Sachie's Blog

I visit a local gym for workouts since last March.
My job is making documents all day long and makes my body muscles stiff.
I wish I could go to the gym at least once a week for my health.

Well, my new year wish is "going to the gym for workout once a week".

投稿者: Sachie Post: 20:25 | Permalink

I looked a movie, "Night at the Museum" today. The story happened at the museum of Natural History in New York.
The scene of the central park reminds me of my happy trip last year. I miss the great city now.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 23:08 | Permalink

I happened to visit a flower shop that had a special sale of Lenten roses.
I bought Helleborus lividus and Helleborus orientalis (Lenten rose, Lenten hellebore).

Helleborus lividus

Lenten hellebore

They said this tree of Lenten hellebore was so small to have flowers this year. I hope it grow bigger enough for flowers next year.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 22:43 | Permalink

I chose my best three delicious cakes I ate recently.

First. Kobe cheese cake at the Osaka International Airport. (Sorry. I ate up before taking any photos.)
Second. Dark cherry cheese cake of "Sweet of Oregon."

Third. Black cheese cake of "Esola" in Hommachi, Osaka.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:26 | Permalink

I went to STEINWAY piano shop in Kobe to see and play the piano Horowitz used. There was a long waiting line. I waited for three hours!
The piano was for the marriage gift to Horowitz and Wanda, Toscanini's daughter from STEINWAY & SONS. It was an ordinary piano. But it was tuned specially for Horowitz.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 22:08 | Permalink | Comments (10)

I went to Parco Shibuya to see the exhibit 'Thunderbirds: 40 years in Japan.'
I used to watch Thunderbirds when I was small. It was deja-vu for me to see the Tracys' isle. I don't remember all five sons are sportsmen.
I put on Penelope's dress, sat on a pilot's chair etc. A clerk took my photo with Thunderbird one.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 23:45 | Permalink | Comments (4)

I'm in Tokyo for business trip. I went to Shibuya to see an exhibit of M. C. Escher. He was a woodblock artist who is for his famous trick arts.

I saw another exhibit of Escher's before at Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki. I remember lots of his optical illusion drawings.

This time, I learned he drew landscape in his young days. He loved Italy's landscape. He drawings were precise.

I bought a jigsaw puzzle of Escher's trick art.

投稿者: naka Post: 00:47 | Permalink

I usually write down something on my memo pad when I get a train to my home.

Two weeks ago, I drew illustrations. Drawings suddenly changed its shape and became a simple maze.

Mazes are in a part of topology. I once was interested in topology and used to read related books. I drew some mazes but I was unsatisfied with my drawings.

Here is my first maze. I hope you enjoy it.

Well, I'm not good at drawing with my computer. I hope I will handle software better.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 00:52 | Permalink | Comments (3)

I visited Seattle for the Star Trek 40th anniversary convention in September. It was held at the Science Fiction museum and Hall of Fame.

The museum was founded by Paul G. Allen, an entrepreneur and one of the founders of Microsoft. Several exhibits are Mr. Allen's personal collections. I saw a big eerie alien monster which Giger designed for 'Alien' and Captain Kirk's chair from Star Trek.

Its building was unusual looking. Frank Gehry designed it.

This kind of buildings are called 'Deconstructivism.'

I like drawings on its doors.

投稿者: naka Post: 00:53 | Permalink

My BLOG is under SPAM comments attacks. I changed settings of some entries to avoid their attacks. Sorry for inconvenience. Thank you.

投稿者: naka Post: 00:56 | Permalink

I have stiff shoulders and lower back. I always sit and use my computer all day long at the office. That's why I have such a trouble.
I had a massage on Friday. I could not stand my body trouble any longer. I went a massage place nearest from my office. When I talked with a massager in front of the place, a Caucasian man came. He has had a massage here and explained me how nice it was. He said Shiatsu fit with his feeling and started learning it.
With his recommendation, I had a 30 minutes body massage. How excellent. I knew my shoulders were stiff. They were REALLY STIFF.

I thank a English speaking man who recommended me this place.

投稿者: naka Post: 00:58 | Permalink

I saw 'Curtains', a new musical. It was a world premiere performance in Los Angeles. It was a crime comedy.

The story began the leading actress of the show 'Robin Hood' was killed during the end bow on the first performance day. The lieutenant of Boston yard tried to investigate who did it. While second murder occurred.

I regretted that I could understand less than half the number of jokes. However I enjoyed this musical so much.

Well, who killed the leading actress of the show 'Robin Hood'? One of actors with her? Stage staff? My guess was wrong.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 00:10 | Permalink | Comments (4)

I'll start my English BLOG again.

I went Los Angeles and Seattle in September. I saw the world premiere of the new musical 'Curtains.' I joined a concert of Los Angeles philharmonic and Star Trek 40th anniversary convention. I visited Nagoya for Star Trek related event.

I'll write what I saw.

Thank you.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 00:08 | Permalink | Comments (9)

I sometimes visit Tokyo for a business trip.

Lucky for me, I could visit Asakusa, Tokyo, on the next day of my busy work day.

There were lots of people enjoyed their sightseeing.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 20:29 | Permalink

The Sumiyoshi shrine enshrine four gods. That's why we can see four main buildings there.

They gave small 'Chi no wa', a loop made of sedge, Japanese pampas grass etc., for a protective charm. I got two small 'Chi no wa.' I put one of them at the entrance of my home and the other at my office.

They held a ritual service. Gods moved into 'Mikoshi', portable shrines.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 20:31 | Permalink

I visited the Sumiyoshi shrine for the Sumiyoshi festival's eve (30th of July).

The Sumiyoshi shrine, which was built in 211, is located in Osaka. It's one of the oldest shrine in Japan.

They keep their tradition over a thousand years. The Sumiyoshi shurine is appeared in old literature and plays as guardians of sea voyages. Many incidents of Kabuki stories happened here.

They were preparing for the festival.

This bridge is famous because of its shape.

I saw 'Kagura (song and dance to praise gods at shrine)' of the Izumo shrine.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 20:33 | Permalink

I sometimes see Noh performance because I happen to know a Noh actor. We've known for two years. He always explains me styles and histories of Noh. It's interesting to know the meanings of gestures. I believed that Noh performance was totally boring when I was a student. I believe now it's the beauty of simplicity.

I visited the Noh theater in Uemachi, Osaka on Sunday. There was a special performance on the day.

Program

*Kantan: A young Chinese man who sought his ways of life stopped at an Inn in Kantan. An inn keeper recommended to have a nap with the special pillow which would be attained enlightenment.

*Sayohime of Matsuura: A priest saw a woman diver in Matsuura who truly was a ghost of Sayohime, a daughter of a powerful family there. She told him her tragic story, why her spirit was wondering now.

*A mosquito wrestler: A load decided to hire an extra wrestler. His retainer, Taro-kaja, found a man who wanted the job. To tell the truce, he was a human size spirit of mosquito. When the load wrestled with the big human shape mosquito...

*The burden of love: An old gardener who worked at the palace happened to see a noble lady and fell in love. His only hope was seeing her again. She, who heard the story, made a terribly heavy burden. She promised him that she would appear in the garden if he could carry the burden she made. He happily tried to move it...but it was impossible. He realize the lady made fun of him. He died because of the sadness. Her men were afraid his hatred and asked her to appear in the garden...

投稿者: Sachie Post: 20:35 | Permalink

I uploaded photos taken in Germany here.

I want to visit there again.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 20:38 | Permalink | Comments (3)

I had some business trips to Tokyo last month. I usually use an airplane to go there because it's easy to go to Osaka Airport from my home and to Haneda Airport from our Tokyo Main Office.

Haneda Airport is one of my favorite places. There are excellent sweets shops where I walk around to buy some sweets.

It's seasonal rolled cake with whipped cream, mango and nata de coco of 'Keith Manhattan.'

You guess how happy I was! I ate up whole piece of cake by myself.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 20:40 | Permalink | Comments (9)

I hate mosquito. When I stay with my family or friends, I'm the first that a mosquito attacks.

I already bought a spray can of insect repellent and a medicine to control itching.

My biggest hope of this year is a racket!

It's an electric device. When I find a mosquito, I turn on its switch and smash. An electric discharge kills mosquito.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 20:42 | Permalink

We have an annual concert at Creo Osaka Nishi in Nishikujo, Osaka.

the 17th July , 5 P.M.

No admission

*Program*

Johannes Ockeghem: "Au travail suis"

Nicolas Gombert: "Le Chant des Oyseaux"

John Dunstable: "Magnificat"

Luca Marenzio: "De gli occhi", "Amatemi ben mio", "Ad una fresca riva"

Claudio Monteverdi: From 'Canzonette a tre voci'

We hope you enjoy our music.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 20:45 | Permalink

I was asked if I could help my coworker to manage our new project.

We saw our customer on Friday. We had a meeting on Monday and Tuesday as I wrote here. We had an another meeting today. We will have a meeting next Monday again. All happen in Tokyo. Well, I move between Osaka and Tokyo four times in ten days. I wake up early in the morning and go to an airport to take a plane for Tokyo.

What a terrible schedule it is. I'm not sure how many times I will visit Tokyo for this new project till November. At least, ten times a month? No way! Too much. But if we make a big success, it will be fun.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 20:47 | Permalink

After returning from Germany, jet lag lasted for one week. I could not sleep well and felt like walking in warm water in the daytime even though I took a walk more than usual.

I visited Ueno, Tokyo, went to New York, came back from New York, stayed in Japan for ten days and went to Germany. The schedule seemed a little tough. Oh, I wanted to see my friends, see the world around. The more I know something, the more I want to know anything.

Suddenly I had to go to a one day business trip to Tokyo last Friday. We got some homework to solve and have to have a meeting on Monday and Tuesday. It means my visiting Tokyo main office is expected tomorrow. Oh, my! How many times I will go to Tokyo this year? I expect something exciting will happen.

I must go to bed now!

投稿者: Sachie Post: 20:50 | Permalink

I bought an hourglass at Deutsche Museum in Munich. This hourglass is special for me because I broke an exact same one accidentally. An old one was a gift that my friend gave me as a souvenir from Germany.

Sand, inside of an hourglass, always goes to bottom. This special hourglass is different. It goes to upward. That's why I love it.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 20:55 | Permalink | Comments (2)

My trip to Germany was full of wonders. I visited Fulda, Deggendorf and Munich. I didn't see any Japanese sightseers in Fulda and Deggendorf. I spoke English with my friends for first five days. Strange to say, it was less stressful than I expected. I was contented with talking with my friends even though I struggled with English words.

I wrote about joining Federation Convention in Fulda (see my entry on May 21st 2006).

After FedCon my friend and I went to Deggendorf, my friend's home town. I was interested in driving through Autobahn. I heard German people drive at a terrific speed. It was true. The fastest speed experience of mine by car was 130km/hour in Japan. Speed reached 140km/hour and the fastest was 180km/hour. Wow. But I was not afraid of it. Scenery was only trees and fields.

I saw Danube. I like Johann Strauss' 'An der Shonen, blauen Donau.' Was Danube blue? That was my first thought. Well, is it blue? I'm not sure.

Deggendorf is a beautiful town. It's a Bavarian style.

I like my friend's cats. They are cute.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 20:56 | Permalink

I joined Federation Convention (FedCon) in Fulda, Germany.

It was second time I joined FedCon. It was so exciting. I had good time with my friends and had delicious foods.

You can see an old style bridge of Star Trek original series.

Look at them! It's leg meat of pork and Spagel (white asparagus). Wow. How big its dish was. I could not believe German and American friends ate up this big dish by themselves.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:00 | Permalink

My trip in Germany from 18th May to 27th May was fantastic. I visited Fulda, Deggendorf and Munich. Seeing my friends, chatting, drinking, eating, sightseeing and joining Star Trek convention.

I want to show you some interesting items I found there.

One of my friends told me that she recently was interested in certain fluffy things.

Look at them!

They are gigantic microbes dolls. How marvelous. The products of GIANTmicrobes. I chose one for myself. Can you guess?

Soccer fever! It seems to be sold at German GIANTmicrobes, riesenmikroben only. The World Cup game will start soon. I'm sure plenty of people are infected with soccer fever.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:04 | Permalink

On the final day of my trip in New York, I chose The New York Botanical Garden. I love seeing trees and flowers. That's why I cultivate plants by myself.

This garden is on over 100 ha. It means extremely large. Haupt Conservatory was like a palace.

I felt sweet smell when I walked. They were peonies.

 

It was the first time I saw lilacs. You guess! What a relaxing time I had under the trees.

I stepped firmly on the ground covered with soft withered leaves in Native Forest.

At the Rose Garden, I found rugosa roses, one of Japanese origin roses. Its Japanese name is Hamanasu. They are exceptionally beautiful roses which grow in cold snowy environment.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:05 | Permalink

I went to The Bronx Zoo on the 5th May. The 5th of May is the children's day in Japan. Many children go to somewhere with their family in Japan on the day. But I was in New York. I enjoyed quiet relaxing day there.

The Bronx Zoo is known by their efforts for saving lives of endangered animals. The Bronx Zoo looks like a natural garden with some net partitions and moats. Well, there are fences at the children's zoo area. Or are they fences? Only one foot fences for wallabies :-) Two watches are sitting in front of fences.

In butterfly garden, I filled in on a working paper for butterfly watching. It was a difficult work to identify them even though I got working paper.

A lady who watched I wrote down what I saw there in a map told her children that my idea was nice and they should learn from me.

I happened to watch birds called Bee Eater had their lunch. Their lunch were crickets. They caught crickets thrown in the air. We are wondering why they don't fly away through a corridor to outside without a cage. A clerk said they have three reasons. 1) they can find foods easily there. 2) they don't like darkness (It's dark in a corridor) 3) there were no trees in a corridor.

The view from Skyfari was amazing.

I stayed there from 10:30 A.M. to 5 P.M. What a lovely day for watching animals it was. I walked all day long.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:09 | Permalink | Comments (3)

The fifth day in New York. I went to see the Empire State building. I passed an inspection device and all my bags were through X-ray.

There were some ticket selection. Observation floor only, plus ride machine and all combination. A ride machine at the Empire State building? I was not sure what it was. I could not understand what all combination was. I chose an observation floor only.

They seem very business-conscious. They take an each one's photo at the entrance. And sell them with some extra so called souvenir at the exit.

It was a fine day. I could see the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge.

The Statue of Liberty is on right side.

Can you see the Brooklyn Bridge at right?

I went to the New Amsterdam theatre to see 'The Lion King.' I saw it in Los Angeles. But my American friend insisted that the one in New York was breathtaking and the theatre was fabulous.

Yes. The theatre is beauty itself. It looks like the art nouveau style. The performance is fabulous. In case of seeing 'The Lion King,' it's vital to book a seat at a front aisle between row 5 and 10 on Orchestra floor. Actors walk at both aisles at the beginning of each acts.

It's difficult to take a photo at half dark place.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:12 | Permalink

The fourth day in New York. I was tired because of walking too much at the Metropolitan Museum.

I decided to stay in the room till 1:00 PM. I wrote some diaries, read newspaper and had tea. It was relaxing time.

I had booked a ticket of musical 'Wicked' before going to New York. I have seen it last year but my seat was too far from a stage to see details. This time, my seat is at row 12.

All main cast actors were changed from those of last year. The biggest change was an actor, who played Fyero, was African American. The impact of the change from Caucasian to African American was big. I thought it was common a young blond Caucasian girl fell in love with a handsome African American. The first appearance of young Glinda the good looked more coquettish than before. She was like a comedienne.

After 'Wicked,' I went to the Schubert theatre to get a ticket of 'SPAMALOT.' I couldn't stop to see this stupid performance again. I was lucky to get a seat on row 6 at a front aisle. I laughed so much seeing it. If you are a Monty Python's fan, you should see it.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:14 | Permalink

The third day in New York. I visited the Metropolitan Museum. It's so hugh that I could see only one third of all arts there last year. It was definite that I couldn't see all of arts in one day. So I decided I saw all arts on the first floor this time.

Again, I walked and walked to try to see all of arts. What hugh collection they keep! I thought it was an endless game. Inside of museum is like labyrinth. I lost my way several times. Oh, my legs were killing me!

Most spectacular art was the real temple made of stone that the research group of the museum and Egypt excavated. It was given by the government of Egypt for it was flooded when the Aswan Dam was built. It wore down rapidly because of water.

This courtyard is a gallery for the paintings of the Impressionists.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:16 | Permalink | Comments (11)

On the 1st May, I walked from 32nd st to Central Park. It was bright sunny day. Best day for walking. I walked into the Central Park Zoo. It's small but people there enjoyed to see penguin, sea lion, polar bear and rain forest birds. The notice at polar bear cage said that their toys , which they actually played with, are sold at eBay auction.

The statue of Alice in wonderland is near a pond for radio-controlled yachts. A lady climbed it up and her friend took her picture.

 A pond and a statue suddenly reminded me of a fountain that Max and Leo danced at in the movie 'The producers.' I walked and walked to find it. I thought this was it! Bethesda fountain.


Five cute models walked for photos on the Terrace.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:19 | Permalink

I walked up Broadway in New York to theatre district to find new musical that looked interesting.

First, I visited TKTS, discount ticket shop. I saw numbers of selections I could choose. 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' looked so fun but I was not sure it was worth for two hour waiting.

Then I saw a huge ad of Disney's new musical 'Tarzan.' I was interested with why it was not heard in Japan. I visited the theatre and found that it was on preview performance.

A man was waiting in front of the box office. I went into the entrance to find when the office would be open. There were no information. A man told me that the office would be open at noon and it was not his first experience of 'Tarzan.'

He was a great performance lover. He saw 'Tarzan' in Denver and knew 75% of Tarzan performance changed from that of Denver. It meant he saw it at least twice. He traveled around the world to see plenty of performances. He recommended me 'Lion King' in NY and 'KA' in Las Vegas.

When the box office was open, we found all today's tickets were already sold out. But he realized they would release some VIP tickets later. We waited cancellation. He asked me if I agree to buy tickets of two with him. He explained that they sometimes sold tickets in set.

Finally he got excellent seats for us.

An another musical lovers couple was in next seats of ours. He and a couple exchanged the latest information of performances in New York and London. It was fascinating moment for me to listen to their comments. I wish I could speak English more fluently.

Many thanks to an unknown great musical lover who is a teacher and helped me at Richard Rodgers Theatre.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:21 | Permalink

At first, I saw it in a catalog. Next at a flower shop. The impulse engine suddenly was in full power. It's too cute!

I've never taken care of Bonsai before. I'm afraid I can keep it well. I'll do my best.

As soon as I came back home, I went to a verandah to see how my roses were. They were well and growing bigger. I treat all my plants equally.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:23 | Permalink | Comments (2)

I visited Ueno, Tokyo last weekend. My friends, who live in Tokyo area, and I walked from Ueno to Sendagi through Yanaka area seeing fantastic shops and buildings.

How tall these cherry trees are. A man in red shirt is 180 cm high.

Clear jelly like food in Taiwan. I ate it with lemon taste sweet syrup.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:25 | Permalink | Comments (2)

I've just seen it on DVD. It was a cute story. Rabbits, rabbits everywhere. Wallace and Gromit work as rabbits capturers. They never kill any rabbits at all. How marvelous the ending was.

They were really made of clay? Excellent works.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:27 | Permalink

It was an excellent day despite yellow sand storm. The sun looked yellowish vagueness because of yellow sand.

The road to the Takarazuka Theatre. Takarazuka city is known as the city of music and flowers.

The whole park was filled with the cherry blossoms.

You can see so many people gathered under the trees and enjoyed parties. A cherry blossom blooming forecast is very important for Japanese.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:30 | Permalink

I'm reading 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' in English. I'd read all OZ series in Japanese and love them. It was written over a hundred years ago. This fantasy still has power which people can not ignore. There is a popular musical called 'Wicked' that is a spin-off story of 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.' I saw it in Broadway. It was a great musical.

I now found that tornado is called cyclone. Well, there are plenty of words I don't know.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:31 | Permalink

I saw 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.' I thought it was a good entertainment for family. The story was almost same as that of C.S. Lewis wrote. Its computer graphics was great. But CG was CG. Something was lack. Aslan moved lighter.

When I heard Disney picture would make 'Narnia', I was afraid they totally changed its story. This Narnia movie was more fascinating than I expected.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:35 | Permalink

This afternoon, a printer in our office became suddenly unstable. I had lots of documents to print for tomorrow's meeting. At first, I pushed an online button several times. It worked. But it seemed a temporary magic. Next, I pushed a setting button. Did it work? It looked work. Once. Then I turned it off and on. It was the only way our lazy printer (or does it totally broken?) wake.

Oh, how many times I turned off/on and how long it took to print all documents!! If only I had an assistant...

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:33 | Permalink

I saw 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.' I thought it was a good entertainment for family. The story was almost same as that of C.S. Lewis wrote. Its computer graphics was great. But CG was CG. Something was lack. Aslan moved lighter.

When I heard Disney picture would make 'Narnia', I was afraid they totally changed its story. This Narnia movie was more fascinating than I expected.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 20:36 | Permalink

The nearest deli owned by the Takarazuka Hotel was refitted. I visited there to see what it would be like.

All menu was changed. Neat atmosphere. Looked a little bit more luxury.

I bought salmon sandwich. It was 25 cm wide. Looked like some kind of gifts.

Not be cut, you see.


Batter rich bread. Lots of salmon slices. 525 yen. I thought it was delicious.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:40 | Permalink

Orchid called Ponerorchis graminifolia, 'Ucho-ran' in Japanese, was given. Properly speaking, I got potato like root lumps of 'Ponerorchis graminifolia.' Just take a look.

Its genus name 'Ponerorchis' means small 'orchis.' 'orchis' is a kind of European orchids. Its meaning is the testicles in Greek.

Ponerorchis graminifolia is Japan specific orchid. One of red data book plants. Its flower is so cute. I hope it will bloom and increase the number of its root lumps.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:43 | Permalink

I joined an annual meeting of Kansai Paphiopedilum Guild on the 26th. Paphiopedilum is called lady's slipper orchid which has a pouch shape petal. It's a close relative plant of 'Atsumori-sou.'

We gather every three month. Talking about Paphiopedilum, listening a lecture, looking on Paphiopedilum we bring and auctioning Paphiopedilum.

Some of our members are excellent cultivators. They are making challenges to the world record, the most beautiful and biggest Paphiopedilum in the world. We are sure they will make it.

Paphiopedilum Dellaina

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:45 | Permalink

I fell in love with kangaroo paw last year. It was a curious shaped Australian plant. I took care of it. But it was eaten by 40 grubs!! (I counted them out.)

I found a new one again and bought it.

What do you think of it?

投稿者: Sachie Post: 22:13 | Permalink

I saw 'Brokeback Mountain.' It was quiet. There were no thrilling orchestra sound nor showy flashes. Magnificent mountains. Rural lives. Poverty and uneducated people. Riches and educated people.

Two cowboys had a tough work with low wages. One of them had to stand as a night watch of sheep without fire every night. The weather of mountain was unstable. One very cold night... it happened.

Each cowboy married with a lady. But they could not forget the days they spent together at Brokeback. They spent a few days together every year. That was all they could do.

(I wrote about an ending of the story.)

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:48 | Permalink

The busiest period of year has gone. March always is the toughest time of year. We check and re-check every products. Re-read so many documents.

After the terrible time, beautiful cherry blossoms please us. We might work for coming wonderful spring days.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:50 | Permalink

I want to watch movies, 'Narnia' and 'Brokeback Mountain.'

When I say 'Brokeback Mountain' to someone, their reaction split into two kinds, hatred and acceptance. It's a controversial matter. They say its theme is a matter. It seems some people really hate the word itself and try to avoid every related things.

I don't care its theme. I hope it's a nice story movie.

I happen to see homosexual persons. They are ordinary looking people.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:51 | Permalink

I visited Tennoji park in Osaka city to see 'Nitten', one of the biggest Japanese fine arts exhibition on the 5th March. Actually I went to the Osaka Municipal Museum of Art in Tennoji park. I walked in Keitaku-en, Japanese garden which the Sumitomo family donated to Osaka city before World War II.

It was a fine day. The topiaries in Tennoji park are lovely, aren't they?

It was a quiet afternoon in Keitaku-en. It's great that such a beautiful quiet place is in the middle of Osaka city.

>

It's Chausu-yama. In the famous civil war in Osaka in 1614 between the Tokugawa and the Toyotomi, the Tokugawa placed their headquarters here. Yukimura Sanada, a general of the Toyotomi troop, was killed here.

It's Osaka Municipal Museum of Art. It was built in 1936. Its Japanese and Chinese arts collection are excellent.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:52 | Permalink

I often fall in love with flowers and trees. I can't resist seeing flower shops and beautiful garden/parks.

On Friday, it was difficult not to see flower shops near my office. I had to fight against temptation. I won.

But today... When I strolled around near the station, I saw lovely, deep red roses winked at me. It was "Domino Optima." The deep red asked me what do I think of them. I looked them a few minutes. Then suddenly I found big fluffy pink smiled on me. I lost the game and brought one of fluffy pink with me. It was "Tutu Optima."

All my roses grow bigger now. I hope they show me cute flowers.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:54 | Permalink

A movie called "The Producers" will start next month in Japan. It's based on Mel Brooks' musical based on his musical movie. It means Mel Brooks' movie became the musical play. Then the musical stage play became the movie.

I saw the play in Los Angeles. Jason Alexander did Max Bialystock, a producer in Broadway. Martin Short did Leo Bloom, an ex-accountant. It was so fun. Martin Short added his characteristic peevishness to Leo Bloom.

Soon I will see the movie. I'm looking forward to it.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 19:57 | Permalink

Recently foods companies usually collaborate each other in Japan. This time, a sweets company collaborate with a bakery. They bake buns looked like chocolate. They use same flavor.

How do they taste like? Well, they are like chocolate. I like strawberry flavor chocolate than strawberry flavor bun. Both mango flavor bun & chocolate are nice. I don't like nougat. So I can not eat standard TIROL chocolate.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 22:00 | Permalink

Do you think they are ordinary eggs?

Yes, one is an ordinary egg. The other is the pudding egg.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 22:02 | Permalink

The Internet connection device has been repaired. But I have an another trouble now. I can not use an analog telephone but an IP telephone. The repair man found one of sockets of the splitter was broken.

So I have to wait till Monday to fix it. Oh, my!

投稿者: Sachie Post: 22:04 | Permalink

On the 28th, An internet device for IP phone shown strange behavior.

So I couldn't access the internet for three days.

I knew I could reconnect my computer to the other device to use the internet.

Oh, I just didn't want to do it.

Today, I called NTT for repair. They may be going to replace the broken one to

new one.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 22:05 | Permalink | Comments (4)

Though I planted seven bulbs of tulip in a pot last year, only four sprouted out. Wondering why others don't move at all... I peeled off the brown outside... Oh my! they grew. But the sprouts don't had enough power to break their own outside. Well, I helped them a little bit.

I hope beautiful tulips will be shown soon.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 22:17 | Permalink

I love roses. I'm usually worried how I keep my roses from its diseases and insects.

I don't like spraying with an agricultural chemicals and an insecticide since I think they are bad for both people's health and environment.

Now I use the way that I found on internet. It works.

When you find mildew on roses...

You prepare 2% sugared water added a few drops of neutral detergent. Then spray it on roses.

All you need is water, sugar and a few drops of neutral detergent. That's all.

Be careful not to spray it on yourself. It attracts ants :-)

投稿者: Sachie Post: 22:18 | Permalink

When I moved in this condo in 2000, I had almost a hundred orchids. Most of them could not tolerate environmental changes and died out one by one.

Now survival orchids are in better condition. Orchids are known as long life plants. Living over a hundred years. I hope they grow well and show everyone beautiful flowers.

Some of valuable orchids I have.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 22:20 | Permalink

Last weekend, I bought boxes of chocolate of Bruyerre, Leonidas and Daskalides. I ate up them with my friends / co-workers. Each chocolate has its character. Hard shell & soft inside or soft & sweet or dark & sweet etc. It's great that chocolatiers make lots of variations.

Do you want to buy them?

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:21 | Permalink

I almost decide to go to Star Trek the 40th anniversary convention in Seattle in September. Every time I go to Star Trek convention, I wish I could see someone who would be a new friend with me.

I heard Seattle in September was nice. It's a good idea using Science Fiction Museum for Star Trek convention.

I hope some Japanese Star Trek fans will join it.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 22:24 | Permalink

I study English at English conversation school every Saturday. There are two foreign teachers in this school.

Our Australian teacher will go back her home country soon. We heard our new teacher is a Californian male from Los Angeles. All teachers said that it's rare that both teachers are Californian male.

Today while we wait our new teacher in the class room, one of Japanese teachers came in and told us he was young so we never be hard on him. After she left, a young man who looked like a Japanese university student came in. At first, I thought he was a new student. Then I realized he was polite and dignified. Our new teacher is an Asian-American.

Today's topic was a working style in Japan. We found working style in Japan and America was so different. It will be fun taking his class.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:26 | Permalink

On Sunday, I found new leaves of roses already spread out. I cut away some branches and spread fertilizer. I hope lots of roses will bloom this year.

Mistral Parade

投稿者: Sachie Post: 22:28 | Permalink

I sometimes have cakes of Koenigs-Krone(their site is in Japanese). They provide German style sweets with Japanese tastes and I like them.

We can try some cakes at a cafe in Kobe. I had a dishfull of cakes today,

How wonderful! They were strikingly heavy even for me. But heaven! I ate up all.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 22:30 | Permalink

It's the second exhibit of 'Chateau de Versailles' series at Kobe city museum.

There are lots of paintings, furniture, accessories (necklace, tiaras, laces of dresses etc.), busts and tableware.

Some of paintings are famous ones. Especially, portraits. I like a portrait of Napoleon's coronation. He looked so handsome and brave in his fur dress.

I always feel exhibits in Japan are been tired because too many people in a small area.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 21:32 | Permalink

Two companies announced that they will hold 'Star Trek: The 40th Anniversary Convention' between the 8th and 10th September.

*Creation Entertainment
One of famous convention planner companies in the U.S. They will hold two conventions in the same date in Chicago and Sacramento. Each 1000 fans. Main guest stars are W. Shatner(Capt. Kirk) and L. Nimoy (Mr.Spock).

*Planet XPO

They held the farewell convention of James Doohan(Scotty) and I heard it was a great success. The 40th anniverary convention will be held in the Science Fiction Museum in Seattle. 400 fans. Main guest stars are N. Nichols(Uhura), G. Takei(Sulu), W. Keonig(Chekov), G.L. Whitney(Janice) and M.Baret Roddenberry(Chapel).

You can choose price that depends on which seat you want and expect, how many autograph you can get and what souvenirs you will want to get.

Will I join one of them? I'm not sure yet. But I'll chose Seattle one if I have to choose one of them. (I've booked Federation Convention in Germany in May. I'm negotiating with my co-workers.)

投稿者: Sachie Post: 22:34 | Permalink

As you know, I love sweets. This time of year, we can see lots of sweets everywhere in Japan. I bought some chocolate of Lindt, a company in Switzerland.

One is Swiss Dark chocolate with orange flavour. I think it's one of popular imported chocolate in Japan.


Next one is extra bitter chocolate. 99% cacao. Actually, it's not sweet at all. It doesn't melt but stays in the mouth. Instructions said you should start 70% cacao then try 85% next before trying 99% cacao.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 22:36 | Permalink

I bought a new shredder. This is the third one I'd ever bought. It's so nice to use. I think it's necessary to keep our privacy properly.

The first one is a manually operated machine. Next, automatic but small. Recently the size of direct mails are like big letter. It become tough I tear letters before shredding them. So I want a bigger one.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 22:38 | Permalink

I'm not a vegetarian but love salad.

My favorite is 30 vegetables salad of the R 1/F SOZAI.

It's in a big salad bowl. It gives me a great satisfaction,

投稿者: Sachie Post: 22:40 | Permalink

I chose fresh salmon, squid sushi roll as dinner. Today's dish was fish, fish, fish. But delicious not fishy. I like fish after all.

One thing I really have difficulties now is my left hand smell like sardine.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 22:41 | Permalink

Oh! Well...It's obvious that this sardine is too big and heavy compared with my little tree. Even only its head.

Though it couldn't perform its main purpose, It tasted so delicious. All's well that ends well.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 20:43 | Permalink

'Setsubun' is the day before the calendrical beginning of spring.

We throw roast soy beans away to drive away demons. We place twigs of holly tree putting on heads of sardine at doorside.They also protect us from evil spirits.

This is my favorite, Amami holly tree.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 19:44 | Permalink

It seems that an occasional work past midnight is engineers' destiny.

I had a trouble report from a programer and had to investigate what really happened. When it was past 12 A.M. , my boss said that I should go back home and sleep if I could not find a solution in ten minutes. In a terribly tiered condition, serious causes are failed to notice.

Yes, he is right. However, I wonder when my boss sleep. He usually works past midnight.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 22:47 | Permalink

I got some slices of oh-toro, the most precious tuna sashimi - the fattest meat of a tuna - as a gift. I was surprised that it repeled soy sauce because of fat. It was felt so soft. It melted but was different from that of icecream. How I explain? It was excellent!

投稿者: Sachie Post: 22:49 | Permalink

I joined monthly Star Trek fan gathering in Osaka yesterday.

We talked about trading cards, rumors of new ST movie, conventions in other countries and how to increase new Star Trek fans.

We don't know what kind of Star Trek related events will happen this year in Japan. We hope there will be good news.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 23:06 | Permalink

I found a flower shop I sometimes visited will be close soon. All flowers were discounted. I bought a basket two roses was in it. One of them is Nicola Parade, Poulsen Roser's new rose. It smells sweet.



Isn't it cute?

投稿者: Sachie Post: 23:08 | Permalink

My first trip to foreign country was to the United States in 1997. The very first place I went to was Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

It was heavy rain on that day. When I saw its building, I was surprised its large scale. Next moment, only 10 dollar fee. I was totally wet but soon forgot about it. How wonderful I could see such great collections of arts! I needed four hours to walk through.

Now the MFA has new building project. It will be completed in 2010.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 23:10 | Permalink

Whenever I'm tired and depressed, I watch Monty Python's Flying Circus. It makes me laugh and I feel better.

Their sense of humour and wit is a little difficult for me. Sometimes can not understand their English at all because of their machine gun talk or local dialects. But somehow I love it. I think laugh is good for health.

The Complete Monty Python's Flying Circus 16-Ton Megaset

Region:1 (US and Canada)

List Price :$199.95, Amazon.com price :$149.99

投稿者: Sachie Post: 23:12 | Permalink

TIME chose Walkie Bits as one of Best Invention 2005. It's a cute turtle toy that Japan toy company, Takara sells.

It's cute, isn't it?

It walks as unpredictable patterns. It sings.

It's so popular that it's sold out so quickly when preorder of new Walkie bits starts.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 23:14 | Permalink

I'm interested in many kinds of things.

As you can see, one of them is rose cultivation.

A photo on top is climbing rose 'Azumino.'

It's so cute and sometimes climbs up unexpected places. Every time I try to move its branches, it hurts me badly. But I love it.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 23:17 | Permalink

All entries of my English BLOG have been moved here.

Thank Naka-san for his excellent work.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 22:19 | Permalink

Flu is spread in my office. One of team members got the flu (Hong Kong flu) last week. One more, last week end . Another member on my left has heavy sore throat today. On the opposite side, a member put on extra cloth saying 'it's chilly here' now.

I hope they get well tomorrow.

To take care of yourself and keep away from flu:

1) wash hands when you go to restroom.

2) gargle when you go home.

3) keep your throat warm and not dry.

4) avoid places lots of people gathered.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 23:21 | Permalink

I love sweets. I'm always looking for delicious sweets. When I visit foreign countries, I note where good sweets shop are to visit there again in the future.

I had had five pieces of cake after having a full-course dinner.

A photo above is raspberry mousse and chestnuts meringue mousse covered by Turkish delight.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 23:22 | Permalink

'Nanakusa-gayu', rice porridge with seven spring herbs, is a traditional Japanese dish on 7th of January. In old days, Japanese traditional foods for new year were dry and salty ones. For this reason, people ate 'Nanakusa-gayu' to give their stomach a rest and get vitamin from herbs.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 23:24 | Permalink

My new year's work started on 4th.

There were mountains of documents I had to revise and newly write.

I worked till 9 P.M. on 4th. Till 9:30 P.M. on 5th. But things are getting worse.

We call software outputting complicated everything in it list as 'HARD' software. It's sometimes connected with unacceptable work and/or demands. And it happened last night.

I withheld making one of software design documents because a client postponed making a contract. Last night, the client suddenly demanded it without the contract. Though my boss got angry with the client, he asked me to make a specific list sample. It took several hours and we worked till 12:30 A.M. We can not understand they believe such a complicated list is useful. I'm sure it' will be stressful to make this computer software design document.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 23:25 | Permalink

They are an example of traditional Japanese foods of new year.

Right: soy sauce taste soup with rice cake and potharb mustard

Left(top to clockwise): sweet black beans, sweet chestnut, dried young anchovies, codfish

投稿者: Sachie Post: 23:27 | Permalink

I watched 'The count of Monte Christo', French mini series starring by Gerard Depardieu.

I think it's an amazingly nice adaptation of Dumas' work. Hollywood version Monte Christo I watched before was unacceptable. In my opinion, Dumas' novel world is too great to create. Many people love it. It's a tough work making its movie.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 23:29 | Permalink

It's my very first blog entry in English.

I had traditional foods for a new year for my breakfast and went for a walk to the nearest park.

In there, people gathered for a traditional event 'Mochitsuki', pounding steamed rice into cake. I joined it. A pestle was heavy for me because of lack of exercise. But I enjoyed it so much. After 'Mochitsuki', we ate 'Mochi' a lot.

投稿者: Sachie Post: 23:30 | Permalink