March '11

Tragedy in Japan

Many people have asked us about Haruko's family in Japan. No close family members were affected, fortunately. Haruko's parents live southwest of Tokyo, while the earthquake/tsunami hit the northeastern area around Sendai. Haruko's dad has one cousin that lived near the ocean in Sendai, but was fortunate to act upon the early warning system and reach safe ground. His house, however, was hit by the tsunami. From what we understand the house was not leveled, like many houses hit by the tsunami, but it was, of course, badly damaged. We will post more information as we receive it. Thank-you to everyone that asked about Haruko's family and to everyone that donated to help our Japanese neighbors.

Six Years!

We celebrated our sixth-year anniversary this month!

To celebrate we enjoyed a nice dinner at Cocoro Restaurant.

Six years ago we stood together in the Shinto shrine in Kawasaki, Japan and made our vows (in Japanese!) in front of a small gathering of close friends and family.

We went to Berkeley one weekend with our friends Bob and Reiko - they know the best places to shop!

Bob found a unique Mexican restaurant (Picante) that has a large vegetarian menu.

Jossy came home from Iraq a few weeks ago, but she's been at her base in Kansas. This month she had an opportunity to fly home to California for a couple of weeks. She had fun catching up with friends and family. We had a great time with her while she was here.

My cousin Gary and his wife Lorna joined us for dinner while they were in town.

Jocelyn finished the last couple of classes that she needed for her AA degree from Delta College... while she was in Iraq!

Congratulations Jossy!

Occasionally the little evil ones allow us to use our furniture (when they are done with it).

We went to the annual Lodi Spring Wine Show where we were surprised to see an electric car on display (well, actually it's a serial hybrid, but sortof electric) - the Chevy Volt!

I couldn't find the key...

Jocelyn's step-dad loaned her a car to drive while she was here in California - a 1974 MG Midget. She had fun driving it around Stockton.

We took the opportunity to snap a few family pictures while Jossy was in town.

On a sad note: Another business falls victim to the bad economy (and to the Digital Age) - the Border's Books store in Stockton sold their last few books and closed their doors.

At the Olive Garden Restaurant in Tracy one weekend.

Take care everyone - until next month!

Videos

There's always something interesting going on in our neighborhood.

Jossy Visits!