March 11, 2011

A massive 9.0-magnitude quake hit northeast Japan on Friday, causing dozens of deaths, more than 80 fires, and a 10-meter (33-ft) tsunami along parts of the country's coastline. Homes were swept away and damage is extensive. Here are some photos I've come across the past few days. We are fine here and are sending items up north that they need the girls are being really great about helping me sort through things. Please keep the Japanese people in your prayers as they have a long recovery ahead of them.

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Samurai Helmet making

Starting my masterpiece I choose to do the spike look

This guy was so funny he wanted our helmets to be perfect but Sallie and I could care less, Sallies top looked centered to me but not him he kept wanting her to move it. Needless to say he took multiple smoke breaks while we were there.

My finished masterpiece, the helmets are drying now and then they will cook them i guess and we can get them on May 3rd.

Girls Day

It's common for families of girls in Japan to have a set of hina dolls wearing ancient kimono which is displayed at homes beginning sometime after Risshun (the first day of spring according to the lunar calendar) through March 3rd. The Empress doll (ohina-sama) and the Emperor doll (odairi-sama) are set on the top shelf. Then, sannin-kanjo dolls (three court women), gonin bayashi dolls (five court musicians), and more dolls. Hina-arare (rice crackers) and hishi-mochi (diamond shaped rice cakes) are placed by the hina doll display. Different types of hina dolls have been created around Japan. In some regions, hina dolls are hung from the ceiling called tsurushi-bina.

Many families of girls in Japan celebrate hina matsuri with special food, such as chirashi-zushi (colorful sushi), clam soup, sakura mochi (sweet rice cakes), and more. Although Japanese Girl's Festival isn't a national holiday, it's an important tradition for wishing girls happiness and good health.








Here is Amber and Kayleigh dressed up for Girls Day.

My 29th Birthday

For my 29th birthday we headed to Shidax, it is a karaoke place where you get your own room and you can order food and drinks and have a great time. I had the best time with the best of friends, I usually don't let loose, but it was my birthday so Party on right.

Lamp Shade making

Today we headed out to Ureshino to make lamp shades and attend their festival we had a great time as always. We even got to make our own little pizza.

Making our lampshades they turned out pretty neat.

Kayleigh making her art piece

Apple picking

Today we went Apple picking in Imari was nice and chilly out but we enjoyed the day.

Lunch we ate Yukikinu style.

Tea Cup Onsen

In Ureshino you can take part in the tea cup onsen, you can chose to soak in Sake, Green tea, Soy Milk, or water. I chose soy milk and it made my skin feel really soft. I soaked in here for an hour and it was so nice and peaceful.