Crazy Fun Week

Whew! Every once in a while a week requires us to be out of the house every day...for this homeschooling family this is tiring.  ::grin:: I don't know how you all do this five days a week....week in and week out. 

A few highlights from the week....PCOC (Protestant Children of the Chapel) - the children's ministry arm of PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel).  The kids and I continue to enjoy serving the little ones of the chapel on Tuesdays.  THIS Tuesday ALMOST snuck up on us as Monday was a holiday and "threw off our groove."   

Nolan & Zander are my secret weapons with the pre-school boys
Note no faces showing other than Nolan's

As we left base on Tuesday, we realized Nolan had a doctor appointment - sure enough we'd just missed it. They were wonderful and rescheduled it for 08:00 Wednesday a.m. 

Wednesday Nolan saw a new PCM (Doctor). I think we're going to like this one. His blood pressure was high and so we need to do 5 readings in the next few weeks to see if it's really a problem or not. I guess they figure kid's blood pressure based on their height and weight. I suspect his five day readings will be fine. 

Random food photo - stir fried veggies over a baked potato

 I'm back to eating no added sugar....but I wanted some snacks that can travel as it is hard to find vegan in many of the places I find myself. I decided I'd allow myself sweeteners of craisins, raisins and dates....I conquered my fear of dates and prepared some Lara-like-bars for snacking....Next time I won't add chocolate chips; they were very rich...but I really was sure I didn't like dates. ::snort::  I also realized after making them the chocolate would have "added sugar." The oatmeal cranberry ones I make have no added sugar. These have dates, coconut, vanilla and a T of chocolate....tastes like a Girl Scout Samoa cookie. Recipe here. I find a whole bar is too much, so I package them in halves.

Thursday was MOPS - always fun. Today we learned how to use a DSLR. Korinne did a wonderful job. She even had a fall backdrop for taking photos....

I've not been telling Stacia on the days Arielle and I go to MOPS. I know she'll miss it. She's no longer of MOPPETE age....she asked this a.m. and I told her I was going to MOPS. She replied, "It's really very sad I am too old for MOPS." I agree. My baby is growing up.

The plan was to run Arielle home between MOPS and a casual study group....and pick up Stacia and Zander. We meet in the Weasel's Den (a community inside play area) and they like to play. Zander opted to stay home. It turned out Stacia was the only young un there....she was sad not to have anyone to play with but by the time we left several other kids had come in.

We spent some Mommy and Stacia time...she conned lovingly persuaded me to buy her this, "Just like the one Arielle got when Dad was in Korea."  (Before Stacia was born).

Arielle spent the night working on school (Holiday, PWOC, MOPS makes for a rushed week). These boys played a favorite game. I skyped with a ministry team. Stacia watched a "girl movie." 

It's good to be caught up because tomorrow is Friday Field Trip and I'm sure to have photos to share. Akikosan is going to go with us  - always fun and makes it oh-so-much-easier to understand what we are seeing. 
Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Satsuki Pond - Rokunohe

Our new find - directions and details below

Arielle and Nolan attended an International Youth Lock In which started yesterday at 4:30 p.m. and ended today at 2:30 p.m.

The rest of us got up and went to Shipwreck Beach. We forgot the camera, but found sea glass, enjoyed a perfect day at the ocean, and discovered the construction workers have moved on and you can get back to the parking lot now. This is the FIRST time we've EVER been able to drive right in. The English "Keep Out" signs have been removed.

We got back to town and picked up the older two, dropped off one of their friends at home, and drove home. Nolan opted for shower and sleep. Zander opted to stay home and play games. Arielle came with Michael, Stacia and I to find the "Other Duck Park."   We were impressed Arielle chose to come with us.

We think this is the "General Sports Park" or is somehow connected with it; there was a sign on the pond which said it was "Satsuki Pond." The pond is stocked with carp for catch and release by the city of Rokunohe.  I'll post directions below and GPS coordinates when I get them. I'm so glad we found this today and still have some months to enjoy it. It will be GREAT for cross country skiing - if we can locate skis for all of us this year.

We had a great time exploring...and will go back for picnics, lunch breaks and nature walks as long as possible. We also discovered the ducks here do NOT like bread being thrown to them.

Having recently studied snakes I wasn't keen on all the brush

Michael - the Dragonfly Whisperer

 Stacia and I found a playground and  a drinking fountain....this was so funny I cried...after taking the photo. An older Japanese couple laughed as hard as I did.

I nearly walked into this guy....and he was MEAN.  He tried to build a web around Michael as he took photos.  I guess he thought his winter supply had arrived.

Thrilled I'd been working out as there were no railings at this potty....

 We found Arielle asleep in the car...she wouldn't wake up for Stacia to get in so Stacia climbed through the back hatch.

After getting THIS sign so wrong....we are now a bit leery of taking Yuuki with us on exploring adventures.  We did note several others with dogs....so this is our guess - what do you think? I do plan to have a friend translate these for me before we drive that far to be banned as we were a few weeks ago. LOL

This dog is happy and doesn't look like a convict...I think this says "Your dog is welcome on a leash."

This guy looks well.....sort of constipated to me but not also sheepish...and he IS on a big "No" sign with you know...dog poop....so I think this one means "Even if you're on a leash do not poop."

Now this guy is happy, sociable...on a leash...and carrying a bag of poop....so I'm guessing we can take Yuuki as long as we bring her leash and bags (which we always do).

Directions:

From base - get on POL and drive out past the toll road....

2 - 2.4 Km past the toll road you will come to a light - TURN LEFT....there is an A frame building before the light and a warehouse type building on the right hand side.

Just stay on this road for 3.6 KM.... You'll drive through trees, farm land, past a logging store and a rest area (your next turn is a hard right 1 Km past the rest area)....

Turn RIGHT  - the pond will be on your left (through some trees), parking is on your right....You can explore both sides of the road....the play area is up the hill to the left of the pond.  There is parking over there too - but we didn't drive that route.

This is a great spot for scooters and bikes.  It's also a fun picnic spot. There are paths wandering through the trees etc.

In the big parking area there is one western toilet. There are lots of potties throughout the park.

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Lazy Saturday

We enjoyed a lazy day around the house. Michael slept in. I blogged. Michael tried to fix my elliptical - seems I've worn out the belt. He and I drove around town looking for an auto shop which would have a belt that would work. We weren't successful. The kids played games with friends.

I wanted to make vegetable calzones for dinner. I LOVE the food at Airlie Center in VA. This recipe comes from there. I was trying to figure out how to make 1/4 of it with veggies and 3/4 with meat and cheese...when Michael said to make them all veggie and just add the cheese and ground turkey to 3 of them.....and everyone loved it....AND they ATE new veggies...I don't even know which was which as I don't remember ever eating parsnips or turnips before. LOL

Pure vegan yumminess!

Michael showed the kids a "magic trick"......this led to a long conversation about the best way to put out fires...and how impractical it would be to attempt to put out fires with vinegar and baking soda. 

Zander showed us all card tricks he remembered....

Stacia tried to figure out tricks Michael demonstrated. 

Just a wonderfully lazy Saturday...BTW Stacia does not really have black eyes. ::snort:: 

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Plan AHEAD

We have been taking food with us when we travel. Always. This allowed Michael and I take food we could eat while participating in the Daniel Fast. Somehow - I didn't have bread baked and so when it was time to make a picnic lunch I thought, "No bread for sandwiches  we'll just find a spot to stop in Hachinhohe."  This worked for five of the six of us....for myself....it was pitiful and hilarious.

Via Google Images

I ordered for everyone and then I looked for the salads...NONE!

Me: "Do you have a veggie burger?"

Manager called - very helpful and polite: "Veggie?"

Me: "Vegetable burger?"

Manager: "Vegetable Hamburger?" Laughing.

Me: Taking the laughter to mean this is an unfamiliar concept.  "Um no salada?"

Manage: "Hai, no salada."

Me: "Do you have a fruit cup in the back?"

Manager: Puzzled.

I wanted the family to try Shaka Shaka chicken. This is good. If I do eventually start eating meat once a month as suggested by doc.....THIS will be one of my monthly meals. ::snort:: I don't think they have these in the states...you get the hot chicken (and it tastes like REAL chicken as opposed to other McDonalds meat offerings) and you add the spice and shaka shaka....cheese or pepper.

Via Google Images

As they tried shaka shaka chicken and enjoyed their meals...I dug in my backpack for a snack. I have learned to bring something.....I found some PB Thins.... good but I'd had cantaloupe for breakfast and it was 2:00 p.m. 

I chose to feel empowered rather than deprived...but mostly I was HUNGRY.

I told Michael I would order a hamburger and eat the lettuce. He and the kids supplied me with lettuce (which tasted GOOD) and finally I caved and bought a small fry. I told Michael it WAS vegetable but he was quite sure it is not what the Dr. had in mind. LOL 

So....not a great vegan day for me today - but that's fine. It's about a lifestyle and not a sprint. I learned to plan ahead. I could have put a salad and tortilla in my back pack and had a salad wrap, I could have put an apple and some grapes in my bag...I just didn't think of it.

One last thing...in a funny, God-is-so-persistent type of way....I've been asked to join a corporate fast for some upcoming leadership decisions. It will be a 21 day fast and start on Monday. It will be a Daniel Fast...I have struggled with some feeling I'm far to "legalistic" about this whole food thing. I've eased up the past two weeks....adding some chocolate and bread and natural sweetener in...but the doctor did say, "Keep doing what you're doing - but add some fish and meat once a month." I love how God confirmed it's time to do what I was doing - even if others think it's too strict or legalistic.

Monday, I'll be back to the vegan plus lifestyle. LOL  And eventually, I'll be on a vegan diet that is a bit less restrictive...but this isn't really too hard at this point....if I PLAN AHEAD! I'll be in the states when it's time to break this fast and I am sort of wondering if I'll be able to find vegan food in that environment....may order some snacks to take with me....not sure there is time....gotta plan ahead. ::snort::

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Nejyo Castle Ruins & Historic Plaza

We found it this time, as opposed to this time! So glad Michael was with us. Directions, GPS Coordinates, and admission info below.  Combine this with a trip to Hachinohe City Museum (they share a parking lot).

This is the restored castle of Lord Moroyuki Nanbu, built in 1334.   Read a bit more below.

Sorry for the glare - didn't use flash but the lights were something in the room

"The remains of 354 raised-floor structures ad 82 sunken-floor structures were found, as well as gates, board fences, and pole fences. However, reconstruction focused on the style and methods employed during the 16th generation because the remains of the inner compound were found in good condition. The reconstruction work started in April 1985, centered on the stables, workshops, smith, storerooms and barn within the inner compound.

The displays inside the buildings are set up to give an image of daily life at that time based on Nanbu family documents and relics found at the site."

This was GREAT...we left with a better understanding of life in Ancient Japan and during the Samurai/Shogun era. Some of us also have dreams of building a Japanese style home in America...in the future. LOL

On the way to the castle reconstruction we stopped at this building. I wanted to grab some photos of the thatched roof for my brother Will, owner of a roofing business.

Yes, he DID hit his head on the beam and yes, I DID ask him to do it again for the camera. Love having him on these adventures with us.

This is a great model of the area....note the wide open spaces for picnics. Plan ahead if the weather is nice. Unfortunately, I didn't plan ahead. 

In addition to enriching our history studies of Japan, many got lots of PT too in the form of SQUATS!  This is not the element of architecture which we want to recreate in our future home.

Pretty sure the lighting is authentic to the period

Stacia wasn't sure what all the groaning was about

Look at the wide open spaces and LIGHT

Times:
09:00 - 17:00 (admission until 16:30)
Closed MONDAYS (Except the first Monday of each month and public holidays, if holidays fall on Monday, closed on Tuesday)
*Sometimes the museum is closed on the last day of each month for cleaning. Please call ahead.

 0178-41-1726  

Admission: 
Single - Adults - Y250; highschool Y150; Elementary/Jr High  Y 50
Combine for castle ruins - Adults Y400; High school Y240; Elementary/Jr High - Y80
Group rates for groups of 20 or more

GPS Coordinates: N 40*30.469’ E141*27.886’

Directions: 
Take Momishi Toll Road from Misawa to Hachinohe (or take route 45 out of Misawa). Requires 2 toll passes each way.

Turn right onto route 45 if you've taken the toll road.

Take the FISHING WHARF exit as you enter town

At the traffic light at the bottom of the hill, turn right under the overpass

Follow the road past the fish market, over the train tracks and over the bridge to route 104

Turn left on to route 104 at the traffic light.

Proceed down route 104 to the first traffic light.  Turn left.

Museum entrance  is on the left about 10 yards down the road.

Enter the parking lot and proceed left around the hedge row to the back parking lot.

*Note it is 5 min by car from the Hachinohe Interchange of the Hachinhohe Expressway.

Public Transportation: 
Take Nanbu Bus (red and white) or City bus (blue, grey and white) from JR Hachinohe Station. Get off the bus at the Nejo bus stop (15 minute ride). 


Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Hachinohe City Museum

I have been researching field trips which fit in with our year's study on Japan. We have completed our study on the Jomon Period. We visited the Sannai-Maruyama Ruins (in the winter) and we  plan on going back in nicer weather....but I thought I'd be doing this trip solo....and I have made several trips to that SIDE of Japan in the past month. I looked for something closer and was AMAZED to find the rich opportunities from this time period in Hachinohe - only 30 -40 minutes from our door.   I planned to visit Hachinohe-shi- Jomon Gakushu-kan Museum (Korekawa Arachaelological Museum).  I was praying it would be nice....During the research I found references to the Nejyo Castle Ruins and the adjacent Hachinohe City Museum. It appeared they were on the way to Koregawa and so I planned for us to visit all four in one day. TOO MUCH FOR OUR FAMILY. We visited this site and called it good.  Directions, GPS coordinates and admission info at the end of this post. Combine this trip with a visit to the Nejyo Castle Ruins and Historic Plaza. 

We are currently studying the Shogun/Samurai period. Any ideas on field trips are welcome. 

You can read about our prior blundering adventure when I attempted to find this solo. I realize NOW  the directions  were clear if you KNEW where the fish market is, but not clear if you are NEW TO JAPAN.....we drove right to it today and I added the exit to take off route 45 to help others who are new.

The Hachinohe City Museum is divided into four display areas.

The Archaeological Display focuses on the Jomon period and showcases discoveries dug from this very site in 1978-early 80's.  There are weapons, lots of pottery, burial sites, combs, tools, jewelry....can you imagine seeing (and touching) something which was around before the times of Jesus? Amazing.

Zander obviously dreams of being a Samurai Warrior

Michael and I commented on how rare it is for such things to be sitting out - no glass cases - etc. Obviously the Japanese have much more restraint and respect for relics than the average American museum goer.....the kids did amazing at not touching. I touched something before remembering where I was. 

Stacia was captivated by the jewelry and wondered if we could make some

 The people in this area seemed to have practiced "double burials." They would bury the dead and then, years later, dig up the remains and entomb them in pots, stored together in family groups.

This dish pattern hasn't changed much in thousands of years. 

The Historical Display covers the birth of the Hachinohe Government in the Edo period (17th Century). It shows the history of Hachinohe as a Castle Town and introduces the influence of the Meiji period as well. Lot's of fun Samurai weapons and armor to see in this room.

This map was OLD - I believe from the 16th century? Anyway, it fascinated Zander. 

Beautiful Swords

Samurai Saddle and Stirrups

 This area was known for it's horse breeding....this drawing reminds me of the Tanesashi Coastal Area.

The Folklore Display was my personal favorite. It shows life for those in this area from early times to about 1950's. It covers their homes, farming, fishing, and faith. This room gave me several ideas of antique items I'd like to find before we move in ::gasp:: nine months.

I have a wooden box like this sitting on my dresser. I purchased it at the "Dirty Obi Shop" in Towada.... Now I know how it  was originally used.

Soy beans

 We haven't been able to buy brown rice on the economy. I've been told it simply isn't "Japanese Rice." Today I learned, earlier in Japan's history, the very poor would eat "unpolished rice" and save polished rice for special celebrations. I also learned until the mid 1950's the poor would mix millet with rice for every day use....which sounds like a good idea to me.

A winnowing basket...I'd like to find one...I can see so many ways to display it at home.....

And look - DENIM Kimonos. This proves jeans are international and have been around a long, long time. ::snort::

Coal Iron 

Rice Steamer 

I have one of these tea pots 

WHAT would the tube be for? It isn't hollow. 

I'd love to find one of these....Guess what it is?

 It was used to carry rice out to the fields

Straw Cradle

The final display room is the Folk Story/ Song Display. This would be great fun if you knew Japanese. It was fun to sit down, press the buttons and guess what you were being told from the photos. Our younger two matched the stories I've been reading to them with the displays. ::grin::

Note: This was a GREAT museum and with the castle ruins  next to it it makes for a full day.  They had MANY English signs and placards which made this a fantastic learning experience for us. Much better than the museums we've visited and had no clue what we were seeing.  The staff was friendly and helpful. I do have some English Brochures they gave me if you'd be interested in one.  I recommend, in nice weather, you plan ahead and bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds. Many were doing so.

English Tour Guides are available if you call a week in advance! This would make a great group field trip - with enough adults to make sure children aren't touching artifacts.

Times:
09:00 - 17:00 (admission until 16:30)
Closed MONDAYS (Except the first Monday of each month and public holidays?)
*Sometimes the museum is closed on the last day of each month for cleaning. Please call ahead.

0178-44-8111     Homepage 

Admission: 
Single - Adults - Y250; highschool Y150; Elementary/Jr High  Y 50
Combine for castle ruins - Adults Y400; High school Y240; Elementary/Jr High - Y80
Group rates for groups of 20 or more

GPS Coordinates: N 40*30.469’ E141*27.886’

Directions: 
Take Momishi Toll Road from Misawa to Hachinohe (or take route 45 out of Misawa). Requires 2 toll passes each way.

Turn right onto route 45 if you've taken the toll road.

Take the FISHING WHARF exit as you enter town

At the traffic light at the bottom of the hill, turn right under the overpass

Follow the road past the fish market, over the train tracks and over the bridge to route 104

Turn left on to route 104 at the traffic light.

Proceed down route 104 to the first traffic light.  Turn left.

Museum entrance  is on the left about 10 yards down the road.

Enter the parking lot and proceed left around the hedge row to the back parking lot.

*Note it is 5 min by car from the Hachinohe Interchange of the Hachinhohe Expressway.

Public Transportation: 
Take Nanbu Bus from JR Hachinohe Station going via the Shiho Center, getting off at the Nejo bus stop (15 minute ride).

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...