Lineage

So this is for those of you that have heard of my claim to a link to Abraham Lincoln. This is a copy of my Great Grandfather's obituary. Ok the link is distant and is through the Hanks family ie Abraham's wife, the link is still there so that would probably make me something like a 7th cousin.

Family History

David & Chloie Trout Family
William & Katherine

I have spent the last 2 days uploading old family pictures to my parents computer. They have a couple of boxes of old pictures, some from my grandmother Trout, and some from my aunt Kach. In one of the boxes were to guest books from 2 funerals. From what I understand my great grandmother's (Chloie) parents both died, her mother during childbirth and her father when she was young. When she was 6 years old she was adopted, I am assuming by friends of the family, the Kinsinger's. Daniel Koch Kinsinger and Faye L. Dickson Kinsinger. At some point aunt Kach went to live with them, probably after the wife's death. So it is from these guest books I found out a little of the family history. Faye died in 1943, and Daniel died in 1946. while we were looking at these my mother said casually, I was the one that found him dead. She said that she was over at Kach's and that she had asked her to go get him up for breakfast and he was dead, my mom would have been 9 at the time. The obituary says that he was found by Katherine, but now we no the rest of the story. Daniel was in business with his father-in-law Mr. Dixon. they owned a store in Logansville. Eventually that was sold and he looked after his farms, which were eventually left to my grandfather Bill Trout, his sister Katherine, and to my great grandmother Chloie.

Aiport Live and Sayonara

Today, was Alina's last day in Japan.  I decided to go see her off at the airport.  First I got distracted at Edie Bauer when I stopped to buy a scarf, when I took it to the counter they told me that if I would buy one more thing they would both be half off, so I picked up a shirt.  But all of this made me run to the station and I thought that I was going to have a heart attack.  Headed of to Nippori to catch the skyliner and arrived only to find there had been an accident and there would be no train for and hour and a half.  So it was off to Tokyo to catch the Narita express.  I finally made it and met up with Alina.  We decided to get a quick snack and on the way we ran into this live performance, they were singing Christmas Carols, but we didn't have time to stay and listen.

The time finally arrived and after a quick picture and a big hug it was good-bye. The good thing I've learned after all these years in Japan is that it is never a final good-bye. Our paths will cross, and even though it won't be exactly the same the friendship always stays in the heart. 

God Bless you Alina!

Plaid shoes?

Now I've seen it all, plaid shoes. What will they come up w/ next?

The meaning of Christmas

Linus has got it right.

Reign Over Me

On the way home today I thought I'd pick up a DVD since there was no movie listed tonight on TV.  I had almost given up hope of finding anything when this movie caught my eye. It turned out to be "Reign Over Me", I say it that way because of course they didn't have the English title on the box.  Well I am so glad that I picked up up.  It is a rip your heart out and make the tears flow kind of movie.  I was very moved by this one! 

Here is the music video of the song that was used through out the movie by Pear Jam. It is filled with scenes from the movie.

I think this is second movie that has really stirred some very deep emotions in me. After I watched it I headed out to the bath and cried on the way to the bath just thinking about this movie. The other one that had me crying like a baby was "P.S. I Love You". Both of them deal with relationships and loss, and have a way of just reaching into your heart and moving you. Charlie has to deal with his pain in his way, basically he had to do anything to push away the memories. It wasn't until Alan, his old college room mate happens to run into him, and their friendship leads Charlie to the point that he can share the past with Alan, but only with sever consequences. The friend ship that the two develop is something very unique and special. My question is; is there a Charlie or an Alan out there in our lives? We all have stories to tell, and we all need people to tell them to.
See this movie.

Acappella

I spent this afternoon trying to find The Martins version of "O Come O Come Emmanuel" but had no luck. And now it seems that restrictions on downloading from overseas have been put in place everywhere I look. So anyway this will have to do.
They can sing!

100th Anniversary Church of God in Japan

Got these pictures from Bernie the other day. They are from this summers Church camp at Tozanso. I was asked at the last minute to sing at the big celebration, and they wanted something that reflected the heritage. Well a song was picked for me and whoever I wanted to sing with, unfortunately it was not very appropriate. So I decided to go my own way. I told them that Bernie and I would sing "God Bless You", and I asked the missionaries former and present to sing "I am a Child of God".
It went well, and we were a hit. I just wish they would be concerned about the music and have someong that would co-ordinate the whole music program. To bad I'm not on the committee any more.

Late Fall

Really enjoying beautiful weather. I meet Shin for lunch and on the way back decided to walk from Hiyoshi home. This was the sight that greeted me when I came out of the station. Too bad the picture doesn't pick up the whole spectrum, it was a giant tunnel of yellow and particularly beautiful on this warm sunny day.

Sightings

You see all kinds of people on the trains, this guy takes the cake.

It's Messiah Season

A fond memory I have from college is listening to The Messiah over and over in our dorm room. I guess Brian started this tradition and I think it really made an impact on me. I really have enjoyed singing in The Messiah and listening to it whenever I can especially at this time of the year. Below is one of my favorite pieces, actually from the Easter section, I love the Larnelle Harris, Steve Green, and Michael English rendition of this piece, but this version is actually pretty good too. I wish I had the range to be able to sing this trio.

What's happening with American kids?

Just happened to run across this video from the Today show. Now I don't really know how accurate Tyra Banks survey really is, but it seems rather appalling. Average age for kids losing their virginity 15, 14% of the kids that are having sex are having it in school. And 1 out of 5 want to be a teenage mom. Parents need to wake up.

Tyra Banks ‘shocked’ by teen sex crisis

Random Wa

Stopped in Jiyugaoka on the way home from church to take a look at the New Adidas store. It was very disappointing, but this nice view caught my eye right next door.

After that I stopped of at Jabby's favorite coffee shop for a cookie and a cup of coffee. I sat down and sitting next to me was a couple who seemed to be in the middle of a break up conversation. Unfortunately they were sitting on my bad ear side so I couldn't get all the conversation, but from the long blanks in the conversation, and the expression on the guys face I figured that was what it had to be. From what I caught it seemed that he was the one that was desperately trying to stay together and she was not budging, in a smug sort of way. It was obvious that the conversation was not going anywhere but he seemed desperate and maybe I am reading into this but she really seemed to have him by the balls and that probably was what he was thinking with if you get my meaning.

Tree or Flower?

Just recently these enormous flowers have come into bloom around my house. As I looked closer they look like they have pretty much grown into tree size proportions, and I have no idea as to what they are.

Return of the Royals

I wasn't thinking, but I realized that if they drove by my house on the way to Keio they probably would return the same way, so I heard the helicopters ran outside and got the second video. This time they were going slower and I did definitely see the emperor. Who fun twice in one day!

Royalty

Walked to the doctor today and afterwards I walked to Hiyoshi station. As I approached the station there were police everywhere, then I saw it was the 150th anniversary of Keio university, and obviously someone famous was coming. Well I waited for awhile, but decided to head home. When I got home people were lining the streets, I they had some of the old people out on the street at the nearby day home. I ran and got my video and was able to get a short video as the Emperor and Empress drove by on the way to the ceremonies.

I knew it was big when I saw all the police there were at least 2 at each traffic light, along with several plain clothes police and security people. As they drove by you can here the men in the background saying yabaiin the background. Obviously they were pleased because they drove right by us and the empress I think had her window open waving at people. This is the second opportunity I have had. Pretty cool.

Christmas in Ginza

The season begins even in Japan.

Funky building!

Went to meet an old friend that I hadn't seen in about 5 years, I was early and I knew that he would be late, So I roamed around Ginza for awhile. what did I find but this funky building. My cell phone doesnt do it justice, it just curved up into the dark night. I took a pic w/ my good camera hope it turns out better, if it does I will post it.

Biking

So it was nice to take a ride out of the city today, but I should have planned better. Or actually I should say I should have planned.  Getting there is not as bad as getting back, the back starts to get tired and there were lots of cars all heading back to Tokyo.  Found a nice little spot though, near the Shibukawa Ikaho interchange there is a michino eki, a glorified rest area, that sells local products.  Behind it there is a small old village called Shirai, it isn't very big but an old stopping place along the road.  A small stream is diverted through the middle of the area, and there were wells along the way.  I am assuming the stream was used for washing clothes and vegetables. It was very interesting even though there wasn't much there. Next time on the way to Minakami I think it might be a good lunch stop.

Today's Onsen

Hopped on my bike this morning and 174km later this is where I ended up.

Signed, Sealed, and Delivered

I ended up staying home today because I was feeling a little under the weather, and with a school trip coming up that I can not miss out on I thought it was best just to stay home and rest.  Well the best thing about the day was that my absentee ballot arrived and so I took the time to fill it out and send it in.

As I did I saw the write in space and I wondered, wouldn't it be interesting if all of American would check this box and write in both candidates? Too be honest I don't think that we have had much to choose from.  Talking with Susan the other day I asked her what she thought of Obama after attending his rally in Indy.  She basically said, that she thought that either one of the men could  do the job, so this year she was choosing her right not to vote.  I thought then, wow if you want to talk about change wouldn't that be interesting if the too opposing teams would join forces and work together for what is best for all the American people.  I was reading an article I think it was from the New York Times that was saying for whoever you vote for there are at least 60% of the population that is going to disagree with who you think is the best for the job.  They had listed quotes of people basically saying that there candidate was the best and you would have to be an idiot to not agree with them.   And this is from both sides.  

So just what if we came up with a system where we choose a candidate from both parties, and then say to them ok whoever gets the most votes it the president, and the other guy will be the vise president.  Work it out!  They would have to sit down and consider both sides of the issues to come to a conclusion.  They would both bring their own strengths and weaknesses and hopefully balance each other out.  I guess that would really be change.  

Well I didn't put my thoughts into action and click the write in box, but who know maybe somewhere out there someone will. 

Musings

Ran across this quote and I think it is really true, and at the same time so different than how many think how life as a Christian should be.

 “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

     —C.S. Lewis

Jiyugaoka Megami Matsuri

Thanks to my personal photographer Jason, some photos from the last festival.

On the big drum.  This drum really has a nice sound and is fun to play, but I need to widen my stance.

These 2 pictures are the new piece Zumba which Miura created and our new teacher added a ton of changes and it wasn't completed until a week and a half before the performance.

Uncreated One

Just one more reason why I love Chris Tomlin.

Date Night?

So I left school pretty much as soon as I could and since I had my towel with me, I went directly to Kohoku no yu, a local bath that actually has natural hot spring water. It's always a good way to relax. And since I was close I thought why don't I stop by La La Port, one of the biggest malls in Japan. Well it was Friday night and it there were hardly any people. It felt good to just walk around and enjoy the feeling of not having to be surrounded by people everywhere. I stopped in the fancy food court there and had some good Chinese food, then I saw there was a Coldstone there so I went to check it out. Now you have to remember that there is always an enormous line at any of the Coldstones in Japan. I found the store and there were no customers, I couldn't resist I went in and ordered a "I love it" size ice cream, and sat out in the open court yard. It felt so relaxing, and peaceful. Then the strangest thought popped into my head. Jason had said to me last Fri. they had a date night. Which then led me to think, this is my own private "Date Night"! The only thing I could have added was a movie and some pop corn. I sat and laughed to myself. What a strange and unusual life I lead. And I wasn't the least bit lonely. Sometimes I am too much fun.

Passion

Tonight we went to the Passion concert in Tokyo it was great although I may be a little more hard of hearing the next couple of days. I saw a ton of people, and a number of students. The best part for me was hearing Chris Tomlin, he war fantastic.
As we were leaving a group of students spotted me and started screaming and ran over to me. Then when I stepped out the door everyone was stareing at me, it was embarasringly funny.

Hope, Steven Curtis Chapman

Just ran across a clip of Steven Curtis Chapman singing his song "Cinderella" on CBS. I think you can still see it here: http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/news.htm
It is a great testimony on the hope that we have that gets us through the rough times. And how cool is it for him to be able to tell his story on Nat'l television. I have even more respect for him now after watching this. Sorry I couldn't embed it, but if you haven't seen it take a look.
Actually I found another clip from ABC, which is just as good and his kids share a little about their experience, but if you can find the other one be sure to watch it.

On a side note I saw that he started a concert tour tonight it Columbus Ohio with Michael W. Smith. What I wouldn't give to be able to go.

Stress

I swear this is the way that I felt when I left school today.
Actually the day went fairly well until I was asked to come and help teach the kids some songs to get ready for J Camp at the end of the month. I thought it would be no big deal, the kids were a little off the wall, and the other teachers were not really helping the situation. In fact I felt like I wanted to strangle one of them and tell them to just shut up and leave. I tried to take some initiative but it didn't work when this other teacher just sort of doing whatever he wanted. And he was being cheesy to top things off. I decided to keep my mouth shut and stand off to the side hoping that they would figure out that I was not happy with the way things were going. But obviously they didn't get it. I mentioned something to the head teacher as I tried to flee the scene and not have to deal with the other 2 teachers right away. I will have to talk to them and see try to make them understand that they way things went is not acceptable and that I think that we can do things better. How to do it tactfully is the question that remains to be answered.

The goodness of Japan

Well on the way home I kept telling myself to check for my umbrella that I left at the convenience store this morning. I did remember and low and behold it was still there. I have to admit that this is one of the amazing things about Japan. I've run into this a couple of times, once when I lost my drivers license it somehow showed up at the police station and they told me to make sure that I contacted the lady that picked it up and thanked her. The other time I left the church's computer on the train. I thought for sure that it was gone for good, but the station staff called ahead and were able to pull it off the train at the end of the line. I just had to go pick it up. Why is it that if the same thing happened in America you could pretty much say good by to your things, even if it was just my cheap umbrella, but here in Japan the chances of getting your things back are fairly good.

Forgetfulness

This must not be my week for remembering things. I have been waiting for an email with a message that I am supposed to translate and last night I looked on my desk top and saw a word file that was saved there, I wondered what it was so I opened it. Low and behold it was the document I had been waiting for. As I tracked down the email that it had come on I realized that it had come last Tuesday. I think that I came home exhausted after the one day trip, opened my mail but really didn't look at it. But I had downladed the file.

Then this morning it was raining so I rushed around to catch the train, grabbed my umbrella and headed out. Stoped at the convenience store right at the station bought a small snack and then headed into the station. I actually had some time to spare. Got the commuter express and was on my way. I got off at Jiyugaoka and as I was walking down the stairs I thought, "Where's my umbrella?". It was then I realized I had left it in the umbrella stand outside the convenience store. Well the good thing about living in Japan is that it will probably still be there tonight when I get home, that is as long as I remember to look for it.

Sunday in Fukaya

I was asked to come and sing at Fukaya church. I'm a little embarrassed to put this up, but oh well.

It went well and we had a great time.

Trip to Gunma

We took advantage of the national holiday and took a short trip to Gunma. We stayed at Kanedaya, a very nice little inn.  We had the healthy meal plan and they said that between dinner and breakfast we would be having a total of 50 different vegetables.  The food was really good and not that heavy, although we all did leave the table stuffed. Here is our dinner.

And the breakfast was just as good at least for me, I think I might have been the only one that finished everything.

Zori

Yesterday we fled school and took an overnight trip to Gunma.  Stayed at a great little inn "Kanedaya" and then went to Takuminosato and made Zori.  Here is my finished pair. It was a lot of fun and it was really fun chatting with the two older ladies that helped make these. 

Sakura

Was out shopping and ran across a new artist I had never heard of Scott Murphy. He has done some interesting things to some Japanese songs.

Day off

Spent the morning, getting train tickets, & rental car set for next week, then off to the softbank store to see if they could straighten out my access for their HP. I also up'd my plan. Then this afternoon I headed to Yokohama for a soak and a massage. Walked to World Porters for an early dinner, and this my view.

Yakatabune

Clip from the cruise on Sunday night.

SNL Politics

I love the line, "I can see Russia from my house."

Yakatabune

Alina and Ryoko sharing a good laugh probably because I couldn't get my camera to take the posed picture, but this shot turned out really well and is indicitive of the evening.



This is the first time that I had taken one of these cruises and it was really fun. The Karaoke was a blast even though I was really wanting to sing something from Grease, and there was not a single one. What's that all about? We could have rocked "Summer Nights". Miuraya was the company that we used, it was nice but I wish they would have had better service. But that was probably par for the course since most of the people were of the Gaijin persuasian.

Festival

Yesterday we played in Jiyugaoka again, and this time we only played once in the parking lot. The rest of the time we got to play in front of the station. The last time then they said come up on the stage, but sadly to say refrained from lugging the big drum on stage so I had to be content to play from below.

Thanks to Mr. Miura for the pics. I'm completely out of the video on this one.

Soaked Again!

What is up?  It was over cast when I left this morning so of course I made sure to take my umbrella.  Didn't need it at all the weather was beautiful all day, and when I left the house again to meet Jabby for dinner at 5:30 it was still beautiful. Then of course as we were just about finished the torrential rains hit again.  Well we hopped in a taxi and they dropped me at the station, and I thought well it will be another umbrella purchase at the convenience store, so as I jumped into the store and glanced over to find all the umbrellas were gone.  Well luckily I was wearing a wife-beater so I slipped my shirt of after walking a little ways stuck it in the little bag that I had, luckily or my cell would have been fried, and got drenched the rest of the way.  I did take my shoes off at one point because on Friday I remembered that it was like a river behind my house.  Well tonight it wasn't as bad, but still.  This has been the most unusual week of weather I have ever experienced in Japan.  You think we were being hit by a typhoon.

Rain, rain go away come again some other day.

So this is what the weather looks like in Japan today. There are heavy rain warnings over pretty much the whole country.  It is kind of freaky, I think it has rained everyday since I got back from Okinawa.

Yesterday it was nice most of the day even though the forecast called for rain all day. So when I left school the skies were beautiful and I totally forgot my umbrella.  Around the time I left Ginza the thunder and lightning had started. By the time I got to Nakameguro on the train it was pouring.  No umbrella but at least I had worn my crocs.  Take of the socks, roll up the pants, and stop at the convenience store right outside the subway exit. Even rolling up my pants up past my knees they still got wet, and so happy for the crocs because I had to wade down the little back street to my apartment. The water was flowing right around my ankles.  All this rain just make you want to stay inside. How much longer?

Zest

Met Shige in Ginza to go to Zest for dinner. I was showing him my new video camera and said, "It has a flash" at which time he decided to get a closer look, that is when I snapped the pic.


Probably the weirdest thing about the evening was there was an older probably in his 50's foreigner that was a waiter. Through out the evening he kept stopping at tables that were only young females and would spend a few minutes chatting them up. Or should I say trying to pick them up, it seemed rather blatant and maybe just barely tolerated by the Japanese staff. I guess you see all kinds here.

Apt

In my conversation with the Kingdom Ministries Team last night I was asked about my apt. so just in case any of you are curious hear is a picture of my living room, the bedroom is off to the right, smaller, and I am taking this from my kitchen. The living room is 6 mat, bedroom 4.5 mat, and I think the dining kitchen area is 8 or 9. Pretty big for one person when you consider that all the other apartments in this building which are all the same size are occupied by couples or families with 1 or 2 children.  And at 90,000 yen a month it is actually not that expensive.  I'll let you do the math, I think the yen was at 106 to the dollar yesterday.

Nakagusuku

This is the remains of an old castle, that had magnificent views of the ocean on both sides of the island. Basically it was right in the middle and pretty much what seemed to be the highest area around.  So the name actually means Center Castle. 

This was one place I had never seen before so I was glad that I found it.

I really wanted to get a picture of me standing in the gate above but there wasn't anyone around to ask when I thought about it.

Okinawa

These were taken with my new video camera, I thought that I might get some in the water shots but it was not an easy place to get in the water and I would have really needed my reef shoes. Anyway, this is Maeda Misaki. I had read that it was a secluded area great for snorkeling, and diving, but it is no longer secluded. There were a ton of people there which made me just want to get away.

I actually think this is the place we went snorkeling so many years ago.

It was very beautiful.

Eisa

This is the ending of Yamazato seinen kai's performance. they were one of the best groups.

Shinkansen?

So, on my way to Okinawa I say this at the airport and almost laughed out loud. I think the Japanese have cornered the market on cute. Too bad you can't here the cheesy music that it played as it transported people to the gates.

Shao Long Bau

Watching the olympics has been fun but I really enjoyed "The Today Show" while I was back and their segment "Today's Chow" was really fun. Here they make one of my favorite Chinese dishes, 小龍包.

Cool phone

As I stood in line I noticed this guy texting, nothing new everybody does it here. Then sitting down on the train he pulls out a foldable portable keyboard, hooks his cell up to it and wala his own PC! Those Japanese what will they think of next!

Back Home

For whatever reason I never got around to posting the deer pictures I took with Brenda's camera. I couldn't risk going back in the cabin and getting mine because this guy would have bolted. I mean they got spooked from the crunch of me eating my cereal.

Anyway, I arrived home last night and had a relatively good sleep last night. I think almost everyone that was on my flight had an international connection. There wasn't even a line at immigration I was so surprised so getting my bag was the only thing that took any time. Then I had a good connection for the Narita express and then smooth tranfers back home. I was at my apt. by 8pm. Not so bad.

The most interesting thing about the whole trip was how it started. Dieter took me to the Dublin/Pleasanton station and I had about an hour and a half trip from there into the airport with one transfer at Balboa Park. The most frustrating thing was not knowing how to buy a ticket when I got there. When I put in my Debit card it automatically starts you off with a $20 ticket, and doesn't show you how to choose the fare that you want. I went to the ticket window to see if the person in there could help me out, but she just told me the price and there was a sign that said you can not purchase tickets from that person. How stupid is that! Anyway I went back to the machine and thought that I would try cash but for the $7.65 ticket they want you to have the exact amount. So it was back to the debit card and I asked two ladies standing a couple of machines over what I had to do and they told me when the $20 ticket comes up you adjust it by pressing an add or subtract $1 button, and then the same thing with a five cent button. They definitely need a better system.

Off to the Mountains

Day 1
Arrived early into San Francisco about 9:35 Immigrations and customs were no problems, then it was off to pick up the rental car. There is a shuttle train that goes around to the different terminals and then out to the car rental area. I was really surprised at all the people. Every counter had a long line, luckily it seemed that Budget’s line was the smallest. When I got up to the line the lady commented on the price that I got saying that most people that were renting were paying 3 times the price that I was and they were returning to the same location. She said I had a choice between and Mustang, and a Hyundai SUV. I decided to take the SUV since I was stopping in Sacramento to pick up Dieter’s mom and a friend. It was a good choice, by the time that we got all their stuff in the car we were filled to the rim. The drive to Sacramento wasn’t too bad I was a little tired just after I got out of SF, but after a Starbucks break the rest of the drive wasn’t so bad. After Irene arrived we set off for Redding a good 2 1/2 hour drive further. It was god to have the company in the car to keep me awake. Also even though I had excellent directions it was good to have Christa along to give directions to the cabin. When we got into Redding we stopped into the Black Bear Diner and had a great breakfast dinner. Then it was off for some grocery shopping then on to the cabin. We were greeted at the cabin by 3 deer, and after setting out some food, they were joind by 4 others. We sat on the deck and just enjoyed the cool evening. Finally about 8:30 I gave into the sleep, took a shower and then headed to bed.

Here are some pictures from the 3 days in the Mountains.

Some of the deer that dropped by the cabin everyday.

From left to right

Me, Brenda, Dieter, Irene, and Christa
Need to teach them how to pose.

View from the cabin.

You can see how low the water is, full it is up to the tree line.

Group shot, no need to lean Dieter.

Off & Away

Off to CA hope to have a relaxing time.
Checkin took all of about 5 min. Then I ran into Kretlows on their way back to Portland. The biggest surprise was being @ gate 26 which isin the new remodeled wing, it has a much nicer feel as hopefully you can see.

Laid Back

Photo by Kenshin, @ least he didnt make any changes to this. He wanted to add hair, but that wasn't an option.

Tozanso

On the last day of the Church of God 100th anniversary camp meeting at Tozanso.
All in all it was a good meeting, but there were still many unorganized areas. I think I am so used to all the preparation and detail that goes into everything at Tamasei that when things don't go smoothly and you can't find out who is in charge of anything it really does become really frustrating.

Just a few of us waiting to leave.

Karate

On the last day of the church camp at Tozanso I ate breakfast with the students from Wheaton and Nerima. Kenshin was sitting next to me and I asked him if he would do a karate performance for them. He agreed and after talking to his dad they went and changed and came back and gave a short demonstration. Everyone was really impressed.