'Hollander' on the Roof

I was in Canada for a month and a half. Only a few days back in Tsurui-Mura, I returned to the Kushiro Airport, this time to welcome my friend Itamar from Holland! :)

Taking advantage of the warm fall sunshine and the extra hands, Tomohiro had us climb the cabin roof and hammer down asphalt shingles. Once we got our roof legs and completed the task, (roofing being a first for all of us), we felt quite satisfied.


Hard at work



tNt


Celebrating a job well done. Thanks Itamar!

Fishing

Here are some of our youngest students fishing with their moms. They are using rods made from long willow branches.





The older ones seem more interested in touching the fish than in catching them. First the bucket then the frying pan. The circle of life continues.



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Wild Berry Find

The lupin are in full bloom now so down to the river we went to enjoy their purple, pink and white glory.



One of the mothers squealed with delight when she found tonnes of ripe wild strawberries. We all immediately joined her in picking.



Tomohiro folded large bog rhubarb (fuki) leaves into cups so that we had something to hold our sweet smelling gems.



I made wild strawberry rhubarb jam with the berries. We'll all get to have a taste of this sweet/tart treat at the summer barbecue we're having this Saturday.

Finding berries, making jam, tasting and celebrating...these simple luxuries really do make us smile.



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Cabin Building

We decided that the structure looks a bit like a visitors center, which is kind of what we want the place to be - a place where you can visit, relax and enjoy.



On June 17, we celebrated our second wedding anniversary by spending the night in the unfinished cabin. Our only light within was this little lantern. When blowing out the candle we could see how bright the stars were from our front window. : )

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tNt in Spring

Quite a transformation. Green surrounds us and cicadas are even singing in the trees!

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Catching and releasing tadpoles


Picking edible mountain plants


Planting the garden


A leisurely walk around the pond

I Know...Old Snow

I know...these photos are totally outdated.
But I just have to share a few we took from our tNt Adventures in English winter classes.

I planted Japanese radish (daikon), burdock (gobo), and carrot seeds in the garden today. Hard to believe winter was even here. These pics are a good reminder.

I wish you could see how cute our students are. I chose shots where you can't see their faces close up.

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Shadow Walk



A Spin on the Snowmobile


Stomping on Snow Castles like Godzilla!



'Winter'saults



Japanese Crane Footprints

Our Mountain Retreat

We have been building a little cabin on the mountain. This is our first attempt at building something on our own, and although it can be frustrating at times, the building process is rewarding.

The wood we ordered came all the way from 100 Mile House, British Columbia, Canada.
Knowing this makes me feel that this place really is a home away from home!



Our mountain retreat will have:
- a big window with an amazing view
- a wood burning stove
- a loft

It won't have:
- electricity
- running water
- a flush toilet

The lyrics to the song, "My Blue Heaven" is what we also hope to have:

"You'll see a smiling face a fire place and a cozy room.
A little nest that nestles where the roses bloom.

....We're happy in my blue heaven."
(lyrics by George A. Whiting)


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