Morning watch

This Yoron family had a long wait

for the new sun of 2014 to appear

sUnspectacular

Rather an unspectacular start to 2014 .  

Deep cloud banks on the sea's horizon 

blocked out the birth of the new sun.

It peeked out briefly an hour later but 

didn't make a full appearance until 

well after the morning's marmalade.

Morning walkies was a little disrupted 

by an unusually crowded beach.

On my return leg, these sun seekers, bored with waiting

for its appearance, were playfully tossing a coconut husk 

between themselves, much to Duke's consternation.

For the last few weeks it has been his favourite

pee target.  

Hope they washed their hands before morning o-mochi 

(traditional New Year rice balls).

  

Island security

For some of the geriatrics 

who work the fields on the island 

it's often a long trudge back 

to the homestead.

So they leave their gear 

lying around at the work place.

This strimmer has been craftily hidden under a bucket.

Japan has numberless associations 

where bureaucrats can find a lucrative niche 

for their many years of retirement. 

Typical is the JBA, the Japan Bicycle Association. 

A recent report reveals that it pays one retiree 
as much as ¥2 million a month (plus expenses)

to reside in Europe and keep an eye on developments 

in the German bicycle industry.

Another lucky fellow in the high ranks of the JMBBTAO, 
(but perhaps not as highly paid) 

marched into our Yoron hostelry over the holidays 

and was toasted by members of the YUBAW 

(Yoron Union of Brits and Allied Worker).  

He declined our pleas to demonstrate with some chopsticks.

However, a rewarding outcome of his visit 
was that YUBAW members
have received official sanction to undertake 
non-profit twirling within specified borders.

Identity deleted on request 
(as his wife believes he was attending 
an international twirlers' conference.)

Once more a solemn but animated Christmas meeting

of  YUBAW (Yoron Union of Brits and Allied Worker). 

Again we are pleased to report  the attendance of the full 

committee and, to give a bit of variety to the gathering, 

we switched things around from last year's seating plan

(and switched hats). Colin also switched drinks.

We are pleased to report that membership numbers 

have remained stable throughout the year (2) . 

There have been no reported sightings of the Oz 

whose membership was under consideration, 

so further discussion on the matter 

was tactfully tabled.

         (P.S. Things livened up later)

A Christmas Gift from Duke

Fallen idol

Looking slightly bewildered.

Bits and pieces broken in October's 

bad typhoon are still being resurrected. 

Latest is the Shisha, atop my late wife's hakka. 

 After surviving 20 years of horrendous storms

 it eventually succumbed to the blasts of T24. 

Miraculously, it was saved from destruction

by a thin wire cemented into its base.

Now it is back on its perch looking out to sea,

 its only injury the missing tip of an ear. 

Looks like it's been in a dog fight.

Morning fields

Winter Dawn by Erina

I must attribute this wonderful picture 

to my talented wife.

(otherwise I'll be in big trouble)

Dawn Of December

An unenthusiastic sun 

drags itself up from the sea.

With the ending of the year 

all its ferocity has dissipated.

 Now it delivers just a friendly warmth 

as I work outside. 

No more sweat-soggy undies. 

Time for a warm fleece at sunset

 and cosy 'jamas  at night.

I love it.