A pleasant surprise...

Ray didn't tell me where we were headed. He happened to print off a map and learn the directions on his own. So, we set off early morning into Kyoto. A couple train rides away, a wonderful walk, and into an adorable little pottery/coffee shop we went. The owner of the shop was an adorable woman- the mother of the Lakes Stars game and radio announcer, Sangokusan. She was delightful, and treated us to some of the best coffee we had ever tasted! We chose our cups from a wall of pottery and had an absolutely wonderful time in the warmth of her company...

Some of the pottery had detail that blew my mind...

On our walk... the common detail on the roofs of the homes never ceases to amaze me...

Monkeys and Bamboo... a revisit...

One of our most beloved visits from last year was to an area of Kyoto called Arashiyama. In this area, a river courses through a deep valley, and numerous breeds of waterfowl grace the banks, fishing for their next meal. We also love to make the trek up monkey mountain to play with the funny animals. This year Ray's teammate Luke came with us, because I could not make the hike up there. They seemingly enjoyed their visit.

From the gorgeous Kamagowa River, we walked up through the bamboo forest, a trek which blew our minds with beauty last year, and a particular favorite area of mine.

For a laugh...

So, I thought that last year I didn't post enough funny advertising that we see over here in Japan. Here's to start them off. Try to figure out what it's advertising!! (This was seen in an average grocery/pharmacy)

A definite treat...

The smallest things can mean so much!

So, I know we've only been here just over two weeks, but these s'mores came as a treat! Luke is one of Ray's teammates, and Luke's fiancee seemed to know just what kind of care package to send her love overseas. You can't find any of these ingredients over here (in all honesty I DON'T miss the artificial ingredients in our American foods!!) so we used a little ingenuity and our little toaster oven, and wa-laa!, a campfire delight!

Tucker and Tillie...

Those of you who followed our blog last year know that when we left Japan, we also left behind our dear baby turtles, Tucker and Tillie. We gave them a good home, this we know- a serene koi pool in a Japanese garden. On Monday, Ray and I decided to venture out to see if we could say hello...

We didn't have any luck... but the pool was as beautiful as ever...

We got stuck in a little rain storm, so we stuck it out in the entrance of a shrine. Definitely quiet and peaceful...

This weekend, the Lake Stars played the Takamatsu Five Arrows, pulling away with two wins.

Game 1: 90-70, Ray had a big game with 22 points and 16 rebounds!

Game 2: 97-63 (a BLOWOUT!!), Ray had 13 and 8.

The Lake Stars are still ranked 3rd in the league!!

28 WEEKS!!

Third Trimester!!!!! ...And loving it!

Delightful dinner with friends...

On Ray's day off on Monday, we headed over to a friend's house for dinner, a favorite meal called "nabe", made by boiling all varieties of meat and veggies in a broth. Angie is American, her husband Taka is from Japan, and they have two delightful boys. It was their eldest boy's birthday! He was SO excited to have two actual Lake Star players come to HIS house for HIS birthday, as he is a big fan. Ray's teammate, Shinya, and his girlfriend Tsugumi, joined us as well!

An overwhelming welcome...

Ray with Itsuyo, one of my private lesson students last year...

Me with friends Itsuyo and Yoko...

Me with Magnee... Japanese style...

This past weekend Ray had his first two home games. They played the Sendai 89ers, who are ranked 2nd in the league. They lost the first game, as well as lost two starting players: one to an unfair call by the opposing team's coach that he was being flagrant, and the other to a broken nose and concussion. Neither could play the following day, putting a bunch of pressure on the remaining Americans. Ray gathered 16 points and 6 rebounds and played with a ton of energy, but the Lake Stars couldn't pull of the win.

Never the less, the home court welcome to Ray's return was amazing. There were signs and banners everywhere and the program was dedicated to him. It reminded me of what support we have here in Shiga. I have people I didn't even recognize coming up to me and rubbing my belly (a sign of good luck!) and I loved it!

Last year this jersey was too loose!!