japan | Saying nothing in particular

Hard to believe that we have reached the eleventh month of 2025. Only one more month until … yikes … 2026.

I’m guessing these are grapevines. What do you think?

This month there are apparently only two holidays in Japan: November 3rd which is Culture Day and November 24 which is Labour Thanksgiving Day. I couldn’t find too much on either. According to multiple tour guides, this month the main event in Japan is what we call “leaf-peeping.” But you have to get out early in the morning as it is very popular!

I found this guy very entertaining! However, so far I’m planning to visit my son in March or April. Did I tell you he bought a house? Yup. Paid the equivalent of $3,000 dollars so it is a doozy. Doesn’t have running water and he’s too tall to get in the front door. Lordie, lordie. Children. I try not to worry but …

Meanwhile, yes I did it. Ordered the very expensive Hawaiian vanilla. Now, what am I going to do with it?

A numbered bottle of vanilla. Sheez. I know, I know. There’s a sucker born every minute.

Please leave recipes (the easier the better) in the comments, and, have a great November!

It’s hard to believe but, ready or not, here comes June. The Merry Month of June known to many foggy coastal communities as “June Gloom.”

There may be no state-sanctioned days off in Japan during June but there are regional festivals all over the country. Of course, it’s the same here in the United States. When I was a single mom I always dreaded June. School ended and yet summer camps wouldn’t begin for at least a week. And then there were all those weddings and graduations and money just flew out the door. This country has never been child friendly and it looks like it will be getting worse.

Sunlight hitting the lilies on the hill.

But at least the weather is neither too cold or hot and the days are long. Best, I think, to enjoy the break before summer really takes hold and lasts (at least here) until the beginning of October.