Opinels are the best knives. James gave me a great one at Xmas that I use a lot. It has a corkscrew built into it. Not in a clever technicological way as Swiss Army Knife but a design suited to  the montagnards savoyards for whom these knifes were built. Savoie borders on Switzerland. Oh, how much difference those few kilometers make in so many ways. The blade of Opinel, which can be sharpened to razor like keeness, fits tightly into the wooden handle and can only be released by using “le coup du Savoyard” This means rapping the heel of the knife smartly on a hard surface. This springs the blade.

Good

Business end. Thanks James

Another strange thing is  that Tunnocks Wafer Creams are very popular in Okinawa.

I ate these as a kid in the fifties!

How did these biscuits get from Glasgow to corner shops in Okinawa?

That’s my hobby

I have seen them nowhere else in the world. Can you get them in England?

Amazing colors today.

Thanks Okinawa

I spend the morning at the University as big meetings are blowing in.  Naoko and Arisa are setting up a new exhibition and priceless ceramics are lying around everywhere.

These are big and I want one.

Ben made the most exclusive set of Shisa in Okinawa. They are one of a kind. I have kept them inside but Shisa are born to guard the house and I decide that they must be released and so place them on the coral wall outside the front door.

F**k Off!

Looking at me or chewing a brick? Thanks Ben

Anyway, all of this is a preamble to the real news of this day, my 63rd birthday. I have been anguished for many months as my Green Card expires in May. I have applied for a renewal but I have severe doubts that this will happen. A Green Card is a residence permit for the U.S. I live in Japan. I love America, well, California, well, the Bay Area. The idea of going back to tourist status after so many happy years in California is awful.

Ben sends me a mail  saying my new Green Card came through the post today. On my birthday! This is the best birthday present ever. I will be 73 and dead before it expires! Thank you California. Yay! Yay! Yay!Yay! Yay! Yay!Yay! Yay! Yay!Yay! Yay! Yay!Yay! Yay! Yay!Yay! Yay! Yay!Yay! Yay! Yay!Yay! Yay! Yay! You get what I mean.

Rock and Roll bands, I’m your biggest fan!

You tell them Joni!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q4foLKDlcE

This has been the best birthday.