A wonderful vintage

July 29 2009 ok, those who know us, know we don't drink. This is actually a bottle of Apple Juice/cider (well I guess you can see that it is in English). We found this at the airport when we saw mom off. The apple juice was divine (an added benefit), but it was the label that drew our attention. (now from what I understand, you can click on the photo to enlarge it, than click your "go back" button on the browser window to come back to here). But I'll write the label here just in case.
"Apple Juice
Natural style of deliciousness.
I love natural blessing.
Only if I have this!
Both when I am alone and
when we both are"

Something to ponder on for the day! Will definitely have to look for this out in the regular markets (rather expensive to get at the airport). But really good juice!

Misawa Tanabata "FestiBal"

July 26 2009: The Tanabata Festival was this weekend. First, I have to do an explanation of the above picture. As those with young children know, often times there are words within their vocabulary that are often mis-pronounced (not that we adults never do that). Anyway, we have noticed one of Andi's words is "Festibal"...."you know mom, a festibal, food, crafts and games where people gather for a good time". So this weekend, on our way to the "festibities" I tried enunciating the word and pointing out that it was "festiVal". No, no she insisted "festiBal". Imagine my dismay to see this sign....I have lost all "crediVility"!

Anyway, on to the event...this is the Japanese Star Festival. There is a legend behind it:

http://gojapan.about.com/cs/japanesefestivals/a/tanabata.htm

Here in our part of the country it is mostly food. The streets were decorated with decorative bamboo. And in some places we could find the Tanzaku. But, most of the vendors were food! There was no excuse to be hungry on this day!

A view along Main Street of some of the vendors. Our first stop was for some chocolate dipped bananas. The chocolate's not to sweet, so it is always a nice little snack. Andi was in search of something a little more American. We ended up at a pizza restaurant. Not sure what our toppings were, we think beef of some kind. The sauce was more of a teriyaki, but Shane and I thought it tasted great. Andi stuck to eating my crusts.

At the time we arrived the main stage was hosting "Bingo". So all these people were gathered for Bingo. Didn't get to see any dances...not sure what the schedule was.

All in all, it was a little disappointing. I was hoping for more local arts and crafts to be on display. But it was mostly (did I mention) food. There were a few "carnie" style vendors. Andi was sad as I wouldn't let her get anything or play any games. She did manage to get a balloon out of us. One of those Mylar ones...really nice a pink dolphin. The only problem was that it was 1000 yen (a little over $10). We met up with a neighbor. They asked what game Andi had played to win the balloon....I responded with "pick mommies pockets and pull daddies heart strings"

I did check, there are other festibals coming that have more arts and crafts, so will look forward to those...

The sound of jets overhead! It doesn't sound nearly as loud as it did out there. I got this video when we were visiting the temple/shrine. It's no wonder no one was there, probably to noisy to meditate!

Fond Farewell

Mom and Andi talking on the phone. Mom had gone through security so a glass wall now separates us.
http://misawa-airport.co.jp/english/

July 17 2009- Well, it was time to take Mom to the airport. We had a great visit. She was the guinea pig of all future visitors we host. Game for trial and error as to what places to go and spend time, and where to avoid (certain bathrooms at the Tonami Clanhouse for instance). She made various lists at to what clothes one should bring. Though keep in mind, that changes by the week. (this week for example has been a long pants week with lots of wind and cold rain)


After saying farewell at security, we headed up to the observation deck. 100 Yen for each adult and 50 Yen for Andi. A great way to maintain crowd control, but still a really cheap price to watch the planes come and go. Above is the sign warning us not to go over the fence on the rooftop.

The plane was late coming in so we caught it's arrival....note the fighter jet in the sky. This is a shared runway. Jet traffic stops so that the commercial flights can land and take off.

Jets in the air.

Below: The pilots were practicing their short runway stops. They don't always do this, so was fun to watch the chutes deploy.

Tears were aplenty up on the roof top. Saying farwell to Grandma is always hard...She did recover though, as afterwards we headed on base to drown our sorrows in Baskin Robins milkshakes all around.

Below: Mom making her way to the plane.

Pushing the plane back.

And off they go!

We look forward to any others who wish to come and visit! The SAM Clan is always game to scout out hotels and other accommodations!

Sunset

Sunset over one of the carrot fields. Mom took this photo the evening of July 15th. Oddly enough she is actually looking eastward. The reflection through the clouds gave this wonderful setting. Andi described the sunset colors as "orange cottoncandy icecream".

Statue of Liberty!

July 15 2009 Well, Shane was working, so Andi, Mom and I set out to find the Statue of Liberty! Well, isn't that one does as a tourist? Oh, that's right, I'm not in New York! Shane, Andi and I had noticed a sign for the statue back in March on an exploration day. We had planned on going on our way home, but the sign marker is only in one direction for some reason. Anyway, what better time to explore than now.

The Statue is in the little town, possibly village of Momoishi (I believe Momo means peach, and shi indicates city)

Mom and I took MANY pictures, just like any good tourist would do. Probably because this will be as close to the Statue of Liberty that I'll ever get.....to the one in New York that is, have to do it half a world away.

We'll have to go back at night sometime. The statue is illuminated every night.

Purplish/pink Hydrangea. My sister's, May, favorite plant. They grow with great abundance here. Blues, pinks, whites, purples, I think I even saw some yellow's. Hopefully May's plant will someday grow....

Statistics on the sizing.

A view of the little lake (or large pond, not sure which) that the statue overlooks.

And here comes the afternoon rain. It has been getting rather humid here in the afternoons (though still not as sticky as the South). Can pretty much guarantee that there will be a rain shower most days. It's wonderful! Have gotten used to carrying umbrellas in the car, and a light jacket as well. Days can go from warm and pleasant to hot and sticky, then cool and wet in no time.

Followed the pathway around the statue and came to a nice little garden area with another pond (definitely a pond this time). There is a walking/jogging path around the perimeter of the park. 2K for the long walk and 1K for the short walk.

Andi found a roller slide and other playground equipment. Andi loves to play in the rain. So took advantage of the moment and rolled the slide down in the pouring rain. She had a great time! Will come back on another day for more fun!

Dance of Joy!

Well, since Andi wasn't using the umbrella, Mom decided to take use of it! Or perhaps I just wasn't sharing my umbrella very well....

Ocean and Shrine

Well, I think it was July 12 2009, that we finally made our way to the beach! Amazing, we've been here for about 7 months, and finally figured out where the beach is. Of course we have found the fishery's and the ocean they are attached to, but finding where one can go to enjoy the water was a whole other matter. But those who know me well know that I have a slight aversion to the creatures that live in salt water. I'm hoping that this region is to cold for jelly fish! Everything else is fine. Andi loves the ocean (as long as it's not a big wave breaking day) and playing in the sand so I'm sure we'll be back here many more times.

Of course one must orient with the local rules!

Shane and Andi heading out to a extensive pier/wave breaker walkway. Not really a pier as no ships pull up to it.

No, the seagulls and other flying rats aren't particularly neat here. There must have been a cookout the night before and these were left behind. A treat to find intact shells!

Andi already picking up her treasures. I'm sure my pockets and Shane's were already stuffed with treasure. Must remember to bring along a bag next time....

Walking, well some of us danced, out on the wave breakers. There are huge "jacks" piled on either side of the pier. It goes quiet a ways out on in the ocean.....I don't think I would swim that far out, but "walking on water" works for me.

A view of the beach swimming area.

"Jacks" piled up to help break the waves and prevent erosion. There is an extensive system all along the coast. Well, at least up in the area. I've seen it a little further south as well, so am assuming that perhaps it runs the whole coast line. In future pictures of our travels I'm sure you'll see more of them.

An idea of just how large and how high the "jacks" are piled. They all seem to be stable, so there must be a logic into how they are placed.

Time to explore!

Looking out on the ocean.

Seafaring man!




July 14 2009 Went out and did a little exploring. There was a Shrine that we've passed many times, so thought we'd be tourists and check it out.

Andi in front of the Shrine sign.

The doors to the shrine were closed and a bag over the handles. So we had to assume that it was closed for the day. Didn't see any sign of the caretaker, so didn't want to be intrusive. But Mom, Andi and I went about exploring the outside grounds.

Shrine gates. The gates indicate the entryway to the shrine.

A little marker at the foot of the stairs. Mom wished she could take it home and put it in her garden....

Well, perhaps this was the caretaker of the Shrine! There was a deck out behind the shrine, that also seems to be an observation area. One could see the ocean and sit and watch the Air Force jets fly overhead (might be why know one was at the temple, jets screaming by overhead just make it real hard to meditate) Anyway, the cat didn't seem frightened of us, must see a lot of visitors, and was not about to give up his napping place.

Oirase River Gorge

July 11 2009 Took a drive to the west of us and explored the Oirase River. A spectacular area. Once again, many many many (did I mention many) photos of our expedition. One would think that I had never seen a river or a gorge before.....I have, but you wouldn't know it by the abundance of photos. Though I feel my photos just can't do justice to the area.
Above: entering the gorge area to park at one of the visitor centers to commence our hike.
Below: A sign just for those flying black rats. It was outside an eating area, so I assume they are a bit aggressive and one has to protect your food.

First stop on the trail.

Above: I am getting the impression that Andi is getting tired of "hey, look at the camera!" She seems to come up with a different expression every time.

Simply gorgeous views. The sounds of the river flowing are wonderful. Even though the main road is just a few feet away, you can't help but feel absorbed into the surroundings.

The trail is groomed and very well maintained, so it is an easy walk, not much exertion required. Great for a slightly out of shape mom (that'd be me, not my mother) and an energetic child.

Mom and Andi enjoying their walk.

View of the river at a calm point. Shane spent a lot of time looking for good fishin' spots. I'm sure if he could he'd be right back up there with a pole in one hand and lots of time in the other. We did see one fisherman, but he seemed a little shy at the prospect of Americans watching him. Can't say as how I blame him.

Took a little side detour to get to one of the impressive waterfalls.

SAM in Japan!

Japanese Characters were carved into the boulder we were standing on and moss had grown in the etchings.

Shane found a little salamander in one of the little pools at the base of the falls. Since we haven't seen much wildlife here, of course he had to pick it up!

A picture of birds that I guess you can see in the gorge. Didn't see a single one. Occasionally you might hear the song of one over the roar of the river. Perhaps one has to get up early in the morning and sit quietly and see if they come out.

Above, some rapids.

Below: We didn't get to the end of the trail, Lake Towada, but got about half way there. We had a late start in the day for our hike. Will have to go much earlier next time to do the full length. There are buses that'll transport you back down to your vehicle. So, since it was getting to be almost 5pm, we decided to find a bus stop and wait for the bus. Of course this presented the next problem. We could find the bus stop marker without a problem. Reading the schedule presented a little problem. The times of the stop were written in numbers that we can read, but the days of the week were in Japanese. Achhhhh, really it is frustrating to not be able to read. We did a little guessing and figured the last bus should be along soon. If not, there were taxi's as well going back and forth, we could flag that, but would probably cost more. While we waited for the bus a couple of cars did slow down to perhaps offer us a ride, but then would spot Shane and look a little surprised and go on. Now keep in mind Shane is a rather big guy for this country, and even though there are Americans in this area (as it is a popular place to go for those of us from the base) he still might surprise a few people.

But at long last the bus arrived, thank goodness, as silliness was taking over, as seen below. We made our way back to the car. Then drove back up the mountain to see how far we had hiked, about 4 K. and took a rather scenic ride home through the mountains.

A link for you: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3775.html