Fall 2008, I turned 50 years old. Some friends from Miharu took me out to onsen for a night. It was a mixed blessing. Fall colors were beautiful. I think we were in Tsuchiyuu onsen near Fukushima (Bandai Mtn. Range). I went to the circus with Takehiro and his family. I had Thanksgiving for my friends and students including Chris (Hippo student from Romania), Adam (AET in Miharu) and Chelsea (exchange student from Rice Lake). At Christmas Becky came and visited for two month while I had rotor cuff surgery on my right shoulder. She also helped out at Y's with the toddler class. In January we visited Tokyo with Becky. Naoko and Masa took us out to this gorgeous hi rise in Shibuya for dinner.