There comes a point in every relationship when you start wondering just how well you really work together. Jan and I have already tested our relationship in several ways. We’ve traveled together, which involves airports, delays, hunger, and navigating unfamiliar places. We’ve played Overc…

I was, and still am, a huge Potterhead. Back in high school, I always thought I was a Gryffindor. Of course, it was the house of the main characters. So naturally, that was the one I wanted to be in. So I took tests after tests. But every single time, as long as I answered truthfully, I e…

Last year, Jan and I visited Mt. Tate (Tateyama) and made a little promise that we’d come back with the kids next time. And this year, we fulfilled that promise. 😊 Since it’s almost impossible for us to book a winter trip because the season falls while the kids still have classes and th…

Yesterday, I had an emotional breakdown triggered by a teeny tiny rubber band. It was so awful that I would lose sleep over it.  Let me start by saying that I got a new pickleball paddle. It was not a cheap one, at least for me. I did not pay for it. But then again, I would never shell ou…

Japan has become one of those places that keeps calling us back. This was already our third trip, and every visit has given us something new to love, whether it's the food, the culture, the convenience, or simply the feeling of being there. But despite visiting Japan before, there was…