Matsumoto Castle and Snow Monkey

On Saint Patrick’s Day, Nyjai and I went to see the Castle first and then the Monkeys.  It was so much fun.  The Castle was from the Shogun Era.  I do not recall seeing a castle with a real moat around it. 

Not to mention the various hiding areas inside.  The Japanese men had to be small, powerful with incredible agility to live in these quarters.  The stairs were exceedingly steep and the ceilings low in the hideouts.  The castle itself was massive (6 floors).  They had the ability to see from every position.  The enemy had no chance coming out of the hills to capture this city. 

Of course, their military garb was innovative.  Now that is my perspective considering I have never actually been in the military… LOL!  It looked like it would protect them so- who am I to judge.  I am thinking mostly about the time period.

Nyjai loved it too.  We took pictures with Shogun militants who were visiting too.  Our guide said that in the 10+ years she’d done the tour, they never saw the Shogun.  This was a very rare occurrence.  I think they came out to see who this exquisitely stunning Nubian Queen was.  So I was sure to introduce myself.

Then we went to see the Snow Monkeys.  When I say that to my Japanese students, they stare at me like I am crazy.  They say it is a Monkey Onsen (hot bath).  

We had to walk about 2-3 miles up a snow covered mountain.  It was so funny.  Nyjai wanted to stop to rest every 25 steps.  You know I kept moving.  This chic needs more exercise…LOL!   When we go to the top about 30-40 minutes later, she was breathing all heavy.  I just laughed. 

The monkeys walked right up to us to say hello or feed me.  I think it is more of the latter.  We got some pretty good pictures with them.    I enjoyed seeing them, but most of all I enjoyed spending time with Nyjai.

She is really a cool kid… I do miss my other daughter too! 

Hold still... This is the last one.

Wait I found another one.

Excuse Me!  What do you mean you came to my house without a gift.

Move a little to the right, more, more... Mom!

Monkey see... Monkey do.

Nyjai: ooh this hot water makes me have to pee!
Me: stop touching it we have mile to walk.

Okay... until next time!
Smooches.

Fertility Festival

Yeap... that is what I said "Fertility Festival"

I figured I better write about the last couple weeks before we get to the Spring Break post.  March was an incredibly busy and adventurous month.

Franklin went to a Fertility Festival.  Only in Japan can you go to a festival of this sort.  I will admit when Franklin brought up going, I shed a tear.  I thought he was thinking of having another child.  Those of you who know me know that I am FINISHED! 

Don’t get me wrong.  I love my two adorable, sweet, innocent (cough-cough) and hilarious daughters.  However, I am about to be 21 and the youngest is headed to college.  I am not trying to start over…. It’s party time!

Well, that was not his purpose.  He too heard it would be an interesting festival, so we ventured out.  Let’s just say… it was all about the reproductive system.  You judge for yourself.

You crawl through this shrine to fertilize you loins.

After you put your money in this box, however...

At the Female Shrine
Can you tell what this is?

At the Male Shrine
The grounds were covered in anatomy.

Get it... 

Yeap... that is a tongue!

Parade has begun...

This is just the one carried through the streets as
everyone chants and rubs it.
They pass out sake during the parade.

This is the Male Shrine where the Japanese pray for fertility.
It is much bigger than the female shrine.

This is however a serious affair for many.  There were a number of placards with messages to the “Fertility Gods”.  Many spoke to the couples desire to have children during this barren time in their lives.  It was touching for me.  I was once there myself.

We women were very under-represented in this festival.  It was the day of the man for sure.

ooo yeah!  The cherry blossoms were spectacular...LOL!

Girls Night Out!

You haven't had fun like this in forever, I assure you...LOL!

We all met in AOB and have been inseparable since.  We have now vowed to get together more often.  This kind of kindred friendship is not an easy find in any country. 

We had no idea it was Samba night... but you can see us Enjoying the Samba.  A few decided watching was not enough and we had to get involved.  That's what I love about this crew, we just go for it... Katie and Kellie do the Samba for everyone...

Then we played a game and Katie was the last American standing...  It was so much fun.

Katie, Hanna, Kellie... it was good to do it up, yet again....  Here's to keeping it real!

Of course Katie was taking the picture :-(
Wish you were in it!

Okay... here is the full Samba!

White Chocolate Truffles and Mom

I don't just love my children, I really like them.

I like talking to them and hearing about the silliness of their day.  I like spending time with them and developing the bond of sisterhood.  Yes, I know we are mother-daughter...LOL! I love watching them learn and grow mentally, physically and spiritually.  Most of all, I like being able to say yes to whatever they want; within reason and stipulations...   Yes, Nyjai and Quortney, I am doing my happy dance.

Tonight, we made White Chocolate Truffles.  It is a recipe I got from an Oakleaf Spouses Club member.

All you need is...

Cream Cheese

Oreo Cookies

and White Chocolate (melted).  

Then do what we did below... 

Well, maybe.  Ours were good, but they did not look like hers.  But we had fun!

Nyjai chopped finely 10 - 12 Oreo Cookies in a blender.

Dump cookies into a bowl and add one package of cream cheese. 

Mix well.

Place mixture in the freezer for 1 hour.

Roll mixture in to balls of desired size.

Dip them into the melted white chocolate.
We used toothpicks to keep our fingers out of the chocolate.

Refrigerate.

They are beautiful Nyjai... Good Job!

There are moments in life when you realize that no matter how old your children get they like being with you too. I truly appreciate this life!

Yum!

Shrine Sale and China Petes

I went with friends to a Shrine Sale and a place called China Pete’s.  Both were exceptional places with great finds.

When I first heard of a Shrine Sale I did not want to sound uncultured, so I did not ask what I was thinking… “Why do I need to purchase a shrine and are someone’s ashes in the urn it comes with.”   I just listened and then became more intrigued. 

Shrine sales get their name from the fact that they are held on the grounds of the various temples and shrines throughout Japan.  In the states we would probably call these Yard Sales, Flea Market, Antique Markets, etc.

The are a bit better than your average sale.  The finds are really quite nice.  I can see how people could easily become hoarders at these sales.  That is why I told myself I would have to answer three questions before I purchased anything.

Do I have one like it at home right this minute?

Will I use it within the next two months?

Do I have a place to store it?

Well, I found a few things that I could answer yes to. 

Doing my happy dance!

Dessert Plates from China Pete's

I will be using these for a ladies lunch..!

Tea Set from Shrine Sale

The tea set came in a set of 5.  In Japan, wedding gifts like these are given in sets of 5 because it can not be evenly separated.  They hope this will prevent divorce.

Hollowed Tree Trunk Candles

These candles will go on the lanai during the Spring and Summer and Fall...LOL!   I can see it now, Franklin putting steaks on the grill while I sit drinking a glass of Chardonay or Riesling.  The crew over for a night of Spades.

Gold Obi

Orange Obi

This is the belt that Japanese women wear with their Kimonos.  The lady below is wearing a striped one  around her waist.  

I use mine as a table runner and buffet runner.  They are hand made. The orange one is from Kyoto. I bought the gold one at a bazaar in November.  It was made in Osaka.

Before Shrine Sale

After Shrine Sale

I do think I might get addicted to the shrine sale kind of shopping.  This was a lot of fun!