Pittsburgher

Puppy day at volleyball

2011-06-20T21:20:00.000-07:00

On Monday nights I play sand volleyball during the summer. Since I am dogsitting this week, I took Brady with me.When we arrived at the park, the first obstacle was to get Brady across the grated bridge. He didn't like the fact that you could see the water through the bridge floor.

We got to the court and Sadie was already there.

Then later Toby joined us. Brady is about a year old. Toby is a little younger and Sadie is the oldest. They started by getting acquainted and then went to their separate corners. Sadie and Toby both made a visit to the creek. Fortunately I had staked Brady far enough away that he couldn't get in the creek.

This is John untangling the dogs.

Brady and Toby

John getting ready for volleyball using electrical tape instead of athletic tape. Seemed to work out OK.

The dogs watched the game sometimes and sometimes played with each other. Sometimes they barked, but mostly they were very good dogs.

About 3/4 of the way through the evening, Brady was barking and straining at the harness. Right after a particularly good volley, suddenly there was Brady on the court with us. He had broken the metal hook holding him to the stake.

I was able to step on the green lead and grab him. We were able to rig the lead to get Brady back on the stake. As I was working on that and John was helping me, Toby came over to get in on the action. I was in the process of untangling Brady and Toby when without warning I was standing there holding a leash with a dog collar attached and Toby was off and running. I yelled to John that his collar was off and we spent the next 10 minutes or so trying to catch Toby. We tried circling all the volleyball players around him, but he kept getting through. John called him, but he didn't listen. We tried tempting him with a towel to tug on. I got out a dog treat. We picked up a big stick for him. It was crazy.

Finally Toby slowed down and John was able to get hold of him. He got his collar back on and tightened it. Then we were able to finish our game. Puppy night at volleyball was quite entertaining!

Zoo Videos

2011-06-17T16:25:00.001-07:00

At the zoo with Joey and Corbin

2011-06-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

Joey is the 2 1/2 year son of my niece Melissa. Our day began early with me picking Joey up at Grandma Cindy's. Grandma Cindy had him all packed and was putting on sunscreen when I arrived. Given my last attempt at putting sunscreen on Joey, I'm glad she took this on :-)

As we were driving to the zoo, I quickly learned that I was outclassed. While passing a construction area, I was about to say "Joey, look at the digging machine," when he said "Look, an excavator and a backhoe." I learned a lot about trucks during that drive.

We got to the zoo and met up with Corbin, his mom (Jean) and dad (Lee). Cousin Laura met us too. Corbin brought his red wagon to share with Joey.

Jean and Lee double teaming Corbin for his sunscreen application.

Lots of naps at the zoo today!

Joey climbing.

Snack break. Fortunately Grandma Cindy had packed a good Joey snack.

This ostrich kept being attacked by black birds. Not sure why!

The baby elephant stuck close to mama.

This guy was jogging back and forth, must be his morning routine.

Joey liked the fish and the giraffes.

They had special viewing glass down low for the little guys.

Evidently someone stopped for a sunscreen application ;-)

Lee got his daily workout.

Joey in the polar bear trap.

Hi llama!

Lunch at the Kids Kingdom. The only disappointment at the zoo was the menu at the Kids Kingdom. No kid-friendly choices, especially with respect to portion sizes. The only healthy option was a huge cup of grapes (like a large size soda). The two lunch choices were pizza and hot dogs (which received bad reviews from the cousins). Thank goodness Grandma Cindy packed a good lunch for Joey.

Thanks for the cheese Grandma Cindy!

Joey and Corbin loved this climbing area, but Joey does not like tunnels. He would not go down the tunnel slide. He walked down the steps every time. He didn't like it when we went through the Fort Pitt tunnels and he asked me to go around the tunnel on the way home.

Corbin loved the tunnel slide. One time he sent his hat down first and then followed it. Wish I'd had my camera ready!

See the sleeping kangaroos?

The boys loved these little cars. The Kids Kingdom had lots of great things like this for kids.

Buddies at the zoo.

Time to say goodbye.

Sleeping tigers. We decided to let them lie.

Couldn't resist a train ride on the way out.

Exactly why are you taking my picture Aunt Caffee?

Couldn't resist the gift shop either :-)

5 minutes from the zoo :-)

Troy Polamalu's Amazing Flying Tackle

2010-09-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

Troy Polamalu Superman Tackle!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DyzASDVpwU

Aunt Patty's Birthday

2010-09-20T18:22:00.000-07:00

GG on the zip line

2010-08-02T15:36:00.000-07:00

Joyce's and Allison's Quilts

2010-05-16T21:15:00.001-07:00

Afghan

2010-02-16T14:22:00.000-08:00

Finished a new baby afghan :-)

Jones' food article published - News

2010-02-16T14:19:00.000-08:00

Jones' food article published - News

And it's still snowing!!!

2010-02-06T09:11:00.000-08:00

Inspector Kitty checks out the snow.

My deck!

Catnip

2009-12-27T14:32:00.001-08:00

My cats enjoying some catnip and wrestling :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDhXTfv4dF4

Here is the aftermath:

Pillow for Allison

2009-12-27T14:26:00.000-08:00

I actually started this years ago to enter into a quilting contest. When my niece was helping me organize, we came across it and she really liked it. I decided to make it into a pillow for her. Just finished it :-)

Tenacious Kitty

2009-12-19T12:09:00.001-08:00

Target acquired!

The Approach------

Peter Pan is not the only undecorator! Wendy is happy to help him out :-) She seems to have a more sophisticated technique. He just pulls!

One more:

December Snowstorm

2009-12-19T12:06:00.000-08:00

Wall Hanging

2009-05-14T15:29:00.001-07:00

Finished!

Early stage

SuperBowl and parade pictures

2009-02-21T11:40:00.000-08:00

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=52174592885&h=-7mwv&u=AJLpX

Makoto Nagano Corner

2009-02-10T09:11:00.001-08:00

Finally got my autograph hung up. Now my Makoto Nagano corner is complete :-)

An Afghan for Joey

2009-02-02T20:08:00.001-08:00

Yet Another Quilt

2009-01-29T07:40:00.000-08:00

Here's another niece's quilt. She was about 9 months old in this picture :-)

Congratulations to Makoto and Asami Nagano

2009-01-10T17:36:00.000-08:00

In honor of their wedding on January 10th, I've added a couple more photos of Asami-san. Here's wishing them every happiness

:-)

Another Quilt

2009-01-05T11:09:00.000-08:00

Finally finished my niece's quilt!

Decorating

2008-12-19T14:13:00.000-08:00

Photos from Christmas decorating on 12/18/08

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlDEO4yuj0s

And then there's the undecorators!

Update on the stockings:

Live long and prosper

2008-12-11T17:37:00.000-08:00

Turkey Bowl

2008-12-03T11:39:00.000-08:00

Each year we have a Turkey Bowl on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We start with a flag football game followed by a mystery potluck party. I prepare several soups and maybe a beverage. This year we had punch and a cranberry tea. The Turkey Bowl was a lot of fun. Can't wait 'til next year.

Videos of second Q & A session with Makoto Nagano

2008-11-08T14:22:00.000-08:00

These are the videos of the second Q & A session with Makoto Nagano at the Florida Conference 2008:

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N-6SyT8nDw
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDaIkJEq-YM
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjE5zwqEEXc
Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZw8ETvCVkg
Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAcZqTWv2Z0

If these links don't work, you can search youtube.com with the codewords Makoto Nagano and Q & A.

Transcript of 2nd Q & A

2008-11-07T13:37:00.001-08:00

Transcript of Second Question and Answer Session with Makoto Nagano
Sunday, September 28th

Note: I was sitting to the left of the translator and Makoto Nagano (facing the stage).

Makoto Nagano gestures toward his left.

T-translator; A-audience; Q-question; SG-Security Guard; MN-Makoto Nagano

T – You are the first time to meet Mr. Nagano? Did you come yesterday?

A – Yeah. (laughs) Oh yeah.

Q – Did you get to go to the beach yet?

T – Actually, they wanted to go to the beach; however, the weather became worse and worse to the end of the day. So they decided to go there today, but it’s much worse. It’s raining now. (She says something to Nagano-san and he says “Ah, so”). A few minutes ago it was heavy rain.

SG – I think I’m going to drive him to see the beach. Whether they can get out and go on the beach, I don’t know. I’m at least going to drive them down where they can see the beach.

T - It’s very close.

Q – Has he been doing any training while he’s here?

MN – No. (laughs)

SG – He did get to go to the bounce house last night and he did get to do a couple of back flips in the bounce house last night.

T – He did? (To the audience) He did a back flip to the audience just in the hallway.

SG – Actually it was right here.

T – Right here or in the hallway?

SG – No, he didn’t do it in the hallway. They had a bounce house with pads and he did a little bit right there.

T – He did bounce a little bit here according to Andy. Maybe in the evening?

SG – Yes. Yesterday evening before we went back to the hotel.

T – On the air mat he did just bouncing and something. Demonstration with the other audience.

Q – What’s been his favorite part so far of the convention and the trip?

T – First of all, meeting with the big people, the number of people who actually know, know him himself and how much they like him. To find out, he’s very, very happy. Also, he did not realize that so many people like Anime so much until he came here.

Q – Have you thought of doing more of these kinds of conventions and would you rather do ones, like this is a nice one because you can meet people. And there’s not such crazy fans???, but down the road there are so many people all around the country who know you and (fades so you can’t hear the question).

T – He himself wants to come back to see more people at many other conventions; however, his main profession is fisherman so he cannot get out of that work so often so he does not know yet. However he wants to come back. Maybe after one year or two years. If he is invited, he is willing to come back. (He smiles at the prospect of coming back).

Q – Do you do a lot of social events in Japan?

T – He does some demonstrations at a park called Sasuke Plaza which is made by the same producer of Sasuke and he sometimes appears there. However he does not have small gathering like with the six people to talk and question/answer. He doesn’t have such meetings.

Q – Does his family live in the same town as him? His parents, do they all live in the same town?

T – Yes. All the family is in the same town.

Q – Can he cook? (Audience laughs).

MN – (points at his chest) Me? No, no.

Q – So you don’t make the fish?

T – He eats fish, but mainly grilled. And he doesn’t like so much sashimi ??? raw fish.

MN – Do you eat sashimi?

A – I do not.

Q – Does he go out on a fishing boat for like, a long period of time? Like a commercial fisherman? How much time does he spend..

T – ..on the ocean?

A – Right.

T – He works for 25 days on the ocean out of one month. However each night, evening, they go to the port to sleep, to rest, but he is not able to go home, 25 days.

A – Oh, wow. A whole month.

T – Any other questions?

A - Last question? Is this the final question or no?

Moi – No.

SG – We’ve still got…

A – I’ll wait ‘til it’s the end.

T – OK, you want to be the last question.

T – So you came late. You came all the way from Los Angeles, right?

A – Yes, we did.

T – So do you have any questions?

A – Um, not a question, but a statement, just a comment. Just to let him know that we apprec…, at least, I appreciate how he supports good sportsmanship. And we don’t see that too often. Usually in a competition you want to win over your competitor, but he supports good sportsmanship and that’s very positive.

MN – Thank you.

T – I am so happy to hear that. Thank you very much, he says. That’s the basic of Sasuke, program of Sasuke. It’s not to compete to get one winner, but as many people as they reach to the perfect score, they can be a champion. So it is based on the Sasuke sportsmanship. If you lose in the middle of the game, he says it’s his fault, the result of the lack of training. So it’s not to compete with other people. So after even they loses, they cheer for other people. That’s the way it is.
(12 minutes of recording)

Q – I’m with Sentry (sp?) radio. From AL radio at FAU and we’re starting up our panel shortly. I was wondering if you would like to join us for a little interview.

T – Oh, ok.

A – Nagano-sensei, or Nagano-san. (laughter) Nagano-san.

T – (to Nagano-san) They are from FAU.. (He points out that she is speaking to him in English and we all laugh).

A (to SG) – We’re starting up shortly, but we’re going to be extended…

T – It’s my pleasure he says.

A – All right, just after your…

MN – Thank you.

A – Arigato.

Q – He always make it look so easy to do the obstacles. You can tell he trains all the times. Some people find it so hard to complete the obstacles, but he gets up there and just breezes right through and he makes it look really easy.

T – Comparing with other people, they are told, I do training much lesser, but they train much more, according to their stories. However, he was training when he was elementary school child through the end of junior high school. He trained himself every day, very hard. He thinks that is based on his strength.
(15 minutes recorded)

Q – I don’t want to sound too personal, but how does his parents feel? Are they proud of him? How did they react with fame?

T – They are very happy to see that moment. They are so much proud of him. They cannot stop expressing their pride. Usually, let me add, they don’t express such straightforward way about their son, but they cannot …

A – That’s good to hear.

Q – Did your life change or it keep the same after you reached those goals?

T – I don’t have actual difficulty because of that however, he sometimes be aware of other people’s looking at him when he go out, but basic life does not change.

Q - Still fishing? (laughs)

T – Yeah. Nothing change about his profession.

T – Are you a fisherman?

A – No, but I watch the show.

Q – What kind of fish does he fish for?

T – There are two major fish. One of them is mackerel. The other one I will see this area. Similar kind as sardines.

A - Sardines.

T – Those are the two major types.

Q – Does he socialize much with the other All-stars?

T – He sees them only at the time of event. Other than that he has no chance to meet them. ??? He does not drink so… (laughter) They don’t go out to drink.

Q – Do they live in different parts of Japan?

MN – (gestures with his hands) Kyushu

T – He’s from the Kyushu area. It’s the southernmost big island.

MN – (moves his hands a little higher) Osaka, Kobe

T – Osaka, Kobe – middle. Near Kyoto a little bit western part of Japan mainland.

MN – Gifu (moves his hands a little higher)

T – Gifu – close to Kobe.

MN - (moves his hands from low to high, punctuating each city)

T - All over, spread out from Hokkaido northern part of Japan to southern part. Spread out.

T – Any other questions?

A – We’re his fans, but is he a fan of another competitor?
(20 minutes recorded)

T – He does not have any particular individual who he likes, but as the All-stars, all of us wants to go to the third stage. He has not any particular person. Of course I wish everybody to go to the final stage, but he has a particularly strong feeling of friendship, membership with the All-stars.

MN – (asks the translator to ask the audience the following question)

T - What is the bigger enjoyment, biggest enjoyment of Sasuke? Attraction? Not Sasuke, Ninja Warrior. He has a question.

A – I enjoy watching it ‘cause I think it’s the camaraderie, where they root for each other. And they’re so physically fit. It’s just a joy to watch them compete where they’re not against each other. They cheer for each other. You can just see that they’re truly rooting for each other and it’s not against each other.

MN – (translated) So do you like funny scenes of them falling like funny octopus man?

A – Everybody likes what we call bloopers. Things that happen… or your wipeout… but I was going to say that I think the show has brought the people here in this country something that we don’t have – this kind of competition. And a lot of the kids that I know want to ??? and the camaraderie and the fitness that it requires. Because so many kids in this country ???

A – In the show they don’t show all the accidents and you see there’s a lot of things ??? Do people get hurt? Was there any treatment for the people that get hurt or how’s the company that produces the show handle…?

SG – I think he’s wanting to know more if anybody gets hurt from the accidents, do they take care of them?
(25 minutes recorded)

T – There are several accidents which are not on air, of course, including breaking bones and dislocating joints. And then they send them to the hospital and they are taken care of. Of course usually the emergency team is provided by the side of the competition; however, if it’s more serious, they are sent to the hospital. There was a Kinniku Banzuke or charge of strength of muscles from which the Sasuke program which is Ninja Warrior came from. In that show there was one person that got injured very seriously and lost sensation from here (waist) to down. And then the producers talked about that insurance for the rest of their life.

Q – Did you suffer any injury during the competition?

T – Burned, he got burned a little bit. At the final stage when he loses, he drops down, falls down. But rope stops so he got, what you say, he slide with arm. He got burnt. Later with the shoulder.

(change of camera cards)

Q – How did you like competing with the American G4, American Ninja Warrior competitors like Levi Meeuwenberg?

T – How does he like?

Q – How does he enjoy that?

T – Watching it?

Q – Did he enjoy competing with them?

T – Oh, competing with them?

MN – smiles and nods

T – He likes it very much.

MN – thinking, trying to remember something, rubs his leg and says “Jeans, jeans.”

Q – Levi?

MN – laughs Levi.

T – It’s his great pleasure to compete with a person like Levi who has extraordinary physical ability. It’s really a pleasure. He made a promise with Levi to go to the top together and after the final at the top of the place, they will (not sure what she said – maybe “come by”) cheer up to celebrate the victory together.

SG – Last question.

Q – What’s his favorite obstacle?

T – Favorite? He like… First he said the obstacle that looks challenging very much; however, he’s thinking actually which one.

MN – sneezes

A – (entire audience) Bless you!

Note: He kept referring to the Sasuke taped September 2008 as the 22nd event.

T – At the 22nd event, there’s a point which he was not able to do, complete, so that’s his favorite so far. Anyway he likes challenging. So it’s hard for him to say what he likes best, but anything which looks challenging to him, he likes.

Q – I have one more question. How far does he have to travel to the competition?

T – How long it takes?

A – Yeah.

T – He goes to, he usually goes to the place which is usually Tokyo the night before and it takes him 5 hours from his home to Tokyo. The hotel is in Tokyo. And then from Tokyo hotel to the site takes 30 minutes. So the shooting itself starts at around 8 o’clock and if you complete to the last stage, it ends around 2 the next, in the morning.

MN – simulates the rope climb up the tower and laughs

T – Any other questions? He said last question, but maybe we can take more questions.

Q – Will Akiyama-san compete again?

T – He was not able to attend the 22nd event due to the tragedy in the family. He is training rigorously for the next event.

Q – What is your favorite way of training?

T – Training, especially for Sasuke, is a major … two types. One is hanging and the second one is to strengthen the lower part of the body. So he does hanging on the iron bar and jogging a lot, jog a lot.

Q – Do you listen to music when you are out fishing? What kind do you like?

T – He doesn’t listen to music so often. When he relaxes, he listens to enya (sp?).

Q – Of all the stages, what is the most hardest obstacle of all the stages?

MN – Cliff hanger (demonstrates)through translator asks “Do you think it’s easy for you? (laughs)

Q – Did he beat the new one? The new cliff hanger? Did he beat it?

T – The 22nd event. Have you seen it?

A – I don’t think it’s aired here yet.

T – Not yet.

MN – points at the audience (like a teacher)

T – Please look for it.

Q – Did he jump to it or did he reach?

T – It’s a very critical question/answer, so you should watch yourself. (laughter) If I would do it, I would jump.

MN – extends his arms and throws his head back to indicate the distance

SG – It’s time. We’ve got another event we’ve got to go to.

T – I’m sorry but we have to go. Thank you.

SG – He will be back in about 2 hours for autographs and pictures. Give or take 2 hours we’ll be back up here and should be here for a good while.

MN – (in English) Thank you and bows.

First Question and Answer Session

2008-10-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

Found a way to lighten some of the photos from the first question and answer session so here they are.

He would think carefully about his answers before answering the question.

I got a lot of pictures of him smiling :-)

He was either talking about pull-ups or the salmon ladder here.

He said that his training for Sasuke mainly consists of pull-ups and running (which he is demonstrating here).

Here he was talking about his training. He's demonstrating pull-ups.

You could tell he was having a good time, especially with some of the questions.

He liked to talk with his hands. He was very expressive with them.

Here he was talking about the cliff hanger which he said was the obstacle he found to be the hardest.

Ohiopyle

2008-10-14T17:51:00.000-07:00

Recent bike trip to Ohiopyle

Makoto Nagano: The Luncheon

2008-10-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

He definitely liked the Frappucino!

He was so relaxed. He was laughing and smiling most of the time.

I think he was talking about doing pull ups here, but I can't remember :-)

Nice smile!

The end :-)

Makoto Nagano "Tiger's" Posters

2008-10-09T14:08:00.000-07:00

A fellow fan created posters of each of the All-stars. I gave the posters to Makoto Nagano at the luncheon. He loved them. He asked me if I wanted him to give each All-star his poster. I said no that he could keep them and I'd send him another copy to give to the All-stars.

Makoto Nagano Part Deux

2008-10-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

He turned the hat around and said "Yamamoto" and laughed :-)

Makoto Nagano

2008-09-25T18:21:00.000-07:00

Sign at the West Palm Beach Convention Center September 25, 2008

Kittens

2008-07-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

Here are the two new additions to the family. The orange one is Wendy and the other is Peter Pan.

Quilts

2008-06-25T21:40:00.000-07:00

The "transportation" quilt was made for one of my nephews. The blue and rose quilt was for a quilting contest (was one of 25 semi-finalists). The one with the bears and the chicks was for another nephew.

Great Sermons

2008-03-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

My pastor gives amazing sermons each week. Today's (Easter Sunday) was called "Rumor of Hope." Here's the link if you want to download any of his sermons. Let me know what you think of his preaching.
http://acac.net/sermons.html

2008-03-08T17:46:00.000-08:00

Another snow picture from Cleveland

2008-03-08T17:15:00.001-08:00

More snow from Cleveland

2008-03-08T17:10:00.000-08:00

A snowy day in Cleveland

Recipes

2008-03-02T12:16:00.000-08:00

Love to try new recipes so if you have some good ones, please share.

Here's a good one for you:
Coconut-Macadamia Kisses
Makes 18 servings, 2 kisses each

3 large egg whites, at room temperature
Pinch salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup shredded coconut
1 tsp coconut extract (optional - I usually omit)
1 1/2 oz. macadamia nuts (18 nuts), halved (Pecans can be substituted for the macadamia nuts).

1. Preheat oven to 250 degree (Fahrenheit). Line baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

2. In medium bowl, with mixer on medium speed, combine egg whites and salt; beat until foamy. Gradually beat in sugar, beating until shiny and stiff peaks form when beater is lifted. Fold in coconut and coconut extract (if desired).

3. Into pastry bag fitted with large star tip, spoon meringue mixture. Pipe 36 equal rosettes on prepared baking sheet. (If you do not have a pastry bag, spoon approximately 36 rounded tablespoons of meringue mixture onto prepared baking sheet). Arrange half of a macadamia nut (or pecan) in the center of each rosette.

4. Bake 40 minutes, until edges begin to dry and kisses are lightly browned. Turn oven off; let kisses dry in oven, about 3 hours or overnight, until crisp. Peel paper (or foil) from kisses. Store in air-tight container.

Each serving provides 46 calories, 1 g protein, 6g carbohydrate, 19 mg sodium, 0 mg cholesterol.
(From Weight Watchers "Recipes with a Touch of Romance" brochure).

Share a verse

2008-01-21T10:18:00.001-08:00

Here's one of my favorite passages from the Bible. What's yours?

Psalm 37:4-6 (NIV) Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Volleyball Rocks!

2008-01-21T10:01:00.000-08:00

Love to play volleyball and have coached in the past so here are a few very basic tips for those of you who would like to improve your game. Let me know your favorite volleyball tip too.

Technique is more important than strength. If you learn the correct way to hit the ball, the tiniest person can play better than the biggest hulk.
Your mind is your greatest asset on the court. One of the best ways to improve your game is to believe that you can get to every ball. Sometimes people see a ball shanked off in another direction and they give up without trying. You will amaze yourself by how many times you will be able to hit a shanked ball if you believe you can. Even if you only touch it, that will help you with your confidence and you'll get there the next time.