Our last week in Japan in June 2016

In Ischin's apartment, Masumi placed this baby photo of Ischin which I left at their house, next to the TV.  Ischin said he thought that she just put it there cause she wanted to see a baby.

Ayaka, Ischin's sister-in-law, with her little boy, hanging out with me at Ischin and Masumi's

 

Ayaka enjoys trying to speak english. We had such a nice time, and she helped me exchange some japanese things and buy the right kind of Sake to take back to the States.

With Masumi we got to see this little bear a friend of hers made for Halle. 
 What's unique is that it weighs the same that Halle weighed at birth, but everyone felt strange. Because it felt so heavy. I talked about "dead weight". The breath of life and spirit in a body makes all the difference.

We missed Sheon's birthday in the States, but this was fun to see. From Naomi. For June 18th.

One day when driving near Hirahara,

 I had to stop my car to take photos~ Japanese are usually so great at driving on these narrow roads. 

This driver ended up down in the fields somehow~ I can imagine how! (cell phone driving)

  Masumi's mama, Mikiyo preparing to dress me in Kimono. It's her hobby, kimono wear. She has a whole room with drawers and drawers of them. Ischin didn't even know that room, right next to this living room, was only for kimono wear.
  I would meet with another kimono dresser and Mikiyo for a second fitting, and then a third time for the real, final time to go to a Shrine in celebration and prayer for Halle the last day of this trip in Japan, on June 21st.

I always felt so old looking wearing kimonos in the past. Now I am old! And trying to wrap belts around my middle the women kept saying ギリギリ meaning that they could barely get the belt to around and tied. I laughed, but felt sorry for them.

  I thought this inside wear was SO beautiful. Very subtle colors and designs. I still don't understand how hiding such beauty on the inside  makes any sense.
  I really did appreciate air conditioning here, in the house. It was getting more humid... This was only the first time of three times being dressed for what would be my last day this trip, in Japan: A trip to a Shrine which was scheduled for Halle

And this lovely design on the back. The small things can mean so much!

Halle slept right near by.

We had a little get together at Cafe Ocean with some friends and students from the past. It was a rainy day outside, and inside was so perfect!

Rikako and Jennifer!

 Speaking of old friends~ Misa came up from Osaka for a night just to visit with us. Misa used to work for our school too, how many years ago?

 The last day in Japan. At a traditional kimono shop, we were dressed. Mikiyo and I were dressed first in case Halle wanted a last nursing.

 The plan for the day was, if Halle was awake, first we'd go to the professional photographers and then when Halle slept we'd go to the Shrine. Or vice versa. It ended up the Shrine was first while she slept.

I couldn't get any original photos yet. But this was sent by cell phone, when we were at the Shrine for Halle.

I did feel sorry Masumi's father who couldn't join us. He's wheelchair bound. There wasn't wheel chair access in this old Ibun Jinja Shrine. He waited in his car. The only consolation was, maybe, that at least there was air conditioning in the car.

The original photos, we'll get next trip to Japan. 

More getting around in Japan, Aichi-ken!

Halle!!! I got to play with her has I had with all my kids!

Then there was our old kitty Sylvester we got to catch up with. Tatsuro, at his home, Sylvestor is perfectly content. He isn't quite the "BAKE-NEKO"  yet. (Ghost Cat~ for his age) 

Taka left 日本 before I did. Long time friend Hiroaki had time to drive together. The roads have changed alot, I thought I'd get lost returning home! But it was all so cool to catch up with Hiroaki

It was perfect. Halle's mama Masumi had known Hiroaki from her work place, and Hiroaki was so happy~

happy to meet Halle!

That evening I got a ride with Hiraoki to his and Hiromi's home.
We had PIZZA from 日本の Costco!

Some more photos of Halle~

Back in California, Zen visiting with his girlfriend, with Sheon and David on their way to Yosemite.

In IseJingu, some more of what there is

Can you see this?!
It's a convenience store in an old, traditional building. It's actually in the middle of the tourist shops!

And then there is the traditons "key" coffee. Along with soft cream, and with green tea soft cream.

Took me back!

One traditonal "things" shop we walked in and up there on the left were little platforms, which a Mama bird flew up onto to feed her babies. In and out. The owners have a hold it the door for during nights. This is typical all over, to accommodate the sparrows!

 

I was taking a photo of the front of this KIMONO shop, when this guy driving a SHINSHA, said in English "HELLO!... Where are you from?!". A Tokyo businessman left Tokyo to ride customers around in that little cart! He did look happy, Likely it felt better, business man in Tokyo, sad!

  

An early lunch...before heading out of town.