Today we woke up early and had breakfast with Noriko’s Dad…I had not seen him since 2007 on my second visit here so it was nice to catch up 🙂  We got ready to go meet her brother Ken and his family at her mom’s cemetery.  It is tradition for the family to all go there together twice per year to add fresh flowers, clean the grave with water and pray.  I was honored to be a part of this.  I met her mother on my first trip here in Dec 1998/January 1999 and she was an amazing lady.

Afterwards we went to Okura Hotel in Chiba for lunch…it was a very nice buffet and I ate too much!  We then went to Toys R Us to buy her oldest niece Natsumi a birthday gift…she is 9 years old today.  After lunch and shopping we returned home for a much needed nap then a walk to the store to buy food to make for dinner.  It started raining as we were walking back and it felt amazing…it is SO hot and humid here…record breaking temps this summer.  After a cold shower I am uploading pictures and getting ready for dinner.  My appetite has been gone for a while and since traveling it is coming back.  Not sure if that is a good or bad thing 🙂

Today I am thankful for family and for my friend allowing me to be a part of hers 🙂