Summer is over

Ok, not really, but with the kids back in school it sure feels that way. The students in Japan only get 4 weeks off. Not the 12 weeks in the states. 

I am excited for the coming of Fall. The weather hopefully will cool and a few trips planned and Races too! I miss training and not having a race to see how I am doing with my runs. 

Maybe, I can get back on track with a few things. Workouts, sewing and some healthy cooking.

So to sure what these are, but cute

So, some more of Japan. 

Just stuff about Japan that maybe you did not know

I love this vertical planter that was at  the park near the National museum. Hard to tell, but vertical and small square pots that you can add plants or flowers. Hubby said it would be easy to make at our next home. Sure hope it works out on a smaller scale.

More thoughts on this country that has been a shock for me as a 50 something that learned many other things about Japan in history class.
Japanese people drink more coffee then green tea per person. Not hard to believe and I have found some great stuff in many small cafes and even the train stations. Being in a place this large you may have to go over a block or two to find a place, but it will be found.

Garbage cans are not easy to find on the street and becoming a huge issue because culture about walking and eating food has changed dramatically. The people never did this in the past and had bento boxes or ate sitting, so not an issue. Talked to a group of japanese this Sat and all agreed the garbage is dropped on the street much more now.

The second thing we talked about is texting and walking. Oh and add the umbrella they are holding and a disaster in the making. It's funny how we have seen things like this in just the last year and others are agreeing it is pretty bad.

It's always hard to change things, but it does happen.

Some things never change no matter where we live, but all good

Funny what you find!

So funny that I find a name stamp here in Japan. I rarely found my full name in the states when I looked for one. Very cool.

Realize it is time to purchase the things we really want to take back to the states with us to decorate the home. Wayne and I have many things that his parents purchased, but really only a few things that are truly US! I like simple clean lines and pure colors. Nature is best for these. 

Things we know we really want,

Lacquerware , some Japanese crystal, woodblock prints, and art that depicts subtle Japan. It'll be fun.

Cooking in Tokyo

Cooking in Tokyo has been a challenge, but I have managed ok for the last year. I found some international markets and sometimes find a cut of beef, but mostly chicken for us. We had salmon last night, but very expensive. Most fruits are what you find in season and expensive, but I will say that every piece I have eaten is absolutely delicious and worth every penny. Out of season is out of sight and price range. 

We are not fans of Japanese cuisine, but no lack of any other ethnic food here. Not all of it is good, but we do like the curry, great hamburgers and I love the smaller portions.

Since it is only the two of us I cook smaller meals and they last for a few days and we eat lightly in the evening. Most weekends we eat one meal out or find a festival or two and try a sample. This weekend it is the African festival, new for me! 

I miss many foods, but I will say that I don't mind shopping every other day and we never waste food.

Shout out to daughter Niki for her college crockpot. Handy and perfect size.

Tokyo is just a city, no real history

I have had a week with visitors and they seemed to have a good time, but seeing the tourist Japan made me realize how boring and just like any city it really is. Yes, they eat some different food, but it is easy to get any western food here also. I mean really, how much raw fish and noodles can you eat. 

This is also a country that doesn't have much culture from before WW II and is all tourist based. They worship the almighty iPhone and beer. If you had everyone speaking English you could be in any western country. 

Yes, if you are visiting for a week have fun and gawk at the silliness, but be grateful you don't live there.

2AM, back in Tokyo and wide awake-thoughts on Boston.

Well, back to the city and knowing the next year will go quickly. I will keep this updated just for myself and any others that want to hear my thoughts.
As I sat on a 13 hour I thought about the horrible bombing in Boston and my running community. So many families hurt and struggling and will be in my continued prayers in the days to come.
I have flown quite a bit in the last month,domestic and international and I am not sure we are ready to give up "rights" to be safer. So many Americans really don't feel the rules apply to them and it is as silly as the 2 bag rule on flights. I watched numerous people get on planes with 3 bags,2 bags-heaven forbid you put one under the seat! I was in bulkhead, 1 bag and if you travel you know nothing can go on the floor. No room near my seat and NICE people offered to move theirs, Sarcasm folks. My bag wasn't big, so things were moved and I had access during flight, but the 4 men behind me in 1st class please remember this as you run to the bathroom, heavy menstruated flow and hassle. Putzes and now done grumping. This was a domestic flight.
I just can't see us making people follow the rules. Heaven forbid.
That is the true statement. We have had many blessings and now will have to give up some to help be safer.
All good to me

Cold in MD, happy to be in USA

Pretty cold here, but going to be sunny later and warm. Looking forward to a walk with my big boy later! That never gets old for me and miss him very much. Happy he is with Niki and Michael.
Off to the fabric store to get Niki's sewing machine set up. My kind of shopping.