It's hard to know how (or whether) to jump back into this blog. (I admit to loving the ease and immediacy of Instagram... or maybe the simplicity of *no* social media?).
And as for quilting, I haven't had anything to show. I am working on hand quilting this eternal project:
Wandering Ways (Winding Ways) which my grandma rescued so many years ago - she finished piecing it, attempted to machine quilt it, that didn't work out, and I hand quilted it for her, just in the white patches. Now I'm going back into the blue.
But when not quilting on it, I use it, and it's the only quilt I have around (with both our air and sea shipments in limbo!). It's a huge comfort, and I've just been treasuring it this past month!
After selling our New Hampshire house in March, we were on the road to visit each of our three kids and our parents, during which time my father passed away and we held his services. Then we moved to Tokyo with our combined six suitcases. It's unclear how long David's company will have us in this temporary furnished place... trying to make the best of it! We thought we'd be in an apartment by the end of April, but now it looks like end of June.
Here's my temporary kitchen! I have two burners, a rice cooker, an electric kettle, very good sized fridge/freezer (for Japan) and a combo microwave/toaster oven that I haven't fully mastered yet.
Two ramen bowls, two rice bowls, two forks, etc etc. A very good sharp chef's knife which I appreciate.
A typical lunch for me these days:
Japanese strawberries are in a league of their own, so very good:
Our combo washer/dryer....
wasn't kind to David's jeans...
But I've figured out that our bathroom area has space to hang wet clothes, and there's a built in fan with several settings, including one specifically for drying clothes - effectively turning the whole shower area into one big dryer - which is amazing - so now I don't use the machine to dry much.
Every day is a learning curve, even though I've lived here before!
xo
Cynthia
So good to hear from you! It sounds like the beginning of this journey will be a struggle but I am hoping that all will go smoothly soon. I am looking forward to seeing some of Japan through your eyes. Enjoy your hand quilting for now my friend. I'd love to send you a care package of some sort when you get an address!
ReplyDeleteglad to see a post again....will be following along on your japan adventure....and quilting too of course!
ReplyDeleteI missed your blogging. I hope your belongs arrive quickly and you can get an apartment. Hugs
ReplyDeleteSounds like quite the challenge (or adventure?) I hope you're able to get settled soon. Good to see you back, at any rate.
ReplyDeleteSorry about your dad ~
So much technology! I'd be lost!! I do kind of like the small kitchen- no need to fuss much about food!
ReplyDeleteSo very hard to lose a parent - sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteMust be a little difficult living out of suitcases, but at least you are familiar with Japan.
I would be out buying lots of beautiful Japanese takeaway, until you have your next kitchen, any excuse will do for me to eat Japanese food!
So sorry about your father. That alone would make it hard to restart blogging. Sounds like you're having an adventure! I really love that you're using and stitching on the same quilt. Fabulous idea and probably very comforting. I suppose if you finish up the blue areas and need more quilting time, you can go back and echo quilt where you stitched before.:)
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your post. The fan setting in the shower for drying clothes is so clever! Glad you have a quilt to work on while you await your shipments. I am so sorry to hear about your dad. What a difficult time for you.
ReplyDeleteOH Yikes. temporary living conditions are always challenging but this one is especially so.!!
ReplyDeleteAre there any gardens, parks or museums near you? I think I'd be escaping often. Also, are their American Social Groups? Love your quilting project. What a comfort it must be.
I'm so sorry to hear about your Father. Sending you love and a hug.
please keep blogging for us! I look forward to seeing more of Japan
ReplyDeleteOh Cynthia, it is so wonderful to have you back, but I can't imagine having to sell that wonderful home in the process. I see your "kitchen" is almost bigger than mine with similar challenges. I hope you will get settled in something a bit more user-friendly before much longer.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to hear from you and hear about your adventures! I will definitely begin following you on IG, but I hope you continue blogging as well!
ReplyDeleteI just saw your comment on my blog, so had to come over for a visit. We were in Tokyo last fall, so I recognize those strawberries (I actually saw them in Seoul), but never was able to taste them. I also recognize the sandwiches. I do miss the ramen, but it sounds like you are familiar with Tokyo, so you won't have a hard time making your way. Luckily there are good fabric stores in Tokyo proper, so you'll be able to acquire some quilting projects.
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing--you know we all find Japan so intriguing, and it will be good to see it through your eyes. Adding you now to my Bloglovin' feed!
Elizabeth