What's On My Mind...

When I was in second grade, a Japanese-American family moved in across the street from us.  They had a daughter who was a year older than me, and we became close friends.  My mother made lovely kimonos for our Barbie dolls, and I learned several phrases in Japanese, much to the delight of my friend's mother who spoke little English. 

The summer after they moved in, my friend and her mother went back to Japan for a couple weeks, and she brought me this lovely little wooden figurine that I cherish to this day, even though I eventually lost contact with my friend.  Her dad was in the Air Force, and they moved away after two years.  We wrote each other faithfully through her moves to three or four different states, until we were in high school.

With all the horrific images coming in from Japan on Friday, I just couldn't see myself yammering on about my projects.  Hopefully, I'll catch up tomorrow, but I have to take Wilbur to the vet (he's just been acting a little "off" and, at his age, that needs to be checked out), and Pete to the doctor (he injured his back lifting a bass amp Saturday night).  It's been one of those weeks here at Chez THT, but nothing compared to what is happening to our friends in Japan.  Please remember them all in your prayers and healing thoughts and donate to the helping charities of your choice.