OUR OKINAWAN ADVENTURE AND BEYOND, 2005-2009

Lush Foliage and Farmlands

2009-04-06T09:41:00.015+09:00

Rice padi fields in Yaka

An egret in the rice padi fields

The stunning Okinawan water

2009-04-06T08:56:00.014+09:00

This was a lovely cove we discovered on the West side of the island yesterday in Onna.
I love the low tide and the patterns it leaves behind. This is the East Coast of the island, North of Camp Hansen in Ginoza.

This is Oura Wan beach on Camp Schwab where we rented a kayak for an hour on the open water. This is also the same beach where I had my Aquathon last July. I wasn't brave enough to bring my camera into the kayak, but this is the beach departure point.

This is overlooking Ishikawa, south of Camp Hansen, on the way to Camp Courtney where we used to live. This is on the East side or Sea of Japan side.

This is a stunning beach, Kanna Beach, behind our favorite Japanese Bath house, down the street from Camp Hansen. We had no idea how stunning this beach was with its unique rock formations. The lighting was perfect and we stayed till sundown.

This is probably my favorite shot of the trip thus far. We were driving through some farm fields in Kin Town, down the street from Hansen, and came across this low tide scene. I love it!

Our Reunion in Okinawa, Ain't life grand?!?

2009-03-23T10:35:00.010+09:00

A stunning morning on Camp Hansen. This is the view from our room. The chapel is the building directly across from us with the mountains looming in the background. I've always loved this base.

Living room
Great kitchen! Bigger than our old house's.

Dining room

Office area

Bedroom

Bathroom

James showing me the wonders of Jiffy Pop!
On a beach down the road in Kin Town.

You have to marvel at the wonders of air travel. One moment I'm in chilly MD, awaiting the arrival of spring, the next day I'm in tropical Okinawa with my toes in the sand, collecting sea shells. I love this place! ;)

Merry Christmas from Okinawa to Maryland!

2008-12-29T04:53:00.019+09:00

It's so nice to have the international move and 12 hour flight behind me. The cats made it just fine, and I was so grateful to be home for my Dad's 76th birthday, Christmas and my birthday on the 31st. The four cats are managing to mingle better than we thought.
Seymour on Santa patrol.

Sasha's found a new favorite window.

Toni and Cleo looking for their gifts from Santa...;)

All the stockings hung with care...even for the four kitties. ;)

This is our main tree in the living room...

My kid's tree in the dining room with treasured ornaments from my childhood.

My patriotic tree to honor my Marine. This is a tradition I'd like to continue.

Christmas dinner with my parents....

In Tokyo, waiting for them to ready the plane for the 12 hour flight to Dulles, Washington, DC.

A festive Japanese home in my neighboorhood.

Spending some time with Santa and his elf at our unit Christmas party in Okinawa

Posing with our newly stuffed snowmen. Jenny, left, later paid for a dress blues uniform for my snowman. ;)

Benehana dinner and Holiday Lights at the Mormon Temple

2008-12-29T03:48:00.005+09:00

After our delicious Benehana meal with our good friends, Simin and John

Merry Christmas from Christianne and her sassy felines.

2008-12-11T23:26:00.001+09:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

My farewell get together at Yakiniku Goen, Korean barbecue where you grill your own food

2008-12-04T23:03:00.006+09:00

Melissa and Heather, the hostesses of my event. I've known Melissa the longest of anyone on island. She presented me with some stunning flowers.

My dragon boat carpool girls, Angelique and Marsha

The music team from church...

Melissa's husband, Kurt, overseeing the grill with Ruben's input. ;)

Sunday Brunch at Tengan Castle, Camp Courtney

2008-12-04T22:58:00.005+09:00

This has become a new tradition for the music team at church and something I look forward to every week. Just looks at the gorgeous backdrop! Here I am with Heather and Yoshie.

Yoshie loves her American sweets. ;)

Heather and Dan

Thanksgiving 2008 at the Tatayon's

2008-11-28T14:46:00.013+09:00

Enjoying Thanksgiving with the NMCRS crew

Kids enjoying the Wii video games

Sherry playing Mommy to Eva

Eva's first taste of turkey. Verdict is still out if she likes it or not. ;)

Mazi watching the delicious array of food from outside.

Andrea and Marc carving the turkey.

With the girls..

The delicious spread...the rest was warming on the stove...

My ikebana Thanksgiving cornucopia with gords, indian corn, Japanese cedar greens, wild rose berries, mums and fall branches.

My ikebana arrangements

2008-11-09T18:47:00.005+09:00

This was a freestyle dual arrangement with a variety of fall flowers and greens.

This arrangement was last week's. A freestyle slanting arrangement where the winter cherry blossom branches are the main subjects, representing Heaven (the tallest), Earth (second tallest), and Mankind (the shortest). This is the normal convention in Ikebana. Humbling, isn't it? You never want to compete with heaven, it is always honored by being the highest and most prominent. The supplements that support each subject here are the mums and the pink aster are the fillers to add body. Notice the negative space to the right of the arrangement. This is key in ikebana, always maintaining some negative space.

This was all tropical with the palms as fillers, anthuriums as supplements and hanabasho stalks as main subjects. This one only has heaven and earth.

This one featured eucalyptus as the main subjects, the orange flower from the bird of paradise family, princess heroconia, as the supplements, and the sunflowers and wax flowers as fillers.

My latest undertaking: Ceramic pouring in molds

2008-11-09T18:38:00.008+09:00

What started first as an interest in making a few Jack-o-lanterns for our future Halloweens evolved into a ceramic pouring frenzy! I already have Christmas items ready to be fired in the kiln. Here are my first few prized pieces. Enjoy!!

This one has Witten carved into the lid. Hard to see, but it's there.

This one reads Okinawa 2008, Happy Halloween.

A three piece pagoda...

Naha Tug of War

2008-10-14T20:59:00.007+09:00

One of several groups in the parade showing their strength in balancing an extremely heavy banner and pole. There were often several who would approach with support staffs to ensure the pole didn't tip over.

Parade sounds of the sea, a central part of the Okinawan economy.

The Tug of War is traditionally between East and West Naha with the West representing the farmers and the East representing the fisherman. Whichever side won was supposed to be prosperous for that year. We represented the West side and lost, but went down with a fight, pulling for over 30 mins in spurts as directed by the men standing on the rope.

Oktoborfest 2008

2008-10-14T19:22:00.007+09:00

This Oktoborfest was a bit bittersweet, since last year James and I celebrated his return from Iraq by going. This year, I went with some friends and made the most of the nite. Here I am with my rowing buddy, Angelique.

Cheers! with Yoly, fellow Navy Marine Corps Relief Society volunteer.

Hanging out with the band. ;)

Yes, I can dance the crazy chicken with the best of 'em. ;)

Believe it or not, this is a German Oom Pah Band singing Prince. ;)

And here's Sweet Home Alabama...another crowd favorite. ;)

Cats enjoying my new crochet blanket project

2008-10-09T12:24:00.008+09:00

I am alternating double and single crochet by row. My good friend Vinnie taught me and I used You Tube to refresh my memory...It's coming out really nicely and is such a comforting thing to do while James is gone. The cats enjoy helping me, too.

What are you looking at? ;) I'm comfy here...

Gee, Mom, what a comfy spot...Perfect for cleaning...;)

I didn't realize how wide I made it. It fits our queen size bed!

Kyoto Trip Video Highlights

2008-09-17T17:50:00.008+09:00

Massive wooden gate entrance to Chonin Temple

Evening Prayers at Chonin Temple. If you look closely, you can see smoke and ash from burning incense floating in front of my lens.

Shinto ceremony on the 1st of every month where business men and locals come to pray for prosperity. I've never heard this type of wind instrument before.

Stunning woodlands of the Fushimi Inari Shrine and its 100s of Torii gates. If I appear out of breath, its because we are hiking up the mountain side 1.5k through these famous gates.

Nara's Deer Park is truly a marvel. James made quite a few friends. ;)

The Todaiji Temple, largest wooden structure in the world. This is actually a rebuilt version, 2/3 of the original size! Nara was the original capital of Japan, before Kyoto.

Here is the largest Buddha in Japan, over 55 feet.

Stunning Okinawan Sunset

2008-07-27T16:30:00.004+09:00

This was Friday nite after a portrait shoot, on my way to dinner with some friends. Thank goodness I had my camera on me to capture this pre-storm sky....Enjoy...

Cat Antics- The cats had me in stitches over this one!

2008-07-27T16:14:00.009+09:00

The story of Queen Sasha, the babushka
You will address me as Sasha the babushka, you peasant cat!
I said kneel before me!
Unhand me you impertinent feline!
How dare you insert yourself in my royal laundry basket!?

I'm out of here! Off with his paws!!
Geeze! Talk about a high maintenance girl! Can't a man get any love around here??

Schwab Aquathon, 2.5 k run, 1 k swim, 2.5 k run

2008-07-21T15:09:00.009+09:00

Before the race starts...It's already 90 degrees...My training partner is to my right along with another spouse in the unit, 5 months pregnant with twins decided to attempt it with her one year old watching. Brave...

The starting gun goes off and the race begins...

A quick water break before transitioning to the swim

Headed to the water, sporting the latest in swimming fashion. ;)

That's me entering the water for the first of two laps...too bad the current got the better of me in my initial attempt. I was supposed to head towards the triangle on the horizon, to my left...I had to correct a bit...

Sporting our numbers, post race, after brunch. I'm 31...

My training partner and I sporting our new race tees

Definitely an awesome life experience...not sure when I'll do another one, though. ;)

Summer Dragons at Manza Race

2008-07-14T09:46:00.007+09:00

Our friends from the JSDF

Notice the mispelling of Haari on the billboard. ;)

A little too bright for my eyes, but here's our full team prior to racing.

Okuma Resort

2008-06-26T23:46:00.004+09:00

Okuma Cabin row

Scenic overlook

Mr. Hermit Crab

School of tiny fish

Sea creatures...

Gorgeous view of the North Beach

Okuma golf course

South Beach of Okuma

Kadena Dragon Boat Race

2008-06-26T23:35:00.004+09:00

Go Team B!!!

Team A sails past its competitors...

Go Team A!!!

Yoshie, Takako and Reiko San came out in support

Pre race photos with my Courtney gals.....

Spectators sporting the Okinawan towel head wrap.

The starting gun goes off...

Film crew capturing the race

The exhibition race

Close up of the Taiko drummers at the opening ceremonies.

These Taiko drummers were amazing! So spirited and they couldn't be more than teenagers. Check out the stance of the girl closest to the camera. I was so touched how the young embrace something so unique to their culture. You can also see the brightly colored rowers in the background kicking things off with an exhibition race as part of the opening ceremonies.

Yoron Island with James

2008-06-18T14:54:00.024+09:00

We arrive at Yoron Jima....Our first day was grey, but we still made the most of it and biked the 13.5 miles around the whole island. Too bad I didn't bring my camera. We got some of the most beautiful shells ever! The photos below are of our grey second day and finally, a sunny morning on the day of our departure. Enjoy!

View from the Greek restaurant

Inside the Greek restaurant where we had lunch our second day. Yoron is sister isle to Mykonos.

James heading up to our bungalow.

Enjoying our first sunny day!

View of the wedding gazebo with a water skier in the background.

View of the resort

View of the marina from our lunch spot.

James showing off his hashi (chopstick) skills

Outside our favorite lunch spot.

Vroom! Vroom! ;) Trying to make the most of our remaining hours on island, we rented mopeds. Little did we know we would get soaked by rain an hour into our ride.

Mamma Goat taking care of business. Whoops!

Lord, please protect me from my need for speed. ;)

James, waiting patiently while I snap this scenic shot.

Like most islands near Okinawa, the economy is agriculture-based.

Japanese cemetery

Henoko Summer Dragon Race

2008-06-05T10:05:00.003+09:00

The video is a bit shaky as James was braving the rough surf to film. I am the second from the front on the right in a white hat. As you can see with these smaller boats, staying in sync is the key to finishing the race and preventing as little flooding as possible in the boat. Team C was second to Team D but most heats had at least one boat sink or capsize. None of our 4 teams had this happen.

Dragon Boat 2008

2008-05-20T17:06:00.016+09:00

Nirai Kanai, Gods of the Sea, Dragonboat race day

2008-05-06T14:03:00.004+09:00

Jitters and excitement before the race!

Victory for the team of all ages!

Okinawan Calisthenics on race day

2008-05-06T13:50:00.000+09:00

Every team had their own unique technique for warming up.

My Recent Gift Shop Appearance

2008-05-06T12:00:00.000+09:00

I was able to knit a baby blanket in my down time. Total net for me was $188, but I had several friends who gave me business outside of the shop. The Thailand photos went over really well. James came on my last day to take me to lunch and photograph my set up. ;)It was slow in general. I think the state of the economy is noticeably affecting retail here.

Ie Jima Lily Festival, April 27, 2008

2008-05-06T11:15:00.000+09:00

Men selling local awamori in their kariyushi wear (summer business attire)

On the ferry ride over to Ie island.

My first official dragon boat practice on the boat

2008-04-21T08:40:00.003+09:00

James was able to shoot this of my rowing. Sorry it's sideways. As you can see it is grueling work. May 5th is D-day when we will race one mile with a turnaround point in a little over 5 minutes. Go Navy!

Okinawan Idol Karaoke Contest-Final Round, Final Song

2008-04-08T19:17:00.002+09:00

I actually sang this song to James during our wedding shower in Charlotte, some of you may remember. ;) I sure do love my Marine.

Okinawan Idol Karaoke Contest-Final Round

2008-04-08T19:01:00.002+09:00

I chose Peggy Lee's Fever for my 1st song in the final round.

Okinawan Idol Karaoke Contest

2008-04-08T18:37:00.002+09:00

In order to raise money for the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society Annual Active Duty Fund drive, I entered an Okinawan Idol competition. I made it to the top 5 and did my best to "work the crowd," ;) Anyone care to Vogue? ;)

My first official 5k race!!!

2008-04-06T17:13:00.004+09:00

James was my biggest supporter and never let me stop. I achieved my goal of running under 30 minutes without stopping. My final time was 28.50 which earned me a second place silver medal in my age group: 20-29. I finished 19th out of 64 women. I couldn't believe it!! ;) My next goal is to try and get my time down to 26 minutes.

Easter in Okinawa

2008-04-06T16:52:00.006+09:00

Yes, James and I dyed Easter eggs this year, egg arounds and all! ;)

The finished product!

Below: The yummy baked chicken dish I made stuffed with cornbread stuffing and pecans, served in a cream sauce with sauteed onions and mushrooms. ;)

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Team

2008-03-11T20:32:00.006+09:00

Some of the great ladies I get to work with. The Director, Andrea, is in pink and her Assistant, Carol, in brown up front.

My latest endeavour: Rowing on the women's Navy team!

2008-03-11T20:24:00.005+09:00

Don't worry, Mom, I'll try not to get too buff. ;)

Our new couch!

2008-03-11T20:11:00.005+09:00

The Art of mochi making at Takako-San's house

2008-01-22T22:15:00.000+09:00

My Okinawan friends invited me over for a very traditional New Year's tradition: making mochi, a pounded rice cake dessert. The Okinawan tradition actually involves wrapping the mochi in a beautiful leaf that, when steamed, smells of wonderful rosemary. Some of these leaves came straight from their garden or from the market down the street. I thought it interesting that as much as I enjoy Japanese textiles in our home decor, many Okinawans love frilly lace and more European country motifs in their home.

2008-01-22T22:12:00.000+09:00

Before we begin, a little snack from Reiko-San's kitchen- sweet bean flavored mochi.

It's so darn sticky, you've got to wind it around your chopsticks to eat it.

Or you can always go the route Takako-San went and eat it directly from the leaf, like peeling a fruit roll up off the plastic. ;)

2008-01-22T22:10:00.000+09:00

Takako-San and Reiko-San getting ready to make mochi.

A quick glimpse at a very traditional Okinawa meal: fried tofu, bundled seaweed, cut pieces of condensed fish cake, steamed daiko/radish, and my favorite, although I dare not taste it: pigs feet. ;)

Sporting my apron Takako-San lent me. ;) Now let's make some mochi...

2008-01-22T22:07:00.000+09:00

Mixing the powdered rice, almost like flour, with water to form a dough, which can be flavored in several ways..

The taste test for sweetness. We made two kinds of mochi; brown sugar and white sugar.

With some work and heavy handedness, a strong dough forms.

2008-01-22T22:06:00.000+09:00

Preparing the mochi mound for the leaf

You pat it down a little bit to secure it...

The folding begins...

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You continue to fold it neatly, tucking in the top of the leaf and folding up the sides.

You will eventually secure the leaf with a bit of twine. We color coded our two different mochi flavors; white twine for white sugar mochi, and green twine for brown sugar mochi.

The final product, ready to be steamed. This was the toughest part for me, wrapping my mochi just right so it wouldn't ooze out the sides of the leaf. My friends kept having to redo mine, because I was either using too much mochi, or squeezing it too hard onto the leaf or simply not folding the leaf securely around the mochi. It's almost like oragami.

2008-01-22T22:01:00.000+09:00

Preparing mochi leaves to be steamed.

One layer is already steaming...

We were able to eventually have two types of mochi steaming at one time. I've never seen a steamer quite this large, a triple decker!

2008-01-22T21:59:00.000+09:00

Voila, after twenty minutes of steaming...

The mochi is separated.

The mochi is ready to be served...This one is the brown sugar version we made. It is quite sticky, so chopsticks are used to twirl a small bit around the two chopsticks before eating. You can always eat the mochi straight from the leaf.

2008-01-22T21:56:00.000+09:00

Reiko-San working on wrapping some mochi leaves to steam

Taking a break to eat an Okinawan lunch with Reiko-San and Takako-San

Takako-San and her husband, Sokiichi-San.

My new wedding kimono, Look at this stunning piece of artwork!

2008-01-22T21:54:00.000+09:00

2008-01-22T21:53:00.000+09:00

Gift Shop debut

2008-01-16T21:52:00.000+09:00

Happy New Year from Southeast Botanical Gardens, Okinawa, Japan!

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Laser Light Show

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Tropical Fruits for the New Year: Starfruit, dragon fruit and kiwi

2008-01-05T16:06:00.000+09:00

Gingerbread cookie making

2007-12-26T19:10:00.000+09:00

Our first official ginger man, complete with bow tie and ruffles. I think James has found his true calling in baking and icing! ;)

2007-12-26T19:08:00.000+09:00

Believe it or not, these are Christmas gingerbread cookies, and they taste pretty good too.

Our attempt at a free hand gingerbread man. He looks a bit lop-sided, and the bunny next to him is pretty amorphous too.

James begins the finishing touches with icing...

2007-12-26T19:06:00.000+09:00

James begins trying to shape the sticky dough into a flat roll for cookie cutting.

Molasses sure is sticky!

Our first batch of gingerbread Christmas cookies.

Christmas Day Preparations

2007-12-26T19:03:00.000+09:00

James gets up early and makes delicious biscuits from scratch!!! How pampered I am! ;)

After our Christmas morning service.

Christmas Eve Preparations in Okinawa

2007-12-26T19:00:00.001+09:00

Dance of the Sugar Plum Seymour

2007-12-26T19:00:00.000+09:00

James Carves the Christmas Ham

2007-12-26T17:56:00.000+09:00

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Christmas Eve Supper is Served

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Enjoying a moment with our friends, the Studers, after the Christmas Eve service.

2007-12-26T17:33:00.000+09:00

Posing after the evening service with Yoshie, our friend and church pianist.

Enjoying our first official Christmas Eve together in our own home.

2007-12-26T17:31:00.000+09:00

James enjoys some Pannetone (Italian Fruitcake) with some Baileys before we commence opening the presents!

James received some beautiful family heirloom cuff links. How debonair!

Christianne opens her childhood stocking which James stuffed with all her/his favorite sweets. ;)

2007-12-26T17:27:00.000+09:00

Seymour enjoying his catnip mouse

Sasha enjoying her catnip mouse

Christianne is excited about watching her DVD mysteries: Cadfael and Poirot.

Second Art Show, Dec. 22, featuring my portrait services, scenic work and mother's cards

2007-12-26T17:21:00.000+09:00

My First Art Show, November 17

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232nd Marine Corps Birthday Ball Videos

2007-11-08T11:44:00.000+09:00

232nd Marine Corps Birthday Ball

2007-11-08T11:35:00.000+09:00

James sporting his new, hard-earned medals and I sporting my designer dress my Mom made ;)

I love my Marine. What a killer smile he has! ;)

With some girlfriends at the ball

2007-11-08T11:31:00.000+09:00

Cpl Sariano, Cpl Brown, Sgt Thompson and James

Looking not so tough ;)

Capt Chad Grimmett and James

2007-11-08T11:20:00.000+09:00

James with his faithful friend, Doc Lunsford.

Me and Heidi

James with his Marines, Cpl Sariano and Cpl Brown.

James and I after the Change of Command Ceremony for his unit

2007-11-08T11:17:00.000+09:00

My hero is back safe and sound!

2007-11-08T11:14:00.000+09:00

Okinawan Sunset

2007-09-07T21:39:00.000+09:00

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The Morning of our departure

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Enjoying a stunning sunset our last night.

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Exploring on Moped

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Lunch overlooking the Marina

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Sunset at Yoron Jima-1st Night

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Yoron Jima Blossoms

2007-09-06T22:31:00.000+09:00