June 25th 2009 Taka's Birthday

Our great friends, Yoshizaki-tachi and Yaari, from near our town in Nishio were visiting us here in California~

And helped us celebrate Taka's 38th birthday!!

On YouTube

Zen made this clip for YouTube from a game two nights ago that I shot. Santa Cruz won. Double the fun! Zen's #13

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vpixmi2qQ5M

Summer fireworks

In California now, they've begun. A mark of the beginning of summer.

In Japan we don't get to see large fireworks as often as in the U.S.,  but in Japan we can buy an amazing variety of  fire works that we can set off in the streets or almost anywhere. 

This evening Taka and I were on a rare date out! Driving home from having seen the Japanese movie "Departures". Great movie, and beautiful finale outside in the skies!

It looks like a JELLYFISH!!

Basketball California

Accidents, what can happen in gamess! One of the boys, or two? knocked Zen's feet out from under him and he crashed to the floor. He went for seven stitches, and is fine now.

Back to the U.S. from Japan via China, Peking

I had to go from Nagoya to Peking, China with the ticket I had.

This time, still because of the "Swine" flu, the Chinese used small handheld temperature gaugers. Which they had to hold almost against our heads.

This man seated behind me was tested and tested and tested, many times. Finally they must have decided he was "flu-less"... or they were CLUE-LESS?! as to the results?! ha~

(no, no laughing matter- honestly!)

But on our way to our connecting flights we had to walk past these two- cameras above the women's heads, and the screens in front of them also showed everyone's body temperatures.

Later I saw a bold sign saying NO PHOTOS and fear struck me! I looked around to see if Chinese Security were looking for me! 

It does feel different in this country-airport. In a way like the Korean airport I went through last year. The people's attitudes, or dispositions? Characters? Are pretty different from the Japanese. I guess I'm biased~ I prefer the Japanese!

So I got back to California, and the wonderful air and climate~

and...besides my boys Taka and Zen, 

Grandmom!!!

And her two daschaunds, (Peppermint) Pattie and Charlie (Brown)

And some other cute doggies along our walk~~

Last Trips in Japan~and recording for World Peace and Prayer Day!

Old dear friend Misa asked me to go to Osaka to narrate for World Peace and Prayer Day.

On the trip down, I couldn't help but want to share how Japanese really take to face masks. Not bad at all really, you get used to them, and they really are helpful for those of us with allergies, or trying to avoid getting sick, OR trying to hide! (which I must admit sometimes I love to do!!)

On the bullet train I got these train tickets. Japanese are amazing at wrapping. To an extreme degree at times. However, it can seem appealing at times.(though trees wouldn't say the same). Even this very little ticket was given to me in it's own little paper pouch with a window, which is expected to just be thrown away.

In Japan, drinking alcohol on trains is the norm.

Passengers driving in cars can be drinking alcohol while the driver drives. In the States, there can be NO open alcoholic beverage containers, otherwise you risk getting a seriously expensive ticket.

So, I went to Osaka to record for World Peace and Prayer Day... (link to the side here)

at Hiroki Okano's studio http://www.tenkoo.com/okanohiroki/english/profile.html

I don't remember meeting Okano-san before, but friends have known and worked with him for years.

The offerings of prayer and drink placed on the equipment, reminded me of this special part of Japan.

Misa booked me into this lovely hotel for the night. The New Otani.

For foreigners new to Japan this folded toilet paper habit can seem to be so unnecessary, however, it "grows on you"

I've grown to appreciate the care down to such little, "unimportant" details.

What amused me this time was the information left on the dispenser!
(remember, click on the photo and you can see it up close)

Can you believe it? Japanese have a Bible in the hotel rooms!!! The only Christians I've known in Japan are Mormons, or, and they don't call themselves Christians, Jehovah's Witnesses. So why ever do they think they need to have a Bible in the hotel rooms? They think it looks good?

Daughters and Friends~

She-chan and Naomi! My gorgeous girls!!!

And the gorgeous friends!! We squeeze into my little Japanese dining room for a get together. Thank goodness we needn't deal with chairs!