February 10, 2015 Tuesday

Pilates - because laying on my back always seems easier then jumping up and down.  I do find that Pilates gives core strength like nothing else.  If you think it is a girls workout, try it and see how easy the hundreds is.


Matthew chapter 25 - The Sheep and the Goats - In His words Jesus tells us that at the end the sheep and the goats will be separated.  I love goats, but I have to be a sheep.  Don't take this too literally, just understand that you need to feed the hungry, give them clothes, contact the lonely, reach out to your brothers and sisters in need - don't be a goat.


On this day -
1976 - My boyfriend, Pete took his parents downtown to Cobo to see the Russian gymnast that was in town - I had my belly dance class so I couldn't go.  His Mom, Tatjiana was a very proud Russian. I on the other hand love to celebrate all cultures (belly dancing) and still do. 


1920 - Major league baseball representatives outlawed pitches that involve tampering with the ball. Interesting in view of the recent football tampering of late.


Parenting - Mom's in the hospital.  It is hard at 93 to know what the outcome will be this time.  Most of me wants to bring her home and get back to normal, but their is a voice telling me - Thy will be Done. 


Iwate Japan - a little diversion to Japan -

Geography[edit]

Map of Iwate Prefecture.

Iwate faces the Pacific Ocean to the east with sheer, rocky cliffs along most of the shoreline interrupted by a few sandy beaches. The border with Akita Prefecture on the west is generally formed by the highest points of the Ou Mountains. Aomori Prefecture is to the north and Miyagi Prefecture is to the south.
The Ou mountains on the west still contain active volcanoes such as Mt. Iwate (at 2,038 meters the highest point in the prefecture) and Mt. Kurikoma (1,627 meters). But the Kitakami Mountains running through the middle of the prefecture from north to south are much older and have not been active for thousands of years. Mt. Hayachine (1,917 meters) lies at the heart of the Kitakami range.
Besides these two mountain ranges and the rugged coastline, the prefecture is characterized by the Kitakami River which flows from north to south between the Ou and Kitakami mountain ranges. It is the fourth longest river in Japan and the longest in Tohoku. The basin of the Kitakami is large and fertile providing room for the prefecture's largest cities, industrial parks and farms.
In the past Iwate has been famous for its mineral wealth especially in the form of gold, iron, coal and sulfur but these are no longer produced. There is still an abundance of hot water for onsen, or hot springs, which is the basis of a thriving industry. The forests of the prefecture are another valuable resource. Before World War II the forests were mainly composed of beech but since then there has been a huge swing towards the production of faster growing Japanese cedar. Recently, though, there has been a push to restore the original beech forests in some areas.
As of 1 April 2012, 5% of the total land area of the prefecture was designated as Natural Parks, namely Towada-Hachimantai and Rikuchū Kaigan National Parks; Kurikoma and Hayachine Quasi-National Parks; and Goyōzan, Hanamaki Onsenkyō, Kuji-Hiraniwa, Murone Kōgen, Oritsume Basenkyō, Sotoyama-Hayasaka, and Yuda Onsenkyō Prefectural Natural Parks.^[8]

Cities[edit]

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable! 

February 7, 2015 Saturday

Started out with some Jillian, got through the warm up.  When you are on meds, you don't always feel like exercising.  They say as long as you can go ahead, well I can't today.


Psalm 71 - This was for Mom today.  God is there when you are born and is with you every moment of your life.  It is a great comfort to know that he is with you into your old age as you are getting closer to being with him.  Thank God for all He has done for you and given to you - everyday of your life.  Life.


On this day;
1976 - Here is the entry for that day from my journal - "cleaned house shower (it was a lot to wash and set hair then) washed hair p.u. Mark (brother)  from work took him to p.u. car.  signed up with Vic Tanny  grocery shopping called Mom out to Pat & Pams - tv   Home tv bed."  Oh to be 29 again.  Not much has changed.  You should write down all the myriad things you do in a day - just once to see how busy your days are, you might be surprised.


 1976 - Darryl Sittler (Toronto Maple Leafs) set a National Hockey League (NHL) record when he scored 10 points in a game against the Boston Bruins. He scored six goals and four assists. He was busy this day too!


Parenting - My friend and I were just messaging back and forth about how younger people (women particularly) don't seem as high functioning as we are/were.  Maybe it is just their priorities.  She is having a hard time doing an event tomorrow due to low/non assistance from others on her board.  I feel bad because I left that board and it fell to her.  Twenty years ago, I was a single Mom, worked full time, taught Sunday School and was involved with all things at church and school.  Mind you I did not have a social life, but hey I was fulfilled with what I was doing.  Today's Mom's don't see church as a priority - you have to give them small jobs like once a month participation with a short time period of involvement.  What has changed?  I would like to know.  Don't want to be an old grouch, but The Most Important Thing about any Christian church is Evangelism.  Right? 


Iwate Japan;   Lets learn some more -
Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Iwate prefecture was part of Mutsu Province.^[6]
Iwate Prefecture was created in 1876 in the aftermath of the Boshin Civil War which heralded the beginning of the Meiji Restoration. While the entire island of Honshū was claimed by the Japanese, or Yamato, government from earliest times as a sort of divine right or manifest destiny, the imperial forces were unable to occupy any part of what would become Iwate until 802 when two powerful Emishi leaders, Aterui and More, surrendered at Fort Isawa.
The area now known as Iwate Prefecture was inhabited by the Jomon people who left their artifacts throughout the prefecture. For example a large number of burial pits from the Middle Jomon Period (2,800–1,900 BC) have been found in Nishida. Various sites from the Late Jomon Period (1,900–1,300 BC) including Tateishi, Makumae and Hatten contain clay figurines, masks and ear and nose shaped clay artifacts. The Kunenbashi site in Kitakami City has yielded stone "swords", tablets and tools as well as clay figurines, earrings and potsherds from the Final Jomon Period (1,300–300 BC).
The earliest mention of a Japanese presence dates to about 630 when the Hakusan Shrine was said to have been built on Mt. Kanzan in what is now Hiraizumi. At this time various Japanese traders, hunters, adventurers, priests and criminals made their way to Iwate. In 712 the province of Mutsu, containing all of Tohoku, was divided into Dewa Province, the area west of the Ou Mountains and Mutsu Province. In 729 Kokuseki-ji Temple was founded in what is now Mizusawa Ward, Oshu City by the itinerant priest Gyōki.
Little is known about relations between these Japanese frontiersmen and the native Emishi but in 776 they took a turn for the worse when large forces of the Yamato army invaded Iwate attacking the Isawa and Shiwa tribes in February and November of that year. More fighting occurred the next and following years but mostly in Dewa and the area south of present day Iwate prefecture. This situation continued until March 787 when the Yamato army suffered a disastrous defeat in the Battle of Sufuse Village in what is now Mizusawa Ward, Oshu City. There the Emishi leaders More and Aterui leading a large cavalry force trapped the Yamato infantry and pushed them into the Kitakami River where their heavy armour proved deadly. Over 1,000 soldiers drowned that day. The Japanese general Ki no Asami Kosami was "rebuked" by the Emperor Kammu when he returned to Kyoto.
Since the Japanese could not win on the battlefield they resorted to other means to conquer the Emishi. Trade for superior quality iron wares and sake made the Emishi dependent on the Japanese for these valuable goods. Bribes were offered to the Emishi leaders in the form of Japanese citizenship and rank if they would defect. Finally a campaign of burning crops and kidnapping the Emishi women and children and relocating them to Western Japan was adopted. Many a stout warrior gave up the fight to join his family again.  As in all cultures each country has its war stories - too bad all of our histories are made up of so much of this.  And still today.


Enjoy the Day!  Make it memorable!  Happy Birthday to Al and Don! And Joshua!

February 5, 2015 Thursday

AM Yoga - ok I'm hooked.


Psalm 37: 1-8  "Trust in the Lord and do good".  As the study writer says there is a mission now for people to find peace and joy and gratitude, love and other good things in our life.  Here God tells you that He has all that for you.  Trust in Him.  If you live life striving for those good positive things and realize that God provides for you and thank and praise Him, you will find the peace you need and want.


On this day:
2010 - Work was very slow, I suggested the boss lay me off and he agreed.  Mom was in Shorepointe Nursing for rehab.  Sounds like I had some quiet time to myself.  Nicole was home, but not always.


1783 - Sweden recognized the independence of the United States. Those Swedes, always on the cutting edge of peace.


Parenting - Everyone needs a break once in a while.  Does it make me a bad person to wish to go away to a hotel for one night? by myself? and just have some down time?  Occasionally I think we all get burned out on the regular routine, especially care givers.  But you can't do it unless the person you care for is in good hands, like a nursing home. 


Iwate Japan - Little more history and background.

Culture[edit]

Bashō visited and wrote about Iwate in the journey described in Oku no Hosomichi. Hiraizumi in particular inspired him.
A Selection of Matsuo Basho's Haiku - The Green Leaf Files

http://thegreenleaf.co.uk/hp/basho/00bashohaiku.htm

Scarecrow in the hillock. Paddy field -- How unaware! How useful! Passing through the world. Indeed this is just. Sogi's rain shelter. A wild sea- In the distance ...   This would be interesting to look into.

Enjoy the day!  Make it Memorable!  Happy Birthday to Michelle and Dee

February 4, 2015 Wednesday

Weight training with Denise Austin this morning.  The  "if you rest your rust" girl.  Not sure after the snow blowing I needed that but I tried.  We all have that one thing - I can't do the lifts with your hands on the chair and lowering yourself down, where you are literally lifting your own weight.  My wrists won't have it.  If you run into those, I say go on to the next one.


Ephesians chapter 1 - I love this!  It says it all vs 2:1-6  Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ.  This just encompasses all that I know as a Lutheran Christian.  "Only Jesus' death could purchase our freedom."


On this day;
2009 - This was a turning point in my career at Clancy's.  When I went into work, Doug the son, was waiting for me.  He virtually attacked me with insults and was so enraged I thought he was going to hit me.  I packed up my stuff and left after he screamed I was fired.  No idea, did not see it coming.  I went to church and sat in Pastor's office and cried.  I was so mad I didn't know what to do with the anger I felt.  I found out later he wanted his wife to come in and do my job.  He could have been more subtle.  I did get called back to work by the boss and lasted another 3 years, but it was not pleasant after that.  We all have a work horror story don't we?  This is mine.


2004 - The social networking website Facebook was launched.  Make a note it will appear on Jeopardy sometime!


Parenting - The recent news on food specifically prepared for children is not as healthy as they thought was kind of interesting.  What do you think?


Iwate Japan:

Name[edit]

There are several theories about the origin of the name "Iwate", but the most well known is the tale Oni no tegata, which is associated with the Mitsuishi or "Three Rocks" Shrine in Morioka. These rocks are said to have been thrown down into Morioka by an eruption of Mt. Iwate. According to the legend, there was once a devil who often tormented and harassed the local people. When the people prayed to the spirits of Mitsuishi for protection, the devil was immediately shackled to these rocks and forced to make a promise never to trouble the people again.^[5] As a seal of his oath the devil made a handprint on one of the rocks, thus giving rise to the name Iwate, literally "rock hand". Even now after a rainfall it is said that the devil's hand print can still be seen there.


Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable! 

February 3, 2015 Tuesday (Full Moon)

AM Yoga -  After sleeping 11 hours last night with this cough I needed to stretch out. 


2 Timothy -  This appears to me to be about diligence and appropriateness, a sense of doing things by the book. vs 5 "anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor's crown except by competing according to the rules."  Good advice.


On this day;
2008 - The Super Bowl - The Giants beat the Patriots.


1690 - The first paper money in America was issued by the Massachusetts colony. The currency was used to pay soldiers that were fighting in the war against Quebec. Good thing to produce money for.


Parenting - I like to ask my daughters idea on something that is controversial.  It gives me a different prospective on the subject.  We don't always agree, but I respect her opinion.  Today it was about an e-mail that suggested that all Muslims are supposed to kill infidels to earn a place in heaven.  I remember a time when young people here were all reading the Quaran because it was a book of peace.  She reminded me that that was what she believed.  I hope that is true, I have become cynical on the subject.


Iwate Japan:

Symbol of Iwate Prefecture
Country	Japan

Here is where it is located.    Good to know!


Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  Happy Birthday Martina

February 2, 2015 Monday Groundhog Day

Did a little with Kathy Smith.  Mostly the warm up.  Went outside and removed snow for two hours.  The snowblower we bought for Christmas is a monster, and came in handy today! Still a workout.


1 Chronicles chapter 16 - Give thanks to the Lord.  This is remembering to thank God for giving you something, not for the gift specific.  For example - "Thanks to God for his goodness to me" rather than "thanks for the snowblower".  "Your thanksgiving emphasizes the Giver rather than the gifts."


On this day;
2005 - Mom would take Nicole to her Karate class and I would meet them there after work.  We loved sitting and watching the 10 - 20 kids going through the different moves they had to learn.  Nicole was intense about it.  She was a small, thin child but put a lot of punch in her moves.  Video available.


1653 - New Amsterdam, now known as New York City, was incorporated. I didn't know that was its first name. huh!


Parenting - There were a lot of reasons I thought Karate was a good choice for Nicole.  It is exercise, it teaches endurance and concentration, discipline and it was not gender specific.  She preferred hanging with boys and that worked for her.  I would recommend it.


Iwate Japan - Inuyama was just a stop over!  Let's see what Iwate has to offer:
Iwate Prefecture (岩手県, Iwate-ken^?) is the second largest prefecture of Japan after Hokkaido.^[2] It is located in the Tōhoku region of Honshū island and contains the island's easternmost point.^[3] The capital is Morioka.^[4] Iwate has the lowest population density of any prefecture outside Hokkaido. Famous attractions include the Buddhist temples of Hiraizumi, including Chūson-ji and Mōtsū-ji with their treasures, Fujiwara no Sato, a movie lot and theme park in Esashi Ward, Oshu City, Tenshochi, a park in Kitakami City known for its big, old cherry trees and Morioka Castle in Morioka City.  Sarah spent some time here teaching English, enjoy!


Enjoy the day!  Make it Memorable!  Happy Birthday Bill!

February 1, 2015 Sunday

A day of rest, except snow removal.


Went to Christ Lutheran today.  They had a visiting pastor from Georgia to speak on Food for the Poor.  He spoke of the people of Haiti not having food and how much we will spend on food and fun today Super Bowl Sunday.  There is a huge disparity in where we spend our money.  You can choose to do both, but I know that I spend much more on my own entertainment than I do on the poor.  "When I was thirsty you gave me water, when I was hungry you gave me food......"  Just a little wake up call.


On this day:
1987 - We were boat dependent people.  Mark worked for his Dad's boat dealership and the Boat Show was on downtown.  He sold 7 boats that day and they all went out to celebrate at Sindbad's and had too much to drink.  Sounded like a good story to me. 


1987 - Terry Williams won the largest slot machine payoff, at the time, when won $4.9 million after getting four lucky 7s on a machine in Reno, NV. Another good story!  this one supposedly true.


Parenting - Went to a party last night and spend most of the time talking to a woman, who said she was 40, she looks 30, has to small boys 4 and almost 1, and health problems.  She does have a very supportive husband.  Often, when we are busy with children, stuck in the house for the long days of winter and have stress related health problems, it helps to just tell someone and get it off your back.  I did advise her to get a yoga video, she said its too hard to find a class that works with her schedule.  The other advise was meditate, which I am working on.  I read recently that it really helps with mental health.  I hope it helped her.


Inuyama  Japan- We have moved! 

Inuyama Castle Inuyama (犬山), literally meaning "dog mountain", is a city in Aichi Prefecture, not far from Nagoya. It is most famous for its small but beautiful castle, which is one of Japan's oldest wooden castles in its original state, having survived the turmoils of wars and disasters over the years. The picturesque Kiso River runs along the northern border of the city, where cormorant fishing takes place from June through mid October every year. Southeast of the city center is Meiji Mura, a popular open air historical theme park based on the Meiji Period (1868-1912). Any Questions? Ask them in our question forum. Attractions sort by japan-guide ratingsort by user ratingsort by most visited  1  Inuyama Castle Claimed to be Japan's oldest surviving castle. User rating: 80/100 (153 votes) Visited by: 323 users  2  Meiji Mura Open air museum about the Meiji Period. User rating: 78/100 (81 votes) Visited by: 205 users  3  Urakuen Garden Garden with a celebrated teahouse. User rating: 72/100 (26 votes) Visited by: 60 users Access and Orientation Access and Orientation How to get to and around Inuyama. About transportation in Japan Advertisement User Ratings Ratings for Inuyama: japan-guide.com Rating:   interesting   User Rating (by 209 users): 75/100   recommended Best rated destinations (out of 165): 120.  Nagano   75/100 121.  Iga Ueno   75/100 122.  Kairakuen Garden   75/100 123.  Aomori   75/100 124.  Okayama   75/100 125.  Inuyama   75/100 126.  Udo Shrine   75/100 127.  Minakami   74/100 128.  Rusutsu   74/100 129.  Mount Daisen   74/100 Most visited destinations (out of 178): 45.  Matsuyama    46.  Aomori    47.  Hikone    48.  Hakuba    49.  Kochi    50.  Inuyama    51.  Shizuoka    52.  Aizu    53.         54.        User Feedback English Links Japanese Links