Category Archives: Culture

I Like Big Ikebana and I Can Not Lie…. The Philly Series

This Ikebana is so big you’d think it was in Texas. But as you all know, this Philly series is dedicated to all that’s Philadelphia. Philly has gotten a lot of attention within the last week but that isn’t what … Continue reading

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Posted in Culture, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

Ginkgo Trees- the Chitlins of Japan

If you’ve ever smelled a Ginkgo tree, or chitlins, my guess is you could all give me the same one word description without thinking too hard. Poo. Both have stenches so offensive you could also tell me where you were, … Continue reading

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I Found Drogon….And Flowers…. In The Desert

For the Big Money: Q: Why is California called the Golden State? Not the gold rush Nothing to do with golden tans (or bronzer) Gold Finger is just a bad guess A: Golden hills. That’s right. The hills of California … Continue reading

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April Showers Brings May….. Gogatsu-byou?

Show of hands- who gets crabby in May? I’m 54 years old and just found out that condition I have suffered from each and every May that I can remember has a name. I’ve heard a nasty rumor that Offsprings … Continue reading

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Posted in Culture, Moving, Moving Lesson, Offspring, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

It’s That Time of Year Again- Cherry Blossom Season

My annual emergence from MIA status usually coincides with Cherry Blossom Season, also known more commonly as Easter Season. Inspired by the fleeting nature of the cherry blossoms, sakura, and the boisterous celebrations of hanami – cherry blossom viewing- in … Continue reading

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Posted in Culture, Moving to Japan, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 28 Comments

An Enviable Finger Fetish; Nails Japanese Style

Japanophiles think they know all there is to know about what makes Japan so uniquely unlike every place else on earth. We`ve all seen the “Top 10” lists that include the vending machines, the manga, the robot bar, and the … Continue reading

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Going Down In Flames-Hirezake

There are a few things which should only be done in a lab setting. With safety glasses, a lab coat, and a glass hood under which flammables and other explosives are tested; maybe a hazmat suit for added precaution. Certain … Continue reading

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Kawaii Construction- I Need This in My Neighborhood

There`s construction going on in my neighborhood. It`s noisy, dusty, and worst all it makes my dogs bark. This is a problem for all the neighbors because they also hear the construction, the dogs barking, and me yelling “Shut up” … Continue reading

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Posted in Culture, Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

Elbowing Our Way Through Easter

It`s Easter. The time when we Catholics roll our eyes, put on a colorful outfit, and drag our families out of bed to show up at mass. It also happens at Christmas. The folks who attend more regularly get annoyed … Continue reading

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Some Beauty In These Sad Times

Over the summer, Offspring #2 and I visited Paris- her reward for the eight hours of French tutoring she endured weekly upon our move to Montreàl. As it always is when tragedy hits a place you know, there`s a certain … Continue reading

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