Recent Outings

The trains in Japan are really cool. They are efficient, reliable, affordable, and elegant. If you do a google search on Japan train maps, you may be astounded at how far reaching the trains are. There are train lines that will take you from one city to the next, train lines that will take you from one local stop to the next, the Shinkansen (bullet train) that will speed you from one side of Japan to the other, and everything in between. They run constantly, and they run on time, always. There was a train that recently left the station 30 seconds early and therefore issued a formal apology to it's passengers, notably to the passengers that missed the train on account of those THIRTY SECONDS. Considering how many commuters use the trains (in the Tokyo area alone, it's approximately 20 million people per day), they are astonishingly quiet and clean. The train itself is quiet, and the passengers on the trains are quiet; no loud talking, no loud laughing, just silent meditation or napping from one stop to the next. It's remarkable, and I love using the trains here.

A few weeks ago I went on the train for two outings, one alone for a spontaneous adventure, and one to meet my Japanese ladies to whom I teach conversational English. The spontaneous outing was on a Monday. It was a breezy, warm, blustery day that promised rain. I rolled the dice that the rain would hold off, and hopped on the train bound for the southern end of the Muira peninsula to view the tail end of plum tree blossoms. Three or so stops from Yokosuka, I got off, and was only a few blocks from a beautiful sandy beach. I walked along the water, hoping the rain would stay away for just a little while longer so I could dig my toes in the sand for a few minutes.

I happened across a 7-11. The 7-11's here are great. They look the same on the outside as an American 7-11, same colors and logo. On the inside lies the difference. Here they are full of fresh food like baked goods, fried foods (on a stick, Minnesota fair style), fresh hot coffee, bottled hot coffee, a few fresh fruits and veggies, and lots of freshly made sandwiches like egg-salad sandwiches and fried chicken sandwiches. Many people stop into 7-11 for a lunch on-the-go. I have a favorite food that I get from 7-11, pretty much any time of day. It's a soft boiled egg that is cooked and packaged in Shoyu sauce (that's what they call soy sauce in Japan). The eggs are salty, flavorful, and absolutely delicious to the point of being addictive. I found my soft boiled egg to take home for lunch, and also bought a hot coffee with cream to sip as I walked.

I wandered around the area, stumbling on some cute little side streets, and a main area with trees just finishing their peak bloom. It started to rain, I got hungry, and so I returned to the train station to ride 20 minutes back to Yokosuka. It was a nice little outing.

The second adventure I had this week was with two ladies to whom I teach conversation English. Really, their English is great. We spend most of our time expanding on their vocabulary while gossiping about the latest news, or just getting to know one another. They are very sweet, traditional Japanese ladies. They've been studying English with various spouses from the American Navy base for at least a decade.

Usually we meet at the house of one of the students for two hours, but every now and then we take a field trip. The field trips are extremely educational for me. Our first field trip was to the bamboo garden of a local Buddhist temple. We sipped tea while watching the rain gently fall on the 50 foot high stalks of bamboo. It was wonderfully peaceful. The second field trip was just a couple of weeks ago. They took me to a "museum". It's actually the house of a collector. He opens his home once a year for one month so people can come in and view his collections. It's mostly dolls and figurines and some paintings. He also had several of what look like mobiles (like above a baby's crib), but exceptionally larger and filled with handmade stuffed figurines. All of it is exquisitely detailed, and all of it is antique. The house itself is an antique, built with several exposed 6x6 inch beams. Words don't do it justice. Pictures:

Next week is spring break for the school kids on base, and I am intending to take Silas and Jud, along with two friends, on a few outings. We will go wandering inYokohama, and another day go exploring in Tokyo. We may fit in a hike another day, as the Sakura (cherry trees) are blossoming! They are magical. A small taste of one tree (imagine a street lined with these beauties, as you walk through them like a tunnel):

Catching up...

When we moved here, I really intended to write on this blog regularly.  I am out of the habit of it, life moves so fast, and I just didn't take the initiative to write for a really long time. Sincerest apologies to the family and friends who wanted to keep track of us while we are abroad! I'll try to be more consistent.

I have a two great stories to share.

First, Elvis. We miss her. It took a while to even think about getting another dog. Well, no, that's not true. As soon as Elvis died, I thought about getting another dog. But the idea of it was too painful. I didn't want another dog, I wanted my dog. Elvis had been part of our family for a decade, since before Jud was even in preschool. Now he's an eighth grader... Ten years of being together, and it was unpleasant to think about adopting another dog. I'm not going to lie, it was rough going for a while. I cried a couple times a day for at least a week, thinking about Elvis and missing her.  Everyone who has loved and lost a pet knows this pain. Slowly, slowly, life moved on, the pain began to abate.

I started looking at dogs online, puppies here in Japan. They are expensive! To the tune of over $3500 for a Boston Terrier puppy! I wasn't even completely sure I wanted another dog. No way was I going to pay that kind of money. So I continued waiting, and Silas started up a pet business. He had dogs in the house, was walking dogs, feeding dogs, being a companion. The more dogs that were coming in the house, the more I was reminded of how nice it is having a dog around. I looked online again, this time towards a rescue in Okinawa. Okinawa has a large population of stray dogs that the government tries very hard to control. There is a group of American spouses of Marines stationed in Okinawa that rescue dogs from the shelter, find foster homes for them on the Island, and eventually find permanent homes for them.

Enter in Max. His picture caught our eye because of his brindle fur and his alert and kind eyes. I messaged the rescue organization, who put me in touch with the foster family to answer any and all of my questions. Max is about 1-2 years old, playful, happy, and smart. The foster family messaged me videos of Max playing with his toys around the house. Honest to God, he threw the ball for himself. He would hold the ball in his mouth, shake his head, let the ball fly out of his mouth, then go chase it down. Very amusing!

We talked about it as a family for weeks and decided the time was right to adopt a dog. The day after Christmas Ryan and I picked up Max from the airport in Tokyo, and began a new adventure: training a semi-domesticated pup. I have no idea what his life was like before the foster family. I don't know if he lived in someone's backyard, or in the house, or was a stray living in a ditch. He was not vaccinated, and did not have a microchip, so it's likely he was not very well cared for. He was also very, very skinny. (He's gained 6 lbs since we got him, now is healthy at 35 lbs.)

He LOVES the dog park, running free with other pups in an enormous fenced in field. I carry treats in my pocket and give him one every time I call his name.  He REALLY likes me when I crinkle that baggie of treats in my pocket. He did not like leash walking when we first introduced it. We tried three harnesses and two collars before settling on one that seems to work well. It's a work in progress. He feels he must check under every parked car in case a cat is hiding there. He made himself comfortable on the couch immediately. Max is Jud's little snuggle buddy. He thinks eating food out of a bowl twice a day is divine, and he learned right away that it's NOT a great idea to snatch a half-eaten cheeseburger out of someone's hand at the dinner table. Getting his claws clipped is the worst thing that has happened to him since arriving here, but he did survive and still likes me.The fur around his face and ears is like a mane, and it's very soft. We love our Max so much.

At the airport, having just met our new best buddy.

First day together, on a walk.

It's nice to have a soft bed!

Did somebody say, "dog park?"

Second story: Japan is full of traditions. Everywhere in the world is full of traditions, and Japan has traditions that are exceptionally old and exceptionally odd. Don't get me wrong, I love the traditions. They are fascinating. We were invited to participate in a local tradition recently. 

New Years Day is the biggest holiday in Japan, far more celebrated than any other holiday. The days before and days after are holidays, businesses close, people spend time with family, and many traditions are followed. (One of my favorite traditions surrounding the New Year is to thoroughly clean your house. It's spring cleaning, but in December. The point is to start out the new year fresh and clean. I love that.) 

So the tradition we were invited to join is a small community affair. There are many former fishing villages near us, one of which is named Zushi. Every year on January 2, the fisherman of Zushi toss oranges, candy, and trinkets at the local folks, all of whom gather down at the beach to catch their goodies. We drove to the home of a lady that I teach English to, and she and her husband walked us down 163 steps to the beach road, across the street, and onto the beach. A few town dignitaries said a few words in Japanese, welcoming the residents and guests to the celebration. The speaking wrapped up, and the people around us started to get excited. Many held up little plastic bags or even what looked like small fishing nets above their heads. 

Oranges began whizzing overhead. The speakers were reaching into crates at their feet, and tossing oranges the size of my fist at the local community! They flew through the air in a rainbow arc and were either caught by someone or hit the ground. It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt. Well, no one got seriously hurt, that I am aware of, but people certainly took a few oranges to the head. At one point, Ryan reached out and caught an orange that was about the hit the head of our host, who was turned talking to Silas. Silas watched it all happen, started to laugh, and did not stop laughing until we left. It was like living an episode of American's Funniest Home Videos, but without any of the crotch shots or serious injuries. Just semi-soft oranges being lobbed into an expectant crowd. 

The tradition was born from the fishermen, after having a bountiful year, wanted to give back to their neighbors. Oranges are the local fruit, and so they bought oranges from the local farmers, and then dispersed them to the community. Putting my own spin on it, perhaps there was room for just a little bit of hostility when lobbing the oranges at neighbors they dislike, but still it's a generous and brilliant tradition. 

Japan is a culture that prizes usefulness and efficiency. They do not like waste, to include oranges left rolling around on the ground. At one point, Ryan nearly tripped over an old lady crawling around on gathering up the oranges that hit the ground. Children were climbing under boats (on their trailers) to fetch any candy or prizes that rolled under there. It was wonderfully entertaining and enjoyable. I am so glad that we had the opportunity to participate in this event! 

The oranges begin to fly...

The laughter begins...

Notice the net to maximize catching ability...

Candy!

 

Mount Fuji was stunning on this beautifully clear day.

This is a little treat for those 
of you who made it this far. 
Life is grand.

💕 Elvis 💕

On March 30, 2007 a fat little Boston Terrier puppy was born in San Diego county. In May of that same year she joined our family. We had ten joyful years together including many new homes and many adventures. Elvis was a very well traveled dog! At the end of each day what she liked more than anything was to snuggle up with one of her boys. Her favorite hobby was trying to wake up the man of the house on the rare mornings he was asleep past seven. She dug him out from under the covers, furiously licking his ears, certain that he wanted nothing more than to play with her. She brought us much joy and laughter. On September 16, 2017 Elvis died in my arms at the vet clinic, having succumbed to the liver disease that plagued her since 2013. It has been a sorrowful week in the Leary house, but time marches on, and it does heal wounds. We count ourselves as lucky to have had such a smart, loyal, and loving dog. Rest in peace sweet girl. 

Tokyo!

Our first mini-trip is in the books! We spent one night in Tokyo.  It was awesome! Read on for the details...

Saturday morning started very early, as both boys participate in Cross Country this year.  The meets are at 9 AM at Tama Hills, which is a two hour drive away.  The buses for the boys leave from their schools at 6 AM!! Getting up earlier on Saturday than on a weekday takes dedication.  I speak from the experience of having done it two weeks in a row now. 

The bad news is we have to get up really early on Saturdays.  The good news abounds: Silas and Jud are outside running instead of watching TV, they are participating in a team sport, they are making good friends on their teams, they enjoy the bus rides to and from Tama Hills, and Tama Hills itself is beautiful.  It's a US Air Force Recreation Base, nestled in the hills to the west of Tokyo.  Think cabins, campgrounds, thick woods, gravel roads... Rustic, woodsy, makes me want to sleep outside and cook a meal over the fire. 

Saturday morning found us, once again, at Tama Hills, watching Silas and Jud run a nearly 5K course through the hilly woods. They barely talk to us, they are so busy hanging out with their team friends, warming up, then cooling down, but mostly just hanging out with their friends. :-) This was Jud's first race, and he did it right.  Kept a steady pace, encouraged his teammates to not give up on what is known as "killer hill".  Then he sprinted to the finish, passing two kids (from other teams) ahead of him. By no means was he first, but he did very well for his first ever cross country meet.  Silas also did very well.  He made the Varsity team, a source of pride for a ninth grader and first time cross country runner.  Saturday was his second meet, and he shaved thirty seconds off his time from last week. Run, Silas, run!

The picture below is the start of the middle school race.  It's like playing Where's Waldo, looking for Jud. You can only see the side of his hip and the top of his very white leg.  He's wearing green, is in the middle of the picture, on the far side of the pack, and you can see his black underwear showing below the bottom of the hem of his shorts. 

How do I know it's him? I'm his mom. I know. 

Here comes Jud (in green), final push, the finish line is in sight! It's right after that yellow cone on the left of the picture. He ended up beating the kid next to him and tying the kid in red.

Silas, far right, passing kids on the downhill.

Silas wanted to catch that kid so bad. He came close!

After the meet, the boys changed their clothes into something that covered more flesh than the tiny little tank top and very short shorts of cross country fame.  We ate a snack and started walking to the train station. It was maybe 1-1.5 miles from the top of the cross country course to the train station.

Google Maps has become my best traveling tool.  I put in the destination, select the public transportation option, and it gives me all the details I need to get there using the trains.  It gives me departure times right down to the minute, and even shows the rail lines in their correct color, so I know exactly what train I am looking for.  

Japan's trains are legendary.  They are always on time, usually quiet enough to hear a pin drop, and are smooth enough that those prone to motion sickness feel fine when riding them. We rode three trains to get from Tama Hills into the neighborhood of Tokyo where we had rented an Airbnb apartment for the evening.  It took about an hour and twenty minutes, and it was so smooth and peaceful that both Jud and I dozed off. 

When we got off the final train ride, we still had a couple hours to kill before we could go to the apartment and drop off our backpacks.  We walked through a very crowded market, just taking it all in.  Japan is not very diverse, but you do see tourists here and there. The one area where you will find a lot of diversity is in the food. When we lived in southern Italy, you could really only get Italian food. No complaints there, as it was beyond delicious.  An occasional burger or bratwurst would have been appreciated now and then, though. In Japan, as far as we have experienced (really only Yokosuka, Kamakura, and Tokyo), there is a rich diversity in food options: Indian, Chinese, Thai, American, French, Italian, German... Of course, you will eat the best ramen, sushi, and tempura of your life here, but I have to admit that the pizza we had a few weeks ago was the best I have eaten since living in Italy.  

Back to the adventure, we found a food vendor that was making something that smelled really good.  I looked at it, and it looked like doughy chicken meatballs. Everyone was really hungry, so we got 8 of them. Turns out, they were dough balls with an octopus chunk in the middle! Silas told me that it was clearly written on the sign, in English, but I was too focused on the food to be bothered reading a sign. Still hungry after our octopus dough balls, the very next stand was a Turkish place. Jud ate two lamb kabobs, Silas wolfed down a mixed meat gyro sandwich, and I ate two scrumptious falafel bites. Ryan wanted to hold out for something else more "Japanese", so we moved on.  

The crowded market area.

We found an enormous park, which was the reason Ryan chose this neighborhood for our first overnight.  It was like Central Park in Tokyo: lakes, paths, fountains, lots of enormous trees, statues (including one of a samurai walking his dog), museums, many temples (both Shinto and Buddhist), and even a baseball field. We only made it to the bench just inside the entrance before our feet demanded we sit and rest. We rested for a little while, grew bored, and decided to find a coffee shop to while away the remaining hour before we could go to the apartment and drop off the bags. 

It turns out that coffee shops in Tokyo at 3 PM are a real hot spot... We went into at least four that were completely full, not a table or chair in sight. Getting desperate, we walked into a Starbucks and decided to at least get a iced coffee for the big boy, who had not yet had anything after his octopus bites. I do not like being an American in Starbucks in a foreign land... It just feels... annoying. Like I've traveled across the Pacific only to find the nearest piece of Americana. But, alas, there we were, in line at Starbucks. Sometimes you just have to go with what is in front of you. (On other occasions, when feeling very homesick, I have sought out Starbucks just to feel that little piece of Americana.)

We ordered, and I noticed several people coming down from the upstairs seating area. I went up there with Judson, and found a tiny little table, barely large enough to hold four coffee cups, but it was placed at the end of a row of tables, sort of in the middle of the room, so we could pull up chairs around it and all fit, even with our bags. I sat down, and sent Jud to collect Ryan and Silas. Yes, there we were, Americans sitting basically in the middle of the room, with our large backpacks stuffed at our feet, sipping our American coffee beverages and eating our American pastries. Going with he flow, as the place was jam packed with Japanese who also seemed to like Starbucks! 

After we finished eating/drinking, I broke out the deck of cards that has followed us around the world in my purse. This decks of cards has followed us around the world, been witness to many rounds of various games with beloved family and dear friends.  First round was Old Maid. Second round was BackJack. Third round was 31.  We were exceptionally quiet by our standards, but probably the Japanese thought we were a bit rowdy. :-) For a girl who grew up shrieking "MAKE SOME NOISE!!!", I've come a long way, baby.

4 PM rolled around, and we walked the final block to the apartment. The owner of the apartment had e-mailed us a guide with explicit directions on how to find the apartment, how to get in, how to use the AC, etc. It was thorough and perfect. The key was exactly where it was supposed to be, the AC was turned on full tilt, and we had a nice hour of surfing free wifi, with our feet up, sitting on tiny little Japanese couches about 18 inches off the ground.

We found what looked to be a good Ramen restaurant online and decided to give it a try. It was in the middle of the electronics district of Tokyo.  Think stores selling all sorts of gadgets and gizmos.  Bright lights, people dressed up as video game characters, etc. Just walking to the restaurant was awesome, an adventure in itself. We loved it. The sun had set, the streets were getting lively, and it was perfect for people watching. 

We found the little Ramen restaurant, which turned out to be a tiny hole in the wall.  It was a counter with maybe ten stools, and two tiny tables, holding two people each. They managed to fit the four of us in next to each other at the counter and we ordered our Ramen.  It was AMAZING: a steaming bowl of noodles with homemade broth and bits of slow cooked pork.  Silas ordered a hard boiled egg with his, right in the soup.  In Japan slurping is considered good manners, a way of showing the cook that you like what he/she prepared. I slurped like nobody's business. If I wasn't sure what to do, or how to do it, I subtly watched the Japanese guy next to me, and followed suit. It wasn't hard to figure out how to eat ramen with chopsticks and a giant spoon.  It was so good, honestly the best ramen I have ever had in my life.

Counter seats at the World's Best Ramen Restaurant. Check out the hard boiled egg perched in Silas's chopsticks.

Outside the restaurant, bellies full.

After dinner, we walked back to the apartment, chatting and laughing along the way. It was a long and glorious day. The next morning, we walked around the nearby park, taking in all there was to see, including a monument to Ulysses S. Grant! Apparently, he traveled to Japan while he was the president and among other things, he planted a cedar tree. The tree is still there in the Ueno Park. 

We then caught the tail end of a baseball game at the recreation field in the park. We walked along one of the lakes, enjoying the calm and serenity of the morning.  We watched a group of seventy year old Japanese guys doing their morning exercises, including some gymnastics that would throw my back out in an instant. There were a few women doing yoga nearby.  Just another Sunday morning in Tokyo. 

The crowded market from the day before, 

now deserted at 8 AM on Sunday.

 Our selfie game is not strong, as illustrated by the following three pictures:

Here we are in front of the statue 

of the Samurai walking his dog.

This one just makes me laugh. My head is 

literally squished between Silas and Ryan.

Everyone looks fine here, except for my electrified hair (due to my head being squished).

Silas deep in thought.

Passing through the Torii gates.

Watching baseball. These guys were all over 40, 

throwing strikes like you would not believe. 

Back to the apartment, back to the train station, back home. Already I'm hoping to plan another overnight somewhere else... I love Japan. 

Highlights

Highlights of the past two weeks, from most modest to BEST MOMENT EVER! from number 10 to number 1:

10. This is not a highlight, but more a fact of life.  I attended a base orientation class.  It's a required five day class that includes some critical information, but also it's a major sucker of time.  One positive from the week: as part of the orientation, they took us on a field trip! They showed us how to buy a train ticket, read the train signs (standard if you are used to using public transportation in any city), and brought us to a nearby town of Kamakura.  We ate lunch with new friends and toured a local shrine.  It was very hot that day, or we would have stayed a lot longer. Silas and Jud went along and were good troopers. After the tour, they left us there to find our own way back to base! Not being completely cruel, they armed us with little cards saying, in Japanese, "I'm lost. Please help me find Yokosuka Naval Base." 

9. I passed my written driving test.  I had to sit through a safety brief where they tell us everything from what to do in case of a car accident, to the proper footwear to have on while driving (closed toe, with at least a strap around your heel). After the brief there was a 50 question test.  I passed! And so tomorrow I take my behind the wheel portion of the test, during which I will be driving on the LEFT side of the road.  I'm trying to mentally prepare by riding my bike on the left side of the road, but my default is still, and perhaps will be for a long time, to drive on the right side of the road. I keep telling myself STAY LEFT as I drive around base.  Part of the test is a requirement to back into a parking space.  Apparently, in Japan, everyone backs in, and so it is required that I know how to do this.  Good thing I had JR as my driving instructor twenty three years ago. Backing into parking was a requirement in the Bergquist household. "Use your mirrors, Sara!"

8. We have eaten out at not one, but two AMAZING Italian restaurants since our arrival here.  Who knew that Japanese had such affection for Italian food!  Both of these places have real authentic Naples pizza, some of the best I've had since leaving Italy. Silas had a penne pasta dish with creamy tomato sauce and huge pieces of crab.  It was delicious! Our first venture off base was with friends we first met in Italy who escorted us to our first Italian restaurant here.  Yum!

This is a pic of the boys eating 
Naan at the most delicious 
curry restaurant near base.

7. We bought a car! I don't have my license yet, hopefully I will pass the driving test tomorrow and will then be street legal in my vehicle.  It's a 2006 Honda Stream.  There is a guy who is known to the base spouses as being the best full-service car salesman around.  Not only does he find exactly the car you are looking to buy, but he also goes with you to the insurance office, to the vehicle registration office on base, then takes the car off base to register it with the Japanese government.  If something goes wrong with the car, he helps you take it to the mechanic, or even takes it there himself.  When it comes time to renew the registration in a year, he will take the car and renew it for you! He speaks at least three languages, and I cannot say how pleased I am with his service so far.  He is marvelous at what he does. Jud was not happy with the idea that I was going out and about car shopping alone with a man, and so I brought my friend along with me.  She discovered that his wife is a teacher at the middle school on base.  Jud may very well have her as a teacher this year! On a side note, be nice to everyone, because you never know when you will run into them again, how you will rely on them, or where their spouse will turn up. 

6. We ate at a sushi-go-round!  It's a really neat restaurant where food comes out on a conveyor belt and travels from table to table.  You take what you want.  Once you have taken plate, you cannot return it! At the end of the meal your bill is calculated based on the number of plates you took.  If you don't like the looks of anything on the conveyor belt you use a touch screen menu at your table to order something specific.  Within five minutes, whatever you ordered comes rushing out on a miniature bullet train and stops at your table.  Of course you still have a waiter or waitress there to assist you. Should you need anything, you simply press a button and your waiter is there within two breaths.  They just sort of appear. Japan is amazing in so many ways.  I didn't take a picture of the sushi-go-round.  I was too busy enjoying it!

5. I learned how the basics of folding origami cranes. Cranes represent good health and longevity here, as in many Asian cultures. Senbazuru originally meant "origami" but has come to be known as folding 1,000 small paper cranes and threading them together, all stacked up.  The bearer of a senbazuru is given one wish, or is said to be blessed with good health and longevity. It's a kindness to present this to someone.  Folding these little cranes takes some practice.  I watched a few people, then tried my own.  It required lots of corrections, including having the ten year old next to me unfold a few of my folds and fix them. :-) After a few cranes, I got it down, and was even able to teach someone else how to make it. All put together, they made a beautiful rainbow of colors and sincere sentiments of positivity for the recipient. 

4. Lest I forget my boys in my ramblings, Judson has been quite the social butterfly.  We have met no fewer than 10 kids who are going into eighth grade with Jud.  He has made friends with some of them, and been out and about on base socializing.  He's learned some new games, learned how to get places on base, and recently declared, "Kids here are pretty much the same as kids at home.  I can work with that.  I already know how to be around kids like that."

3. Kinnick High School has it's newest student registered, and that student is also now participating in the cross country team training. It's Silas! Five days a week the team meets a few blocks from our house to run 1K, stretch, run 3-5 miles, stretch.  He has made new friends and his legs are getting used to all the running.  I was walking Elvis and the team passed by me.  Being that it was Silas, I felt fortunate that he acknowledged my existence as giver-of-his-life with a small wave.

2. I have discovered just how deep and wide is the generosity of "the village" on base. People care for one another here as they would their own families. I feel so warmly surrounded by friends, and all of these friends are people that I have known for only three weeks.  But I know that if I needed something, or God forbid, if some crisis should befall us, they would carry me until I could carry myself. It's a deeply humbling thing to be part of a team that gives so selflessly. 

1. The best moment of the past two weeks: Ryan's return! We spent the past three weeks of his absence learning the ropes on base, riding our bikes hither and yon, going out in town with friends, finding the base pool, and setting up the house. Two days before Ryan arrived back home, I hung the pictures up on the walls.  That's the final step of Round One for setting up the house.  ~~ Round Two is rearranging furniture. Ha! Mom and Dad, I hope you're smiling. I promise not to break any beds pushing them around the room.  I learned that lesson in fifth grade. ~~ Back to Ryan's return... on Thursday we went to the pier with another ship family and waited.  And waited.  And waited. We noticed ripples in the water out in the distance, then a tug boat came into sight, ropes pulled taught behind it.  Moments later, the STETHEM cruised into sight!  Happy day! We watched as she approached and backed into her space at the pier.  The lines were thrown, and the brow secured.  We were invited onboard, and got to hug our very favorite sailor! Ryan showed us around the ship, into his stateroom, and introduced us to several shipments.  That night he was home for dinner.  I don't think I stopped smiling all day long, or probably the next day either.

There she is coming into sight!

We are a Navy family.  We have been since 2000.  Silas and Judson have been their entire lives.  Shore tours are wonderful, and we thoroughly enjoy the time we get together when Ryan is stationed in a building, not on a ship.  But ship life... It's at the core of what we do.  Ryan is so happy being out there on the water, doing what he does best.  He's a calm-headed, steady-handed, peace-lover working around the clock on a warship.  We have returned to a life that is the most familiar feeling to us since the day Ryan swore the oath, and the day I promised "I do". It's certainly challenging, and no doubt there will be days that I hate how much we have to give, but for now, since the day we arrived here and the days into the foreseeable future, I am filled with joy. 

Last days, first days

It's Monday morning as I type this, Sunday evening for my family and friends in the States who may be reading it.  Obviously, we made it to Japan! Apologies ahead of time, most of the pictures are from my phone, which does not take very good pics.  They are grainy and the light is not great, but you will get the gist of how three people and one dog moved themselves from Burke, Virginia to Yokosuka, Japan.  (Pronounced: Ya-koos-ka)

When last I wrote, I had cleared the hurdle of a windshield mishap to conclude our final days in Virginia.  We arrived in Virginia on Thursday after that stressful drive of watching the windshield crack in front of my face, one centimeter at a time. (See, I'm already adjusting to using metric measurements.  Just kidding, someone as old as me will forever default to inches.) Friday morning I had two jobs, both important in our move, one critical to the transition.  Elvis needed to see the military veterinarian to get her final health check-up, declaring her fit for the flight to Japan.  Without this, she could not fly with us overseas. When we moved to Italy in 2011, this appointment for the dogs was the obstacle that nearly derailed the train, due to computer malfunction.  Albeit to say, I was nervous going into this appointment.  It took all of ten minutes for the papers to be signed, copied, and they sent me on my merry way. 

Next stop was the boys former school to collect their sealed school records.  We wandered the hallways of Lake Braddock Secondary School, talking about little things like good locker locations, bad teachers, and various memories.  The records office had the files ready to go.  By 10 AM we were sitting in the car in the school parking lot, having completed both tasks on the docket, with nothing at all scheduled to do between then and our departure at 6 PM the next day.  32 hours of slush time. 

We walked to a little diner for lunch, near to the hotel.  We watched an afternoon showing of the new Planet of the Apes.  We went into Dick's Sporting Goods to pick up new rain jackets for the boys. It started pouring as we left Dick's, and I'm happy to report that the rain jackets worked perfectly.  We stopped at Chipotle for dinner.  For someone who usually fixes every meal at home, all this eating out felt absolutely luxurious! And expensive! Friday in the books, onto Saturday.  

There's a restaurant that started in DC and has since opened a few other locations around the DC Metro area.  It's called Ted's Bulletin, and I've always wanted to eat there.  They have homemade pop tarts and other scrumptious breakfasts, or so I've heard. I decided as our final meal in NoVA we would go to Ted's Bulletin.  We went there Saturday morning for a delicious breakfast.  Stuffed enough that we could barely waddle to the car, we headed back to the hotel, loaded up all the suitcases, checked out and went to the airport.  We really didn't have anywhere else to hang out, since we had to check out by noon and had the dog with us.  Besides, I wanted to get our luggage off my back (literally).  Rental car returned, a smooth check-in at Alaska Airlines, and luggage delivered to the airport scanner.  Check! We wiled away the six hours until departure bumming off the free airport wifi, reading books, walking around the airport.  Elvis got lots of attention from onlookers, mostly young women.  This caused a bit of a fuss with Silas and Jud who suddenly wanted nothing more than to hold her leash.  :-) 

Breakfast at Ted's Bulletin

Next hurdle: boarding Elvis onto the plane.  She has never flown in the cabin with us before, and she does not like her under-set duffel bag.  We have practiced with it, so she knows what it's like in there... Into the bag she went, onto the plane, under the seat at my feet.  My hat is off to that little dog.  She was obviously not terribly happy, and definitely scared when the engines roared at take-off, but she did not make a single peep.  Not even a whimper.  She scratched at the door mesh of her bag, but laid there, perhaps silently cursing me.  In the long run, it was the best way to get her to Japan, and even if she doesn't understand that, I do. 

Plane to Seattle, Elvis at my feet, 

goofballs seated next to me.

A six hour flight behind us, boys watching movies, Elvis and I sleeping, we arrived in Seattle.  My darling aunt picked us up at the airport and we drove 15 minutes to their home. 

Thank God for family willing to house us as we walk this path.  We were sustained by many family members as we traveled one step at a time.  You all know who you are.  We slept in your beds, ate your food, counted on your help.  You listened to our stories, let me talk through my plans, helped us work out the kinks. More than anything, you gave us a place of rest where we were welcome and safe.  THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. 

Two days in Seattle flew by.  We enjoyed walks, ice cream treats, kayaking on the Sound with Mount Rainier looming over us. We played badminton, cooked hot dogs and s'mores over a campfire, rested and relaxed for our next (and biggest) step in the journey.

Monday evening we took the plunge.  We stepped off the high dive.  We went to the airport braced for an unknown impact. It sounds very dramatic, but really it was a lot of waiting.  We waited in line for three hours to check into our flight. We waited at the airport (kids and the dog sleeping while I kept watch) all through the night for our morning flight.  We waited to board.  We got onto the plane, and then waited through ten hours of flying to land in Japan.  

Waiting to check in and drop of luggage.

Catching a few hours sleep.

Furry friend likes her kennel.

The best thing about the flight is that it was packed with military members: some families; some single sailors, marines, or soldiers all making their way across the Pacific to report for duty.  It's a judgement free zone.  We're all slightly zombified due to sleep deprivation and stress. All of us have said sad goodbyes, and all of us are uncertain of what awaits at the other end. As I sat in my seat watching my own little personal seat-back movie screen, tears streaming down my face at Million Dollar Baby, I felt no shame. Next I cried my way through Katniss volunteering for Prim in Hunger Games. I needed the emotional release, even if it was contrived from watching fictional stories.  I hardly slept, Silas didn't sleep at all, and Jud slept maybe a few hours.  Thank goodness for those little seat-back entertainment devices keeping all of us entertained.

When we landed in Japan, I knew what to do, because Ryan had gone ahead of us.  He paid close attention to the entire process and gave me details on what would happen and when.  Off the plane we went through customs, collected Elvis (she made it!), and waited in the un-airconditioned baggage claim area for what felt like a very long time.  Finally we had all five of our 60 pound bags loaded onto the trolly, Elvis came out of her kennel, and we found our van driver.  After a two hour drive admiring our first glimpses of our new home, we found ourselves entering the Yokosuka (Ya-koos-ka) Naval Base. A friend met us at our destination point, and escorted us to our new house.  Ryan, being at orientation for the day, left little notes for us, and a banner reading "Welcome Home!" 

First picture in our new house!

Having not slept more than an hour or two in close to 48 hours, exhaustion was bordering on delirium.  The job was not done yet, as we needed to prepare the house as best we could for the next day when the movers would arrive with our belongings.  AAAHHHH!!!! Good thing I cried on the plane, because I would have cried all afternoon if I hadn't already let it go.  Ryan came home from his orientation, helped me unpack the suitcases and put things out of the way to make room for delivery.  We walked to the food court for dinner, having a little base tour along the way.  By 6:30 PM it was beyond time for bed.  We fell like dominos, collapsing into bed. 

Twelve hours (!) later, still bleary, but much more rested, we were up, eating breakfast, and ready to get our stuff. Ryan still had orientation, so that left the boys to help me though the day.  They were such troopers, rising to the challenge.  They served many functions throughout the day: checking off items from the paperwork as they arrived, telling the movers where to put things (amusing to me, as the boys often don't put things away. Turns out they do know where things go, just don't take the time to put them there), and unpacking boxes. Friends and neighbors showed up, helped out, and left us with donations of food and treats. :-) The people I have met here are generous and kind.  They treat us like family, and I feel so welcome here, it's like coming home. 

Moving Day

The days since then have blurred together.  We slept a lot for the first two nights, unpacked our bedrooms, and I am slowing settling things into the rest of the house.  It is now HOME.  We have walked around the base a lot: collecting groceries, buying household necessities, eating at the food court, exploring what is nearby. We have made friends, and I met up with three friends from prior duty stations who are now here.  Two teenage girls have stopped by the house, to "welcome us to the neighborhood" but mostly to get an eyeful of the two teenage boys that just moved in.  The presence and awareness of teenage girls has brought out an absurdly entertaining side to Silas and Jud: lots of hair primping, standing up taller, and even giggling.  Yes, the boys have been giggling.  It's hilarious. Do not tell them I wrote this!! Seriously. Don't tell them. 

At the time of publishing this, my kitchen is 100% organized.  The family room is 90% complete.  The dining room is 50% done.  The bedrooms are maybe 40-50% organized. It just takes time, and also being home, but we have been busy with our new friends, and with checking all the boxes for living on base.  Today I am going to register us for our health insurance and health care at the base hospital, check in at the post office and sign documents there, make Elvis's vet appointment to be registered on base, and go out in town with my neighbor to buy produce.  Oh, and I need to get a Japan cell phone at some point. It's busy, and we love it here.  Love it.  Give me about a month or two, and we will be ready for visitors. :-)  

The biggest news of the weekend is that Ryan has officially reported to the ship.  The turnover has begun.  We will not see him for a few weeks, as the ship is underway, but he carries us with him, and we keep him close in our hearts.  Far apart, but together still. 

Drop off at the bus to meet Ryan's ship.

A particular nod of deep gratitude goes to our sponsor (who I now call my dear friend) who paved a path for us to make this a very soft landing. She had the van with a driver waiting for us because dogs aren't allowed on the base shuttle service. She helped us choose a house from afar.  She signed all of our housing paperwork and arrange for loaner furniture so we had somewhere to sleep our first night here.  She provided us with limitless information on various things we would need to make this transition. She's in the States now, visiting family for a few weeks, so I will have to keep on waiting to give her a hug and thank her to her face for all the things she did for us.