Gari Gari Kun

Well, summer has been officially gone for a while now. But sometimes I still crave a popsicle or two.

These are the ever popular 'Gari gari kun' popsicles. You can find them in any convenience store. The standard flovor is Soda. But they always have a couple of seasonal flavors as well. Like right now, you can get Chocolate Chip, Milk Caramel, or Red Grape flovors.

Which would you want?

Doesn't Bug Me

When I entered my apartment building the other day, another resident practically ran into a wall trying to get away from something.

It ended up being a moth. I even thought it was pretty cute.

Now if it had been a whole bunch of worms...I would of been screaming my head off, too.

Need A Drink Pronto

Pronto is a popular bar/cafe that you can find just about anywhere. We have one at Tokorozawa station. They have some tables outside, so when the weather gets cooler like it is now, it's nice to sit outside with a drink and talk the night away with friends.

We Call Them

Mansions.

For some reason, we call apartment buildings that are over 3 or 4 stories high and have auto-locked entrances a 'Mansion.' I wonder why.

When the Night Has Come

...and the land is dark.
...and the lamppost is the only light we'll see.

...dum-dum-da-la-dum-dum.

Mikajima Inari Shrine

This is the entrance to the Mikajima Inari Shrine.

I think they just re-painted the torii because the red paint was really shiny.

Beware!

A very sturdy looking gate with a sign that says 'Beware of Vicious Dogs.'
The photo is a bit blurry because I was looking out for vicious dogs...

Do Re Mi

I found these adorable musical Omamori's at the Yamaha shop.

Omamori's are like good luck charms or amulets that protect you. I'm sure most people have had one at one time or another. The most common Omamori's are for health, studies, or love. This was the first time I'd seen one for music.

I'm thinking about getting one before playing the organ next time.

Trees Overhead

Another week of really great weather. Hope it lasts.

Happy Weekend!

Tis the Season for Oden

Oden is probably one of the greatest dishes ever been made! You have to try it. It's mainly served in the winter and is usually either made at home or bought in convenience stores.

It's been getting cold outside these days, so the convenience stores have started the take-out Oden earlier than last year. Yay! This is the one they have at the convenience store Family Mart.

I usually get daikon (white radish), boiled eggs, tofu, konbu, shirataki (konjac), kinchaku (rice cake stuffed in fried tofu pouch), and potatoes. Practically every non-meat non-fish menu available! Other people would probably enjoy the chikuwa(tube-like fish surimi), ganmodoki (fried tofu fritter), hanpen (triangular fish surimi), tsukune (pork roll), etc.

Oden is really a wonderful dish to warm you up when it's cold outside.

Bat Those Eyes

These are my favorite fake eyelashes.

And they are only 100yen at the 100yen shop! There are many different types of fake eyelashes, it takes a while to figure out which you like. But I've been using this 'Cross C' type for a while now and I think it works the best.

We have three 100yen shops along the Prope Dori. And they all have fake eyelashes. I only use them when I'm on stage because it's required, but from the wide variety, I'd say some people use them regularly. I wish someone would give me a hint on how to put these eyelashes on in one try.

The Creek

All the kids like to explore around the creek that goes through the Koku Koen. Trying to catch fish and frogs to show their squeamish parents, no doubt.

Bare

Gotta love running around the grass barefeet. Or just laying around and showing off your purple nailpolish.

Koku Koen is one of those really great parks where anyone can enjoy themselves.