Japanese

September 16: I visited a friend in Kujyu plateau. by Mie
	It is a refreshing morning after a typhoon. Today, I visited a friend of mine who lives in Kujyu highland, together with 11 members of Oita Group of Friends. Kujyu highland was already deepening autumnal atmosphere and was very refreshing washed by yesterday rainfall. This is a grand vista from the front garden of my friend's house.
	This is my friend's house. A Canadian log house. It looks like a fairy tale house surrounded with lovely flowers and herbs. The house was built just a year ago. My friend and her retired husband finally moved to the countryside of Kujyu.
	The fragrance of wood fills the whole house. The newel post of the upstairs is made of natural wood, preserving its unusual original shape.
	We had a study by reading one of the book series by Motoko Hani. We then enjoyed a bring-in lunch. From the right, home made bread, fried tofu ball, marinated chicken, Japanese white radish salad, rice cooked with ginger, and ume Gyoza.
	In the center is marinated dab; on the left is a flavored pickle of Japanese white radish. The long table is made of natural wood as well.
	A commemorative shot before the lunch. On the round table are pear, white tofu dumpling, black tea cake, and apple cake all for dessert.
	After the lunch, we took a walk around the large open garden, the enjoyed dessert on the terrace. In the backyard, bunches of firewood were piled up high for coming winter. I wish I could come again when the fireplace is burning.