Little discoveries

Lilica finds a bird design on the Yoshii manhole cover

Today, Sunday, Lily and I went for an early afternoon walk by the Yoshii River. It was partly cloudy and breezy today as we watched herons feed near the one of the streams of the river, small hawks circle above our heads and little swallows swoop this way and that in the rice fields.

Spring is coming and as we spend our best moments here, Lilica is making new discoveries about birds, words and chilli beans (without the chile, of course). She calls me "Otou" and Katsumi "Ahh-chan," based on our nicknames of "otouchan" or "daddy" and "okaachan" or "mommy." Yet, she can perfectly pronounce the nicknames of "Obaachan" and "Nana" with ease, those of her two grandmothers. I guess she feels very loved and close to us and she makes us smile and laugh every day.

Our little runner

Fun despite fires

Lilica trying on my UTEP cap

We had a very good weekend, despite the Sunday burning of river weeds from Takiyama, past our apartment complex, down to the Yoshii River. This happened in the morning, with a few days' warning, so we heading out for shopping during that time. When we returned home for lunch, the fires had almost subsided, but the ash from them was everywhere.

Apparently, this is the way the townspeople clear out all of the brush and weeds that grow along the rivers and streams. I was completely surprised by it when we first saw these fires a few weeks ago, while driving through the Mimasaka area of Yoshii River. It's an interesting way of renewal and natural fertilization, though it robs a day's chance to dry clothes on the line and air out futons. And the smoke is considerably dense and obtrusive along some major roads around here, too. But, we seem to be the only family not used to it. Live and learn, I suppose.

Spring will come sooner or later

Lilica brushing her pearly whites Saturday morning

Today is a beautiful day! I put out Lilica's Doll's Festial display, in its glass case.

Katsumi and I cleaned up around the apartment to welcome some guests this morning, too. The process has begun. Everything is falling into place.

New beginnings, here we come.

"Cinderalla" Lilica

Lilica trying on Okaachan's slippers

Recently, Lilica loves to walk around in either her Okaachan's or my slippers. When she tries on mine, she has to be careful to balance herself because they are way too big for her feet.

Our little girl has a "baby"

Lilica caring for her Miffy doll

At over 1 year, 7 months, our little Lilica Margarita has now found her own motherly instincts kicking in through the care of her Miffy doll. For those that don't know, Miffy

is a rabbit character from Holland that is very popular in Japan. We can see the weekly broadcast of the 5-minute Miffy episode every Sunday evening. Lily likes the music more than anything else.

Lilica is something special. She makes me very proud and both Katsumi and I very happy. I hope all of the best things in this life can come her way. I'll work hard to make sure this happens.

Beginning anew

平成２２．２月２日(Heisei 22, 2 gatsu, 2 nichi) =　February 2nd, 2010

So, here, I begin a new blog as a continuation from my previous one on Myspace. I'll update once a week or so, as I can, and connect with more friends and familia this way through sharing my thoughts and impressions of this world.

In this way, I'll continue on this discovery of self and of life as I lead my family along this journey and mark my rise through the existence of the life-light force that surges within me. All blessings to all of my relations, to the ancestors who came before me and to the decendants of our daughter Lilica Margarita who are waiting their turn. Thank you Great Spirit. OMATEOTL