I Have Returned!

First, we have successfully completed 14 weeks of this pregnancy! Yay!

After Jared returned, we spent much time being active despite some poor weather. My favorite outing

was our return visit to Ashikaga Flower Park. Before the new blossoms begin to emerge, they put lights to replace them.

It is a very peaceful walk even with an energetic young boy accompanying you. By the end of the walk, the boy is not so energetic.

This park is most famous for its wisteria but it was still too early for us to see it. I believe we will return in several weeks once spring is truly here and the gardens are in full bloom.

It may sound odd but February is the best time for strawberries here. Japanese strawberries are noted for being very sweet and there are several places to visit that celebrate them. There is a strawberry festival in Yokohama where you can discover strawberry drinks, strawberry deserts, strawberry candies... essentially anything strawberry. Much of what you find is expected. There are some surprises though.It may sound odd but February is the best time for strawberries here. Japanese strawberries are noted for being very sweet and there are several places to visit that celebrate them. There is a strawberry festival in Yokohama where you can discover strawberry drinks, strawberry deserts, strawberry candies... essentially anything strawberry. Much of what you find is expected. There are some surprises though.

We did many hikes. Japan seems very crowded on one's arrival but with some exploring one

discovers there is much more to Japan than cities. There are many very large parks to visit and hike through.

The cities are crowded and you often only know you have entered a different one because there is a sign that has informed you so. It is no wonder that the Japanese are so fond of their parks. They are very well maintained. For hiking, they have groomed trail to natural trails, from easy to most difficult. Jared and I have decided that before we leave Japan again, we will hike Mount Fiji all the way to the top. Maybe I can get mother to visit then to care for the children.

Yet another park we visited was Hanamiyama Park. Being too early for cherry blossoms, a visit here was in order. Plum blossoms are the first to bloom and the festivals for them are celebrated with as much enthusiasm. It is regretful that many foreigners only think of the cherry blossom festivals. So much beauty is missed when one neglects the plum blossoms.

Cherry blossoms are a beautiful pink for certain. Plum blossoms can be white, pink, and many shades in between. Seeing the hillsides of the park covered in many shades of blossoms is, in my opinion anyway, more beautiful. Each have their own opinions of course.

Now that our marathon cruise is complete and liberty time is over, we return to our "at home" routine. That means I leave the "man stuff" to Jared and I do, well, what I need to get done. Especially if I need it done now.

Curiously, Jared feels the need to do boy stuff  with Chao lei before the sister arrives. One might believe an infant girl can occupy all their time with girl stuff.