This morning we started the day with Starbucks coffee and home made pancakes (the just add water kind). Yagi-san had requested a map of Houston yesterday, so I picked up one this morning at the gas station next to the Starbucks. They also had one of San Antonio which we will be visiting during his stay. I got that as well.

I had to work this morning. But Yagi-san went swimming at the YMCA this morning with my in-laws.

At lunch time, we meet Toshio and ate at Bennigans. During lunch Toshio mentioned that he knew of three free tickets to the Aeros Hockey game tonight. So we decided that Yagi-san, my self, and my youngest son Christopher would go.

Then we dropped Toshio at work. Picked up Christopher early from school. Then we drove by the nicer part of my neighborhood where the million dollar homes are. And we drove around Hooks Airport which is next to my subdivision. It was a windy day so there was no one flying.

Then we went to Barbara Bush library to return some books. I had planned to get Yagi-san some videos about the places we would visit, but there really wasn’t anything. And Yagi-san did not seem inclined to get anything. There was one of those tourist brochure stands, so we picked up some of things to see around here.

Then we went to the Hong Kong market.

Then I dropped Yagi-san off at the house for a nap. Picked up Stephen and dropped him off at home. Then we went to get Christopher a hair cut.

Then we went home and feed the kids. And we waited for the Hockey game.

The we went to the Hockey game with Toshio.

We had pretty good seats. Here is one of the contests they had between the periods.

A cheerleader was passing by so we got a picture.

Also got a picture with the Aeros mascot “Chill Dog”

Christopher enjoyed cotton candy

And I had a good time too:

While we were at the hockey game, Stephen went to the chess tournament for the first time. He won 4 games and got a trophy.

anyway, off to sleep tomorrow. Got a big day. running in the morning, then all day at my dad’s place.

If you have been talking to me at all in the past month, you must be knowing that my friend from Japan is visiting me for three weeks.  This has been a big focus for us for the past few weeks.  First, let me review how I met Yagi-san.  I was in Tokyo in April 2007 for a work meeting.  I was on the subway and this older gentleman set next to me.  I tried to speak some Japanese to him, but I do not think I said it correctly.  He says, “I would prefer it if you spoke English to me.”  So we talked a little and ended up exchanging email addresses.

We kept in  touch via email.  Then my family and I visited Tokyo in July 2007.  We all went to his house and got to meet his family.  And we invited him to come to visit us.  That is now happening.

I have been trying to plan his trip.  You can see the wiki page where I have the latest plan at: https://www.gadgetnate.com/wiki/index.php?title=Yagi-san%27s_visit_in_March_2008

Today, Christopher and I picked him up at the airport:

We came home and met my mother-in-law and father-in-law.

We chatted a bit, and then he took a nap.  So, I thought it would be good to go back to work.  Later that evening, Stephen played the piano for us.

Yagi-san brought us all gifts.  I got a learn Japanese book.  Hopefully I can work on it while he is here.  Then we all sat down and had dinner together.

Yagi-san bought some very good green tea.

And some berries… I will have to get the names later.

And he brought some sochu, which we will have to try this weekend.

After eating, Stephen played Shogi.

Then I tried playing shogi and learned the Kaku Gawari defense:

But it wasn’t enough… I lost two games: