Seeds For Africa

This past month I've been working with two other mothers at Roo's preschool to organize a parent and teacher social event to raise money for the charity, Seeds For Africa. Specifically, the focus we chose is the fruit tree planting program. Funds raised will go towards the planting of fruit tree orchards near schools in impoverished neighborhoods in Africa. The trees not only provide beauty, help offset CO2 pollution, and minimize soil erosion, but also provide sustenance. It only takes approximately $350 USD (depending on the fx rate) to plant a fruit tree nursery of fifty trees. Through ticket sales and a silent auction, our school raised nearly $3,000 or ¥287,000!

The school's Headmaster (and Deputy Head in background) with a toast.

Me explaining the charity and trying to encourage bidding in the silent auction. I definitely witnessed, the more drinks, the higher the bids!

More beautiful flowers

in our lobby.

Birthday Party !!!

We celebrated Roo's birthday on Sunday with a party at his preschool. The children came in costume, if they wanted, and had a full afternoon of entertainment. We started with snacks and an array of welcoming songs, hiked down to the gym for an obstacle course, donned laboratory coats for Simon's science show, ate pizza, cupcakes, and finished with more song and dance. Roo had a blast!

A Bird's Nest

Our building has a small courtyard, enclosed on all sides, containing bamboo and stone. One of the windows in our bedroom opens to this courtyard. Today when I drew the curtains to let the sunlight in, I was greeted by nature's artwork. In our quiet neighborhood, we often wake to the sound of birds singing. One such minstrel has constructed a nest directly in front of our window. Hopefully this spring we can witness as eggs are left and eventually baby birds hatched.

Ikkanbari

This past year, I’ve purchased two pieces of Ikkanbari art. Both items were crafted by British Artist Lisa George, who is a former Mum at Roo’s preschool. This traditional craft is an ancient method of applying layers of unryushi washi (Japanese hand made paper) to bamboo items using rice starch as glue and coating with varnish. It was originally a way to give extended life to broken bamboo household items. An ancient form of recycle and reuse. Torn paper is painstakingly glued to the bamboo and finished with coats of varnish, yielding a distinctly unique piece. The best feature is that the items are durable enough to use for daily needs, a fruit bowl, a bread basket or a handbag. If you’re interested, check out George’s papergluebamboo website or her store on etsy.

Maggie

Maggie, one of our pets living in Minnesota, is back to her foster home after a short stay in the Country Cat Clinic. This docile, overweight, extremely sedentary, and meek meowing sweet girl got in a rumble with the neighbor feline. She’s an indoor cat. The window screen didn’t stop her from nature’s instinct to defend her territory. In the tiff, she fell and fractured her paw. So, she had surgery, is doing well, and is back to her comfortable home, where she’s sure to get plenty of love and attention. Apparently her paw is wrapped in a Minnesota Viking bandage. Ahem…I’m a Green Bay Packer fan.

Morning send off

Here the guys are, ready to walk to preschool and work in the rain. Grandpa left to return to America today. Roo confidently exclaimed "see you in a couple months".