Springtime In Guam

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,JennyO
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 08:43 AM

Yes Brett, that aquarium you described did sound very much like ours. Unlike Sandra, I have been there, and only a few months ago too. We had my nephew and his wife visiting from the UK and we had to show them all the Sydney sights, which included the obligatory ferry trip, the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, the Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour, and of course, the James Craig.

Look after that lovely lady of yours, now. We'd love to show her our sights some day soon.

Jenny

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 11:27 AM

Brett,

I'm so sorry to hear that Wakana isn't well. Hope it is something that can be resolved. I'm glad you are there to support her. Hugs! Lots of hugs!
love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Amos
Date: 13 Jan 05 - 06:34 PM

Hey Brett!!

Remember the Surprise? The replica of the 18th century H.M.S. Rose we toured down on the waterfront? It was used to be the vessel Sophie in the movie "Master and Commander". A 28-gun frigate.

The San Diego Maritime Museum just purchased her!! She'll be a permanent exhibit, right alongside of the Euterpe (now

Yeehaw!! Reckoin Charley oughta come out here and escape the snow and visit her, ya think?? Now that the rain has stopped it would be a wicked improvement on his current climate.

A

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 13 Jan 05 - 09:02 PM

Is it raining in San Diego AGAIN!?!? Congratulations to the museum for a wise purchase. You ought to go down there and look up that young lady bo'sun who wanted sea chanties. Charley said he mailed he one of our CDs. It would be nice to know she got it.

Yesterday I took Wakana to physical therapy for the problem in her neck. By the time we got to the medical center she was in too much pain to get out of the truck. I hurried her up to the emergency room at GMH. After 7 1/2 hours in various waiting rooms we got the diagnosis. She has a herniated disk in her neck. She is to remain as still as possible and hurry her butt back to Japan for surgery. So it looks like we will be living in Japan for the near future. Her sister-in-law had the same problem and it took her 8 months to recover. Here's my chance for full immersion Japanese lessons.

Isn't there a Japanese Mudcatter?

Amy leaves tomorrow and my eyes tear up every time I think of it. Tomorrow morning will be tough. But this afternoon we will be going out on Scubaroo in a laast effort to visit the dolphins.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Amos
Date: 13 Jan 05 - 10:51 PM

I think Masato is Japanese, but I do not know that he lives there.

And I will go see that pretty little miss Boatswain! She sang a good shanty!! A couple of nice forebitters, as I recall, also.   :D

A

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 14 Jan 05 - 11:25 AM

Brett,

I'm sorry to hear the news, but it's good to know what the problem is, so you can get on w/ fixing it! Best to you both.

love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 09:31 PM

I have contacted Masato and we will be able to meet when I get to Japan. That should be fun.

Amy flew out yesterday morning, skipping out just ahead of Tropical Storm Kulap. Then the storm turned north and now looks to miss us anyway. By now she should be in Virgina and starting her long readjustment to local time. It was great to have her here and I miss her sorely.

On my return from the airport I saw a grass fire burning up high on the side of the mountain about half a mile from our house. We were upwind from the fire and were in no danger, but it was a spectacular sight. I ran home to get Wakana and drove her down to see it but by the time we got to the bottom of the hill she was in too much pain to appreciate it.

We have decided to fly out of here on Wednesday. We are making plans on how to transport her without any undue bumping or causing her any pain. Unfortunately we have to go up to visit the doctor before we go and Continental will not allow us to upgrade her ticket to fly first class on a medical transportation unless SHE personally is there to use her miles to pay for the upgrade. I guess the government isn't the only idiotic bureaucracy.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 06:54 PM

So sorry, Brett. Tell Wakana that we will add her to the candle list. Meantime, you may be the first Mudcatter to meet Masato face to face. Enjoy!

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 03:58 AM

We went to her doctor today. She has TWO herniated disks in her neck. I'll have to check the marriage certificate for warrnaty information!

To get to the doctor's office I had to build a bed in the back seat of the car for her to lie on. She arrived in some pain but much better than the last car trip of only 1/2 mile. The doctor agrees that she will have to fly first class and reclining the whole way. So, we fly out to Japan on Wednesday in first class seats. I've never flown first class before. Is it safe?

Last month we got a pint of real maple syrup in a Christmas box. Wakana was not impressed but today I had Gordon and Vicky join us for a late breakfast of pancakes and bacon. I made the pancakes from scratch and they turned out well. Wakana joined us from her perch lying on the floor. There is still a little maple syrup left. I keep thinking about the batch Willie-O gave me a few years back. That was good stuff, better than the commercial stuff.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,sandra in sydney
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 07:44 AM

enjoy? your flight in first class, & best wishes to Wakana for a smooth trip & immediate & successful medical treatment.

sandra

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 10:44 AM

Brett and Wakana-

Best wishes for success on your trip back to Japan.

Give Masato my best wishes as well when you meet him. We expect a full report about this intripid folk music researcher.

Bob Zentz is coming up to Boston in March for a concert with Rick Lee. We are trying to convince him to journey further north to Portsmouth. We may even offer him money!

Did you ever receive your copy of UNCOMMON SAILOR SONGS?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,Millie Webb
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 10:02 PM

Where in VA is Amy? Your daughter Amy is here in VA and my daughter and grandson are now in Guam for the next 2 1/2 years.
I just attended my first hammered dulcimer gathering in Newport News yesterday and had my first lesson with Timothy Seaman in Williamsburg tonight. I really like it! Any advise or suggestios from you Mudcatters?
Millie

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Donuel
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 02:40 PM

I can not recall a more enjoyable thread and virtual friends I would like to know.

To life.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 06:41 AM

Millie, my daughter is in Lynchburg putting up a determined resistance to Jerry Falwell's Liberty College from her own school. As for hammered dulcimer it is one of my favorite instruments and one that I have longed to play for many years. I look forward to meeting you and hearing you play.

Donuel, on behalf of my fellow travelers, thanks and know that we may all show up at your house if you keep talking like that. If we bring our own bottles can we play and sing all night?

Charley, we are working hard at putting Wakana back together again. I did receive my CD and enjoyed it but it was during my daughter's visit and I could not give it the due consideration it desreved. I also enjoyed Jerry Bryant's efforts at unexpurgated sailor songs but I have to say they were just what would expect and that the old songs lose nothing when they are cleaned up.

When I arranged for our tickets I also requested a wheelchair for Wakana. In Guam we had to wait half an hour before the promised wheelchair showed up. Then Wakana had to put up with the indignity of a 100% search. We arrived at the gate just as they were boarding the plane and she needed the bathroom. But we were flying first class so our seats were slighlty less comfortable than a living room recliner. We were served coffee and orange juice while we waited for the rest of the people to board back in the economy section. After we got into the air we had more coffee and then breakfast was served. They spread a table cloth over the tray and brought us omelets and croissants. We had jam served in little glass jars and real tableware made of metal, porcelin, and glass. Then we reclined our chairs and watched TV and movies until we arrived in Japan.

The wheelchair was waiting for us at the door to the plane. We headed off to immigration and then to customs, breezing through each one with no hitches, no searches, and no questions. The wheelchair left us in the seats outside of customs where Wakana's brother was supposed to meet us.

We waited for a time, I went off to change some money and I bought some soda, Wakana went off to find a bathroom and it occurred to me she should call her brother on his cell phone to tell him we were here and that he didn't need to park in the parking garage. Shortly after she left to find a phone Fumito grabbed me from behind in a friendly bear hug. We were just exchanging greetings when his cell phone began to ring. He answered it and then handed it to me. I said to Wakana, "I know where Fumito is!" Her mind was all set to hear Japanese and my English knocked her for a loop. After a little confusion it dawned on her that she was talking to her husband and that her brother had joined us. It turned out that he did better than that. He'd been there all along, asleep in the row of chairs right behind us!

Anyway, he drove us up to Nishinasuno and delivered us to Wakana's parents. After a lengthy greeting and discussion, very little of which I understood, we went to the family doctor's office. There I was dismayed and angered to see a doctor who was almost as useless as a human being can be. This was one of those stereotypical docotrs who is in love with his position as a man of learning and medicine. He talked to Wakana and her father for half an hour or more and never once looked at her. I didn't understand a word being said but I could see he was a man who loved the sound of his own voice. At one point he sanpped his fingers at a nurse so she could turn out the light over his desk, a switch he could have reached with the same effort as snapping his fingers. His hair was colored dark but fringed in natural grey and he had a mouth like Edward G. Robinson, frog like and wide. I was not happy and neither were Wakan and her father. He gave them no clear advice but dwelled on the value of exercise and stretching to keep such injuries from happening.

Today we went to the hospital in Otawaya City. We were in and out in a couple of hours and left with medicines and an appointment for physical therapy. She'd been interviewed, x-rayed, evaluated by a neurosurgeon and sent off to physical therapy. Tomorrow she starts her rounds of PT nd then in two weeks she gets re-evaluated. She is much happier today. Something is being done!

Tomorrow, after PT, we will go to town hall to get a list of organizations that are teaching Japanese. I want to start classes as soon as possible. It is one of my goals to get a good start on the language on this trip.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,sandra in sydney
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 07:59 AM

having had 4 days off work recently with the worse back pain I've ever had, I'm very pleased to know Wakanda is getting good treatment. I hope she didn't have to pay that useless doctor & that her family find a new one.

Have fun learning Japanese!

sandra

the ad below is for braintumour.org - once again,I wonder how google choses ads for each page!! Sorry, Max, I'm not inspired to click on it!!

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 09:30 AM

My best wishes to Wakana, too, Brett and add my thanks to Masato, if you meet him, for all the lyrics etc. he's helped with.

RtS

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 10:11 AM

Brett-

Glad you're keeping focused!

It's got to be difficult trying to keep track of important medical decision making with regard to a loved one when you haven't a clue what's being said. It's also difficult when the whole disourse is in medical English!

I hope that medical insurance is picking up the costs.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 11:25 AM

Glad to hear that your trip to Japan is safely completed. Hope all goes smoothly from here on it. I may be visiting Korea in March. I'll be in your part of the world. I'll blow you a kiss!

Barbara

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 21 Jan 05 - 03:16 PM

Hey Barbara, stop by as long as your local -GRIN-

The medical system here is interesting to say the least. It is modern and up to date but it has little quirks. Wakana talks about losing her energy and stability sometimes and this seems to be terminology she picked up from her doctor. It makes sense but it doesn't seem to be proper medical terminology.

The hospital we are going to looks like a second rate American hospital. It could use a coat of paint and some new tile on the floors. But they process people trhough there very quickly and they know what they are doing. Wen we arrived yesterday for her PT she took her appointment card to the desk. they popped it into the machine. We walked down to the orthopedic section where they had her file waiting for us. Then we headed down to PT where they quickly ushered her in for treatment. Afterwards we walked back to the front of the hospital to deliver the file to the front desk. There was a short wait and then we were called on to pay the bil and we departed. Total time in the hospital, about 45 minutes. The bill? $2.22. The national health insurance system picked up the rest.

Of course her treatment looked like it belonged in Hollywood7s version of a medieval dugeon. There was a cable and a couple of pullies, and a steel drrick arm and a set of leather straps. They buckled the straps on to her head and the machine lifted for about fifteen minutes. She spent the rest of the day asleep.

Yesterday afternoon I walked out to explore. I wandered down to a used stuff place called Hard-Off where I bought a little backpack. Then up to Doki-Doki, another used stuff place and then on to Kanseki, a hardware store. After that I visited Sega-World which was a video gaming place. They had a row of machines there into which you dropped coins. The arm swept back and forth and eventually, if you dropped enough coins, you could push out more coins. Well, while I stood there looking at the machine some coins dropped out. So I began playing. It was good free entertainment. I enjoyed myself but I didn't feel right taking the money so I let it there when I left. I'm sure someone enjoyed it.

Today I will become mobile. We will go buy a bicycle so I can explore the town some more.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 21 Jan 05 - 03:22 PM

By the way, it's bloody cold in this office. I haven'been this cold in a long, long tome.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Amos
Date: 21 Jan 05 - 03:32 PM

Brett,

How long do you project your stay in Japan to be?

A

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 26 Jan 05 - 03:47 AM

I have an appointment at the American Embassy around the end of February so I will be here at least that long, possibly longer depending on how things work out with Wakana.

The effort to buy a bicycle went nowhere. It seems that the Japanese have little experience with giants and do not make bicycles or clothes for us. If I want a bicycle to fit me I need to have one custom built.

I took a long walk yesterday. I had myself dropped off at the Nishinasuno town line and walked home, about 4 miles. I stopped at various shops along the way including Video Bomber and Trench Town. Video Bomber rent's videos. There are no employees in the place, just vending machines. Most of the videos are porn.

Trench Town was similar to one of our Army Navy Salvage stores combined with a Deadhead/Punk store. Pretty funky but the proprietor was listening to some pretty cool blues when I was in there.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Jan 05 - 10:08 AM

Brett-

You need to find a place that caters to Suma wrestlers. They should have lots of appropriate accessories for a fellow of your stature and class.

Will you have enough time to connect with Masato? I haven't got a clue how close he is to where you're staying but if it's a reasonable distance a lot of us Mudcatters would cherish a full report on your findings.

More snow today, subzero weather, and gale-force winds.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 02:13 AM

Actually I have his address and phone numbers as well as his email address. I plan to call him today about getting together this weekend. I'm looking forward to it. I once met a Mudcat who I thought was male until I met her. She swore me to secrecy so I think she is enjoying the gender role.

Wakana and I went for a walk today! I think the therapy is working. We went down to McDonald's for lunch and then visited Doki-Doki where she bought a new bag (315 yen). Then we hit the 100 yen shop where I bought some birthday presents for my niece. She was pretty tired when we got home. She is back in bed now.

This morning was beautiful. the sky was incredibly blue and the air was so clear we could see individual trees on the mountains off to the west. West of us is a solid wall of mountains standing tall and covered with snow. The northernmost is Nasu Mountain, a quiet volcano from which the town gets its name, Nishinasuno. The mountains cannot compare to the Rockies but they are a beautiful barrier and backdrop. On the way home from the hospital this morning we topped the rise over the railroad bridge and the whole panorama opened up in front of us. I literally gasped at the sight. This is a lovely place once you get beyond the buildings and brown dirt in the fields. I would love to see it in the summer when the fields are all ponds of rice.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,Masato
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 09:01 AM

Charley and Roger,

Thanks, I've received your best wishes in advance. Brett called me today and we talked for a while. We'll meet this weekend if my backache hinders (I'm recovering from it now). I hope Brett will report favorably what I am like.

SINSULL,

Brett may be the first Mudcatter to meet me? Very probably yes, also the first to talk with me (Brett may say I'm not a good speaker of English).

~Masato, still cookieless.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 09:47 AM

No, not IF, but UNLESS. As you can see, I have to brush up on my English.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 11:27 AM

Masato, I suspect your English is *much* better than our Japanese! I have friends in South Korea, who I am going to visit in March. It embarrasses me that we always need to speak in English. I know a little Korean, after living there for 1 year, but only enough to barely get by. I'm glad you & Brett can meet.

best to both,

barbara

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: SINSULL
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 12:16 PM

Masato,
You don't need Brett's approval. Your scholarship and generosity with it has earned you a permanent position of respect here. And keep in mind, spelling and grammar don't count. I wish we could get you to the Getaway. That would be exciting.

As for you, Brett! Let me get this straight...you travelled First Class to JAPAN(!) to get treatment for Wakana's back and the first place you take her is MickeyD's??? Hopeless! Absolutely HOPELESS!
SINS

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 01:36 AM

She insisted!

Masato speaks very good English. And you are right, Sins, he doesn't need my approval. Unfortunately I will not be getting to Tokyo this weekend. I intended to vist two old friends and Masato, an old friend I have never met before. Unfortunately Masato is iffy because of his back (something I am very familiar with) and it turns out the other two do not live anywhere near each other and cannot get together with me after all. So, everything is on hold till later in February.

By the way, Masato, Wakana wanted to talk with you but didn't say anything until after we disconnected. Utsonomiya is her old stomping grounds.

Wakana insists that I am losing weight on my Japanese diet. I don't know how that could be but she should know. She can now get her arms all the way around me so that her hands touch each other when hugging. I threatened my mother in law that I would tell the world about the famous Mitsuko Diet and she would never get out of the kitchen. Of course, it could be that I am shivering the weight off...

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 02:34 AM

Well, I've finally caught up on your past month after my own medical stuff and it is still such a pleasure to read your words and hear jhow things are for you and Wakana, Brett. Thanks so much for sharing and best wishes for a speedy return to good health for Wakana. Sorry I didn't get to call before you had to go to Japan!

Too kewl that you will have the pleasure of meeting Masato. While you are in Japan, try the "LaFrance" chewing gum. It's quite tasty and I say that without any prejudice ( my last name has nothing to do with it!**bg**) Masato was kind enough to send some over one year for me to send out to Roger's siblings. Who knew we had a chewing gum named after us in Japan?!**bg**

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,sandra in sydney
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 07:15 AM

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,me again
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 07:46 AM

I did NOT touch the submit button, I am innocent! I dunno what happened, I know nuffin'

and now I don't remember what I was going to say. Getting old, that's what it is.

love to you both
sandra

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 09:23 AM

Naemanson, a shadow of his former self, stalks Japan. What a vision!

But maybe Wakana's arms are growing longer. What a vision!

Good luck to you both.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 02:07 AM

I suggested that her arms might be getting longer but she wouldn't accept that explanation.

I didn't get to walk today. As I was preparing to go out a TV program about South Pacific islands came on. They visited Guam, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and the Marshall Islands. They spent very little time on Guam, little more than an extended layover, and only a one hour layover on Chuuk. But they visited Pohnpei in detail and Wakana had a great surprise because they interviewed an old friend of hers there and visited places she has been herself. She started to cry at one point. I guess we need to go to Pohnpei so she can renew old acquaintances.

Anyway, by the time the program was over it was raining outside. I guess I don't walk today.

Some notes about cars in Japan: We are all familiar with the names of the big Japanese car makers, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Suzuki, etc. However, the cars we see in the USA are only a small portion of the types of cars they build. Driving around here you will see the HiLux Surf, the Suzuki Move, The Nissan Serena and Sunny Super Saloon. There is the ELF 150 truck and the Toyota Royal Touring Crown, the Vista, and the Corsa. Some of the cars here look like they came out of a children's book. The proportions don't seem right on a car to an American eye.

And the gas prices here? 114 yen per liter. 100 yen is roughly equal to $1.00. Pricy.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: JennyO
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 02:15 AM

Brett, that's about how much petrol is here in Oz at the moment.

By the way, next time you come here, which I hope is still on your agenda, I can take you on some higher-class hurtling around Newtown in my nice new red car - well not actually NEW, but very nice, quiet and rather luxurious for what I have been used to. The seats are soft and comfortable - very easy on bad backs.

Speaking of which, I hope Wakana's problems are lessening. It would be lovely to meet her one day.

Jenny

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 31 Jan 05 - 07:00 AM

Bad day for Wakana, stayed in bed once we got home from the hospital. I fear she will need the surgery.

Supper tonight was homemade sushi. We had inara sushi and the futaki (?). Inara is a rice ball stuffed inside fried tofu. It was very tasty. I am doing very well with chopsticks.

And, today, I asked my first question in Japanese. I pointed to a building and asked my father-in-law, "Ale wa nan desuka?" (What is that?) It turned out to be the Ohtawara community center named, fittingly enough, Harmony Hall.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Donuel
Date: 31 Jan 05 - 10:02 AM

I have heard of the use of a sonic scalpel for the removal of ruptured disk material. It vibrates the tissue away in such a way as to promote excellent healing without risk to surrounding tissues, nerves and blood vessels.

In some recent cases new artficial disk material has been implanted.

Sonic scalpels have often been used on tumors that are hard to reach or inoperable but their application to ruptured disks has sounded very promising.

Sorry thats all I know.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 02 Feb 05 - 01:50 AM

Sounds good, Donuel, I will mention it to Wakana.

Yesterday I bought a bicycle. It feels a little small but it will work and I will extend my range on seeing this town and the next one over. Then, this morning we woke up to 4" of snow! The weather gods hate me.

I asked Wakana for a divorce. I didn't move to Guam so I could shovel snow in Japan! She laughed at me. I called my parents in northern Maine. They laughed at me. I talked to my daughter in New York City. She laughed at me. I get a distinct feeling that there is no sympathy out there for my predicament. Sigh.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Feb 05 - 08:21 AM

Well, you could try Guam...I don't believe they have any snow...


A

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,sandra in sydney
Date: 02 Feb 05 - 08:36 AM

Sydney doesn't either!!

The plan was for you both to come here for the National at Easter & you changed it to visiting Japan in winter.

That'll larn ya.

sandra

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 02 Feb 05 - 11:23 AM

Brett,

The answer is not divorce. If the weather gods are truly against you, you'd end up divorced & sitting in snow in Guam, to boot!

love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: SINSULL
Date: 02 Feb 05 - 04:17 PM

Brett,
37 and sunny here in Maine. Shoveling snow, are you? Think twice before you tempt fate by reminding us that you are cozy and warm while we are in the midst of a blizzard. Ftae has a way of creeping up behind you and kicking you in the butt.

I didn't know you were a Republican. Asking for a divorce ala Newt Gingrich while your poor wife is in a hospital bed...shame on you. Serve you right if she gives you one!

When will Wakan get the final word on surgery? I am keeping her in my prayers along with about six other Mudcatters. Damn unhealthy crowd here.

Stay well, love. Song Circle at my house on the 26th.

SINS

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 06:06 AM

LOL! No divorce and no snow in Guam yet, from what I hear. Thanks for the good wishes and prayers. We'll hear about her future on Saturday. She will meet with her doctor and they will decide what is next for her.

Today is Setsubun in Japan. That is the day in the Shinto lunar calendar when the season changes. It doesn't herald spring or anything it is the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. This afternoon we went to the Nogi Shrine here in Nasushiobara City. There was a crowd there and lots of activities. The priests were running around in their black hats and colorful robes. There were booths selling good luck charms, amulets and decorations. There was a high stage decorated with a blue and white cloth and banners. We noticed a long line of people waiting to get into the shrine and joined them until Wakana쳌fs father explained that they were there for special prayers to improve their luck in the coming year. A drum roll called them into the shrine and we went over to another booth and bought a cup of amasake, sweet sake with rice in it. It쳌fs a hot drink so there is no alcohol left in it and it is, as the name implies, sweet. It was similar to a hot rice soup. It hit the spot because the day was cold and there were snow flakes drifting down through the cedar trees.

Perhaps I should describe the shrine in general and the Nogi Shrine in particular. Each shrine has a series of gates leading to the grounds. Shinto is a nature based religion (Actually, Wakana tells me it isn쳌ft a religion but I don쳌ft know what else to call it.). Each shrine has trees and a stream of water flowing down past the grounds. There is the famous shape of the torii gate and a rope of braided straw with paper ornaments. There are usually stone lanterns and a washbasin for purifying yourself before prayer. To one side is a rack where wishes and prayers, written on paper, can be tied to ensure the gods see them. Standing on the grounds, when you are alone, you can hear the wind in the cedar trees and the splash of water. Shinto is very much concerned with life and the living of life.

The Nogi Shrine was built by Admiral Nogi. He was instrumental in the Russo-Japanese war in the early years of the Twentieth Century. There is a statue of him on the grounds and facing him is a small shrine dedicated to his favorite horse.

So there we were on the grounds waiting for the prayers inside the shrine to finish. I walked a little way up a nature path and met a mother with two small children. Her son looked up at me as if he was seeing a demon, with big round eyes and a very serious expression on his face. He might have been six or seven years old. I said, 쳌gHello, how are you?쳌h He gripped his mother쳌fs hand and she laughed and told him to answer me. It turned out she spoke a little English. We talked for a little while until Wakana joined us and they turned to Japanese. Wakana explained that they were looking for arrows. The priests fire arrows out of the shrine to carry away bad luck and it is good luck to find one. At that she exclaimed that she saw one and she leaped the rope to go pull it out of the ground. It was red with white feathers and a large wooden blunt tip. There were papers wrapped around it. He says the priests only fire 4 arrows, two out of each side, and that it is very good luck to find one in the woods.

After that we wandered up into the grounds. A drum roll signaled the end of the prayers and the crowd gathered in front of the elevated stage. A priest stood up there and spoke for a bit and then a guest of honor, a comedian from TV joined him and, using a bullhorn, addressed the crowd. He was dressed in a traditional kimono. Then another guest of honor joined him dressed as a samurai, complete with sword. They both spoke for a bit and then there was some shouting. There was a disturbance in the crowd and four masked goblins wandered into sight and into the crowd. They wore tight fitting colorful clothing and had evil looking masks in bright colors. People spoke with them as they danced and swayed. They carried big clubs. In front of the shrine they were met by the 쳌gsamurai쳌h who 쳌gfought쳌h them for a while and then scattered soybeans to drive them away. Then there were some more introductions from the stage and then came the big event. The people on the stage began to throw soybeans into the crowd. These were followed by lucky snacks. I knew that some lucky snacks would be thrown thanks to Wakana so I was ready. I was not ready for what was coming off the stage. The first orange narrowly missed my head and landed like an artillery shel next to me. There was thump on my chest that staggered me and something fell at my feet. I picked it up to find a rice bowl meal, just add hot water. It was heavy! People surged and grabbed reaching to catch the prizes that rained from the stage. I was laughing and grabbing too. I plucked another orange from the air and caught two little mochi snacks in my hat. It was all great fun but I was also concerned that someone would be hurt.

When it was over we headed home. Wakana bought some little snacks at a vendor outside of the shrine grounds, little pancakes with custard inside. We went home, very happy and feeling lucky, me for having seen it, and them for having found the arrow.

While wandering around the grounds I bought a lucky decoration to give my in-laws. Wakana calls it a pleasure ship, about 10쳌h tall and consists of a pile of rice bales, a rake, some representations of the old style of money, some fish and the faces of the good luck gods. I didn쳌ft attach a lot of importance to it. I just thought it would be a nice thing to do. I gave it to them as we shared a little snack after our return from the shrine. Well, I seem to have done everything right. Finding the arrow was lucky for Wakana. As her husband I share in that luck. By giving them the pleasure ship I passed some of that luck off to them and distributed it to both families, theirs and mine. If something good happens to Wakana쳌fs brother or my daughters it will be caused by that simple act of charity.

This afternoon we scattered soybeans around the house, a few in each room, shouting 쳌gFuku wa uchi!쳌h (Luck, come in!) in the rooms. In each room we opened a window and threw soybean outside shouting 쳌gOni wa soto!쳌h (Goblins go away!).

Then it was suppertime. I쳌fm sure many of you are familiar with the rolled sushi with the black seaweed wrapper and the rice and vegetables inside. It looks like a tasty disk. Well it is made in long rolls and cut to that half inch size. Well, on Setsubun the sushi cannot be cut, it has to be eaten in its full 7 inch length. We also had yakitori, chicken and onions grilled on skewers and dripping with a wonderful sauce. And we had the ubiquitous miso soup.

Oh, and I rode my bicycle up to the coin operated laundry to dry a load of wash. Along the way there seemed to be something wrong with the way I fit on it and it seemed to get worse. As I approached the laundromat the saddle slipped the rest of the way down. I appear to have reinjured my knee on that damned bike. Time will tell.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Amos
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 06:36 AM

Ahh, man, Brett, you do know how to spin a tale. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy your narrative!! Thanks so much!!

My condolences to your knee. How serious is it?

A

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 08:35 AM

maybe without all that good luck you would have a greater injury!!

looking forward to your Saturday post.


sandra

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 09:07 AM

Brett-

Why do I have misgivings when I hear that you are wandering through a forest where you know that priests periodically release arrows?

Of course THEY say that they are arrows of "good fortune." Sure, and slinging a ceramic bowl at you is more good luck?

Then someone sells you an obviously sabotaged bike. This is more good luck? It's a good thing that you are not paranoid, as ARE the rest of your gentle readers.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, who tries hard to AVOID "slings and arrows" however they may be characterized

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 07:50 PM

If it is good luck to find an arrow, what does it mean if you are hit by one? Flying oranges and condensed soup? Sounds a bit like Saturday night at the Getaway. Hope your knee is OK. If not, reserve the bed next to Wakana and get the family rate.
Love you,
SINS

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 11:10 PM

Today was her last physical therapy appointment. Tomorrow we see the doctor and will spend a long time at the hospital for examinations, x-rays, and discussions.

We tried to register me in the town and country today. I was informed that I am too large to be in japan and that I would have to leave immediately!

Well, actually they informed me that I need a "marriage visa" from the Japanese embassy in Guam before I can register. We had hoped to register and get me emrolled in the national health insurance plan. Oh well, I hope nothing goes wrong while I am here.

The knee is still a little painful but not too bad.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 06:19 AM

Some thoughts on where I am:

The predominant winter bird appears to be the crow. These are smaller than the crows back in Maine and they have a softer voice which is in keeping with the general politeness of Japanese society.

Businesses use a lot of flags to get the attention of the public. They are the traditionalJapanese design with an upright pole, an arm at the top at right angles to the upright, and the flage attached to both pieces. They are usually brightly colored and covered with Japanese characters.

We went out to dinner tonight. We went to a noodle house where we ate udon. The udon is a thick long noodle which is served in a sauce or with a sauce. The sauces are varied. Wakana had a yam based sauce. Mine was curry. When I say the noodles are thick you must believe me. They are huge noodles, at least a foot long, half an inch wide and a full quarter inch deep. The bowl was huge also. I couldn't finish mine though I tried. Wakana's parents finished theirs and Wakana's mother then went on to finish Wakana's noodles. the Japanese may not be a large people but they can eat!

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Lana
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 07:43 AM

Hi Dad,
I tried sake the other day when Scott and I went out for lunch at Japanese restaurant in Manhattan. It's surprisingly flavourless. Weird.
love
kelli