Wednesday, October 31, 2018

My October

Well, today is the final day of October, 2018. In America we chant "30 days have September, April, June and November. All the rest have 31, except February, which has 28 and 29 in a leap year." And the weather is really nice now. We are leaving the hot weather behind us. The leaves are beginning to turns colors. Hopefully we will get out to view them. So, I went to the gym 13 times his month. I went every Monday, every Thursday and every Saturday. Last Saturday, there was no Kenkatsu lesson so M and I went to our favorite restaurant...FUTABA. Yes, it was delicious. We also met our daughter's new in-laws-to-be for a face to face. That was cool. We held a one year memorial for M's mom. We met relatives there. I did absolutely (=positively = 100%) no gardening or weeding. I see now that I must do it soon. I also washed the car once. I put on my Halloween costume for some kindergarten kids to do trick or treating. I saw a lot of American league WORLD SERIES baseball as well as checking the hockey and football news on the Internet. I visited the Meiji Jingu on a whim. It was  good month, I believe.

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Trick or Treat

Halloween is celebrated on October 31st around the world. I just read that many countries celebrate in different ways, but the main theme is remembering the dead. I think it is similar to the Japanese-Bon. In America there are different ways to celebrate this holiday. Here in Japan too, many young people have recenty started wearing costumes. Of course in the USA kids and young people do the same thing. As for me, I do it now for my business. As you know I am an English teacher. One of my lessons is at a kindergarten in Kounosu. Four years ago they asked me to dress up and greet the kids who would "Trick or Treat". So, every year I dress up and greet all of them with a "Happy Halloween". Then each kid will say (or try to say) "Trick or Treat". I respond with a comment and then "Here you are" as I hand them their prepared treat. They answer "Thank you". Then we pose for group photos. It takes about two hours. There are approximately (about) 360 kids every year. Whew! But, fun.

Monday, October 29, 2018

Puzzler Answers

Do you celebrate Halloween? And, do you believe in ghosts? Puzzler Answers: CLICK HERE.

以下はスーパースクラブルパズルです。よく見ると、4つの空白のタイルが見つかります。 空白のタイルとは、何も書かれていないタイルのことです。それら空白のタイルは、ある単語の一部です。空白のタイルに、どの文字があてはまるかを考えてください。おわかりですか?答えは、ページを下にスクロールして下さい。GOOD LUCK

Below is a Super Scrabble Puzzle. If you search carefully you will find four blank tiles on it. BLANK means that nothing is written on it. But, they are part of the word. Try to determine what letter the BLANK tiles are. After you have your guess you can scroll down the page to find the answers. As always, GOOD LUCK.



































LEAV             QUESTION/MIX                 PRIZE            DEATH/WE      

Sunday, October 28, 2018

Puzzler Hints

If it's a nice day I may work in the garden. Then again I may just go out an enjoy the outdoors before it gets too cold. Puzzler hints: CLICK HERE.

November Home Project
今月のHPは、"be”を含む単語です。下記のように、”be”で始まる単語です。 
because ーだから
before 前に 
behave ふるまう
behind のうしろに
believe 信じている
below の下方に
beside の近くに
between の間に
beware 気を付ける
beyond の向こうに
もちろん他にもありますが、私のブログの中の文章もよく見てみてください。
みなさんも使ってみましょう。
Boston Red Six win Game 2

Saturday, October 27, 2018

Puzzler

Whelp, it's another weekend. Of course I have some plans for gardening, training and maybe some travel time. Puzzler: CLICK HERE.

November Home Project
今月のHPは、"be”を含む単語です。下記のように、”be”で始まる単語です。 
because ーだから
before 前に 
behave ふるまう
behind のうしろに
believe 信じている
below の下方に
beside の近くに
between の間に
beware 気を付ける
beyond の向こうに
もちろん他にもありますが、私のブログの中の文章もよく見てみてください。
みなさんも使ってみましょう。
Boiston Red Sox win Game 1



Friday, October 26, 2018

Staying healthy


At the second lesson last Saturday we discussed different ways to stay healthy. Here are some tips. 

1. Sleep. While sleep requirements vary slightly from person to person, most healthy adults need between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to function at their best. Children and teens need even more. And despite the notion that our sleep needs decrease with age, most older people still need at least 7 hours of sleep.
Here are some other tips:
2. Maintain a healthy weight...eat more slowly.
3. Exercise regularly...choose activities that you enjoy...gardening, walking. Walk with someone.
4. Don't smoke. That goes without saying. ( = Of course)
5. Eat a healthy diet. Eat veggies and fruit regularly. Chicken and fish instead of red meat.
6. Drink alcohol in moderation = socially.
7. Get regular health check ups.
I am sure that everyone has their own ways. So...how do you stay healthy?

Thursday, October 25, 2018

The Basbeall World Series in the USA

Baseball is very, very popular in the US of A. There are two leagues. There are 30 teams. There are 25 players on each team. There are millions and millions of fans. At the end of each regular season, there are playoffs. The best teams in each league play each other to determine (find) the best team in that league. This year the best team in the National league is the Los Angeles Dodgers. The best team in the American League is the Boston Red Sox. They will meet in the World Series. This 2018 World Series is quite unique. Why? Because:
1. The last time these two teams met was 102 years ago, in 1916.
2. The distance from Los Angeles to Boston is 2,983 miles OR 4,772 kilometers. That is ht longest distance ever between two venues.
3. Babe Ruth pitched in the series 102 years ago. Do you know Babe Ruth?
4. Boston had the best record in the MLB with 108 wins this year.
5. Los Angeles last won the series 30 years ago.
6. Boston has won the series three times since 2004.
Game One was yesterday. Do you know who won?

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

NATTO

  1. While few people in the Western world have heard of natto, it's very popular in Japan.
  2. This fermented food has a unique consistency and surprising smell. In fact, many say it's an acquired taste.
  3. Natto is incredibly nutritious and linked to various health benefits. For example, stronger bones and a healthier heart and immune system.
  4. Natto is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of fermented soybean. Natto has a slimy, sticky and stringy texture.
  5. It's easily recognizable by its distinctive, somewhat pungent smell. Its flavor is commonly described as nutty.
  6. In Japan, natto is typically topped with soy sauce, mustard, chives or other seasonings and served with cooked rice. 
  7. NATTO is simply delicious!
SUMMARY:Natto is a traditional Japanese dish made from fermented soybeans. It has a sticky texture, pungent odor and somewhat nutty flavor.


Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Health issues

Every Saturday I teach two adult lessons in the afternoon. There are 20 adults in each group. At the first lesson last Saturday, one student wrote a a story about NATTO. She wrote "I don' like it very much but I try to eat it for my health." So, at that class and then in the second class we talked about health. Do you like NATTO? I do. I think it is very good for your health. When I make NATTO I add the mustard and soy sauce. I then mix is about 100 times. Some students said that 10 times is enough. Most agreed that at least 30 times is enough. However my dentist (a very wise and noble man) told me that 600 times is best. I settled for 100 times. I eat it with hot rice. I add a raw egg to the rice, mix that, then add the NATTO. Sometimes I eat the dish with sea weed (NORI). It really is tasty. And I believe it is very good for my health. Of course, I never ate NATTO when I lived in America.I found a good article about NATTO on the Internet. Please check out tomorrow's BLOG to read about it.

Monday, October 22, 2018

Puzzler Answers

Halloween is just around he corner. I have a Halloween 'gig' this Friday at a kindergarten. Loads of fun. Puzzler Answers: CLICK HERE.

以下はスーパースクラブルパズルです。よく見ると、4つの空白のタイルが見つかります。 空白のタイルとは、何も書かれていないタイルのことです。それら空白のタイルは、ある単語の一部です。空白のタイルに、どの文字があてはまるかを考えてください。おわかりですか?答えは、ページを下にスクロールして下さい。GOOD LUCK

Below is a Super Scrabble Puzzle. If you search carefully you will find four blank tiles on it. BLANK means that nothing is written on it. But, they are part of the word. Try to determine what letter the BLANK tiles are. After you have your guess you can scroll down the page to find the answers. As always, GOOD LUCK.











































CAVITY                LUNGE/COPTER                    FLAVOR               QUAIL

Sunday, October 21, 2018

Puzzler Hints

And life goes on. We have a special luncheon this day. It will be interesting. Puzzler Hints: CLICK HERE.

October HPは、“little, less, least”です。
littlelessleast
一般的な比較級、最上級より難易度が高い比較表現です。
little = すこししかない   少ししかない
Weve had little snow this year. この冬は殆んど雪が降っていない
There is little work to do. すべて仕事はほとんどなかった。
less = より少ない、より少なく より少ない、より少なく(比較級)
You need to spend less time playing video games. テレビゲームをする時間を減らしなさい。
Id better eat less and exercise more. 私は食べる量を減らしてもっと運動しないといけない。
least  (量や程度が)もっとも少ない;最小の。(量や程度が)最も少ない;最小の
My least favorite subject is math. 最もすきではない科目は数学です。→好きではない
I have the least money of all. 私はほかのみんなよりお金は最も少ない。
これらの、little, less, leastを使って、会話をしてみましょう。 Good luck!
Another view of the construction next door.

Saturday, October 20, 2018

Puzzler

This weather is strange. Too much rain for me. I wonder if we will have nice autumn colors this year. I hope so. Puzzler: CLICK HERE.

October HPは、“little, less, least”です。
littlelessleast
一般的な比較級、最上級より難易度が高い比較表現です。
little = すこししかない   少ししかない
Weve had little snow this year. この冬は殆んど雪が降っていない
There is little work to do. すべて仕事はほとんどなかった。
less = より少ない、より少なく より少ない、より少なく(比較級)
You need to spend less time playing video games. テレビゲームをする時間を減らしなさい。
Id better eat less and exercise more. 私は食べる量を減らしてもっと運動しないといけない。
least  (量や程度が)もっとも少ない;最小の。(量や程度が)最も少ない;最小の
My least favorite subject is math. 最もすきではない科目は数学です。→好きではない
I have the least money of all. 私はほかのみんなよりお金は最も少ない。
これらの、little, less, leastを使って、会話をしてみましょう。 Good luck!


Earth mover




Friday, October 19, 2018

The vacant lot next door

The vacant lot next door is not vacant now. Definition of vacant: adj. empty; not being used. If you look at the photo you will see many things in it now. It started two weeks ago. One day a worker came to our house and asked "Are you the owner of this vacant lot? We want to use it to do some construction work. We are from the Ageo City Hall." Of course we are not the owners of the lot. However, it seems that one neighbor told them that I pull the weeds there. They have to pave one road just behind our house. And they need a place to keep their equipment. They finally contacted the owner (I assume) and now use the lot. First, they cut all the weeds and threw away the grass. That was nice. Then they laid down the wooden boards. They put up a "Porta John" (portable toilet). I heard that they make a lot of racket (noise) when they work. My wife said that it sounds like an earthquake at times. I did not need to pull anymore weeds this year I believe. And now they will be using this field until December. 

Thursday, October 18, 2018

No names

My mother-in-law passed away last year. On Sunday, we held a one-year memorial for her. My wife and our two daughters were busy all Sunday morning getting ready and then we drove to the cemetery. There we met my wife's sister and her two kids as well as her greatnephew. Then my wife's uncle and his wife and their son and daughter came. So, my wife's uncle and aunt, one niece and pone nephew,  two of her cousins, one great-nephew as well as our two daughters and her husband, me, were there. We all cleaned the grave and then attended a 20 minute service by the Buddhist priest. We all offered incense. From there all the family members went to have lunch. We all gathered to commemorate the life of this wonderful person. At the luncheon party there was her younger brother, her sister-in-law, two of her children, three of her granddaughters, one of her grandsons, one grand-nephew, one grand-niece, one great-grandson and one of her sons-in-law. The party lasted until about three o'clock. Outside we all said good-bye and promised to meet again soon.

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

What's his name

During my workout last week I met one couple, my age, that frequent the gym. They were both dressed in black. "Are  you the "Couple in Black" I joked. He said "Yeah, like Bruce Willis. He's cool". I like Men In Black and it reminded of the other Man in Black. You know. What's his name. But, none of us could recall (remember) his name. For the next 20 minutes I tried to recall his name. So, did my friend. By the time I left the gym, neither of us could remember it. On my way home, at home, and then on my way to the school by bicycle, I kept (continued) trying. I went through the alphabet: Did it start with an "A"? Allen? Alfred? Alex? "B"? Bobby? Byron? Bertold? "C"? "D"?....."Y"? Yeltsin? Yahoo? Yodels"?. I did that over and over with no success. My mind was a blank. I remembered Bruce Willis, Kevin Costner, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mel Gibson, Gene Hackman (my favorite), Robert Dinero, Al Pacino, Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Ben Aflick, Brad Pitt, Harrison Ford, John Travolta, Nicholas Cage...but alas, I couldn't remember this guy's name. Finally at the school I typed in "Men In Black" in Google. And just before I searched it,  it hit me....Tommy Lee Jones. That was so cool.

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

A Movie

Two Sundays ago M and I went to the movies. We drove to Shobu town's Millage shopping mall and saw the Japanese movie "Drink the Coffee before it gets cold." or something like that. Japanese movies are cool, as they are easy to understand. And the ya re basically clean: there is no foul language or sex scenes. I think they are easy to watch. In this movie there is a coffee shop. At the shop you can sit in one particular seat and go back in time. You can meet and talk to people who have also visited the coffee shop. And you will only meet at that coffee shop. However nothing will change the past. There  are several rules that you must abide by (obey/adhere to). If you decided to go back to the past, you must sit in a special seat at a special table. You must get back "before the coffee cools".  The bad news is that there is a ghost in that seat reading a book. You have to wait until she vacates (leaves) the seat to go to the restroom. In the movie four people use the seat to go back to the past. Then their stories are told. In the end it is a love story about the young lady who pours the coffee. And her new husband goes to the future (this is also possible) to help his new wife. It was pretty cool.  

Monday, October 15, 2018

Puzzler Answers

Well, I lied. I told you last week that I didn't drink. BUT....I did drink Sunday night. And I didn't have tine to correct the BLOG. Lo siento (Spanish for I'm sorry).  Anyway, it was a little white lie, we say. So, here is your Super Scrabble and Puzzler Answers CLICK HERE.

以下はスーパースクラブルパズルです。よく見ると、4つの空白のタイルが見つかります。 空白のタイルとは、何も書かれていないタイルのことです。それら空白のタイルは、ある単語の一部です。空白のタイルに、どの文字があてはまるかを考えてください。おわかりですか?答えは、ページを下にスクロールして下さい。GOOD LUCK

Below is a Super Scrabble Puzzle. If you search carefully you will find four blank tiles on it. BLANK means that nothing is written on it. But, they are part of the word. Try to determine what letter the BLANK tiles are. After you have your guess you can scroll down the page to find the answers. As always, GOOD LUCK.







































FREELY                  TREMBLE                    ZOOM                     CAGE/THEME

Sunday, October 14, 2018

Puzzler HInts

Last night I went to the gym. Good workout. Then I drank some delicious Japanese Shochu. Good drinking! Puzzler Hints: CLICK HERE.

October HPは、“little, less, least”です。
littlelessleast
一般的な比較級、最上級より難易度が高い比較表現です。
little = すこししかない   少ししかない
Weve had little snow this year. この冬は殆んど雪が降っていない
There is little work to do. すべて仕事はほとんどなかった。
less = より少ない、より少なく より少ない、より少なく(比較級)
You need to spend less time playing video games. テレビゲームをする時間を減らしなさい。
Id better eat less and exercise more. 私は食べる量を減らしてもっと運動しないといけない。
least  (量や程度が)もっとも少ない;最小の。(量や程度が)最も少ない;最小の
My least favorite subject is math. 最もすきではない科目は数学です。→好きではない
I have the least money of all. 私はほかのみんなよりお金は最も少ない。
これらの、little, less, leastを使って、会話をしてみましょう。 Good luck!


Paradise Beach Bay, Malta

Saturday, October 13, 2018

Puzzler

Well, here is a new puzzler. Last week the puzzler had a "K". But, there is no "K" in ABARHAM LIMCOLN. I apologize ... again. Que lastima! (That is Spanish for "Oh my God") So, Puzzler: CLICK HERE.

October HPは、“little, less, least”です。
littlelessleast
一般的な比較級、最上級より難易度が高い比較表現です。
little = すこししかない   少ししかない
Weve had little snow this year. この冬は殆んど雪が降っていない
There is little work to do. すべて仕事はほとんどなかった。
less = より少ない、より少なく より少ない、より少なく(比較級)
You need to spend less time playing video games. テレビゲームをする時間を減らしなさい。
Id better eat less and exercise more. 私は食べる量を減らしてもっと運動しないといけない。
least  (量や程度が)もっとも少ない;最小の。(量や程度が)最も少ない;最小の
My least favorite subject is math. 最もすきではない科目は数学です。→好きではない
I have the least money of all. 私はほかのみんなよりお金は最も少ない。
これらの、little, less, leastを使って、会話をしてみましょう。 Good luck!


Malta pic frmo Kazuko


Friday, October 12, 2018

A Trip to Malta by Kazuko

I went on a trip to Malta. Do you know where it is?  Malta is a small island floating in the Mediterranean Sea south of Sicily, Italy. It is half as large as the 23 districts of Tokyo.
Malta has a long history. People began to live on this island roughly 7,000 years ago. There are some ruins of ancient temples. Thereafter, this island was under the control of many different countries and developed as a fortress.
Malta isnt well-known in Japan but it is very popular with Europeans as a resort. Many Europeans come to spend their holidays there. Hundreds of yachts and cruisers were at anchor in the harbor. Some of them were luxurious owned by rich people.
The weather was good when I arrived there. But it was hotter and more humid than I expected. The sky and the sea were blue as far as the eye could see. The beautiful medieval town remains within the castle walls. I enjoyed walking around the town. 
Two days later, the weather changed suddenly. A storm came. The strong winds blew and the waves were high. I had a plan to go to a desert island by boat on that day. Unfortunately, it was canceled. What a shame!
The next morning, the waves were still high and I had another boat tour planned. I had almost given it up. When suddenly, thanks to the direction of the wind, I was miraculously able to make a tour of sea caves.
It was very fantastic. The sea water was completely clear and shining blue in the sunlight. I saw the bottom of the sea. Ive never seen such a incredible blue before. This is the Mediterranean blue. Ill never forget it for the rest of my life.

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Autumn Excursion by Kuma

My wife and I went to Hidaka-city, Saitama prefecture at the end of September to see 5 Million Red Spider Lilies.Hidaka-city has many names with KOMA attached, such as KOMA shrine, KOMA station and KOMA river.
Why?  Let’s study history!
From the 4th Century to the 7th Century, the three countries of the Korean Peninsula, KOMA, SHIRAGI and KUDARA were fighting for hegemony. Finally, SHIRAGI unified the Peninsula. Many people fled to Japan from defeated KOMA and KUDARA. Although many refugees fled to Japan, they conveyed the latest technology and culture to Japan.
The Yamato Imperial Court in Japan treated them cordially. The people of KOMA lived in seven different places, so Japan made county in Hidaka district and gathered them together in one place. Their lives had stabilized and the development of the Hidaka region has progressed. So we can understand why the name of KOMA is often in Hidaka-city.
In the center of Hidaka-city there is a park named Kinchakuda. “Kinchaku” means pouch, “da” means field. Overall the shape of the park resembles a pouch. It is a figure that the river meanders. During the fall equinox, we enjoyed having roughly 5 million red spider lilies blooming.     

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Sports Day in Japan

On Monday Japan celebrated SPORTS DAY. It was a naitonal holiday. Schools were closed as well as many companies and banks. Here's the story from wikipedia. 
The first Health and Sports Day was held on October 10, 1966, two years after the 1964 Summer Olympics. October was chosen for the unusually late Summer Olympics to avoid the Japanese rainy season, and Health and Sports Day continues to be one of the fairest days of the year.
In 2000, as a result of the Happy Monday Seido, Health and Sports Day was moved to the second Monday in October.
As Health and Sports Day is a day to promote sports and physical and mental health, many schools and businesses choose this day to hold their annual Field Day (運動会 Undō-kai), or sports day. This typically consists of a range of physical events ranging from more traditional track-and-field events such as the 100 metres or 4 x 100 metres relay to more uncommon events such as the tug of war and the "Cavalry Battle" (騎馬戦 kiba-sen).
Most communities and schools across Japan celebrate Sports Day with a sports festival which is similar to a mini Olympics. 
So, how did you celerbate Sports Day?

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Columbus Day

Yesterday, Monday, was a holiday in the USA. It was "Columbus Day". The picture is Queen Isabella who sponsored the Columbus trip. 
Here is the news for wikipedia: 
Columbus Day is a U.S. holiday that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492, and Columbus Day 2018 occurs on Monday, October 8. It was unofficially celebrated in a number of cities and states as early as the 18th century. It become a federal holiday in 1937. For many, the holiday is a way of both honoring Columbus’ achievements and celebrating Italian-American heritage. 
Christopher Columbus was an Italian-born explorer who set sail in August 1492, bound for Asia with backing from the Spanish monarchs King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Columbus intended to chart a western sea route to China, India and the fabled gold and spice islands of Asia. Instead, on October 12, he landed in the Bahamas, becoming the first European to explore the Americas since the Vikings established colonies in Greenland bad Newfoundland during the 10th century.  




Monday, October 8, 2018

Puzzler Answers

So, I didn't drink after all. One less worry for me. Puzzler Answers: CLICK HERE.

以下はスーパースクラブルパズルです。よく見ると、4つの空白のタイルが見つかります。 空白のタイルとは、何も書かれていないタイルのことです。それら空白のタイルは、ある単語の一部です。空白のタイルに、どの文字があてはまるかを考えてください。おわかりですか?答えは、ページを下にスクロールして下さい。GOOD LUCK

Below is a Super Scrabble Puzzle. If you search carefully you will find four blank tiles on it. BLANK means that nothing is written on it. But, they are part of the word. Try to determine what letter the BLANK tiles are. After you have your guess you can scroll down the page to find the answers. As always, GOOD LUCK.




































LONELY       FEEL/LOOKING         SPACED/SPARED       RACKED/TOOLED

Sunday, October 7, 2018

Puzzler HInts

I was back at the Kenlatsu afternoon classes yesterdsay for the first time in 4 weeks. It was grand! Puzzler hInts: CLICK HERE.

October HPは、“little, less, least”です。
littlelessleast
一般的な比較級、最上級より難易度が高い比較表現です。
little = すこししかない   少ししかない
Weve had little snow this year. この冬は殆んど雪が降っていない
There is little work to do. すべて仕事はほとんどなかった。
less = より少ない、より少なく より少ない、より少なく(比較級)
You need to spend less time playing video games. テレビゲームをする時間を減らしなさい。
Id better eat less and exercise more. 私は食べる量を減らしてもっと運動しないといけない。
least  (量や程度が)もっとも少ない;最小の。(量や程度が)最も少ない;最小の
My least favorite subject is math. 最もすきではない科目は数学です。→好きではない
I have the least money of all. 私はほかのみんなよりお金は最も少ない。
これらの、little, less, leastを使って、会話をしてみましょう。 Good luck!