Moving (blog) HOUSE!

Moving back to the city and...moving over to Tumblr!!!....MAYBE...it seems blogger is working for me again...maybe I really AM here to stay!! Hope so - it's nice and easy here :)

Let's see how it all goes! But, at least I can go photo crazy there!!

http://leonorasophie-everyday.tumblr.com/

More on the move later, but for now - bye-bye Kauskabe!!! Sad to go, but new beginnings ahead....on tumblr!!! MAYBE...

Persimmon season again!!

 So exicting - Last week I found three...! persimmons growing in OUR garden!!!
What a shock -we had forgotten about the fruit trees ever actually bearing fruit!!

And, the neighbours gave us some more too (as well as tomatoes from their veggie patch in Ibaraki!), so I am making more jam / compote or something stewed anyway.
This time, I am adding prunes and brown sugar. Forgot to pulp it properly, but realised mashing it in the pot is the easiest one to do!!
Oh, yummy joy!

A very big tomato!

Transferring a UK licence to a Japanese licence.

My experience at the driving centre.

Konosu is my 'local' centre to visit to do the change over. I am lucky to be British today as we are able to take the required documents and have an eye check and get the Japanese licence... so I am told!

Konosu driving centre is a bus ride (5mins) from Konosu station (which in turn is about 20 mins from Omiya).

I went to JAF last year to translate my UK licence, buy it was on the day of the earthquake, so even though I got my licence (after also visiting immigration and attempting to renew my visa), there have been a few hiccups since. This cost us ￥3000.

It is important to check what is needed at each centre as it could differ. I was told, that after the translation, I would need proof of living in UK for three months after getting my licence....when I was 17!!!!

It was time to call my mother and get her to help me dig up this ancient passport. Then, getting it took a while as I did not trust then post, so waited until I could go and pick it up myself.

We had phoned a couple of times to see if my university certificate (which would prove what they wanted to know more than a European passport with countless stamps in would) but to no avail.

I did find out (unlike some others on blogs I had read - see below) that you need the residents certificate - Juumin-hyoufrom your ward office as well. Do not forget this! 

So, I rocked up today, green lights at each crossing, a bus waiting for me at the station..you know the kind of day. Even the receptionist was friendly. I had to head straight to the second floor and wait. And wait and wait. Actually, it was only half an hour, but I had hoped that whole thing would be finished by half past 11.

I arrived at five to 10. It is worth noting that the room is open at 10am, but you can start lining up from 9.40 and you may even get seen.

The policeman who dealt with me was really friendly too. (I think I read only bad horror stories...).

I was however very nervous. I realised that I forgot to bring number two passport (my first and third should have been enough...) and I forgot my university certificate as I had wanted as much proof as possible.

Anyway, he tried to check each stamp in the passport that I used from 1995 and I explained that in Europe they don't always stamp, actually I had to ask for them, but he was worried about entries into one country then nothing out.

He was very thorough checking everything, and my heart was beating fast even though nothing was amiss.

He stamped the forms, and we made an appointment for 1pm. Yes, there was more to come and he told me I should be finished by 3.30. I was to buy some stamps for my form...around ￥2400.

Counters 1& 2 are for the foreign licence exchange (and eye tests)

At 1pm prompt, the shutters to the counters opened. We were led through for the eye test, which took ten seconds. You can even answer in English - up down, red, blue. Easy.

Then, I was sent up to the third floor, room 6. I was the only one from the group foreigners; my heart was pounding...it still is...I am sitting in the exam room, so I had to check - I am not ready for a test!

The policeman was due (at 1.45...) to talk to us about safety on the road.

I was wondering which would be more boring...

Well, the guy came and babbled the fastest Japanese to everyone which was crazy; he was obviously up against the clock. Before he began his rant, he did say to me that it didn't matter if I didn't understand it anyway! He then went on to talk about the three people who failed their test today (including one foreigner...hey ho)

Then the guy led everyone out with me...ME at the front of the queue being fast-tracked to the counter to receive my card. I had to collect another ￥2050 worth of stamps and await my card.

After a quick picture, mouth closed (!) I was goof to go! And an hour earlier than expected too!

All in all, it was no a bad experience knowing that I didn't have tests along the way, but it didn't feel like that.

My advice - read around, but be prepared.

Double check your own offices requirements and be sure you have each document ready.

The blogs below helped and didn't help me in my preparation...Luckily, I was OK!!! 

GOOD LUCK!!!

THIS GUY HAD A COUPLE OF CRAZY VISITS TO THE CENTRE, BUT FOR A CANADIAN, IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN EASIER!!

http://lart.ca/2007/05/01/my-big-konosu-adventure-part-1

http://lart.ca/2007/05/02/my-big-konosu-adventure-part-2-round-and-round

http://lart.ca/2007/05/02/my-big-konosu-adventure-part-3-getting-your-address-right-is-the-most-important-thing

THIS GUY WAS A BIT MORE INSPIRING AND MADE ME FEEL MORE RELAXED BEFORE I WENT

http://www.robertliu.com/archives/429

Annular Solar Eclipse / 金環日食

Like an eager kid, I prepared my personal cardboard pinhole! -  Fortunately, in true 'Lee' style, it was Hello Kitty packaging!!

The day began sunny enough - this was at 0640, when I woke so fast thinking I had missed it! Seriously, I don't get out of bed that fast for work... 

 It quickly clouded over, allowing us (kind of) to look at the sky, but not give us a great view of the sun and moon together.

But then, here and there, little breaks in the cloud provided the answer to my prayers!

The moon in action!!

If you look closely enough...

Reflection on the rice field...Er, you had to be there!

Through the power lines!

Through the funny glasses

Eighteen years ago, I witnessed the full eclipse in Cornwall, England. The whole place went dark for five minutes and the cows went to sleep and the birds stopped singing. This morning, it was more of a sight to behold than a sound not to hear. We didn't have glasses (didn't know about the eclipse until the last minute!), so, I made the pinhole, but it wasn't bright enough for shadows. Our neighbours and some fellow dog walkers shared their specs with us and we were lucky to share in this unique moment in history.

Flowers!

Last year, I couldn't believe the joy of 'The flower'.

Living in the countryside for the first time, I have never seen so many flowers out and about. I was so amazed that I wanted to preserve them, so I tried to dry them. This worked for a while, but it is so time consuming and this year, time is even more precious, so we are keeping them fresh!

The first poppies have appeared around the lake and I was cheeky enough to steal one. However, even weeds are helping to make the house look so much prettier!!

チャーミーレイ　

poppy by the lake

poppy by the lake

 This one has a long way to go before it looks like anything I have seen at the flower shop. But, we have two flowers on these lovely plants (charmirei) that I almost ruined last year. I had planted them outside, but my neighbour gave my strict instructions to re-pot and move indoors! Good job I listened to her!!

Sunflower-CRAZY!!!

The sunflower seeds have gone crazy! Let's hope they continue to grow and actually flower this year!!

Decorating the house!!

flowers galore!

And recycling bottles!

Harsh Winter

It's certainly a lot colder in the countryside and we have learnt the hard way that you need to be prepared and brace yourself.

Next year, despite my paranoias, I want a kerosene heater. We bought some electric radiators this year, but, with the fan heaters, there is a lot of electricity being eaten up and we cannot use all together without it all blowing the fuse. So, for the past few months, we have literally been gathered, huddled and wrapped up in the living room staying warm and minimising any visits to rooms not heated.

Still, now we are finally reaching the end of March and we have rays of sunshine! We also have lots of Spring showers, but I would rather forget about that!

 

 I have been able to get back out in the garden, which, to me, is like a new feng shui release.On the bank holiday, I planted some spinach seeds that I found on sale in a quaint, cute local store (I shall have to upload some pictures as no words can describe its uniqueness), as well as some pansies.

Up on the balcony, we have a big cactus surviving happily and this plant, bought last year, and its magically starting its own cycle again. Apparently, it is a plant native to Japan and is seen wild in Gunma prefecture.

 

Today, I threw some sunflower seeds in some planters to see what would happen. I just want to see green and colour, even if there is nothing much. I also got talking to the neighbour again (she is my expert on matters of the garden). She ever so kindly gave me a cutting of this blossoming tree. She called it Obai, although, i can't seem to find a translation for it, so shall just enjoy its cute beauty as it flourishes.

Thank heavens for sunshine.

Speechy!

Today I took part in the local speech contest in Kasukabe!

It was such a great (read nerve-racking) experience! I talked about volunteering and what it really means to volunteer. Actually, I enjoyed every second and had fun talking to new friends.

It is always such a good experience to do these things, no matter how many nerves come and tie up the insides of your stomach.

Next on the list is another proficiency test, so the study has by no means finished yet!!!

GAMBARIMASHITA!!!!

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!!

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!!

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.....

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

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!