For those of you who remember this post and my rantings...
Well, they have done it again...Three times now.
Words fail me.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Me & My Poems
So, I like to write little poems here and there...
Here is one for all my blogs, linking them together!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Earthquake Pets
So, little miss silly here totally forgot about her work schedule, and, after booking a bus to Sendai, I had to go and cancel it within hours.
Sadly, there will be no trips to Sendai for me this month.
However, one awesome JEARS volunteer is there right now and she IS updating her blog with rescue and relief work.
I want to point you in her direction. Yesterday, they collected two corgis, sorry, two stinky corgis. Follow the stories from the ground here...
Sadly, there will be no trips to Sendai for me this month.
However, one awesome JEARS volunteer is there right now and she IS updating her blog with rescue and relief work.
I want to point you in her direction. Yesterday, they collected two corgis, sorry, two stinky corgis. Follow the stories from the ground here...
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Need a holiday?
I am putting coffee in my natto, dog food in the freezer and apparently, letting the dogs run free off their lead to explore the neighbourhood.
My computer SD slot, won't let me use it, my laptop was close to crashing last week, so I almost lost the plot.
Thankfully, today is a beautiful sunny day and I am not working tomorrow.
Last week, we decided to go on a belated honeymoon and if that wasn't booked, I think I would really lose the plot.
I am trying to organise a trip to Sendai before I go to take up some donations to hand out, yet, I fear these two dogs will rule the weekend by bringing me back early.
Next week, we are inviting friends over for the animal food drive, to collect more food donations, hopefully.
It is non stop till 13th July when it all stops.
If only I can keep my eyes open till then...
My computer SD slot, won't let me use it, my laptop was close to crashing last week, so I almost lost the plot.
Thankfully, today is a beautiful sunny day and I am not working tomorrow.
Last week, we decided to go on a belated honeymoon and if that wasn't booked, I think I would really lose the plot.
I am trying to organise a trip to Sendai before I go to take up some donations to hand out, yet, I fear these two dogs will rule the weekend by bringing me back early.
Next week, we are inviting friends over for the animal food drive, to collect more food donations, hopefully.
It is non stop till 13th July when it all stops.
If only I can keep my eyes open till then...
Saturday, June 18, 2011
our garden
I am (re)discovering my green fingers and my love for the flowers and plants outdoors. Our garden is great fun and I love being out there with hubby and the dogs. Here is a regular visitor to the garden!
He has attacked the pear tree the most, but the cherries we had have just fallen to the ground because they made a feast for some annoying little beast.
So, now, Saturday, I am chopping all the affected leaves off, as well as finding other areas where he has left his trail of spikes.
And, I am on the hunt for any information possible to get rid of him. My co worker said that we must contact the ward office and they will send the exterminator around. This sounds extreme, but I shall soon find out if it is indeed the case. Right, back to the garden!!
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| Hello! |
Now, last week, I saw a caterpillar amongst the small fruit trees we have. I thought nothing of it and simply cut the leaf away. Of course, this being Japan, that was no ordinary caterpillar.
My co worker happened to tell me about the kemushi (毛虫) just by chance the very next day after my encounter with the beast. I was standing under a tsubaki tree and she told me to be careful. They can land on you and then get you with their spikes. Her husband was 'attacked' the week before and had to go to hospital to get medication for rashes all over his body. And you can't just wash out the spikes. In fact, they can spread to other items of clothing too. Be careful.
My co worker happened to tell me about the kemushi (毛虫) just by chance the very next day after my encounter with the beast. I was standing under a tsubaki tree and she told me to be careful. They can land on you and then get you with their spikes. Her husband was 'attacked' the week before and had to go to hospital to get medication for rashes all over his body. And you can't just wash out the spikes. In fact, they can spread to other items of clothing too. Be careful.
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| The beast himself, before I knew how nasty he was. |
Apparently, they come out in May & June and again in October & November. Great.
It is very easy to forget about the beautiful butterfly when you know of this monster's capabilities.
So, now, Saturday, I am chopping all the affected leaves off, as well as finding other areas where he has left his trail of spikes.
And, I am on the hunt for any information possible to get rid of him. My co worker said that we must contact the ward office and they will send the exterminator around. This sounds extreme, but I shall soon find out if it is indeed the case. Right, back to the garden!!
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| Beautiful cherries in the making. One week later they are gone. |
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| A rather colourful little spider. |
Volunteering at Heart Tokushima
One of the JEARS team members spent some time at one of the JEARS shelters (remember, there are 3 in total).
Junko went to HEART TOKUSHIMA. Here is her blog where describes her time there. The blog is in Japanese, but there are some pictures too. She talks about the dogs who are so eager to go out for walks. All they want is the love and attention from the volunteers. She also talks about Maruko, who was rescued from the rubble after 11 days following the earthquake.
Here is Junko's blog - Junko's blog from Heart Tokushima
If you want to know more details, just ask!!
Want to volunteer at JEARS? CLICK HERE.
Junko went to HEART TOKUSHIMA. Here is her blog where describes her time there. The blog is in Japanese, but there are some pictures too. She talks about the dogs who are so eager to go out for walks. All they want is the love and attention from the volunteers. She also talks about Maruko, who was rescued from the rubble after 11 days following the earthquake.
Here is Junko's blog - Junko's blog from Heart Tokushima
If you want to know more details, just ask!!
Want to volunteer at JEARS? CLICK HERE.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Knackered....
And here are the cute reasons why..
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| Elbi, demanding morning cuddles |
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| Susie, looking very cute and ready for a walk. |
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| Snoring Elbi |
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| Susie, passed out on the Indo style sofa! |
Monday, June 13, 2011
A break from blogging?
Today is June 13th.
There is a busy month ahead of things such as dogs, friends - leaving &and visiting, another trip up north, various writing projects and even, (resumed today and so far feeling good about it!) studying Japanese!
I may be slow on the blogging front, although, it seems when I say things like that, or that it will be a short post, it is quite the opposite. We shall see.
Recent blogs have helped me get some sort of routine and good practice for my own writing projects. I am still in great danger of starting so many, what we can call 'good ideas; and then letting them lie on the waste side.
This shall not be happening any more. I have just (with the help of my dearest and bestest friend) finished my novella, which was 16 months in the making, simply because I didn't have the energy to just re-read a basic chapter. The editing and the review is the hardest part, but if you add that to the completion of a task, then we are looking at rather challenging missions!
So, I am pleased to say that things are rolling, but I should probably turn my attention back to the study, the writing.
I still need to finish the kalaweit blog too, and hopefully add some more poems to the 'Leonora Sophie' blog, so, actually, I shall not be going very far! besides, I think I am secretly very hooked to this blog page, and I have a feeling I will be updating the latest frog and dog pics very soon!!
Lee
^_^
Just for the record...
There is a busy month ahead of things such as dogs, friends - leaving &and visiting, another trip up north, various writing projects and even, (resumed today and so far feeling good about it!) studying Japanese!
I may be slow on the blogging front, although, it seems when I say things like that, or that it will be a short post, it is quite the opposite. We shall see.
Recent blogs have helped me get some sort of routine and good practice for my own writing projects. I am still in great danger of starting so many, what we can call 'good ideas; and then letting them lie on the waste side.
This shall not be happening any more. I have just (with the help of my dearest and bestest friend) finished my novella, which was 16 months in the making, simply because I didn't have the energy to just re-read a basic chapter. The editing and the review is the hardest part, but if you add that to the completion of a task, then we are looking at rather challenging missions!
So, I am pleased to say that things are rolling, but I should probably turn my attention back to the study, the writing.
I still need to finish the kalaweit blog too, and hopefully add some more poems to the 'Leonora Sophie' blog, so, actually, I shall not be going very far! besides, I think I am secretly very hooked to this blog page, and I have a feeling I will be updating the latest frog and dog pics very soon!!
Lee
^_^
Just for the record...
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Elbi & Susie
Well, it has been just over 2 weeks!
There has been progress! We have established routines, ignored & fixed the previous issues and overcome any potential problems with either the neighbours or the dogs themselves!
She was barking and even howling at the start, scared of separation or wary of noise. Even the past couple of nights, she was barking at 1am!! Aaarg, Susie, what is wrong? I think it was either food or pee related, so last night, I made sure she was OK and, indeed, there was no barking! Phew. We could all catch up on our sleep!
From a ditch, Susie has travelled the lengths of Japan - I met her in Niigata, after she was found in Fukushima and taken to AFN. From there, she was transported to Heart Tokushima, where she was spayed and eventually then driven up to Saitama. She has certainly travelled further than me these past few months!
And, now, look at them!! These dogs get it better than us!
This is last weekend, and, weather permitting, this is what we have to look forward to this weekend as well!
Elbi is 16 months old, so he still has a big puppy element to him. I think he loves Susie, but he really wants her to play with him. She, on the other hand, just wants to sit back, preferably ON you and get tickled! She is a big baby at heart, but very different to our other +10kg baby of muscle!
They walk relatively well together, that is, when Elbi isn't pulling!
But, he is learning from her too. He is sniffing a lot more. She follows her nose like a real dog. He does what he pleases! But, now he sniffs more. This isn't always a good thing! lol
Sometimes, her nose takes her north. I wonder how much of home she can smell...or is it just the local talent?!
She loves to run and I think that off her lead, she would just go. Elbi tries to run, but he is only small and gets out of breath a lot quicker. Sometimes, he just needs a break en route!
Right now, it is 7.30am and both dogs are completely conked out after their beautiful morning walk. We went out around 5.45 (!) and it was already very warm. I am also pooped, but must now get ready for work!! lol
Have a great day!
Unbelievable...
The Daily Telegraph should be a reputable newspaper inn UK, but one could easily doubt that when they read this crap.
The reason I am so incensed is because of this same guy's earlier rantings. Reading this article last night, brought back just how awful it was back in March reading sheer nonsense from the foreign media.
Clearly, this guy is dreaming of a job in journalism, planning some creative writing plot that thickens like horrid gravy.
I cannot believe this is the second post from hi,.
It brings up all the drama from before. There was a lot of hurt, anger, frustration...All sorts of emotions from everyone.
And here the DT go again with this guy....Ugh...
His first load of rubbish prompted me to write to the DT simply to try and express to people that things were a lot better than they were hearing about from the media...
It was my first time to write to a newspaper, and now, with his second article, I am reminded that I actually need to do another piece for JEARS. So, there is some method in his madness? Well, not enough.
I really hope he finds his rock and hides there before he picks up another pen, or types another word about Japan.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Death in the road
So, along the walks with the dogs, I have already written about the creatures that we see. There have been ducks, turtles, cranes and they have all made me smile.
But, there is another, darker side to this beautiful countryside we love so much. Survival is something we all must do. Failure, means one thing. Death. Sudden, dramatic, however it may happen, it is going to end.
Remember I mentioned a turtle crossing our path? How I wish we had rescued him and put him back in the water. Ian saw a crushed turtle, shell and everything, on the side of the road just the other day. It is hard to say it was the same one, although, he did think it had the same dark shell (the turtles here are mostly terrapins with the stripes, so a darker one would be remembered).
He had also spoken to me of dead shrimps in his path. I didn't believe him. Surely the lake wasn't so fertile that they were living there. Well, they do, or they were.
So, the fishermen really do have their pick of things in the lake, which is surprising to think about when you look at it, for it isn't that healthy at all.
And, lastly, for this post, I have to just describe what Susie and I came across.
I could see on the path ahead a couple of crows on the road. Really, I knew they could only be doing one thing, but I prayed that there was no creature involved. But, of course, crows are crows and they were eating at a poor, poor pigeon. The pigeons here are clean and cute unlike those I am used to back home.
The crows flew away as I approached, so after a car passed, I was able to try and move it to the side of the road. Unfortunately, Susie wanted a sniff too, and even though I pulled her away, she still found some feathers and looked at me as if to say 'what?'.
I moved the carrion but I had clearly disturbed the peace. The crows were all up in arms as I walked on and by the racket they were making, they were not happy. I was scared they would swoop down to peck at me (they are horrible creatures and totally would), so Susie and I ran as fast as we could home.
Nature isn't always so nice, is it?
Happy Monday!!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
www.animalwalktokyo.com
So, today was the animal walk! The sun came out, as did many, many people, animals too, all to support JEARS! Thank you!!
I got to meet the organiser, Brandy and also another JEARS helper, Kumi!
So many animals were there with their owners. I wish I could have brought Elbi, but the journey would have been too long for him. And, I had no transport for Susie, so it was just me and my human friends.
Registration was ¥2000, all of which of course went to support the animals. The turnout was great! The facebook event had 25 confirmed, but there were most certainly more people than that!
We were each handed a map and a JEARS information leaflet and we were ready to go, after the fashion show, that was!
Given the heat, even at that early hour, it was difficult to dress the dogs in much more than the fur they already had, but there were a few clad especially for the occasion.
I think Brandy's dog was a favourite of mine, given the fact that he looked like a potential best friend for Elbi!
There was even some colour co ordination. This dog on the right, called Spike, had a gorgeous turquoise scarf on to represent the animal walk group's colour!
The dogs in the prams were adorable too, in a monster-y kind of way! Lol
One lady had designed her own T-shirt for her and her dachshund.
It just goes to show that people do care. She was also handing out flyers to help try and raise awareness amongst the Japanese people about animal shelters. So many animals are dying in Hokenjos, yet people still shop for pets like they do accessories.
Someone even brought their cat along!
All in all, the walk was a great success. We also got to meet a lady, who can help us with some more publicity. I will post the finished article here too once it is done!
It wasn't a long walk, but for some animals, it was hard work in the sun of early June.
Thanks to all those who took part! Thank you to Brandy for organising the event! I can't wait to do it again! We need more of these fun fundraising events, things that many people can enjoy, but that also give them the chance to support those in need!
Otsukaredesama to the animal walk group!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I got to meet the organiser, Brandy and also another JEARS helper, Kumi!
So many animals were there with their owners. I wish I could have brought Elbi, but the journey would have been too long for him. And, I had no transport for Susie, so it was just me and my human friends.
Registration was ¥2000, all of which of course went to support the animals. The turnout was great! The facebook event had 25 confirmed, but there were most certainly more people than that!
We were each handed a map and a JEARS information leaflet and we were ready to go, after the fashion show, that was!
Given the heat, even at that early hour, it was difficult to dress the dogs in much more than the fur they already had, but there were a few clad especially for the occasion.
I think Brandy's dog was a favourite of mine, given the fact that he looked like a potential best friend for Elbi!
There was even some colour co ordination. This dog on the right, called Spike, had a gorgeous turquoise scarf on to represent the animal walk group's colour!
The dogs in the prams were adorable too, in a monster-y kind of way! Lol
One lady had designed her own T-shirt for her and her dachshund.
It just goes to show that people do care. She was also handing out flyers to help try and raise awareness amongst the Japanese people about animal shelters. So many animals are dying in Hokenjos, yet people still shop for pets like they do accessories.
Someone even brought their cat along!
All in all, the walk was a great success. We also got to meet a lady, who can help us with some more publicity. I will post the finished article here too once it is done!
It wasn't a long walk, but for some animals, it was hard work in the sun of early June.
Thanks to all those who took part! Thank you to Brandy for organising the event! I can't wait to do it again! We need more of these fun fundraising events, things that many people can enjoy, but that also give them the chance to support those in need!
Otsukaredesama to the animal walk group!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:代々木公園、東京、日本。
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Help needed in Miyagi - URGENT
This is urgent from JEARS....
Remember last week, I was saying about animals dying at Hokenjos?
And one dog died because we couldn't get help to him in time.
Today, there is an appeal for more help from those in Sendai or around able to collect the animal from its impending doom.
Via @japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support
((JEARS facebook page))
URGENT: Anyone in Miyagi interested in helping rescue some cats & dogs from Miyagi hokenjo-s? We need helpers who can go to hokenjos, take them out. We'll pick them up and bring to our temporary shelter. P/s tweet @NotWoAnimals or email us to jearscoalition@gmail.com. Thank you!
blog.livedoor.jp/liablog/archives/1524241.html
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Remember last week, I was saying about animals dying at Hokenjos?
And one dog died because we couldn't get help to him in time.
Today, there is an appeal for more help from those in Sendai or around able to collect the animal from its impending doom.
Via @japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support
((JEARS facebook page))
URGENT: Anyone in Miyagi interested in helping rescue some cats & dogs from Miyagi hokenjo-s? We need helpers who can go to hokenjos, take them out. We'll pick them up and bring to our temporary shelter. P/s tweet @NotWoAnimals or email us to jearscoalition@gmail.com. Thank you!
blog.livedoor.jp/liablog/archives/1524241.html
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Susie
I have never fostered before.
They say that fostering is harder than adoption because you cannot keep the animal(s). I can see this to be very true indeed.
One week on from Susie arriving and I love her immensely already. We have had set backs this week from various outside factors, but that has not stopped us having fun with her. I would easily say that this will be a difficult goodbye and not without tears.
This morning was hectic, I walked Susie, then tried to walk Elbi, but each time (total of three!), Susie was barking in the garden. I had to return as it was before 7am and I worried about the neighbours.
I decided to take them both out, a job that should be reserved for the after work part of the day. By half past 8, I reached the train station to begin my working day and I was shattered, not to mention starving!
But, coming home to Susie and her hugs...well, it was all worth it! She jumped in my lap and I tickled her curly-haired neck for ages. She just loves the love.
Even Elbi behaved, well, for a short while.
The thing with Susie is that she needs to know you are there. So, even now, as she must stay outside (thankfully no typhoons!), I am sat by the back door, so she knows I am near.
She whimpers when she can't see you and that whimper can easily become a bark, nay, a howl at one point!
I find it hard to leave animals when they make noses, make eyes, anything. I can't stand the separation. It breaks my heart even to know that, right now, poor Susie is sat alone in the kennel. I am thankful there is no rain and no winds to add to the lonely trauma of outside life.
Elbi suddenly loves the kennel!
I still cannot understand why you would have a pet but not actually interact with it. Animals left in kennels, it is too lonely.
Anyway, Susie is a grand dog, full of love, full of strength and desire to run the open road. I love her! She is so much fun to walk. She follows her nose, something that Elbi is copying! She runs through hedges, puddles, she doesn't care where! She just loves being outside and on the move.
Elbi and her get along to a point. He is still to genki but he just wants to play. She doesn't mind him so much, but gets a little miffed when he over sniffs her crotch!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
They say that fostering is harder than adoption because you cannot keep the animal(s). I can see this to be very true indeed.
One week on from Susie arriving and I love her immensely already. We have had set backs this week from various outside factors, but that has not stopped us having fun with her. I would easily say that this will be a difficult goodbye and not without tears.
This morning was hectic, I walked Susie, then tried to walk Elbi, but each time (total of three!), Susie was barking in the garden. I had to return as it was before 7am and I worried about the neighbours.
I decided to take them both out, a job that should be reserved for the after work part of the day. By half past 8, I reached the train station to begin my working day and I was shattered, not to mention starving!
But, coming home to Susie and her hugs...well, it was all worth it! She jumped in my lap and I tickled her curly-haired neck for ages. She just loves the love.
Even Elbi behaved, well, for a short while.
The thing with Susie is that she needs to know you are there. So, even now, as she must stay outside (thankfully no typhoons!), I am sat by the back door, so she knows I am near.
She whimpers when she can't see you and that whimper can easily become a bark, nay, a howl at one point!
I find it hard to leave animals when they make noses, make eyes, anything. I can't stand the separation. It breaks my heart even to know that, right now, poor Susie is sat alone in the kennel. I am thankful there is no rain and no winds to add to the lonely trauma of outside life.
Elbi suddenly loves the kennel!
I still cannot understand why you would have a pet but not actually interact with it. Animals left in kennels, it is too lonely.
Anyway, Susie is a grand dog, full of love, full of strength and desire to run the open road. I love her! She is so much fun to walk. She follows her nose, something that Elbi is copying! She runs through hedges, puddles, she doesn't care where! She just loves being outside and on the move.
Elbi and her get along to a point. He is still to genki but he just wants to play. She doesn't mind him so much, but gets a little miffed when he over sniffs her crotch!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Kasukabe,Japan
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