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July 1999
Hello once again from Northern Japan!
This month marks the completion of our sixth month in northern Japan. We have really enjoyed our stay thus far so we aren't yet counting down the months till our return to the states - but it is hard to believe that six months have passed since we arrived.
With one minor exception everyone was healthy over the past month. Christopher had some kind of foot/hand/mouth virus which raised small blisters in those areas. He had a low-grade fever for just a few hours and the blisters took several days to fade away. The whole episode didn't seem to phase Christopher - except for minor crankiness during the feverish period (to be expected of course).
We finally have first-hand knowledge of what the locals refer to as the "rainy season." Although it was late in coming (normally beginning in mid-June), the rain settled in two weeks ago and has been practically non-stop since. On the rare occasions when the sun slips through the clouds, the temperature and humidity sky-rocket making for near-unbearable conditions - especially in our house which is without air-conditioning. Thankfully we were warned about the high-humidity of the summers here - which has been known to ruin shoes, garments, leathers, and even cloth furniture with mold - so we purchased a de-humidifier which runs around the clock. Normally we would be taking vacation and traveling this time of year. But the poor weather has kept us close to home so far this summer. We continue to discover the local area though and there are festivals nearly every weekend - so we don't lack for places to go and things to do. Though the summer weather has presented a challenge so far the fall season is supposed to be spectacular - mostly nice cool sunny days. We look forward to traveling a bit more when my Father arrives for a visit in early September.
In addition to planning for my Father's visit, we are making preliminary inquiries into a two-to-three week trip to Hawaii in February (for the whole family of course) and Patti is busy planning for a trip to China early next year with a friend. Naturally we would like to take the China trip together - but the logistics and health concerns associated with taking Christopher on a trip like that is more than we are willing to endure/risk. So - while Patti is discovering China, I'll be playing Mr. Mom - and I'll enjoy every minute of it.
Christopher continues to amuse and amaze us on a daily basis. His playground skills have really improved and he is finally beginning to mimic words he hears. He had already acquired an impressive vocabulary - but each of those words came with great effort and repetition. Now he simply hears a word and repeats it (at his own pace of course). His enunciation can use some help but his word skills have improved dramatically over the past few weeks. His own unique personality is beginning to develop as well. His primary trait is that he is fiercely independent. He walks with his hands behind his back so no one can hold his hand to guide him; he mostly refuses hands-on assistance of any kind (no demonstrations necessary, I'll feed myself thank you, etc...); and he will only succumb to being carried if he is past tired and on his way to exhaustion. Naturally this has led to frequent but minor clashes of wills (Christopher loses in these matches I assure you) but amazingly he has learned to listen to Mom and Dad very well. Unless he is in his tired and cranky phase, he listens, adjusts, and moves on without a problem.
WARNING - GOLF TALK AHEAD!
DO NOT PROCEED IF YOU DO NOT KNOW WHO WON THE BRITISH OPEN!
Speaking of the British Open - I am severely depressed that I did not watch it. From what I observed from CNN sports and the newspaper that it was a severely humbling and maddening experience for most of the participants. GOOD! May they never forget the trials and tribulations of the average golfer.
While the pro's had a frustrating week, I had a terrific week on the links. In our last newsletter I mentioned that I had moved firmly into the low-to-mid 90's. Well, in the space of the last 30 days I sliced (OOPS - bad term) another 10 strokes off my game (though because of the averaging effect of the handicap system - it will be a few more rounds before my handicap reflects the 10-stroke improvement). My last five outings were: 87, 84, 82, 85, 81. And with the exception of the last score (81) all those rounds were rain-dampened (heavy, wet grass, steady drizzle, etc...). I'd love to have the front nine back from that 81 also since I fired a 1-over 36 on the back nine (yes - which means a 9-over on the front w/three double bogies). I corrected an obvious flaw in my grip on the 11th tee box and par'd the last eight holes in succession (had several near birdies - but alas....). The 20-footer for par on the 18th hole had my knees wobbling - but it went in. It should be against the law to have this much fun. If I don't have at least one round in the 70's by this time next month I'll be upset.
I think I covered everything: weather, Christopher and Patti, golf, ... (oh - and work).
I get a new boss next week. The transition will obviously keep me busy for the next several weeks. The best part (and scariest) is that after only six-months in the saddle I'll have someone looking to me as the continuity for operations. Fortunately we have alot of dedicated, smart folks working in our organization who can back me up. The new guy - Lt Col Burns - is arriving next Friday evening. Patti and I will meet him and his family at the airport and will serve as their sponsors throughout their in-processing. They also have a 2-year old child - so Christopher can be a sponsor as well (hope he learns to share).
OK - that should be it. More next month!
Enjoy your summer!
Terry, Patti, and Chrisopher
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