Well I survived the storm, thanks to cement and clay shingles, wooden shutters, some good friends, some Hobbits and John Wayne. I believe my roof to be as indestructible as that of a bomb shelter given that it's made of similar materials and looks to be heavier than the all rest of my house put together-including the furniture and the pile of Japanese change sitting on my shelf. A good friend who has invited me to his house for dinner numerous time since i got here came by my place yesterday evening when the wind really started to pick up to ensure i knew how to prepare the place against immanent destruction. Every entranceway and window has an exterior, sliding, heavy, wooden panel that might just keep Godzilla out. Tsetsuaki-san also made me aware of the two papaya trees i have growing in my yard and the enormous garden I felt sure couldn't belong to my residence. He promised to help me plant and harvest some native Okinawan vegetables! While the war waged outside, i was comfortably snug all shuttered into my little traditional-style Japanese abode watching your friend and mine, John Wayne fight on the shores of Iwo Jima. Later, Frodo, Sam, Pippen, and Merry dropped by to see if I was up for an adventure. I joined them in time to see the return of the king and said goodnight feeling somewhat nostalgic. Though I spent most of the day indoors, I had a great time, reminiscent of cold, wintry Saturdays in Edmonton as a boy, amusing myself with the various indoor activities I usually hadn't time for because of the outdoor activity I would caught up in.

I leave you with some enticing pictures of the Island of Tonaki.