Another good read.
Defending Jacob was another recommended book. I am so glad I have blog readers and students in classes who have recommended so many great books to me. Otherwise I would never have read half of the authors on my current list of “books read”.
Andy Barber has been the assistant district attorney in his county for more than 20 years. He is very respected in his community. He is happily married to Laurie and they have one child, Jacob. There is a murder in their small community which shocks everyone. Andy is blindsided when his 14 year old son is charged with the murder of a fellow student. It is in every parents nature to defend their children and Andy does just that. The allegations and trial create lots of issues for the family.
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KYOTO DURING CHERRY BLOSSOM TIME IS HEAVEN ON EARTH
Trip of a lifetime to Kyoto. We went to Japan a couple of days prior to our cruise. We wanted to see Kyoto in the spring as we’d heard the time of year we were going to be there could be perfect for the cherry blossoms. And I am happy to say…..it was perfect. I am so happy to share some of the hundreds of photos we took in Kyoto, Japan.
Joe had done some research on the internet prior to our arrival in Kyoto and found us a resident of Kyoto who is also a tour guide, Takakazu Machi. His friends call him “Taka”, and within a few minutes we were all friends. Taka was incredible! He spoke perfect English and really knew his way around the city. We were so lucky to find him. He took us to some amazing places including several temples, palaces, gardens and shrines. Taka also taught us the local customs and shared the history of Kyoto and its many wonders. If you are ever going to visit Kyoto you must contact Taka. His email is akirafd@gmail.com, and his website is http://www.ac.auone-net.jp/~m-taxi/ehome.html
Our first stop was a grand complex and I was not expecting so much orange, but loved it!
This was Temple of One Thousand Arches. It was amazing and had a multitude of Shinto Shrines within the compound.
I just love the architecture.
The attention to detail was inspiring.
There were many priests and also devotees praying for a variety of reasons
The following colorful displays were prayers from students. Each strand held one hundred prayers and there were thousands of them. Taka informed us it was examination time so the students were praying for good grades
The architecture along the roof line of the historic buildings was very interesting..different levels…different textures…
Taka also explained that at the end of the roof tile was a design representing three rain drops as a good omen to protect the building from fire.
This building was part of a complex for teaching Buddhist monks and a few hundreds years ago thousands past through its gates. The intricacy and workmanship are so impressive.
And yet another impressive building, the Shogan’s home. We were able to walk through this one but no photos were allowed inside.
A close up of the entrance
A close up of the intricate carving above the door
We were taken to some of the most fascinating, peaceful and picturesque gardens
But the cherry blossoms were the star of the tour
We saw park after park and in some there was a carnival atmosphere
You’ll never guess what this temple is called?? It is called the Golden temple! It is covered in actual gold leaf. The Emperor’s summer get-a-way. Simply Beautiful.
And then Joe and I were taken to the Silver Palace
Taka also writes a blog rating Kyoto restaurants, so he took us to the best Sushi restaurant recently opened by a friend and the chef had a marvelous meal waiting for us
What a wonderful meal from a great chef!
And then we saw more blossoms
Here is a photo of me and Taka, our most wonderful, intelligent and handsome tour guide!!
In Japan and China we came across some interesting signs. You gotta love this sign. I cannot read the text but I do understand the message. The dog’s leash is on fire and so is his poop! (Just kidding!) I’ll have more signs to share in an upcoming blog. The Japanese culture seems to have a funny way to display things on their signs. Very different from the serious signs we see here in the United States.
In the next blog I’ll have photos to share of the first part of the Asia cruise.
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ATTENTION QUILT LOVERS :
NEWS FLASH FROM THE AQS QUILT SHOW IN PADUCAH
Dear All,
Karen’s husband Joe here. Karen requested I post her blog today because on Sunday night she was requested to travel to Paducah, Quilt City USA, for AQS’s big show. We had just returned from three weeks away from home and then Karen had to travel to Delaware to teach for some wonderful ladies after being home only two days. She was tired and when she was told she was one of the many winners at the show informed me ” I really just want to relax and go up in my studio and sew for the week.” Karen leaves for ten days in Texas next week. But like the great trooper she is, Karen with the help of her assistant Lynn prepared for her travels to Texas. Then on Tuesday morning at O dark thirty I drove Karen to the Harrisburg airport for an early flight to Nashville. She drove up to Paducah and attended the awards ceremony. My Karen is so, so modest about her accomplishments, but being her biggest fan I can post the following:
Karen’s quilt “Fiesta Mexico” a joint project with Renae Haddadin, whose quilting is out of this world, won BEST OF SHOW!!!!!
My darling, you are so talented, humble and the most sharing person I know. It is such an honor and an extreme pleasure to be able to share my life with you. Congratulations!!!