Misa-chan and Dai-chan

Kevin, Kevin, Kevin, Kevin, Kevin, Kevin, Kevin, Kevin. i don`t think i have ever heard my name said so many times. Kevin, Kevin, Kevin. i spent most of tuesday going to Suma (near Kobe) and spending the day with Noriko`s cousin Akemi and her almost 4 year old Daigo and his 2 year old sister Misa, and then returning around 11pm. Akemi and the kids met me at Myohoji Station. it was a big surprise for Daigo who has been waiting for me to come to his home. he has called twice to say "hello, how are you? and when are you coming to visit?" both kids were shy for a few minutes and then Daigo took my hand as we had to do some shopping for lunch and dinner (both delicious).
Misa was pushing the cart and had the cutest squeaky pink shoes on. and that is how my fun day began in Kobe. more later. and of course, i took many photos and videos. we also went to Daigo`s swiming lesson. today`s goal was 10 meters. Daigo looked kind of like a fish out of water (in water) but he made it. later at dinner he was so tired from playing with me (and on me) and swimming that he fell asleep (again) at the table holding his chopsticks. very cute (well, until he woke up).

now it is a sunny wednesday morning but much cooler (some would say cold). i think i will stay "local" and check on the autumn colors along the trail to the waterfall. i may try to make it the Minoo Nature Visitor`s Center as they have many momiji (maple) trees there. i will definately watch out for that one particular monkey.

on monday, i stayed home most of the morning after seeing Noriko`s Father off to his Senior Day Care. Noriko and her Mother went out for a few errands. and later Noriko and i went to buy her new laptop. it is complicated (or at least to me) buying a computer here but mainlybecause of internet providers and "protection plans". we actually had to leave the store (PC Depot) to go pick up her Father from home to take him to the dentist and return to complete the transaction later. hopefully it will be available to be picked up on thursday or friday as now she is having some data transferred from her old laptop to her new one. and i am still not sure about how she will access the internet.

Wednesday Update:
Brrrrrr, it`s cold. i just got back from my long walk and finally made it to the Minoh Nature Center after my 5th walk to the waterfall. lots of photos. blue sky and autumn red, orange and yellow. some of my favorite photos will be off the Shiba-chan. he was tied up to the red bridge by the waterfall while his owner painted the waterfall and autumn colors. i took a cute photo of a nice couple with their 4 month old baby. many momiji photos. one monkey photo. and did i mention it is cold. time to get ready for dinner.