Well, first of all, we never got to see John and Bridget yesterday. The stars weren’t aligned I guess. As it turned out, their RV park in Marseilles was slightly less than desirable, so they decided to stay only overnight and leave at noon on Friday. We still intended on going down earlier Fridaday..However, when I got up Friday morning, I felt like crap 
And since I have absolutely NO motivation, I decided to resort to some of McGuyver’s photos, and give you an idea of the beauty of Japan, if you haven’t been there. When McGuyver was still “gainfully employed” by Caterpillar Tractor Company, he was lucky enough to travel to Japan in the fall of 1988 “on business”…whatever… (Some of you were still in your teens at that point in time, I’m sure). At any rate, he brought back some great photos of Kyoto and Himeji Castle…
Left is McGuyver (the tall guy) and his traveling friend…a pond of Koi fish, center, and right is the Silver Pavilion of Ginkakuji Temple , in Kyoto, Japan. Dennis said he was taller than almost everyone and stuck out like a sore thumb.
As you may notice, McGuyver can wear a sport coat quite nicely…Haven’t seen him in one since!
The Japanese Gardens were very beautiful, and Dennis took lots of photos of them. The leaves were turning and made for some stunningly colorful photo ops!
Left is his ticket to tour Himeji Castle..and right is the actual castle itself…
DID I MENTION THAT MCGUYVER SANG KARAOKE WHILE HE WAS THERE?
THE SONG HE SANG WAS “HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN”…HEY!!! I CAN’T GET HIM LIQUORED UP ENOUGH TO SING KARAOKE OVER HERE!!! (BUT I SURE DON’T LOOK LIKE THIS YOUNG LADY, EITHER.)
My mother was very fond of Oriental décor , and I have always wanted to have one room in our house dedicated to that particular theme…So, I made my upstairs bathroom my “ Japanese Room”…using some of McGuyver’s souvenirs. There is truly something very soothing about Oriental culture… I love the idea of Feng Shui ..and the harmony of life.
Hey, at least while you sit on the “throne” you can study all the cool stuff hanging and sitting around!!
So, Den’s trip to Japan lasted 9 days. At that time, our son, Kelly, was at Great Lakes Naval Station for Navy boot camp. Sooo, myself and our two daughters, then age 16 and 15, stayed home without a male person in the house. I was very happy to have our Black Lab, Gypsy, living there for some protection…(although she wouldn’t have hurt a fly!) And let me just say that having two “hot blonde” teenage girls to ride herd on all by myself for 9 days was no easy feat. I had to be VERY conscious of WHO, WHERE…AND WHY???? at ALL TIMES!!!
Somehow, I don’t think McGuyver was very worried about “us girls”..He was kept pretty busy…
YEP…WORK, WORK, WORK….THAT’S ALL HE DID!
I do have to add something here..Dennis DID bring me a wonderful present from Japan….
HE BOUGHT ME SOME A FABULOUS JAPANESE CORAL NECKLACE…
SCORE!!!
So, Dennis has some great memories of Japan. He really loved the beauty and the honorable people he met. McGuyver talked wanting to take me there someday….and I doubt that will happen, especially now! ..But.. I am so glad he got to experience the serene beauty, history and people of Japan…and we pray for them in their time of tragedy…What a lovely country it is….
That must have been some trip, his necklace gift is really beautiful, Who knows whats in the future, but I believe like you that we will be confining our travels to seeing the USA in our Chevrolet. Duramax that is. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna...
ReplyDeleteHate it didn't work out, hope you are feeling better. See ya down the road!!
ReplyDeleteStay Safe
I was still in high school in 1988.
ReplyDeleteThe necklace is nice and some nice pictures of the old man.
What a beautiful country and what wonderful memories he has of his time there. Isn't it sad that a return trip might not be in the cards now???
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful gift he brought you!! :-) Are they a pale pink in color?? So pretty!!
Thanks for sharing!!
I can see that the demands of work weighed heavily on Dennis especially having to be far away from home in a very exotic location. A good husband will go to any length to support his family no matter what the personal obstacles, especially being torn away from those he loves. Just be thankful that you didn't have to go too Donna - you were so lucky to be able to stay home and watch over your daughters!
ReplyDeleteRick is so full of BS! :)
ReplyDeletenot BS..just shooting for 'brownie points'..nice post today, Donna..thanks for sharing your trip down memory lane..Dennis cleans up pretty nicely!!
ReplyDeleteIn 88 I was already working my way through my 3rd marriage. Should have gone to Japan I guess. I've always liked Japenese instrumental music & the instruments they use. One of Kelly's daughters spent a few years in Japan teaching English years ago.
ReplyDeleteIn 1988 I became a grandma for the first time! Now that makes me feel old. Wonderful pictures of Japan...and your bathroom!! Very pretty. Japan and her people continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteCha ching! McGuyver sure racked up some brownie points with that necklace!! I loved his pictures from Japan. They are gorgeous! I didn't realize he was such a talented photographer. probably because you always hog the camera ;) Not that I don't love your birds!
ReplyDelete