The Aoki Family Comes to the U.S.A.

My cousin Masaki and his two girls, Moe [mo-eh] and Suzuka came to the US for their first time. My Aunt Sanae came with them, but this was her third visit to the states. Unfortunately, their stay was pretty short, about 7 days, because my cousin couldn't take the days from work. So, we had to pack in as much fun as possible and lots of driving within that short span of time.

It started on Monday as we picked them up from LAX. Even though they probably hadn't slept in 24 hours, we figured they were still running on adrenaline, so we whisked them off to Universal Studios for lunch and rides. After a long day, we muddled through LA traffic and found our hotel and had pizza for dinner!

The next morning we drove back to my folks' house where they were staying for the majority of the trip. A day of rest and relaxation, and they were off to Yosemite the following day. My dad did a lot of driving and a lot of cooking! They really enjoyed his cooking. They also had a chance to eat at some "American" style dining, and loved the food. The girls hardly eat when they're home, but they sure packed away a lot of food during this trip!

The following day, they loaded up in my parents' motorhome and came up to our place. After a yummy lunch at the local fish place, we whisked them off to Hearst Castle (nobody seemed too impressed by that!) and then a barbecue at our house.

The next day, we took them kayaking and spent some time at the beach. The girls had a homework assignment where they had to collect 30 pieces of something from their trip. They decided to collect seashells. Usually, there's lots strewn along the beach, but this day we were hardpressed to find them. Before returning to my parents' house, we had lunch at a local Mexican restaurant. I am so amazed at how much they can eat and stay so slim! (I guess I missed that gene!)

Their last day here, my sister took them shopping for all their souvenirs and to experience an American mall. They feasted at Inn N' Out for lunch.

They had a great time. They wanted to fit in a trip to the Grand Canyon, but there just wasn't enough time. We told them they would just have to come back!

I had such a fun time spending time with my cousin and his two girls. I just love the girls--they were so cute and funny! My aunt was as tearful as ever during the good-byes. I hope we can see them again soon whether it's us heading to Japan or them coming back. I hope they had a memorable time. My parents were wonderful hosts and bent over backwards to accomodate them--thank you Mom & Dad! Now, everyone can breathe a little and rest...Ja mata ne!

Our Square Foot Garden

Our backyard is in desperate need of a makeover. We have ideas--that's not the problem. We knew we wanted to start a vegetable garden and to use raised beds, but with so many resources out there, we just weren't sure how to get started.

Working at the bookstore for years, I remembering always shelving this book, The Square Foot Garden. Never really paying attention to it. After all this time, I came across it again on an Internet search, found their website, read a little more, and decided to check out the book. Got the book, read it from cover to cover, and was hooked! I started telling people about it, and RT's family actually got interested in it, too. His sister and nephew already started one, but we were slacking.

If you're tired of clay soil, sandy soil, adding nutrients, fertilizing, and weeds---this is the method for you! It is such a simple and foolproof way to garden. I highly recommend this book or website.

When RT's parents came last weekend, they offered to help us get started. Since they were going to try it also, they figured this would be a good learning experience for them. Well, how could we pass up that offer?

Sure enough, we bought the supplies and got right to work. It really only took us about 2 hours to do 2 beds. I was impressed! We had some seeds and bought some plants and RT planted. We're starting to see some shoots and can't wait for our first bounty!
Thank you so much J & L for your enthusiasm and helping hands!

getting the soil ready...

mixing it up...



Did we get it all?


leveling it off...

the finished product...

master gardener & his apprentice...

the "vegetables" of our labor...

Family Visit

RT's parents visited us last weekend to finish their weeklong "stay"cation. We had a fun time showing them a few local sites in the VW bus. Of course we had to fit in some shopping and browsed the shops around town. While they were here, they generously helped us get our Square Foot Garden started. We had such a good time and felt we accomplished so much and at the same time caught up on all the news and enjoyed having them over!

Here they are with Spooner's Cove in the background: