7 Fahrenheit / Minus 14 Celsius

We're in Minnesota for American Thanksgiving, and despite the frigid temp, the sunshine on the bright blanket of white lured Roo outdoors this morning for a go in the snow. It's been awhile since we've seen snow and even longer since we've been in a climate this cold. Remaining positive, I'll use the words "refreshing" and "invigorating" to describe the experience.

Front Tooth

Today at school an older classmate coached Roo to "try pulling it out". At pick up today he proudly presented to me his front tooth in a little plastic bag.

Daria Music

Thursday and Friday was a day off of school for New Jersey children. Our outing yesterday was a trip to the Madison Public Library for Daria's World Music Jam. She encouraged the children to use her array of instruments from around the world which included a Peruvian rattle made of goat toenails, a shekere from Africa which is a hollow gourd covered with a net of beading, and drums that varied in material and tone. Roo enthusiastically took his turn on several items with the Latina American cajon (a wooden box with a hole that is played like a drum with your hands) occupying the majority of his interest. Her website gives instructions on how to make some of the instruments with household materials. Check it out!

Halloween

Roo started the evening as Batman, but quickly concluded that the mask hindered his ability to see, opting for the fire fighter's suit that has reflective stripes. While only a few people came to our door, Roo managed to come home with a hefty loot, choosing a red lolly for his first indulgence.

Kentucky

Roo is learning a song to remember the 50 States of America in alphabetical order. Yesterday he asked "Mommy, is Kentucky (ke.n.ta.ki) a Japanese word? It sounds like a Japanese word". I couldn't help but chuckle as I explained that Kentucky is definitely NOT Japanese! A good guess, though.

Ryan on the Radio

Ryan is in Tokyo; a post move visit intended to help with the transition of work responsibilities. Despite being surrounded by boxes in an out of control home, and jealous that he has the chance to see friends and visit favorite places once again, I couldn't help but smile when I learned from our friend Mana san that Ryan was interviewed for a live radio show about American Halloween. The link is in Japanese, so here is the translated contents:

DJ Katsuki san says:

"My image of an American is Funky and Loud but Ryan-san was quiet and intelligent. For the children the fun part of Halloween is the costume. He used to be a batman and a knight with the costume that his mother made. His requested song was "I Need You" by Faith Hill & Tim McGraw. While the song was played I thought he said that the video of this song is also good with candles around. I checked the video and found out that my listening comprehension is not bad. BUT, I think I said the name of the program several times but after the show I was asked "What is the name of your program?".... "

Steadfast in his support of Faith and Tim, I think he deserves a "fan of the year award".

Meatless Monday

Meatless Monday is a non-profit initiative in association with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Heath. In an effort to raise awareness, the campaign aids to bring more mindfulness to food consumption habits. Besides benefiting your pocket book and your body, the big plus behind a meatless meal is environmental. Green efforts such as "bring your own bags" and "reduce, reuse, repurpose, recycle" are all good, but individuals can have an even greater impact by making an effort "to eat lower on the food chain". Personally, I've made the choice to not adopt a strictly vegetarian diet. But, I also don't think I need meat everyday. So, in the spirit of "mindful consumption", I"ll commit to a meatless Monday. Tonight's dinner, fried tofu with rice and spicy (shichimi togarishi) sesame dressing (and salad)!