Ischin and Masumi came to California for their late honeymoon and for Christmas with us and a New Year’s holiday in Hollywood and Disneyland. I was so impressed Ischin drove all that he did, and even got to visiting an olive oil farm.
Mom and Dad came too, from Dec. 27th. We just seriously missed Zen, who’s basketball team was in mid season play around Japan. It was Frank’s first time to meet Kieahla. So many of us, and that Naomi and Karl’s house was big enough to have us all was so fantastic!
Golf with cousin Yota, and Sheon's David:
I get to babysit Kieahla once a week, though it’s really not enough time! I try to go see them, at least Naomi and Kieahla, sometimes I get Sheon-chan too. Taka and I live 30 minutes south of Santa Cruz, still it’s Santa Cruz County.
Thia is Naomi's family's Christmas photo! Picture perfect!!!The only thing missing was ZEN! In Japan he's making waves! I give thanks to get to hear news, and see photos from afar, these are a couple~
CHINCHOGE....
'tis the season!!!
She is a hard one to keep happy.
For 7 years we have bought the dear plant, but couldn't keep her happy and she'd pass.
Last year Taka got me another one for my December birthday, and she lived with us!
Now, this year....
when those two little blossoms bloomed the smell stirred me as it always has done! That was on January 17th.
By January 28th:
Daphne they call it in the States.
It's the flower that makes me stop and think twice, and breath deeply, and feel it stir me to the depths of my belly.
It reminds my of my mother-in-law
And reminds me how special life is and...
I'm reminded how this special bush really won't grow in an environment that's not to its' liking.
It took the place of the flower I loved most as a child: Daffodile
And it took the place of the flower I loved most as a college student first living in California: Jasmine.
I really doubt another flower will ever take the place of Daphne for me.
Spring is in the air from now!
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