Saturday, August 31, 2019

Puzzler

So, another Satruday and I'll probably do some drinking this evening. And then rest tomorrow. OR go to Tokyo. Hmmmm. Puzzler: CLICK HERE.

August Home Project
今月のHome Projectは、「 UP」 です。

UP UP UP!
Get up, wake up , pick up, look up, mix up, get up, close up, back up, clean up, break up, blow up, dress up, hard up, call up, fix up, give up, hang up, hard up, zip up, lock up, pull up, rise up, turn up, warm up.......level up your skills and use these in conversations and in your stories this month.
今月は、これらの、up,  up,などの単語を使って会話をしたり、話の中に取り入れて文章を作ってみましょう! Good luck!

Seto O-hashi


Friday, August 30, 2019

My August

August 2019 was excellent. Of course we had the O-Bon holiday free, so this month was extra special. Here are some of the things that I did this month.
1. Followed High school baseball tournament in Osaka. Congratulations to Riseisha.
2. Read Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll.
3. Read Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare....twice!
4. Went to the gym 15 times (including tomorrow).
5. Visited team lab PLANET TOKYO Toyosu.
6. Had breakfast at Rokurinsha again. Met young USA Gaijin there and had b-fast with him.
7. Took a trip to Shikoku with Miwako by car. The trip was four nights.
8. Took a boat tour to see the Naruto whirlpool.
9. Visited Otsuka International Museum in Naruto.
10. Stayed one night on Shodoshima Island.
11. Met the in-laws at a highway parking area. (They live in Ehime)
12. Visited Olive Center. Had olive soft cream there.
13. Took a swim in the sea twice while on Shodoshima.
14. Dined at two nice Izakayas on the trip.
15. Drive across Naruto O-hashi, Seto O-hashi (twice) and the Shimanami Kaidou.
16. Drove 13.5 hours form Imamura, Ehime back home to beat the approaching typhoon.
17. Back home, went to Honganji Temple with Miwako to enjoy the Pipe Organ performance there (today).
18. Subscribed to National Geographic. Enjoyed reading my first volume.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

I was nearly the victim of a fraud case by KUMA

One day, I was walking up on the pedestrian deck at the west side of Omiya Station.
I realized that a man was coming close to me.
“Hi, long time no see. How are you ?” He said to me.
“I’m sorry I don’t know you.” “May I ask who you are ?”
“I was a sushi- nigiri chef, working for Azumazushi, already retired.”
“You often came to our shop with your customers. I’m glad you’re fine”
He gave me a hug many times. And he asked me. ”Why don’t we have a drink ?”
I repeated that I don’t know you.
He even put his hand on my waist. I immediately left here saying I was busy.
I was nearly the victim of a fraud case. The number of healthy seniors are increasing.
But some of them are short of money. So they behave like an old friend, intoxicates
his mark, and eventually steals his wallet. That is to say, before drinking, we have to
decide who to drink with these days has become the most important matter.  

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

A trip to the USA by Akiko Part 2

3 Colony Williamsburg (Williamsburg, Virginia)
It is an open air museum that recreates the 18th century Virginia colonial streetscape. There are some shops and people live as they were at that time. The most interesting shops for me was here.

4 Jefferson building of the Library of Congress (Washington D.C)
This is the first map after the independence of the United States, printed in 1784. Only seven are left and it is considered the best presereved edition.
You can see that only the east side of the Mississippi River was the territory    of the United States.
I am interested in the history, so I also went to some museums. Most of the   exhibits about American history were The Revolutionary War and The Civil War.
There were only a few exhibitions about history before that.
1000 years ago, Japan was in the Heian period and Japanese lived in here.
I wonder who lived in the United States 1000 years ago and what were they doing there?




Tuesday, August 27, 2019

A trip to the USA by Akiko Part 1


Travel to The United States of America
                                                                 20190724
I traveled to the United States for three weeks in June. I visited eight states from Texas to New York.
1  Johnson Space CenterHouston, Texas
  The Johnson Space Center is an attractive attraction and open to the public, a large number of families were here.
We can see the control room.  I remember the words, "This is  Houston".
This year is the 50th anniversary of the first landing on the moon, so there is  an exhibition of the Apollo Project.

2  Oak Alley Plantation (New Orleans, Louisiana
There were some plantations along the Mississippi River before The Civil War.
This is one of them and famous for its 300-year-old oak tree-lined avenue.
The sugar cane cultivation and sugar production took place here. There are       still beautiful and luxurious houses and small huts where slaves lived.


Monday, August 26, 2019

Puzzler Answers

The final week of August begins. Do you think it was hot? I'm not so sure.
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.


































FACES/FADES/FAKES/FARES/FATES/FAXES  
MOUSE/QUEEN                DIRTY/PROPER                 ANSWER

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Puzzler HInts MISTAKE!!!

I made a mistake. This week is Puzzler: CLICK HERE.  And the HINTS follow.
Puzzler Hints: CLICK HERE.

Sorry!

August Home Project
今月のHome Projectは、「 UP」 です。

UP UP UP!
Get up, wake up , pick up, look up, mix up, get up, close up, back up, clean up, break up, blow up, dress up, hard up, call up, fix up, give up, hang up, hard up, zip up, lock up, pull up, rise up, turn up, warm up.......level up your skills and use these in conversations and in your stories this month.
今月は、これらの、up,  up,などの単語を使って会話をしたり、話の中に取り入れて文章を作ってみましょう! Good luck!

On Uozu ship



Saturday, August 24, 2019

Puzzler

Summer is winding down, not up! We have been enjoying it even in this heat!
Puzzler: CLICK HERE.

August Home Project
今月のHome Projectは、「 UP」 です。

UP UP UP!
Get up, wake up , pick up, look up, mix up, get up, close up, back up, clean up, break up, blow up, dress up, hard up, call up, fix up, give up, hang up, hard up, zip up, lock up, pull up, rise up, turn up, warm up.......level up your skills and use these in conversations and in your stories this month.
今月は、これらの、up,  up,などの単語を使って会話をしたり、話の中に取り入れて文章を作ってみましょう! Good luck!

Naruto O-hashi





Friday, August 23, 2019

Niigata City and then home

We stayed at a very nice hotel in Niigata. I was up earlier than all, so I walked around the hotel and then to breakfast. It was very nice, too. It was still early so I read a little down in the lobby. When all woke up we get in the car and drove to a sushi shop. M found it in a guide book. It was out of the way = It was not near the station. So, we got a seat and had a delicious fresh seafood sushi brunch. Then we got in the car and headed to a food center to shop. We got some Japanese sake and snacks and I got a laminae drink. I like those. Then back in the car and headed home. All was smooth until we got into Saitama. That was about 4pm. The car navi told us to get off the highway. She claimed (said) that there was a traffic jam ahead. So we got off and down to Rite 17. We followed that all the way to Kounosu. Then the navi told us to change course again. She directed us to the west side of the tracks. OK. So, we followed that course. I was driving at this time. It seemed a round-about way but we got back home safely around 7pm. That was a nice two day trip. 

Thursday, August 22, 2019

After the Nagaoka fireworks

The Firework Festival in Nagaoka was so much fun as I said in yesterday's BLOG. When the show was over (finished) we all walked to our car. It took about 20 minutes. There were people walking everywhere. We walked through a couple of parking lots full of cars and buses. We crossed two streets and finally arrived at our car. Things didn't look good. NONE of the traffic was moving. It took ten minutes to get out of our parking spot. Then we got in line on one road. And then we didn't move. Everyone was trying to get some info from their smart phones. But no one could get a connection. So, we moved along slowly. And then we stopped. Then we moved maybe 5 meters. And then we stopped. Then we waited. This was the pattern for about two hours! We finally found a route that was moving slowly. We got to an open road and headed to the highway. We made a good choice. What was it? Miwako reserved a hotel room in Niigata City. That is the opposite direction of Tokyo. On our way we saw soooooo many cars waiting to get to the highway to  the south. So, we got to Niigata in about an hour. We stopped at a convenience store. Then we took our married daughter and her husband to their hotel. We finally checked into our hotel room after midnight. I was beat.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Nagaoka Fireworks

Early this summer we decided to go to the Fireworks festival in Nagaoka, Niigata. We had never been there and we wanted to see it once in our lives. So, Miwkao got to work. She got all the info on-line and made reservations for all of us. That includes our two daughters and one son-in-law. She reserved our space at the event and my shinkansen reservation and a one-night stay at a hotel in Niigata City for after the event. I worked until noon that Saturday, then went to Omiya for lunch, bought a bento lunch and then rode the Bullet Train to Nagaoka station. From there I walked with thousands of other revellers to the site. I got in and then to my seat. After a while two more of our group came so the five of us waited another hour or so until the show started. It started at 7:20 and lasted until after 9pm. I must tell you that it was fantastic! We were oohing and awing and wowing. The colors were cool, the sounds were fantastic and sights were amazing. It was warm and there was a favorable breeze to keep us a little cool. The two bridges over the river to our left and right also lit up! At the end we all "waved" to the people on the other side of the river with our glowing lights that they gave us before the event. They waved back. Fabulous!

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

A day trip to Tokyo

I made a day off a couple of weeks ago. I did so by asking for the morning off from my kindergarten lesson. With that, I was free until 5 pm that day. I had hoped to go to see a Kabuki play. But, to my dismay (sadness), there was no Kabuki that day. I then considered (thought about) going to Disney Sea. However, I heard horror stories about waining in line for an hour or two. I nixed (cancelled) that idea. So, I went to Tokyo station at 8AM and had breakfast at the restaurant KAJITSUEN. It was lots of fruit and a crepe. Pretty good! Then I went to Ebisu to visit a the offices of a business acquaintance. Then I went to Roppongi. I wanted to visit the BUNKITSU bookstore. I wanted to buy a book, too. However, they didn't have the book I wanted so I didn't go in. So, I went to Maruzen in Tokyo to buy my book. But first, I walked around the Yurakucho area, for about an hour. Actually I was lost. Then after the book store I had a quick lunch at a small restaurant in Tokyo station. I was back to my school by 2:30. It was a fun, leisurely adventure in Tokyo. 

Monday, August 19, 2019

Puzzler Answers

Perhaps I have gained some weight. But, I'm sure it was worth it. Diet time!
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.









































DAINTY                   JESTER                       QUEEN                  EXILED

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Puzzler Hints

So, now I still have two more weeks off and I have to get back to the gym. BUSY! Puzzler Hints: CLICK HERE.

August Home Project
今月のHome Projectは、「 UP」 です。

UP UP UP!
Get up, wake up , pick up, look up, mix up, get up, close up, back up, clean up, break up, blow up, dress up, hard up, call up, fix up, give up, hang up, hard up, zip up, lock up, pull up, rise up, turn up, warm up.......level up your skills and use these in conversations and in your stories this month.
今月は、これらの、up,  up,などの単語を使って会話をしたり、話の中に取り入れて文章を作ってみましょう! Good luck!

Where's Rick?


Saturday, August 17, 2019

Puzzler

Well, we are back rom our trip to Setto Nai Kai. It was fantastic. Puzzler: CLICK HERE.

August Home Project
今月のHome Projectは、「 UP」 です。

UP UP UP!
Get up, wake up , pick up, look up, mix up, get up, close up, back up, clean up, break up, blow up, dress up, hard up, call up, fix up, give up, hang up, hard up, zip up, lock up, pull up, rise up, turn up, warm up.......level up your skills and use these in conversations and in your stories this month.
今月は、これらの、up,  up,などの単語を使って会話をしたり、話の中に取り入れて文章を作ってみましょう! Good luck!

Aqua Park 








Friday, August 16, 2019

Misao's Story 6 of 6


Part 6
Day 9
Nijo-jo Castle
  On the 9th day our trip was drawing to a close.
  We went to Nijo-jo Castle. It was the stage for some of the most important events in Japanese history. Nijo-jo Castle was completed in 1603 on the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the first Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate. This government lasted for fifteen generations over 260 years.
   In 1867, in the castle the 15th Shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu announced the end of Tokugawa rule and the returning of political control to the Emperor. With that, the Tokugawa shogunate ended and the Meiji period began.
   The Nijo-jo castle was the stage of the opening and closing ceremonies of the feudal rule.
The inside of the castle was luxurious and gorgeous. It was a symbol of authority and prosperity. In 1994, Nijo-jo Castle was registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
   There are many fascinating places in Kyoto. I think learning the historical role of Kyoto gives me much more interest.
   Finally, if health allows us, we hope to visit Kyoto again.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Misao's Story 5 of 6


Part  5
   In 1264 Emperor Kameyama built the Imperial Villa at his favorite place of natural beauty. In 1921 he donated his villa as a Zen Temple. There are 13 sub-temples in Nanzenji with beautiful gardens and tea ceremony houses. There, many trainee monks receive training. To my surprise, there was an old brick waterway. When I went to Spain, I saw the big brick waterway of the Roman period. These two brick waterways looked similar. I wondered as if I was in Spain. Looking at the historic Temple I enjoyed strolling freely there. They all pleased me so much.



Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Misao's Story 4 of 6


Part 4
Day 8
Tetsugaku no Michi (Philosophical Path). Nanzenji Temple
   It was a fine day. I left the hotel alone by bus. I got off the bus at the “Kyodaimae” stop and I walked slowly along the “Imadagawa Dori” to Ginkaku Temple.
   About 30 years ago my son lived in the neighborhood for four years. Walking in this area brought back many memories from those days. The “Philosophical Path” leads along the waterway form Ginkaku Temple to Nanzenji Temple nearby.
   In the Meiji era Ikitaro Ishida, who was a famous philosopher and a professor of Kyoto University, strolled along this path thinking. The name of the “Philosophical Path” originated from his name. By the path side many hydrangeas were in bloom. And the reflections of green maples trees were swaying slowly in the waterway. And there were some small stone statues, small cafes and quaint studios. In addition, a cat was basking in the sun. How peaceful the atmosphere was.
   On the way to Nanzenji Temple a man who came from Nara spoke to me. We talked about Nara and Kyoto and this and that. According to him, his wife passed away last year. So, he felt lonely. And he was as old as I was. I was very sorry to hear that. I felt as if it were my own affair.

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Misao's Story 3 of 6


Part 3
Day 5
Kifune Shrine
   It was raining in the morning when we left our hotel for Kifune. Kifune is in the northern part of Kyoto City.
   After about two hours we got to Kifune entrance by bus and train. On the way to Kifune there were many green maple trees along the road. It was like a green tunnel. The train slowed down when we got to the beautiful view.
   We walked along a grove in the rain and reached the Kifune Shrine at last. Many red colored lanterns were lined on the stone steps to the shrine. They were beautiful, mysterious and fantastic. They seemed to lead us to the shrine. We prayed for the safety of our trip.
   Kifune is popular as a summer resort and Kawadoko cooking. We can enjoy the cooking on a deck above the river. But it was regrettable that the Kawadoko restaurant was closed because of the rain.
   My shoes became soaked with rain. We went back to the hotel and I stuffed my shoes with newspaper.

Monday, August 12, 2019

Puzzler Answers

We are travelling now. Please take care in this summer heat. Puzzler Answsers: 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.









































TREND               WAIST/EDITION             FUNNY/FIST             PARTED

Sunday, August 11, 2019

Puzzler Hints

Did you enjoy the Specail Homework? Are you enjoyng the weather. The thermometer is way up and the heat is hellish. Puzzler Hints: CLICK HERE.

August Home Project
今月のHome Projectは、「 UP」 です。

UP UP UP!
Get up, wake up , pick up, look up, mix up, get up, close up, back up, clean up, break up, blow up, dress up, hard up, call up, fix up, give up, hang up, hard up, zip up, lock up, pull up, rise up, turn up, warm up.......level up your skills and use these in conversations and in your stories this month.
今月は、これらの、up,  up,などの単語を使って会話をしたり、話の中に取り入れて文章を作ってみましょう! Good luck!

Kindergarten kids








Saturday, August 10, 2019

Puzzler

Tonight we are off to Shikoku by car. Just hte two of us. Free as birds!
Puzzler: CLICK HERE.

Below are the answers from the Special Homework I made for our students.

Special Homework for the Summer of 2019
ANSWERS

1.    彼女は夏中そこにいるでしょう。

She will be there all summer.

2.    ラジオを切ってください。

Please turn off the radio.

3.    私はペンに代わりにえんぴつを使った。

I used a pencil instead of a pen.

4.    その図書館は建てられてから80年になる。

That library is 80 years old.

5.    彼の部屋の電気がついている。

The light in his room is on.

6.    空にはたくさんの星が見える。

We can see a lot of stars in the sky.

7.    4分の3

Three fourths.

8.    1月は31日ある。

There are 31 days in January.

 9.ベンはギターを大変上手に引くことができる。

Ben can play the guitar very well.





Friday, August 9, 2019

Misao's Story 2 of 6


Part 2
Day 3
Arashi Yama.
   We went to Arashi Yama. It is located in the western part of Kyoto City. It is famous for the Togetsu Bridge. The Togetsu Bridge was built in the early ninth century. It was built across the Katsura River against the background of Arashi Yama. The fresh green of the scenery relaxed me.
   I cherish an old photo. It was taken by the Togetsu Bridge with my grandparents, parents, brother and me when I was three years old. The two Togetsu Bridges are almost the same. I felt as if time had stopped.
   There are many temples shrines and beautiful gardens around Arashi Yama. A crowd of people were taking a stroll. There were some foreigners in Japanese kimono. We all enjoyed a stroll.
   After that we went to Suzumushi (bell-ringing crickets) Temple in the suburbs of Arashi Yama. There were about four thousand bell-ringing crickets in the hall. The name of the temple originated from the chirping. That’s why the temple became popular as Suzumushi Temple.
We listened to “Suzumushi sermons” in the chirps by the priests. The sermons were very humorous like Japanese Rakugo. We enjoyed them very much.
   Walking along the stone fences covered with moss and bamboo groves made my heart refreshed.

Thursday, August 8, 2019

Misao's Story 1 of 6


Part 1
Misao’s Story
   On June 6th, my husband and I travelled to Kyoto for 10 days. Kyoto is one of the most historic and popular places in Japan. Many tourists visit there all year round.
   We left Tokyo by Shinkansen. There was something nostalgic about the peaceful landscapes that passed though the windows. That’s because I lived in the countryside in Osaka when I was a child. Watching the scenery that flew past at amazing speed made my eyes tired.
   The train arrived at Kyoto station soon. We got off the train. After a few minutes I noticed that I did not have my glasses! How careless I was. I left my glasses at the window’s side in the train. My sleepiness was dispelled because of the shock. I reported this incident to the lost and found immediately. Then I learned that my glasses were at Shin Osaka station. The next day we went to Osaka and picked up my glasses. Although the trip had just started, we were already tired.
   We had been to Kyoto several times and have seen many landmarks and landscapes. Let me introduce some of them to you. 

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Wimbledon Tennis Gentlemen

Miwako enjoys watching the Japanese star tennis player, Nishikori Kei, play in pro tennis tournaments. On the other hand, I was never interested in watching tennis. But, I have seen Mr. Nishikori lose to Federer and Nadal and Djokovic many times. They are the top three tennis players in the world. This time Kei-kun lost to Federer in 4 sets after winning the first set. Next Federer defeated Nadal from Spain in four sets. I recorded that and watched it. And Djokovic beat Batista Agut, also from Spain, to reach the finals. I watched a little of that, also. Now the stage was set (it was time) for the final at center court between Djokovic (Serbia) and Federer (Sweden). First, let me tell you that it took 4 hours and 57 minutes to complete the match. Wow! I recorded it and watched it Sunday morning. It was classic. It went to a tie-breaker in the final set. In Wimbledon, the tie-breaker is a maximum of 24 games. And this time the score was tied 2 sets each and 12 games each. So, finally there was the tie-breaker. Djokovic won this 7 to 3. So he is the Wimbledon Champion for 2019. It was great. 

Tuesday, August 6, 2019

Wimbledon Tennis Womens


I watched two of the Womens' Wimbledon matches on TV. I was interested in them for two reasons. One reason was that a young American was doing very well in hte tournament. Her name is Coco Gauf. She was born March 13, 2004. She is only 15 years old. I heard about her play and then saw a little on the sports news. So, I caught her match against Simona Halep from Romania. She is ranked #4 in the world. The match was not very exciting. Coco tried her best. She had several nice rallies, but the Romanian was just too good for her. Coco lost in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3. Then I watched the finals. Haleps opponent was another American, Serena Williams (#9 ranking). Do you know here? Yes, everyone knows her. She is big, and tough. And she complains a lot. Well, in this final she did not complain. She didn't have enough time perhaps. The match only lasted 56 minutes. Halep won 6-2, 6-2. At one point in the match Serena yelled out long and hard when she won an important point. But that was her only 'Hourah' (chance to celebrate). Maybe next time, Serena. 

Monday, August 5, 2019

Puzzler Answers

August has begun. I like the heat. Why? Because it is summer. And in the summer I have some extra time off. Do you follow 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.





































QUILL                          WRUNG                    OFFICER                  ETHER




Puzzler Answers

The firework festival in Nagaoka was fantastic. Of course, I'll blog about it later. 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.





































QUILL                  WRUNG                  OFFICER                 ETHER

Sunday, August 4, 2019

Puzzler Hints

We went to Nagaoka to see the fireworks last night. That was great!
Puzzler Hints: CLICK HERE.

August Home Project
今月のHome Projectは、「 UP」 です。

UP UP UP!
Get up, wake up , pick up, look up, mix up, get up, close up, back up, clean up, break up, blow up, dress up, hard up, call up, fix up, give up, hang up, hard up, zip up, lock up, pull up, rise up, turn up, warm up.......level up your skills and use these in conversations and in your stories this month.
今月は、これらの、up,  up,などの単語を使って会話をしたり、話の中に取り入れて文章を作ってみましょう! Good luck!

Aqua Park Shinagawa



Saturday, August 3, 2019

Puzzler

It's August and the heat is on. I hope to get in the sea as much as possible. Puzzler: CLICK HERE.

HINTS
Hints for Special Homework for the Summer of 2019. 

The first nad last words are given. Please try again.

The ANSWERS will appear on Rick’s BLOG next Saturday, August 17th.


1.    彼女は夏中そこにいるでしょう。

She                           summer.

2.    ラジオを切ってください。

Please                               radio.

3.    私はペンに代わりにえんぴつを使った。

I                                          pen.

4.    その図書館は建てられてから80年になる。

That                                     old.

5.    彼の部屋の電気がついている。

The                                        on.

6.    空にはたくさんの星が見える。

We                                         sky.

7.    4分の3
(SORRY. NO HINTS)

8.    1月は31日ある。

There                                       January.


 9.ベンはギターを大変上手に引くことができる。

Ben                                        well.




Friday, August 2, 2019

A visitor, Jan, from Europe

Last Saturday, July 2nd, was the final lesson at the Kenkatsu Center until August 24th. That means that there is no lesson August 3rd, 10th or the 17th. There are two lesson on Saturdays at the Center. This was the second one. On this day, one student, Makiko-san brought a guest (her home-stay friend) to the lesson. Of course, she told us that she would. Over the last couple of years, she has brought other students to the class. We were all excited about it. This time she brought Jan Smekal from the Republic of Czech. He is 21 years old. He is in Japan for almost a month. His trip was sponsored by the Lions Club. At the lesson we decided to start with questions from the students. One student spoke to him in Czech language. That as cool. Another student read a speech that he prepared. He welcomed Jan to our class and then told of his visits to Czech. Then questions from all of us. The final 25 minutes was presentation that Jan prepared for us. He introduced the culture with names and places from his home country. His English was very good and easy for us to understand. Thanks Jan and Thanks Makiko.

Thursday, August 1, 2019

Afternoon Tea by Hiromi 2


Yesterday I had a wonderful time.
First my aunt invited me to her house for an afternoon tea party.
My aunt likes British culture so she imitated the tea related tradition of Britain and
served us sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet pastries and of course some tea. It is said that Afternoon Tea was introduced in Britain in the early 1840s. In those days they had tea because they ate dinner around 9pm.
I ate many sweets and had a great time.

And in the evening I went to Okegawa Gion Matsuri. It was crowded with so many people.
But there I saw someone. Can you guess who? I saw Hiromi 1.
I couldn’t say hi to her but it was nice to see her enjoying the Omatsuri.
And I think I saw Masatoshi-san too, but I am not sure.
I saw a man wearing Happi for “Yagumo” district who looked like Masatoshi-san.
Again I couldn’t say hi to him because I wasn’t sure.
I enjoyed the special atmosphere of Omatsuri.