“サトリの森” ～ Forever

SAKURA!! The cherry blossom!! Yes, they have already bloomed. There are many kinds of Sakura trees. This is the tree near our house. It might be the Kawazu breed which is famous as the early flowering cherry tree. Cherry trees usually come into bloom earlier during warmer weather. Every year, the prediction of the first date of the cherry blossoms is announced around the beginning of March. It would be around the 21st of March in Tokyo this year. Their lives are short. Cherry trees fully blossom about a week after they start to bloom, and petals will scatter to the ground. They usually only last for about a week after the peak date of full bloom. I hope cherry blossoms are going to be full bloom just on the right time around the forth week of March this year. WHY? Papa Gordon & Mama Susan are coming to Japan on the 19th of March. They are Satolela papa's parents. In Japan, you should call your parents-in-law 'father' and 'mother' . But I n...

A few years ago, Satolela papa didn't eat chocolates because he said that he seemed to be allergic to chocolates. In Japan, girls give chocolates to boys whom they like on the Valentine's Day every year. People know that it is the chocolate companies in Japan promote to increase the Valentine's Day sale. But the companies offered the girls chances to open their heart to their a-secret-crush-on. I dare to say 'offered'. Because nowadays young girls think that they can speak their mind whenever they feel it is the time! But the custom to give chocolates is still going on. Many girls and wives bought chocolates for somebody who means a lot to them. So did I! I bought chocolate for Satolela papa. Because his chocolate-allergy seems to be gone. You know, I don't like having the same things with others. Then these were the one I got for him. They are really unique, aren't they? The taste was good, though. BONUS PICTURE Scottish Night on Februar...

In front of the gates on New Year My dad passed away on the 8th of January, 2009. In Japan, people usually go into mourning a year when their parent died. So my family did, which means no special meal for the New Year. No New Year greeting. We spent our time whatever we wanted to. So did our fur daughter. We spent three days at my mother's house. After we got back, we visited Takahata-Fudo temple . Takahata Fudo temple washing your hands and rinse your mouth (to cleanse before getting in the temple) What are they doing? They are doing................ incense (Feel the smoke, then your weak points are gonna be healed? It's said.) in front of Dainichi-do, or the hall where a statue is placed. To tell the truth, My main purpose was to see Mr. Hijikata , and to eat the New Year Udon. Hijikata, Toshizo "the Kaiun-udon" (or a good luck Udon) On a happy occasion, we often eat gold! (it's good for your health, too...

We are going to stay my mother's house a couple days. Wish everyone good luck for the coming year! See you next year!

First of all, I should announce that our K9 Games team, "Wandrous" didn't make top five this time. But we deserved it. And at the same time, the other teams' improvement of the skill amazed us. We usually starts our dog training after April. But probably the other teams start after the K9 Games Champion Ship. So our leader, Nacchan, has made up her mind to start our training a bit earlier next year. OK! I will follow her decision anyway. We stayed at a cottage around the event site the day before the Games, which we enjoyed to us. visiting a nice park near Mt.Fuji Having dinner at a nice restaurant with my nice friends & Look! What a big sweets! This was not mine. But suddenly an insane murderer appeared and tried to kill the pie. aiiieee！！ photo by Nacchan In the night, we shared the cottage wit...

Thank you very much!! our 'Wandrous' team has earned a place in The Champion Ship at K9 Games® in November 8 !!! Frankly speaking, I never ever expected it. That's why I have already put my uniform in order in my closet ;-p written by Arwen

Have you ever heard of K9 GAMES® ? Dr.Ian Dunbar who is a veterinarian, animal behaviourist created this competitive games for dogs and owners and the games were held in 1995 in San Francisco. In Japan, they were held in 2005. In subsequent, 2006,2007,2008 and 2009. At the first and the second competition, I participated with Satori. Then our team, 'Dogs In Black' won a prize at the first time K9 Games® in Japan. 2005 　waiting for the Doggy Dash 2006 'Dogs In Black 'team members The third time, I was in the games with Leila. It was a big challenge for us because she was a bit shy when she was among dogs. 2007 'Wandrous' members in the dance costume But I think she did her best. I skipped joining in 2008 because of my private matter. Then I participated in the games with Leila this year again. Team 'Wandrous' photo by Hata We won third prize among six teams. After all, I thought we needed some mor...

On the 3rd of September, Tella died. Tella was a beautiful dog who delivered lots of puppies in this world, including our Satori. She died just before being 12 years old on the 9th of this month. photo from my website presented by NS abfiCH CJ's Sweet Tarantella of Kuro, CGC, TT, OFA, ROM September 9, 1997 - September 3, 2009 We really thank Tella who let us have such a nice girl, Satori. Our beautiful girl, Satori (Does she look like mama?) Tella, we won't forget you! May her spirit rest in peace.

In Japan, we had a long rainy season this year. So during our trip, unfortunately we sometimes had lots of rain. When Satolela papa came back home from abroad, his body condition was not perfect. We were supposed to set off for our holiday three days later after he came back, though. We were not sure whether we could go or not. So I couldn't finish packing until the last moment, which I don't like. Because I always pack ahead. So I had almost given up going on camping. But luckily he recovered, and we could set off to visit my uncle and aunt, and our friend at the campsite in Takayama-city after leaving one day late. My uncle and aunt were glad that Richard became well, and we visited them with Satori and Leila. Leila who was on the alert for them before became relax with each visit. My uncle is nearly blind and is unable to walk from diabetes. But when he started talking about a famous Sumo wrestler, 'Futaba-yama' who was active around 1920-1930, he s...