January 4th 2013

Got the lawn mower out today and mowed the front and back lawns. Great feeling to look at them all cut at the end. The best part is that as the weeks go by I am getting stronger and stronger and pushing the mower about is taking less and less time! The best rehab for body and soul! I was always an out in the garden kid, but 20 years in Japan had pretty much "cured me" of that. Two years back in Perth and I am again gardening ... and enjoying it! Roses in full bloom now as well the fruit trees. Mangos, figs, grapes and oranges all working their way into ripeness ... Takako's sister and a couple of friends heading over here in February.. The figs should be ok to eat by then and maybe the mangos! Guess they will enjoy picking the fruit straight off the trees!

Caught up with Midori, Malcolm and Joey at in Perth today. We chatted like nothing in the world was any different! That we hadn't seen each other for several years, that we live on different continents, that she is now newly married ... it was just like old times... and Malcolm is a great guy!! Congrats to you Midori!

Takako, Joey and myself. What an infectious grin! This young lad has just grown up into a loving boy! Where are you from Joey? "I'm from Japan!" Yes, you are! Spending time with him was just great!
"Do you have any games on your iPhone?"
"Nope"
"Ok then, let's down load some"
"Ok"
"Just go to the apps store and search for Sonic ..."
Lost and over my head ..
But yes.. realllllllly good to spend time with young Joey!

Ahhhh... my two boys! Takara 13 months and Satoshi 13 weeks. Beautiful, playful, noisy but they are Takako's and mine and we wouldn't live without them now! Until next time!