Our U S Summer Tour

We're leaving Japan on Monday 6/21 for our U S Tour - 4 children in 4 different states, 5 grandchildren, one wedding reception, many friends, lots of American food . . . so watch this space for vacation pictures during the next couple of months. Although we'll be eating sushi in the U S, it's just not the same, so we're trying to eat ahead . . . To our U S family & friends: See you soon! To our Japanese friends: We'll miss you & see you all in mid-August when we return.

Margie & Stan

TN Grandchildren

Here are a few of the great photos that Lisa took at Edistow Island SC while she & the children evacuated to her mom's after the Great Nashville Flood earlier this year. Thanks, Lisa for sharing! I'm glad to report that they are now all back home together, since all cleanup and repairs have been completed. Yay!

Natalie & Andy


Natalie & Amelia


Natalie & Andy


Amelia & "friend" . . . Looks like they found plenty to do & had lots of fun.

M C Perry Library

I rode my bike to the school to meet Stan so we could attend the music program tonight. This huge picture of the Kintai Bridge is new since I've been here & was made by an art class. It's made up from many smaller pictures. Wow!


I love all these flags & banners hanging in here! The library looks much more exciting than it used to - I haven't been here in quite a while.


How cool is this?


Stan looks so thrilled that school is almost over for the summer!

The library is shared by the HS and Elementary - it's very large & colorful.


Oh, here's more art projects hanging from the ceiling. I first thought they were the solar system . . .


But this one says "neon" so I guess they're molecule models - wow!


And all are very creative!


And this famous Japanese wave is still my favorite! It's another HUGE picture that's made of from many smaller pieces and was here when we first arrived in 2004 . . .

Music Concert

It's 6/11 - Friday before the last week of school, and the music program is presenting their final show of the year. It's a beach theme, so all the musicians are dressed in cut-offs & t-shirts, and there will be a BBQ of hot dogs afterward. That's Allen announcing the lineup.


Let the music begin!


The audience is really enjoying the show!

Orchestra time!


Allen playing drums with the band.


He also sings and directs . . .


And Mr Anderson is chosen to play the cymbals during the 1812 Overture with the band - which he does like a pro!



What a great & entertaining show! Great variety of music from Traditional Spirituals to Beatles, to Jackson 5, Journey, Tchaikovsky, Elton John . . . and fabulous DRUMS! Much different from what Eldon used to do, but like Eldon, Allen really gets the students engaged and they all obviously love what they're doing. Lots of hard work by everyone really paid off. Although there were hot dogs afterward, we decided to let the younger crowd enjoy those - we're hungry for sushi . . .

At the Fish Tank Restaurant

After the music program, my knee was still pretty stiff & painful from a cortizone injection this morning, so we decided to try the Fish Tank (near 4-Corners) tonight - much shorter ride than Akiyama. We haven't been here in a while - probably not since before Nancy & Eldon left. We were lucky enough to get the last 2 counter seats & the sushi chef is happy to serve us. I LIKE sitting here so we can see what's available.


Decisions, decisions . . . everything looks SO good!


Stan decided to start with maguro (tuna) sashimi. It's served with a yellow flower on top. I think it's a dandelion blossom?


We're also dividing an ebi (shrimp) tempura order (oops, mostly already gone!) and I'm having maguro sushi. I think it's the best I've ever had!

Part of Fish Tank menu - I never knew Uhei was their real name!


Famous grilled chicken wings - salty & hot & we didn't have to wait an hour, Eldon! We've decided it's WAY better sitting at the counter, rather than at a table.


Laughing cat picture above us.


On our way out, we're looking at some of the photos that flank the sliding door.


Oh - there we are with Eldon & Nancy a couple of years ago. We miss you!

Mac Dome is History!

If you're a loyal reader, you've seen pictures of our Mac Dome on the air station here over the years. It's where many events are held - including the Spring and Fall Bazaars. We'd heard it was scheduled to be demolished (but why?) and looking out the window (over the bowling alley) on 6/2, I noticed it was already half gone!


Yikes!


By the time I took this one on 6/13, it was just a memory . . .

Hiroshima & Southern Cross

It's 5/30 - and about noon on a beautiful late spring day. We're biking to the train station today bound for Hiroshima. That's Stan on his bike & mine in front of him.


What a clear day! Biking in front of the chapel headed out the front gate.


On the pedestrian bridge headed downtown.

Me crossing the pedestrian bridge on my beloved 3-wheeler. It's a gorgeous clear day in Iwakuni.


Parking our bicycles at the downtown train station.


Looking out the window from the local train as we head toward Hiroshima. We're meeting Hiroshi later today. I'm having a can of cafe latte, and Stan's having a cherry drink, I think.


Crossing a river.

Cute recycling bin at the station. Godzilla(?) eating aluminum cans . . .


We found a new (we think) little restaurant inside the Hondori shopping area called "Yesterdays." It's a coffee shop that also serves lunch. Since we were hungry, this seemed like a perfect idea!


Stan got a chili-dog, but he said there weren't any beans.


I got grilled tuna salad & of course my cafe latte - delicious!


Fellow diners facing into the shopping street.

Enjoying my tuna sandwich at the counter facing Beatles albums, listening to Beatles music. What could be better than this???


All kinds of wonderful Beatles memorabelia inside this restaurant.




A fellow diner took this photo of us.


Interesting coo-coo clock. I thought it would do something really fancy at 3:00, but it didn't . . .

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