Well hello to all my fans out there in cyberspace. I hope you all had a wonderful New Year holiday- Akemashite  Omedettou Gozaimasu, as we say here in Japan.

Well, 2012, the year of the Dragon, came in like one! Since the end of last year and the beginning of this one, we are getting hit by one snow storm after another. We don’t always have a white Christmas but we sure did this last one! Seems like I have been out there shoveling snow everyday since Santa’s visit. I mean, it is just one blizzard after another with more on the way. This going to be one of those very snow heavy years, I’m afraid.

As we are a prefecture facing the Japan Sea, we get some really cold weather as well.

That only makes the outdoor activities that much more of a challenge to stay warm. Armed with my Heat Tech undies and a warm heart, I brave the never-ending task of shoveling snow. I had a quick peek in the mirror the other day and noticed that my arms and shoulders are beginning to show some muscular definition. My legs and butt feel a bit firmer as well-always a good thing for us Bijins hehehe! I can’t wait til the spring when I can peal off some of this heavy snow wear and show off my winter efforts!

There is so much snow this year that our city government has almost already exhausted the funds set aside for snow removal. The cost of keeping the snowplows going 24/7 is enormous! All night long we can hear them plowing away to keep the roads and side streets open. Every individual home owner is out clearing the driveways after the plows have made their run. If we aren’t occupied shoveling,we  are busy helping neighbors and travelers out of being stuck in deep snow. Thank God, a lot of the sidewalks are heated around the city. It goes without saying, walking in deep snow or on slippery ice is a bit treacherous

But you know, winter isn’t all work and no play. Akita offers some of the best ski grounds in the country, the finest onsens (hot springs) anywhere and some really great winter festivals. Check back on some of my past blogs for more insight into  our winter wonderland. There is the  lighting of the balloon lanterns at Kamifusen, the lighting of hemp sacks at Hiburi Kamakura in Kakunodate and my favorite, the Kamakura festival in Yokote.

For more information about the particulars of these events, just Google their names or Akita Tourist information.

Well, I’ve got to go now and strap on a harness and help out shoveling snow off the roof of my grandparent’s home. A dangerous task which takes the lives of some who don’t take the necessary precautions for doing this kind of work. The local fire department always gives demonstrations on doing this safely. If we don’t go up there and do this a couple of times a winter, our roofs would collapse under the weight.

So, you all stay warm and safe this winter.  Come up and see us if you want to experience a real winter in northern Japan. But you might have to pick up a shovel and help out! And if you do, I’ll give you a big kiss or some warm sake…whichever you prefer!  hehehe