Living in Japan has altered my kitchen staples, and one addition is yakisoba noodles. I usually keep a package on hand in the fridge. Each package contains three servings of noodles individually wrapped and three packets of seasoning mix (which I usually skip). Another staple: kaeshi. The recipe for kaeshi is simple: combine 3/4 cup soy …
Continue reading Using Up Those Leftovers, Japanese Style: Yakisoba Noodles
After dinner tonight this happened. Notice Mark's cackle, and my scream. This bad boy was about six inches across. You're welcome. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIdGj8AZ_2Q
As loyal martayaki readers recall, a few days ago our neighbor accidentally backed into our car Benji while turning around. Mr. and Mrs. Neighbor came over to apologize twice--once bearing I'm Sorry pastries--and both times I deployed the handy Japanese phrase daijobu, or No Worries. After the second visit from the neighbor I reached out to an American …
OK, so “hitting” our car is a bit of an exaggeration. But hey, I got your attention and you clicked through. So here we go! The other night our neighbors rang our bell and started explaining something in Japanese to Mark. After a minute of standing there silently and nodding, Mark called me over as the …
Mark's parents Don and Julie live in San Antonio, Texas, and we visit them at least once a year. This also means that at least once a year I buy a new pair of cowboy boots, in case any of you wondered about my rather large collection of my favorite fall-winter footwear. Though probably not …
Continue reading Kane Family Visit: The Floating Classroom in Corpus Christi, Texas
After three great weeks at our home in Washington DC, we packed up for the next stop in the U.S. Family Tour: Ann Arbor, home of my sister Joanna, her husband Richard, and their kids Ben and Ava. Friday: tubing the Argo Cascades of the Huron River. Saturday: Rolling Hills Water Park! We slid down the water …
Continue reading Not-Quite 72 Hours in Ann Arbor, Michigan: The Theme is Water
Last week I took advantage of the kids' stay at sleepaway camp to pop up to New York for a quick visit. I hit four museums in four days, saw two movies, wandered, ate well, visited with friends and family. It was great! One such evening combined all of the friends/family/eating well elements when I …
Continue reading I’ve Never Been to Greenpoint, But It’s Changed So Much!
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