Game 2 vs. Osaka Evessa

All of the Lake Stars games will be played on Saturdays and Sundays as double headers (playing the same team both days).  Sunday they geared back up for a second game against the defending champion, Osaka Evessa.  Ray had some really fun highlights, including bringing the ball down the court and driving for a basket!  Maybe the Lakes are looking at their new 7' point guard!! :)

Lake Stars- Game 1!!!

This weekend kicked off Ray's first season as a professional basketball player.  The Lake Stars took on the Osaka Evessa, the league champions for the past three years.  The Lakes lost by only two points and played a VERY hard fought game.  It was fun to get it all started, and to witness the "production" that we have seen coming into work this entire time we've been in Japan.

Some of the guys waiting to be picked up by the team bus before the game...

The shwanky team bus...

Not quite like kissing the real thing...

Japanese concessions...

Japanese cowgirls??

Tucker and Tillie...

Meet Tucker and Tillie, our new kiddos.  

They are two of the sweetest little fellas.  They love berries and lettuce and fresh fruit.  They are tiny painted turtles.  We got them the other day, and we've already become very fond of our new friends.  I took these pictures as they were out basking in some good vitamin D sun rays!

Lookin' GOOD!

Here's Ray in his new silk suit from Korea.  He makes silk look good.  Notice how well it fits him!!

He'll laugh later??? :)

As my students back in Eugene will attest, I have cut a lot of hair in my time, and had happy customers every time.  Ray's teammates have gotten drift of this, and all have asked me to buzz their hair many times since we've been here.  In my hair cutting resume, I have yet to list a blunder or mistake.  Up until last night...

As you will see in the next photo, I was lost in conversation and forgot to put on the correct bit.  I Ended up making the first cut with the bit that shaves the neck hair.  As a result, I very humbly left Brayden with a new "style".

As you can see in the finished product, I was able to cover up my blunder rather well.  Thank goodness he was able to laugh it off!!  Today he told his teammates it's just a new trend!!

(notice I'm wearing the apron that Aunt Laurie made me!!)

Tastes and Sights of the Season...

The weather is slowly turning cooler, and with it comes the feeling of home- crispier air, colored leaves, Fall veggies, an autumn light to the sky...

Here is a meal I made last night.  Maybe a fave up until this point!  Its a chicken alfredo pasta, with shiitake mushrooms, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes.  Delicious!

This little feller let me have a photo shoot as he was resting on my cucumber vine.  Yes, our cucumbers are still producing strong... They seem to like a bit cooler weather too!

Grrr...

Ok, so it's not so much fun having an injured knee.  No, I didn't mention that I didn't finish the bike ride last weekend because I (think) I tore my meniscus about 20 or so miles before the finish.  My pride has prevented me from really accepting this injury in it's entirety.  I can't walk well, ride my bike, or get out and actively participate in this changing, beautiful season.  However, being debilitated in any way I think is God's way of reminding us of so many things that we would never see otherwise.  And so... I will listen right now, and be patient in my healing... and walk slower.

I will go and see Ray's team doc on Saturday.  Please pray for this appointment.

On another note, the weather is getting cooler, the leaves are changing color, and we are LOVING it!!  Tonight, Ray and I went down to the lake with pillows and pad in tow and curled up to watch the sunset.  Charming evening...

We love and miss you all!!!

ps: Right now it's approximately 11pm.  Ray is in the kitchen preparing a pickle and cheese sandwich.  Just a little bedtime snack for a big boy...