The little bird friend

This is another picture of the bird that was perched on our front rail a few days ago.  It is a Daurian Redstart and apparently winters here from October to early April, so we may not see this little guy too much longer.   Its head is actually white, but the lighting here makes it look more black.  It is similar to a Mugiwaki Flycatcher, but because of the white head instead of a white streak, it is a Redstart.  I'm learning about birds here....

 We were given a box of these h u g e  sea scallops.  One was enough for anyone. I pan seared them with olive oil and garlic--yummy.  The shells are now lining one of the flower beds.  :-)

Himeji Castle revisit

In July of 2011 we visited Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site, with some friends.  The castle is under renovation until 2015.  The Roof tiles and walls are being replaced where needed, but also being put on with new bonding material.  They use the same methods as when the castle was first built about 400 years ago.

You can't go inside the castle itself.  An elevator observation building has been constructed so visitors can see the progress of the renovation on the topmost roof.  Here is a shot from 2011:

All the roof tiles have been removed and the underlying wood structure has been reinforced/replaced with new wood.

Here is what we saw on March 7 this year  of this same roof:

Gorgeous, isn't it?  You could not see this from standing on the ground.  Two clay fish ornaments were made for the roof.  There's a video showing how they were formed and molded and then placed on the roof ends.  Here is a photo of one of the big fish:

Simply amazing. 

This is a tile with a Cross on it and an explanation of what it is:

Countless hours and money have been spent in this project which will not be completed until sometime in 2014, then all the scaffolding will be taken down and it will reopen to the public sometime in 2015--a five-year project.  It will be well-worth the wait.