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| 2013年12月16日（月） |
| A Beautiful Throw for Christmas No. 39 |
Hi, It's been a long time. Hope you
are all doing fine.
Christmas is right around the corner.
Today I recieved a box in the mail
and to my surprise it was a beautiful
patchwork throw. A beautiful peice of
quilting.
The colors reminded me of fall and
the quilts my Mother used to make
when I was a child.
I hung it up for Christmas and this
masculine-looking quilt fills our dinning
room with the colors of the forest.
But most important of all, when
I think of all the work and love that
was put into it, my heart becomes
as warm as toast.
Wish you all a Merry Christmas. |
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| 2013年9月29日（日） |
| Camping at Lake Inawashiro No.38 |
Hi, are you enjoying your September holidays ?
My family often enjoys camping. This time we
decided to camp at Lake Inawashiro. Located
in the middle of Fukushima Prefecture, south
of Mount Bandai. It is the fourth largest
lake in Japan. You can enjoy nature's beauty
from season to season. My family enjoyed
boat rowing, Imoni, and the hot springs were
great. I even had a snake welcome me
after getting out of the bath. I guess meeting
a snake is supposed to be a good thing
in Japan.
Best of all the calmness and the quietness
of the place gave me peace of heart and
soul. |
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| 2013年8月31日（土） |
| Summer Vacation No.37 |
Hi, did you enjoy your summer ?
Well, I did. My daughter wanted to go to
Disney Sea , My son wanted to go camping to
Lake Inawashiro. I wanted to take my niece
to Ampanman Museum. And going to Yagiyama
Zoo to see the polar bears. And then taking
my son to the movies , I was busy everyday.
Then in the evenings after eating dinner
it became sort of a custom at my home
to do fireworks in the yard. I think my
children had more than a summer vacation
they'd better admit for all the dedication
of their parents. I didn't even mention
half of the fun , over all it was a great
summer vacation without any accidents.
I thank God for all the angels He sent
everyday to protect us. |
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| 2013年7月15日（月 |
| A Hectic Semester No.36 |
Hi, I find myself very busy this semester
getting up everymorning at 5:30 to make
lunches for my family etc. But I am also
enjoying the new experience.
After breakfast I take my daughter to
a kindergarten about an hour away from
where I live. My daughter enjoys her
kindergarten very much, and I think it
is the best kindergarten in Sendai even
though I spend most of my day going
back and forth. I feel my work is not
in vain. I hope my little princes has a
great kindergarten life. |
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| 2013年5月28日（火） |
| The Best Photographer No.35 |
Hi, In the beginning of semesters, many
families take pictures to celebrate their
child's growth.
My family took a family picture which we
like to do sometimes. This year it was
to celebrate my son's entering Junior High
and my daughter entering Kindergarten.
The photo studio we chose this year
was not too far from where we live.
A small studio called , Miura Photo Studio.
Located in Izumi , Sendai.
The owner could get us relaxed to
make our best smile, We were surprised
to see the great quality work they did
in taking great pictures for my family.
I'm sure we will look back in the
future and be happy for these pictures
we took. They will become my family
treasure. |
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| 2013年5月22日（水） |
| A Beautiful Garden in Yakurai No. 34 |
Hi, the other day my family visited Yakurai
Garden. It happens to be the season of
Cosmos and we were surprised to see
the meadows of Cosmos with heavenly colors
of red, pink, violet, oranges, and white.
My daughter ran and played among the
candy-colored flowers, too amazing to express
with words.
To our surprise the weather forecast was for
rain but we were thrilled to see the blue sky
full of clouds above. And to another surprise
there was a garden wedding going on.
It was like we had recieved showers of
blessings just being there. |
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| 2013年4月30日（火） |
| A Boat Trip down Geibi Gorge No.33 |
Hi, I visited Geibe Gorge with my family,
one of the most picturesque spots in Japan.
This beautiful gorge was carved from strata
of limestone by the Satetsu River.
The gorge displays the beauty of the changing
seasons, and visiting there on the weekend to
see the beautiful cherry trees with the fresh
greenery and the clear water flow made the
boat trip inspiring. All the beautiful rocks
were just amazing. The Cloud-Kissing Rock,
the Victory Hill, the Brocade Wall, the Great
Rock of Geibi etc. But most of all I fell
in love with the Mighty Man Rock and
the Little Woman Rock. These are called
husband-and-wife rocks from the way
they seem to snuggle close to each other
every time the boat passes. |
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| 2013年4月18日（木） |
| Cherry Blossoms No. 32 |
Hi, Have you been enjoying Cherry blossom
viewing ? In my family garden we have a
monster cherry tree that is over 20 years
old. The tree blooms beautiful cherry blossoms
every year. All week long I have been
inviting friends over and having tea parties
right under the beautiful cherry tree.
I was thinking of the poem that the famous
writer Saigyo wrote about how he wishes
to end his last under the cherry tree.
Now I have started wishing the same.
Imagine friends if you could choose where
to end your last. I'm sure I would choose
to end my last under a beautiful cherry tree
with the petals falling to clothe me. |
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| 2013年4月17日（水） |
| Kindergarten Entering Ceremony No.31 |
Hi, With beautiful Cherry blossoms in full
bloom, my daughter entered Kindergaten
yesterday. She was in her best smiles
during the Entering Ceremony.
The principal called each of their names
and had each child stand up on stage to
recieve a present from their senior friends.
Big thanks to the nice teachers and
the best principal.
I hope my daughter enjoys everyday of
her kindergarten. |
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| 2013年4月4日（木） |
| A Busy Spring No.30 |
Hi, Are you enjoying the Spring break ?
I've never experienced such a busy Spring.
My son will be entering a private Junior High
so there are so many things to prepare.
Uniforms to be made, meetings to join,
buying sports wears, shoes, bookbags,
bicycles for commuting to school, you
name it. Busy, busy busy, everyday.
And this is not all, my daughter will be
entering Kindergarten so there are bags
to make, and you know the rest of the
story. I find myself running everyday like
a chicken with it's head chopped off.
I need to get myself back together so
I can start out the first semester on
the right track. |
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| 2013年3月20日（水） |
| True Friends No.29 |
Hi, have you ever thought you made a
true friend and then the next minute you
feel compleatly betrayed ? If you never
expect, you will never feel betrayed either.
In different stages of my life I have
experienced different types of friends.
A true friend is always there for you in
your happy times and difficult sad times.
Friends that only want to be your friend
for a certain purpose, and then if they
don't need you anymore their gone.
This means you were taken for granted.
I read this quote recently, "Hope is a
pleasant acquaintance, but an unsafe friend."
I am in the midst of learning when I am
hurt by someone I thought was a friend,
I tell myself to relax and laugh out loud,
she was only an acquaintance. Get used
to it. |
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| 2013年3月12日（火） |
| General Medical Examinations No.28 |
Hi, Have you ever got a general medical
examination ?
I usually get a medical check up ever year.
And yesterday was that dreadful day.
Medical examinations usually include blood tests,
eye and ear tests, cancer tests, pap smear,
mammography, you name it. The test I dread
the most and most people might say the same
is the barium they have you drink before
getting the stomach check up. You have to
experience this to know.
Well, over all a medical check up can mean
early discovery due to any illness, which
boils down to early treatment at an early
stage of an illness. Maybe it might even
mean a longer happier life.
Good luck everyone. |
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| 2013年3月6日（水） |
| Cosmetics No. 27 |
Hi, Have you ever been asked about the
type of cosmetics you use ? Well, I assume
many women love talking about this subject.
I fell in love with the Wamiles cosmetics
about seven years ago. Until then I could
never stick to one brand. But I came to
the conclusion about five years ago after
I noticed how well the Wamiles cosmetics
were working on me. If you are using
the right type of soap for your face to keep
your face from over drying and then
using the right nourishment for your skin,
you are on the right track.
I think Wamiles taught me how to
"Do it right !" And then down the line
using the right minerals might be
"The secret for beauty". |
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| 2013年3月3日（日） |
| My Pet Dog No. 26 |
Hi, Do you have any pets ? We have
two pet dogs . Let me introduce our
Toy Poodle today. He is ten years old .
A very intelligent, trainable, faithful, active
and alert male dog. He has black fur and
his name is Micky.
He barks at anyone he doesn't know
that enters the boundaries of our house.
His favorite food is cheese cake.
He over ate some cheese he found the
other day and became as sick as a dog .
He loves it when my son takes him
on walks every morning . Today he is
dressed in pink to celebrate the doll
festival in Japan.
Thank you, Micky . You are the best
watch dog. |
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| 2013年2月27日（水） |
| Bread Delivery Service No.25 |
Hi, Have you ever ordered bread and had
them bring it to your door step ? My friend
introduced to me a bread delivery service
called Mugitaro. Mugitaro locates in Mukaiyama
Sendai and the bread they make is awesome.
Exactly the bread I had been looking for
these past fifteen years.
Fresh bread made with All-NaturalIngredients. Very healthy to the body and soul.
Whole wheat bread, Rye, Oats, you name it.
I have compleatly fell in love with the
Mugitaro bread. I hope someday you can
try it to know what I mean.
Thank you, Mugitaro. |
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| 2013年2月25日（月） |
| Did you catch the Flu ? |
Hi, How is your day ?
My daughter had a high fever yesterday
and complained of a stomachache.
Later she threw up everything she had
tried to eat. I felt so sorry for my poor
little daughter.
Now this morning her fever has gone down
a little but still high. She is on medications
but seems to be much better. She ate
her regular breakfast and now in her room
playing Wii games.
I don't know where she gets her energy?
Maybe God sent His angels to touch her
to make her better last night.
Thank God ! |
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| 2013年2月22日（金） |
| How do you Commute ? No. 23 |
Hi, How do you commute to work ?
Bus ? Train ? Subway ? Ferry ? Taxi ?
Helicopter ? Or do you drive your own
car to work ? I usually drive my car
and sometimes I use the subway.
I try to get out of riding the bus
because it's hard for me to endure
the bus odor. I also dread riding the
subways because I get stared at and
then after being stared at for a while,
the questioning comes. For example :
"Where are you from ? " etc.
It can get really annoying.
I used to answer honestly and say,
" I'm American."
But when I am stressed out I might
answer, "I'm from space."
If only I could look like a Japanese
at least when I rode the subway it
would sure help.
My husband tells me it's my destiny,
so get used to it .
What do you say ? |
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| 2013年2月20日（水） |
| Daily Exercise No. 22 |
Hi, Do you exercise to keep your body
in shape ? If you want to feel better,
have more energy and perhaps even live
longer ? Well then I say exercise is a
must . When I need to blow off some
steam after a stressful day, I take my
daughter to the pool to exercise or we
enjoy golf and even used to go horse
back riding.
One thing I've noticed is exercise improves
mood. Physical activity stimulates various
brain chemicals that may leave you feeling
happier and more relaxed. You may also feel
better about your appearance and yourself
when you exercise regularly, which can
boost your confidence and improve
your self-esteem. |
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| 2013年2月18日（月） |
| A Child's Drawings No. 21 |
Hi, Have you ever noticed children between
ages three to six have unique drawing
talents ? Then after they enter elementary
their drawing style changes . Maybe
philosophers might say it has a lot to do
with their changes of environment, or having
to draw it the way their school teacher
advices them can make their unique drawings
change to something very different.
My daughter who is three now , enjoyed
play school the other day and drew a
picture of her friends she met there.
After a few days she added glasses to the
picture she drew.
Well, just like they say , "Children are
a gift from heaven." |
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| 2013年2月15日（金） |
| Valentine Customs No.20 |
Hi, Do you have a special way to
celebrate Valentine's Day ? Every country
has it's own customs. And maybe better
to say every home has it's own traditions.
When I was a child my mother always
made home made Oatmeal Chocolate Bars.
Now for the last fifteen years it has
become the tradition in my family, making
the same Chocolate Oatmeal Bars my
mother passed on to me.
It is fun to see special smiles when
handing out a small home made chocolate
gift to your love ones and friends. |
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| 2013年2月11日（月） |
| North American Apple Pie No.19 |
Hi, What do you say to making an
Apple Pie with your daughter at home
on a holiday afternoon. This is the first
Northern American Apple Pie I've tried
making. It has it's two rounds of pastry
enclosing of cinnamon sugared apples.
My daughter helped mix up the apple
filling. And helping Mommy roll out the
pie crust was so much fun.
And just imagine adding some ice cream
when serving makes my mouth water |
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| 2013年2月10日（日） |
| Sledding at Izumigatake No.18 |
Hi, Do you enjoy winter sports ?
My family enjoys sledding and skiing
during the winter. It is very convenient
to go to the mountains with the camping
car. It's wide enough to change inside
warm enough to dry your clothes when
you get all wet . When we want we can
also cook up some soup and enjoy a hot
lunch. Today my daughter enjoyed sledding.
She cackles with delight as we slide down
the hill . Last week my son got to go
skiing with his father. He is getting very
good at skiing.
Enjoy your youth, my son. |
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| 2013年2月6日（水） |
| Rumours No.17 |
Hi , Do you enjoy listening to rumours ?
How would you respond when you heard
a rumour ? Somestimes rumours can get
out of hand and anyone who hears the
rumour knows it is too far stretched.
For example there was a rumour going
about that one of my friend had been
married seven times. When my friend
heard the rumour she laughed and said,
"So far I've been married one and a
half times but my plans are to get
married eight times in my life so
never mind about the rumour."
Her positive attitude surprised me.
Friends, hope we can laugh at rumours
instead of letting them eat on us |
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| 2013年2月4日（月） |
| Kind Words Can Work Wonders No.16 |
Hi, Do you ever feel like you are at
your wits' end some times ? Often I
can get so tired being a mother of two.
Plus trying to handle all the cooking
and working part of the week. Not
counting all the PTA meetings I join
every month etc. I find life exhausting
and overwhelming at times and find
myself longing for a few minutes of
peace to get my mind back in place
to start out the next day on the
right track.
It's strange though, a kind word
from a friend, or a loving hug
from a child, or a kindness done
from a family member can be healing
to a tired soul at the end of the day. |
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| 2013年1月31日（木） |
| A Special Gift from a School Voluteer No.15 |
Hi, have you ever played "Go" ( A
Japanese board game ). A game played
by two players, and the object is to
gain more territory than your opponent.
My son came home very excited after
taking a few lessons of " Go" from a
school voluteer. I guess the voluteer
went out of his way to give each
child who had joined the "Go" class,
a free "Go" book to learn the techniques
of the "Go" game.
Big thanks to the kind voluteer. |
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| 2013年1月29日（火） |
Vaccines to prevent from catching
the Influenza No.14 |
Hi , did you get the vaccine this
year to prevent from catching the
influenza ? Adults just need to get
the shot once while a child would
need it twice they say. I guess
these vaccines are medications that
boost our ability to fight off certain
diseases. My daughter screamed her
head off when my husband gave her
the last vaccine. I felt so sorry for her.
After the shot my daughter had a
slight fever for two days. Maybe it's
the vaccine side effects . |
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| 2013年1月27日（日） |
| Korean Foods No.13 |
Hi , Do you eat Korean foods ?
We seldom eat Korean foods at home
but my friend gave me some fantastic
iron pots. So I got a bright idea to
make homemade Bibimbap a Korean
dish mixed with vegetables and beef .
I hope your mouth waters when you
see the picture.
Good luck on Korean foods |
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| 2013年1月24日（木） |
| Studying Hard in the Camping Car |
Hi, how was your day today ?
Every Thursday I teach a group of
elementary students in my camping
car. I started teaching in a camping
car after the 3.11 earthquake to be
safe. I am now teaching them how to
read. Before reading I had them
learn phonics which has made reading
alot easier for them . And now using
"The Reading Lesson " book which is
designed to teach your students to
read in 20 easy lessons, has made
reading fun for my students. |
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| 2013年1月23日（水） |
| My kindergarten class |
Hi, Let me introduce my kindergarten
class. My kindergarteners seem to
be gifted in learning English. They can
pick up words very fast. They are
now learning "The Cat in the Hat
Dictionary." They are so proud to read
the sections they know by themselves.
They often surprise me. And one more
thing chilren can be very healing to
the soul. |
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| 2013年1月21日（月） |
| Beautiful Roses |
Hi , I bought these beautiful roses
at Yukaen, located in Aobaku , Trust
Building. I've actually never seen a
flower shop with such beautiful flowers
like this one . These roses have
many petals which are difficult to find
at any supermarket.
The type of flowers a person
chooses differs by the way the person
feels at the time . That's what makes
choosing flowers so special. |
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| 2013年1月20日（日） |
| Hot Springs |
Hi, Hot springs can be very
refreashing during these cold snowy
winter seasons.
Our bodies can become pretty stiff
on an icy cold winter day.
And without knowing we atomatically
get stiff shoulders and aching backs.
Sometimes I need to take pain killer
to ease the solid hard muscles
that give me so much trouble.
The dream of having a Jacuzzi
bath right at home sounds exciting |
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| 2013年1月16日（水） |
| It's O.K. to Be Smart ! |
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Hi, my elementary students study very
hard. Now the advanced class is
learning poems and cursive writing.
They are also studying at home the
" Brain Quest " cards. An educational
bestseller in the U.S. that quizzes
children on what they need to know.
750 questions and answers a year
to challenge the mind. Compleately
revised and updated to reflect the
latest school standards.
Keep up the good work young men.
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| 2013年1月15日（火） |
| On a Snowy Winter Day |
Hi, it snowed like mad yesterday, so
everywhere you go the roads are
covered with snow today. I wanted to
take the laundry to the cleaners , do
some errands but I hate sliding
around on the icy roads, even though
it's exciting sometimes. So staying
home today and doing the house
chores seem to be the right choice. |
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| 2013年1月9日（水） |
| A Heartbreaking Story in Ishinomaki |
Here is a story I experienced a day
ago.
Yesterday, I visited Ishinomaki for the
first time after the earthquake and
tsunami 3.11 incident. My brother
happened to be here for a visit , so
we went together.
We desided to go see the
remainings of Ookawa Elementary
School . When we arrived there ,
there were a few people hanging
around there and we learned they
were the family's of the deceased.
One of the ladies there told me
she lost her son who was a sixth
grader at the time and had passed
the entrance exam to enter the
same school my son was studying
to enter.
What a coincidence. I stood there
dumbfounded, and she spoke to me
and told us she had also lost her
daughter in the tsunami, and has
not found her yet.
I could not find any appropriate
words to say. All I could do was
to hold her hand as tight as I
could and pray for the God in
heaven to send her peace of
heart and mind . |
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| 2013年1月9日（水） |
| Good News |
Hi, How was your day ?
First I'd like to anounce that my son
passed his entrance exam. And will be
entering the private junior high as he
has wished.
Thanks to God in heaven who always
sends His angels to lead and protect
us. And we should always remember
to thank Him. |
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| 2013年1月5日（土） |
| Cleaning House |
Do you clean house on Saturdays ?
My family enjoys cleaning house on
Saturdays. From the old to the young
everyone pitches in and helps with the
cleaning . And after we finish we can
feel refreshed with the house sparkling.
Maybe most American's had this
same custom , Since from way back
Satudays were always a holiday. Many
American's I knew did the same . |
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| 2013年1月4日（金） |
| Shukuramen flowers |
Do you like flowers ?
Yesterday my husband bought
Shukuramen flowers to decorate in our
home . They will symbolize new years .
It's strange how flowers can give us
some kind of peace in our hearts .
Well, after all they are alive and
seem to be sending us some kind of
sign language. |
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| 2013年1月3日（木） |
| Snow play in the yard |
|
We woke up this morning with it
snowing , My daughter jumped for joy
when she saw the snow falling from
the sky.
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| 2013年1月3日（木） |
| Happy New Year ! |
|
Hi Everyone !
How did you spend your new year ?
My family stayed home most of the
time watching movies, enjoying family
games and also preparing to start
the new year .
My son studied most of the time
for an entrance exam he will be
taking on the 7th of January.
My daughter played with her
toys she got from Santa on
Christmas.
Over all everything seems to
be going so far so good .
Wish you all the best year this
year in 2013.
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