Burning the fields

I spent most of the day on the computer trying to order Christmas lights. We used to put up a really fabulous display because most private homes here don't decorate for the winter holidays, although up in Tokyo it is quite competitive. When I first came to Japan, "Xmas" was a few tacky plastic trees with some cotton thrown on them and some cheap ornaments, but over the years it has become an increasingly outlandish commercial event where the stores decorate and "light up" with extravagant displays. Well, out here, like I said, a lot of folks don't even go to the city! So we usually decorated the log house - which lends itself well to the winter theme - and ended up in the news every year. When I left, I gave away or sold most of the lights (thinking I'd never need them again). Ha ha ha. I was trying to find some reasonably priced LEDs but after doing my 5 hours of research and placing an order, the shipping was over $600! Then I found "Bongo" -a shipping consolidator for Americans overseas. They give me a US address and then I can place an order and have them ship it for a discount. It takes a couple of days to set up the account so I still haven't placed my order.

Fed up with the Internet, I came outside to burn the fields. I grabbed by torch and rake and set the straw aflame. There was a strong wind from the west that carried the fire up and down the rows neatly and so it was a clean burn. Now, once we get some diesel fuel in the tractor, I can plow. I piled up the straw bundles that dried nicely in the sun the last few days and I started trimming some of our trees in the yard for winter. I didn't feel like getting on the ladder last night but I need to do everything above arm's length today! The house is really dusty and needs to be cleaned and the windows need to be washed but if I can, I will find an excuse to work outside and avoid those chores!