Trouble
I adore one year olds! I love the way they get into everything and love to take everything out and leave it. Holli loves emptying the baskets.
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Date Night
Kristina and Brian are giving unique birthday gifts this year. Lainey received a gift certificate good for a movie date. Caitlyn got one good for a bike ride to a restaurant of her choice and Aimee gets to go miniature golfing. Such a great idea for one on one time with your aunt and uncle.
Today Aimee had a swimming party with her friends. They decorated cupcakes for their refreshments. It was a lot of fun!
YUM!
Caitlyn
Rosie Girl
Hollywood beauties
Lainey and the Koolaid
David and the Green Monster
My flight from Narita was delayed and as I sat waiting I could hear Rick saying, “I told you so.” Now, he really didn’t say that, but he could have. He questioned my booking on the the early Continental flight to Houston from LA. I have flown this route several times this year and my Singapore Air flight has always arrived early (not this time). I even had the option during online check in to change to the later flight, but did I listen to that voice that gently encouraged me to do it? NO! Immigration and customs in LA was packed. I did get on the later flight, but lost my free upgrade to business that I had on the earlier flight and I was on one of the back rows in coach, not a big deal. I have learned my lesson and will book a flight that allows plenty of time in LA, not my favorite airport to hang out in, by the way.
Kristina picked me up late Saturday night and delivered me to James and Ruth’s. I arrived in time to celebrate Aimee’s 9th birthday on today.
The Birthday Girl
Ako-san, Rick’s secretary, knows I love red bean paste sweets. So she is always sending me yummy treats. This morning I found these on my kitchen counter so I had one for breakfast. It is red bean paste wrapped in a gooey mochi like substance and then wrapped in leaves and ties with string so that they stay fresh (and look really cute). Yum!
Prehistoric art in Roppongi
More?
No, it's just part of the fountain in front of the Grand Hyatt
In Tokyo there is always something under construction. Usually the process goes like this….old building torn down, parking lot installed while waiting for permits, parking lot removed, construction barriers installed. As the work progresses this is what can be seen:
I tend to ignore what is going on as the construction site becomes part of the landscape until one day when they take down the barriers, netting and scaffolding. At some point I will look up and think, “Where did that building come from?” It’s always a total surprise to me!
How did I miss a building this tall going in right around the corner????!!!!!!!!
Outer Moat of the Imperial Palace
My favorite place in Tokyo to ride my bike most days is around the Imperial Palace grounds. It is a great ride to get there and then the ride arund the inner moat is 5km. I like riding here because the only people using the path are runners and cyclists. Everyone adheres to the “keep to the left unless passing” rule. (Yes, in Japan we drive on the left). This is unique because on any other sidewalk in the city there is no adhering to the rule. People walk wherever they want and drift back and forth across the sidewalk. This makes walking difficult and cycling would be hazardous. The very reason my favorite time is between 5 and 6:30 am.
Plates
Well…maybe a few places…like Singapore. I have noticed the set up before, but have never stopped to make a purchase. There is a restaurant on the Hiroo shopping street named Plates. Every afternoon they set up a small table holding a plastic crate filled with bags of rolls, usually long sandwich buns, ciabatta, or croissants. Next to the crate is a coffee can with a hole punched in its plastic lid and on an easel nearby is a cardboard sign with a marker drawn roll and the price, 300 yen. You put your money in the can, choose your rolls and put them in a plastic shopping bag hanging from the table. In many cities the coffee can and the crate of bread would be stolen in minutes. I’m so glad I get to live in such a safe place
This morning I rode my bike through Roppongi Hills and decided to take photos of the cool benches on along the street. They are great examples of modern art. I love the sculptures and works of art in my neighborhood. Here are the benches:
