Zipper Pouch progress - I added one more row of five pieces. With six of 12 rows together, I am halfway with the little pieces.
The Knot Garden progress
The Tale of Genji progress - the cross stitch is finished (I think!), and I will concentrate on the outlining/backstitching now.
Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple is a large temple complex in Narita City, Chiba, near Narita Airport. It was built in the year 940 and its main sacred object of worship is a statue of the Buddhist Fudo Myoo diety.
It was a rainy day when I visited, but it was still very nice. I would like to visit again and spend more time walking around.
I made 12 new (red and white) hexagons, then stitched them to center hexagons to make two new hexagon flowers. Total - 47 hexagon flowers in the box.
This is a nice little park in Ito. There is a small parking lot with a toilet, then the path which goes up to the right or down to the left. I chose to go up first to a viewing platform.
There are some beautiful views that can be seen from the steep uphill climb.
At the top is a platform.
After walking back down to the parking lot level, the steep trail continues down to sea level and the rocky shore.
After watching the water on the rocks, I walked back up the steep path.
This is a small park, but well worth visiting.
My friend’s friend and wife invited my friend and me to visit Fujinomiya, his home town, with them.
First we visited Sengen Taisha Shrine, a place I’ve visited before. This time I heard personal stories.
We ate lunch at a local Japanese place. I had Fujinomiya yakisoba.
The other three ordered Okonomiyaki.
After lunch, we went to Taisekiji Temple. Taisekiji was founded in 1290 by Nikko Shonin (disciple of Nichiren Daishonin), and is the head temple of the Nichiren Shoshu sect. It is a major pilgrimage destination, and houses significant treasures, including a five-story pagoda. It is a famous sightseeing spot with over 5000 cherry trees.
The Japanese style garden was gorgeous, even though it was a cool drizzly day.
I am always thankful for the friendly generosity of people in Japan. I totally enjoyed the day!
