Sunday, March 31, 2019

No Puzzler Hints

And the Hints are off. I think they went to Hawaii for some Maitais. Aloha!

March HP drink (verb) or drinks(s) (noun)
飲み物(名詞)=飲料
飲む(動詞)
drink (noun) a liquid for drinking. for example: tea, coffee, beer, wine, whiskey, Shochu, rice wine (sake), juice (many kinds), medicinal drinks, energy drinks, diet drinks, health drinks, etc. Tell a story about your drinks or use the verb, drink, in your conversation.
飲み物、飲むという単語を使って会話をしてみましょう。
1.I use to drink a lot when I was younger.私は若い時よく飲んだものです。
2. My fiance never drinks. 私の婚約者はお酒を飲みません。
3. I drink a glass of milk every morning.私は毎朝牛乳をカップ一杯飲みます。
Gottit? Cheers!

Three Shot





Saturday, March 30, 2019

No Puzzler

This is the 5th Saturday this month so the Puzzler is off. It will be back next week.

March HP drink (verb) or drinks(s) (noun)
飲み物(名詞)=飲料
飲む(動詞)
drink (noun) a liquid for drinking. for example: tea, coffee, beer, wine, whiskey, Shochu, rice wine (sake), juice (many kinds), medicinal drinks, energy drinks, diet drinks, health drinks, etc. Tell a story about your drinks or use the verb, drink, in your conversation.
飲み物、飲むという単語を使って会話をしてみましょう。
1.I use to drink a lot when I was younger.私は若い時よく飲んだものです。
2. My fiance never drinks. 私の婚約者はお酒を飲みません。
3. I drink a glass of milk every morning.私は毎朝牛乳をカップ一杯飲みます。
Gottit? Cheers!

KoIshiKawa KourakuEn Garden







Friday, March 29, 2019

My March

My March was excellent. 
1. I visited Tokyo three times in March. One was to the Kyu-iwasaki-tei Gardens, one was to the Hama-riyku Gardens and one was to Tokyo University and Koishiwaka Korakuen Gardens. I saw some beautiful sights here and learned some very interesting history about Tokyo and Japan. 
2. I attended two kindergarten graduation ceremonies. There was a party for the teachers after one which I also attended. My kindergarten lessons ended so I had some extra free time this month. 
3. I did some special gardening work around the house. I laid down 40 meters of black plastic sheets on the vacant lot next door. That will stop the weeds from appearing (I hope). I also laid down about 3 meters along one side of our house. It is the North side so we down use it. But the weeds do grow there.
4. M and I took a three day trip to Shizuoka. Our first night we enjoyed eating and drinking at an Izakaya in Shimoda. That has been on my "Bucket list" for a long time. We also visited the Irozaki and Aloe Center for some aloe soft cream as well as Perry's Road .
5. I went to the gym a dozen times.
6. I was busy "juggling kids". Some kids quit our school and some new kids came. Some kids are older so they must change their lesson times. It is always like that in March. 
7. I went to see Alicia's live performance in Ageo. She is a former student.
8. We started a new adults lesson at our school. I also started a new kindergarten lesson. I also lost one kindergarten lesson.
I am looking forward to April.

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Higashi Kindergarten ShaOnKai

"ShaOnKai" means appreciation party for the teachers. In this case it is for the teachers at the Kindergarten where I teach on Tuesdays. This party is for the regular teachers and staff who are there all the time. They are the ones who take care of the kids. Their jobs are full time. My job is to come once a week and show the kids that English is FUN! And, I do attend the "Teacher Appreciation Party". I must say that the moms, and sometimes a dad or two, really work hard to make a fun and entertaining party. They always have a video. They always have games. They always have speeches by the teachers. They always have a Bento lunch. A couple of years ago, they let me try to play my violin with the one and only male teacher. He played the piano. That was very kind of them. But, now I just sit back a relax. I eat the lunch and drink the drinks they offer. Of course, the kids were all very happy and having a very good time. As always, in the end, the two teachers who were in charge of the Nen-Chou's gave teary-eyed speeches. Later that night, long after this party, they have a dinner/drink party. I declined that invitation.

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Higashi Kindergarten Graduation

I have been teaching at the Higashi Kindergarten for 12 years, I think. I got the job by doing some footwork. That means going here and there and inquiring (asking) people at different places if they needed an English teacher. Well, this time my footwork paid off. OR I can say that it bore fruit. That means that it successful. So, during my time there, many things change. One thing that changed was that I attend the graduation ceremony every March. And, Miwako attends the entrance ceremony in April. At the graduation ceremony I am requested to sit in on stage with the Owner and his son (director) and one female teacher who assists. Sometimes the P.E. teacher joins us. This year he didn't. So, I make my speech. First it is Japanese. In this speech I speak to the moms and dads. I tell them what a great place the Kindergarten is. Then I speak to the kids in English. It is cool for two reasons: 1. Nobody understands what I am saying. 2. Every time I ask "OK?'  to the kids they automatically reply "OK!" as if they understand. Everyone enjoys it. Then I take a picture of them. (See pic) 

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Hamarikyu

I visited the Hama-rikyu Gardens in Tokyo on the 10th of March. At first I planned to go to the Boat Museum in Daiba because I thought it would rain that day. However, the weather was very nice. So, I took the train to HamamatsuChou and walked to the Gardens. The SuiJou Bus also stops at this park. I considered that, but when I checked the schedule I saw that it didn't work for me. (That means it was inconvenient.) So, I just walked around the Gardens for about two hours. And it was fantastic. It is a rather big park so there are many things to see. There were lots of trees and flowers and ponds and some buildings. The plum blossoms are in bloom now. There were pink ones and white ones. One tree was especially beautiful. The flowers called Nanohana (rape blossoms) were in bloom. They are yellow. There is a history with this park. It was first built around 1650. There are rebuilt tea houses and falcon rooms. There are several ponds. There is  lot of information printed around ht park so we can understand the Gardens history. I hope to go again when the wisteria are in bloom. 

Monday, March 25, 2019

Puzzler Answers

This is the end of March. I have had a good month. I'll tell explain on Friday. 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.



































JAMMED               INJURY/PUT             SALTY/LOON                WHITEN

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Puzzler HInts

We are in Shizuoka this weekend. I am sure that we are relaxing, relaxing, relaxing. Puzzler Hints: CLICK HERE.

March HP drink (verb) or drinks(s) (noun)
飲み物(名詞)=飲料
飲む(動詞)
drink (noun) a liquid for drinking. for example: tea, coffee, beer, wine, whiskey, Shochu, rice wine (sake), juice (many kinds), medicinal drinks, energy drinks, diet drinks, health drinks, etc. Tell a story about your drinks or use the verb, drink, in your conversation.
飲み物、飲むという単語を使って会話をしてみましょう。
1.I use to drink a lot when I was younger.私は若い時よく飲んだものです。
2. My fiance never drinks. 私の婚約者はお酒を飲みません。
3. I drink a glass of milk every morning.私は毎朝牛乳をカップ一杯飲みます。
Gottit? Cheers!
Koishiwaka Kourakuen



Saturday, March 23, 2019

Puzzler

This will be the final Puzzle this month. We will take a weekend off next week. Puzzler: CLICK HERE.

March HP drink (verb) or drinks(s) (noun)
飲み物(名詞)=飲料
飲む(動詞)
drink (noun) a liquid for drinking. for example: tea, coffee, beer, wine, whiskey, Shochu, rice wine (sake), juice (many kinds), medicinal drinks, energy drinks, diet drinks, health drinks, etc. Tell a story about your drinks or use the verb, drink, in your conversation.
飲み物、飲むという単語を使って会話をしてみましょう。
1.I use to drink a lot when I was younger.私は若い時よく飲んだものです。
2. My fiance never drinks. 私の婚約者はお酒を飲みません。
3. I drink a glass of milk every morning.私は毎朝牛乳をカップ一杯飲みます。
Gottit? Cheers!

Moon Bridge at Koshikawa Kourakuen



Friday, March 22, 2019

Spring eqinox

So, yesterday was the spring (vernal) equinox. I wrote about the Japanese Shubun No Hi (or O-Higan) in yesterday's BLOG. "equinox" means the time when the sun is above the EQUATOR and day and night are equal length. This happens two times in a year, around March 20th and September 22nd. In the Northern hemisphere we call this day 1. Spring equinox or 2. March equinox or 3. Vernal equinox. Of course the weather is getting warmer now. That means I will have to start picking weeds. But this year, I have a plan. I laid out plastic sheets in the field next door. I also buried some sheets under the stones around the house. I expect (hope) this will cut my weeding time by 60% to 70%. Also we now all have to get out our spring and summer clothes. At the same time, we have to put away the winter wear (garb). We will also do some spring cleaning. That involves dusting and wiping and sweeping. I have also done the spring cleaning at our school, too. All in all, we are ready for the change of season and we are looking forward to the new challenges.

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Shubun No Hi

Well, it's March 21st and it is Shubun No Hi here in Japan. What is Shubun No Hi? This is from the Internet.
Shubun No Hi is the holiday celebrating the spring equinox in Japan. It is part of a seven day period known as Haru no Higan. While the origin of Haru no Higan is unknown, it has been celebrated since the 8th century when the Emperor of Japan mandated it's observation. To celebrate this many Japanese head back to their hometowns and spend a portion of the day by tending to the graves of their ancestors according to the ancient Buddhist tradition. 
In Buddhism, the term higan means "other shore" and refers to the belief that there is a river between this life and the next. 
"This river is full of illusion, passion and sorrow, and only by crossing to the other shore can one gain enlightenment and enter Nirvana. It is said that when night and day are equal the Buddha appears on earth to save the stray souls and help them make hte crossing."
To help their ancestors make the crossing, family members visit the grave to pray, weed and wash tombstones. Food is left to help nourish their ancestors journey to the next world. 


Wednesday, March 20, 2019

A trip to Iwatsuki by Shimizu

I went to an exhibition hall in Iwatsuki on Tuesday to see handcrafted ornaments made by Kuniko-san. She is a fellow student at Kenkatsu. Many peoples' works were displayed at the venue and there was a very gorgeous atmosphere. Kuniko displayed five pieces of her work. Such as; hanging ornaments, a decorated battledore, this years zodiac figure...a wild boar, just to name a few. Every work was cute, lovely and very wonderful. Kumiko-san, you have a good hobby, don't you? These were a feast for my eyes. That day she was in charge of the venue, so I was able to meet her. After I finished viewing everything, I had some free time so we went to a coffee shop. It was my first time to talk to her privately, outside the classroom. We really enjoyed chatting. We had a good time. 
Thank you, KUNIKO-san!

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Dinner party

The Kenkatsu lessons ended March 9th. They last for 20 weeks. There are two of the. The first is a lesson for beginner to intermediate students. The second is for advanced students. In this lesson we can only speak English. Japanese is taboo! There are 9 gentlemen in this class. Several of these men like to drink alcohol. Several of the lady students do, too. So, after the final lesson several of us go out for dinner and drinks. It is a kind of ritual. Two Saturdays ago, we went to Omiya, which is where we always go and had dinner. This time we dined at a special place. It is called "              ". It is a Tachi-Nomi shop. That means there are no seats and you have ot stand when you drink and eat. However, they do have a second floor. Up there they have a large table with seats for up to 12 adults. The room is all wooden and it is very secluded. We have been there for dinner once before. And as usual, a couple of us went early for some primers downstairs. When the others arrived we all went upstairs and had some DE-licious food. And we had some DE-licious alcohol. It was a special dinner with special people. 

Monday, March 18, 2019

Puzzler Answers

Let's see...I will go to the gym, do garden work, go to Tokyo and work this week. I guess that's enough. 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.


































CLASS/CRASS           WAVE/WAVY          HEAD/EMPTY           CRITTER

Sunday, March 17, 2019

Puzzler Hints

And today, I am off to Tokyo. Where shall I go? AND I hope the weather is nice. I'd better check my phone! Puzzler Hints: CLICK HERE.

March HP drink (verb) or drinks(s) (noun)
飲み物(名詞)=飲料
飲む(動詞)
drink (noun) a liquid for drinking. for example: tea, coffee, beer, wine, whiskey, Shochu, rice wine (sake), juice (many kinds), medicinal drinks, energy drinks, diet drinks, health drinks, etc. Tell a story about your drinks or use the verb, drink, in your conversation.
飲み物、飲むという単語を使って会話をしてみましょう。
1.I use to drink a lot when I was younger.私は若い時よく飲んだものです。
2. My fiance never drinks. 私の婚約者はお酒を飲みません。
3. I drink a glass of milk every morning.私は毎朝牛乳をカップ一杯飲みます。
Gottit? Cheers!

300 year pine tree at HamaRikyu















Saturday, March 16, 2019

Puzzler

I will go to the Higashi Kindergarten this afternoon and take part in their graduation and following party ceremony. It is always fun. Puzzler: CLICK HERE.

March HP drink (verb) or drinks(s) (noun)
飲み物(名詞)=飲料
飲む(動詞)
drink (noun) a liquid for drinking. for example: tea, coffee, beer, wine, whiskey, Shochu, rice wine (sake), juice (many kinds), medicinal drinks, energy drinks, diet drinks, health drinks, etc. Tell a story about your drinks or use the verb, drink, in your conversation.
飲み物、飲むという単語を使って会話をしてみましょう。
1.I use to drink a lot when I was younger.私は若い時よく飲んだものです。
2. My fiance never drinks. 私の婚約者はお酒を飲みません。
3. I drink a glass of milk every morning.私は毎朝牛乳をカップ一杯飲みます。
Gottit? Cheers!
Plum tree at Hamarikyu Park


Friday, March 15, 2019

The vacant lot next door

There is a vacant lot next door to our house. I have been weeding it for about ten years. Last summer, the city did some work on a road behind our house. They used the vacant lot as a parking lot for their trucks and other machines. They finished in the fall. When they left and took all of their equipment, there were no weeds on the lot. Everything was as flat as can be (=very, very flat). I was very, very happy all winter. Now, spring is just around the corner. I know the weeds will be appearing soon. I was not looking forward to going out and taking care of the lot next door. So, I decided to invest in (pay money for) some plastic tarp. They are strips which are 10 meters by 1 meter. I went outside two weeks ago and laid down three strips. It was windy at that time so it was a bit of a hassle. But, I got them all laid. They are secured with metal pins that I pound into the ground with a hmamer. Unfortunately, three strip were not enough. I purchased three more. I cut one strip so it fit in the corner. I found rocks and some pipes to lay on top. That is to keep them in place when it gets windy. It looks nice. My hope is that I will not pull any weeds next to my house there ever again.

Thursday, March 14, 2019

My Smart Phone

Hallelujah! I finally got a smart phone. When I told my brother, he said "Welcome to the next phase of life." The story: Last week Monday, Miwako and I went to Nojima Electronics in Benibana Walk. I happened to be free all afternoon that day. That was good because it took close to three hours to complete the deal. The I got it for my birthday. I really didn't think I needed one, but since I got it I found three good reasons for it.
1. I can check the weather whenever.
2. I can tweet wherever.
3. It combines my phone and camera and voice recorder.
Of course there are other benefits (good points). I have been practicing lining with my family. I can look at photos or enlarge them with my finger. I can talk on the phone with the speaker phone. I like that. Having the Internet at my fingertips is REALLY convenient. I can find the train times when I return home from Tokyo. The best news is that there were having a campaign at that time. It was from March 1st to March 4th. The deal? If you purchase one during that time you get a free iPhone 7. Excellent!

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

A visit to Roppongi by Atsuko

I visited the Mori Art Museum in Roppongi with my husband last Tuesday. The exhibition of 'Artist Hokusai' is being held. There are more than 400 of his works which includes the famous 'Under the waves of Kanagawa' of woodblock print and 'Hokusai Sketches". There are only a small part of his works. When he was 18 years old, he entered a studio to study ukiyo-e. His creative career spanned about 70 years, and his brilliant talent shined in his later years. He worked until just before his death at the age of 90. 'The Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji' series, which are world-renown was created in his seventies. That's unbelievable! Hokusai's works are simple but precise. The description are also true to life. His fine touch took my breath away. We had to wait one and a half hours to get in. We expected that. I was rather surprised when I entered there. The crowds moved at a snail's pace. I didn't care how long it took  though. Why? Because I borrowed an audio guide which gave me many interesting information about Mr. Hokusai. 1: He changed hi name 30 times. 2:  He moved his residence 90 times. 3: His words on his deathbed were "If heaven had given me 10 more years, I could have become a real painter." I wonder if he was not satisfied with his life. I will try to do something useful with the rest of my life.

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Sunshine Aquarium

I went to the Sunshine Aquarium in Sunshine City, Ikebukuro. I had wanted to go there for a long time. I got the chance when I was free all day on a Thursday. It wasn't a holiday but I didn't have a lesson until 5pm. And, I was free the next morning, by chance, so I was able to go to the gym then, instead of my usual Thursday. The aquarium opened at 10AM. I arrived Ikebukuro and walked to the Aquarium. I got my ticket. I was a bit disappointed. Why? Because there was no senior discount! And, the coin lockers are not free! What a gyp. I entered the museum and first watched a performance outside by seals. That was OK. Then I went in to see the sea life on display in the tanks. I must say, it was impressive. There were so many different kinds of sea life; fish, sharks, octopus as well as snails, lizards, frogs, snakes, sea horses and the like. They were all so beautiful. They were also so colorful. The fish moved so gracefully in their tanks. There are two floors. I saw both twice. There were a lot of kindergarten kids as it was a weekday. I moved through the aquarium at my own pace. It was definitely worth the price of admission. I will go again someday.

Monday, March 11, 2019

Puzzler Answers

So, it's back to work this fine Monday. I can't wait to see what the week brings. 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.






































BEGONE                 STAGING               COWERS             PIOUS/OASIS


Sunday, March 10, 2019

Puzzler Hints

Now this day I am planning to go to Tokyo. However I am not sure where I will go yet. It all depends on the weather. Puzzler Hints: CLICK HERE.

March HP drink (verb) or drinks(s) (noun)
飲み物(名詞)=飲料
飲む(動詞)
drink (noun) a liquid for drinking. for example: tea, coffee, beer, wine, whiskey, Shochu, rice wine (sake), juice (many kinds), medicinal drinks, energy drinks, diet drinks, health drinks, etc. Tell a story about your drinks or use the verb, drink, in your conversation.
飲み物、飲むという単語を使って会話をしてみましょう。
1.I use to drink a lot when I was younger.私は若い時よく飲んだものです。
2. My fiance never drinks. 私の婚約者はお酒を飲みません。
3. I drink a glass of milk every morning.私は毎朝牛乳をカップ一杯飲みます。
Gottit? Cheers!

Kids earning stickers at RAM English.

Saturday, March 9, 2019

Puzzler

We are into March, full swing. I had some drinks last Saturday, so I now am back to dieting. Puzzler: CLICK HERE.

March HP drink (verb) or drinks(s) (noun)
飲み物(名詞)=飲料
飲む(動詞)
drink (noun) a liquid for drinking. for example: tea, coffee, beer, wine, whiskey, Shochu, rice wine (sake), juice (many kinds), medicinal drinks, energy drinks, diet drinks, health drinks, etc. Tell a story about your drinks or use the verb, drink, in your conversation.
飲み物、飲むという単語を使って会話をしてみましょう。
1.I use to drink a lot when I was younger.私は若い時よく飲んだものです。
2. My fiance never drinks. 私の婚約者はお酒を飲みません。
3. I drink a glass of milk every morning.私は毎朝牛乳をカップ一杯飲みます。
Gottit? Cheers!

Shark!

Friday, March 8, 2019

St. Nocholas Cathedral

Two weeks ago I visited the Ryougoku area. I went to to EdoTokyo Museum. I got an English speaking guide and she was excellent. Then I went to the Sumida Hokusai Art Museum to see some works of Mr. Katushika Hokusai. They were amazing. From there I walked across the Ryougoku bridge and made my way (went to) the St. Nicholi Cathedral. I took the ChuOu line to Ochanomizu and walked from there. It took only 5 minutes. It was pretty cool. There were no services (masses) on this day. I went inside. I paid 100 yen to light a candle. That is standard for a church. The windows and statues and altar were all pretty cool. They brought back memories of when I was a kid and went to church. Actually I have been to many churches around Japan and other places in America. The people are always friendly. There was one woman at this church. She was Russian. She was strict with the guests. There was also a Japanese woman there. She did not seem interested in this Russian woman. Some day I will take part in a mass here. They are Sundays at 10AM. 

Thursday, March 7, 2019

M husband is at home by ANONYMOUS

This year's Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) was February 5th. This is the longest vacation tine for Chinese people. So, my husband was home for about a month. (Usually he works two weeks in China and then is back in Japan for two weeks). He doesn't do housework at all. He likes TV and he was watching the Wide Show all day long. I was tired of seeing the same news five times a day. When he is in China he rarely gets to see (is able to see) Japanese TV. So, I have to put up with it (grin and bear it) as long as he is working. He went on a business trip six days ago. I have free time every day now. I read the newspaper slowly in a quiet place. I played and studied for three days with a good friend. I feel like I went on a bit of a trip.

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Ishiou Mochi Ceremony by Hiroko

I had a special event with my family last Sunday. It is called the
"Ishiou Mochi Ceremony". Haruki, my grandson, was one year old on February 19th. So, we did it. Do you know this ceremony? It is done on a child's first birthday, wishing for the child's happiness. Actually we used bread instead of rice cake. "Ishiou" is about 1.8 kg. And, "Ishiou" means "a lifetime" in Japanese, and "wishing for a lifetime of never having to go hungry." We made Haruki carry it on his back and made him walk. He cried. But that's cool. Next, after Ishiou bread, ERABITORI ="choose one" to tell the future of children. We put several fortune cards on a tray and he chose one. Objects were drawn on the cards. They have special meanings. They are:
Scissors: become skillful with one's fingers.
abacus: become good at business.
pencil: proceed to the path of study.
ruler: methodical; steady.
purse: become rich
comb: sense of beauty
bowl: sportsman
Haruki chose "pencil". We wish him a life full of happiness.

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Guam Trip by Kabi, Masako, Shigeko, Yuta

I went on a trip to Guam with three classmates from our English conversation class. We were there five days. There was a beautiful rainbow. We saw the rainbow for the first time on the horizon. It was very beautiful. We also saw a wedding on the beach.
Happening
1. The toilet tank lever was broken.
2. The Wi-Fi connection didn't work.
3. Shigeko and I got sick on the boat during dolphin watching. We didn't see any dolphins.
Fun
1. We had our meals in the hotel room together. We had a meal with food and drinks. We bought them at the ABC Mart.
2. Three women stayed in a single room in turn.
Challenge
1. Shigeko and I bought some chocolates at the K-Mart. However, the price on the package and the receipt amount didn't match. We showed the receipt to the clerk and he gave us the difference.
2. We transferred to he City Loop Bus 'Rea Rea'. We asked the driver how to go to K-Mart.
That was FUN!

Monday, March 4, 2019

Puzzler Answers

Back to work today. That was a nice weekend. By the way, I am still not drinking coffee. It's cool! 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.







































MEANT/MEANING                   LOVE/PIGEON                     FESTERED

Sunday, March 3, 2019

Puzzler Hints

So, I am officially off the wagon (I can drink alcohol) so we will go to my favorite watering hole, FUTABA. I don't plan to drink too much. Puzzler Hints: CLICK HERE.

March HP drink (verb) or drinks(s) (noun)
飲み物(名詞)=飲料
飲む(動詞)
drink (noun) a liquid for drinking. for example: tea, coffee, beer, wine, whiskey, Shochu, rice wine (sake), juice (many kinds), medicinal drinks, energy drinks, diet drinks, health drinks, etc. Tell a story about your drinks or use the verb, drink, in your conversation.
飲み物、飲むという単語を使って会話をしてみましょう。
1.I use to drink a lot when I was younger.私は若い時よく飲んだものです。
2. My fiance never drinks. 私の婚約者はお酒を飲みません。
3. I drink a glass of milk every morning.私は毎朝牛乳をカップ一杯飲みます。
Gottit? Cheers!

 Frogs at Sunshine Aquarium



Saturday, March 2, 2019

Puzzler

And now it is March. Do you, or some you know, have a birthday in March? Well, it just so happens that my birthday is in March. Actually it is just four days off. Puzzler: CLICK HERE.

March HP drink (verb) or drinks(s) (noun)
飲み物(名詞)=飲料
飲む(動詞)
drink (noun) a liquid for drinking. for example: tea, coffee, beer, wine, whiskey, Shochu, rice wine (sake), juice (many kinds), medicinal drinks, energy drinks, diet drinks, health drinks, etc. Tell a story about your drinks or use the verb, drink, in your conversation.
飲み物、飲むという単語を使って会話をしてみましょう。
1.I use to drink a lot when I was younger.私は若い時よく飲んだものです。
2. My fiance never drinks. 私の婚約者はお酒を飲みません。
3. I drink a glass of milk every morning.私は毎朝牛乳をカップ一杯飲みます。
Gottit? Cheers!

Sea lion at the Aquarium




Friday, March 1, 2019

My February

Sumida River from Ryougoku Bridge
My February was "as dry as a bone". That means very, very dry. And in this case, "dry" means no alcohol. Yep. I didn't have a drink since January 27th. So, with lots of vim and vigor I did a lot of stuff. For instance, I laid out veneer sheets on the vacant lot next door to prevent (stop) weeds from growing. I did not do the entire lot though. It is enough to keep the area next to our house weed-free. I made 6 Eiken CDs. I am getting better at that so it was easier. I also made a listening CD for my adult students. I filed my USA taxes. I changed the florescent light bulbs in our school. They were getting dim. I washed the car once. I had my regular teaching schedule. At the gym, I damaged my knee on the treadmill. So, I changed my routine and made 12 trips there. As I didn't drink, I was up early every Sunday AM to cook breakfast then head to Tokyo for some exploration. One visit was to RyouGoku. I visited the EdoTokyo Museum and the Sumida Hokusai Art museum. I also went to the St. Nicholi Cathedral. Another Sunday took me to Ikebukuro. There, I saw all the sea life at the Sunshine City Aquarium and I went to the Observation Deck. Then last Sunday, I was in Harajuku and then Shinjuku. Phew!