Friday, February 11

Hello all! I'm finally getting a chance to post another blog, after a very busy few days. On Monday, I moved to a different condo, in preparation for Steve's arrival. He arrived in the evening, no problem, though the previous two days the Dallas airport flights were being canceled for freezing and snow. WONDERFUL to have him here, and he is adapting to the culture very well. Our new place is much bigger and nicer, though it is once again a challenge to navigate the grocery stores and restaurants in an unfamiliar neighborhood. Also, finding this neighborhood more expensive as it is catering to the international needs and budgets of the many European Embassies.

Here's Steve trying to figure out the Japanese television!

And also, a photo Steve took from the top of the Mori Art Center roof, looking out towards the Tokyo harbor, with the Tokyo Tower. This is about as clear as it gets here. It had snowed and rained in the morning, and then cleared up for his outing in the afternoon.

We had the pleasure of being guests at the home of our friend's Yoshiko and Takeo, shown here with Steve and Yoshiko's brother. Takeo made an incredible sushi feast. I previously have never become full eating sushi, but I can now say that it is possible! In fact, I woke up the next morning feeling like a beached whale. A little like Shamu the Killer Whale, after a long day of Marine World shows...gulp...gulp...gulp!!!

Steve had a truly Japanese experience, as Takeo insisted on showing Steve how to use the warm water spray and hot air dry of the "washlet" toilet! Quite outrageous as Takeo tried to demonstrate the automatic action by placing feet and hands, but then when that didn't work, sat down with his pants on! Until the action started and he jumped up. The rest of us heard the action from the other room, including broken Japanese/English. Then the direction to Steve, "Take pant off! Take pant off!" Takeo was very pleased with himself, as we all waited for Steve to come out, fully expecting a wet pair of trousers, but he mastered it without a drop! Lots of laughs and good memories. (The only time we saw Takeo not smiling or laughing was in this photo!)

Many busy days of work behind me, and only two more days of client sessions coming up, I am beginning to relax a little more. We had a full day off today, with little to do, because we woke up to big snow flakes that never let up. Actually a good thing, to have a 'forced' rest day. Hopefully, it will clear up for our trip to the Izu Peninsula next Wednesday.

Love to all...