Here is picture of the rianbow that appeared in the sky last weekend. Mike, Jason and I were on my roof enjoying the view when we saw it. There was actually a double rainbow, with another lighter rianbow on the other side of the tower, but by the time we'd gotten our camera, we'd missed it, so you'll have to take my word for it. Mike and Jason were in Fujisawa along with the rest of the Ultimate crew for a Beach Ultimate Tournament that our Frisbee group participated in under the name "the Big One" We won a trophy and all got increadibly sun-burnt. A good time was had by all in the end. You can check out Jason's photos from the even and see the madness at http://www.jasoncollin.org/ultimate/ebashicup2006/ 

Japanese tourists look on as my Mom engages a Buddist monk by giving her offerings near Kyomizudera temple in Kyoto. Mom did her best to return the monk's bow but later reported that the monk had been saying something that continued on for quite a while and she didn't know if she should stay and listen or how to respond. We found out that the monk was only chanting her sutras continuously as my mother approached her to offer her donation. 

Ripples in the Sand

The simplicity of the rock garden in Nanzen-ji, Kyoto leaves me calm and contemplative. This would be the perfect place to come and take up a serious study of Zen buddism, except for the hoards of tourists that come marching through every day. Maybe it is just my romanticized ideas of what the life of a Zen monk at this temple must be like. This picture was taken during my second trip to Kyoto. The garden was just as I had remembered it and it didn't fail to impress me again with it's simplicity and minimalist design. 

Rock Stars

My parents are visiting in Japan right now, and we have been having a grand time! Yesterday we met up with friends Tetsu (Austin Powers), and Yuko for Okonomiyaki, which is a style of Japanes pizza or pancake....well not really like either, but that is kinda what it looks like. And afterwards, we took the two karaoke virgins off to the local karaoke joint to belt out a few classic hits. And did they take to it like fish to water, like birds to the sky, like a beaver to a pond with lots of sticks....
In the small confides of that little room, as the echo was turned up and the disco lights ignighted, all inhibitions evaporated. Dad belted out classics from Johnny Cash, the Eagles and even dipped into the 80's with a little Culture Club. Mom hit success with the Carpenters and brought Dad in for a Elvis melody or two. History was made when Mom and Dad discovered KARAOKE!!