Say What???????

I decided to add a (Say What????) category to my blog just for fun.
Sometimes English usage here in Japan can be very strange.
Packaging is created to be eyecatching and using English IS eyecatching. No one reads it so it doesn`t matter much WHAT it says. So when I see something of interest, I`ll put it here on my blog. Please feel free to laugh.

Product is toothpicks......Word for word......On the package:
"It has a meal by the smile every day.
Family terms are good has a meal.
The easiness to use it "it is the best"is a toothpick.
Today`s meal is delicious.
SMILE/MAMA/COMPANY
S&M  "

SAY WHAT????

Michi-no-Eki

According to Wikipedia....Michi-no-Eki is a roadside rest area found along highways in Japan. In addition to providing rest areas for travelers, they are also intended to promote local tourism and trade. You can often find shops selling local produce, snacks, souvenirs, and other goods. According to government figures, there are around 900 Michi-no-Eki around the country.

Couldn`t have said it better myself!!

There are three Michi-no-Eki within comfortable driving time from my home. I like to visit and buy local produce and products. There are usually decent Food Court areas selling fast food and local menus.

Yesterday, Teru-chan, a good friend, and I went to a newly opened Michi-no-Eki in Sawara City. I am sorry to say that this is the first Michi-no-Eki that I was disappointed in. Maybe it will get better....

Anyway, we had a nice drive and lunch and on the way home we stopped in at a produce store and got fresh veggies!

All is well that ends well,Yes?

Have a nice day!!

Planting the Rice Paddies

This is the time of the year to plant the rice paddies(ta ue, in Japanese) here in our area. By the time Golden Week is finished, most of the rice paddies are planted.

First of all, the paddy is plowed and the enbankments between the paddies are repaired and fortified. Next, the paddy is filled with water and plowed again .Then the paddy is planted with the seedlings that have been grown in a much smaller area.

My explanation makes it sound very easy, but , as all farmers know~it ain`t! Much time and sweat goes into the paddies.

I love to watch the process from preparation to planting to harvest( ine kari, in Japanese).

Have a nice day!!

Cartonnage

Please allow me to use the term cartonnage for this box....although I am using it very loosely. In actuality, cartonnage is a much more intricate art. The artist makes the piece from scratch, making the box.I`ve seen some absolutely beautiful pieces while surfing the NET.  I`ve just covered a box that I thought was cute. It`s a fun project and is good for packing Birthday presents or packaging homemade cookies even.