I enjoyed some very good Pina Coladas decked out with umbrella's, pineapple and sparklers. She too enjoyed the slide show on the wall as we ate dinner and she remembered the fun times she had with Harley when they traveled there for their 25th Anniversary.
More tomorrow from Kyoto
Well I finally got this computer hooked up and am connected once again with the outside world. Yeah, Can't believe it has been so long since I was last on here. Alot has happened since I last wrote on here. Let me try to get you up to speed.
Wednesday Oct 22 Jean and I spent the day in Tokyo and had a lovely day strolling in a lovely Japanese garden right in the middle of the city just below the Tokyo Dome. We enjoyed watching many coi fish eating bread crumbs tossed to them by local children, walking over rock paths across the water and up many a ster and over bridges of all varieties. A few trees were starting to change colors too and so that added an even prettier view to the area. We then made out way on the subway over to the Tower but first stopped at a very colorful Buddhist Temple where many child memorials were all decked out in red caps and bibs along with many brightly spinning pinwheels blowing in the breeze.
Next we stopped and savored an energy boost ice cream and fruit crepe at the base of the Tokyo Tower while I too enjoyed taking pictures with 10 different cameras of the local Japanese teen girls on a field trip. We then made out way up the first elevator and took in the city scape of Tokyo where we looked at all angles of the big city in the daylight and then up to the next observation area for a night view when it was all illuminated. I had a ton of fun making light photos by shaking my camera and seeing the effects of the 1000's of colors. One of the intersecting highways looked like an orange starfish to me as all the carlights shone along its 5 different arms
We then joined CJ for Shabu Shabu dinner and Jean got to enjoy her first taste of sushi as well. She liked it, but not the shrimp eyes glaring right at her as she took a bite of its tail. She too will need to continue her pratice with chopsticks...she is left handed and that seemed to add another complication to the mix :-)
Thursday Oct 23
We woke to a rainy day in Yokohama and so we hung out at home till it was time to go meet CJ for lunch. We ended up staying home longer than expected as the rain was coming down pretty good and so we opted to meet CJ for dinner instead. We enjoyed our train and subway rides up to northern Yokohama and then the walk along the path through the woods to Graco. Jean got to meet a few of CJ's secretaries and Tad while getting a tour of his office and the newely renovated and cleaned up building. WOW...what a difference new carpet, paint and some banners made. It felt like a whole different building than when I first saw it back in July. Nice Job Ceeg!
We then made our way to a Hawaiian restaurant for supper where Jean and I enjoyed some very good Pina Coladas decked out with umbrella's, pineapple and sparklers. She too enjoyed the slide show on the wall as we ate dinner and she remembered the fun times she had with Harley when they traveled there for their 25th Anniversary.
More tomorrow from Kyoto
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Tues Oct 21 ,2008 Walking in sunshine whoo hoo....
Konbonwa
Karla here and I finally had a minute to check up on my friend Randee's daughter Lauren Molitor. Remember when I told you about the girl who got squashed between the two trucks at her sorority car wash and was left in critical condition with two crushed lungs. Well she walked out of the hospital on her own this week only 41 days after her freak accident and is now back home with her family and continuing her recovery and months of therapy from there.
WOW!!! I am once again amazed at this family and the strength, grace and miracle they have once more been blessed with.
If you would like to check out the news articles about Lauren and videos from TV coverage near Milwaukee WI..... see these web sites or type in Blackle Lauren Molitor Milwakee WI and hit search
http://www.examiner.com/r-2937187~Crash_victim_walks_out_of_hospital.html
http://www.examiner.com/r-2936776~Lauren_Molitor_Goes_Home_From_Hospital.html
http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/31161634.html
So with that good news in mind Jean and I headed out today on our own leisurely walk along the Yokohama Harbor. It was another gorgeous fall day here in Japan and there were many people out enjoying the warm temps and time with each other.
We first stopped to tour the Yokohama Doll Museum and it was very interesting to see dolls from all over the world and also to learn how the Japanese make their dolls. They mold them with pressed wood shavings and then paint them.
Got a few "illegal pics" before I realized I was not supposed to be snaping away in the building. We had a nice chat with a lady volunteer who was very eager to explain what some of the Japanese words meant and she too, was quite impressed that I was actually taking notes and writing stuff down. They had a teddy bear exhibit too, but were missing a very important one in their collection. Smokey the Bear of which I have one from my childhood...perhaps I could sell it to them for some BIG $yen$? :-)
We took some more legal photos in the doll making classroom and had fun chatting with two little older ladies. They even gave us each a little tassle cloth ball charm they were making.
Everyone keeps thinking JEan and I are good friends. They are VERY surprised when I tell them Jean is my mother in law, and they can't believe she is 71yrs old. I am beginning to wonder if my gray hair makes me look older and if I too should color mine?
I doubt if I will, but I sure would like to cut it..I feel like a bush woman with this long manging mess.
We then walked along the waters edge and over to the Landmark Tower in the Minato Mirai area of town.
Stopped for a bite to eat along the way and people watched. It was fun to observe all the different fall styles now days. Many of the young girls are wearing 1001 different kinds of boots with either black leggings or knee socks of some variety and then jean shorts with vests with fur trim and knit hats with big tassle balls of yarn on top. Jean and I are sweating to death and we can't figure out why they aren't with so much heavy stuff on already and it is not even cold yet. I wonder what they wear when it gets cold and snowy ??
Saw a young girl with long black straight hair down to her knees. Some man was busy taking pics of her as she flipped her hair about. She said she hadn't cut it in 13 years. WOW! You don't see that much any more.
I took pics of the metal sculpture I think looks like a roller coaster and we peeked inside the tower to see what it was inside and found it to be more shopping stores. Thankfully Jean doesn't like to shop either and so we avoided all that and went to Chinatown to eat some supper before coming back home.
We have had another quiet relaxing night reading, watching TV, doing computer work and waiting for CJ to come home. He just now showed up at 10:30pm and so I had better go and check up with him on his workday and to see how the big product launch went. More tomorrow from Tokyo perhaps?
Karla
Karla here and I finally had a minute to check up on my friend Randee's daughter Lauren Molitor. Remember when I told you about the girl who got squashed between the two trucks at her sorority car wash and was left in critical condition with two crushed lungs. Well she walked out of the hospital on her own this week only 41 days after her freak accident and is now back home with her family and continuing her recovery and months of therapy from there.
WOW!!! I am once again amazed at this family and the strength, grace and miracle they have once more been blessed with.
If you would like to check out the news articles about Lauren and videos from TV coverage near Milwaukee WI..... see these web sites or type in Blackle Lauren Molitor Milwakee WI and hit search
http://www.examiner.com/r-2937187~Crash_victim_walks_out_of_hospital.html
http://www.examiner.com/r-2936776~Lauren_Molitor_Goes_Home_From_Hospital.html
http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/31161634.html
So with that good news in mind Jean and I headed out today on our own leisurely walk along the Yokohama Harbor. It was another gorgeous fall day here in Japan and there were many people out enjoying the warm temps and time with each other.
We first stopped to tour the Yokohama Doll Museum and it was very interesting to see dolls from all over the world and also to learn how the Japanese make their dolls. They mold them with pressed wood shavings and then paint them.
Got a few "illegal pics" before I realized I was not supposed to be snaping away in the building. We had a nice chat with a lady volunteer who was very eager to explain what some of the Japanese words meant and she too, was quite impressed that I was actually taking notes and writing stuff down. They had a teddy bear exhibit too, but were missing a very important one in their collection. Smokey the Bear of which I have one from my childhood...perhaps I could sell it to them for some BIG $yen$? :-)
We took some more legal photos in the doll making classroom and had fun chatting with two little older ladies. They even gave us each a little tassle cloth ball charm they were making.
Everyone keeps thinking JEan and I are good friends. They are VERY surprised when I tell them Jean is my mother in law, and they can't believe she is 71yrs old. I am beginning to wonder if my gray hair makes me look older and if I too should color mine?
I doubt if I will, but I sure would like to cut it..I feel like a bush woman with this long manging mess.
We then walked along the waters edge and over to the Landmark Tower in the Minato Mirai area of town.
Stopped for a bite to eat along the way and people watched. It was fun to observe all the different fall styles now days. Many of the young girls are wearing 1001 different kinds of boots with either black leggings or knee socks of some variety and then jean shorts with vests with fur trim and knit hats with big tassle balls of yarn on top. Jean and I are sweating to death and we can't figure out why they aren't with so much heavy stuff on already and it is not even cold yet. I wonder what they wear when it gets cold and snowy ??
Saw a young girl with long black straight hair down to her knees. Some man was busy taking pics of her as she flipped her hair about. She said she hadn't cut it in 13 years. WOW! You don't see that much any more.
I took pics of the metal sculpture I think looks like a roller coaster and we peeked inside the tower to see what it was inside and found it to be more shopping stores. Thankfully Jean doesn't like to shop either and so we avoided all that and went to Chinatown to eat some supper before coming back home.
We have had another quiet relaxing night reading, watching TV, doing computer work and waiting for CJ to come home. He just now showed up at 10:30pm and so I had better go and check up with him on his workday and to see how the big product launch went. More tomorrow from Tokyo perhaps?
Karla
Monday, October 20, 2008
Oct 20, 2008 .....Sankeien Gardens
Jean and I were off to check out the craft shops and then Sankeien Gardens today. She was so happy to find the Japanese cloth squares of material to give as little gifts to her quilting friends. We then stopped at the market for fresh mandarin oranges and some delicious cranberry creamcheese and pumpkin pastries. Got a chicken salad sandwich as well, for our picnic lunch.
We walked all along the mom and pop shopping street and Jean got to met Charlie the produce guy who is constantly moving about like a busy bumble bee. When we sat at a corner park for a quick rest and a bite to eat we were joined by a mom Hiromi and here little girl Rioghna (pronounced Rihanna)who werer passing by. They just moved here from Wash DC and had lived in Guatemala prior to that for 2 years. Her husband is American and was in the Navy but now works for the state dept in the Embassy.
Hiromi is Japan down by Nagaski.
We then made our way toward the Garden, but first stopped to deliver realtor John his packet of extra large size socks. He had told us when helping find an apartment that he too has big feet and he had a hard time finding socks to fit him and so CJ got him some size 12's when he was back in MN. He smiled and was very happy to get them. John too commented on how all the office employees are loving the Caribou Coffee we gave him as well.
We made it to the garden and had a very leisurly day meandering through wooded paths,over the numerous different style bridges, through the bamboo tunnel up to the 3 story pagoda high up on the hill. Saw a few folks walking in the park who were dressed in their traditonal colorful Kimonos and also enjoyed viewing some live and very funky art displays and photo exhibits. A couple intimately rolling intertwined on the floor, fog and mist being sprayed through different parts of the woods, and a voice talking from a speaker behind some bushes along the pond banks?
Back home we ate an early supper and then I got caught up on these blogs while Jean did some more reading, relaxing and she checked out the english news broadcast. CJ made it home late and then we waited to hear from Graham who was going to the urgent care as he may have separated his shoulder in his Rugby tourney this weekend?
I am now caught up and we will see how early we wake up in the am. We may go to Tokyo depending on how our legs feel and what our energy level is like, and if we are too tired, then perhaps a local visit to the Doll Museum and a walk not a ride through Chinatown.
It is now 12:20 am and so I will say Good Night or Good Morning..whichever you prefer
Karla CJ and Jean
We walked all along the mom and pop shopping street and Jean got to met Charlie the produce guy who is constantly moving about like a busy bumble bee. When we sat at a corner park for a quick rest and a bite to eat we were joined by a mom Hiromi and here little girl Rioghna (pronounced Rihanna)who werer passing by. They just moved here from Wash DC and had lived in Guatemala prior to that for 2 years. Her husband is American and was in the Navy but now works for the state dept in the Embassy.
Hiromi is Japan down by Nagaski.
We then made our way toward the Garden, but first stopped to deliver realtor John his packet of extra large size socks. He had told us when helping find an apartment that he too has big feet and he had a hard time finding socks to fit him and so CJ got him some size 12's when he was back in MN. He smiled and was very happy to get them. John too commented on how all the office employees are loving the Caribou Coffee we gave him as well.
We made it to the garden and had a very leisurly day meandering through wooded paths,over the numerous different style bridges, through the bamboo tunnel up to the 3 story pagoda high up on the hill. Saw a few folks walking in the park who were dressed in their traditonal colorful Kimonos and also enjoyed viewing some live and very funky art displays and photo exhibits. A couple intimately rolling intertwined on the floor, fog and mist being sprayed through different parts of the woods, and a voice talking from a speaker behind some bushes along the pond banks?
Back home we ate an early supper and then I got caught up on these blogs while Jean did some more reading, relaxing and she checked out the english news broadcast. CJ made it home late and then we waited to hear from Graham who was going to the urgent care as he may have separated his shoulder in his Rugby tourney this weekend?
I am now caught up and we will see how early we wake up in the am. We may go to Tokyo depending on how our legs feel and what our energy level is like, and if we are too tired, then perhaps a local visit to the Doll Museum and a walk not a ride through Chinatown.
It is now 12:20 am and so I will say Good Night or Good Morning..whichever you prefer
Karla CJ and Jean
Saturday Oct 18, 2008 Hakone and Mt Fuji-san
Happy 82nd Birthday to my mom Solvei.
CJ was able to join his mom and I today on our exploration to Hakone. It was a day of trains, subways, taxis, gondola, boats, busses... We left early and took the train and subway to Shin Yokohama. There we boarded the Shinkansen (bullet train) which averages 200mph. It took us about 20 minutes it seemed to get to Hakone. Jean said she was glad she didn't go to the bathroom, or she would have missed the whole trip.
When we got to Hakone we then transferred to the electric train and rode that back and forth up the mountain switchbacks to the Chokokunomori stop and the Hakone Open Air Museum. We enjoyed a nice relaxing walk looking at the numerous statues and art works by Picasso. Jean and I after hitching our long flowing skirts up and around our legs, stepped in and sat down to enjoy a hot and very soothing foot bath. We then made our way through the rest of the park and up into the stain glass tower with so many beautiful colors glowing brightly in the sun.
We walked back to the train and rode it further up the mountain to the cable car platform. We stood in line for quite some time and then it seemed to be growing longer and longer and we were not going anywhere, so finally CJ went and asked what was up and we were told the doors were broken and so we could either go back down on the train and by pass the rest of the tour, or walk 30 minutes up the mountain side to get to the ropeway or gondola ride over the sulfer pits.
We started to walk up the very steep hill, but after reaching the 3nd cable platform we figured it was just too much of a hike so CJ flagged down a taxi. We thankfully arrived very quickly to the ropeway station and then boarded the gondola. WOW....what a view and a drop off we saw when we reached the 1st summit and then swayed way high above the steaming yellow sulfer pits below us. In the distance we too, got a glimpse of the top of Mount FUJI. Yeah, so CJ and I finally got to see what it was that we climbed back in late August in the cold, wind and rain.
We continued on the gondola and down to Lake Ashi, where we then boarded a ship and sailed across the lake while the sun was beginning to set behind the mountian tops. Once we were across the lake we caught a bus back to the train station and then back on the Bullet train to Shin-Yokohama. It reminded me of the Norway in a Nutshell tour Jean and I took in Norway last August 2007.
We were all pretty tired and hungry and so we stopped at the Ramen Museum to have a quick bowl of soup for dinner. We tried out shop #3 veggie pork recipe and shop #7 which was quite a robust soup with as strong garlic flavor. Walking back home from Ishikowacho station we came upon crowds of people in the street at what looked to be something like a taste of Motomachi celebration. All kinds of cooking was going on and people were drinking, music bands were playing and it looked like a good time. Too bad we don't know enught Jpanese yet to decpiher the signs . We knew NOTHING about it before then :-( We continued on and made our way through the mass of people and then up the slope and Stairmaster...and back home where we all plopped on the couch and in the chair while we savored our reward for the long travel day...what else but our favorite Jumbo-cho.:-P
Sunday October 19th
CJ had to work as he has a big new product launch on Monday and Tuesday. Jean and I had planned to go to Tokyo and try to find the Harajuku Girls, but it was a cloudy and overcast day and I just woke up pooped. So we ended up taking a day off and we just hung around the house and I did some catch up work on the computer,while Jean read and watched TV, relaxed. In the late afternoon we walked down to the mom and pop stores for some fresh meat and to look at her craft shops, but they were all closed up. Thankfully the grocery store was still open and we able to get some burger to make spaghetti for supper.
CJ was able to join his mom and I today on our exploration to Hakone. It was a day of trains, subways, taxis, gondola, boats, busses... We left early and took the train and subway to Shin Yokohama. There we boarded the Shinkansen (bullet train) which averages 200mph. It took us about 20 minutes it seemed to get to Hakone. Jean said she was glad she didn't go to the bathroom, or she would have missed the whole trip.
When we got to Hakone we then transferred to the electric train and rode that back and forth up the mountain switchbacks to the Chokokunomori stop and the Hakone Open Air Museum. We enjoyed a nice relaxing walk looking at the numerous statues and art works by Picasso. Jean and I after hitching our long flowing skirts up and around our legs, stepped in and sat down to enjoy a hot and very soothing foot bath. We then made our way through the rest of the park and up into the stain glass tower with so many beautiful colors glowing brightly in the sun.
We walked back to the train and rode it further up the mountain to the cable car platform. We stood in line for quite some time and then it seemed to be growing longer and longer and we were not going anywhere, so finally CJ went and asked what was up and we were told the doors were broken and so we could either go back down on the train and by pass the rest of the tour, or walk 30 minutes up the mountain side to get to the ropeway or gondola ride over the sulfer pits.
We started to walk up the very steep hill, but after reaching the 3nd cable platform we figured it was just too much of a hike so CJ flagged down a taxi. We thankfully arrived very quickly to the ropeway station and then boarded the gondola. WOW....what a view and a drop off we saw when we reached the 1st summit and then swayed way high above the steaming yellow sulfer pits below us. In the distance we too, got a glimpse of the top of Mount FUJI. Yeah, so CJ and I finally got to see what it was that we climbed back in late August in the cold, wind and rain.
We continued on the gondola and down to Lake Ashi, where we then boarded a ship and sailed across the lake while the sun was beginning to set behind the mountian tops. Once we were across the lake we caught a bus back to the train station and then back on the Bullet train to Shin-Yokohama. It reminded me of the Norway in a Nutshell tour Jean and I took in Norway last August 2007.
We were all pretty tired and hungry and so we stopped at the Ramen Museum to have a quick bowl of soup for dinner. We tried out shop #3 veggie pork recipe and shop #7 which was quite a robust soup with as strong garlic flavor. Walking back home from Ishikowacho station we came upon crowds of people in the street at what looked to be something like a taste of Motomachi celebration. All kinds of cooking was going on and people were drinking, music bands were playing and it looked like a good time. Too bad we don't know enught Jpanese yet to decpiher the signs . We knew NOTHING about it before then :-( We continued on and made our way through the mass of people and then up the slope and Stairmaster...and back home where we all plopped on the couch and in the chair while we savored our reward for the long travel day...what else but our favorite Jumbo-cho.:-P
Sunday October 19th
CJ had to work as he has a big new product launch on Monday and Tuesday. Jean and I had planned to go to Tokyo and try to find the Harajuku Girls, but it was a cloudy and overcast day and I just woke up pooped. So we ended up taking a day off and we just hung around the house and I did some catch up work on the computer,while Jean read and watched TV, relaxed. In the late afternoon we walked down to the mom and pop stores for some fresh meat and to look at her craft shops, but they were all closed up. Thankfully the grocery store was still open and we able to get some burger to make spaghetti for supper.
Friday Oct 17, 2008 Shrines and Temples in Kamakura
Hi all
Sorry these blog updates are loooooooong over due. Jean and I have been very busy and seeing lots of stuff here in Japan. We are walking a ton and enjoying absolutely beautiful indian summer fall weather. Hum..I wonder if they call it that here or if they have a different name for beautiful warm fall days?
On Friday Jean and I took the train down to Kamakura south of here about 20 minutes. When we got to Kamakura we transferred to an electric train that took us a bit further to Hase and there we walked down to the Yugihama Beach on Sagami Bay and had a little picnic lunch while we watched some kids on a field trip playing in the water. The beach looked very different from July in the heat of the summer when it was packed with people and multi colored umbrellas, restaurants...
There were a few different preschool groups there and then some kids from high school walked by and were looking at a dead ray ?(bat or sting) of some sort with me. A few people were sunbathing there faces only as they sat up against the stone wall,while a few fisherman were working on their nets and another one had several trays of sardines drying in the sunlight.
We then made our way to check out a few of the different Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples in the city. There are over 30 some there I believe and we made it to just 6
of them. We passed a few little ones near the beach and a cemetary before we went to the Hasedera Temple. This temple is best known for its statue of Kannon "the goddess of mercy". No Photos allowed. We saw many little stones figures all over the grounds and people were lighting candles, bying bouquersts of flowers, writing wishes on rocks, and wood tablets .... We did see some very tired, but happy elderly pilgrims arriving in their white outfits. There is a pilgrimage route that takes people to over 80 different sites throughout Japan and they wear all white clothes while walking along the path. We walked past a bamboo grove and then climbed up some steep steps for a view of the coast and Kamakura shoreline.
After leaving this temple and on our way to the Great Buddha, we stopped to have a baked rice cracker dipped in soy sauce, but this time no tea was given with it.
The BIG Buddha was very crowded with many school kids there on field trip. Lots of buisness men and toursits as well. It was fun just to sit and watch the children. One guy we asked to take our photo thought I was danish by my size and with my yellow shirt on.
We then got on the bus and rode to the center of town to see the BIG Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shinto Shrine.It surprised me to see all the leaves had already fallen off the cherry trees that line the long boulevard. When we entered under the large red tori gates and walked up over the arched red bridges we found the two ponds were all empty of plants and only had men at work pulling out the last of the lotus roots and putting the roots into the boats they were pulling behind them. It was a very different site than the big lushious green plants with pink lotus blossoms CJ and I saw in July.
We made our way back to the train station and headed back to Yokohama. It was a very warm day and we were pretty tired out by the time we got back home.
Sorry these blog updates are loooooooong over due. Jean and I have been very busy and seeing lots of stuff here in Japan. We are walking a ton and enjoying absolutely beautiful indian summer fall weather. Hum..I wonder if they call it that here or if they have a different name for beautiful warm fall days?
On Friday Jean and I took the train down to Kamakura south of here about 20 minutes. When we got to Kamakura we transferred to an electric train that took us a bit further to Hase and there we walked down to the Yugihama Beach on Sagami Bay and had a little picnic lunch while we watched some kids on a field trip playing in the water. The beach looked very different from July in the heat of the summer when it was packed with people and multi colored umbrellas, restaurants...
There were a few different preschool groups there and then some kids from high school walked by and were looking at a dead ray ?(bat or sting) of some sort with me. A few people were sunbathing there faces only as they sat up against the stone wall,while a few fisherman were working on their nets and another one had several trays of sardines drying in the sunlight.
We then made our way to check out a few of the different Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples in the city. There are over 30 some there I believe and we made it to just 6
of them. We passed a few little ones near the beach and a cemetary before we went to the Hasedera Temple. This temple is best known for its statue of Kannon "the goddess of mercy". No Photos allowed. We saw many little stones figures all over the grounds and people were lighting candles, bying bouquersts of flowers, writing wishes on rocks, and wood tablets .... We did see some very tired, but happy elderly pilgrims arriving in their white outfits. There is a pilgrimage route that takes people to over 80 different sites throughout Japan and they wear all white clothes while walking along the path. We walked past a bamboo grove and then climbed up some steep steps for a view of the coast and Kamakura shoreline.
After leaving this temple and on our way to the Great Buddha, we stopped to have a baked rice cracker dipped in soy sauce, but this time no tea was given with it.
The BIG Buddha was very crowded with many school kids there on field trip. Lots of buisness men and toursits as well. It was fun just to sit and watch the children. One guy we asked to take our photo thought I was danish by my size and with my yellow shirt on.
We then got on the bus and rode to the center of town to see the BIG Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shinto Shrine.It surprised me to see all the leaves had already fallen off the cherry trees that line the long boulevard. When we entered under the large red tori gates and walked up over the arched red bridges we found the two ponds were all empty of plants and only had men at work pulling out the last of the lotus roots and putting the roots into the boats they were pulling behind them. It was a very different site than the big lushious green plants with pink lotus blossoms CJ and I saw in July.
We made our way back to the train station and headed back to Yokohama. It was a very warm day and we were pretty tired out by the time we got back home.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Sunday Oct 12th Sports Day with YUMI and family
Wow ... I guess my mind is totally preoccupied with my dad and what is going on with him back home in MN. I just realized I totally forgot to tell about my fun day last weekend when I spent all day Sunday with my Costco friends Maggie, Toru and their little daughter Yumi at her schools sports day. It is a Catholic Preschool and Kindergarten center. It was GORGEOUS weather and a perfect Indian summer day with high 70 degree temps... I actually came home with a bit of a sunburn.
I enjoyed relay races, parent and tot games, dancing with the 78 year old lady principal and a game of musical chairs with all the moms.
We too enjoyed some good sticky rice treats Toru's mom made for us for lunch. Afterwards we went to Costco and then they dropped me off at home and we had some ramen soap, crackers, veggies and dessert before they went home
It was a great day.
I enjoyed relay races, parent and tot games, dancing with the 78 year old lady principal and a game of musical chairs with all the moms.
We too enjoyed some good sticky rice treats Toru's mom made for us for lunch. Afterwards we went to Costco and then they dropped me off at home and we had some ramen soap, crackers, veggies and dessert before they went home
It was a great day.
Oct 16, 2008 Mansions, Roses, Piano Concert
Good Evening
Gma Jean and CJ are both in bed after there 2 lil cups of sake and I am trying to catch up with a little book work before I too retire for the night. Talked with my brother briefly this am and he had just dropped by dad off at the rehab center and was then going to pick my mom up and bring her over to visit dad. Bernard has left Mercy Hospital and is now in residing for the next 2 weeks or so at Innsbruck Benedictine Health Center in New Brighton MN. I will call him in the am for another update on how things re going.
Gma Jean and I had a fun and rather relaxing day today looking at all the western style mansions up here on the bluff in Yamate-cho. Many were decorated for Halloween as they have a Halloween Walk Event on the 26th where kids can come dressed up and do trick or treat. They do NOT do it door to door in the neighborhoods here in Japan, like we do back in the states.
We stopped by the Tin Toy Museum and a Christmas shop that was loaded with ornaments of all kinds. Fun to see all the old toys the kids here in Japan have had over the past years.
The rose garden at Harbor View park was a rainbow of color today with roses blooming in every color imaginable... red, yellow, pink, orange, white, purple, fushisa,and various multi color ones too.
After touring 5 of the 7 houses on the bluff, we attended the first professional piano recital of a 25yr old young lady who just graduated from Ferris Univ in April 2008. Her name is Ariko Akiyama and she has been playing since she was 6yrs old. Her favorite composer is Mozart and she would love to go study some more in Germany or Austria. She was excellent and so kind to visit with Jean and I after the concert while we enjoyed a cup of tea and some pound cake. Ariko too, was very gracious and took a photo with us as well. We think she will have a very successful pro career. Amazing!!
We then went to the grocery for some more veggies and then back home to relax, and read up on Kamakura where we will go tomorrow. CJ is tied up with work tomorrow night and on Sunday, so Jean and I will head south to Kamakura tomorrow, Saturday to Hakone area with CJ and then Sunday when he is busy again we will head to Tokyo and the parks, Tokyo Tower, Harajuku, Yoyogi park...??
More soon
Karla CJ Gma Jean
Gma Jean and CJ are both in bed after there 2 lil cups of sake and I am trying to catch up with a little book work before I too retire for the night. Talked with my brother briefly this am and he had just dropped by dad off at the rehab center and was then going to pick my mom up and bring her over to visit dad. Bernard has left Mercy Hospital and is now in residing for the next 2 weeks or so at Innsbruck Benedictine Health Center in New Brighton MN. I will call him in the am for another update on how things re going.
Gma Jean and I had a fun and rather relaxing day today looking at all the western style mansions up here on the bluff in Yamate-cho. Many were decorated for Halloween as they have a Halloween Walk Event on the 26th where kids can come dressed up and do trick or treat. They do NOT do it door to door in the neighborhoods here in Japan, like we do back in the states.
We stopped by the Tin Toy Museum and a Christmas shop that was loaded with ornaments of all kinds. Fun to see all the old toys the kids here in Japan have had over the past years.
The rose garden at Harbor View park was a rainbow of color today with roses blooming in every color imaginable... red, yellow, pink, orange, white, purple, fushisa,and various multi color ones too.
After touring 5 of the 7 houses on the bluff, we attended the first professional piano recital of a 25yr old young lady who just graduated from Ferris Univ in April 2008. Her name is Ariko Akiyama and she has been playing since she was 6yrs old. Her favorite composer is Mozart and she would love to go study some more in Germany or Austria. She was excellent and so kind to visit with Jean and I after the concert while we enjoyed a cup of tea and some pound cake. Ariko too, was very gracious and took a photo with us as well. We think she will have a very successful pro career. Amazing!!
We then went to the grocery for some more veggies and then back home to relax, and read up on Kamakura where we will go tomorrow. CJ is tied up with work tomorrow night and on Sunday, so Jean and I will head south to Kamakura tomorrow, Saturday to Hakone area with CJ and then Sunday when he is busy again we will head to Tokyo and the parks, Tokyo Tower, Harajuku, Yoyogi park...??
More soon
Karla CJ Gma Jean
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Oct 13-15, 2008 Gma Jean is here in Japan
Ohayogozaimus..Good Morning
It is a bright, sunny, and very clear day here in Japan and Gma Jean and I will soon be out on another day of exploration.
Sorry I have not written on here much lately. I as you may or may not know have been busy trying to keep up with the happenings back in MN with my dad Bernard Slick.
See his Caring Bridge site http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bernardmslick
The news we got yesterday was a bit of a let down for all, as we were told my dad has Large B Cell Primary Lymphoma. This is in his blood stream and can cause tumors to reoccur in the brain, so you can imagine our lives have been turned a bit upside down.
Bernie will be undergoing chemo and radiation in the next few weeks and on. They were going to send him home yesterday from the hospital, but after meeting with the oncologist and getting this info, now they are keeping him there a few more days and hope to get him in to some type of rehab center for a week or so, before going home.
So with that news disturbing news, Jean and I went back yesterday to the forest in Negishi Park and I enjoyed a dance under the tree where I felt to close to my family the other day after I got news of the brain tumor. It helped to be there again and to see the now small area of bright yellow leaves changing in the canopy overhead. Before visiting the "family tree" Jean and I sat by the pond and watched the bright colored, orange and yellow coi fish swimming amongst the yellow Lilly pad blossoms. We also had quite a show by the numerous ducks who were going through their morning ritual bathing procedures while having a snack of various Japanese type eats and some veggies too. (potatoe patties, bean filled rice balls, lemon tea, juicy asian pears, rice crackers, carrots, cukes, nut and cranberry mix ...)
After a quite walk through the park and watching other picnicking, looking at flowers and leaves Jean and I then walked back through Yamatch-cho and down the long slope to Ishikawacho and then thru the Motomachi shopping district. We stopped and got a pastry for our lunch dessert and took a few photos with a cute and funky girl at a clothing shop. We went over the bridge across the canal and into Chinatown. There we stopped and looked at one of the shrines and then we took a Rick saw ride with Hoshi as our diver or runner ? He was so friendly, fun and had a great BIG smile
He stopped and took pics of us at each the the special locations with out even being asked..now that is a good tour guide. :-)
Jean and I then looked around the gardens at Yamashita Park near the waters edge at Yokohama Harbor. There were lots of people out enjoying a beautiful fall day here in Japan. We then stopped at Don's for a resupply of juices and then made our way back home up the slope and the dreaded StairMaster in our backyard. Had a nice meal with CJ here at home and enjoyed just hanging out in the house and visiting with one another. It was a very nice day and one which had many elements of which my dad would have enjoyed if he was here with us. I feel as if he was in spirit.
Today Thursday 10/16 Jean and I are headed to Harbor View Park, a few of the old western mansions and maybe a craft shop or two along my mom and pop street. Tomorrow we are planning to go south to check out Kamakura, the beach and the numerous shrines and temples there.
I will now bid you farewell so we can be off and into the streets. Hope to fill you in on more adventures soon
Love ya
Karla ,Jean and CJ too
It is a bright, sunny, and very clear day here in Japan and Gma Jean and I will soon be out on another day of exploration.
Sorry I have not written on here much lately. I as you may or may not know have been busy trying to keep up with the happenings back in MN with my dad Bernard Slick.
See his Caring Bridge site http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bernardmslick
The news we got yesterday was a bit of a let down for all, as we were told my dad has Large B Cell Primary Lymphoma. This is in his blood stream and can cause tumors to reoccur in the brain, so you can imagine our lives have been turned a bit upside down.
Bernie will be undergoing chemo and radiation in the next few weeks and on. They were going to send him home yesterday from the hospital, but after meeting with the oncologist and getting this info, now they are keeping him there a few more days and hope to get him in to some type of rehab center for a week or so, before going home.
So with that news disturbing news, Jean and I went back yesterday to the forest in Negishi Park and I enjoyed a dance under the tree where I felt to close to my family the other day after I got news of the brain tumor. It helped to be there again and to see the now small area of bright yellow leaves changing in the canopy overhead. Before visiting the "family tree" Jean and I sat by the pond and watched the bright colored, orange and yellow coi fish swimming amongst the yellow Lilly pad blossoms. We also had quite a show by the numerous ducks who were going through their morning ritual bathing procedures while having a snack of various Japanese type eats and some veggies too. (potatoe patties, bean filled rice balls, lemon tea, juicy asian pears, rice crackers, carrots, cukes, nut and cranberry mix ...)
After a quite walk through the park and watching other picnicking, looking at flowers and leaves Jean and I then walked back through Yamatch-cho and down the long slope to Ishikawacho and then thru the Motomachi shopping district. We stopped and got a pastry for our lunch dessert and took a few photos with a cute and funky girl at a clothing shop. We went over the bridge across the canal and into Chinatown. There we stopped and looked at one of the shrines and then we took a Rick saw ride with Hoshi as our diver or runner ? He was so friendly, fun and had a great BIG smile
He stopped and took pics of us at each the the special locations with out even being asked..now that is a good tour guide. :-)
Jean and I then looked around the gardens at Yamashita Park near the waters edge at Yokohama Harbor. There were lots of people out enjoying a beautiful fall day here in Japan. We then stopped at Don's for a resupply of juices and then made our way back home up the slope and the dreaded StairMaster in our backyard. Had a nice meal with CJ here at home and enjoyed just hanging out in the house and visiting with one another. It was a very nice day and one which had many elements of which my dad would have enjoyed if he was here with us. I feel as if he was in spirit.
Today Thursday 10/16 Jean and I are headed to Harbor View Park, a few of the old western mansions and maybe a craft shop or two along my mom and pop street. Tomorrow we are planning to go south to check out Kamakura, the beach and the numerous shrines and temples there.
I will now bid you farewell so we can be off and into the streets. Hope to fill you in on more adventures soon
Love ya
Karla ,Jean and CJ too
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Oct 10-12, 2008 See Caring Bridge Site on Bernie Slick
Hi All
It is 1:30 am here in Japan in the wee hours of the morning on 10/13 08 and I have got to get to bed, so this will be short and sweet for now. I had plans to be in bed by 10pm, but as you can see that did not happen.:-)
As I think most of you know, my dad Bernard Slick had brain surgery on Oct 10th in MN to remove what was found to be a cancerous tumor. They found it to also be in his blood stream as well, but at this point he is doing great and seems to be talking quite normal to me via the phone.
Please check out this new Caring Bridge site I started for him, per his request.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bernardmslick
Thanks to all of you for your emails and notes of support, prayers and good thoughts. It makes my dad and family feel very good to know that so many people are praying for him and in touch with all of us at this trying time.
I hope to get back to this sight in the next week when CJ and is mom get here to Japan. I am looking forward to doing something different for awhile and to explore more of the local sights. I have literally been house bound most of the week and on this computer trying to communicate what is going on. I thank you for listening to all my ramblings, as it really has helped me to deal with all of this from afar, and I hope it has not been too burdensome for you.
Nighty night
Karla
It is 1:30 am here in Japan in the wee hours of the morning on 10/13 08 and I have got to get to bed, so this will be short and sweet for now. I had plans to be in bed by 10pm, but as you can see that did not happen.:-)
As I think most of you know, my dad Bernard Slick had brain surgery on Oct 10th in MN to remove what was found to be a cancerous tumor. They found it to also be in his blood stream as well, but at this point he is doing great and seems to be talking quite normal to me via the phone.
Please check out this new Caring Bridge site I started for him, per his request.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bernardmslick
Thanks to all of you for your emails and notes of support, prayers and good thoughts. It makes my dad and family feel very good to know that so many people are praying for him and in touch with all of us at this trying time.
I hope to get back to this sight in the next week when CJ and is mom get here to Japan. I am looking forward to doing something different for awhile and to explore more of the local sights. I have literally been house bound most of the week and on this computer trying to communicate what is going on. I thank you for listening to all my ramblings, as it really has helped me to deal with all of this from afar, and I hope it has not been too burdensome for you.
Nighty night
Karla
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Oct 8-9, 2008 A walk in the woods with thoughts of my dad
Konbanwa
Seems like I finally get time to update this blog in the evenings lately.
Hope this finds you all well and perhaps you too enjoyed a day in the park like I?
Yesterday I stayed in the house all day again as it rained, rained and rained some more. I kept very busy with updating and cleaning up more Honduras files,lists, the website photos, logging in deposits, writing letters to friends and family about my dad....
Speaking of him,Bernie is doing well and just waiting for surgery on Friday.
The Full Cat Scan proved to show the tumor is of primary origin, which is good, and he is on a steroid now to help reduce the swelling and inflamation. Then they will do another Cat Scan Friday morning to make sure that it is down and that will be the road map for the extraction that will take place around 1pm on the 10th.
CJ spent some time with him last night and now he is headed for Chicago to see Kalen and Mike for a day and 1/2 before returning to WI and then MN on Saturday and back home on Sunday to Japan with his mom Jean. I have decided to stay here and possibly go back to MN when my dad gets back home from the hospital. I will see what they find on Friday once they remove the tumor and do a biopsy.
We want to Thank all of you who have been sending Emails of prayers and get well wishes. My mom,dad and brother appreciate them alot and it helps to know many are thinking of us as we go through this trying time. Thanks
October 9, 2008
So there is light at the end of the tunnel. YAHOO...I actually woke to SUNSHINE here in Japan and it has not yet rained one drop today and it is almost 10pm. YEAH!!
So this is the next crazy twist to life here in Japan.
I got a phone call this morning from my Chinese friend Maggie. Remember her, the lady and family CJ and I met at Costco that one day. Well she called to ask me if I would like to teach English classes to the engineers at her work. Really ? Hum ?
She said they would pay me per hour and also for my transportation. They would like me to teach 2 classes a week from 4-6 pm. WOW? I was flattered,and would LOVE too, but I feel like I really can't commit with my dad's health issues right now. Darn!
I too, don't even know if it is legal for me, since I don't have a work visa. CJ will have to check on that at work I guess. It sounds very interesting and FUN, yet I wonder if I really have the credentials to do it,or the teaching experience?
I would give it a shot if it is even possible though, so we shall see?
So with my head spinning from that and some frustration too as the timing seems to be off...I decided I need to get out and go snap a few pics..heck it has been 3 days since I ahve been out and baout. So I left the house at 10am and went to the right at the end of the street and just kept walking to see where it took me. I was so surprised when I ended up by the Negishi US Navy Base. Remember that night back in August when we went the wrong way and we walked forever and ever almost all the way around the whole base to find the Obon festival. Well I found the other 1/2 of that walk the one we should have took:-)
It was an absolutely gorgeous early fall day here and the Negishi Forest Park I ended up at was full of school children on field trips or perhaps doing some sport day activities as well. On Monday October 13th it is actually a national holiday Health and Sports Day here in Japan. So there will be many different schools and organizations having health fairs and activities this weekend as well. Maggie may call me,to join them at Yumi's school sports celebration on Sunday?
So down the long set of steps in the park there was a pond with colorful coi fish, turtles sunbathing on an island, lilly pads with yellow blossoms and many a mom and her little one out for a walk and enjoying the weather.
I saw some cute little preschool aged boys with some fall head dresses which were decorated with colored leaves and acorns. I am not so sure where they got the leaves though, as so few are just starting to turn colors? I asked permission to take their photo and then when they were doing a group shot I offered to take it so all the adults could be in it too. Then they had me get in with the kids and took one of me. Of course when this big white lady came and sat down,I scared one of the little ones and he ran crying to his momma. You can see him being comforted by her a few rows behind me. When they took the picture I was trying to tell the kids I really was nice and wouldn't hurt them. :-( When I was going to leave they gave me a little bag with some crackers and a sucker. How sweet! I talked a little bit to the one lady that spoke english and told her about my work and travels to Honduras. I gave her one of my HTS/TSSI business cards and told her to Email me for my blog site, as I asked if I could put their picture here for all of you to see and they said "YES" with very big smiles.:-)
I had all I could do to not hang around and talk some more and take pics of the other cute kids, but I sadly bid them farewell and made my way off into the woods. It was really nice for me to be there amongst the trees and it made me think alot about my dad and mom and how we spent so much time in the woods and camping when I was samll. My dad worked for the US Forest Service for more than 30 years where he designed campgrounds, bath houses, firepits, toilets...It was good, it made me feel close to them even though I am 1000s of miles away. I watched butterflies flitting about,observed a few more spider webs, saw a boys gym class doing warm up exercises before their run around the circle path and sat on a bench and soaked up some sunshine for a few minutes before making my way further down the road. I walked through the Equestrian Horse Museum gardens areas and said hello to a few ponies and an old gray mare. It was nice to see BIG animals again other than all the little dressed up dogs riding in fancy strollers or shopping carts.
I walked past many a fruit and veggie stand, some new mom and pop old japanese shopping areas and took many a flower picture along the way as well. There are so many flowers around with all the container gardens these folks have. Amazing.
I then strolled back home passing kids coming home from school in all their different style uniforms. Made a late lunch, downloaded my pics and have been on the computer again tonight. I will give my dad a call here quick before I go to bed and then again tomorrow when I wake up before he goes to bed. I really do have to use my calendar here alot so to keep track of the days.
More soon
Karla
Seems like I finally get time to update this blog in the evenings lately.
Hope this finds you all well and perhaps you too enjoyed a day in the park like I?
Yesterday I stayed in the house all day again as it rained, rained and rained some more. I kept very busy with updating and cleaning up more Honduras files,lists, the website photos, logging in deposits, writing letters to friends and family about my dad....
Speaking of him,Bernie is doing well and just waiting for surgery on Friday.
The Full Cat Scan proved to show the tumor is of primary origin, which is good, and he is on a steroid now to help reduce the swelling and inflamation. Then they will do another Cat Scan Friday morning to make sure that it is down and that will be the road map for the extraction that will take place around 1pm on the 10th.
CJ spent some time with him last night and now he is headed for Chicago to see Kalen and Mike for a day and 1/2 before returning to WI and then MN on Saturday and back home on Sunday to Japan with his mom Jean. I have decided to stay here and possibly go back to MN when my dad gets back home from the hospital. I will see what they find on Friday once they remove the tumor and do a biopsy.
We want to Thank all of you who have been sending Emails of prayers and get well wishes. My mom,dad and brother appreciate them alot and it helps to know many are thinking of us as we go through this trying time. Thanks
October 9, 2008
So there is light at the end of the tunnel. YAHOO...I actually woke to SUNSHINE here in Japan and it has not yet rained one drop today and it is almost 10pm. YEAH!!
So this is the next crazy twist to life here in Japan.
I got a phone call this morning from my Chinese friend Maggie. Remember her, the lady and family CJ and I met at Costco that one day. Well she called to ask me if I would like to teach English classes to the engineers at her work. Really ? Hum ?
She said they would pay me per hour and also for my transportation. They would like me to teach 2 classes a week from 4-6 pm. WOW? I was flattered,and would LOVE too, but I feel like I really can't commit with my dad's health issues right now. Darn!
I too, don't even know if it is legal for me, since I don't have a work visa. CJ will have to check on that at work I guess. It sounds very interesting and FUN, yet I wonder if I really have the credentials to do it,or the teaching experience?
I would give it a shot if it is even possible though, so we shall see?
So with my head spinning from that and some frustration too as the timing seems to be off...I decided I need to get out and go snap a few pics..heck it has been 3 days since I ahve been out and baout. So I left the house at 10am and went to the right at the end of the street and just kept walking to see where it took me. I was so surprised when I ended up by the Negishi US Navy Base. Remember that night back in August when we went the wrong way and we walked forever and ever almost all the way around the whole base to find the Obon festival. Well I found the other 1/2 of that walk the one we should have took:-)
It was an absolutely gorgeous early fall day here and the Negishi Forest Park I ended up at was full of school children on field trips or perhaps doing some sport day activities as well. On Monday October 13th it is actually a national holiday Health and Sports Day here in Japan. So there will be many different schools and organizations having health fairs and activities this weekend as well. Maggie may call me,to join them at Yumi's school sports celebration on Sunday?
So down the long set of steps in the park there was a pond with colorful coi fish, turtles sunbathing on an island, lilly pads with yellow blossoms and many a mom and her little one out for a walk and enjoying the weather.
I saw some cute little preschool aged boys with some fall head dresses which were decorated with colored leaves and acorns. I am not so sure where they got the leaves though, as so few are just starting to turn colors? I asked permission to take their photo and then when they were doing a group shot I offered to take it so all the adults could be in it too. Then they had me get in with the kids and took one of me. Of course when this big white lady came and sat down,I scared one of the little ones and he ran crying to his momma. You can see him being comforted by her a few rows behind me. When they took the picture I was trying to tell the kids I really was nice and wouldn't hurt them. :-( When I was going to leave they gave me a little bag with some crackers and a sucker. How sweet! I talked a little bit to the one lady that spoke english and told her about my work and travels to Honduras. I gave her one of my HTS/TSSI business cards and told her to Email me for my blog site, as I asked if I could put their picture here for all of you to see and they said "YES" with very big smiles.:-)
I had all I could do to not hang around and talk some more and take pics of the other cute kids, but I sadly bid them farewell and made my way off into the woods. It was really nice for me to be there amongst the trees and it made me think alot about my dad and mom and how we spent so much time in the woods and camping when I was samll. My dad worked for the US Forest Service for more than 30 years where he designed campgrounds, bath houses, firepits, toilets...It was good, it made me feel close to them even though I am 1000s of miles away. I watched butterflies flitting about,observed a few more spider webs, saw a boys gym class doing warm up exercises before their run around the circle path and sat on a bench and soaked up some sunshine for a few minutes before making my way further down the road. I walked through the Equestrian Horse Museum gardens areas and said hello to a few ponies and an old gray mare. It was nice to see BIG animals again other than all the little dressed up dogs riding in fancy strollers or shopping carts.
I walked past many a fruit and veggie stand, some new mom and pop old japanese shopping areas and took many a flower picture along the way as well. There are so many flowers around with all the container gardens these folks have. Amazing.
I then strolled back home passing kids coming home from school in all their different style uniforms. Made a late lunch, downloaded my pics and have been on the computer again tonight. I will give my dad a call here quick before I go to bed and then again tomorrow when I wake up before he goes to bed. I really do have to use my calendar here alot so to keep track of the days.
More soon
Karla
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Oct 6-7, 2008 Please send Prayers to Karla's dad
Konbanwa
How is everyone this evening? Good I hope. I spent most of yesterday in the house again, as it was pouring rain almost all day. I did get out to my japanese class where I learned about numbers, money, and counting and had a refresher on greetings with Rosalie. She is a pretty,young 16 yr old girl from Phillipians(sp) that moved here with her sister for her work. She is very quiet and almost timid.
After class I stopped and bought a longer handled broom so I can sweep all the leaves that are starting to fall and blow outside onto the driveway, front porch and back patio. I felt a bit like a Halloween witch walking back home carrying it (no I did not ride it) and tried to smile when the school kids passed me so as not to scare them. haha
I then made my way to the Homes Department store once the rain had ceased, to stock up on a few household items and a couple groceries. I enjoyed a very fragrant smelling baked sweet potatoe that they had cooking on some kind of stove. It was tasty, but I think I like mine better at home, when I cut them up and steam them. Not as dried out. The evening was spent on the computer and working on Japanese.
Heard from CJ that he had a nice visit with Graham up in Duluth and got to meet all Graham's rugby friends, see where he works and enjoyed a few different mexican meals with Kendra,Tyler,Z and Mr Wood. He is now back in Mpls and had some different workman coming to the house and also some doct appts to go to. Kalen and Mike were in Spring Green WI this past weekend to see some friends in a drama production, and Kalen starts her last semester of massage school on Oct 7th in Chicago, so my guess is they are very busy.
Today Oct 7,2008 in the AM here in Japan...and Oct 6th in the eve in MN (I know it is very confusing) I woke to a phone call from CJ with news that my bother Mark just took my 80 yr old dad(Sept 30th) Bernard Slick into the hospital for some tests. He had fallen 3 times this weekend and so they went to see what was going on. They thought he might have had a stroke, but once they did a CAT scan they realized he has an inflammed mass about the size of a deck of cards on the right side of his brain which is pressurized and affecting his motor skills on the left side of his body. He recently had a pacemaker put in and so they can not do an MRI as I guess the device is magnetized and it would tear it up. He will have a FULL CAT Scan tomorrow and then we should know more. He too had prostrate cancer a few years back and so they want to see if this is a primary origin cancer or if it has matastizied from some other area?
I talked with my dad, mom and brother around Monday Night Football time and they all seemed to be doing well as can be expected and a bit relieved to actually know something was wrong and now they can at least look into it and see what is going on. My dad too, had been having lots of night terrors and flailing his arms in his sleep for about a year or so and was scheduled for a sleep disorder visit on Oct 8th to see what that was all about. I guess all the other medications and therapies they tried did not seem to help him. They were speculating that this tumor may have had something to do with that as well? So we shall see.
I will wait to find out more and then decide when I will go back to MN. I asked if there was anything I could do for him, from far away in Japan and they said they liked the idea of prayer chains and so I told them I would be sure and ask all my friends to please include him in their prayers.
So thank you from all of us Slicks for your caring and support.
Karla
How is everyone this evening? Good I hope. I spent most of yesterday in the house again, as it was pouring rain almost all day. I did get out to my japanese class where I learned about numbers, money, and counting and had a refresher on greetings with Rosalie. She is a pretty,young 16 yr old girl from Phillipians(sp) that moved here with her sister for her work. She is very quiet and almost timid.
After class I stopped and bought a longer handled broom so I can sweep all the leaves that are starting to fall and blow outside onto the driveway, front porch and back patio. I felt a bit like a Halloween witch walking back home carrying it (no I did not ride it) and tried to smile when the school kids passed me so as not to scare them. haha
I then made my way to the Homes Department store once the rain had ceased, to stock up on a few household items and a couple groceries. I enjoyed a very fragrant smelling baked sweet potatoe that they had cooking on some kind of stove. It was tasty, but I think I like mine better at home, when I cut them up and steam them. Not as dried out. The evening was spent on the computer and working on Japanese.
Heard from CJ that he had a nice visit with Graham up in Duluth and got to meet all Graham's rugby friends, see where he works and enjoyed a few different mexican meals with Kendra,Tyler,Z and Mr Wood. He is now back in Mpls and had some different workman coming to the house and also some doct appts to go to. Kalen and Mike were in Spring Green WI this past weekend to see some friends in a drama production, and Kalen starts her last semester of massage school on Oct 7th in Chicago, so my guess is they are very busy.
Today Oct 7,2008 in the AM here in Japan...and Oct 6th in the eve in MN (I know it is very confusing) I woke to a phone call from CJ with news that my bother Mark just took my 80 yr old dad(Sept 30th) Bernard Slick into the hospital for some tests. He had fallen 3 times this weekend and so they went to see what was going on. They thought he might have had a stroke, but once they did a CAT scan they realized he has an inflammed mass about the size of a deck of cards on the right side of his brain which is pressurized and affecting his motor skills on the left side of his body. He recently had a pacemaker put in and so they can not do an MRI as I guess the device is magnetized and it would tear it up. He will have a FULL CAT Scan tomorrow and then we should know more. He too had prostrate cancer a few years back and so they want to see if this is a primary origin cancer or if it has matastizied from some other area?
I talked with my dad, mom and brother around Monday Night Football time and they all seemed to be doing well as can be expected and a bit relieved to actually know something was wrong and now they can at least look into it and see what is going on. My dad too, had been having lots of night terrors and flailing his arms in his sleep for about a year or so and was scheduled for a sleep disorder visit on Oct 8th to see what that was all about. I guess all the other medications and therapies they tried did not seem to help him. They were speculating that this tumor may have had something to do with that as well? So we shall see.
I will wait to find out more and then decide when I will go back to MN. I asked if there was anything I could do for him, from far away in Japan and they said they liked the idea of prayer chains and so I told them I would be sure and ask all my friends to please include him in their prayers.
So thank you from all of us Slicks for your caring and support.
Karla
Sunday, October 5, 2008
October 5, 2008 Nishimoto-sans what a sweet family
Konbanwa
How is everyone enjoying their autumn weekend? Suppose many people are out looking at fall colors back in the north parts of the USA? Still no colored leaves yet here in Japan. But many pretty roses in bloom at the park where I met Kousuke and family this afternoon.
This morning I slept in and then worked around the house and in my office filing, organizing papers, reading up on Kyoto and then off to the park to meet my new friends. What fun we had together. I met them at the Harbor View Park, because that is what they do here in Japan. Keiko the wife was very sweet and Hikari their 2 year old son was so darn cute and full of energy. He loved to run and ran all around the park plaza while we talked there for a 1/2 hour or so.
Then it started to drizzle a bit so I invited them to our house. They were not so sure that was ok to do, on only our first meeting, but I said I don't care if you don't and then they said "OK". So we all walked back to the house along the very busy western mansion road that was very full of Japanese tourists out looking around and enjoying the weather which was nice up until then.
We got back to the house and I gave them a tour of the place and then we sat at the dining room table and visited over apple cinnamon cookies and pineapple juice. I gave Hikari a little M&M decorated metal can earlier at the park,with a bag of M&M candies inside so he was occupied with that for a short while. I then scrounged up some playing cards for him to shuffle around a bit. He was sure very well behaved for 2 1/2 years old. I guess I probably should buy a few little toys to have around here for him to play with when he comes back again? His Bday is in February a day after Graham's.
We had a nice chat and Kousuke explained alot about his work as an animator. He is going to ask his boss if I can come and visit one day and see his workplace. That would be so fun. Tommorrow the company he works for Itoon has a new commercial coming out, so I will have to watch for that on TV. He also showed me channels on TV where I can see some kids cartoons his company has made. FUN!
They are both from Japan, and speak english pretty good for only having it in high school back in the early 1990's and not really using it much since then. I was very impressed. Kousuke was born in Kyoto and then moved to Tokyo when he was 3. He is an only child. Keiko came from the area near Narita airport and she has i sister I think she said. They met in Germany at the university where he studied animation and she real estate. Keiko is a house wife "shufu" like I. She likes hippos too and enjoys making ceramics, she would like to be a potter.
I asked how they happened to go to school in Germany and they said because it was free. I did not know that,did you? I told them we should have sent our kids there...I am surprised alot more people don't take advantage of that? Or then again, maybe they do?
They were here for about 3 hours or so and then they headed home and said next time they would have me over to their home. Yeah! I told them I would love that, and will look forward to it, once they have the new baby and get settled into another new routine. Keiko is due next Sunday October 12th and they are having a little boy.
It was a most enjoyable day and I felt so comfortable and at ease with them, like I have known them forever. I told them, they will have to come back and meet our kids when they are here for Christmas too. They were excited about that. :-)
Well I am for some reason pooped tonight, so I am going to go and try to read some more about Kyoto and then I think I will head to bed early. CJ got to Duluth and was hanging out with Graham and the rugby boys when he Emailed me earlier today. I suppose they are going to be waking soon in MN and will probably make a BIG MAN SIZE breakfast..a thing they enjoy having when together.
I have not heard a word from Kalen and Mike this week, and my guess is they are very busy getting moved in and then settling into their new Chicago apartment.
Our niece Sarah Slick just moved from MN to New York City this week as well, as she recently signed a modeling contract with Wilhemenia Agency. So who knows where we might see her face popping up in the near future? Exciting times for her I am sure.
Well it sounds like it has started to rain here again, and so I hope it does not knock off all the leaves before they get bright and colorful. I should probably turn on the TV one of these days and see what is happening in the world outside my little bubble here on the bluff?
Take Care and hopefully I'll have more things to share later this week. I really have nothing planned but to get things organized around the house, some plans in order for sightseeing when Jean is here and what ever else happens to come about
Oyahosuminasi
Karla
How is everyone enjoying their autumn weekend? Suppose many people are out looking at fall colors back in the north parts of the USA? Still no colored leaves yet here in Japan. But many pretty roses in bloom at the park where I met Kousuke and family this afternoon.
This morning I slept in and then worked around the house and in my office filing, organizing papers, reading up on Kyoto and then off to the park to meet my new friends. What fun we had together. I met them at the Harbor View Park, because that is what they do here in Japan. Keiko the wife was very sweet and Hikari their 2 year old son was so darn cute and full of energy. He loved to run and ran all around the park plaza while we talked there for a 1/2 hour or so.
Then it started to drizzle a bit so I invited them to our house. They were not so sure that was ok to do, on only our first meeting, but I said I don't care if you don't and then they said "OK". So we all walked back to the house along the very busy western mansion road that was very full of Japanese tourists out looking around and enjoying the weather which was nice up until then.
We got back to the house and I gave them a tour of the place and then we sat at the dining room table and visited over apple cinnamon cookies and pineapple juice. I gave Hikari a little M&M decorated metal can earlier at the park,with a bag of M&M candies inside so he was occupied with that for a short while. I then scrounged up some playing cards for him to shuffle around a bit. He was sure very well behaved for 2 1/2 years old. I guess I probably should buy a few little toys to have around here for him to play with when he comes back again? His Bday is in February a day after Graham's.
We had a nice chat and Kousuke explained alot about his work as an animator. He is going to ask his boss if I can come and visit one day and see his workplace. That would be so fun. Tommorrow the company he works for Itoon has a new commercial coming out, so I will have to watch for that on TV. He also showed me channels on TV where I can see some kids cartoons his company has made. FUN!
They are both from Japan, and speak english pretty good for only having it in high school back in the early 1990's and not really using it much since then. I was very impressed. Kousuke was born in Kyoto and then moved to Tokyo when he was 3. He is an only child. Keiko came from the area near Narita airport and she has i sister I think she said. They met in Germany at the university where he studied animation and she real estate. Keiko is a house wife "shufu" like I. She likes hippos too and enjoys making ceramics, she would like to be a potter.
I asked how they happened to go to school in Germany and they said because it was free. I did not know that,did you? I told them we should have sent our kids there...I am surprised alot more people don't take advantage of that? Or then again, maybe they do?
They were here for about 3 hours or so and then they headed home and said next time they would have me over to their home. Yeah! I told them I would love that, and will look forward to it, once they have the new baby and get settled into another new routine. Keiko is due next Sunday October 12th and they are having a little boy.
It was a most enjoyable day and I felt so comfortable and at ease with them, like I have known them forever. I told them, they will have to come back and meet our kids when they are here for Christmas too. They were excited about that. :-)
Well I am for some reason pooped tonight, so I am going to go and try to read some more about Kyoto and then I think I will head to bed early. CJ got to Duluth and was hanging out with Graham and the rugby boys when he Emailed me earlier today. I suppose they are going to be waking soon in MN and will probably make a BIG MAN SIZE breakfast..a thing they enjoy having when together.
I have not heard a word from Kalen and Mike this week, and my guess is they are very busy getting moved in and then settling into their new Chicago apartment.
Our niece Sarah Slick just moved from MN to New York City this week as well, as she recently signed a modeling contract with Wilhemenia Agency. So who knows where we might see her face popping up in the near future? Exciting times for her I am sure.
Well it sounds like it has started to rain here again, and so I hope it does not knock off all the leaves before they get bright and colorful. I should probably turn on the TV one of these days and see what is happening in the world outside my little bubble here on the bluff?
Take Care and hopefully I'll have more things to share later this week. I really have nothing planned but to get things organized around the house, some plans in order for sightseeing when Jean is here and what ever else happens to come about
Oyahosuminasi
Karla
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Oct 3-4th, 2008 ...too much information !!! ?%$@#
It is almost 11pm here on Saturday night 10/4 and I am just about ready for bed as soon as I log in the latest happenings here in Yamate-cho.
I had class yesterday and had a brain freeze, or I was on overload and could NOT take in any more new information:-( I just could not make any connections it seemed, so I just tried to listen to Lee-san read. She did very well.
On my way home from class, I stopped to check out and rent another CD for the week, this is my new Friday ritual and a nice way to get familiar with the Japanese artists and the different styles of music here. I find I like the ballad type easy listening singers so far.
CJ and I did end up going to china town for supper last night and I had some great Cashew chicken, white rice, mango juice,and tea. We shared some of our favorite potsickers and CJ had some beef ramen soup and a beer. We stopped and got some really good coconut macaroon tarts on the way home for dessert. They were awesome!!!
Saturday October 4th
This morning we got up and CJ did some work phone calls and then packed for his trip back to the states. He will work a few days and then go see the kids in Duluth, Chicago and then back to WI to get his mom so she can come back here to Japan with him.
After CJ left I cleaned the house and did more Hogar bookwork and then had my class at the church in the late afternoon.We have lots of young engineers in that class from Korea and the Phillipines. We learned all about the days of the month, and different buildings in the city. Next week we will not have class as they are having their 5th Anniversary Language Fair at a local park and then a free lunch at one of the western mansions just down the street and through the park from our house. If we don't go to Kyoto that weekend with Gma Jean, then we will most likely attend?
After class I came back home, did more computer billing and some emails, met a new guy from Belgium on Facebook and am now getting ready for bed.
Tomorrow I am meeting my new friend Kousuke and his pregnant wife and 2yr old son at the park. I too have some errands to run after, so I will be busy and hopeful that the weather is nice.
Osuminasai
I had class yesterday and had a brain freeze, or I was on overload and could NOT take in any more new information:-( I just could not make any connections it seemed, so I just tried to listen to Lee-san read. She did very well.
On my way home from class, I stopped to check out and rent another CD for the week, this is my new Friday ritual and a nice way to get familiar with the Japanese artists and the different styles of music here. I find I like the ballad type easy listening singers so far.
CJ and I did end up going to china town for supper last night and I had some great Cashew chicken, white rice, mango juice,and tea. We shared some of our favorite potsickers and CJ had some beef ramen soup and a beer. We stopped and got some really good coconut macaroon tarts on the way home for dessert. They were awesome!!!
Saturday October 4th
This morning we got up and CJ did some work phone calls and then packed for his trip back to the states. He will work a few days and then go see the kids in Duluth, Chicago and then back to WI to get his mom so she can come back here to Japan with him.
After CJ left I cleaned the house and did more Hogar bookwork and then had my class at the church in the late afternoon.We have lots of young engineers in that class from Korea and the Phillipines. We learned all about the days of the month, and different buildings in the city. Next week we will not have class as they are having their 5th Anniversary Language Fair at a local park and then a free lunch at one of the western mansions just down the street and through the park from our house. If we don't go to Kyoto that weekend with Gma Jean, then we will most likely attend?
After class I came back home, did more computer billing and some emails, met a new guy from Belgium on Facebook and am now getting ready for bed.
Tomorrow I am meeting my new friend Kousuke and his pregnant wife and 2yr old son at the park. I too have some errands to run after, so I will be busy and hopeful that the weather is nice.
Osuminasai
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
October 1-2, 2008 ...the itsy bitsy spider......
Konbanwa
Oct 1 Wednesday
Good evening everyone. What is new with all of you? I hope your enjoying fall days where ever you may be. There are NO colorful leaves here yet in Japan. It has been very rainy though since Sunday and so I have been in the house alot, except to go to my language classes. Didn't have any today so ended up doing lots of web honduras updates, address changes and logging in new info.
Tomorrow I think I need to go and take a walk around if the weather is nice. Should visit the Homes store and Don's too, for a few different things,since I have not been down that way in a couple of weeks. Maybe I will walk through Harbor View Park too and see what is in bloom now days over there in the gardens.
CJ should be home soon from China and then he leaves again Saturday for MN.
Oct 2 Thursday
Konbanwa again.
It is evening here again and I had a great day today walking out in the sunshine, amongst many a beautiful flower,spiders working in their webs,a big "kamakidi" insect, empty parks, lots of container gardens,....I met 2 new friends today and ran into Patti that I met at the school last weekend in the store. I thought her name was Penny, but when her friend Wendy was talking and said Patti, I got confused for a moment and then got corrected.Oops! Wendy is from Bloomfield ,MI and has lived here for 7 years. She is 1/2 Japanese and her husband is 100 percent Japanese he too works for the car industry so perhaps CJ may know of his company. She knew of Graco in Plymouth, MI.
When I was walking down a street I saw a man crouched over and looking at something on the sidewalk, and when I got up to him he was looking at a BIG bug! I stopped and looked at with him and then he told me it was a "kamakiri" bug. I thought it kind of looked like a cross between a walking stick and a praying mantis. It was pretty cool and probably the length of my middle finger at least.
We began talking a bit and introduced ourselves. His name was Kousuke and he has been an animator for 3 1/2 years. He is also a graphic artist and does digital designs on the web. He was on his way to work, so I didn't keep him too long as he had a ways to go on his bike. He did say he lived in Germany for 2 years and now is back here living with his family. We swapped emails so I could send him the bug pics I took, and I told him we could be email friends or if he would like to come visit and meet CJ one day too. My guess he was in his late 20 to early 30's.
It seemed all the people out walking down the streets today, were much friendlier today as well. They actually answered back when I said Ohayogozaimous in the morning and Konnichiwa in the afternoon. Perhaps we were all just happy to be outside and enjoying the fresh air after being confined to the house the last 4 days. As you can imagine many futons were hanging on the balcony railings of many houses and apartments, to air out in the fresh air and lots of ladies were doing laundry as well. I found it interesting how they hang their umbrellas out to dry as well.
As I walked along, I found myself singing "the itsy bitsy spider as there were webs gleaming in the sunlight everywhere. I stopped to watch many a different daddy long leg in his web. They too were probably very happy the sun came out and dried up all the rain, so they could continue on their advenuture as well. :-)
When I got home, I realized it is probably a good thing I get housebound for a day or two as I was quite trigger happy today taking many a photo. :-) There were so many colorful flowers, and lots of different objects making shadows, that I thought would make interesting photos.
I walked past a car garage and it was so cool how the sun was shining through the holes in the metal beams and it made all the cars look polka a dotted. Cool!
Stopped at the stores and got some more food of course and another loaf of fresh bread at the bakery. I can tell my fall/winter eating habits are starting to kick in as I am craving more bread, pasta and carbs. Salads just don't seem to satisfy me anymore when the weather gets colder.
I like to buy a different kind of fresh bread each week too, now that I figured out what was real butter and not margarine. Last week one bakery had some awesome rye bread and then this week I got the sesame one at another bakery. Today I got a new kind at yet a 3rd bakery..I know it sounds like a deadly habit, but they are all so good and fresh. YUM !!! Bread and butter seems to be my weakness, along with cookies especially when it gets cooler out.
Oh yea, I almost forgot..When I rounded the corner down by Motomachi station I was totally shocked to see a live pine tree up and fully decorated with Christmas Lights, ornaments and a gold star at the top. Oct 2...really? WOW..I don't think we even have stuff up in the states this early, do we? I did see a bunch of Hallowwen stuff in the store. Yikes!
CJ will be home soon, so I had better get downstairs and get the eggplant parmesean heated up,the salad made and the fresh bread sliced.
Tomorrow I have my language class at the library and then CJ and I might go to Chinatown for supper before he leaves for MN on Saturday.
"Oyasumi nasai" Goodnight
Karla
Oct 1 Wednesday
Good evening everyone. What is new with all of you? I hope your enjoying fall days where ever you may be. There are NO colorful leaves here yet in Japan. It has been very rainy though since Sunday and so I have been in the house alot, except to go to my language classes. Didn't have any today so ended up doing lots of web honduras updates, address changes and logging in new info.
Tomorrow I think I need to go and take a walk around if the weather is nice. Should visit the Homes store and Don's too, for a few different things,since I have not been down that way in a couple of weeks. Maybe I will walk through Harbor View Park too and see what is in bloom now days over there in the gardens.
CJ should be home soon from China and then he leaves again Saturday for MN.
Oct 2 Thursday
Konbanwa again.
It is evening here again and I had a great day today walking out in the sunshine, amongst many a beautiful flower,spiders working in their webs,a big "kamakidi" insect, empty parks, lots of container gardens,....I met 2 new friends today and ran into Patti that I met at the school last weekend in the store. I thought her name was Penny, but when her friend Wendy was talking and said Patti, I got confused for a moment and then got corrected.Oops! Wendy is from Bloomfield ,MI and has lived here for 7 years. She is 1/2 Japanese and her husband is 100 percent Japanese he too works for the car industry so perhaps CJ may know of his company. She knew of Graco in Plymouth, MI.
When I was walking down a street I saw a man crouched over and looking at something on the sidewalk, and when I got up to him he was looking at a BIG bug! I stopped and looked at with him and then he told me it was a "kamakiri" bug. I thought it kind of looked like a cross between a walking stick and a praying mantis. It was pretty cool and probably the length of my middle finger at least.
We began talking a bit and introduced ourselves. His name was Kousuke and he has been an animator for 3 1/2 years. He is also a graphic artist and does digital designs on the web. He was on his way to work, so I didn't keep him too long as he had a ways to go on his bike. He did say he lived in Germany for 2 years and now is back here living with his family. We swapped emails so I could send him the bug pics I took, and I told him we could be email friends or if he would like to come visit and meet CJ one day too. My guess he was in his late 20 to early 30's.
It seemed all the people out walking down the streets today, were much friendlier today as well. They actually answered back when I said Ohayogozaimous in the morning and Konnichiwa in the afternoon. Perhaps we were all just happy to be outside and enjoying the fresh air after being confined to the house the last 4 days. As you can imagine many futons were hanging on the balcony railings of many houses and apartments, to air out in the fresh air and lots of ladies were doing laundry as well. I found it interesting how they hang their umbrellas out to dry as well.
As I walked along, I found myself singing "the itsy bitsy spider as there were webs gleaming in the sunlight everywhere. I stopped to watch many a different daddy long leg in his web. They too were probably very happy the sun came out and dried up all the rain, so they could continue on their advenuture as well. :-)
When I got home, I realized it is probably a good thing I get housebound for a day or two as I was quite trigger happy today taking many a photo. :-) There were so many colorful flowers, and lots of different objects making shadows, that I thought would make interesting photos.
I walked past a car garage and it was so cool how the sun was shining through the holes in the metal beams and it made all the cars look polka a dotted. Cool!
Stopped at the stores and got some more food of course and another loaf of fresh bread at the bakery. I can tell my fall/winter eating habits are starting to kick in as I am craving more bread, pasta and carbs. Salads just don't seem to satisfy me anymore when the weather gets colder.
I like to buy a different kind of fresh bread each week too, now that I figured out what was real butter and not margarine. Last week one bakery had some awesome rye bread and then this week I got the sesame one at another bakery. Today I got a new kind at yet a 3rd bakery..I know it sounds like a deadly habit, but they are all so good and fresh. YUM !!! Bread and butter seems to be my weakness, along with cookies especially when it gets cooler out.
Oh yea, I almost forgot..When I rounded the corner down by Motomachi station I was totally shocked to see a live pine tree up and fully decorated with Christmas Lights, ornaments and a gold star at the top. Oct 2...really? WOW..I don't think we even have stuff up in the states this early, do we? I did see a bunch of Hallowwen stuff in the store. Yikes!
CJ will be home soon, so I had better get downstairs and get the eggplant parmesean heated up,the salad made and the fresh bread sliced.
Tomorrow I have my language class at the library and then CJ and I might go to Chinatown for supper before he leaves for MN on Saturday.
"Oyasumi nasai" Goodnight
Karla
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sept 29-30th 2008 I want to work in the school NOW....
Konnichiwa
HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY "tanjoobi" to my Dad Bernie Slick!!!! Hope your having some sweet "amai" spice cake "keki" to celebrate your special day today 9/30/08. Sending warm thoughts and good wishes your way.
It has been a very rainy last "seng" 2 days day here in Japan. A steady drizzle is falling and my red "akai" bucket out on the back deck is filling once again. It filled to almost 5 "go" inches when the 13th "juu-san" typhoon "taifu" of the season "shizun" rolled through a couple weeks ago..and now the 15th "juu-go" one is here and I wonder how much will fall this time? I guess I missed the 14th"juu-yon" one..must have went a different direction, as I heard nothing about it, nor do I remember alot of rain "ame" ?? anyhoo..
Yesterday "kinoo" I spent time in the house and actually had to put the heater on. It is very cool "Suszushii" and damp "shimeppoi" here. In the morning I did Honduras stuff and Emails and then I was off to my Japanese class above the grocery store. After class I stopped in the bakery and bought myself a fresh loaf of sesame bread "pan" and a really good cranberry and cream cheese pastry YUM!! Then I stopped at the other grocery store for a few more items and went back home to get out of the rain and to try and make some sense of my class notes with a dictionary at my side. It seems the teachers "sensei's" talk mostly and don't often times write things down, and for me the visual learner, that is sometimes quite confusing. I like to see "miru" and hear "kiku" the new information at the same time.
I am starting to get more japanese words "kotobas" and phrases "ku" in my memory bank,and now I just need to have more daily opportunities to start using them. I was hoping that would start today "kyoo", but looks as if I am still playing the waiting game a few more weeks? Darn! :-(
I went back to the school today and did get to visit "hoomon" Sharon-sensei's classes with 2 "ni" other lady volunteers Chiaki-san and Tomoku-san. She taught English "eigo" to the 1st graders and then to the 4th graders. It was alot of fun and I really enjoyed 1st grade where we made farm, zoo and pet shop animal sounds and, colored "irozuku", sang "utau" songs "uta", moved like the different creatures... Yes I was in HOG heaven!
Then we moved up to the 4th grade classroom and talked "hanashi" about the calendar "karenda" and the months "getsu" of the year "nen" and what happens in Japan each of those months, birthdays ", ordinal and cardinal numbers...They were less excited about it, that is for sure. I made a few suggestions after that I thought might help her. I think she like my japanese teachers, may need to write "kaku" the words on the board as well. I shared how some kids might be more visual then auditory and you need to give them both and let them decide what works best. I said too, there maybe some kids that really want to know more and so give them all the info you can and let them use what they want and/or need. She appreciated my ideas and help.
Of course I got alot of quick glances my way..remember they do NOT stare and the other two ladies said the kids were asking who is the tall lady? I felt like most kids were quite receptive to me and especially when I of course, almost jumped in their laps to help them.:-)
I am thinking it was probably a good thing I went to the sports day on Saturday "do-yoobi" and suppose some might have seen me there as well and so maybe I was a bit familiar to a few ?
When we were leaving, it was lunch time and so I took a few pictures as we walked through the halls. They bring carts up to each of the rooms and the kids as you can see serve their own lunches. Today they were having bonito Fish pieces with sauce and sesame seeds, soup, rice and some pickled veggies I think. Tomoku said we can eat lunch "chuushoku" with them for 300yen if we like sometimes. Cool I would love that!!! Plus I then get to try real japanese cuisine and I don't have to cook it myself.
So we went back down to the meeting room and had a little bit of a discussion over some hot green "midori" tea "ryoku-cha". I was hoping they would tell me to come back tomorrow, but I guess they are having another meeting without me on Oct 24th so they can figure out how best to put my native speaking skills to use?
Tomoku said the Pres and Vice Pres, want it to be a long term relationship, and so I guess I will just have to be patient and wait and see what comes of it. I wish I knew more what they expected of me, but I guess they don't even know yet themselves? This is a new thing for all, is what I understood when I left this time. I just hope it doesn't take too much longer for it all start to fall in place, when I have such limited time here. :-(
I guess I will just stay focused now on my japanese for the next few weeks and then CJ's mom will be here too, so I will have stuff to keep me occupied. I also took and presenrted them with a CD of the pics I took at Sports Day on Saturday and they were very grateful for them and even showed me how they are going to put some of them in the school newsletter. Cool! They had been busy working on a rough draft while I was in the classrooms. I guess they didn't understand that I gave them the CD as a gift to keep, as they tried to give it back to me.
So I am back here at home and now listening to the kids walking home from school at the bottom of the hill and hoping this really does happen and soon. I feel kind of like I have a straightjacket on. Why does it have to be so formal, I just want to hang out and help. Heck I will wash dishes in the kitchen,something,please...just let me start interacting?
Hopefully, I wasn't too aggressive and scared them away? I also felt it was important to let them know I was leaving Jan 9-April 1st for MN and Honduras, so who knows if that now, will affect my helping them out or not? I hope not, I just wanted them to know up front, that I have limited time here and to hopefully get the ball rolling...SOON!
Oh well, we shall see. Thanks for letting me vent..now back to my studies.
"Karra"
HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY "tanjoobi" to my Dad Bernie Slick!!!! Hope your having some sweet "amai" spice cake "keki" to celebrate your special day today 9/30/08. Sending warm thoughts and good wishes your way.
It has been a very rainy last "seng" 2 days day here in Japan. A steady drizzle is falling and my red "akai" bucket out on the back deck is filling once again. It filled to almost 5 "go" inches when the 13th "juu-san" typhoon "taifu" of the season "shizun" rolled through a couple weeks ago..and now the 15th "juu-go" one is here and I wonder how much will fall this time? I guess I missed the 14th"juu-yon" one..must have went a different direction, as I heard nothing about it, nor do I remember alot of rain "ame" ?? anyhoo..
Yesterday "kinoo" I spent time in the house and actually had to put the heater on. It is very cool "Suszushii" and damp "shimeppoi" here. In the morning I did Honduras stuff and Emails and then I was off to my Japanese class above the grocery store. After class I stopped in the bakery and bought myself a fresh loaf of sesame bread "pan" and a really good cranberry and cream cheese pastry YUM!! Then I stopped at the other grocery store for a few more items and went back home to get out of the rain and to try and make some sense of my class notes with a dictionary at my side. It seems the teachers "sensei's" talk mostly and don't often times write things down, and for me the visual learner, that is sometimes quite confusing. I like to see "miru" and hear "kiku" the new information at the same time.
I am starting to get more japanese words "kotobas" and phrases "ku" in my memory bank,and now I just need to have more daily opportunities to start using them. I was hoping that would start today "kyoo", but looks as if I am still playing the waiting game a few more weeks? Darn! :-(
I went back to the school today and did get to visit "hoomon" Sharon-sensei's classes with 2 "ni" other lady volunteers Chiaki-san and Tomoku-san. She taught English "eigo" to the 1st graders and then to the 4th graders. It was alot of fun and I really enjoyed 1st grade where we made farm, zoo and pet shop animal sounds and, colored "irozuku", sang "utau" songs "uta", moved like the different creatures... Yes I was in HOG heaven!
Then we moved up to the 4th grade classroom and talked "hanashi" about the calendar "karenda" and the months "getsu" of the year "nen" and what happens in Japan each of those months, birthdays ", ordinal and cardinal numbers...They were less excited about it, that is for sure. I made a few suggestions after that I thought might help her. I think she like my japanese teachers, may need to write "kaku" the words on the board as well. I shared how some kids might be more visual then auditory and you need to give them both and let them decide what works best. I said too, there maybe some kids that really want to know more and so give them all the info you can and let them use what they want and/or need. She appreciated my ideas and help.
Of course I got alot of quick glances my way..remember they do NOT stare and the other two ladies said the kids were asking who is the tall lady? I felt like most kids were quite receptive to me and especially when I of course, almost jumped in their laps to help them.:-)
I am thinking it was probably a good thing I went to the sports day on Saturday "do-yoobi" and suppose some might have seen me there as well and so maybe I was a bit familiar to a few ?
When we were leaving, it was lunch time and so I took a few pictures as we walked through the halls. They bring carts up to each of the rooms and the kids as you can see serve their own lunches. Today they were having bonito Fish pieces with sauce and sesame seeds, soup, rice and some pickled veggies I think. Tomoku said we can eat lunch "chuushoku" with them for 300yen if we like sometimes. Cool I would love that!!! Plus I then get to try real japanese cuisine and I don't have to cook it myself.
So we went back down to the meeting room and had a little bit of a discussion over some hot green "midori" tea "ryoku-cha". I was hoping they would tell me to come back tomorrow, but I guess they are having another meeting without me on Oct 24th so they can figure out how best to put my native speaking skills to use?
Tomoku said the Pres and Vice Pres, want it to be a long term relationship, and so I guess I will just have to be patient and wait and see what comes of it. I wish I knew more what they expected of me, but I guess they don't even know yet themselves? This is a new thing for all, is what I understood when I left this time. I just hope it doesn't take too much longer for it all start to fall in place, when I have such limited time here. :-(
I guess I will just stay focused now on my japanese for the next few weeks and then CJ's mom will be here too, so I will have stuff to keep me occupied. I also took and presenrted them with a CD of the pics I took at Sports Day on Saturday and they were very grateful for them and even showed me how they are going to put some of them in the school newsletter. Cool! They had been busy working on a rough draft while I was in the classrooms. I guess they didn't understand that I gave them the CD as a gift to keep, as they tried to give it back to me.
So I am back here at home and now listening to the kids walking home from school at the bottom of the hill and hoping this really does happen and soon. I feel kind of like I have a straightjacket on. Why does it have to be so formal, I just want to hang out and help. Heck I will wash dishes in the kitchen,something,please...just let me start interacting?
Hopefully, I wasn't too aggressive and scared them away? I also felt it was important to let them know I was leaving Jan 9-April 1st for MN and Honduras, so who knows if that now, will affect my helping them out or not? I hope not, I just wanted them to know up front, that I have limited time here and to hopefully get the ball rolling...SOON!
Oh well, we shall see. Thanks for letting me vent..now back to my studies.
"Karra"
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Sept 26th-28th My friend Susan Seitz has gone home
Konbanwa Good evening everyone,
I hope you all had a good weekend. CJ and I have had a rather quiet one and it has been nice to just hang around the house all day today. I needed a day of not going anywhere and just chillin.
I woke today to hear from my dear friend Bob Seitz that his dear wife Susan is now home with Jesus. She died in MN at the hospice with her sister and family all around her on Friday morning the 26th of Sept. She had spent almost 1 week at the hospice where they made her very comfortable during her last days here on earth. She will be missed, but may she now rest in peace.
I believe I left you on Friday when I was headed out into the bucking wind on my way to Japanese class. I made it in time to a very full class with many a new student. It was a very crowded room and it made it a bit difficult for this older lady to hear my sensei talk.:-(
After class I walked home along the mom and pop shopping street stopping to pick up a few different fresh veggies and some new types of rice crackers. They are mighty tasty and each week I find another kind I seem to like better than the last. That could spell trouble.
Friday night CJ and I went out for dinner with John who is in from MI. We went to a local American bar here near our house, as John likes American food and hanging out at placess with local flavor. So we pulled up a stool at the bar in Benny's Place (I have not done that in years) and had some hot wings while we talked with Benny from St Louis and Go the Japanese waitress. They were both very nice and friendly, but the smoke was the killer for me. UGH! The guys had cheeseburgers and BBque pork sandwiches and I had the usual Chicken salad. The food was great and it was a nice place with sports jerseys and memorabilia hanging all around. They had dart boards too, but I couldn't stand the smoke any longer, so we didn't get to play. John and Tad who joined us later stayed and CJ and I headed back home for our Jumbo-cho dessert and bed. CJ had got 1 for John too, but he did not come back with us, so we sadly ate it on his behalf yesterday afternoon.
Saturday Sept 27th
CJ worked around the house on his work stuff as he needed to get things ready for his work trips to China this week and then to MN the week after.I have already been to Shanghai, China, and so I am not going this time. Plus I don't want to miss my Japanese classes or the school opportunities.
So while CJ worked at home, I went to the elementary school for their Annual Sports Day Program.
My what a fun day that was. I spent from 9am to 3 pm there with a 45 minute lunch break at noon to run home and get a quick sandwich and some fruit to eat with CJ. I watched the kids from preschool-6th grade dance, sing, run races, do artistic dance and gymnastic numbers,japanese drumming and singing numbers and the brass band played a song or two and the choir and all the kids in the school sang. It was a colorful day with lots of action and fun was had by all.
When I went back at after lunch, my friend from the Shrine Festival met me at the front gate and escorted me to the head table under the tent canopy. So the 2nd half of the day I sat at the trophy table with the president of the school Hattori-san and another elderly gentlemen who was visiting from a city up north somewhere. When the lion came by he came near my head with an open mouth and so I stuck my head in like he bit it off and I could hear chuckles from the crowd around me. I hope someone got a picture of that, because I didn't. HAHA..
Like who didn't take the opportunity to sneak in a legit photo of the one token GIGANTIC American there? I think everyone had a camera or two around their neck and wrist, so my guess a few pics may surface somewhere down the road. Yes I do feel at home with all the other camera crazy folks here:-) I perhaps have found my match here in Japan, with the other camera lovers?
I also met a very nice english speaking lady Penny. She just moved here from Taiwan two days before and her son Takoro was a BIG boy in 3rd grade. He was so happy and smiling so big all day long as he took part in all the different activities. Her husband was her for work and the son came to visit for 2 months this summer and decided he didn't want to move back to Taiwan , so she quite her job in an english preschool and moved here too.
After the program was complete, I met CJ for our Saturday class at the church. We learned about numbers, times, months,day year...Back home I some supper and then took a hot shower as I got a bit of a chill standing out in the cooler weather at the school and then I went to bed early. My head was feeling very full still and my throat a bit sore/raw from my cold and all the dust I was breathing in at the school as well. I am trying to rest and get some good sleep as I don't want to be sick next week when I get to go to the school.
Sunday Sept 28th,
We slept in today and then I was busy sending out notices to the Honduras folks about Susan, worked on our computers,language lessons,work stuff for CJ, talked with many a WI relative on the phone, watched the final matches of the SUMO tournament on TV and then now I am off to bed as soon as I finish this blog up. I am still not feeling up to par, so I will get more bed rest in hope of fighting off this cold, sore throat and stuffy head.
Good night
Karla
I hope you all had a good weekend. CJ and I have had a rather quiet one and it has been nice to just hang around the house all day today. I needed a day of not going anywhere and just chillin.
I woke today to hear from my dear friend Bob Seitz that his dear wife Susan is now home with Jesus. She died in MN at the hospice with her sister and family all around her on Friday morning the 26th of Sept. She had spent almost 1 week at the hospice where they made her very comfortable during her last days here on earth. She will be missed, but may she now rest in peace.
I believe I left you on Friday when I was headed out into the bucking wind on my way to Japanese class. I made it in time to a very full class with many a new student. It was a very crowded room and it made it a bit difficult for this older lady to hear my sensei talk.:-(
After class I walked home along the mom and pop shopping street stopping to pick up a few different fresh veggies and some new types of rice crackers. They are mighty tasty and each week I find another kind I seem to like better than the last. That could spell trouble.
Friday night CJ and I went out for dinner with John who is in from MI. We went to a local American bar here near our house, as John likes American food and hanging out at placess with local flavor. So we pulled up a stool at the bar in Benny's Place (I have not done that in years) and had some hot wings while we talked with Benny from St Louis and Go the Japanese waitress. They were both very nice and friendly, but the smoke was the killer for me. UGH! The guys had cheeseburgers and BBque pork sandwiches and I had the usual Chicken salad. The food was great and it was a nice place with sports jerseys and memorabilia hanging all around. They had dart boards too, but I couldn't stand the smoke any longer, so we didn't get to play. John and Tad who joined us later stayed and CJ and I headed back home for our Jumbo-cho dessert and bed. CJ had got 1 for John too, but he did not come back with us, so we sadly ate it on his behalf yesterday afternoon.
Saturday Sept 27th
CJ worked around the house on his work stuff as he needed to get things ready for his work trips to China this week and then to MN the week after.I have already been to Shanghai, China, and so I am not going this time. Plus I don't want to miss my Japanese classes or the school opportunities.
So while CJ worked at home, I went to the elementary school for their Annual Sports Day Program.
My what a fun day that was. I spent from 9am to 3 pm there with a 45 minute lunch break at noon to run home and get a quick sandwich and some fruit to eat with CJ. I watched the kids from preschool-6th grade dance, sing, run races, do artistic dance and gymnastic numbers,japanese drumming and singing numbers and the brass band played a song or two and the choir and all the kids in the school sang. It was a colorful day with lots of action and fun was had by all.
When I went back at after lunch, my friend from the Shrine Festival met me at the front gate and escorted me to the head table under the tent canopy. So the 2nd half of the day I sat at the trophy table with the president of the school Hattori-san and another elderly gentlemen who was visiting from a city up north somewhere. When the lion came by he came near my head with an open mouth and so I stuck my head in like he bit it off and I could hear chuckles from the crowd around me. I hope someone got a picture of that, because I didn't. HAHA..
Like who didn't take the opportunity to sneak in a legit photo of the one token GIGANTIC American there? I think everyone had a camera or two around their neck and wrist, so my guess a few pics may surface somewhere down the road. Yes I do feel at home with all the other camera crazy folks here:-) I perhaps have found my match here in Japan, with the other camera lovers?
I also met a very nice english speaking lady Penny. She just moved here from Taiwan two days before and her son Takoro was a BIG boy in 3rd grade. He was so happy and smiling so big all day long as he took part in all the different activities. Her husband was her for work and the son came to visit for 2 months this summer and decided he didn't want to move back to Taiwan , so she quite her job in an english preschool and moved here too.
After the program was complete, I met CJ for our Saturday class at the church. We learned about numbers, times, months,day year...Back home I some supper and then took a hot shower as I got a bit of a chill standing out in the cooler weather at the school and then I went to bed early. My head was feeling very full still and my throat a bit sore/raw from my cold and all the dust I was breathing in at the school as well. I am trying to rest and get some good sleep as I don't want to be sick next week when I get to go to the school.
Sunday Sept 28th,
We slept in today and then I was busy sending out notices to the Honduras folks about Susan, worked on our computers,language lessons,work stuff for CJ, talked with many a WI relative on the phone, watched the final matches of the SUMO tournament on TV and then now I am off to bed as soon as I finish this blog up. I am still not feeling up to par, so I will get more bed rest in hope of fighting off this cold, sore throat and stuffy head.
Good night
Karla
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Sept 24-26th, 2008 l am learning Japanese finally:-)
OHAIYO GOZAIMASU
Good morning all.
I am getting ready to head out to my Friday Japanese class soon, as it takes me about a 1/2 hour to walk there and the wind is blowing in some mighty big gusts today, so I hope to be walking with them and not against them.
I came down with the sore throat and full head CJ has had the past few days and so I have been in the house alot, except for when I go to my classes. I now have classes on Mondays above the grocery store, Thursdays at a study center, Fridays at the library and CJ and I have one on Saturdays at the catholic church. I am really glad I am going to the 4 different places, as they all teach in a different way and so I think I will learn lots of new things at a faster rate. I am hopeful anyway, that is how it will work out. Of course I get to know more people too, and that is always fun!
I went on Wednesday to the class, but it ended up being for kids only. Darn.:-(
I told the teacher I thought that would have been the perfect class for me, but I went back yesterday for the adult class and had lots of fun in my 1 on 1 class with Kondon-sensai. We went over the hiragana characters and we also talked of food items and names of certain things I have been looking for in the store. She goes to Korea for 2 weeks, so no class again with her, until the 16th of October.I have lots to practice between now and then, and was excited I could actually read some packages when I stopped at the grocery store on the way home from class to get a few items. YEAH!
I have been busy cleaning the house,doing my japanese lessons, my computer work for the hogar in Honduras and checking up on and sending lots of emails,notes and prayers to friends and family. In the afternoons if I am not at class I have been watching the top divisions SUMO wrestle on TV too. I guess I kind of got hooked into it. I really want to try and figure out the names in Kangi, but I am not having much luck with that, and they all seem to look the same with their hair all styled the same way?
We are starting to get fall like weather here now and all the ladies are out walking the streets with colored scarves around their necks and in boots of leather, UGH, suede fringed,rubber..... There is a BIG BIG SALE going on here right now down in the high end shopping area, and there are people and cops directing traffic everywhere.
It is the season for Asian pears and squash right now too,and so we are enjoying lots of both. I love the asian pears as they are so sweet and juicy.... like a cold refreshing drink in every bite.
Well I had better run so I can eat some food and then be off for my walk down the bluff and across town to the library.
More later
Good morning all.
I am getting ready to head out to my Friday Japanese class soon, as it takes me about a 1/2 hour to walk there and the wind is blowing in some mighty big gusts today, so I hope to be walking with them and not against them.
I came down with the sore throat and full head CJ has had the past few days and so I have been in the house alot, except for when I go to my classes. I now have classes on Mondays above the grocery store, Thursdays at a study center, Fridays at the library and CJ and I have one on Saturdays at the catholic church. I am really glad I am going to the 4 different places, as they all teach in a different way and so I think I will learn lots of new things at a faster rate. I am hopeful anyway, that is how it will work out. Of course I get to know more people too, and that is always fun!
I went on Wednesday to the class, but it ended up being for kids only. Darn.:-(
I told the teacher I thought that would have been the perfect class for me, but I went back yesterday for the adult class and had lots of fun in my 1 on 1 class with Kondon-sensai. We went over the hiragana characters and we also talked of food items and names of certain things I have been looking for in the store. She goes to Korea for 2 weeks, so no class again with her, until the 16th of October.I have lots to practice between now and then, and was excited I could actually read some packages when I stopped at the grocery store on the way home from class to get a few items. YEAH!
I have been busy cleaning the house,doing my japanese lessons, my computer work for the hogar in Honduras and checking up on and sending lots of emails,notes and prayers to friends and family. In the afternoons if I am not at class I have been watching the top divisions SUMO wrestle on TV too. I guess I kind of got hooked into it. I really want to try and figure out the names in Kangi, but I am not having much luck with that, and they all seem to look the same with their hair all styled the same way?
We are starting to get fall like weather here now and all the ladies are out walking the streets with colored scarves around their necks and in boots of leather, UGH, suede fringed,rubber..... There is a BIG BIG SALE going on here right now down in the high end shopping area, and there are people and cops directing traffic everywhere.
It is the season for Asian pears and squash right now too,and so we are enjoying lots of both. I love the asian pears as they are so sweet and juicy.... like a cold refreshing drink in every bite.
Well I had better run so I can eat some food and then be off for my walk down the bluff and across town to the library.
More later
Monday, September 22, 2008
Sept 22-23rd more Japanese classes and Autumn Equinox
Monday was mostly spent on the computer doing many an Email and then some studying of my Japanese a bit before attending yet another new class. This class was fun and I met many new people from India, Indonesia,China, Korea, Taiwan, CalifornianMexican Hong Kong...My senasi Watanabe-san was very helpful and patient with me. My 3 classes are each conducted very differently, so I am hoping I might learn a bunch of things at a faster pace. :-) It was a one and 1/2 hour class for 100yen. You can't beat that price, now can you?
This is what I said as I went around to each table to introduce myself to the teacher and her student.
"Sumimasen" Excuse me
"Haggime maste". Nice to meet you
"Watashi wa Karla des" My name is Karla
"Amerika kara kimashta" I am from America
"Yamate-cho ni sundimas" I live in Yamate-cho neighborhood
"Dozo yoroshiko" Pleased to meet you
How about that!!! :-) Are you impressed? haha
Back home and made some salad to go with our pizza
Tuesday Sept 23, Autumn Equinox
This is a national holiday and so CJ is home from work today and right now he is off to the electronics store for a cable of some sort, so that we can watch movies on the TV through our lap top computers. He too has had a bit of a head cold the last couple days.
This is one of 3 days here in Japan where families visit the graves of the deceased and to freshen up the graveyard, put fresh flowers in vases,light incense, put those wood sticks with writing in the slots at the back of the gravestones .... I was going to go and see if there were any people in the cemetary close to here, but I have been on this computer all day, and now SUMO is starting on TV so I am going to go check that out instead.
I also had a nice chat with my dear friend Bob Seitz today via phone and he is watching over his dear wife Susan who is sleeping alot the last few days. I had hoped to tell her I love her and that she has put up a good fight,and I hope she is resting comfortable and will be at peace when her time comes to go home to her Jesus. She was heavily sedated and in a deep sleep, so Bob will whisper in her ear for me. He is doing as well as can be expected considering their circumstances and he of course has good days and then some bad. It is a tough journey they are on, but he and the girls as well as Susan are getting great support from the people at the hospice. I miss her already and it will be difficult to know she might possibly be gone when I go back home in a few months. I am praying for a miracle, but I am not sure if that is at all possible at this time...only the man upstairs knows that for sure. My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Kobanwa
Karla and CJ
This is what I said as I went around to each table to introduce myself to the teacher and her student.
"Sumimasen" Excuse me
"Haggime maste". Nice to meet you
"Watashi wa Karla des" My name is Karla
"Amerika kara kimashta" I am from America
"Yamate-cho ni sundimas" I live in Yamate-cho neighborhood
"Dozo yoroshiko" Pleased to meet you
How about that!!! :-) Are you impressed? haha
Back home and made some salad to go with our pizza
Tuesday Sept 23, Autumn Equinox
This is a national holiday and so CJ is home from work today and right now he is off to the electronics store for a cable of some sort, so that we can watch movies on the TV through our lap top computers. He too has had a bit of a head cold the last couple days.
This is one of 3 days here in Japan where families visit the graves of the deceased and to freshen up the graveyard, put fresh flowers in vases,light incense, put those wood sticks with writing in the slots at the back of the gravestones .... I was going to go and see if there were any people in the cemetary close to here, but I have been on this computer all day, and now SUMO is starting on TV so I am going to go check that out instead.
I also had a nice chat with my dear friend Bob Seitz today via phone and he is watching over his dear wife Susan who is sleeping alot the last few days. I had hoped to tell her I love her and that she has put up a good fight,and I hope she is resting comfortable and will be at peace when her time comes to go home to her Jesus. She was heavily sedated and in a deep sleep, so Bob will whisper in her ear for me. He is doing as well as can be expected considering their circumstances and he of course has good days and then some bad. It is a tough journey they are on, but he and the girls as well as Susan are getting great support from the people at the hospice. I miss her already and it will be difficult to know she might possibly be gone when I go back home in a few months. I am praying for a miracle, but I am not sure if that is at all possible at this time...only the man upstairs knows that for sure. My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Kobanwa
Karla and CJ
Sept 21 , 2008 ...SUMO is a BIG event here in JAPAN
So CJ and I hopped on the train and then a subway to the north east side of Tokyo in Ryogoku. There we entered the The National SUMO Stadium "Kokugikan" to watch a days full of matches with boys and men of all sizes and shapes push and shove each other over the raised straw line to a quick victory.
For those of you that don't know how SUMO works I will try to give you a hopefully quick lesson on the rituals and order of the day. Of if you want a quick and concise version check out this website. IThis is a great web page with a ton of information. I highly recommend it.
http://www.sumo.or.jp/eng/
We of course arrived later than we anticipated, with all the craziness that came with the messages from the night before and so we by passed visiting the Sumo museum. We can always go back another day after the tournament "basho" is over, and visit the stables "beya" too, where you can silently watch the training taking place from 5:30am-10am with an appointment. Fun!
It is a bit silly they are not open after the matches we thought, as we would have visited then, but we really wanted to get inside and see what was going on with the actual bouts taking place up close and personal right before our very own eyes.
When you go early in the day you can sit wherever you want until someone comes to claim their ticketed seat, and so CJ and I of course bee lined to the front and center area of the "in the round" style auditorium. I actually sat further back than I could have in the cheaper box seats as I wanted a place to drape my legs on one of the tiered bench seats. I knew I could not sit in the more expensive boxed off area "masu" seats where you sit "Indian style" or "Geisha style" on my knees on a purple cushion "zabuton" for the whole day if I actually planned to walk out of there on my own power. I don't get how people can do that, my legs just do not do that anymore. Numbness sets in way to quickly for me and my legs feel like cement tree trunks. I get enough of that when I sit way to long at my computer :-)
I also saw on TV a few days before, how those BIG BOYS sometimes fall into the first 3 rows of spectators and so I did not want to be crushed by one of them, with their 100kg (220lb)+ bodies, nor to feel their naked rolls of sweaty muscle and unsightly,cellulite,hairy,bruised and beaten flesh come in contact with mine. :-?
Sumo has 6 Divisions-- 4 lower ones and 2 upper ones Juryo and the top Maku-uchi. The top 2 groups fight at night from 4-6pm. Those bouts are on TV as well and that is when the place is full if all ticket holders show up. So from 830am-300pm or so you really can sit up close, and it is very cool and fun to be right in the thick of the action.
So the young boys or new recruits wrestle in the ring "dohyo" for the first time in a test competition called "maezumo". Some are right out of high school or college and you can tell, because they still have their short crew cut hair styles. We were too late and did not see any of these fight but we did see 3 of them with their ceremonial aprons come out for some type of recognition. They wrestle first thing in the morning starting at 8:00am.
At 8:35 the Jonokuchi-Makushita divisions wrestle. These are 2 of the 4 bottom "trainee" divisions which compete for 7 out of the 15 days of the tournament. On any given day, approx 1/2 of these men in the 4 divisions will compete. The trainees who complete this process, then earn the right to have their names appear on the "Banzuke" or offical listing of rank for the next tournament.
Their are 6 major tournaments "sumo basho" a year Jan,May and Sept in Tokyo, March in Osaka, July in Nagoya and Nov in Fukukoa.
At 2:30 in the afternoon the Juryo Division enters the ring and they have their Ring Entering ceremony "doyo-iri" where the wrestlers from the west all enter down one aisle in reverse order of their rank with their heavily embroidered ceremonial aprons "kesho-mawashi" on and climb up onto the dohyo and circle the ring. These aprons are made of beautiful silks with richly embroidered designs and hemmed with gold fringe,costing anywhere from 400,000-500,000yen ($4,000-$5,000). When they are all up there in a circle they go through a short ritual and then depart before the east rikishi enter from the other side and do the same thing.
The leading roles in the dohyo-iri ceremony are reserved for the YOKOZUNA top rikishi in the west and east. The YOKOZUNA from each side do their own individual ceremony after their division peers do theirs. He comes down the aisle attended by a senior referee "gyoji" and 2 other rikishi in aprons from his division and gets in the ring and does the ceremonial rituals. The YOKUZUNA also wears over his other apron a massive braided hemp rope weighing 25-35 pounds tied in the bow at the back and ornamented in the front with zig-zag strips of paper representing lightning. This is a familiar religious symbol in the front of all Shinto Shrines and in houses at New Years hanging from the shelf where they make offerings to the gods. The shinto style roof "tsuriyane" that hangs over the dohyo too has colored tassels at each corner representing the 4 seasons of the year- white, red, green and black.
Their individual bouts then take place and since there are no weight requirements like in western wrestling or boxing it is possible for wrestlers "rikishi" to be pitted against an opponent twice his own weight. We did see that and a few times the "little" guy actually won the bout.
A bout is won by forcing the opponent out of the inner circle or throwing him into the dohyo. You don't have to fall in or completely out of the circle to lose the match either. The rikishi whose body part touches the ground first loses. That could be with a finger, toe, knee, hand, elbow, top knot of the hair inside the ring...Or the first toe or heel out over the straw ring loses as well. There is no hitting with fists,(they can and do slap), hair pulling, eye gouging, kicking in the stomach or chest permitted and it is also against the rules to sieze the part of the band covering the vital organs. They can pull on the other part of the G string or "mawashi" .
The rikishi when wrestling are naked except for this silken loincloth which is made of a piece of silk approximately 10 yards long by 2 foot wide folded in 6ths and then wrapped around the waist 4-7 times depending on the girth of the man. This is a fundamental part of the equipment as 70 of the winning tricks are acheived by maneuvering the opponent with a grip on his Mawashi. The strings which hang from the front are silk stiffened with glue and they are only ornamental and often times thrown away.
So an individual bout begins by the "yogoshi" they are the group that usher spectators to their seats, build the actual ring with straw hay bales, clay and sand before the tourney begins, sweep the salt from the dohyo between each bout, work the corners during the tournament.... He steps into the center ring and facing the west first he opens a folded fan and calls out in a chant like voice which echos through the stadium especially early in the day when the place is half empty ...the west, name of rikishi, beya he is from, then he turns to the east as says the same about that eastern rikishi.
Then the 2 rikishi and the gyoji enter the ring,for the "shikiri" and go through a series of symbolic movements. While they busy doing that the gyoji then says again in a chant like voice the two opponents names and east/west. They bow and face the middle and then do a couple of leg lifts to stamp out the evil spirits, squat in "get set" position like a football center and glare at each other, before moving back to their respective corners. There they get a cup of water from the previous bout winner or rikishi to fight after them depending on what side they are on... so to cleanse their minds and bodies by rinsing their mouths with water the source of purity and then wiping with a paper towel. The rikishis come back to the center and squat again and do hand claps in front of them and up above their heads to show they are weaponless and their hands are empty.
Then they squat again in the middle and then back to their corners and this time they wipe their faces, underarms chests with a towel and then grab a handful of salt to throw in the ring to purify it and also help insure and prevent against injuries. The salt throwing is the privilege only of the 2 high divisions "Maku-uchi", "Juryo" and "Maku-shita" rikishi. They come back to center and squat again and glare some more. They may get up one more time and go back to the corner to get more salt, psyche themselves up by face, leg, chest, mawashi slapping to rid the hands of salt before returning to actually fight.
The Maku-uchi have 4 minutes to do this, the Juryo 3 minutes and the lowest rank comes in and must begin to wrestle right away. This is building up and getting their psychi ready and the crowd excited. Then the match begins with them in the get set position and the first one to touch down in the center or step out of the ring loses. The actual wrestling is over in a matter of seconds usually. After the bout, they both stand in the ring bow once more and the loser leaves and the winner squats and the gyoji chants winner and the rikishi does some hand movement to acknowledge he won grabs his paper and steps down out of the dohyo. He hands his paper to the corner yogoshi who ties it up with his fringe ornament and towel and then he waits to pass the water cup to the next guy. On the losers side the wrestler in the 2nd bout to come comes and gives water to the new opponent.
About 3:30pm or so and after the Juryo division is done there is another ring ceremony with all the highest ranked Maku-uchi Division rikishis in their aprons. Rikishi on the east side of the Banzuke perform first on odd numbered days and ones on the west fight first on even numbered days. These are sumo's elite men and they are fighting for The Emperors Cup. Which is given to the rikishi with the best record after the last match of the last day of the tournament. They also give out special awards for performance, fighting spirit and technique.
Each day after the matches are complete their is a bow ceremony around 6:00pm. A designated rikishi from the Mauku-shita division performs the colorful bow ceremony. This is to symbolize the gratitude felt by the day's victors. Then they cover the dohyo for the next day with a canvas cloth. The spectators also toss the purple seats cushions down onto the ring after the last match ends or maybe it is when they are unhappy with the winning decision?? I saw it on TV and it happened when we were there 2 times. So it could be for both reasons?
All in all it was an enjoyable day and very interesting. I met a lady Lindy from New York who was there and she gave me alot of information I did not get from the above website. She was an engineer for Corningware and used to live here for 2 years and was back on business. I too met and had my picture taken with one of the rikishi', but I have no idea who he was and I could not tell when he was in the ring? He did sign my notebook, so I will have to ask my sensai what he wrote.
I must say, I like the more fit and athletic looking men, it seems like a much healthier sport too when they are strongand muscular and not so fat.
I found it very interesting at the end how they all just walk out of the stadium and into the streets to stroll home in their colorful yukata robes and flip flops with umbrella in hand if needed and with no entourage or body guards helping them move the masses to get back safely and without harm to their respective beya. I don't think that would ever happen in the USA...again there is that respect for personal space. Cool!
Back on the train and subway through Yokohama for a Jumbo-cho of course and then home to catch the highlights on TV.
For those of you that don't know how SUMO works I will try to give you a hopefully quick lesson on the rituals and order of the day. Of if you want a quick and concise version check out this website. IThis is a great web page with a ton of information. I highly recommend it.
http://www.sumo.or.jp/eng/
We of course arrived later than we anticipated, with all the craziness that came with the messages from the night before and so we by passed visiting the Sumo museum. We can always go back another day after the tournament "basho" is over, and visit the stables "beya" too, where you can silently watch the training taking place from 5:30am-10am with an appointment. Fun!
It is a bit silly they are not open after the matches we thought, as we would have visited then, but we really wanted to get inside and see what was going on with the actual bouts taking place up close and personal right before our very own eyes.
When you go early in the day you can sit wherever you want until someone comes to claim their ticketed seat, and so CJ and I of course bee lined to the front and center area of the "in the round" style auditorium. I actually sat further back than I could have in the cheaper box seats as I wanted a place to drape my legs on one of the tiered bench seats. I knew I could not sit in the more expensive boxed off area "masu" seats where you sit "Indian style" or "Geisha style" on my knees on a purple cushion "zabuton" for the whole day if I actually planned to walk out of there on my own power. I don't get how people can do that, my legs just do not do that anymore. Numbness sets in way to quickly for me and my legs feel like cement tree trunks. I get enough of that when I sit way to long at my computer :-)
I also saw on TV a few days before, how those BIG BOYS sometimes fall into the first 3 rows of spectators and so I did not want to be crushed by one of them, with their 100kg (220lb)+ bodies, nor to feel their naked rolls of sweaty muscle and unsightly,cellulite,hairy,bruised and beaten flesh come in contact with mine. :-?
Sumo has 6 Divisions-- 4 lower ones and 2 upper ones Juryo and the top Maku-uchi. The top 2 groups fight at night from 4-6pm. Those bouts are on TV as well and that is when the place is full if all ticket holders show up. So from 830am-300pm or so you really can sit up close, and it is very cool and fun to be right in the thick of the action.
So the young boys or new recruits wrestle in the ring "dohyo" for the first time in a test competition called "maezumo". Some are right out of high school or college and you can tell, because they still have their short crew cut hair styles. We were too late and did not see any of these fight but we did see 3 of them with their ceremonial aprons come out for some type of recognition. They wrestle first thing in the morning starting at 8:00am.
At 8:35 the Jonokuchi-Makushita divisions wrestle. These are 2 of the 4 bottom "trainee" divisions which compete for 7 out of the 15 days of the tournament. On any given day, approx 1/2 of these men in the 4 divisions will compete. The trainees who complete this process, then earn the right to have their names appear on the "Banzuke" or offical listing of rank for the next tournament.
Their are 6 major tournaments "sumo basho" a year Jan,May and Sept in Tokyo, March in Osaka, July in Nagoya and Nov in Fukukoa.
At 2:30 in the afternoon the Juryo Division enters the ring and they have their Ring Entering ceremony "doyo-iri" where the wrestlers from the west all enter down one aisle in reverse order of their rank with their heavily embroidered ceremonial aprons "kesho-mawashi" on and climb up onto the dohyo and circle the ring. These aprons are made of beautiful silks with richly embroidered designs and hemmed with gold fringe,costing anywhere from 400,000-500,000yen ($4,000-$5,000). When they are all up there in a circle they go through a short ritual and then depart before the east rikishi enter from the other side and do the same thing.
The leading roles in the dohyo-iri ceremony are reserved for the YOKOZUNA top rikishi in the west and east. The YOKOZUNA from each side do their own individual ceremony after their division peers do theirs. He comes down the aisle attended by a senior referee "gyoji" and 2 other rikishi in aprons from his division and gets in the ring and does the ceremonial rituals. The YOKUZUNA also wears over his other apron a massive braided hemp rope weighing 25-35 pounds tied in the bow at the back and ornamented in the front with zig-zag strips of paper representing lightning. This is a familiar religious symbol in the front of all Shinto Shrines and in houses at New Years hanging from the shelf where they make offerings to the gods. The shinto style roof "tsuriyane" that hangs over the dohyo too has colored tassels at each corner representing the 4 seasons of the year- white, red, green and black.
Their individual bouts then take place and since there are no weight requirements like in western wrestling or boxing it is possible for wrestlers "rikishi" to be pitted against an opponent twice his own weight. We did see that and a few times the "little" guy actually won the bout.
A bout is won by forcing the opponent out of the inner circle or throwing him into the dohyo. You don't have to fall in or completely out of the circle to lose the match either. The rikishi whose body part touches the ground first loses. That could be with a finger, toe, knee, hand, elbow, top knot of the hair inside the ring...Or the first toe or heel out over the straw ring loses as well. There is no hitting with fists,(they can and do slap), hair pulling, eye gouging, kicking in the stomach or chest permitted and it is also against the rules to sieze the part of the band covering the vital organs. They can pull on the other part of the G string or "mawashi" .
The rikishi when wrestling are naked except for this silken loincloth which is made of a piece of silk approximately 10 yards long by 2 foot wide folded in 6ths and then wrapped around the waist 4-7 times depending on the girth of the man. This is a fundamental part of the equipment as 70 of the winning tricks are acheived by maneuvering the opponent with a grip on his Mawashi. The strings which hang from the front are silk stiffened with glue and they are only ornamental and often times thrown away.
So an individual bout begins by the "yogoshi" they are the group that usher spectators to their seats, build the actual ring with straw hay bales, clay and sand before the tourney begins, sweep the salt from the dohyo between each bout, work the corners during the tournament.... He steps into the center ring and facing the west first he opens a folded fan and calls out in a chant like voice which echos through the stadium especially early in the day when the place is half empty ...the west, name of rikishi, beya he is from, then he turns to the east as says the same about that eastern rikishi.
Then the 2 rikishi and the gyoji enter the ring,for the "shikiri" and go through a series of symbolic movements. While they busy doing that the gyoji then says again in a chant like voice the two opponents names and east/west. They bow and face the middle and then do a couple of leg lifts to stamp out the evil spirits, squat in "get set" position like a football center and glare at each other, before moving back to their respective corners. There they get a cup of water from the previous bout winner or rikishi to fight after them depending on what side they are on... so to cleanse their minds and bodies by rinsing their mouths with water the source of purity and then wiping with a paper towel. The rikishis come back to the center and squat again and do hand claps in front of them and up above their heads to show they are weaponless and their hands are empty.
Then they squat again in the middle and then back to their corners and this time they wipe their faces, underarms chests with a towel and then grab a handful of salt to throw in the ring to purify it and also help insure and prevent against injuries. The salt throwing is the privilege only of the 2 high divisions "Maku-uchi", "Juryo" and "Maku-shita" rikishi. They come back to center and squat again and glare some more. They may get up one more time and go back to the corner to get more salt, psyche themselves up by face, leg, chest, mawashi slapping to rid the hands of salt before returning to actually fight.
The Maku-uchi have 4 minutes to do this, the Juryo 3 minutes and the lowest rank comes in and must begin to wrestle right away. This is building up and getting their psychi ready and the crowd excited. Then the match begins with them in the get set position and the first one to touch down in the center or step out of the ring loses. The actual wrestling is over in a matter of seconds usually. After the bout, they both stand in the ring bow once more and the loser leaves and the winner squats and the gyoji chants winner and the rikishi does some hand movement to acknowledge he won grabs his paper and steps down out of the dohyo. He hands his paper to the corner yogoshi who ties it up with his fringe ornament and towel and then he waits to pass the water cup to the next guy. On the losers side the wrestler in the 2nd bout to come comes and gives water to the new opponent.
About 3:30pm or so and after the Juryo division is done there is another ring ceremony with all the highest ranked Maku-uchi Division rikishis in their aprons. Rikishi on the east side of the Banzuke perform first on odd numbered days and ones on the west fight first on even numbered days. These are sumo's elite men and they are fighting for The Emperors Cup. Which is given to the rikishi with the best record after the last match of the last day of the tournament. They also give out special awards for performance, fighting spirit and technique.
Each day after the matches are complete their is a bow ceremony around 6:00pm. A designated rikishi from the Mauku-shita division performs the colorful bow ceremony. This is to symbolize the gratitude felt by the day's victors. Then they cover the dohyo for the next day with a canvas cloth. The spectators also toss the purple seats cushions down onto the ring after the last match ends or maybe it is when they are unhappy with the winning decision?? I saw it on TV and it happened when we were there 2 times. So it could be for both reasons?
All in all it was an enjoyable day and very interesting. I met a lady Lindy from New York who was there and she gave me alot of information I did not get from the above website. She was an engineer for Corningware and used to live here for 2 years and was back on business. I too met and had my picture taken with one of the rikishi', but I have no idea who he was and I could not tell when he was in the ring? He did sign my notebook, so I will have to ask my sensai what he wrote.
I must say, I like the more fit and athletic looking men, it seems like a much healthier sport too when they are strongand muscular and not so fat.
I found it very interesting at the end how they all just walk out of the stadium and into the streets to stroll home in their colorful yukata robes and flip flops with umbrella in hand if needed and with no entourage or body guards helping them move the masses to get back safely and without harm to their respective beya. I don't think that would ever happen in the USA...again there is that respect for personal space. Cool!
Back on the train and subway through Yokohama for a Jumbo-cho of course and then home to catch the highlights on TV.
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