Howie Hayman
 
- An incredibly Nice Day. Today was the actual due date for the baby. Anyway, last night Shai slept for four and a half hours and today was really awake and seemed to be enjoying everything. Akiko and I were able to actually spend some time alone together. After ,she spent a couple hours cutting her hair and pampering herself. I put together our new stroller today which is part of a car seat and baby carrier travel system. Really looking forward to taking little Shai out for a ride. The stroller is kind of like the 4-wheel drive, 4Runner version of strollers. Pretty cool way for the little guy to get around. Tonight I made fish on the BBQ while Akiko and Shai spent time inside and waited for the food to be cooked.
August 1, 2009 - Email Message - Jim, Linda. Hey, I really wanna thank you guys for coming over last night and for returning the car seat. Really kinda small in our place and now there is a bit more space. Anyway, last night was really good. Shai slept 4.5 hours last night. I made breakfast this morning and all of us are much more relaxed. Pretty much planning to stay in for the next couple weeks. Akiko really wants the baby to be stronger before going out again. This is the link to my page on the education site. You can join from this page too.
http://edufire.com/FunEasyEnglish
Send email when you can. Howie, Akiko.


August 1, 2009 - Email Message - Linda. Hi. We really wanna thank you for understanding. I know the way we are doing things might seem a bit strange for everyone but this is what works for us. Akiko and I come from similar backgrounds and are much more comfortable with few things and simple. If we were both working it might change our thinking. We would probably then need a basinet and other items but as long as we are home together we want to bond with the baby as much as possible. Akiko really likes our situation and enjoys being able to spend 24 hours a day with the baby. Anyway, today was wonderful. Akiko and I were able to spend some time alone together. Then I spent some time cutting my hair and shaving. Then I watched the baby and Akiko spent a couple hours cutting her hair and pampering herself. Tonight I am doing BBQ fish outside while Akiko stays inside with the baby and waits for the food. We are alone in the house tonight and will enjoy some family time together. Today is also the beginning of cloth diapers. woohoo. Tomorrow is good for you guys to come and hang out with us. Anyway, thank you for going to look at stuff today. Send email when you can. Howie.
- Another Quiet Day Together. We spent much of the day finishing up a few projects in the house and then enjoyed another weekend BBQ, this time chicken. Really nice temperature at night the last few days and feels good to leave the windows open and get the nighttime breeze. We are pretty much certain about moving to Japan at this point and already getting things ready. Not sure when, but the plan is pretty much set for now anyway.
- Finally in the Groove. Yup, things seem to be settling a bit for us. The cloth diaper system is working perfectly and many of the setting up projects are finished. We are finding a lot more time to relax with the baby. We work out of our home which allows us to spend the entire day working together for the baby now. Really cannot understand what it must be like for single parents who are working full time. Anyway, we are very happy with our situation.
August 3, 2009 - Email Message - Ayumi. Hi. Actually I am no longer drinking any alcohol because of the baby now. I cannot take a chance of being drunk. Need to be able to drive anytime and look after Akiko and the baby for sure. This is most important now. Yup, will be fun to spend some time and talk. See you soon then. Howie.

August 3, 2009 - Email Message - Dr. Rubenstein. Hi. We want to thank you for contacting us about the bris for our son. We are hoping for a Thursday appointment but we need to find out if our insurance will be covering everything. Quite honestly, $500 is a bit much for us at this time. We will send email as soon as we get word back from the insurance company. Thank you for understanding. Talk to you again. Howie and Akiko Hayman.

August 3, 2009 - Email Message - Hi. Thanks for getting back to me. I'm not sure if you will get a correct answer from your insurance company. Remember, this is a religious event that is completely separate from my work as a pediatrician. I have a separate tax identification number than I have as my work as a pediatrician. So if the insurance company says I am listed as a provider, they are correct in regards to my pediatrician work. They do not contract with me regarding religious ceremonies, i.e. a Bris. It would be similar to a person trying to make sure that a Baptism from a priest would be covered by insurance. Given that, sometimes the insurance company will reimburse the parents for a circumcision if you have PPO insurance but I can not guarantee it. I would be able to supply you with an invoice that you can submit but I have the parents pay me directly when I perform the circumcision. Hope this helps to clarify the situation. Sincerely Stuart Rubenstein.

August 3, 2009 - Email Message - Dr. Rubenstein. Hi. We are currently using COBRA benefits which is the Federal extension of the health benefits my wife had when she was working for her previous company. We contacted the human resources department and they said, and sent information, showing that circumcisions are covered in full. Now the sticky point is, will they consider this a religious event. I cannot completely agree with the point you made about baptisms as circumcisions seem different to us since they do actually involve a medical procedure. In any event, we are waiting for your answer about Thursday morning. We will try to prepare everything as specified on your website. Please send email when you can. Thanks. Howie and Akiko Hayman.

August 3, 2009 - Email Message - Hi. A Bris needs to be done by sunset, but does not need to be done in the morning. With my schedule, I can accommodate two Bris each day, one at noon and one at 6pm. I already have one scheduled at noon. Would the 6pm time work for you? If it does, send me your son's full English name and I will reply to that email with all the info you need regarding the Bris. Sincerely Stuart Rubenstein.

August 3, 2009 - Email Message - Dr. Rubenstein. Hi again. We want to thank you for getting back to us. It would be nice if we could get this procedure covered but either way this event is much too important to worry about money. We read through your entire website and understand the bris should take place in the morning. We would like to do this on Thursday morning, 8/6/09 if possible. Please send email as soon as you can. Howie and Akiko Hayman.

August 3, 2009 - Email Message - Margie. Hi. Akiko and I spent this last weekend kind of hiding from everyone. We were inundated with kindness from our friends and needed some time alone with the baby. Definitely let us know the next time you plan to be in town. We can to a BBQ. Send email when you can. Howie.

August 3, 2009 - Email Message - Mutsuko. Hi. Actually we are planning on moving back there for a few years. Akiko and I became really tired of all the drugs and unsophisticated people in this country, especially in this city. Japan presents many opportunities for us. We are planning on purchasing a home there within the next few months. Pretty much updating all this on my site. Let us know when you come back to SD and can get together. Until then. Howie.
- No More Belly Button Thingy. Today Shai's belly button thingy fell off. It was already loose and kind of getting in the way of his diapers. Anyway, not so interesting for most of you reading this but an event for us.
August 4, 2009 - Email Message - Jim. Hi. I am not totally sure about the bris at this time. Akiko and I considered going to her OBGYN but not sure. Akiko and I will probably do this with only the two of us though. We are still waiting for the final answer from the insurance company. Yup, fishing needs to wait. Talk to you again. Howie.

August 4, 2009 - Email Message - Jim, Linda. Hi. I wanted to send email and explain a bit of stuff. We are still not sure about the bris at this point although we are definitely going to do it either way. We are in contact with the same person but unable to confirm a time. Akiko and I went back and forth about if we want to do this alone or with friends and still unsure although we are leaning more towards it being the two of us and the baby. Akiko seems to be a bit overwhelmed recently with all the attention. It is difficult for many of our friends to understand as most of them are not used to being associated with someone from an Asian culture and background where things are done on a much more personal level. For me it is simply sad because my parents cannot be there for any of this. Anyway, we will keep you posted. We would like you to come for dinner next week sometime. Any night is good for us. Send email when you can. Howie, Akiko.

August 4, 2009 - Email Message - Linda. Hi. I really want to thank you for understanding. Akiko and I really are doing good but many things come up which are not issues with non-international couples. It is true, I really do miss my parents especially now. This is the only boy in the family and I cannot express in words how much I want them with me at this time. I know they are watching though. I really want to go out with the new stroller but Akiko is really upset anytime we take the baby out. Really not sure if she thinks the baby is too young, America is not safe, etc. Trying to go along with pretty much anything she wants at this point because I know she wants to go back to Japan and be with her family. Akiko was crying the other day and actually said I need you to me. She is not the type to say things like that and it really shows how much she needs family now. I am already packing, actually sorting stuff, for Japan even though we both know it cannot happen for a few months. Anyway, we are a good team and there for each other anytime. Every couple goes through this and we will get through it same as everyone else. You and Jim really made things easier for us and you guys are the closest thing to family for me. Anyway, let me know if you want to come over tomorrow night. If not, then when you get back and definitely next week we should do a BBQ at our place. Send email when you can. Howie.

August 4, 2009 - Email Message - Hi. We can do it this Friday. I usually get out of the office by noon and will come right over. Where do you live? Also, I still need your son's full English name. Thanks Stuart Rubenstein.

August 4, 2009 - Email Message - Ayumi. Hi. Akiko and I need to get a procedure for the baby on Friday. It still should be no problem for you to come over but will send email. Talk to you again. Howie.

August 4, 2009 - Email Message - Dr. Rubenstein. Hi. We would need a 12:00 pm appointment Monday – Friday. Please let us know if we could do it this Friday. Send email when you can. Thanks. Howie and Akiko Hayman.
- Sleeping Day. Today was pretty quiet and relaxing. Shai spent a lot of time sleeping, and um, eating and peeing and pooing.
August 5, 2009 - Email Message - Thank you for your interest in my performing your Bris or regular circumcision. I will contact you as soon as possible (please leave a telephone number to contact you). If I have not reached you within 24 hours, please call my home office at 858.793.4563. Due to new HIPAA regulations (patient privacy regulations), medical questions not related to a Bris or circumcision can not be answered by email and are required to be deleted immediately. Please call my pediatric office at xxx.xxx.xxxx for medical questions. Thank you Stuart Rubenstein, MD.

August 5, 2009 - Email Message - Hi, Mazel Tov on the birth of your son! We are confirmed for Friday August 7th arriving around 12:15pm. Please do the following three items:

Reply to this email so that I know you received it and read all the attachments.

Fill out the form on my website (www.brisforbaby.com) as soon as you can. Please, no later than 48 hours before the Bris.

Purchase the LMX-4 (5 gram tube size) numbing cream. This cream needs to be purchased prior to the Bris since you need to apply it one hour before the ceremony. This is an OTC medicine but most pharmacies do not have it on stock and will need a day or two for it to be delivered. If you have trouble getting it, I usually have a stash of them at my office which only costs me $10.

Attached you will find six items:

1. This is a handout for the guests (two sided handout). This is the only attachment that you need to print for the guests. Please feel free to make as many copies as you need for your guests.

2. The parent’s section of the Bris. If you read Hebrew, that would be nice but not required. You can read only the English if you desire. Some parents will alternate the paragraphs in the section "Parents, before the circumcision."

3. Instructions on the application of LMX-4 or EMLA numbing cream and the after circumcision care sheet. Please read it before the Bris so that you can ask me questions about any part that is unclear.

4. This is a consent form. Please fill it out before the Bris. You can give it to me at the Bris.

5. Bris readings. This is optional. It is a way to include special relatives or friends. Please feel free to use these, modify these or make up your own. If you are going to use the Bris readings, please give a copy to the person before the Bris.

6. Bris ceremony outline and Checklist Instructions for the Bris

If you have any questions, or the files do not get transmitted correctly, please call my home office number at xxx.xxx.xxxx. Sincerely Stuart Rubenstein, MD. Certified Mohel.


August 5, 2009 - Email Message - Dr. Rubenstein. Hi. We would like you to come to our home this Friday then.
The full English name of our son. Shai Maxwell Hayman.
Parents names. Howard Steven Hayman. Akiko Iwamoto Hayman.
We are located one mile from Mission Trails Regional Park.
Address
6840 Hyde Park Drive, Unit C, San Diego, CA. 92119.
Telephone number xxx-xxx-xxxx.
Please note the ringer on our phone is usually off as we use email most of the time. You are welcome to leave a message though.
Directions. Take 8 to the College Avenue Exit. Go North on College Avenue away from SDSU. Turn right on Navajo Road. Go all the way up the hill and turn right on Park Ridge Boulevard. Make an immediate left turn on Hyde Park Drive. Make an immediate left turn into the Brentwood condominium complex. Go to the left in the complex and drive to the far rear corner and up the little hill. Important – Park in space number 166, the middle of three spaces. Walk up the sidewalk adjacent to the carport. Then walk to the end of the sidewalk, our unit is the rear, first floor unit. Please send email when you can. Thanks. Howie and Akiko Hayman.


August 5, 2009 - Email Message - Hi. The LMX cream needs to be applied one hour before I get to your house. Therefore, you will need to pick it up at my office prior to the Bris. My office hours are from 8am to noon, and from 1:30pm to 5pm. My office address is 12395 El Camino Real, suite 219, SD 92130. Ralphs pharmacy has always been good about getting it. You could try them but not sure you can get it in time. Sincerely, Stuart Rubenstein.

August 5, 2009 - Email Message - Dr. Rubenstein. Hi. My wife is not happy about taking the baby out. Since she does not drive, I am unwilling to leave her home alone. Is it possible for you to call in a prescription for either cream to Savon/CVS at the following location. 7393 Jackson Drive San Diego, CA 92119 Telephone xxx-xxx-xxxx. If we cannot obtain the cream, we will need to reschedule. Please send email as soon as you can. Thanks. Howie and Akiko Hayman.

August 5, 2009 - Email Message - Dr. Rubenstein. Hi. I need to ask you to bring a tube of the LMX4 or EMLA cream. We would be happy to pay the 10 dollars after running around today and being unable to purchase either of these. Savon close to our home had no knowledge of the LMX4 cream and said the EMLA was prescription only. Walgreens also was unaware of the LMX4 cream but could order a 15 gram tube of the EMLA with no guarantee it would arrive on time. Please send email if you are able to supply the cream for us and arrive early enough for it to be effective. All other items were purchased today. Thank you very much. Howie and Akiko Hayman.

August 5, 2009 - Email Message - Hi. We found a place which could order the cream. See you on Friday. Thanks.

August 5, 2009 - Email Message - Great news. See you Friday. Stuart Rubenstein.
- 4Runner Stroller and Picnic. We finally took the new 4Runner stroller out for a test run today. We walked all the way to Mission Trails Regional Park and Lake Murray (background), which was about a total 2.5 mile walk. Shai slept through the entire event.
In the afternoon, we went back to Mission Trails Regional Park for a picnic. Shai seemed to like being on the blanket in the grass. He will probably be one of those kids who likes outside stuff.
August 6, 2009 - Email Message - Hi. Please call me tonight at xxx.xxx.xxxx so that we can go over some last minute questions. Thanks, Stuart Rubenstein.

August 6, 2009 - Email Message - Hi. We received a call from CVS on Jackson Drive. They said the tube does not come in 5 grams anymore and they are unable to fulfill the prescription without speaking with you. They said you gave them your fax number instead of your telephone number. Please call them as soon as you can at 619-465-6800. Thanks.

August 6, 2009 - Email Message - Hi. I definitely need to talk to you tonight! Please give me a call. Thanks, Stuart Rubenstein.

August 6, 2009 - Email Message - Dr. Rubenstein. Hi. We went through quite a bit getting the cream the last couple days but finally worked it out. Anyway, working on feeding the baby now. Probably no need to talk tonight as the information you sent was quite self explanatory. Everything will be set up early in the morning awaiting your arrival. See you tomorrow then. Howie and Akiko Hayman.

August 6, 2009 - Email Message - Cheryl. Hi. I really want to thank you for telling Akiko and I the Hebrew name tonight. Even though you cannot be with us during the ceremony the fact you gave us the name made you an important part of this event. I know your way anytime and even if you do not contact me going to understand anyway. Will be calling you more often from now on. Take a look at my site and pictures when you can.
http://howiehayman.com/
http://picasaweb.google.com/FunEasyEnglish.com/BabyPicturesHome#
http://picasaweb.google.com/FunEasyEnglish.com/BabyPicturesDelivery#
Thank you again. Howie.
- Bris. Today Shai went through the Bris, or circumcision ceremony in our home. The service was performed by Dr. Rubenstein, who is a certified Mohel. Brit milah (Hebrew: בְּרִית מִילָה [b'rīt mī'lā], Sephardi pronunciation, berit milah; Ashkenazi pronunciation, bris milah, "covenant of circumcision"; Yiddish, bris) is a religious ceremony within Judaism to welcome infant Jewish boys into a covenant between God and the Children of Israel through ritual circumcision performed by a mohel ("circumciser"). This happens on the eighth day of the child's life unless health reasons or certain specific conditions pertaining to the date, time, and conditions of birth vis-a-vis the Sabbath and/or holidays force a delay, in the presence of family and friends, followed by a celebratory meal (seudat mitzvah).
- Ayumi Finally Meets Shai. My long time and really good friend Ayumi finally was able to meet Shai today. Me and Ayumi saw each other through many tough times and happy times. Much has changed over the years and now Akiko and I will be moving to Japan and Ayumi will be moving out of SD sometime this year. Many good changes coming for everyone within the next few months. Ayumi brought a lot of food and many really nice presents. Thank you again.
- Football Game. Really think this was quite a coincidence. Today was the Hall of Fame football game played in Canton, Ohio. This game is the first preseason game of the season, was televised on national television, and featured the Buffalo Bills who are celebrating their 50th year in the National Football league this year. This was also the first Professional Football game for Shai. Pretty cool.
August 9, 2009 - Email Message - Ayumi. Hi. I really want to thank you for the presents. Akiko could not believe you brought many presents and food. She was really happy. I realized last night, I miss seeing you. Nice to be around someone like you who can be excited about the world and many things. You really keep a good attitude about everything. I want you to know you can stay with us in Japan anytime. I want to see you when you go back there. Now maybe you will be moving from SD soon and I want to see you as much as possible. Planning to work out beginning this week and can meet you for walking in the afternoon or early evening. Anyway, thank you again for everything. Send email when you can. Howie.

August 9, 2009 - Email Message - Ellie, Terry. Hi. Akiko and I really want to thank you for the wonderful presents. The blanket is really soft and Akiko really likes the book. Anyway, things are finally settling for us after a pretty crazy couple of weeks. With things better now, it would be really nice to see you guys. We could do a coffee or BBQ at our place. Akiko is not ready to take the baby to the bagel store at this time. We are hoping to see you at the shower though. Anyway, thank you again. Send email when you can. Howie, Akiko.

August 9, 2009 - Email Message - Stuart. Hi. Akiko and I continue to follow the instructions and it seems like Shai is doing pretty good. Now your picture is posted on our site. Please visit this page when you can.
http://howiehayman.com/
Thank you again. Howie and Akiko Hayman.


August 10, 2009 - Email Message - Ayumi. Hi. I am going to need to wait to go walking with you until next week. Akiko wants me to be home this week to put lotion on his little thingy. Send email when you can. Howie.

August 12, 2009 - Email Message - Jim. Hi. I am beginning to get ready for the move to Japan. Want to talk to you about a few things when you can find the time. Maybe you guys could walk over or we could walk over there. Send email when you can. Howie.

August 12, 2009 - Email Message - Jim. Hi. I keep thinking it is a honeydew thingy. Anyway, no problem. Know you guys are busy these days. Let us know if we are still supposed to come for the BBQ this weekend. Maybe see you tonight then. Howie.

August 12, 2009 - Email Message - Linda. Hi. Seems like awhile already since we all met. Anyway, I was wondering if we are still supposed to come for the BBQ this weekend. Really wanna get Akiko out of the house to relax. More problems with her family now. Anyway, was thinking of taking her fishing which is the one thing which she really likes. If you think you might be able to watch Shai at our place for a few hours one morning, let me know. Actually Paula offered but Akiko said she is only comfortable with you. No worries either way though. Need to know if it is still possible to add a couple of friends to the shower evite. Received some presents and know these friends would like to come. Anyway, send email when you can. Howie.

August 12, 2009 - Email Message - Ayumi. Hi. We are going to watch the meteor shower in the mountains tonight. Send email when you can. Howie.

August 12?, 2009 - Email Message - Stuart and Britt. Hi. Hope Shai is doing well. Attached is the invoice. Sincerely, Stuart Rubenstein.
- Meteor Shower. This mini adventure actually began on the 12th but the pictures were taken today. Anyway, we all went up to the Laguna Mountains, about 45 minutes from San Diego, to watch the annual Perseids meteor shower. Shai slept through the entire trip but Akiko and I were able to enjoy the show. We parked at our favorite spot in the Laguna Campground located in the Cleveland National Forest. We put the tailgate down on the truck and laid back and saw lots of meteors including a few fireballs. It was a really nice experience.
August 13, 2009 - Email Message - Linda. Hi. I am not sure if we can make it this weekend. Akiko and her family are not getting along now and she is really upset. In fact, she might go back to Japan soon with the baby. We can only get the house if she is there to do all the paperwork. No kidding, her family really is a mess and cannot understand their thinking. Will send you email again if we are coming. Thank you for understanding as usual. Send email when you can. Howie.

August 13, 2009 - Email Message - Ayumi. Hi. Actually Akiko might be going back with the baby for awhile. Things with the family are not good now. Send email when you can. Howie.
- Fishing Trip. Yup, Shai went fishing for the first time today. He even caught three fish….not really. We were able to land a really nice smelt and two mackerel though. Akiko fried them Teriyaki style using soy sauce and sugar. Really wanted to take Shai fishing at least once before heading off to Japan in a few months.
August 14, 2009 - Email Message - Linda. Hi. I think we can make it this weekend. We chatted with her family last night. Their position is not changed but we made a decision to go to Japan as soon as possible. Anyway, we will bring potato salad. Send email when you can. Howie.

August 16, 2009 - Email Message - Jim, Linda. Hey, we really wanna thank you for last night. The food was really good as usual and it was nice seeing everyone again. We forgot our little plastic container and thought we might take a walk over today. Pretty sure you guys are going out for breakfast. Anyway, send email when you get home and let us know if we can come over for a few minutes. Thank you again. Howie, Akiko.

August 17, 2009 - Email Message - Valerie. Hi. I was really hoping you were going to show more of an interest in your brother. Akiko and I watched your old Lion King video last night with Shai and thought about you. Come up a lot. We are moving to Japan in three months. Send email when you can. Dad.

August 17, 2009 - Email Message - Jim, Linda. Hey, thanks for letting us come over and eat again. Let us know if you want to go fishing for sure tomorrow. Make sure the dude can make the walk out on the pier. A half mile to the end. Send email when you can. Howie, Akiko.

August 17, 2009 - Email Message - Jim. Hi. I wanna know if you need a couple cans of dark walnut stain. This is the same color as the kitchen cabinets. Cannot use it now with the baby in the house. If not then gonna toss it out. There is also a pair of safety goggles and a pretty nice mask for working with chemicals. Send email about all this when you can. Howie.

August 17, 2009 - Email Message - Jim. Hi. Akiko and I will be going back to walking again today. Probably will not be online again until this evening. Anyway, get either 10 or 12 lb test line. Already got plenty of hooks and weights. No need for you to get those things. Send email if you need anything else. Talk to you again. Howie.

August 17, 2009 - Email Message - Hey Jim and family and everyone. This is the plan for fishing tomorrow. We are going to get there about 10:45 am and probably fish for at least a couple of hours. The following link is directions from PB.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=diamond+street,+pacific+beach,+ca&daddr=ocean+beach+pier,+ca&hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=34.999041,78.837891&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=13
The following link shows the parking lot adjacent to the pier. Access to the parking lot is actually from Newport Ave. Suggest trying to get a spot on Niagara Ave. to avoid the stairs up to the pier which is a bit of a hike.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=ocean+beach+pier,+ca&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=34.999041,78.837891&ie=UTF8&ll=32.747352,-117.253084&spn=0.002269,0.004812&t=h&z=18
Anyway should be able to catch many fish over five inches for sure. See you tomorrow. Until then. Howie, Akiko.


August 17, 2009 - Email Message - Ayumi. Hi. I really want you to go to the shower for sure. I really was happy with the nice presents you bought. It was good to see you again. Already sent your email address to our friends and you will receive an evite soon. Can probably go walking with you all of the days you mentioned. Went back to working out again. Send email when you can. Howie.
- Another Fishing Trip. Another fishing trip for Shai but no fish this time. We met a group of our friends out there from San Diego and Buffalo. It was a bit too cool windy but everyone enjoyed seeing each other.
August 18, 2009 - Email Message - Jim, Linda. Hi. I need you to make sure everyone knows to meet us on the pier next to the cafe and NOT at the parking lot. Because of the stroller, we need to park up on the street. Please call everyone and tell them where to meet. Thanks. Send email when you can. Howie, Akiko.

August 20, 2009 - Email Message - Valerie. Hi. I am really hoping you are doing good and no problems now. Really need to talk about a lot of stuff. Akiko and I kind of not sure about the next few months but it seems like we are going to Japan. Many things to give you to keep. Anyway, let us know when you can come up. Send email when you can. Dad.

August 20, 2009 - Email Message - Linda. Hi. Akiko and I may go walking tonight and tomorrow night and want to know if you want any company. No more fish caught. Probably will talk to Paula tonight. Send email or call when you can. Howie.

August 20, 2009 - Email Message - Ayumi. Hi. Yeah it was fun. I enjoyed talking about many things again. Actually getting ready to go walking today. Kinda sucks a couple people who really want sex are not getting any. Really a waste for sure. Anyway, let me know when you can go walking again. Send email when you can. Howie.

August 24, 2009 - Email Message - Linda. Hi. I might take a walk over with Akiko and the little stinker tonight. Will call you in the early evening. Until then. Howie.

August 26, 2009 - Email Message - Ayumi. Hi. I would really like to see you. Nothing to do with laziness but really not good with high temperatures and low humidity. Now all the windows in the house are closed are really nice in the rooms. Close to a hundred this entire week and maybe into next week. Anyway, we can talk this weekend if you go to the shower. Really should be fun. Send email when you can. Howie.

August 27, 2009 - Email Message - Ayumi. Hi. I think we are going to get there before 1 to set up. Everything is contingent on Akiko and the little stinker begin good. Because of the warm temperatures and dry, he is really not happy the last couple days. Anyway, meet on the weekend and then begin walking next week. Send email when you can. Howie.
- Really Hot This Week. This week the temperatures climbed to about 100 degrees at our place and was even warmer in surrounding communities. The humidity was around 10 percent much of the day. Needless to say it was not the most comfortable week for the baby. The same conditions are forecast to continue for a few more days but a little cooler. I planned to update this page more over the last few days but it was too hot to be on the computer. You can see a few little fans in the picture which were purchased in Japan a few years ago.
August 28, 2009 - Email Message - Valerie. Hi. I am pretty disappointed you are not bothering to reply to our friends about the shower tomorrow. Even if you cannot make it, at least be courteous enough to let them know. They are going to a lot of effort to do this. Akiko, me and your brother really want you to make it. Send email when you can. Dad.

August 28, 2009 - Email Message - Ayumi. Hi. I am really happy to be in the house with the new windows. Akiko and I went shopping today and it is much cooler in this place. Really warm outside now. Send email when you can. Howie.
- Baby Shower With Friends. Today was the baby shower for Shai. The hosts of the party were our friends Jim and Linda Timlin who live about a mile from our place. The families knew each other all the way back in Buffalo. The party, food, and games were really nice. A few of our closest friends showed up and spent the afternoon with us.
- Solution For Grumpy Babies. Hey, I can remember running into the living room of my house every time the “Ajax, bum bum, the blue dot cleanser” commercial came on when I was a kid. It seems certain sounds and images can quiet even the grumpiest of babies. For Akiko and I, the following video works 100 percent of the time for Shai. Many of you already know this video but always good for another look. The video is no longer working but pretty sure it was crazy frog.
- Final Fishing Trip Before Japan. Today was the last fishing day for me, Akiko, and little Shai before heading off to Japan. Although we are not planning to leave for a few months, taking the little guy fishing is not easy at this age. Pretty much told Akiko this would be the last time this season. Turned out to be a good finish. A group of bonito were “boiling” off in the distance. I was able to cast directly in the middle of the school and immediately caught the first bonito of the season. Then I was reeling the line in again and caught another. The last fish caught was an undersized bass. We took the bonito home and made a BBQ, drank a bottle of wine, and relaxed. A nice way to finish up fishing for the year.
Timeline
Kenmore New York
Story 1960 - 1979
San Diego California
1980 1981 1982 1983
1984 1985 1986 1987
1988 1989 1990 1991
1992 1993 1994 1995
1996 1997 1998 1999
2000 2001 2002 2003
2004 2005 2006 2007
2008 2009
Nara Japan
2010 2011 2012 2013
2014
Tanegashima Japan
2014 2015 2016 2017
Julian California
2017
Tanegashima Japan
2018 2019 2020 2021
2022 2023 2024 2025
Setouchi Japan
2025