TDY to NCOA

さて、ジョシュは現在、フロリダ州にいるんだよね。実は来年の昇進試験の為に１ヶ月半、学校に通わなきゃいけないらしく、先週オマハを出発しました。車で３日かけてフロリダ州まで行きました。アメリカは相変わらず広いよね。私は、デービスとクロとお留守番。早く帰ってきて欲しいものだわ。

We are sorry for not having updated our blog recently. As you may already know, Josh headed down to Florida for the NCO Academy this past week. Since he drove, he was able to see many cities on his travels. He headed down through part of Iowa towards Kansas City, over to St. Louis, through Illinois, Kentucky, Tennesse, and continued through Alabama only to arrive in Florida in a couple of days. Takako will be taking care of the little boys for the next, couple of weeks. We have been in daily communication all the while. Enjoy just a sampling of some photos from the journey.

Friends' Travels

今日、ヘイダン君とメメさんとプータン（犬）がシアトルに向けて出発しました。まだ実感が全くなくて来週あたりまた会えそうな感じがしちゃうんだけどね。月曜日からご飯まで作りにきてくれて、水曜日から今日まで我が家に泊まってくれたんだけど、時間過ぎるのが早かったっけ。出発の今日は、近所の奥さん達も何人か見送りにきてくれて、別れは本当に辛かった、でもまた会えるしね。知り合って半年ちょっとだったけど、夫婦共々、本当に仲良くしてくれて、本当にありがとうございました。ジョシュも私もデービスもクロも本当に楽しかったです。

This morning, Haydon, MeMe & Pooh-tan headed out for Olympia. Many friends stopped by our home to see them off. Last night, Haydon & Josh played Wii Sports one last time before the trip. He is now back to 'Pro' in bowling and is 'Pro' in Tennis. He has a Wii-mote with their Mii's attached so once they get a Wii, they can continue where they left off. We enjoyed having you stay with us and just hanging out. We miss you guys already and can't wait to see you in the near future. Day-bis continues to head to the guest bedroom to see if Uncle Haydon or Aunt MeMe are there. Have a safe trip to Olympia!

New life - Friends forever - Delicious food!

６日はジョシュのお誕生日でした。３４歳おめでとう。お誕生日パーティ開催といいたいところなんだけど、ヘイダン君＆メメさん達が来週、ネブラスカ州を離れるという事なので、近所の奥さん達と数ヶ月前から企画をねって６日に送別会を実行しました。ポットラック形式で、それぞれ持ち寄り料理なんだけど、今回もまた凄い料理ばかりだったよ。しかも美味しい。ごちそうさまでした。
翌日はメメさんの職場の送別会に行ってきました。これまたポットラック形式だったんだけど、今日のも美味しかった。ごちそうさまでした。

Just yesterday was Josh's birthday. His 34th! For his birthday we held a surprise going-away party for Haydon & MeMe at the Community Center on base. We surprised them with a potluck with many of the Japanese/American families in attendance. Thank you to everyone that made it a great time! Haydon & MeMe will being leaving Nebraska in a little less than a week, heading for the North-West Coast. We wish them our BEST in starting a new life all while still keeping in touch with everyone here and those of us whom have already left Nebraska. See you again, real soon!

Friends, Family, Fun & ESL Class

先週の始め、近所の奥様のお家で、カレーパーティをやりました。カレーは美味しいねぇ。ナンも買ってきてくれてて、久々にナンを食べました。ごちそうさまでした。また何とかパーティやりましょう。
先週末は、ミネソタからジョシュの妹夫婦が遊びにきてました。金曜日の夕方にきて日曜日の昼間には帰ってしまったんだけど、ベースに行ったり、近所を案内したり、近所の家族の皆と一緒にピザマシーン（アミューズメントパーク）に行ったりして、楽しい時間を過ごせました。
今週の月曜日からは私は、ESL（英語の学校）が始まりまたっけ。とりあえず今回は、１科目（文法）のクラスだけ行く事にしたんだよね。授業ではペアを組んでお互いのインタビューをしなきゃいけないんだけど、私が組んだ相手はアフリカの子だったのね、でも聞き取りが難しくてかなり悪戦苦闘だったっけ。でも、そのアフリカの子、授業が終わった後も私に話しかけてくれて、嬉しかったっけ。英語が曖昧な私は、あまり返答できなかったけどね。

Last week Takako attended a 'curry party' at a friend's home. She sure does love curry... They had naan also, it's been a while since she had it. Delicious. The ladies need to do it again, or at least invite the husbands;) Last Friday, Jill & Chris came down to visit from Minnesota for the weekend. We showed them what the base is like, relaxed some and introduced them to some of our friends down here in Bellevue. Saturday afternoon, the four of us met eight friends & family at The Amazing Pizza Machine for dinner, games and other amusement activities. We especially loved the go-karts. Thank you everyone for the wonderful time!

Just yesterday, Takako started her ESL class at Bellevue U. Since it was the first day, the teacher wanted to pair them up for easy conversation. Takako was paired with a young woman from Côte d'Ivoire or Ivory Coast, part of Africa. It is difficult for Takako to understand because of the accent. She will try her best in this class since the major focus is on English grammar.

August Adventures

ジョシュは１１日から１４日まで、オクラホマ州に出張に行ってました。数日間とはいえ、初めて一人でのお留守番。ちょっと不安もあったけど、毎日、メメさんが声かけてくれて、あっとゆうまに４日間過ぎました。映画を見に行ったり、買い物に行ったり、メメさんの仕事仲間と一緒にカジノのバイキングに行ったり、職場にもお邪魔させてもらったり、昼食、夕飯も、声かけてくれて、本当にありがとうございました＆ごちそうさまでした。
１１日から一週間、エアショーがあって、今日は最終日というこ事で、ヘイダン君＆メメ夫妻と一緒にエアショーを見に行ってきました。凄い暑かったっけ。私は、あまり飛行機には興味ないんだけど、間近で見ると迫力があって良かったっけ。ジョシュもヘイダン君も飛行機が好きみたいで、楽しそうだった。今週も一週間早かった。

Last Monday, Josh headed down to Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City for a workshop. He was able to take some photos of the Oklahoma City National Memorial. It was a sight to see. Since Josh was in Oklahoma, Takako tended to our little boys but this was her first time by herself at home in Bellevue. MeMe invited her along to a viewing of 'The Dark Knight' movie, shopping and the casino buffet with some co-workers. The following day, Takako went to see the pet grooming place that MeMe works at. Thank you again, MeMe for the quality time spent. Since the beginning of the Air Force Week, here in the heartland, many things have been going on in and around Omaha. Today we went with Haydon & MeMe to the air show on base. Takako & MeMe didn't really think much of an air show at first but were both glad they went. They had a great time looking at the static displays and watching the Air Force Thunderbirds perform. Josh & Haydon enjoyed everything about it. My how quickly another week has come to an end. But we had a good time!

Shampoo & Dinner

今日は月一回のデービスとクロのシャンプーの日という事でメメさんの所に行ってきました。クロは特にお風呂が大好きで、気持ち良さそうな顔してたっけ。今にも眠りそうだった。いつも洗ってもらった後に、首にバンダナを巻いてくれるんだけど、デービスは首の周りに襟巻き？があって、いつもバンダナがその襟巻きに隠れちゃうんだけど、今回は大きめのバンダナを巻いてもらったので、襟巻きにバンダナが隠れる事なく、かっこよく決まっていたっけ。シャンプーありがとうございました、シュークリームも美味しかったです。ごちそうさまでした。
その後、うちで夕飯とWiiスポーツ。今日も一日早かった。

Today, Day-bis & Kuro had baths over at MeMe & Haydon's. Kuro LOVES getting shampooed as he almost fell asleep too many times. It feels so good. Every time MeMe gives them baths, she ties a bandana around their neck however since Day-bis has a 'muffler/built-in scarf', it is difficult to see so today he got a larger one! MeMe even made some cream-puffs for us to snack on while the boys were getting shampooed. Thank you again MeMe! Afterwards, they came over to our place for dinner & a little Wii Sports for Haydon & Josh. Haydon got a new record in bowling! Before we knew it, the time was late and we need to get to bed.

Baking adventures, Pug Meet-ups & Air Force Week Opening Ceremony

メメさんからメメクッキーを教わりましたというより、作っている所を見る形だったので、とても分かりやすかったです。ありがとうございました。今度作りますわ。夕方頃、ジョシュもヘイダン君＆メメさんのお家にきて、皆で夕飯。また夕飯、御馳走になってしまいました。美味しかったですわ、鳥の煮込み。ありがとうございました。
土曜日は、オマハのパグ集会に行ってきました。デービスは今まで他の犬がいると透明犬みたく全く動かなかったのに、今日は自分から他の犬の所に行ってたっけ。ちょっとビックリ。クロも前より吠えなくなって、デービスもクロも成長してますわ。今日の集会は、テレビの撮影も兼ねてたんだけど、オマハにパグの集会がありますよって事の宣伝って感じで、特にインタビューとかもされなかった。
夕方からは、エアフォースの祭り？の開会式に行ってきました。横田でも友好祭があるようにアメリカでも同じ感じの祭りがあるんだよね。で、その開会式で、軍の人がパラシュートで降りてくるんだけど、何故か、すっごく感動しちゃって涙がでてきちゃったよ。

On Wednesday, Takako learned how to make MeMe's swirl cookies. Since she was there, kind of 'front-row seating', she realized how easy they are to make. Thanks MeMe! Josh met up with them later that night as the four of them had dinner. Once again, thank you. This morning, we attended our second Omaha Pug Club Meeting at the Bemis Center for Arts in downtown Omaha. They were filming a local children's television program and invited the Omaha Pug Club to come by and get some air-time. Day-bis & Kuro were very comfortable this meeting. Last meeting, Day-bis acted like he was invisible the whole time. Today he had no problems intermingling with the other pugs. Tonight we attended the Air Force Week "In the Heartland" opening ceremonies at Rosenblatt Stadium where they had aircraft flyovers, military demos on video and various live performances. Takako stated that she was a little choked up as the USAF Academy "Wings of Blue" Jump Team parachuted into right-center field. It was a sight to see. Josh enjoyed the B-2 flyover.

Summer Fun & Homemade bars

週末もいい天気に恵まれてというより凄く暑くてびっくりしたよ。土曜日は、朝から野菜市場に行ってきて、キャベツやピーマン、茄子、インゲン、デービスとクロのお菓子を購入。昼頃から車庫の掃除、暑かったけど、いい汗、流せました。
日曜日は更に日差しも強く、気温も高くて、ニュースで「午後は、エアコンのある部屋にいてください」って言ってたっけ。ニュースで言っていたのにも関わらず裏庭にプールをだして、デービスとクロは水遊び、ついでにジョシュも、太陽の日差しが肌にジリジリささるって感じで、痛かったよ。デービスもクロもジョシュも水遊び楽しんでいたっけ。で、私は、先日、ジョシュの実家に遊びに行った時に御馳走になったデザートをジョシュのお母さんにレシピを聞いて作ってみました。美味しく作れました。ちょっと甘いんだけどね。

Wow has it ever been great weather here in the heartland. Actually, it has been almost unbearable. Today we saw 101° as the high with humidity. Yesterday was cooler as we headed for the Farmer's Market downtown Omaha. We spent about $11 on cabbage x2, green peppers, green beans, eggplant and homemade dog treats. Returning home, we cleaned out the garage even though the heat was getting up there. We were losing a lot of water from sweat. Headed inside as the local news channels told us to "stay near the A/C this weekend". Now back to today, we purchased a small pool resort for Day-bis & Kuro. Splashed around for about 30 minutes only to head back inside due to the heat. Takako then wanted to try and make 'Salted Peanut Chews' we have eaten up in Minnesota. My mom made them so well that Takako wanted to make them also. Sure they have a lot of corn syrup, marshmallows and peanut butter chips in them but aren't really too sweet. Very delicious. Try them sometime.

Night Drive & August Dinner

夕方から二ヶ月前位に知り合いになった奥さんのお家に遊びに行ってきました。ポットラック会ですね。皆、持ちより一品って事で私は、トマトのサラダ？を持って行きました。奥さん以外の方は私、初対面だったんだけど緊張するかなって思ったけど、歳も近かったせいか緊張せずに楽しい時間を過ごせました。初めて一人で車で遠出したんだよね、といっても片道３０分くらいなんだけど、それでも私にとっては遠いんだよね。でも最近、運転にも随分慣れた感じかな。でも高速道路にはまだ乗れずだけどね。

Tonight, Takako went to a potluck where she met some new Japanese spouses. About five new faces. She knew one of them prior to this meeting, the host. It was very comfortable for her since they were all about the same age. Some have been here for years and some, just a couple of months. It was her first time driving, by herself for about 30 minutes one way. She feels more comfortable every time she drives now. She even came back after dark. (It wasn't busy on the side streets.) She doesn't want to try her hand at the interstate or highways yet.

Relaxing & tomatoes

今週末は、買い物に行ったり、お家でゴロゴロしたりして終了。もうすぐ８月だわ。隣に住んでいる奥さんに、お庭で育てているトマトを頂きました。早速、食べました。甘くて美味しかった。違う奥さんからはトマトの苗を頂きました。最近、やっと一つ赤い実になったっけ。食べごろかな。

It is yet another weekend here in Bellevue, NE. We went shopping, and just relaxing at home with the little boys. We can't believe that it is almost August. Our neighbor gave us some tomatoes from her backyard plants. Very good. Takako also received a tomato plant from one of her Japanese friends. It is amazing how fast they grow. One has already turned color. We can't wait until we can try them.

Shampoo, Market & Casino

今月もメメさんにデービスとクロのシャンプーをしてもらいました。デービスとクロ、いい匂いで毛並みも綺麗になりました。ありがとうございました。メメさんお手製のシュークリームも頂きました。おいしかった。ごちそうさまです。いつもすいません。
さて、夏の間だけ行われている野菜市場に行ってきました。沢山の野菜やハーブ、お花など売られてて、私達はキャベツとインゲン、デービスとクロのお菓子を買って帰宅。
夕方からはヘイダン君とメメさんとダンさんとカジノに行ってきました。あたり前だけど混んでたよ。で、カジノを３０分程遊ぶと隣にあるレストランのバイキング代がタダになるんだって、まぁカジノで負けちゃったら意味がないんだけどさ。で、結局、皆、マイナスになる事もなく良かった。でね、バイキング、色々な種類があったっけ、沢山食べたら、後半気持ち悪くなっちゃったよ。帰りはメメさんに胃薬をもらいました。ご迷惑おかけしました。カジノの写真は撮ってこなかった。室内はおそらく禁止だろうし、外で撮りたかったんだけど、帰りは既に私、気持ちが悪く。。。。後、ダンさんにお手製のサルサを頂きました。ありがとうございます。このサルサ、美味しいんだよね。野菜市場で、サルサ売っている人いたっけ、ダンさんも売ればいいのにって思っちゃうくらいダンさんのサルサ、美味しい。

This past week, MeMe gave Day-bis & Kuro another shampoo. Their hair feels so soft and smells so good afterwards. MeMe also made some cream-puffs with fruit & whipped cream filling. Delicious. This morning, we headed for the Farmer's Market downtown. There were many herbs, vegetables, flowers and many other miscellaneous items for sale. We purchased a large head of cabbage, green beans & homemade treats for Day-bis & Kuro. We just arrived home from Horseshoe casino over in Council Bluffs, IA. We just wanted to eat at the buffet but if we play some games (video slots) for 30 or more minutes, we'd receive a free buffet ticket. Haydon, MeMe, Dan, Takako & I walked out of there, stuffed! Everyone ended up winning a little bit of money too! One more thing, a big thanks to Dan for another container of 'Dan's Salsa'. You should sell it at the Farmers Market. You could make a fortune!

Minnesota trip

金曜日はiPhoneの発売日だったので、買いに行ってきました。お店が開店する１時間前に行ったんだけど既に４０人位が並んでいたっけ。それでも主要都市とかで買うのに比べたら少ない人数だし２時間程並んですんなり２つ買えました。買った後はジョシュの実家があるミネソタに向かいました。土曜日にジョシュの親戚の人の結婚披露宴があると言う事でね。相変わらず片道６時間は遠いっても私は行きも帰りも運転しないんだけどね。天気にも恵まれて、お買い物も出来たし家族とも楽しい時間を過ごせたりと、ただ木曜日の夜から私、体調を崩しちゃって体調万全じゃなかったのが残念だったけど。

This past Friday, we woke up early, went to a nearby AT&T store to get a pair of iPhone's (3G's). We arrived one hour early and were shocked that about 40 people were already in line waiting for the store to open at 8 am. (This is Nebraska, right?!?) Anyways, we finally got into the store and purchased two 8 GB iPhone's at about 9:30 am, the last two. After that we headed towards Minnesota to meet the family and attend Michael & Catherine's Wedding Reception the following day. We saw many relatives, some of whom that we haven't seen for close to 10 years! Takako kept stating that the distance is a long ways to travel (about 5-6 hours) but well worth the miles. She didn't drive, she was chauffeured. We had a great time, spending time with the family and shopping. The weather was perfect (everyday in the 70s-80s), however Takako had a sore throat the entire time. She is feeling much better now.

Delicious food

日本から帰ってきた翌日は、奥さん達と公園で持ち寄りランチ。奥さん達と一ヶ月ぶりの再会でしたが、皆さん元気そうで、食べ物もおいしそうで、しかもお子さん達、大きくなってたよ。子供の成長って早いのね。でもとにかく暑くてびっくり、日差しが痛かったもの。ジョシュもお仕事がお休みで、他の旦那さん達と色々話したりと楽しそうでした。翌日は２人の奥さんと近所の奥さんのお家に遊びに行ってきました。カレーうどん作ってくれて、おいしかった。楽しい時間すごせました。食べ物の話が続いてますが、今日はヘイダン君＆メメさんのお家にジョシュと夕飯を食べに行ってきました。すっごいお腹が一杯、沢山ごちそうになってしまいました。楽しい時間過ごせました。ごちそうさまでした。

Since Takako has gotten back from Japan, we have eaten many different types of food (in just three days)! Monday, we experienced another potluck at a park nearby. Everything looked delicious and tasted even better. It has only been one month but Takako was still shocked at how big everyone's kids are getting. On Tuesday, Takako met with a couple of her friends at Yako's home. She made 'curry-udon' (pictured in the center). Takako stated that it was very delicious! They had a great time socializing. As for tonight, we just arrived home from Haydon & MeMe's where we had a wonderful dinner. We love blogging about food as you can tell. It is always so good!

Back in OMAHA!

無事にアメリカに着きました。今回は、あわてることなく乗り継ぎも大丈夫でした。オマハに着いた途端、一気に現実というかなんというか、東京にいたのが夢みたいな感じで、まぁ、東京滞在中は仕事もしてなく、ただ、旅行に行ったり、遊びに行ったりとご気楽な生活だったから余計に短く感じたのかな、母親にはだいぶ迷惑かけてしまったけどね。
で、ジョシュが空港まで迎えにきてくれたんだけど、何故がバラの花束を持ってて、普段だったらロマンティックだなって思うんだけど、長時間のフライトもあって心身共に疲れ気味で、感動というか、なんというか、、、、とにかく東京からアメリカまでは遠い。

Takako just arrived back home from her trip to Japan. She was worrying about the transfer from international to domestic in Detroit but went through with no problems. Once she got off the plane, it all kind of seemed like a dream, (Did she really go to Japan?) She has already said that it went by very quickly and would have loved to stay longer. At the airport, Josh greeted her with a dozen, red roses (hopefully romantic) but she was tired of lugging around 2 carry-ons, not to mention her 2 checked bags...and the roses weren't light. Josh stated that next time, he will keep the roses in the car on the front seat so she can set everything down, then pick them up as she puts on her seat belt.

See you soon

月曜日に引き続き、サチと遊びに行きました。蒸し暑かったけど、沢山話したり飲んだりと楽しい時間を過ごしました。また来年、日本に里帰りできるといいなって思ってます。今回、会えなかった方々、来年は会いましょう。

Takako met Sachi this past Monday and Friday. They talked a lot over food & drinks. They had a great time together but there wasn't enough time on this visit to Tokyo to hang out more. She wasn't able to meet all of her friends. If she will travel back to Japan next year, she would like to meet many more friends.

It's... A New Car

ジョシュも犬達も無事に実家のミネソタから帰ってきました。さて私の日本滞在も残す所、あと少しですが、実は、車をもう１台買いました。私が８月から学校に行き始めるのと今後の事も考えてもう１台車が必要って事で、それが昨日、我が家に届きました。ジョシュが今、乗っている車はハイブリット車で凄く静かで乗り心地がよかったのとガソリン代もあまりかからないから、２台目もハイブリット車（トヨタのプリウス）にしようと思っていたんだけど、ガソリン代の高騰が影響していて、新車は半年以上待ち、中古車でも新車以上の値段になってたりで、色々悩んだ結果、日産バァーサ（日本だとティーダ）にしました。小さい車なのでガソリン代もあまりかからないのと駐車する時に小型車だからアタフタせずにできるかなぁって思ってね。本当は大きな車が好きなんだけど、ジョシュの車で何度、アタフタした事か、、運転って難しいわよね。日産までジョシュと一緒に車取りに行ってくれてありがとう、メメさん。

Yesterday, Josh & our little boys arrived back home from Minnesota. Takako has a couple more days left on her vacation to Japan and then she is headed home. In the coming months, they will need another vehicle so that Takako can commute back and forth to ESL that she will be taking at Bellevue U. It always is nice with another vehicle, just in case. We have been looking for another Hybrid since we already have one as we took an interest in a Toyota Prius. It gets GREAT gas mileage and is whisper quiet. We have called many places in the US to reserve a Prius but there are 6 month waiting times for them since the price of gas is up, everyone else has the same idea. Isn't that funny how that happens? Instead, we purchased a 2008 Nissan Versa (Tiida in Japan). It is a small, four door, hatchback but should be a great 'starter' car for Takako. Especially the parking. Takako is sometimes hesitant about parking the Highlander due to its size. She did a great job at picking out the exact Versa that she wanted even down to the color of the floor mats! A special thanks to MeMe for helping me pick it up yesterday.

Gyu-Kaku Again

皆で牛角に行ってきました。やはりお肉は美味しいね。というより、焼き肉は美味しいよね。アメリカに牛角のお店があればいいのにと改めて思ってしまったわ。半年ぶりに皆にも会えたので楽しかったわ。牛角の後は、二次会へ。終電で帰るつもりがそのまま三次会に流れ、で、いつものコースで結局朝まで遊んでました。まぁ、また当分会えないしね。また牛角食べに行きましょうねぇ。

Just the other night, Takako ate at Gyu-Kaku with friends. (Josh is jealous.) The beef was so delicious! She (Josh also) would love for Gyu-Kaku to open a chain of restaurants in the USA (especially Omaha now that we are here). She met many friends that she hasn't seen in over 6 months. They then went to a 2nd party and finally a 3rd at different places. Overall, they enjoyed time together, great food and conversations throughout the night. She thoroughly enjoyed her time. She hopes to see them all again soon!

Surprise BBQ

今週末はジョシュのお姉ちゃんの誕生日ということで、バーベキューという名のサプライズ誕生日会を開きました。お姉ちゃんは既に４人、子供がいるんだけど、４人も出産したとは思えない若さなんだよね。デービスもクロも弟夫婦が飼っているスターバックとも仲良しで楽しい時間を過ごせたようです。お誕生日おめでとう、Jen!

This week has been kind of busy with shopping, enjoying time with friends and family and sleeping in for as long as Day-bis & Kuro let me. Last night, the whole crew, including Wayne & Shari met at Jared & Mary's for a BBQ and a 'surprise' Birthday Party for Jen, my older sister. Day-bis & Kuro had a great time too with Kuro teasing Starbuck. It is amazing how fast the nieces and nephew grow. Happy Birthday, Jen!

Adventures & Memories

ジョシュはミネソタ州でも行われているパグミィーテイングに行ってきました。デービスは、他のパグと戯れる事なく殆どジョシュのお父さんの周りにいたらしい。今までもドッグランに行ってもあまり他の犬と戯れる事もなく、マイペースで神経質なデービスだから仕方ないけどもう少し他の犬と戯れてほしいものだわ。その後は、妹夫婦のお家で夕食。
私は、母親と一緒に三重県にある伊勢神宮（外宮と内宮）にお参りに行ってきました。英虞湾にあるホテルに一泊、素敵なホテルだったっけ。翌日は鳥羽から出てる伊勢湾フェリーに乗ったりと色々観光して、帰宅。伊勢神宮は前々から一度は行ってみたかった場所だっただけにいい思い出になりました。母親よ、ありがとうね。

This past Sunday Josh, the little boys, Wes & Vicky attended a Minneapolis/St. Paul Pug meeting. Day-bis started out fine, interacting with the other Pugs but always came back to Grandpa Wes. Kuro had no problem interacting with the other dogs but we hope that Day-bis will open up a little more. He generally does things at his own pace. After the Pug meeting, we drove over to Jill & Chris's for dinner. Day-bis & Kuro enjoy their home since they have carpet on the low stairs (easy climbing).

Takako & Hideko went on a two day trip to the Mie prefecture in central Japan (near Nagoya). They visited many places such as Ise Shrine, stayed in the Ago Bay hotel and rode the Ise-wan Ferry. They both had a great time together! They always look forward to memory making trips.

Meeting with family & friends

さてジョシュは無事に実家のあるミネソタに到着しました。出発前夜は、ヘイダン君＆メメさんのお家で夕飯をごちそうなり、楽しい時間を過ごしたようです。ヘイダン君＆メメさん、毎回、ありがとうございます。ミネソタの実家には約１０日程滞在する予定で、デービスも黒も楽しい時間を過ごす事でしょう。
えっと私は、東京にきてから色々自分の身の回りの事で忙しくて、やっと金曜日にサチとタクちゃんとサムとクニエに会えました。半年ぶりの再会だったけどメールなどで連絡とっていたせいか、久しぶりって気がしなかったのよね。楽しい時間過ごせました、ありがとうね。

Josh arrived in Minnesota safely in about 5 1/2 hours. Just this past Thursday night, he ate dinner at Haydon & MeMe's house. Very good as usual. Thank you again! He will be in Minnesota for the next 10 days visiting family & friends. Day-bis & Kuro are also going to have a great time with relatives both human & pets. As for Takako, since arriving in Tokyo she hasn't been able to meet up with friends until Friday night. She met: Sachi, Taku-chan, Sam & Kunie. She had a great time and as with Hideko, didn't seem like many months have passed since they are still able to stay in touch via email. Stay tuned for more posts!