Click on the small images for a larger version...

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1. This is picture of the old gate leading to Grandpa's property.  It is apparently the only original structure remaining on the property, and is 70 years old or so.  In the foreground you can see a bit of the garden.
2. Mama and Papa live in this house, which is one of two on the property.  Grandpa and Uncle and Auntry live in the other one (not shown here).
3. This is Momo-chan, who is a young Papillion puppy.  Very active, and a noisy guard dog.  Is at her cutest when she is sleepy - as in this photo.
4. Mama used to make dolls, including both traditional Japanese and Western designs - a Japanese one is pictured here with Akiko.  This doll is actually dressed in a for-real kimono, as previously worn by Akiko's paternal grandmother.

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5. This is me having fun at the dining table with my new toy, a Panasonic CF-A44 slim-line notebook (well, it's really Akiko's, but you know how it is...).  Top little machine, that.
6. One of mum's orchids (cymbidium), close-up.
7. Grandpa - an earlier picture from Akiko's BSc.Hon. graduation.
8. Some colourful violas from mama's garden.

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9. A whole lot of vending machines.  Ubiquitous in Japan, they are everywhere, and they sell everything from hot drinks to...well, you name it, they sell it.  Can be found in the most unlikely places.
10. It was cherry blossom season when we were in Japan.  Here is a picture taken at South Park (yeah, that's right, home of Cartman etc.).
11. Another picture taken at South Park.  These senior citizens are playing a game of gate-ball, something similar to croquet.
12. Yep, it's South Park again.

    And to finish off, a close-up of the beautiful cherry blossoms...