Monday, January 19, 2009

These two could sleep all day.

This is Basho, the newest addition to Bryan's apartment. (besides myself. I decided to move in a couple weeks ago.) He's an old man of a cat. Named after a famous haiku poet who wandered the Japanese countryside in the 17th century. (Though most of the time we call him kitten or precious) He's extremely friendly and loves to snuggle. We got him at a shelter for free and learned that his old owner died. Our theory is that he was spoiled to eating fish and whatever other human food was on hand because he is a riot at dinnertime. He sits at Bryan's feet or trys to jump onto the table. After he's been denied he'll pace and meow and come back to sit and look up imploringly. The solution: rub fish oil from Bryan's fingers onto Basho, it keeps him busy licking all through dinner. Athough it should be noted that if he didn't have a kidney problem we'd probably spoil him too.
He seems used to living with us, and loves his new electric blanket. We are happy to have him!

Friday, January 9, 2009

Matsumoto Castle


We even went inside!

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Caligraphy





this is Mrs. Yamada. She's the head of the English department.









































This kanji means "a new start". It was a bit difficult to write. At least for me!