Saturday, November 30, 2019

Puzzler

Well, it's the end of November and I haven't had a drink all month. I feel fine! Puzzler: CLICK HERE.

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!

Bessy at Enomoto Farm







Friday, November 29, 2019

Romeo and Juliet

I read Romeo and Juliet this month. Then I watched a play on YouTube. Everyone knows this tragic love story. It is about two families who hate each other. They are warring. At the beginning of the story Romeo is in love with a lady named Rosaline. Rosaline never appears in the story, only her name. Then Romeo attends a party given by the Capulets. He and his friends go to the party wearing masks. Here, Romeo meets Juliet and they fall in love. They are called "star-crossed lovers." Later Juliet's cousin, Tybalt, has a duel with Mercutio, Romeo's friend. Mercutio dies. So, Romeo avenges the death by killing Tybalt. Romeo is banished (exiled/must leave the country and never return). Juliet is heartbroken. The friar (priest) steps in to help. But in the end, Romeo finds Juliet "dead" in the family crypt. Actually she is in a deep sleep which makes her appear dead. At the crypt Romeo has a duel with Paris. Paris was supposed to Marry Juliet. Romeo slays him. Then Romeo poison himself. Juliet awakens and sees dead Romeo. So, she stabs herself with Romeo's knife and she dies. The final words of the play are the Friar's. He says: 
"For never was a story of more woe/ Than this of Juliet and her Romeo." 

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Hamlet

I read HAMLET. Of course many people know of this play by Shakespeare. It is a tragedy. I counted six people dying by the end of the story, including Hamlet. The story is about the Prince of Denmark. His father was killed by his own brother (Hamlet's uncle). This uncle becomes King and on top of that, he marries his brother's wife. The ghost of the dead king tells Hamlet to get revenge for his death. I read the story and it was difficult to see the story because it is a stage performance. So, I found a YouTube version on line. The actors were Christopher Plummer (The Sound of Music), Robert Shaw (Jaws) and Donald Sutherland (MASH) just to name a few actors. The movie was great! I understood the plot (story) so I enjoyed it very much. And I could appreciate the English that they use. It also helped me to understand the language. Shakespeare changes the English to make it more enjoyable. In the end Hamlet, Queen Gertrude, King Claudius, Ophelia, Laertes, and Polonius all die. Famous lines are
"To be or not to be - that is the question."
"Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio."
"There is something rotten in the state of Denmark."

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Shakespeare

My new hobby is to study Shakespeare. I read the plays and then watch a movie version or a live on stage performance on YouTube. Why Shakespeare? I am not certain (sure) myself. I simply (just) got an inspiration one day. That was in June or July. Since then I have read seven plays by the Bard. They are interesting because the English is from the beginning of the 18th century. It is difficult at first but like any hobby, you get used to it. So, now it is more fun to read. Also, the stories are interesting and world renown. That means famous, or known, all over the world. The first book I challenged was Twelfth Night. Why? Because it is not so long. I read it and didn't understand much, so I read it again. In the books, there are explanations from professional scholars to assist (help) the reader with understanding Shakespeare and his language and his works. Another interesting thing about the movies and plays is that the some of the actors are famous movie starts. That was a surprise to me. I hope to tell you about the stories one by one. T

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

ZOZO Golf Championship by Atsuko Part 3

Tiger Woods
After a while, Tiger appeared. The crowd erupted into cheers! He is cool!. Really cool! I fixed my eyes on him. The crowd moved wherever he moved. When he started his first round the first hole was packed with spectators yelling "Tiger, Tiger" here and there. His first shot looked great, but it hooked into the water. Bogey. He also bogeyed the next two holes, but bounced back with nine birdies and ended the day with a share of the lead. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
We watched the final three days of it on TV. On the final day Tiger and Hideki were competing for the lead. Tiger started the 11th hole with a bogey and his lead dwindled to 2. Matsuyama came close to winning but he failed to convert a short birdie putt om the 14th dole. Too Bad! Tiger holed a long birdie putt on the final hole and won by three strokes over Hideki. Tiger never gives up no matter how difficult the situation. We will continue to keep our eye on Tiger Woods.

Monday, November 25, 2019

NO Puzzler Answers

That's right...I'm on vacation with Puzzler and Puzzler Hints. C U next weekend.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

NO Puzzler Hints

I'm on vacation with Puzzler. Sorry.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

NO Puzzler

Sorry. I'm on vacation.

Friday, November 22, 2019

ZOZO Golf Championship by Atsuko Part 2

Bubba Watson
My husband and I really wanted to see this tournament. We booked a hotel in Chiba in May, five months ago. Next we got hte first and second day tournament tickets by lottery in August. We were looking forward to that day. The day before the tournament we went to Chiba by car. I was to excited to sleep that night. The next day we got up early in the morning. It was a fine day for golf. We left our hotel at 5:30 am. You can get to the course by train and a free shuttle bus. We should have been there in 40 minutes. But the crowd lined up in front of the shuttle bus stop. It took us two hours to get there. Tiger's tee time was drawing near. We were waiting for him around the putting green. The big name players were practicing there; Bubba, Day, Finau, etc. Our target was Tiger. Why? Because when we went to see the US Open he was not there. 


Thursday, November 21, 2019

ZOZO Golf Championship by Atsuko Part 1

Sam Snead
The American PGA tour, ZOZO Championship was held in Narashino Country Club in Chiba from October 25th to the 29th. It was the first time in Japan. Tiger Woods won the event without ever giving up the lead. It was his 82nd victory tying the legendary Sam Snead for the most wins ever. Just an amazing number! 
The tournament started with Tiger and ended with Tiger. The tournament was very exciting. However it didn't go smoothly due to heavy rains in Chiba. Some places in the course were under water. It was unfortunate that the 2nd day of 4 days was cancelled. That affected the progress of later matches. With that, they decided that the golfers wold play a non-spectator round on Saturday. Eventually it took five days to complete. 

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Eco by Yuko

“Eco” By Yuko

Let me talk about my Eco.
I heard that sea turtles mistake plastic wastes for food and eat them. It sometimes causes blockage in their digestive system. It is a serious problem in the world. So, I always carry my own eco-bag. And another reason is that it saves crude oil, which is one material used for making plastic bags.
When I choose vegetables at Mine Store or Maruetsu, I try to buy local vegetables. The local vegetables are fresh and transportation cost is reduced. At my house, I use the remaining bath water to do the laundry.
Also, I don’t leave the water running when I wash the dishes.
Of course, I take my water bottle everywhere. I rarely buy plastic bottles. I think it’s important that each person has as interest in ecology and do what they can to protect the environment.


Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Tiger Woods by Nobumasa

A PGA golf tournament was held for the first time in Japan. This tournament was sponsored by Zozo. The place was Narashino Country Club near Narita International Airport. About 60 players from the PGA and 10 players form Japan participated in the tourney. Tiger Woods won and got 1.75 million dollars. He won his 82nd PGA tour title at this tournament and equalled the record set by Sam Snead in 1965. Just for reference, Jack Nicklaus won 73 PGA titles. Tiger Woods is 43 years old and Jack Nicklaus is 79 years old. 
My wife wanted to attend the tournament. I was surprised that the most expensive ticket was 600,000 yen. Guests who buy the most expensive tickets can relax in a fully air-conditioned room and enjoy French food prepared by top chefs. The cheapest ticket was 12,000 yen. Unfortunately they were all sold out. Ordinarily tickets in Japan are 12,000 yen.

Monday, November 18, 2019

Puzzler Answers

So, here we go. The start of another week. I'm ready for it. How about you?
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.







































CHOP/CLEFT                 CASTING                  BALMY                  CLOSE   

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Puzzler Hints

I really am enjoying my On the Wagon challenge. That means No drinking. 
Puzzler Hints: CLICK HERE.

Your Home Project
Home Projectは、「 UP」 です。

UP UP UP!
get up,    wake up,    pick up,    look up,    mix up,    get up,   back up,   clean up,  break up,    blow up,    dress up,    hard up,    call up,    close up,    fix up, 
give up,    hang up,    hard up,    zip up,    lock up,    pull up,   clam up,  hang up,
rise up,    turn up,    warm up,     bring up,    hang up,    shut up,   follow up,    drink up,    eat up,    up and down,    up and at 'em,    up and coming,  cheer up,  up to date,   bundle up,   keep up,   up and running,   end up,   wake up,   make up,   stay up,   stand up,   tidy up,   clean up,   get up,   take up,   grow up, 
brush up,   climb up,   pick up,   wind up,   meet up,   go up,   run up,   hurry up,  slow up,   blow up,   sit up,   straighten up,   set up,   put up with,   follow up, cheer up,   warm up,   check up,   hang up,   ring up,   dress up,   look up,   catch up,  touch up
 
 .......level up your skills and use these in conversations and in your stories.
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!

I had a band aid to help my friend. 





Saturday, November 16, 2019

Puzzler

It's not a holiday but I do not have my Kenkatsu lesson this day. What shall I do? Alas, go to the gym, of course. Puzzler: CLICK HERE

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!

Ni no Maru Park, Imperial Palace



Friday, November 15, 2019

Exploring Tokyo Part 3

My original plan was to  walk to Ueno zoo from Tokyo. BUT! I was too pooped (tired) to do that. I took the train and got of at Ueno and walked to the zoo. However, I had walked so much before that my calves were hurting. I had walked a lot. I continued on. I got in line and bought my discount ticket for elders...half price. My goal was to check to the giraffes. Why? Because I read a story in National Geographic. They explained that there are four kinds of giraffes in the world. They all come form Africa. I walked to the west side of he zoo. I ignored all the other animals in the way. I did see the penguins (not moving) and Flamingos (cool). Then to the Africa animals. BUT! They were not there. They were inside their enclosures (homes). Everyone was in line to see them. Once inside I saw the hippos and rhinos. Finally my quest...the giraffes. I took some pics as well as a video. I learned what I needed to know. I also confirmed that the OKAPI is a member of the giraffe family. Did you know that?

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Exploring Tokyo Part 2

After my Oden lunch I walked to the Imperial Palace. It took maybe 45 minutes. It was a beautiful day with fine weather so no worries. At the Palace I entered the Sakurada Gate. Once inside I walked to the famous Niji bridge. Then I walked to the Ote gate. I entered there. I had only one purpose (goal) here. That was to visit the Sannomaru Shozokan located inside the Palace grounds. It is the Museum of Imperial Collections. Right now they are displaying works that were presented to previous emperors as gifts for their coronations. There are three different showings. This time I saw the second exhibition. There is an Uchiwa presented by Mikimoto. It contains 1,600 pearls. Fantastic! From there I walked to Maruzen bookstore. I purchased two Shakespeare books. One is the tragedy Romeo and Juliet. The other is a comedy As you like it. With these is hand I walked to Tokyo station underground and boarded a train for Ueno. My next goal was the Ueno zoo. Why? To check out the giraffes.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Exploring Tokyo Part 1

The Plan: Walk from Harajuku to Tokyo Tower and then walk to the Imperial Palace and then walk to Ueno Zoo. I would go into the Palace to see the new items on display at the small museum there. Then I would buy books at Maruzen, then I would check out the giraffes at Ueno zoo. HOWEVER, after breakfast in Shinjuku I took the train to Harajuku. I thought that the Ueno zoo was closed this day. Why? Because I checked the Internet on my phone and it said so. So, I went to the Meiji Shrine where I found the Gai En (inside park). I had never been there before so I went in. It was nice and quiet but nothing spectacular. There was a natural water spring which was interesting. Then I walked from there along the Omote Sando. There were many people shopping ad chatting and enjoying the day. When I got to Aoyama Douri I checked a map. I was still very far form Tokyo Tower. I considered the time. I changed course. I took the subway only one station and got off at Gai En Mae station. I walked around this area and then headed down AoYama Douri to the Imperial Palace. On the way I stopped at the Toyo Kawa Inari temple/shrine for an Oden lunch. Yummy.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Exploring Tokyo Breakfast

I had a cold last month. It was from about October 25th to November 3rd. I had a sore throat. My nose was running. I was congested. The good news was that I did not have a fever. I'm not sure how I got the cold. Perhaps from the kids that I teach at my school or the kindergartens where I teach. I have no idea. But, it got much better the weekend of November 2nd and 3rd. Then the following day, Tuesday, November 4th was a holiday. I stayed home and rested and then finally Tuesday morning I left for Tokyo. It was a beautiful day. I got the 8:08 for Shinjuku. There, I wanted to find a place to have breakfast. I decided that my best choice was the Kei Oi Plaza hotel. Why? Because although it is expensive, it is delicious. I found one restaurant with a lot of people lined up to get in. It was a buffet style breakfast. I frowned at that. Besides, I didn't want to wait. Then, I saw the Japanese restaurant with no one waiting in line. I entered and was taken to my seat. The place was 80% full. And, as I thought, the food was delicious! With that,  I was ready to explore Tokyo.


Monday, November 11, 2019

Puzzler Answers

Whelp, it's back to work today. I wonder what the day will bring. Good new, I trust.
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.







































SMOKING                     COASTER/RENDER                    COFFEE                




Sunday, November 10, 2019

Puzzler Hints

It's Sunday. And, yes, I'm still on the wagon. But, my weight has not changed. Heavy sigh. The Puzzler Hints: CLICK HERE.

November 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!

Visited here recently: Harajuku station.



Saturday, November 9, 2019

Puzzler

Well, well. well. The weekend is here and the weather is fine. What to do?
Puzzler: CLICK HERE.

November 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!

Dessert at Denny's YUMMY!!!!!


Friday, November 8, 2019

World Rugby Cup by Yuko

The World Rugby Cup was held in Japan from September 20th to November second. This is the first time outside Tier 1. (Editor's note: Tier 1 includes 8 teams. They are England, Wales, Ireland, France, Scotland and Italy which compete in the Six Nations. New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and Argentina compete in the Rugby Championship league. Japan is in Tier 2 and is the only Asian team.) It is held every four years and this is the 9th tournament. Rugby originated in England. Formally called Rugby Football. Rugby is a very popular sport worldwide. Teams such as Ireland. Italy and New Zealand bowed in a row, Japanese style, after each match. This is to convey gratitude to the audience. Now it's a new trend. 
Actually I was not interested in Rugby. I don't know the rules and it's a painful (vicious) sport. But I was very excited watching the games on TV. The spirit of not giving up trying is very great. After the game the players of both teams shake hands. Then they make a flower path and send each other off the  field. I was very impressed. I'm still not sure of the rugby rules, but I like rugby very much. 

Thursday, November 7, 2019

A trip to Copenhagen by Kazuko Part 3

Meanwhile we almost got into trouble. It was a Sunday morning. We were strolling along the street in town. There were few people. Suddenly two men appeared from somewhere and stood in front of my husband. They said "Police, police." and "Passport, passport." while showing some kind of ID. I knew of the existence of such people. So we ignored them and left quickly. Fortunately they didn't follow us. I was not scared at the time but I felt fear later. This was also unforgettable. Denmark is one the cashless developed countries in the world. I mostly paid by credit card. Now, I'm afraid to see next month's CC bill. Anyway, we went through a lot bit we were able to come back home safe and sound. 
"All's well, that ends well."



Wednesday, November 6, 2019

A trip to Copenhagen by Kazuko Part 2

I expected the Kronberg Castle to have an ominous atmosphere. But actually it was amazing. It was not gorgeous, rather, it was elegant. There were several people in the castle wearing costumes fro the period. They were actors and were playing their roles. We met and greeted a King and two guards. They were very friendly. We had a great time there. The we went back to the middle of the town by train and bus. On our way, we met a nice lady. She was on the bus going downtown. When we boarded the bus it was crowded but we were able to find  seats. A white-haired woman, who looked to be in her 70s, got on the bus and stood beside my husband. He offered his seat to her but she refused, smiling, and asked where we were from. When she found out that we were Japanese she talked about the disaster in Japan. It was the terrible typhoon disaster which happened during our trip. I was a bit surprised and was pleased at the same time. I believed that no one cared about Japan which is so far from Denmark. 

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

A trip to Copenhagen by Kazuko Part 1

I went on a trip to Copenhagen., Denmark with my husband. It was our first private trip as we usually travel on a group tour. So, we had to do everything by ourselves. I prepared for this trip for more than one month before. I referred to  a guide book and made a detailed itinerary. So, I was very nervous on the departure night. In addition, a huge typhoon was approaching. At last we flew to Copenhagen on a Friday with many concerns. In Copenhagen we sometimes got lost as we visited a lot of places such as old castles an churches. Kronburg Castle was especially interesting. It is on the outskirts of he city. Do you know the quotation "To be, or not to be. That is the question." You have probably heard it at least once. This is the famous passage from from Hamlet which is one of SHakespear' four major tragedies. Actually it is said that Hamlet is set in Kronberg Castle. Hamlet is a dark story where the King's ghost appears and many people die or are killed in revenge. 

Monday, November 4, 2019

Puzzler Answers

Today is another holiday! I'm soooooooooo happy. 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.














































PREFERS                    PRAYERS                 WHARF               PIANO/SAILOR

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Puzzler Hints

Well, so far, so good with the NO DRINKING pledge. Puzzler Hints: CLICK HERE.

November 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!


Boo! 





Saturday, November 2, 2019

Puzzler

It is November. I WILL NOT DRINK THIS MONTH! I say that every month and I fail to keep that vow. Wish me luck! Puzzler: CLICK HERE.

November 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!

Pond at Imperial Palace

Friday, November 1, 2019

My October

October, 2019 has finished. It was just yesterday actually. I had a good, busy month. It was difficult to lose any weight at all, but I didn't gain any either. The following is a list of things I did.
1. Bought a globe. It is 40cm and is on a stand. I reference it every day.
2. Had a three year memorial service for M's mother. Met two uncles, one sister, one brother-in-law, one niece, one cousin, and a great-grandson.
3. Went to Kumagaya to see a rugby match between Argentina and the USA.
4. Tried doing some rugby activities.
5. Experienced a deadly, terrible Typhoon.
6. Went to M's Big Band Jazz group recital in Omiya.
7. Tokyo Adventure: Walk from Shinjuku station to Tokyo station.
8. Visited Shijuku Gyouen.
9. Visited the Imperial Palace.
10. Watched the coronation of the new Emperor and his Empress on TV.
11. Read October's Reader's Digest and National Geographic magazines.
12. Read Shakespeare's Othello and saw the play on YouTube.
13. Read Shakespeare's The Merry Wives's of Windsor and saw the play on YouTube.
14. Read Shakespeare's Hamlet and saw the play on YouTube.
15. Went drinking with buddy one Saturday night.
16. Did Halloween Party dressed as a witch at a kindergarten.
17. Went to the gym 13 times.