There is an empty space at the table this evening. Sadly, young Tomoko has returned to California and I'm ashamed to admit I only learnt one Japanese word...and discovered that I habitually use another Japanese word on a daily basis without knowing that I was bilingual...OI !!! is my attention grabber, the word I use when Bran the border collie rolls in the compost heap, when Charm the palomino has an attitude and when I catch Tiger the ( neutered) tabby cat wishfully spraying testosterone on the hay bales." OI !" translates from Japanese as "hey " ...all this time I was smarter than I knew...it just me a lovely young Japanese exchange student to bring it to my attention. smile. We will miss Tomoko. We didn't say good bye, we said "till next time" ...because we know she will be back. Tomoko like Nara, Song and Shoma before her brought some Eastern magic to the ranch....our life, so familiar and routine to us is a Western experience to be absorbed by them.... and we in turn have learnt so much from their enthusiasm and culture. Our family around the world grows, with each young visitor our love and appreciation of life beyond our boundaries expands. We are grateful that our little family ranch has been able to reach into the lives of such special young people from all over the world and happy that somehow religion, language, culture and history can blend into such a special memory. Tonight, Tomoko's arrow, pointing towards Japan has joined the others on the signpost in the barnyard.
I HURT !!! How does it work that you visit the chiropractor, know full well that he is going to crunch your bones, crack your neck and squeeze your ribcage, you pay him and say ”when do I come back for round 2". Thank you Doctor Dave in Key Center for the physical abuse I endured this afternoon...I still want to know just how you expect me to relax when I am fully and painfully aware that you are going to bear hug me into a bone crack ? Tonight it's an early night with some Tiger Balm, Icy Hot and Bengay....oh and a strong whisky..just in case. Take care, keep safe ( and if your bones hurt...visit Doctor Dave) M
I HURT !!! How does it work that you visit the chiropractor, know full well that he is going to crunch your bones, crack your neck and squeeze your ribcage, you pay him and say ”when do I come back for round 2". Thank you Doctor Dave in Key Center for the physical abuse I endured this afternoon...I still want to know just how you expect me to relax when I am fully and painfully aware that you are going to bear hug me into a bone crack ? Tonight it's an early night with some Tiger Balm, Icy Hot and Bengay....oh and a strong whisky..just in case. Take care, keep safe ( and if your bones hurt...visit Doctor Dave) M
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