Photoessay #925 - Japanese Chocolate

The last few years, Nobuko in Japan has sent us a box of chocolates from Japan. The very best chocolates ever. I love chocolates but these are a cut above everything. Certainly this last year, I have not indulged in these things. There's not a xmas cookie in my house even the weekend before xmas. One reason why I weigh nearly 20 pounds less than last year. I joke, another 30 pounds and I could be on a weight chart, you never know.

Nobuko was an exchange student in our house in 1968, I have some pictures; but she deserves a post by herself. She visited about 6 years ago. I liked her so much, I just enjoyed her view of the world and her sense of humor. I certainly could appreciate her so much more now that as a sulky resentful 15 year old (which is how I remember myself). She keeps up with my whole family though she now struggles with her English. But, hey, better than my Japanese.

I think that's what I want to do, I want to go to Japan and visit her, yes, I want to do that. She writes that she's 60 and that's so old. Sixty is coming for all of us.

But, listen up, my friend Gin let me in on some great information. For some reason, I've been thinking I was 58, but I'm only 57! Gained a whole year and didn't know it. Gin's birthday is coming. My tradition for her gift: I go into our local rather upscale grocery the day after xmas. They always have some fancy xmas items. Now marked 75% off. I buy her the fanciest thing I can find. But this year, with inventory the way it is, there's no fancy xmas items. Going to be slim pickings for Gin this year. One year I bought her this beautiful fancy gift wrapped box for 75% off. I really had no idea what was in it but a great deal! The ingredients seemed good. Turned out to be a chocolate chip pannetone, really good!

This weekend before christmans, everybody on edge, tense.

Picture shows Ilana and Naomi opening up the chocolates and a picture of the goods, don't know why the picture looks like fine sand has been siften on them.....