Posted A Soldier in Occupied Japan. My partner’s uncle was stationed in Kyoto, Japan at the end of the Pacific War. The story could’ve been so different.
Category: In This Together
A Soldier in Occupied Japan
My partner’s uncle was a soldier in occupied Japan at the end of the Pacific War. The story could’ve been so different.
River Walk
Walked with a friend who was visiting from the UK. Crossed the Mississippi, still swollen with snowmelt.
A Safe Place
On Tuesdays I’ve been missing my good friend Dave who’s laid up waiting for surgery. Instead, I was an ESL classroom assistant then a one-on-one tutor. People have tough lives, but their great attitudes and desire to learn are inspiring.
TOEFL
Worked throught TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exercises with an adult learner. It’s always a joy to work with people who want to learn.
Family-Style Sushi
After reviewing an upcoming trip to Japan with a nephew and his dad, the rest of the family joined us for a trip to a Japanese restaurant. With two teenagers in tow, this photo represents a fraction of what was eaten.
Normal Times
At the end of my walk, grade school kids had arrived on a yellow bus to play in the park, a sight we were denied during the height of the pandemic. Teachers were calling to them to collect their brown bag lunches. Later, I expect they were going to a classroom at the nearby Guthrie.
Crossing Roads Gratefully
Crossed the road in the steps of people who bring our community together. Actually crossed many roads, grateful my errant knee felt good after 7,000 steps.
Valentine’s Day 2023
On my Downtown walk, a pile of balloons beckoned. Couldn’t resist a selfie.
A Special Place
Dwight showed a friend and me around the University of Minnesota teaching and research greenhouse where he volunteers. This gorgeous space has four rooms, each with a different climate, including this desert room. The rainforest room smelled and felt wonderful on this frigid day.