The Eagles Have Landed!

Well, after a 23-hour door to door trip, we have made it to Joan's mother's house. The flight from Tokyo to Dallas/Ft. Worth went well, as did the puddle jumper to Madison. It was interesting to observe the change in the mix of people as the trip progressed. In our area, it is fairly rare to see a foreigner (who we don't already know). At Narita airport, it was still most Japanese but with a healthy international mix. At our gate, it became much more American with a lot of military folks flying home from all over Asia. Then Dallas - wow. Texas is something else: lots of cowboy boots with hair, fur, skin, and scale still attached. It is always strange to come back to one's country after being away for awhile.

Dorothy met us at the airport, along with some Madison friends, Karen and Thor. While it has been almost 11 months, it really doesn't feel like we have been gone that long. It is weird: it feels like both a long time and a short time. Dorothy had driven down our Honda Fit, so we loaded up and hit the road. I was a little concerned about driving since Japan drives on the "wrong" side, but since I don't drive in Japan, it came right back.

Dorothy has already been feeding us way too much! In less that 24 hours, I feel like I have already gained weight... The seemingly endless supply of homemade cookies is not helping things. I have been looking forward to some good beer; however, there was only a classic in the fridge!

Gooby, our cat, looks good and seems to at least tolerate our affections, if not actually remember us. She slept with us last night, and that was great!

We will keep you posted as to where we will be when!

Mata ne! (See you later!)