OJT at Animal shelter day 1

I went to the animal welfare center today for on the job training, and got to play with cats and dogs.. they're so adorable.. The other two volunteers were kind and welcoming.  They're super serious about shelter animals. One take care of stray cats at home and looks for foster parents for them.  I learned a lot from her. 

There were 12 cats in the cats' room. Warm and nice, and plenty of tower structures and toys to let them expend their energy.  Some cats like to be petted, while others like to be alone. Very cute. It didn't smell bad, cos I was wearing a mask and also the volunteers who came in the morning cleaned their toilets already. 

It was warm for mis January!  perfect weather for playing with dogs outdoors. Komugi and Raul were friendly dogs. They were abandoned and came to the shelter.. 

We played with two dogs outdoors in the garden. We throw a ball and the dogs catch it and brings it back. We trained them to sit, down, and shake hands. They can do it, they are smart and cute.

The volunteer work was very relaxed overall.. it's also because the shelter is not open to public today, but still. Volunteers have no pressure.. we spent 3 hours taking care of the animals, but I think it can be condensed to 1.5-2 hours, cos we were just chatting over snacks and drinks for the last half an hour.  It was more like an animal lovers' salon, at least today.  When I deal with visitors (humans) as a volunteer on the 29th, it may be a totally different story.  We'll see..

Tofukuji with a guest from Belgium

Dragon Burger, which supposedly has tsukemono pickles. But hmm... I just found some slices of normal cucumber? 

Tofukuji in winter.with few visitors

The Big Dipper constellation!

Black beanie trio!

He is an interesting person, kind of into cold water training and deep breathing to boost his immune system.  Cold water shower and soaking his hands and feet in cold water, and stopping breathing after taking deep breaths for 30 times.  Is it almost like pseudo-science?  But he seemed to be a careful person not to fall into a trap of half-science, half-cult beliefs.  

As is often the case with people from Europe, he is conscious about the environment and health, and tries to reduce meat intake and eat more soy and bean products. His saying that he cannot find firm or extra firm tofu here reminded me of having extra firm tofu in Michigan too!  

 

New Year 2023 trip to Oita and staying at my parents'

The new year's holiday just passed at an blink of an eye!  Travels were all so smooth, thanks to those working to ensure everyone travels safely and smoothly.  A blind person sat next to me on the bullet train, and the JR crew was worked together to let her get on and off the trains without problems.  One of the crews in the train escorted her to the train exit, and then another one was waiting at the door so that he can take her and escort her to the exit.  Such a wonderful coordination.  Their diligence and professionalism shone before my eyes.  

My... It was a wonderful trip and all, but I cannot help but wonder if I want to stay at my parents' place again. There seems to be so much work for my mon to prep the room... and it's kinda strange to keep staying there after my sister has moved out and has her own house.  Something to think about, for next time...

クリスマスカラーの京都タワー

フェスティブでも、雅さがある（贔屓目）。

これ聞こう（備忘）。

 これも。。。

FIREは現実的にはなかなか難しいらしい

日経ニュース

FIREはインフレがあるとなかなか難しいらしい。継続的な収入が、投資と並行して大事という。

年4%の運用成績を出すのがまず難しい。そして、インフレがあると、4%はさらに目減りしてしまい、もっと厳しい。

個別株で設けられるのは運のいい人だけ。積み立てでコツコツ、S&P500などのいろんな会社の株がセットになったものを買うのが一番堅実。米国債も手堅い。投信にすべてのリスクをかける必要はないから、とのこと。なるほど。

道頓堀、大阪、オースの友人と再会

パースからの友人と7年ぶりに会った！ はわーー 髪が白くなっている以外はあまり変わっていなかった。

道頓堀は、奥さんと結婚する前にデートで来たそう。

めっちゃ大阪ぽい

スクリーンに道行く人が映し出される

自由の女神がアメリカ村にいてる。。。

回るたこやき

 

知恩院 Chion-In temple

紅葉は遅いかなーと思いつつも朝イチで駆け足で巡ってきた。やっぱり紅葉は遅かった…。

しかし、今日は貸し切りだった友禅園では「舞妓と紅葉」なる写真撮影イベントが行われていたので、そこでは素晴らしい紅葉だったのかもしれない…。プロ並みのカメラ機材を取り揃えた人たちが、舞妓さんの準備時間の間、外で待機していた。1セッション 9000円x2。ガチのカメラ小僧たちである…。知恩院は広大な敷地！人も少なく、落ち着いて見て回れた。豪華すぎる、御影堂！ 

Chion-In temple sits in the middle of the bustling area of Shijo, but inside it is quiet and calm, and you see plenty of nature.  All the buidlings in the temple are huge.  I heard priests' chanting prayers, behind whom (probably local public) also praying for the deceased, and they are all surrounded by tousists who just want to take a look at the ritual inside the huge and prosperous Mieido-building. 

One of their gardens, Yuzen-do, is famous for autumn foliage, and I wanted to see it. But it was closed for public because of a photoshoot sessions of Maiko and colored maple leaves taking place at that garden.  There were a lot of photographers, either amature or professional, waiting outside for Maiko to get ready.  Everyone had a full-spec, heavy, and long camera on their neck, ready to catch a precious subject with seasonal background.  I was amazed how many gather here on a Sunday morning just for this. 

蹴上にも寄り道。ちょっと紅葉は遅かったなー 来年に期待！ Keage Incline was the only place near Keage/Nanzenji temple where red maple leaves were still on the trees.  Most of them had already fallen.  Autumn passed so quickly before I knew it, but there's always next year.