December 4th 1997

We have had a very cold morning today. Mt.Yufu, visible from my backyard, was shining white at the top covered with the first rime on trees this winter. But the rime has melted away by the noon and the weather was getting warmer. Since I felt it was something wasteful to stay indoors, I drove down to a green shop nearby to find something good for gardening. I got some pansies to increase their number in my garden. I also found and bought a lovely water helper of rabbit on impulse. I have an E-mail couple who are leading a wonderful life with a lovely pet rabbit. As I have often heard about their rabbit, I got the ornament instinctively.

December 7th 1997

I am making a fuss as usual in those days of December. But it is still pleasant to prepare for Christmas. Yesterday, I put up small wreath and red apple balls on the gold-crest tree in my garden. Kindergartners passing by are shrieking and laughing by looking at it. Today, I and my husband have decorated the rooms with many ornaments. The main decoration is a big wreath of patch work I had made in my Chicago days. A tiny lovely Christmas tree is set on the counter table. A lovely Teddy Bear is hung down from it. The tree was presented from our close friend who always take care of our personal computers. On the glass of our old son's room, I put the old paper Santa Claus picture recalling our pleasant days when our son was with us. I set up the entrance hall and living room with hand-crafted wreaths. My lunch box cover will also turn to Christmas color. December is my favorite season, indeed.

December 10th 1997

Upon the invitation of Oita Prefectural Art and Science Junior College, I joined this afternoon to a special class of the international exchange course. More than 150 female students have made a gorgeous atmosphere in the class. Professor Junichi Hamada of Tokyo University gave a basic lecture on "The right to know." Professor Fumio Saito of Kyushu University took after the discussion through his impression and question. The panel discussion was activated through the questions made by Mr.Aoyama, the head of section of prefectural Information Promotion, who was concerned about the difference of information development among the local areas in Japan. Mr.Kobayashi, a reporter of Asahi press Oita branch, stressed that to be interesting was the key to all the people in a community. He said he became a press reporter because it seemed interesting and it was very important to find something attractive. I followed after Professor Hamada, who presented the importance of digital revolution that made it easy to send and receive information, and said I was enjoying the merit but at the same time I wanted to easier access to the net. I also emphasized the importance of thinking and sending information. I appreciated students who were very eager to listen our discussion. After the discussion, I joined the dinner party with the participants. As it was coincidentally my birthday of 55 years old this evening, all people toasted for me. I was very happy and the evening became a good memory indeed.

December 11th 1997

We had a bazaar today sponsored by Group of Friends Oita Branch. We headed to the site by cars with full of goods that we had prepared until late last night. Since I was the leader of the bazaar, I arrived the site first and asked the caretaker to open the door. At nine in the morning, all the members of the Group had a meeting. Then we started to arrange tables and panels to build up the site. In a while, all the preparation were set perfectly. There were many sales corners like cookies, materials for cookies, aprons, Christmas goods, books, Bangladesh goods, and rest tables with tea service. A lot of visitors were already in a long line outside of the site even before the opening. As soon as the door was opened, visitors dashed in and aprons and other items were sold like hotcakes. After a while the site was calmed down and people had finally a time to look around casually. Some were enjoying chatting over black tea and cake, others were reading books or listening to the explanation. A part of profits will be contributed to a welfare center.

December 21st 1997

We had the fourth Internet Tea Party for Female. Nearly 50 females attended the party this time. It was a pleasant class with the atmosphere of Christmas. Mrs.Yuri Tazawa, who joined the Beppu Bay Conference held last month, also joined the party using the "Net-Meeting" system of the web. This was a new surprise for me to realize another power of the Internet. I also did my best as a lecturer. It is really great to get acquainted with new friends in this way.

December 24th 1997

December 24th, Christmas Eve The Group of Friends Oita branch had a Christmas party for children at our House. All schools get winter break from today. A lot of children flocked to the House after their closing ceremonies at the school. We have had a pleasant time. I brought two pieces of home- made sponge cake and helped the works in the kitchen. I believe it is very important to have such an experience in one's childhood.