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After a lengthy hiatus I decided to try and resurrect the monthly newsletter - mostly because I've been lax in my e-mailing duties. The few times I did sit down to email I found myself repeating the same items - so what the heck - let's hear it for the shotgun approach.
How bout dem Ravens?! Finally I have a reason to miss the east coast - a Superbowl-bound football team in Baltimore! I'd fly to Tampa in a heartbeat if tickets were available. On one hand - I'm a proud season ticket holder - on the other hand - I can't say that my season tickets are doing me a lot of good here in Misawa.
We set a new record for snowfall for the month of December (59") and a new record for the most snow in one day in December (13.8"). In case there were any doubts January would be different, on 3 January we were hammered with nearly 20" of snow. The snow season is young - but we seem well on track to break the all-time single-season snowfall record set only last year (220").
I have already enjoyed several snowshoe outings into the Hakkoda mountains this year. For those of you familiar with the area we hiked from Yachi to Sarakura Onsen (about two miles in), from Yachi Onsen to the lower slopes of Takada-Odake, and most recently we ventured on a circular trek along the Yachi-Sakayu road - then up to peak 973 (meters) and back to Yachi. The first two outings were especially rough going - slogging through several feet of fresh powder. The uninitiated are usually surprised to find that even with snowshoes they sink up to their thighs in snow. At this point one is essentially snow-plowing - not snowshoeing. Needless to say it takes considerably more effort to cover ground (especially uphill) in that type of powder. Patti and I finally got around to pulling out the skis last weekend. It wasn't pretty - but the season is young and we are committed to advancing to the intermediate level before the snow stops falling. On a recent ski-trek I took my first plunge down the black-diamond slope at Makado. It wasn't pretty - but I didn't fall either - and it gives me the confidence to go onto more challenging slopes. Christopher absolutely loves the snow - usually in large gulps. He really enjoys sledding (sled optional) and playing with his neighborhood friends as they build forts and snow slides. Of course no one enjoys the snow as much as I do at 5am when I'm brushing off the Nissan and clearing sidewalks before work.
I'll be going to the Sapporo Ice festival in February with a tour group from Misawa's Outdoor Recreation. Patti and I contemplated going as a family this year - but knowing that we'll be here for at least one more winter, we felt it would be best to take a four-year old Christopher on that trip instead of a three-year old Christopher. Patti graciously agreed to cut me loose for a couple days as PARTIAL payback for her 10-day China trip last spring. I'll take the overnight ferry from Aomori and arrive in Sapporo the next morning, spending two nights there before returning in the evening on the third day. I'm sure most of you are familiar with the festival and its elaborate giant ice sculptures. I'll be sure to send some pictures when I return.
We had such a great time this Christmas with Christopher. This was really the first year he absorbed the Christmas traditions - baby Jesus, Santa... Of course he was much more animated this year when he tore open his presents. Everything was "so cool" or "so neat." Do they make toys that don't require batteries anymore? Santa gave me an easy chair for Christmas (Patti is preparing me for geezerhood) and Patti received pages 34 through 50 from the LL Bean winter catalogue. I've never had an easy chair before - those things are great. Though I usually have to fend off Christopher to sit in it. He thinks it is hilarious to park his bottom in my easy chair when he knows I'm heading in that direction. Patti and I were invited to seven Christmas parties - we attended several and I would have attended them all if it weren't for a nasty cold. We've all had colds this winter - but (for the most part) they've been mild. No signs of the Misawa Crud yet.
My father is getting remarried next week in Arizona to a wonderful lady - Rose Marie. We are unable to attend the ceremony but we are looking forward to a visit later this year from Dad and Rose Marie.
Let's see - weather, sports, Christmas, health, trips, family; Yup - guess that about covers it for this month. Stay tuned for February's installment to see if Misawa becomes the first snow-domed military base.
Terry, Patti, and Christopher
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