Category Archives: Uncategorized

Actually, I do not mind paying tax er that much. I do pay a lot as I have to contribute to the both Japanese and U.S. coffers. However I absolutely hate getting together all the documentation that is needed to … Continue reading →

I have lots of socks. Socks are cheap in the U.S.  I cannot resist buying them. The anxiety comes when, post washing machine, I have to pair them off. I only buy black socks. I do not know why. I … Continue reading →

I realize that I have an entirely free Tuesday afternoon and because of my vast professional experience I immediately take it off. I want to take my sail to a local sailmaker to find out if he can make me … Continue reading →

Nautical terminology is abstruse. Every part of the boat has a name and it is an entire education to know them all. The Scaffie has two bits of wood sticking out at the stern between which the traveller is rigged. When I … Continue reading →

Do not feel obliged to read this. It is really an archival document related to the the great rudder project. I spend all day sanding and applying wood treatment stuff to the Scaffie. This is a very social occupation as people … Continue reading →

So, Greta moves on. She has been with us as a Science Writing Fellow for the last 6 months during which time she has sprinkled happiness and joy, like fairy dust, on us all. She has gone over the Okinawan … Continue reading →

I start this long weekend with a visit to the Toya fish market, which is just down the road. I buy big Octopus in anticipation of future  social gatherings. So, an entanglement of rope has arrived on my beach. I … Continue reading →

I go to Hiroshima on Monday afternoon and come back on Tuesday afternoon. This is a boarding confirmation. If you can see the small print you will see, “Please be at the gate 10 mins before departure.”  I am still … Continue reading →

Those of you who are bored with rudder stuff, please switch channels. Mixing the epoxy is highly technical. It is a 100:1 mix, which means 100 parts epoxy to 1 part hardener. Great precision is needed to get the mix … Continue reading →

I can sometimes do very irrational things. My learned brother Ian pointed out that just varnishing my new rudder will not cut it. Sea water will inevitably sneak in and the rudder will delaminate. He advises covering the the whole … Continue reading →