I wish to thank all you folks who came up for the JREF Meet in Shiga 2012 for sharing the good times with us here--and more than just good, what a fantastic time it was !! The weather held out for us, even if there were some clouds and some drops of rain once or twice (not even making a shower at all, though).
Mike rolled in on Thursday around noon, and helped my son fix his car up a little, as I went out to do the shopping. On Friday around noon, with perfect timing, undrentide, her father, and Harumi pulled up in a taxi from Matsumoto exactly in front of the taxi bringing Thomas and his little lady from Akashina. As we got the fire started ASHIKAGA pulled into the drive way, and with everyone here, we kicked it off. We made our kanpai for the 2012 Meet, and one for the birthday boy (ASHIKAGA), and then we dug in. We had tacos along with the pizza that ASHIKAGA has provided a great photo of above, as well as a few other things--and of course good drink as well.
After the timing was about right, I set up the badminton court, and drug everyone out for some wild and crazy games of badminton. The wind was not too bad, and we had some great volleys, almost magic plays, and with three friends of the family who Ms Mars Man had invited too, we played out the last games with four against four... as I tried to keep score (and padded just a little to help out the underdog... hee, hee, hee). Then, around 5:30, Thomas started the fire for us, and we brought out the food for the fiesta. With eats, drinks, and lively conversation, we lived it up. I was trying to sell some hot sauce, and some spicy food items to undrentide the whole time... hee, hee, hee. The hot Buffalo Wings weren't that hot, and I think she liked them. The ping-pong table was set up too, and at one point I did play just a little with ASHIKAGA; as he showed me how spin the ball. (I later learned that I had set it up the wrong way, and the table was higher than it should have been... but that height was good for us tall people, at least.)
After moving over into the dozo, the dart games got going right away. Everyone had their moments with good throws and all, but Thomas's little lady just made some real power plays, saving the day more than just two or three times... it was like... say what?!! on some of those big-point makers she hit. A little after 10 pm, undrentide's gang went on over to the local hot spring lodge by taxi. We continued playing some games, and then hit the sack sometime after midnight...though I can't recall the time.
Yesterday morning we had clear skies and warmth. Brunch was the usual fajitas-style Mexican dish. Mike took Thomas and his wife up to the top of the pass which this road (an actual part of the Zenkoji Kaido ) goes over, to show them a few spots of interest. It's a nice little winding mountain road with some interesting stones and stuff that Mike had checked out 0n earlier trips here. Now Thomas has to bring his bike next time he comes to do that route and many others in the general area. I gave them a ride to the Akashina station around 1:30, and said my 'see you next year' to ASHIKAGA too, as we were heading out (as he would then be heading on back too). Mike went out on his bike for a spin, and I came back to do a little work down in the garden. My eldest son and his some 10 friends pulled up for their BBQ just a little before Mike and I joined my little lady for a BBQ down at my relative's house next door. Around 9:30, my middle son's 7 or so friends had come, and the place was just teaming, once again, with fiesta participants.
Mike and I played darts listening to all kinds of really interesting music that he had on his machine, and some time after his above post here, we finished that up and called it a night. (Although I had to stay up just a little longer to make sure all these partying boys were quite and settled down... and around 3:15 am, I went to bed too. )
I had a really great time and am so glad you all came. Thank you all very much for the gifts and goodies you all brought! And, as you know, you are all welcome to be here next year too... and for those who couldn't, try to make it next time 'round... I do think you will have a great time.
Not 100% sure if I can make it this year since I will finally be able to go to Holland again yatta... But I'll do my best!
