Author Archives: spikekalashnikov

There is a general change of character in the boat project. The big numbers; engine, center plate, repaint, are now dealt with or under control. We now move towards the final state. I work on the boom and gaff. Following … Continue reading →

One thing that has characterized my life, is my incredible good luck. I go down to the boatyard to get on with the spars. As I get out of the truck, I notice bits of wood on the ground that … Continue reading →

Before I start, I would just like you to look at this poor photo. These kids and more walk below my balcony around 8:00 every morning. They are probably 6 judging by the school satchels they are carrying. They may … Continue reading →

Excitement. I go to the framing shop to pick up my now er framed Matsubara work. I had very precise instructions from Naoko as to how the piece should be framed. She does not want the the paper to be … Continue reading →

Slow and steady wins the race. I move onto another stage of the refit – the mast, the boom and the gaff. In fact all of these are in very good condition. It is just a case of washing off … Continue reading →

I got the bill for my local taxes. It was huge. These taxes used to be deducted from my salary and I never really noticed how high they were. Taxes in Japan are calculated on your previous year’s salary and … Continue reading →

Nearly everyday I cross a bridge near my apartment. There are traffic lights at the end of the bridge, so frequently I have wait on the bridge for the lights to change. More often than not, as I wait, the … Continue reading →

So, the center plate is a problem. Clearly the best thing to do is to remove it and cut another. However, no-one seems to know how to do this. I have consulted various oracles in England and they have been … Continue reading →

Since my time in Hiroshima, I have been very interested in oysters. I find, after seven years, that I can buy them here in Okinawa. Tonight is Hiroshima Oyster Ramen.    

Naoko Matsubara https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsubara_Naoko gave me one of her works. I am very happy. Thank you Naoko.