Kimono Holly

The other day Holly attended a Kimono dress class. A Kimono is a Japanese traditional garment. I will take advantage of my extensive fashion and modeling background to provide some insightful commentary on the photos below...

Stunning! Notice how the large pink ribbon or "obi" is meticulously wrapped and arranged to accentuate the elegant floral pattern of Holly's kimono.

This photo is one of my favorites since it so fully captures the intense focus and concentration that is required when being fitted with a kimono.

A Bit on Kimono Heaven on Earth

Soon to be featured on the cover of Japan Vogue magazine, this is the complete package. The fine violet silk and cherry blossoms artistically and harmoniously come together in this fine kimono print. Lightly garnished with a pink obi and stylishly accessorized with hoop earrings and a Nike watch, this outfit calls out to both the historical and contemporary aspects of the Japanese fashion industry.

Check Out That Kimono Can

Oh Yeah -- Looking good!

North Cascades Trip Recap

On our way back to Okinawa we also stopped in Washington and stayed in the North Cascades area for five days.

On a sign at one of the trailheads there was written a John Muir quote that best describes our experiences in Alaska and the North Cascades: "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings... Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."

Sauk Mountain Hike...

Accident Prone???

It took McCall all of about ten minutes on top to fall and earn this goose egg, which remained with her for a few weeks.

Summer Hiking Snow Hats

It had been a while since we had been able to partake of one of the most coveted perks of alpine hiking. Summer hiking snow hats were a big hit with Denver and McCall.

McCall Loved the Huckleberries

Cascade Pass Hike...

Hiking Maniac

As always, Juniper was quite a trooper and had a great time. She especially loved rolling around in the meadow at Cascade Pass.

Skagit River Hikes...

Surgeon General's Warning: Excessive Hiking has been Linked to Rapid Chest Hair Growth in Young Males AND Females

Alaska Trip Recap

In August we traveled to Alaska before returning home to Okinawa. The trip was great and Alaska is even better than all of the John Denver songs make it out to be. Below is the much-abbreviated picture book summary of our trip. For a detailed copy of the trip manuscript, please send $100 + $15 S+H to our Swiss bank account...

Eagle River Nature Center Hike

Winner Creek Hike

Panning for Gold

We went looking for gold, but all we found was McCall's crack.

Exit Glacier Hike

I didn't include the last picture of myself just because I am really, really, really, really good looking. The sign I am standing at is where the terminus of the glacier was located in 1998. Yes, Holly and I have been married long enough to measure time in terms of Global Warming.

Tonsina Point Hike

Glacier Cruise Aboard the Alaskan Explorer

Warning: The content of the above photo may not be suitable for all viewers, especially young children. Due to the graphic nature of the above photo, VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!!!

Denver Watching the Sockeye Salmon Spawning

Fishing in Seward

Visiting with Jolie the Reindeer and the Remains of Her Deceased Cousin Bullwinkle

Back to Normal

Now that we have been home a few weeks, things are getting back to normal and...

We've Been Enjoying the Sunsets,

Denver Started School,

Yes, nerd IS the new cool!

A Turtle Joined Us for Our First Typhoon,

After 2 1/2 years of waiting, we finally experienced our first typhoon on Wednesday. Unfortunately, it wasn't a direct hit so we didn't get to experience the full wrath of mother nature. However, we did get the day off from work and school and we played some fun board games. As we were waiting for the typhoon, McCall came and told us that she found a turtle on the back porch. She has an active imagination, so we didn't believe her at first. To our surprise, she was telling the truth (and there was a turtle). We brought the little guy in for a photo shoot and then sent him on his way to brave the storm.

We Went Shopping at Kokusai Street with Friends,

Thanks, as always, to MelFeldt for taking some pictures. If Denver looks a little pale in the pig photo, it is because he told us that Melanie took this picture right after he looked at the back side of the the pig head. Evidently, the view on the back side of the head wasn't that great and he was feeling a bit queasy. However, he did manage to kept his cool long enough for a quick photo shoot.

And Lastly, Juniper Discovered Her Tongue This Week.