tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80955680547498734792024-02-19T22:46:50.070-08:00LONETREE DRIVE-INEmmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10855824424586205037noreply@blogger.comBlogger150125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8095568054749873479.post-78146610841927994662012-04-10T09:31:00.000-07:002012-04-10T09:31:26.050-07:00round & roundIt looks like an empty lot<br />
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but if you look a little closer you'll spot these prehistoric confirmers of spring.<br />
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Called つくし <i>tsukushi</i> in Japanese these spore-bearing stalks of a variety of horsetail (<i>Equisetum arvense</i>) are edible and delicious. <br />
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It was my ceramics teacher <i>Arai-Sensei</i> who taught me how to collect, clean, and prepare <i>tsukushi</i>. A year later, my belly full with our lil' spore, Edo and I went collecting them again. On our way home who did we run into but <i>Arai-Sensei</i> (whom I hadn't seen in months) and after a brief exchange of be-wells and take-cares we continued on our way. Later I couldn't help but admire our <i>tsukushi</i>, dusting green spores in a bowl made in <i>Sensei</i>'s class. Isn't it lovely how cycles complete themselves?<br />
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<br />Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10855824424586205037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8095568054749873479.post-70984412616407388432012-03-29T07:41:00.000-07:002012-03-29T07:41:18.627-07:00Emerging<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It seems feels particularly apropos to return to the world of blogging at the first signs of spring. Beautiful glorious spring. In the four months since I last wrote, a few things have changed but mostly winter was a period of quiet hibernation. Bedding down, acquainting ourselves with the marvelous invention of a heated carpet paired with pots of hot tea. Family paid us a visit bringing us a dose of holiday cheer. We fought a couple of bouts with viruses; our first since arriving to Japan. But March has us poking our noses out of our den. There are some big changes are on the horizon and we're welcoming them just as the flowers call to the bees.Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10855824424586205037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8095568054749873479.post-46294940162387854672011-11-20T05:20:00.001-08:002011-11-20T06:10:06.977-08:00to: joy<embed allowfullscreen="true" allownetworking="all" flashvars="file=http%3A%2F%2Fvid642.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu149%2Flonetreedrivein%2Fjoy.mp4" height="361" src="http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600" wmode="transparent"></embed>
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We started the day off on the wrong foot.<br />
With all that's <a href="http://occupywallst.org/article/whom-do-you-serve/">going on</a> <a href="http://www.economist.com/node/21538755">in the world</a> and disheartening news at <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/19/uc-davis-police-pepper-spray-students_n_1102728.html">my alma mater</a> I suppose I shouldn't be surprised to be included in collective off-kilter of global juujuu. And so what a welcome reprieve it was to hear this performance this afternoon in our town. At the moment, along with <i>peace</i> I can't think of a better sentiment to wish to humankind.Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10855824424586205037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8095568054749873479.post-7454629472834890902011-10-08T06:12:00.000-07:002011-10-08T06:16:47.372-07:00and so it begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's started. We've been hearing it for days now -soon after darkness settles- a deep beat of a drum. Preparations are being made for next week's<i> <a href="http://lonetreedrivein.blogspot.com/2010/10/matsuri-in-nutshell.html">taiko matsuri</a></i>, an annual harvest festival whose ancient rhythms, like the Piped Piper of Hamlin will call spectators far and wide to join in merriment.Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10855824424586205037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8095568054749873479.post-23374784379596791842011-09-25T07:22:00.000-07:002011-09-25T07:24:41.017-07:00hiatusI think that's the longest I've been away.<br />
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I'll blame it on getting hitched and the humid quagmire that makes for a Japanese summer. But really, this summer was lovely, a busy one full of love and work. Recently, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/emmymadeinjapan?feature=mhee">a lite side project's been keeping me busy </a>and along with a new camera - my hands are pleasantly full. <br />
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In weather news, a typhoon came through and with it took with it the last of a hot heavy summer. It's been a glorious few days, cool nights and temperatures that make frowning an impossibly. Perfect weather for our local grade school's Sports Day, an annual field day event where parents come to watch kids get sweaty in unison. I stopped by today to take a peek. I caught the relay race and for some bizarre reason, as I stood watching kids run around a dusty track, I felt a familiar tightness that predicts the falling of tears. After giving it some thought I think what moved me, was the conviction in which the kids ran; the purity of their hearts. They ran cheeks puffing, awkward bodies pumping, and all the while smiles cracking - a welcome transference of joy.<br />
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Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10855824424586205037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8095568054749873479.post-11262936625435459972011-07-04T10:17:00.000-07:002011-07-04T10:17:49.460-07:00vantage of a tadpoleFor me poliwogs along with Sea Monkeys are in that beloved group of creatures that inspire endless wonder. I love anticipating the metamorphosis looking for the smallest signs in change - budding limbs and dangling bits of poo. Ever since I heard the chorus of frogs in our nearby rice paddy, I knew I'd be catching myself some poliwogs. So I did, and the past few week's I've been delighted by my new found friends. This morning, though, I notices a couple were looking peaked (overzealous feeding on my part?) We're leaving for on a <i>big</i> trip in a couple of days, so I figure it was time for them to return to whence them came. It was fun while it lasted. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5866.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10855824424586205037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8095568054749873479.post-23347806912354387212011-06-14T09:55:00.000-07:002011-06-14T09:55:53.237-07:00sweet rides<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5190.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>A lot of people ride bikes in Japan. In an area of tight spaces, expensive fuel costs, and health consciousness, bicycles make a lot of sense. Here's are a few of my favorites along with amenities: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_4903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_4903.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Representing kiddos learning how to ride their first two-wheeler: Hello Kitty Bike - complete with fenders, white-walled tires, and safety handle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_4733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_4733.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><a href="http://www.eudict.com/?lang=japeng&word=obasan"><i>Obasan</i></a> trike - reversed tricycle with two wheels in front, for greater stability and grocery toting capacity. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_3576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_3576.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Finally, ride in comfort with bicycle-attached-weather-proof-mittens - come in a range stylish colors including white, silver, and my personal favorite pumpkin.Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10855824424586205037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8095568054749873479.post-49421407473441875412011-06-08T09:02:00.000-07:002011-06-08T09:02:09.125-07:00neighborly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_4955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_4955.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>A while back when temperatures were a little cooler (it explains the sweater) Eddy and I came across a vegetable plot filled with promise. The garden with its small footprint and right-in-the-middle-of the burbs location, is typical of what you might find here in Shikoku. <br />
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This particular plot also came with a tiny bonneted woman who needed some assistance.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_4957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_4957.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>With her hands full of spinach, she was doing her best to climb up to her waiting bicycle but didn't have quiet enough momentum to leverage herself up. <br />
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Edo gave her a lift.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_4958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_4958.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>And helped with a stray leaf of spinach.<br />
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She flashed a grateful smile.Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10855824424586205037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8095568054749873479.post-9994576099522178482011-05-27T09:25:00.000-07:002011-05-27T09:31:18.875-07:00view from a cab<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5663.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>On Wednesdays I take a cab from the train station to a shipbuilding company where I teach a couple of evening classes. It's a good example of the delicate and sometimes awkward (perhaps only to a foreigner) relationship between customer and servicer. The ride begins with a welcome from a door ajar, it closes automatically after your seated. A destination request is made followed with an attempt of small talk in a marbled local drawl. Silence. Some zippy driving (manual transmission with a column-mounted shifter?!) A smoky smile and the door magically opens. You've arrived.Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10855824424586205037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8095568054749873479.post-70732613392989722392011-05-22T04:40:00.000-07:002011-05-22T04:40:48.039-07:00at the mallToday marks the second time this week that parking my bicycle has lead me <a href="http://lonetreedrivein.blogspot.com/2011/05/swallowettes.html">to delight</a>. I found it in the form of someone else's treasure: a Nintendo DS and tired friend. <br />
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Take today for example, while parking my bike at the bank and maneuvering around a huge pile of bird poop. I looked up (from a safe distance) to see if I could discover the source, and sure enough, just a few feet above me - a nest of wee swallows.<br />
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Barn swallows 燕、 <i>Hirondo rustica</i>Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10855824424586205037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8095568054749873479.post-27288741968755638612011-05-10T07:45:00.000-07:002011-05-10T07:45:05.899-07:00little shop of horrors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_4863-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_4863-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Window display from a uniform shop in nearby Saijo.Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10855824424586205037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8095568054749873479.post-81777110249095332502011-05-05T08:24:00.000-07:002011-05-05T08:24:07.874-07:00the case of the missing fish<embed allowfullscreen="true" allownetworking="all" flashvars="file=http%3A%2F%2Fvid642.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu149%2Flonetreedrivein%2FMVI_5016.mp4" height="361" src="http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600" wmode="transparent"></embed><br />
Edo and I went to my Japanese teacher's home for dinner tonight. We had a lovely gut-busting meal and shared stories of cultural gaffs including a tale of missing <i>koi</i>. Apparently, a few years ago the<i> koi</i> from the pond in front of City Hall disappeared, only to be found frozen bright orange and yellow, in a Chinese student's freezer. Later poor <i>sensei</i> had to explain to her students that the <i>koi</i> were to be admired and NOT to be eaten. Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10855824424586205037noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8095568054749873479.post-59150878350859609642011-05-01T09:32:00.000-07:002011-05-01T09:32:58.695-07:00Well I'll Be Damned: bagging your own groceriesThis is a bagging station. You arrive here after you've buy your groceries at the market. <br />
<a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_3991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_3991.jpg" width="640" /></a>You see, in Japan you pack your own groceries, some stores even require you to bring your own shopping bag or purchase one for 5¥.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_3990-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_3990-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Each station is well-equipped with packing supplies – paper to wrap breakables, a damp rag to help fingers open clingy produce bags, clear tape, and cardboard boxes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_3989-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_3989-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The system works for many reasons one of which is, relative to the States people buy smaller amounts of food, so there are no waits or traffic jams. Oddly enough, I find I like packing my own groceries. What do you think? Is it better to keep costs down and pack-your-own or do you prefer the service of having your packed tomatoes at the bottom?Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10855824424586205037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8095568054749873479.post-74612048458783967812011-04-29T10:37:00.000-07:002011-04-29T10:37:15.475-07:00gimme gimme gimmeA new supermarket recently opened in Niihama. It's polished and all that ways you'd expect; gleaming floors and bountiful displays, but will you take a look at the little critters perched down the candy aisle. <br />
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Clever candy bins with irresistible faces and open maws just begging for tiny hands to grab fistfuls of candy. <br />
Parents don't have a chance.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_4254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_4254.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10855824424586205037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8095568054749873479.post-88801501867868769412011-04-26T08:55:00.000-07:002011-04-26T18:53:56.664-07:00for the birdsCall it misplaced or dreamy, but along with a flock of egg laying chickens, I'd like to someday have pigeons. Homing pigeons to be exact. I'm enchanted by their unexplained ability to find home. I realize I'm projecting and anthropomorphizing, but it feels like loyalty. And there's also the appeal of vicarious flight and the added bonus that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bert_%28Sesame_Street%29">Bert </a>loved them too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5089.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Pigeon fact: Did you know that pigeons were used in World War I as photographers?<br />
Take a look at this dapper fellow. All he needs is a bomber jacket.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/Bundesarchiv_Bild_183-R01996_Brieftaube_mit_Fotokamera_cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/Bundesarchiv_Bild_183-R01996_Brieftaube_mit_Fotokamera_cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Apparently a German named <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pigeon_photography">Julius Neubronner</a>, trained pigeons to carry a lightweight camera he invented to to take aerial photographs. The combination of an automated shutter and homing instincts transformed the birds into unknowing spies.<br />
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A Youtube search lead me to this video of urban pigeon racing in Baltimore. Super cool - just another reason to have my own.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="510" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OneSDUB_TLE" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe>Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10855824424586205037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8095568054749873479.post-77784719535747662862011-04-22T10:19:00.000-07:002011-04-22T10:19:40.844-07:00planes, trains, and three-wheelersAren't these vehicles marvelous?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The groundskeepers at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ritsurin_Garden">Ritsurin Park</a> in Takamatsu have the pleasure of driving them about. <br />
Look at the size of the steering wheel! <br />
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I also love how seriously they take their jobs, not a hair out of place or spatter of mud. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5014.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>And here they are in action:<br />
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<embed allowfullscreen="true" allownetworking="all" flashvars="file=http%3A%2F%2Fvid642.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu149%2Flonetreedrivein%2FMVI_5015.mp4" height="361" src="http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600" wmode="transparent"></embed>Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10855824424586205037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8095568054749873479.post-1844863972477626532011-04-19T08:52:00.000-07:002011-04-19T08:52:28.073-07:00from one who knows me<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="510" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Nwj6o_BOhho" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe><br />
I'm smitten with a band I somehow knew, and never knew. And because I've fallen - I'll take you with me. Thanks, WeeEmmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10855824424586205037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8095568054749873479.post-7792990006285080852011-04-16T10:00:00.000-07:002011-04-19T09:24:37.997-07:00Springing <a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5515-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5515-2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Because spring is glorious and it's my first in Japan, here are my favorite schmaltzy photos of our <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanami"><i>hanami</i></a>, the simple tradition of celebrating spring's arrival with a picnic under the <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_blossom">sakura</a> </i>trees. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5276.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Edo and I walked to Takinomiya, our neighborhood park and choose a spot-for-two - they even had lanterns. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5568-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5568-1.jpg" width="480" /></a><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5515-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>We munched on sandwiches and people watched, soaking-in a year's worth of cherry blossom emphemeralness. I later took pictures and so did everyone else.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5498-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5498-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>It seemed appropriate that the blossoms came late this year, about a week later than in years past. I talked with a few students about festivities in the shadow of the earthquake/tsunami disaster, and the consensus is that 'life goes on' because it must. In respect for the disaster, celebrations throughout Japan were subdued; but in presence of such fleeting splendor, it was natural to feel optimistic for its future. <br />
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allownetworking="all" flashvars="file=http%3A%2F%2Fvid642.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu149%2Flonetreedrivein%2FMVI_5544.mp4" height="361" src="http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600" wmode="transparent"></embed>Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10855824424586205037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8095568054749873479.post-84916231177312640652011-04-11T10:09:00.000-07:002011-04-11T10:09:51.792-07:00special delivery<a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5573-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5573-1.jpg" width="506" /></a><br />
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The MegMilk lady came to our doorstep today and she gave me these. I don't know the details of what they are, but the yellow-labeled one looks to be milk fortified with '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucosamine">glucosamine</a> power.' Contents aside, I'm a sucker for old-school packaging and since my recent discovery of my lactose intolerance; I'm content to be charmed by glass.Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10855824424586205037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8095568054749873479.post-76171649301887157642011-04-09T09:10:00.000-07:002011-04-09T19:36:37.730-07:00just desserts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5484.jpg" width="588" /></a></div><br />
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I'm not sure how to explain my recent preoccupation with garden ornaments, but at the moment this one seems particularly appropriate. It was one of the few images that remained on my laptop after it decided to lose battery life whilst transferring photos from my camera. Good grief.Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10855824424586205037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8095568054749873479.post-18169608067356017272011-04-07T08:15:00.000-07:002011-04-07T19:47:03.381-07:00message from a dwarf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5292.jpg" width="558" /></a></div> <br />
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I'm Happy.<br />
It's spring, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_blossom"><i>sakura</i></a> are blooming and I'm grateful that I don't have allergies.Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10855824424586205037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8095568054749873479.post-458943871488819382011-04-06T08:01:00.000-07:002011-04-06T08:01:10.467-07:00special kind of seeds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu149/lonetreedrivein/IMG_5290.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>It's officially spring in Niihama and everyone's planting, and making me itch for <a href="http://lonetreedrivein.blogspot.com/2009/07/71-days-two-februarys-ago-i-was-well.html">my own patch of dirt.</a> Gardening really is one of the most satisfying and simplest of pleasures, no? Only requiring sun, soil, seeds, water, and love. This sign does makes me wonder though: Do squirrels need full sun or part-shade?Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10855824424586205037noreply@blogger.com2