What a day!!! While I was walking to the school this morning, it was raining heavily. When I arrived I was soaked! My pants were wet from the thigh down. Luckily I was prepared with a dry pair. Preparation! April is here and I wonder how many people are starting new things and saying that they wished they had prepared more in advance. I see young men and women wearing their new suits and heading off to their new jobs. I see many children on Spring Break enjoying the freedom while their parents wait patiently for the new school year to start. Whatever you are starting this year, be […]
London calling…..
Another week has passed us by and that means that we are a week older too. The cherry trees are starting to bloom and the school year has ended. Many children are looking forward to starting the new school year in April. For some that will mean a new school with new friends and new teachers. For others, it will be the same as last year, maybe just a new room. Whatever it is, please make the best of the new start to start something new. Last week I asked you about the differences between some phrases. Were you able to explain the differences? Here are the answers: […]
I like taking a walk in the park.
Spring has sprung! It is a statement happily declared at this time of the year. Well, in my hometown of Ottawa, not quite yet. They still have that fluffy white stuff on the ground. As the weather warms people want to go out more. That is wonderful and fun, but…… POLLEN! The season is now in full swing. Call it hay fever, pollinosis, a pollen allergy, or whatever. It is terrible. Everyone please take care. Last week I asked you about the following 2 words. How did you do???? LET and MAKE. When I was growing up, my father made me finish my homework before I could watch my […]
He made me do it!
Today is GIRLS’ DAY!! I hope that all of you have decorated and displayed your sets of dolls. There are many different versions. Some are simple and small while others are elaborate and large. As I am not a girl and have no children, I do not have a set of dolls at my home. Many of my friends and acquaintances have sets which are proudly displayed at this time of the year. Girls are all treasures that must be valued and kept safe. When they grow up they will take the reigns of the country and will lead it into a prosperous and happy future. The role of women […]
The crack of thunder as it shoots through the air!!
It is the final Thursday of February. How time flies!! I was talking with a friend the other day and he was commenting about how we would soon be having the Golden Week holiday. I was a little surprised because that is not until the end of April. Well, he said, the end of April is but 2 months away. We have already finished 2 months of this year. Needless to say I was left speechless, not a common thing I must say. The picture I included does not seem to have any relevance to today. Actually, it does! It is the KAMINARI MON. What is KAMINARI in English? What […]
As….as
We had some great weather this last weekend! It was sunny and HOT! We had temperatures in the mid 20’s!! It was summer-ish weather. Well, in my hometown, Ottawa in Canada, there was the exact opposite. They had extremely cold weather. As you can see from the screen shot below from my mobile, the temperature was beyond what most people have experienced in their lives. The next time you think it is cold, please remember this. Last week I asked you to do some tongue twisters. Were you able to get them? I hope so. This week’s task is the following: COMPARISONS using AS…..AS. Are these sentences correct? […]
She sells sea shells by the seashore.
Hi!! It is Thursday again and here I am in Hatsudai. How quickly time flies!! How have your resolutions been going? Have you stuck to them? Yesterday was SETSUBUN. I am sure that many people threw beans around their houses and shouted ‘EVIL SPIRITS OUT! GOOD SPIRITS IN!’. That means that today, February 4th, is the first day of spring. I am happy about that and looking forward to the warmer weather. I saw some plum trees in bloom along the Kanda River this week to. Last time your homework was about the differences between a little, a few, little and few. Here you go!! a little and little […]
I have a few… few….
What great weather!! January is nearly over. I saw some plum trees blooming on the way to the school today. It was a surprise because the weather has been cold. Every year I go to Koganei Park in Koganei to look at the plum and cherry trees blooming. They are beautiful and it is worth the trip to go there. Here are some links to the park: https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.jp/kouen/kouenannai/park/english/koganei.pdf https://www.gotokyo.org/en/kanko/koganei/spot/40064.html Last week I asked you about some dental issues. Here are the answers!! toothache: a pain in your tooth cavity: a bad tooth check-up: to regularly visit a dentist and have him/her check your teeth dental surgery: the room where […]
It is a snow day!!!!
Today is Monday and the school is closed. The weather is terrible out there and I hope that you all were not delayed or affected by the snow. Snow is beautiful but also dangerous. You can see the highway situation in this photo. I am glad that I am not on the roads today!!! I am always surprised by snow in Tokyo. The trains stop, the highways are closed and the roads are dangerous. In Canada, 10 cm of snow is nothing and daily life goes on as usual. Actually I am glad that I live in Tokyo because I do not like having to deal with snow every day. […]
Resolutions.
Hi everyone!!! January is almost half over and I hope that you have been able to keep your NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS. I have!! It is difficult and it takes determination. If you make a resolution which is too hard, you will never be able to keep it. Making one that is reasonable and attainable is the key. Good luck this year. I have included a YOUTUBE video for you to enjoy. It is by ED SHEERAN, who is a young British singer. I like his music partly because he has a wide variety of sounds. Enjoy it while you study!! Last week I asked you about the dates of the […]