New Decor

Jon and I had been looking for something to place on the largest wall in our house. The wall literally was 8 feet of blank wall! We saw this entertainment center and thought about it, and when we went to get it, it was the last. So after a little bargaining with the manager, we managed to get the entertainment center for 25% off!

Someone who shall remain nameless just had to have a new TV....we agreed to nothing bigger than a 55"....somehow that same nameless person managed to bring home a 60" TV.

Sasebo & Huis Ten Bosch

Navy Ship at U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo

It was early, and it was really cold
Did I mention we ha not had any coffee yet?

Holland Themed Amusement Park

"Downtown" Holland

Watermark Hotel at Huis Ten Bosch

Jon and I took an overnight trip to U.S. Naval Fleet Activities Sasebo. We checked into the Gateway Inn, and spent the afternoon goofing off on the navy base. We did some shopping at the Navy Exchange, and had dinner at Chili's. We had planned to go to the Nagasaki Peace Park, but could not find directions to get there. Next time, we will get directions before we go.

Instead, we went to Huis Ten Bosch-this is Japan's version of Holland turned into a theme park. We did not go inside the theme park, as it was over Y7,000 to get in. Instead, we walked around the free area, and took in some of the sights of Huis Ten Bosch. It was a great, and much needed weekend getaway.

Christmas Update

Since we did not bring any holiday decor, we decided to make our own! First up, a Christmas Tree skirt.....military style.

 Take 1 pair of old woodlands Cammy pants, cut into a bunch of triangular pieces, and sew together!









 Place completed project around fake tree!

We survived our first Christmas in Japan, and it was not as bad as we figured it would be. We had a few friends over, and kept it low key.

We have decided that next year, Christmas 2012, we are not staying in Japan. We are going to go somewhere warm and tropical!

Fire Walking Ceremony

On Tuesday, November 15 we headed back to Miyajima Island for the "Fire Walking Ceremony". This is exactly what it sounds like...walking across fire, well almost, but there was a lot of walking across hot smoldering coals. The reasoning: Buddha! The Japanese that participated (alot) believe that what ever ailments they have, sins, etc, will be cured or forgiven if they write them down, burn them, and then walk across them....that was our translation. Supposedly, walking across fire has healing powers...if it's true, I am walking next year!

Marine Corps 236th Birthday Ball

Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011 - United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball

Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron

Jon and I inside the ball prior to the ceremony

Sgt. Macdonald, GySgt. Paris, SSgt. Fitch, Cpl. Neher, SSgt. Rodriguez

Only the Marine Corps can pull off an Eagle, Globe & Anchor Disco Ball

Table for One....for those that have given the ultimate sacrifice
Oh yea...while they presented this, they played TAPS!

Miyajima Trip

We decided to take a trip up to Miyajima Island, and do a little sight seeing. Miyajima port is approx. 40 minutes up the coast form Iwakuni. We got to the ferry port, and bought our tickets, and immediately boarded the ferry. The ferry ride takes about 10 minutes, and drops you off in the middle of the town of Miyajima. We walked around the town, hit up the Miyajima Aquarium, and decided to hike to the top of Mt. Misen.

Never fails, whenever we go somewhere, we get stuck at train tracks!
Just outside the main gate of the base!

Jon's new friend
The deer in Miyajima are very "people friendly"

5 story Pagoda

View of the city of Miyajima from the top of the
5 story Pagoda

Just another view

Torii - Low Tide

Peaceful

Which way to go...I think we will go to the "aguarium"

View from the top of Mt. Misen

It's us
Somewhere on Mt. Misen

Almost to the summit of Mt. Misen

The top of Mt. Misen
To the left is Hiroshima

Map of where we hiked

Us in front of the river/cascade of falls



Torii - Sunset & High-tide



Finally...the link is available

My Head Coaching Debut

So here it is, the first article that was written in regards to the swim team that I am the head coach of.
The Iwakuni Approach is a weekly newsletter that is put out, and they did a little article regarding the swim team.
I was just sent the link to the article, and it was published back in September. The military does everything SLOWLY!