Oh, I Think So

Behold, Radish Spirit.  He looks inocuous, big, and slow but he is a protector.  When I think of characters in "Spirited Away," I think of myself as the Radish Spirit. Radish Spirit has come to stay

Osaka Castle awaited on a hilltop in central Osaka Okay, so it's not almost Spring.  It's the upper midwest and nothing is in bloom.  I was in Osaka, Japan, and the cherry blossoms and plum blossoms were starting to snap to, and they were lovely, like a promise fulfilled. Osaka is a very prosperous city.  New building construction!  People racing around and spending money!  People going back and forth on public transportation!  Few people speaking English! I am good with people not speaking English because I am in their country.  In Tokyo, I found that people speak a little bit of English.  In Nara and in Kyoto, it was the same.  In Osaka?  Not so much.  I know how to ask for directions by adding in the phrase that asks where something is that is pronounced "Doko des ka."  It works in all those places!  In Osaka?  I was greeted with a puzzled look and head shaking.  I understood instantly that I w...

VACATION!!  Next week!  Leaving on the 10th and I will back on the 19th.   Y'all will hear about it when I return.  Be safe, stay warm, and when I get back it will be mostly spring.