A Gift from the Kitties

Well, we feel terrible--we weren't able to save this poor bird from our cats! No more than 5 minutes transpired between letting the cat out and reaping the benefit of her stealth. Unfortunately the lens on the camera kept fogging over because of the humidity outside, so hopefully you can see it clearly enough.

**This may be hard for some of you to watch; perhaps knowing that we ensured the little critter was dead before filming will make you feel better!**

A little humor for our Spanish-speaking amigos

Below are pictures of two local Japanese cars:




Did anyone notice the "Moco" is green in color?!

Anybody Else Feel This Earthquake?

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2008ufav.php

6.0! The sliding-glass doors in the back were shaking, the metal latches on our T.V. stand were clinking and some of the pictures frames around the house are a little off-center. That was the strongest one we've felt here yet!

**If you felt the quake and want to report it, fill out this form:
http://pasadena.wr.usgs.gov/shake/ous/STORE/X2008ufav/ciim_form.html

Adri's Garden

I went outside to water the garden this morning and was in for a big surprise--my cherry tomatoes are ripening! It literally happened overnight, or so it seems. It is probably because it is so warm outside.







Let's hope the watermelon seedlings can weather the Okinawan heat!



My basil is doing great after I planted it in the ground, with the exception of these pesky little red beetles. They seem to love my acorn squash seedlings--those plants are not doing so hot!


I wonder what type they are? Where is Uncle Gary when you need him?

Fourth of July Weekend

Happy Independence Day everyone!

After enjoying several barbeques on both Friday and Saturday afternoon, we spent Saturday evening at the Torii Station Jazz and Wine Fest.

The first video posted is of 4 little children (they looked to be under the age of 8 years) who are dressed as Shisa Dogs and are dancing. Their costumes were really neat and they did a really great job!

One of our favorite shows of the evening was that of Okinawan drummers...they were really working up a sweat! From our home, you can frequently hear drummers practicing in the distance at nighttime (9-10pm) for the many festivals that take place throughout the year.

Our festivities ended by watching fireworks and enjoying ice cream complimentary of the Gibbs. Thanks again!

Naughty Kawaii

Our black kitty has a paper fetish--bills, letters, magazines, scriptures--anything paper, if left out (including the budget worksheet in this video that was left on the dining room table last night) is likely to get chewed up!

I finally caught her in the act this morning:

And she doesn't even care that I was watching!

Chinese Botanical Gardens

Last weekend, along with the Gibbs and the Mierjewskis, we made it to the Chinese Botanical Gardens in Naha.

Unfortunately, we were 6 minutes too late to make it into the gardens for the last viewing.

(I swear, half the battle of site-seeing in Okinawa is actually finding the place you are looking for; the other half is showing up to the place before it closes!!)

Here are some pics of what we could view from the front gate:

The salt outside of one's home or business place is supposed to protect guests and ward off evil:

There was a pretty little park across the street.

Ron was getting his "work-out on"!

Carolyn has a way of finding all sorts of Okinawan stray cats. Secretly, I wanted to tease her by calling her "Elmira." (I am affectionately known as the neighborhood "stray cat lady" myself!)

Our MAIN purpose in getting together was to eat at the Naha Harbor Diner. Many of you may know it as the big Banyan tree on the left-hand side of 58 on your way to Naha airport. The food is pricey and NOT very good, but, alas, the view was wonderful. And to be among good friends...that is always the best.