Lovin Japan ~ Hashi (Chopsticks)

We began to study chopsticks before we arrived.

When we first arrived I thought I'd starve to death....and meals took much, much longer when we went out to eat.  

I was given MANY lessons in how to use chopsticks...but just couldn't get the PROPER technique figured out. I eventually just worked out my own system.

Michael didn't have this problem.

There are some foods that are simply BETTER eaten with chopsticks....Yakisoba and FRUIT SALAD come to mind. Nabbing those grapes with chopsticks is much easier than stabbing them with a fork. Dipping truffles in chocolate is a breeze when you hold the truffle with a chopstick.

Chopsticks are used for everything over here....

ario_ via photopin cc

elainevdw via photopin cc

Even soup is easy to eat with chopsticks....scoop up the noodles and drink the broth from the bowl. 

Klardrommar via photopin cc

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Lovin Japan ~ Cranes

Our home is surrounded by fields, race fields and irrigation ditches.  It is common to see cranes as you walk around the area. They are gangly but majestic.

Koshyk via photopin cc

They also are a bit aggressive for unsuspecting runners. Arielle is often greeted by "attacking cranes" as she and Yuuki run with Gracie every morning.

jc-pics via photopin

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Lovin Japan ~ Trees

I love the care given to trees in Northern Japan. Each year crews come through and tie up branches and often wrap trunks. I've heard wrapping the trunks protects from beetles and such.  

The ropes are to hold up the heavy branches in the winter so the snow doesn't break them...every spring the ropes are removed. 

We like some of the sculptured trees; others are questionable. There several houses near us which have foregone a lawn for trees....strange looking trees....gumdrop trees.

Recently, Arielle was working on an art lesson and was told to draw a tree. She did. The lesson went on to talk about the lines you use to make branches. Perplexed she realized she'd drawn a "Japanese gumdrop tree" without even thinking of it. 

Arielle also has her "true-blue Japanese card;" she belongs. 

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Lovin Japan ~ Conservationism

Japan is a small island nation. Land is at a premium. I've observed a general attitude of conservation in the typical Japanese. 

Recycling is big and EASY to do here....picked up at your home...bins everywhere in public.  A Japanese citizen pays for garbage/recycling pick up with taxes. 

Energy conservation is big too.  This is manifested in many ways but this is the way that caught my attention. Most Japanese style homes have a glassed in room running the front of the house...either on a second floor or combined with the entry area.  Clothes are hung her throughout the year to dry.... you can see this below. 

Power was out after the earthquake/tsunami in 2011.  When it came back everyone who lived that time is even more aware of conserving energy. Energy continues to be "tight" as several reactors have been shut down. 

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Raw Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites (Nourishing Home)

I found a variety of Raw Cookie Dough Bites at Nourishing Home.  I'm sure I'll be trying out some of her other suggestions. Check her out.

Ingredients

1/2 creamy raw almond butter (could use other nut butters)

1/4 C, plus 1 T raw honey (or agave nectar, maple syrup)

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 C plus 1 T coconut flour (I used wheat)

3 T ground golden flax seed (or additional tsp or two of flour - I used the flax I had not sure what kind it was)

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/4 C chocolate chips (or whatever - or skip) 

Directions

Mix almond butter, honey and vanilla until creamy. 

In another bowl, mix flour, flax seed and salt. 

Add the dry to the wet. Use hands to knead dough to thoroughly combine. If it's too wet add flour, if too dry and crumbly to form balls, add water. 

Scoop out T size (I used pampered chef scoop and got 18). 

These can be popped in fridge to firm up a bit and/or if you want to make truffles with them it's essential.  They would be good to make a lot ahead and freeze. The ones I made are already gone...I shared. 

I entered the recipe into the recipe calculator at Sparks People.  I wouldn't call them "nutrient dense" at 88 cal for a small ball.....but they do have 1.5g of protein and 1.2 g of fiber.  And sometimes you just need a little something something. 

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Lovin Japan ~ Suicide Ally

This is Suicide Ally.  I have discovered this route cuts time off my trip to base. One friend had his mirror clipped on this road. I know folks who pull their mirrors in at the start of Suicide Ally. I think of Christi L every time I ride on this road. She was the one who introduced me to this adrenaline rush. 

On either side of the road is an irrigation ditch like thing...small narrow concrete ditch. If your tires veer into this you will do damage to your vehicle.  This field to the left was a FOREST last year....

Look carefully at the width of the road...there are bikes on either side of the road and cars going both ways on the road.

Driving this road has provided many fun memories. I've made it a game to be able to face oncoming traffic without flinching....like the natives of Misawa.  Last week an AMERICAN SIZE semi met us on this road - the DRIVER was sweating and flinching. I considered it a personal triumph to appear totally nonchalant. It was my true blood Japanese card. I belong.

When the snow melts....we discover the patch jobs from last year are in need of repair....big sink holes....amazing pot holes....it's a sign of spring.

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Roasted Chick Peas

I heard about these healthy vegan snacks on a Facebook page and set out to try them. Here are a variety of ingredients - process works the same. If you know of other ways to fix these, I'd love to hear. These are a high protein, high fiber, low fat snack - no sugar depending on the seasonings you use. I also like them on top of salads.  I'll add variations to this page....I'm contemplating some ranch flavored Chickpeas. 

Plain and Crunchy
2 C of chickpeas (1 can) rinsed, drained and patted dry
2 tsp. oil of choice
1/2 tsp salt - or to your taste

Salty Michael Chickpeas

Salty for Michael 
2 C of chickpeas (1 can) rinse and dried
Olive oil spray
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
adjust seasoning to your taste - I like more seasoning....

Pumpkin Spice Roasted Chickpeas (click link for original recipe)

• 1 can of chickpeas, rinsed, drained and patted dry
• 2 T. maple syrup
• 1 t. canola oil (or oil of your choice)
• 1 t. apple cider vinegar
• 1/8 t. salt
• 1/4 t. nutmeg
• 1/4 t. ginger
• 3/4 t. cinnamon
• Note - these did not get crunchy with the original baking directions! I had to nuke them! 

Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas (adapted from Cheap, Healthy, Good)

2 Cups chickpeas, drained and rinsed if using canned

2 tsp oil 

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

BBQ Roasted Chickpeas  (Click for original recipe)

2 C chickpeas (1 Can rinsed and dried)

1/4 C BBQ Sauce

*Recipe instructs 375* for 45 - 60 min 

Bulldog Chickpeas

Bulldog Roasted Chickpeas
2 C Chickpeas (1 Can rinsed and dried)
1/4 C Bulldog sauce

Pour sauce over chickpeas. Scoop out the chickpeas (save sauce) and bake as directed below. After 30 min I began to drizzle sauce as they baked.

Maple Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas (click for original)

2 C Chickpeas (1 Can rinsed and dried)

2 T pure maple syrup

1/2 tsp cinnamon

*Recipe instructs 400* for 45 min. 

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 400 - 450*. (I've seen temps from 350 - 450 and times from 25 - 60 min).

Combine liquid and seasonings. Gently combine with chickpeas until peas are coated. 

Spray or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

Bake 45 - 60 min depending on how crunchy you want them. I like mine like corn nuts and it took

Stir every 15 min for the first 45 min and then every 5 min until you are happy with them. 

Microwave Directions: 
One layer; 10- 15 minutes - watch carefully. My microwave may be slower than it would be on stateside electric. 

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...