The same notion applied to the events that transpired this year involving the Rising Family™. A few lows, lots o' highs. The COVID pandemic persisted and stayed a factor in daily life. Yet, we adapted like everyone else. We even managed to travel as a family unit a few times. Lady E. graduated junior high school. M. started playing basketball on a team. Life went on, as it does, and we scooped our fair share of happy moments and evaded severe problems.
What follows are the images and the scribblings that capture the year that was 2022.
January
On her birthday, Elena was photobombed by her sister.
I like the colorful pagoda in the courtyard of this über-normal mall.
February
I get together with a group of "old boys" for day hikes in and around the Tokyo area. Just good old fashioned trash talking, moderately challenging hikes, and kickass fresh air and views.
Yes, that's Mt. Fuji in the background.
March
Here's Marina showing her displeasure with the arduous task of homework.
Elena on her junior high school graduation day. Due to COVID restrictions on group gatherings, only one family guest could attend. That was Naomi.
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| Credit: Impress.co.jp |
May
Our girls are growing up and family outings to "kids' places" are fewer and fewer. But we can still take in a movie together from time-to-time. Tom Cruise flicks are a no-brainer. Here's a Japanese promo poster for "Top Gun: Maverick".
June
"When Harry Met Sally"
Meet our two resident hamsters, Leon (The Professional) and Mochiko.
August
While visiting Hiroshima, we always go to Hamada beach for an ocean swim. It never disappoints!
September
Here's Marina playing basketball and hauling it down the court. I was pleased she finally let me watch her play. (Pre-teen parental embarrassment alert!)
October
The Wedding. We went to Canada to be part of my brother Steve-O's nuptials. The wedding ceremony and reception were wonderful. It was also nice to get some time on home ice after three years away.
November
Back in Nippon and the chill in the air says "Winter is Coming." We went to the Sagamiko Illumination Festival. It's a fiesta of Christmas lights and a nice ritual in the runup to Christmas.
December
We spent the Christmas holidays at home on staycation. Naomi and I did some urban exploring in Tokyo. This photo is from the famous Meji Shrine, which is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It's oasis of nature in the heart of Tokyo, and thousands visit this shrine after New Year's Day.
And to close, a word from our sponsor, Henry Rollins.
July
Naomi and I occasionally take off on day trips without the Rising Daughters™. In this case, we drove to the Shasui Falls and Lake Yamanaka, not far from Mt. Fuji. 
August
While visiting Hiroshima, we always go to Hamada beach for an ocean swim. It never disappoints!
September
Here's Marina playing basketball and hauling it down the court. I was pleased she finally let me watch her play. (Pre-teen parental embarrassment alert!)
October
The Wedding. We went to Canada to be part of my brother Steve-O's nuptials. The wedding ceremony and reception were wonderful. It was also nice to get some time on home ice after three years away.
November
Back in Nippon and the chill in the air says "Winter is Coming." We went to the Sagamiko Illumination Festival. It's a fiesta of Christmas lights and a nice ritual in the runup to Christmas.
December
We spent the Christmas holidays at home on staycation. Naomi and I did some urban exploring in Tokyo. This photo is from the famous Meji Shrine, which is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It's oasis of nature in the heart of Tokyo, and thousands visit this shrine after New Year's Day.
And to close, a word from our sponsor, Henry Rollins.
 |
Courtesy
of Flyfm.audio |
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