Outdoors Day

Today was to be our long awaited, and oft cancelled trip to Towada Horse Park. I'd not been too worried when plans fell through twice before for us to go. I knew we'd go with the chapel on 20 July - Chapel Summer Activities....our picnic was packed, but unfortunately....it was not to be. They are typically closed on Mondays....or Tuesdays if Monday is National Holiday. As you may remember, yesterday was OCEAN DAY.  We knew this may happen.

The group called and said we were going to Swan Park instead. We love both Swan and Liberty park; both are less than 10 min from our house. Off we went. It was a great group today. Lots of fun for all in our family.

We headed to Shimoda mall when we left the park. I bought some produce and some fresh salmon to grill for dinner.

When we got home, we realized it was too hot for any of us to want to do school AND there was still much of the day left.

We went to Veedol Swim Beach. SCORE. The bathrooms were open (we'd thought they'd only be open on the weekends until August), the beach was pretty empty... it was cooler than our house, AND Anna and kids happened to be there. They enjoyed  a rousing game of football on the beach and in the ocean. I'm not sure I've mentioned that most our beaches around here are rather littered. We've got to beware of  broken glass or tin cans. That is not the case at the swim beach. They groom it. There's a HUGE mountain of sand - so I think they keep it pretty well covered and such....we couldn't find sea glass or sand dollars...but no broken glass, strange garbage or tin cans either. The kids really like swimming here. Jared and Arielle mentioned how clean the water is. I guess they aren't particularly impressed with swimming at the base lake. No one had mentioned that to me before. LOL The bathrooms and showers here are certainly cleaner. ::snort::  We'd like to try again with the kayak.....

 Arielle is becoming a lovely young lady, inside and out. I've been thrilled to watch her confidence in social settings increase. She's really coming out of her shell.

Stacia loved that I came in (though not far; it was COLD)...here she gives me non-stop encouragement and swimming tips...."Hop, Mom, hop like this". Yes, I DID have the camera in the ocean...not to fear it wasn't the Nikon DSLR...this is why Michael buys me point and clicks these days.

They've built a cove out of tertrapods....out by the flag it is over Arielle's head....the older ones like the depth....the younger ones are detoured by the waves....and there is a lifeguard on duty...though he's WAY far away from the ocean. I don't quite understand the thought on his placement.

The one shell of the day

Michael, remember the wall we walked on last year? It now sports and English sign....and there were many bikes parked on the wall and elderly Japanese gentlemen  over the barricade fishing....guess they figured only Americans would be criminal to cross it? ::snort::

I discovered my Lands End suit of 3 years ago....has lost its elastic. I'm trying to find another online...but it's a bit late in the season. I guess I can keep using safety pins. LOL

We came home and enjoyed a dinner of grilled salmon, grilled potatoes, buns and fruit. Dessert will be the next post. Mike Skyped....practically, nearly perfect day.

Amazing that last week I was thinking we must not get a summer in Misawa....it was COLD, rainy and foggy....this week....mid 80's...wonder how long it will last?

Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...