KGK BBQ at Yoshinogari

My husband and I hosted a KGK barbecue at Yoshinogari historical park recently.  It was a great group of people from Saga, Fukuoka and Tokyo colleges.  We discovered that it is VERY HOT to have a barbecue in August at midday in Kyushu!! Yikes!!  But we cooled down afterward at our house with some music and cool desserts.^^

Beautiful Battle Ground

Yes. I know that "Battle Ground" doesn't sound very beautiful. But "Battle Ground" really is a beautiful place in my home state of Washington. It's the name of the city where I grew up. You can find out more about Battle Ground here http://www.cityofbg.org/

However you won't see pictures of the house I grew up in on that website, so I've provided a few here. One of the things I am always most impressed by when I go home is the smell of the trees. Such a beautiful sweet fragrance. Also, the sky seems so far away when I'm home. I think it's because the trees are so tall. I have never seen trees so tall anywhere that I've lived in Kyushu. I often go home in August, so another real shock to the system is the total climate difference between Kyushu and Battle Ground. It is usually cool (in the 20's) and the humidity is very low in the summer. The temperature dropped a few times when we were there this year and my Dad had to build a fire in the wood-stove to keep us warm. (see the photo of the stack of firewood)

As the photos suggest, my childhood home is a very peaceful place. I can always relax there. It's my "resort." The place I go to feel most relaxed, comfortable, and at peace.

FT

Mom and Dad

My Dad turned 70 this summer and my son and I were able to be with him on his special day. Do you appreciate your parents, dear students? I hope so! Whether you have a Mom and Dad, or just a Mom or just a Dad--you have been blessed with someone who has watched over you and worked for you all of your life.

My parents are a treasure to me, and even though I have lived an ocean away from them for most of my life, I know that their love has seen me through every step of my way. The older I get, the more I become like them. You'll probably notice this about yourselves someday too. Maybe you don't like the idea of becoming like your parents, but most of us are destined to do so. That doesn't mean that you can't be you--unique and different from them in many ways. Just do your best to carry on the best traits you've received from them and add in those things that are uniquely yours. That's what I hope for my own children. If there is anything that is good about me, I hope it will be passed on to them--but mostly, I hope they will surpass me in everything and become better people than I.

So, Mom--thanks for the sense of humor! Dad, thanks for the strength and wisdom! I hope that I  can carry those things on and pass them to my kids.^^

Love,
FT