An English Christmas

In the final run up to the 'big' day, try and eavesdrop a conversation or two. If you are listening to the host, I can guarantee you will hear something along the lines of this :

"Well, we have 8 bottles of red, 8 bottles of white, Courvoisier, brandy, oh, 4 bottles of champagne, Bacardi, rum, vodka, etc etc..."

Actually, the list can and will go on and on. I heard one guy in the pub and I had forgotten how we, the English are when it comes to our christmas days, boxing days and the rest. It's a big booze bonanza and you have to be in it to win it.

Actually, I secretly scorned this gentleman; maybe he did have a big family after all, or a lot of house guests, but, he did have a big list of alcohol. I though it strange, annoying and funny all at the same time that he chose to list, at a loud volume, all the alcoholic beverages in his house. And then, in true irony, I sit here sans vin, for we have drunk and over drunk our own collection of booze (which was very modest anyway and not boast worthy, at least in comparison.)

It just makes me realise that we Brits love our booze and how Christmas isn't Christmas without it. However, I have thoroughly enjoyed an extra dose of green tea these past few days, for which I am grateful. Merry christmas.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:UK

Hello Kitty Nails!

 Best Christmas present ever - 

My classroom was transformed into a private nail salon by one of the mummies!

She is a student of nail art and still learning, so not quite confident to do the gel nails just yet, but she had an array of kitty stickers and got to work with the pink paint!

My poetry book for Kalaweit.

Here are some poems (by me) together in a nice little book just in time for Christmas!
The money from the sales of this book will go into printing but also directly into KALAWEIT.
We are aiming to purchase more land in Indonesia in order to secure the forests and the habitat of many animals.
Your support and help is always appreciated!
Thank you.

Trains, planes & Elbi

So, we have had things turned upside down of late and we are now planning to move back to UK.

Luckily, very luckily for us, we have until Spring 2013. We have plenty of time to prepare and make a list of things to do and see in Jappers (there's sooooo much even after all this time!)

It's a good job we have so long too. We have Elbi. He is such a special dog, to us and to the canine world. So special in fact, that we face a big hurdle. Most other dogs can happily sit in a crate and be shifted as cargo to foreign lands, long haul and otherwise. however, Elbi simply can't.

Elbi is a short nosed dog, (Bracycephalic, for those care to remember such a word). He finds it difficult to breath at times. he can't stand the heat, he can't stand being alone for too long (this has nothing to do with his nose, mind!) and he could get stressed easily. Basically, all of these things mean that he cannot be sent as cargo on a plane, most certainly not to UK. There is such a high chance it would result in his DEATH....Yes.

I have already read horror stories within the States where dogs haven't made it and that is a relatively short flight. Short nosed dogs are the ones who die on flights so a lot of the airlines are refusing to take them these days.

So, wehn we learnt that we should move back to UK, we actually had to start thinking about ways to get Elbi back home. We had talked about the train (trans siberian), we now had to see what existed.

In the past two weeks, I have researched so much. We are both determined not to leave him in Japan, eve with a loving family, because, quite simple, Elbi belongs with us. He is so much part of the Hawgood family, that we could not bear to be without him. However, we couldn't risk something horrid happening en route either. (We had just read the most awful story about poor, poor Kranksy - http://kranskybulldog.wordpress.com/ and couldn't let that happen to us wither. The move was already filled with enough sadness as it was.)

So, with many tears in our eyes at the loss of one family member, and at the prospect of life without Elbi, both my husband and I, across the oceans started a google frenzy.

There are airlines able to fly Elbi (Lufthansa and KLM) but it still didn't seem the right choice. Lufthansa even boast a pet lounge in the Frankfurt terminal - sounds like fun, but not if your dog doesn't make it through the 11 hour flight.

I mailed many many animal shipping companies. I got some replies offering me quotes ($5000 - although, money wouldn't be the issue, I would eat rice for a year to get Elbi home) and the 'reassurance that Elbi 'should' be OK.

Grumpy!

SEA - The main option we thought about was by sea. There is ONE cruise ship that allows dogs. Cunard Cruises - They even dock in Japan (passenger only, though). The New York - Southampton route is the one that would offer Elbi as much luxury as us! But, how can we get to NY (without flying!!!) It still remains one option, so we are now looking into getting to America, because doing the whole trip in English would be sooo much easier!

I looked into freight ships. Some journeys from Hong Kong to UK or a DIY route, through China, and then onto the train...

I didn't get many replies from all of the emails I sent out. Needless to say that people must think me very strange indeed when I begin a mail with something like 'Can we bring a French Bulldog on board your cargo ship!'

LAND - I found comments on the tran siberian saying that, depending on the conductor, animals were permitted in the baggage section! JOY! We had a lead.

7. Pets

Dogs are required to be placed in the baggage wagon. The owner must provide a cage and feeding. There are no official rules about smaller pets (cats, birds, small dogs...). You will have to negotiate the issue with the conductor, cabinmates and possible pay a surcharge. We do not recommend to carry any pets with you inside the regular passengers cabin for long distances.

Now, how can we get him TO Russia?!

We need this to at least get him to West Japan!

I found one freight company based in Japan, who very kindly put me in touch with DBS ferries. They travel from West Japan, via Korea, to Vladivostok (very near the train station, I believe). I received a mail back and BINGO! Elbi can travel.

So, the main option we have so far is this.

JAPAN - RUSSIA, by ferry

ACROSS RUSSIA, by train

RUSSIA to GERMANY by train ( I hope, still waiting on a reply!)

GERMANY to HOLLAND by train / by car, whatever it takes

HOLLAND to UK by boat (Stena link are a VERY animal friendly ferry)

This is by no means the end of our worries (nor is this the definite route...still researching!!).

In fact, we have to prepare so many documents (good job we have that year; it will take at least 8 months), but, we can rest at ease knowing that our Elbi can travel with us alllllllll the way back to UK.

This will be an epic journey. I cannot wait to blog it all. Watch this space!!

Lagging...

It has been the most dreadful week...so much sad news.

My book is lagging behind, but I am determined to finish this project. Also forgot about a small poetry anthology I was playing around with. It would be nice to get that out there now while we wait for the novel to reach completion.

The characters have developed and I even have direction for them. This is good. Now, have I got the will to push off the RSi and type ten to the dozen?! Watch this space!

how much would you pay for a little novel for charity? Ideas appreciated!

Pushing forward ad being positive, as only one can.

Hope the week was better where you are :-)

LS

No more 'I was going to do it, but...'

No more 'I wanted to but...'

It's time to get done any thing, big or small that should be done or wants to be done.

Life is precious; we learn this the hard way.

On a gorgeous sunny day, we are always inspired to seize the moment/day/thought/idea. But, we must do it all the time. The magic is there because we put it there.

Sun shining on the periwinkle and pansies!

I'm sitting here with zero inspiration for my book, as I have not written for two days. I have allowed those days as other things have been going through my mind and now I have to get back to it.

I remember the reason I am writing it and then I am eager once again. If only Elbi would stop whining at me to play with him!

Check that to-do list and then start checking them all off. That's my new motto.

He gets grumpy if I ignore him!

Land for Kalaweit / Nano

Ian is back today! So happy!

He had to go to UK for family matters, but I have just checked and his flight has landed. Thankfully BA didn't fail us.

Nano is well under-way - Day 12. I am behind, but progressively so, so I am not worried. Currently at 14,000 words with 3 strong characters, good story lines and a mission as well. I have decided to make this book available for sale with all the proceeds to go to Kalaweit.

You see, the story is about three friends, but, without telling you too much at this early stage, one is fighting for the rainforests of Indonesia.

Right now, Kalaweit is trying to secure more land in Sumatra in order to protect the forests. If we can raise the money, we can buy the land. If the land is protected, the animals have a home.

It's an ultimate dream to be able to do something like this, so, I must focus, I must write, and I must figure out how to get this money!

Any fundraising ideas also welcome!!!

My World Map - Only 10%

Total time wasting - But it is great to see where you have and haven't been as well as where you should go!

Periwinkle

I have learnt a few things today and this particular fact is one I must quickly blog lest I forget.

Nichinichi sou (日々草） or Periwinkle (catharanthus roseus) is the flower I have mentioned a fair few times here.

This was before I put them in a window basket.
They are now back in the big bucket with a few flowers reappearing!

I bought another one the other day for 100yen, now I know why. It is a summer flower, and will soon die. but, not fear there, because, I was given some and killed them a little while re-potting them and that what a few months ago. They are sturdy enough to last a little longer, I am sure.

Can you see? Middle right..no flowers just yet...

So, my mystery has finally been solved. I know the name (all I needed to do was ask!)

And, hopefully the seeds will fall and the flowers shall return next summer too!

It's the little things like this that make my day!

Hello flowers & goodbye aphids!

I have hardly left the house it's so yucky outside!

Good job I got these beauties in their pots while it was sunny. Shame I have no idea what they are, but I will make a point of finding out.

It makes so much difference being surrounded by so many flowers and plants.

Oh, as for the aphids, I think I discovered them just in time. I read about using soapy water on just the leaves of the plant. I tried this on Friday morning, but as a safety measure, bought some spray later that day. The lady explained to me how to use it and also advised me to bring the flower inside when it gets cold. That makes sense as it's a tropical plant.

I hope the flowers can make it through the winter.....

Old lady much???

Mmmm...all home made!

Collecting cosmos makes the house pretty

It's 12pm and I need to take a nap!

I have walked the dog, done the gardening, laundry, housework and even written a good few words for Nano! Almost the exact same as the 60+ grandma who lives next door!

I just planted some new flowers to add some colour to the old ivy flower basket. It's called Sumire (the same name as a cute ex student of mine). Actually, it's 'yoku saku sumire' which means there should be lots of flowers...!

Annoyingly, I noticed lots of really small black bugs on my Hibiscus....not sure if they will affect the flowering, as the plant seems to be healthy. If you have any idea, do please share!

In addition to all this, I have come across a dead praying mantis, maybe a pregnant praying mantis and, worse of all, centipedes (mukade, ムカデ). These buggers sometimes find themselves inside the house and are a bitch to catch as they are so fast!

This one was pushed out with water from an area near the front door, but even as I fight it away to the drains, you can see how he is pushing back against the flow of the water to come to the house....scary!!

NANO NOVEMBER!

Yup, NanoWriMo is BACK!

I doubt I will write that many posts here, given that I must write 3000 words each day....

I have a story in mind....But, where it will lead I do not know, therein lies the joy!

More info soon!

And, to fellow Nano-ers...GOOD LUCK¬!!!!!

Halloween!! Nail time!

 I'm getting ready for the school Halloween party tomorrow. While have a luscious pink plus glitter drying (as we speak) on my nails, I wanted to share these nails too especially for Halloween.

(By the way, I shall be a pink witch...!)

 Don't they look great?

The are being modelled by a 3 year old boy! nonetheless.

His mother is clearly very talented, but only does this for a hobby! 

Persimmon Jam

I did it!

I made jam and didn't burn my fingers!!

It was so yummy...still is! It's more of a compote than sugary, sticky jam.

On yoghurt, on bread...it's alllllll gooooooood!

So happy with my first real cooking success!!!

(flavoured with lemon juice, lemon zest and a little bit of cinammon!)

How to make this YUM!

1) Peel, pip & pulp the fruit. (this is time consuming. Easy way is to slice the top and cut in half. De-pip , then throw in blender.)

2) I used 2/3 sugar to the amount of persimmon pulp. Simmer and cook in pot (should be a jam pot, but I don't have one).

If you like, add cinnamon, nutmeg or any spice you choose.

3) After about 15mins, add some lemon zest and fresh lemon juice.

Don't forget to sterilise the jar before add your yummy jam!

A plan for life

Wouldn't it be just grand to actually make a plan, stick to it and achieve the goals set out in it?

I love not knowing what is around the corner, but, I also cannot keep up with myself and the changes I make day by day, minute by minute...but I do love it too!

Planning for the next year is hard, when you know that one little thing may just come along and change everything and I mean EVERYTHING!

That little thing can be a simple phone call, a change of mind, bore from the reluctance to do what you had decided so intently to do in the first place.

Anyway, I write (very briefly) now to exercise my own mind and to record some ideas so that I may remember to actually do them as well as follow their progress to the end!

I have no idea how long we will stay in Japan. I came for one year; I have been here almost 6! I have lived the big city life, I have lived he small city life and I have got married and got a dog and moved to the country!
What is next, I wonder!

We are currently making lots of plans for the future months if not years. We can at least think ahead to 2012 and the things we want from the year.

I am thinking about studying more. I am looking at a masters degree, I am also looking at things like environmental studies too, perhaps a diploma. Sounds like a lot, right? And knowing me, I would sooner take on too much than admit it to myself, so hence the blogging of such sub conscience desires.

I am atrocious for putting too much on the plate and, most of all, not being able to admit that it actually is too much. So, one step at a time. Ideas and thoughts and rants are just that!

------------------------------------------------

On a different note, it is properly Autumn here. The mornings are dark and cold even if the days sunny and bright.

Lots  of neighbours are giving us their Kaki fruits (persimmon). To me, it is a sure fired sign of the new season, only now we have so many, I may have to try making some jam! (Be warned, last time I tried making jam, there was pain...pics are on the blog last month somewhere...)

The name translates to 'Siebold's Stonecrop' 

The petals are small but plentiful...very cute!

The pictures hardly do it justice 

Also, out for Autumn is a lovely flower I had lost hope with - turns out it's a late bloomer!

I bought some daisies too last week - am desperately trying not to neglect the garden, but as it gets colder, I forget so easily to even go outside and feed the flowers.....

October Daily

I set myself a challenge for this month....that of writing a poem each day....

Having written 23 so far and genuinely one for each day (a couple of times 2 on one day...), I am satisfied but really tired!

Next month is nanowrimo month and I will once again be writing a novel for the month of November. I thought the poetry would be an apt warm up!

So, to which corner have been disappearing? Right there...developing the facebook page and sharing poems with my friends, constantly updating the blog and letting all in sundry see the daily achievements and not writing in this blog here.

I have also been learning a lot about palm oil for some Kalaweit related work and have been working on the Kalaweit In Japan facebook page too, trying to raise awareness here about the use of palm oil.

The latest poem is about just that.


My Writing World - Leonora Sophie (my facebook page)




Fires burn
Fires burn
Nobody cares
Nobody learns

Smoke, no fire
Forests burn
I’ve no desire
To understand and learn

I need soap
I need food
Green doesn’t matter
Feed my greed

Animal’s homes
Natures beauty
Not for me
I’m not guilty.

© Leonora Sophie

Been a while....

After an loooong absence, I return again.

It's hard to find balance in a world where the house needs cleaning, garden needs tending to, rain forests need saving and we need to be relaxing!

Anyway, we finally gave the garden a bit of love last week and threw down all the seeds we had been hoarding. They have already sprouted...thing is, we can't remember what is what. There is broccoli, green beans and maybe even carrots....we shall watch their progress.

The sprouts look pretty in any case!

Also, on a similar note, we went potato picking today! Sweet potatoes, which means I have to research some recipes!

Wile the sun is still shining and flowers can still bloom, I promise myself to look after the garden and make things look pretty again.

Oh, and my hibiscus is flowering again! Happy times!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

JEARS - Fukushima wishlist

We have a new wish list for the Fukushima shelter!!

We urgently need cat food especially.

JEARS WISHLIST - FUKUSHIMA

All the details are on the facebook page, including tutorials showing you how to actually do it!

Thanks for the support!!

Facebook Page & Tutorial

The return of the Kemushi // 毛虫

Do you remember the alien in our garden? (Alien picture!)

Well, it turns out that this little dude and all his compadres are actually part of the 'kemushi' family.

Kemushi defines the caterpillars with spikes/hairs and are usually poisonous. (Eek!)  Imomushi (potato caterpiller!) means just your regular caterpillar.

imomushi

Well, today I came across the bright green dude again....and a few more.

I carefully got closer for some pictures, and heeded the children's warnings - 'Don't touch!'

I didn't touch him. I just took a few shots.

kemushi

I got back to school and started itching. Perhaps one of last mosquitoes had bitten me? I showed my co worker and she instantly retracted. I had two dots from the 'bite'.

Apparently, these caterpillars are lethal! I mentioned that another co worker's husband had a rash etc from the black and white kemushi. Well, apparently, this one is just as bad and even standing near the caterpillar when the wind is blowing means you can get 'spiked'.

Wow, now that is some crazy talk.

I didn't take a picture, but around the tree was a whole heap of poop from the caterpillars. There were a few on the ground, dead and alive but so many in the tree.

Needless to say, we will not go to that park tomorrow¬! Autumn winds prevail!

Btw - I washed my wrist, after just a bit of scratching. So far, I am ok! Phew!

Walking the dog...

Walking Elbi always has its moments good and bad.

The other day, I was desperately trying to bag a poop when a lovely local lady decided to befriend my husband and myself. I eventually got the poop into the bag and was able to make some sort of conversation with her, ignoring the smell!

I have posted pictures before of our walks here, but I have to share more. Today, we were gazing at the clouds and saw a sword fish, but it quickly changed as we moved along. We were also lucky enough to catch this formation in the sky today....A FLYING TURTLE!!!

It's such a peaceful image, isn't it?

Unlike a few paces along, when we saw another snake in the road. I'm not sure how he died, but he was definitely dead and just lying there waiting for the birds to attack. Poor bugger.

And, then, to round off yet another (busssssssssssssssssssy) day, there was a beautiful sunset over in the west. Goodnight sunshine.

Radiation rising...

I came home from work to this article in the news

 - Asahi Shimbun - Raising levels of Radiation

There have been more rumours of the government lying to us and it is scary to see another map like this.

Should there be another big earthquake in Fukushima, Japan will be over with...so I have heard.

Apparently, the mountainous areas of Saitama have been hit quite badly.

So, what does it mean?

We pack our bags and go? Science professionals and farmers wish they could. A few we know are...

Fukushima is on the news a lot these days, but we know about the animals dying, but what do we know about the radiation?

No one can measure the levels and predict it all accurately.

Not out to scare you but we need to think about these things.

The thing is, the 'radiation' lines conveniently stop at the borders of Saitama, Chiba and Tochigi, not reaching to Tokyo, Niigata, Nagano. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not wishing clouds of radiation to float over anyone. However, I am thinking, that should there be any levels of radiation in these prefectures, then we need to know. It would mean that half of Honshu island is affected, but of course, no one knows that yet.

Check out this picture from May -There has been a clear spread of radiation in the past few months, so it just makes you think ahead, that's all. What to do and what to believe is another matter.

.

Frogs, blogs and flowery logs.

I haven't written here for a long time now. But, in any case -welcome to Autumn!

I have been working so hard these past couple of weeks, not just at work, but at home too. I have been trying to organise my writing and fill my facebook page   page as well as my other blogs.

Writing is such hard work suddenly when you actually want to and have to get things done, but it is hard work I enjoy.

We are in the middle of yet another bank holiday here in Japan, so I have been lucky enough to be able to get some work done. Today, however, I took some much needed time out to look after the garden. I think the feng shui there is as important as the feng shui in the house.

Some indoor plants. They needed re-potting and love.

Sanservia - A cute indoor leaf plant

Sanservia - A cute indoor leaf plant

This is a great pot. A friend gave it too with ivy in.
I have moved the ivy to a window basket to revive it and
in the meantime put bright greens and flowers in this pot.

I don't know the name of this flower, but it is everywhere these days. Pinks and whites and they grow. I just moved these back to the big pot because the typhoon battered them in the window basket.

The ivy and the 'pot luck' are growing great! The flowers come out when the sun is out.

I weeded lots and lots and re-potted many plants. We shall see how they all turn out, but hopefully they can flourish and keep looking pretty.


I still have my sunflower plant, now it's bigger than me....much bigger! Sadly, there is still no flower. I am still hopeful.....

Along the way, I have come across many frogs that still inhabit our garden. They always make me smile and this time, they are not just bright green, but spotty too.

On the mosquito net, pre-typhoon

Still lurking on the net post-typhoon

Dark frog guarding the pot

Spotty green

Perched on the chair

Hiding in my pot!