Orthodontist and Home Repair

When we returned from Ishinomaki, my nephew Josiah got to fly back with us.  He has braces and needed to get in to see his orthodontist back here in Osaka.  He flies back up on Saturday, but in the meantime the boys will enjoy cousin time together, and Josiah will go to the dentist twice.  So today I took him by train for his first appointment.  It's so easy to get around in Japan on public transportation.  We navigated through one train line, then the subway, then walked a few minutes to the office.  What kid wouldn't want to go to the orthodontist when they get to sit in a massage chair in the lobby?!

On our walk from the station to the office....a typical street of homes.  No yards, but they fill what little space they have with pots and greenery.

Another typical neighborhood street scene...remember the beloved pets and no yards?  Well, apparently this is to deter dogs from, ahem, using the poles.  They tie water bottles around and also use this black pokey stuff to keep dogs away.  It must work because you see this everywhere.

In the morning, Mom took Benjamin and Johanna (Michaela wasn't feeling well) to the library where they offer free Japanese classes.  Mom has taken advantage of this community program for several years.  They have volunteers that teach the foreign students.  It is typically one-on-one, even with more teachers than students.  The kids both enjoyed it yesterday.  They meet three mornings a week for two hours each.  What a great opportunity to use while we're here....free and six hours a week!  This will continue some of our home schooling while we're here.

Meanwhile, back at the "ranch"...Dad and Chris continued working on repairing the termite damage in the sun room.  They got the job completed last night and Dad can now move back in to his den. 

Unfortunately we seem to have brought a bug back with us from Ishinomaki.  Several are coughing, runny noses, sore throats.  Poor Benjamin was chilled, sitting with the massager pillow, and drinking his "Aquarius" (whatever drink that is!).