Komakkoland

November 24 2009: I know, two posts in one week! Whatever could the occasion be? Could it be that we actually got out? Well, as a matter of fact, we did. At least Andi and I did, and friends Jolie, Ethan and Bree came with us. We headed for Komakkoland, home of the giant roller slide that we've heard about. It's also horseland, as indicated by the gutter grates above.
I know, you've seen a lot of horses on this blog lately. Really, it's not that I'm seeking them out. It's more that we live in an area that was known far and wide for the breeding of war horses. Though, I thought they looked small for war horses (you'll see in a few pictures) but as Shane pointed out....people here are a bit smaller.

This is one of the roller slides. I should say, this is the smaller roller slide. There was a huge playground for the kids to play on....and play they did!

A shrine outside the museum. It's not a front end shot, as we never did get to go to the museum. It was a nice afternoon (yes, still cold, we are in the foothills) so the kids just wanted to play. They've earned it...weekends of rain have kept them inside more than usual.

The riding arena and stables.

A Shetland pony....none to happy. Though in this picture it looks cheerful enough. You can rent the pony out for a couple hundred yen, and take it for a walk around for 10 minutes. We didn't do that...but I did see the pony out several times while we were there, so it gets plenty of loving from visitors.





"KANPAI!"

That would be "Cheers!" from this lovely horse. Really it was more interested to find out if I had carrot sticks with me. Which, at that moment I didn't. But fortunately they were sold in the rental office...lucky horse

Andi enjoyed feeding the horses. They weren't shy at all about getting their treats.

A rocking horse. The legs stayed stationary, but the joints rocked back and forth...Andi thought they were great fun. Actually, that looks like a horse even I could ride!

The kids and Bree went on the "carriage" ride. Just a quick loop around the arena. I didn't go...the horse looked docile enough, but you never know. It probably would've taken off like a jack rabbit if I had gotten aboard. Luckily the ticket was for 4 people....darn, I was number 5. (yippeee) I took the golden opportunity to wander around a little bit. Figure out which building was the museum. Didn't get to go in.....another day. From what I understand it should be a rather extensive museum about the history of horses in the area.

Just cute little signs in the area of the roller slice. There were a few more, but must make room for other photos.

A view of Towada-shi (Towada city) from the top of the roller slide.

Yippeee! The roller slide! This was a big one, lots of twists and curves and a nice slope. The trek from bottom to top was a good workout. I didn't get to ride down though....the chute was not made for the wider back end of an American...another weight loss goal.....be able to ride the roller slide down!

View from the starting point looking down. Just into the first bend.

Now, I think if you click on the picture and enlarge it, you might be able to see more of the slide in the trees, to give a better idea as to the length of it. The bottom left is just about to the end of the first leg. You exit the slide, run up another flight of stairs and start another shorter, straighter leg to the bottom, or get out here and run back up.


Click on the arrow for video of Andi coming around the corner!

Houses

November 23 2009: Well, Ok, this top picture isn't of a house....it's the bushes in front of a house. My friend Carol says she thinks these are referred to as "the burning bush". I have no idea, though they do look like they could be on fire. Bushes here are always very neatly trimmed and cared for, so I know this color combination was planned many years ago.

And nope, the bushes don't belong to this house above. And, as you might have surmised from the title, today we are looking at houses. First, I actually got out for a walk around a different neighborhood. It was a pleasant surprise, filled with many different house styles. The one above is actually just down the road from us, and is one of my favorites. Western style, but still with Japanese lines.

This one is definitely of western style. The yards are very small, but not because the house is overly large...the lots are small. Most yards are tidy and neat, though there are a few where obviously the owner doesn't throw anything away....that'll be pictures for another day.

Pretty flowers in a window.

This is one of the residential streets that I was walking the other day. Most residential streets are this narrow/wide.....about one and a half lanes (that's a big residential street) But of course, a lot of cars here are mini cars, so two fit nicely. It's when you drive an SUV that you have to be careful. One thing that a driver has to remember is that not all the gutters here are covered...and they aren't your normal gutter...trench is a better word. Open trenches, wide enough to take in a car tire. So as you are driving down a narrow rode, you have to do a quick check to see how much room you really have. And to complicate things...some gutters are covered for a few feet, then open back up again. If you don't know the neighborhood, just assume they are open, and don't go to far to the left. A lot of times though, if the road is very narrow, then one care will find a driveway to do a slight pull in. It can be a bit nerve wracking. Especially if you are the passenger and can see the open gutter....all the while the driver (he who shall remain nameless) is assuring you that he knows the trench is there. I expect to fall in at least once while we are here....don't worry, there'll be pictures....

Down a dirt road...just a little house, about the size of the "shack", but better built. The yard once bursting with color, now waiting for winter to completely take over.

I call this one the "Spanish Hacienda". I keep thinking this is one to find out in the country of Spain. Though, I've never been to Spain, so really wouldn't know....but it works in my world.

I just found the color of this one interesting. Houses come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Obviously there is no home owners association here. Which is great. Though the color of this house is a bit tame compared to some that I have seen (there'll be one coming up in a minute here)

A house fire! Not sure how long ago this was....probably just in the last week. The house was totally destroyed, and can only hope that its family got out ok. A residential fire is one of the big fears in Japan (right up there with flood and earthquake). This fire didn't appear to do any damage to the neighbors (can't even see any blistering on the houses next door). Which is amazing, as there is not a lot of space between houses. Maybe 10-20 feet at the most. My walking buddy Carol said a friend of hers in Tokyo experienced a "23 house fire". Meaning the main blaze took out an additional 23 houses.

So, around the corner from the burned house....is the lime green house. Pretty easy to spot if you're looking for landmarks to give directions. Actually, this is the second lime green house I've seen. I'll have to get a picture of that one as well....and then there are the purple houses...which I unfortunately didn't come across any of those on this walk....but they're out there.

And the narrow house. Which is odd, as there are no houses around it....unless they are planning to build more and they are just anticipating. Really it's not as narrow as the picture makes it look, but it is a definite rectangle.

Another mix of East meets West. Every house has an entryway...most times glassed in, so that they don't have to be heated in the winter. Some have pretty flowers, and most look neat and tidy. The entry on my house however, is closed in....this leads to not much tidiness going on. It is common for the Japanese to enter into the entry, then knock or call out a greeting.... this way they are out of the elements. Though on the houses that they have built for the Americans, the doorbell is on the very outside, and most Japanese will wait outside until being invited into the entry.

OK, obviously not a house...but the entry to the yard. They seem so formal, and yet inviting as well. Will have to find this one again in the spring and get a picture of their yard.

It is nice to see so many different styles of homes and colors. It gives inspiration to someday being able to build one of our own...will probably have to live far away from any home owners association to get the color I want. No, it won't be lime green, but would probably be able to used as a landmark!

Fall Afternoon

November 17 2009: Well, my week has gone by to fast once again. It seems like I barely fall asleep for a nap in the lazy boy chair, and POOF the week has past by! I do love my nap time...but housework and other chores keep getting in the way.
Although, since the 11th there has been no good nap. Andi had no school on the 11th for Veteran's Day, then was also out the next two days for parent/teacher conferences. So, her friends Jolie and Ethan joined us for those two days while parents worked.
As an outing on Friday, we went to feed the "giant sucking fish". I had a big bag of bread products that had built up in the freezer. (I now have a remarkably clean freezer) On our way there, I actually had to pull the car over to separate children.....all three were sitting in the back seat, could hear various "your touching me" "no, you touched me first". My inner mom came out of me and pulled the car over to place a selected child in the front seat. Wow! I've never done that before...
But we made it.....now, just have to make sure no children fall into the water.

Missed most of the fall colors. There were still a few clinging to the trees. Bright colors that I haven't seen in a long time.

Now, I won't give to much detail, as we have visited this location before. Just to say that no, I still don't know the history. I did learn, however, than I can set up a tour with one of the base offices....so perhaps we will learn what this location is about eventually.

No, really, all 3 were happy....just a little on the cold side. Though the ride home went very well. All threee sat in the back seat, but were very quiet! This was pretty much the biggest outing of the long 5 days off. It rained the rest of the time. Did try to get out on Sunday....take Andi to the beach...but it was closed. Barricades up across the parking lot entrance. Andi was bummed as playing in the sand is her relaxation, and walking on the beach is mine. But that was ok, as Sunday it would rain, the sun would shine, then rain, sun, rain, in about 2 hour intervals. A very strange day. But of course Monday came with lots of sunshine just in time for school. Though with the nip in the air, nobody really noticed.

So, today is Tuesday, with another long list of things to do, and like wise procrastinate. Obviously I have returned from my walk. It was the usual walk, so didn't bring my camera...should've of course. On my way home I could here some wild pheasants out in the brush. No point in looking for them, no camera to take a picture with.

Tomorrow it is supposed to snow. If it hasn't by walk time, then I promise to take a different route and see what's around other corners.

Now....it must be nap time!

November 9 2009

November 9 2009: Well, the start of another week! The picture line up is a little out of order, but that seems how the last week went....a little out of order.
First up, the "shack". A new season has begun, so time to update how the corner looks. He keeps his yard very well tended, the man who lives here. I'm not sure what he does, but perhaps someday I'll find out.
I go walking in the mornings now with a friend...American, who is a bit more advanced at speaking Japanese. So she enjoys starting conversations....I throw in a noun now and then if I can remember to say it before the subject moves on. He stopped us one day on our way back to give us some beautiful clippings from his yard. My house smelled fantastic for several days!

Now, something interesting has started appearing on these walks. Another harvest (I think the third harvest of this vegetable this year alone) has appeared. These are "geikon" (and hopefully I have spelled it correctly)....pronounce like guy-cone. It is a type of horseradish...and if you are talented you can make almost like a mashed potato out of it. A friend made some once and brought it...it's pretty good, Andi and Shane love it. I tried to make it, but apparently my talent does not extend to the cooking of this particular root. You are supposed to steam it, then mash it and add mayo to it....like I said when done right it's great....not so much when I tried.

But in any case, this harvest is a little different. Most of it is just the backyard gardens....a few big fields (I think the big fields were mostly planted with something different). So it must be time to start laying in the stores for winter. Though I'm not sure why they are being "lined dried" unless just to get excess moisture off them, as it has been rather damp of late. And yes, those big red thing are the radishes that we know in the states. I have no idea how they get that large, except to say....the fields here are EXTREMELY well fertilized.

Actually, at Homac yesterday I did notice that one could buy boxes for your storage of harvest items. There were boxes for garlic, apples, radishes, complete with padding and wrapping to keep them protected. Personally I thought some of the boxes would make great storage boxes for some of the general household crap that keeps accumulating....but thought no, mustn't keep storing that, I really should go through it.

Anyway, on we go. This is just out in the field behind the house (I don't know some of you are probably getting quite familiar with the view and are wondering if I am ever going to take a different walk.....yes, I inted to, just give me a minute...) Anyway, those who can't recognize the building on sight...great, I haven't taken to many then. Actually, it wasn't the building I was taking a picture of, it was the sun breaking through....the building (the chicken farm) just happened to be in the way. Someday I'll figure out photo-shop and do some editing...but in the meantime....

The rice is all gone now. The fields are dry and the water shut off. This farmer is out plowing the rice field...getting it ready for winter, and next year. I wished I had time to stop and watch for awhile...for as I walked by, I realized he was singing as he went along. It was oddly relaxing in the chill morning air, to have a moment ......I'm not sure what kind of moment, but it was just one of those "life's good, look where I am, look what's around us" a time to just fill the quiet calm.

And last Monday....it was definitely fall. We had a dusting of snow on the 2nd. It was gone within an hour or two. But enough to remind us that the season are indeed changing. Nevermind the fact that this weekend it was in the upper 50's low 60's....nice enough weather to tease us....but it's coming.....

Halloween!

October 31 2009: Ahh, the big night of Trick or Treat finally arrived. Andi had a countdown marked off on her calendar. For about the last week I had an up to date accounting of 3 days...2 1/2 days, 2 days and so on. I'm not sure who was more excited to have it arrive, me or her. Now I suppose begins the countdown to Christmas.

Anyway, as with any good Halloween costume, we had a few glitches. The collar of her costume wouldn't stay standing, so we settled for a neck warmer. Then of course, there is the issue of mom not knowing how to do makeup very well. For those wondering...Andi went as a "Vampitess" (that's what she called it) the female version of a vampire.

We joined forces with her friend Jolie and younger brother Ethan. First we went to a neighbors house....then off to the base we drove, with everyone else attached to the Misawa Air Base. I'm hoping next halloween that we can pull things together in the housing areas, and do trick or treat out here. The base was fun, but crowded, but very efficient.

Noah the dog (Jolie and Ethan's dog) joined us as well. I'm sure this dog is all over the internet now...people were taking his picture left and right. He did pretty well, though I'm glad Bree (J and E's mom) was there to take care of "doggy patrol". I "borrow" Noah during the week and take him out on my walks and do enough "patrol" on those days! For a short little dog, he can sure hustle along...no strolling along for me!

Just a view of base trick or treating. I tried to get pictures of the crowds, but couldn't do it justice in the dark. I've heard rumors that living on base and handing out candy, some folks spend up to $100 on candy to keep a good supply going. I'll have to say, most houses were well stocked and didn't start encountering run outs til almost the 8 o'clock curfew.

Early in the evening, so Andi still looks pretty peppie. This is the first year that she actually asked to end the evening before curfew (we usually do 6-8, curfew is 8 in the areas we have lived previously as well) But she was tired, and her bag was heavy!

Ahhh, the end result! Part of her pile is cut off...she counted out her candy....306 pieces collected. Though mommie gets about 5 of those (peanut butter cups....she does NOT do peanut butter in any form) 6 for dad....coconut (blah), and about 10 that she is not allowed to eat at all. So a pretty good haul for her. She'll go through in the next few weeks and eat the Hershey's, Kit Kats and 3 Musketeers.....then the rest will linger, linger, linger, and 'round about Easter it'll be dumped to make way for Easter Chocolates. For her it's the adventure of the night and the excitement it creates, all else is just a side benefit.

We had good weather for Trick or Treating. Somewhere in the low 50's upper 40's....I thought it rather balmy and warm. This morning (Nov 2) it is actually cold (39) with a bit of wind blowing, so probably close to freezing. A little bit of rain/snow tried to fall on the morning walk, but more rain than anything else. It is Novemeber, so