Thursday, March 22, 2012
Knoxville is Especially Beautiful in Springtime
Here are some images of the beauty we are surrounded by in Knoxville this time of year.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
More Mizuki Photos
Here are several more pictures from Mizuki's visit. One afternoon Mizuki joined Jacob in his backyard garden and helped him with weeding and pulling out rocks. Jacob has onions and lettuce planted right now.
One beautiful afternoon we went to Sequoah Hills for some exercise. Nancy and Jim biked while Mizuki jogged.
The gang poses in front of the Peace Bell in Oak Ridge. This bell was cast in Kyoto.
We were all excited to see the chocolate cake at Mitzi and Rolands.
Mizuki calmly waited her turn to have a piece.
Mizuki made her own chocolate cake for us on her last Sunday. She used a mix sent from Japan by her aunt Eri.
The very rich chocolate cake was iced with a layer of real chocolate.
Jacob put on the final finishing touches with a last swirl of chocolate on top. The cake was delicious, but was too small to share. We each had just a little bite.
One beautiful afternoon we went to Sequoah Hills for some exercise. Nancy and Jim biked while Mizuki jogged.
The gang poses in front of the Peace Bell in Oak Ridge. This bell was cast in Kyoto.
We were all excited to see the chocolate cake at Mitzi and Rolands.
Mizuki calmly waited her turn to have a piece.
Mizuki made her own chocolate cake for us on her last Sunday. She used a mix sent from Japan by her aunt Eri.
The very rich chocolate cake was iced with a layer of real chocolate.
Jacob put on the final finishing touches with a last swirl of chocolate on top. The cake was delicious, but was too small to share. We each had just a little bite.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Our Trip to Cades Cove
On our last Sunday with Mizuki we opted for a trip to Cades Cove. Given the mid-March date, I assumed we would not have much company in the park. But apparently many other folks had the same idea. Though it was not jammed, the crowd had already ramped up to the point where it was not exactly a peaceful communion with nature. We stopped at the first picnic area by Cades Cove and enjoyed a lunch packed by Nancy. Delicious! Then Mizuki and Jacob went for an explore along the banks of a nearby stream.
Mizuki proved to be fearless in following Jacob's lead.
Mizuki was sporting her "Tennessee Girl" pink t-shirt and her Tennessee cap (shh- don't tell her brother she was wearing it!)
Then we drove half way around the loop road to our hiking trail.
Along the trail we stopped at the stream several times to explore the shore.
The Abrahams Falls trail included several lengthy up and down sections. For a trail off of the tourist friendly Cades Cove loop, it was rather strenuous. Mizuki proved to be a hiking machine, though did not by any means keep up with Jacob.
Jacob and Mizuki were working on their rock-skipping. Mizuki needs more practice in this area.
Here's the payoff! We reached the falls and (I) thought it was a great accomplishment. We were amazed at the number of casual looking tourists that also made it.
The glamour shot sure to be appearing on Mizuki's Facebook page.
On the way back Mizuki had not lost any energy and literally skipped across the first bridge. If you haven't been across one of these, they consist of a log with flat side up, and a hand rail angled out about 45 degrees. For those without great balance these are a bit nerve wracking.
Mizuki proved to be fearless in following Jacob's lead.
Mizuki was sporting her "Tennessee Girl" pink t-shirt and her Tennessee cap (shh- don't tell her brother she was wearing it!)
Then we drove half way around the loop road to our hiking trail.
Along the trail we stopped at the stream several times to explore the shore.
The Abrahams Falls trail included several lengthy up and down sections. For a trail off of the tourist friendly Cades Cove loop, it was rather strenuous. Mizuki proved to be a hiking machine, though did not by any means keep up with Jacob.
Jacob and Mizuki were working on their rock-skipping. Mizuki needs more practice in this area.
Here's the payoff! We reached the falls and (I) thought it was a great accomplishment. We were amazed at the number of casual looking tourists that also made it.
The glamour shot sure to be appearing on Mizuki's Facebook page.
On the way back Mizuki had not lost any energy and literally skipped across the first bridge. If you haven't been across one of these, they consist of a log with flat side up, and a hand rail angled out about 45 degrees. For those without great balance these are a bit nerve wracking.
Habitat Blitz Day Progress
If you have never participated in a Habitat Blitz Day, it is a most amazing process where you start with the cement foundation and by the end of the day have the entire shell of the house constructed including the roof. Here are before and after pictures to demonstrate.
This is at 7:30 Saturday morning, note the cement slab in background.
When complete, this house will look like the house in the background.
And this shows the progress made on the house as of Saturday at 4 pm.
When complete, this house will look like the house in the background.Saturday, March 10, 2012
A Very Busy Saturday with Mizuki
Today has been very busy with many activities which have left us tired and not excited about the time change tonight. We started off at church at 6:45 this morning, reporting for duty for the Habitat Blitz Day. Mizuki was ready for it, and we were all excited to find Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks coffee (at least coffee in Starbucks cups) waiting for us. It was almost freezing and we hoped the sun would warm things up quickly. 
You'll have to take our word on the next things since there are no photos. We finished our morning shift at the Habitat house, after much hammering, cutting, stumbling around and carrying big gables around in the mud (yes, the house went up like clockwork!) Then we went back to the church and started baking bread for the folks at Minvilla. Rita Schwartz joined us and Mizuki cut up a mountain of cabbage for cole slaw. We baked 12 loaves and delivered them to Minvilla, Rita was warming up two delicious sounding soups for the residents (sadly we have to leave before getting a taste.) Then we came home so I could rest for a short time. Rather than rest, Mizuki went for a jog around the neighborhood.
You'll have to take our word on the next things since there are no photos. We finished our morning shift at the Habitat house, after much hammering, cutting, stumbling around and carrying big gables around in the mud (yes, the house went up like clockwork!) Then we went back to the church and started baking bread for the folks at Minvilla. Rita Schwartz joined us and Mizuki cut up a mountain of cabbage for cole slaw. We baked 12 loaves and delivered them to Minvilla, Rita was warming up two delicious sounding soups for the residents (sadly we have to leave before getting a taste.) Then we came home so I could rest for a short time. Rather than rest, Mizuki went for a jog around the neighborhood.We soon headed to Oak Ridge, making a quick stop at the WalMart so Mizuki could buy a Tennessee hat (shhh, it's for her brother) and also at the Peace Bell.
We enjoyed reading about the Peace Bell, reflecting on its significance, and also ringing it.
Mizuki has obviously done this before!
We continued to my parents house. We had quite an enjoyable time there, shared in a delicious meal, and also loved a decadent chocolate cake for dessert. No, Mizuki did not eat the whole thing.
Mizuki shared some wonderful conversation with my Mom and Dad and she taught them how to pose for a proper Japanese photo.
We enjoyed reading about the Peace Bell, reflecting on its significance, and also ringing it.
Mizuki has obviously done this before!
We continued to my parents house. We had quite an enjoyable time there, shared in a delicious meal, and also loved a decadent chocolate cake for dessert. No, Mizuki did not eat the whole thing.
Mizuki shared some wonderful conversation with my Mom and Dad and she taught them how to pose for a proper Japanese photo.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Robots and the Sunsphere, a perfect match!
Early Saturday morning we headed down to the Convention Center to see the Robotics Competition. Evidently this competition is big in Japan because Mizuki recognized what was going on once we stepped into the arena. 
I loved the clothing and paraphernalia surrounding the event. Each team was decked out in spirited wear displaying team colors and most often highly intelligent sayings.
Most teams included cheer squads. Ours led the throng in shouting out our team number...not the most original but we made up for it in spirit. You can see the basketball court / arena in the background. Six teams compete simultaneously, with two "super groups" of red and blue. Points are given for making baskets and also for ending up with one or more robots balanced on the platforms at mid-court.
Behind the stands there is a practice arena so teams can realign their robots. Most 'bots feature a camera that helps the controller aim shots to the basket.
Mizuki had her first experience with Dippin' Dots. She sampled all the flavors and ended up with chocolate. We ran into several HVA participants who proudly unfurled the flag.
Then we moved on to the Sunsphere. It was a clear day and the views were great, despite the dirty windows.
It was a cold windy day so the Sunsphere gave us a nice warm vantage point to see over Knoxville.
I loved the clothing and paraphernalia surrounding the event. Each team was decked out in spirited wear displaying team colors and most often highly intelligent sayings. 
Most teams included cheer squads. Ours led the throng in shouting out our team number...not the most original but we made up for it in spirit. You can see the basketball court / arena in the background. Six teams compete simultaneously, with two "super groups" of red and blue. Points are given for making baskets and also for ending up with one or more robots balanced on the platforms at mid-court.
Behind the stands there is a practice arena so teams can realign their robots. Most 'bots feature a camera that helps the controller aim shots to the basket.
Mizuki had her first experience with Dippin' Dots. She sampled all the flavors and ended up with chocolate. We ran into several HVA participants who proudly unfurled the flag.
Then we moved on to the Sunsphere. It was a clear day and the views were great, despite the dirty windows. 
It was a cold windy day so the Sunsphere gave us a nice warm vantage point to see over Knoxville.
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