Takumi's Adult experience!

Hi again,

I feel that Takumi's experience in Canada has been a good one! He has been able to practice English, see Canadian culture, see how my family lives, and I have pushed him to experience the responsibility's of being an adult. He has shadowed me experiencing the different things needed to be done to live here.

Today he mowed our lawn for the first time. Something he most likely will not do again in Japan. He said it was more difficult than he expected. Something we must every week. He did a good job though!

Weekend up date

Hi All!!!!

It was a relaxing weekend. I did not have to work which was nice!

Last night we had a Gyoza party. One of Chrissy's friends came over. I also made dessert gyoza. Awesome with ice cream.

Today I went golfing and Takumi was my caddy again. He is learning more about golf rules and manners. He played with Makaiya and I last week too.

We also went to Okanagan lake. Takumi went Kayaking again and by chance he saw a Okanagan Mermaid!!!!! Ogopogos friend I guess!

Bye for now!

Home stay Update

Takumi has been experiencing Canadian and our family's life style. We went boating on Okanagan lake and did cliff jumping last Sunday. He also was able to drive the boat! He had fun! We also went for a hike in Bear creek park. We did 3 sets of 2 minute leg and upper body work outs on the way. We also have more at home party's than in Japan. He said that is a big difference. We have friends or family over every weekend. He has come to my work sometimes. He has watched what I must do install kitchens and how long I must work. More soon!

Takumi's home stay with us!

Hi All! Here is some interesting news! Takumi Hasegawa is staying with us here in Canada. He has been working on his English, seeing Canadian life style, experiencing our family life style and seeing what I must do for my work. We have been talking about what kind of things he must do as a positive, contributing , hard working, adult. He has been helping me with my work sometimes and has improved a lot in a short time. Nice Work! He also caddied for me in a golf tournament last weekend. It was fun I shot 84, and 85. It was fun! In the evening we have been playing a spelling game called " Banana Grams" Good for learning new words. More later. Doug

Family Camping

Chrissy our daughters Makaiya, Tajanna and her son Zion, Chrissy's sisters family , my bothers family and another family friend went camping in the Oliver area. I had to work for part of it. It was very relaxing and fun for all.

Hi From Canada

Hello everyone! Sorry for the long gap in between messages! First, thank you for those who wanted to join the Oregon camp! And sorry we were not able to do it! I hope we are able to do it next year! It has rained a lot this spring in Canada. We have actually had some flooding problems! We have just finished our U12 girls soccer season for the spring. I coach a Kelowna team Makaiya has also been studying Kung Fu! She has enjoyed it and is giving her self confidence! I hope all of you have been able to improve your fitness! It is never to late to start! Great job to Miho and the kids taking part in her summer training! Keep up the good work! Last night we had take out sushi. It was alright. I miss Japans delicious food though! Bye for now. Doug

Hi from Doug

Hi All, I have settled into my work here in Canada. For those who do not know I am a cabinet installer/ finish carpenter. I would like to show you a project Chrissy and I created during our free time! It is patio furniture for our house. The base is made from reclaimed wood. Chrissy made the cushions! It is very comfortable to sit or lie on and have had many positive comments from our family and friends! Hope you like it!

Golf membership for Makaiya

Makaiya is a member of the Kelowna Golf and Country Cub! The Club is very supportive of the junior program! And very affordable! 30,000yen for the year! She played her first 9 holes today! Kind of cool though!

Canada music and History

Makaiya Performed in a musical based on Canadian history and folk songs! It was very well done! It was performed along side the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra. We are very proud of all the kids, musicians, teachers ,and the people that make Canada what it is!

Hi from Doug

Hi everyone, I am settled in to my life here. Chrissy and Makaiya are also home from France. They had a very nice time there! Both were very happy yet sad to come home. They both of course miss Tajanna, Seb, and the new baby, Zion! I am organizing a summer camp. At Mt. Hood, Oregon, USA, 2 weeks in length, Focus will be on building basic ski racing skills, and improving overall body speed and strength. Now is the time to improve in That area. The stronger and faster you are the better chance you have to ski fast! You can do many workouts in your own house! Do your best! Good Luck! Doug

First week in Canada

Hello all! It has been a smooth move back to Canada. Even my jet lag was not so bad. Always many things to do when I return home of course. Chrissy and Makaiya are in France so I came home to an empty house. Super lonely!!!!!! Just Izzy and me! I will write more about Chrissy and Makaiya next time. The weather here has been cool! Too bad. I was hoping to play golf! Well I did play. First game was a 81. Not bad for the first round of the year. Also went to my moms house. She lives at the local ski area, Big White ski Resort! Still cold and snowy up there. Lots of other work around the house and preparation for my Canada life. Most is completed now! Nice. Also, looking into details for the summer camp in Oregon. Time for winter preparation for all of you. The stronger and quicker you are, the better chance you have to ski fast! Work it! Bye for now. Doug

Doug's return to Canada

End of the season for me in Japan. It is always a emotional time for me. I am excited to return home to see my family and Canadaian friends, but sad to leave my friends and family in Japan. It is an amazing feeling! I am so fortunate be be able to feel this though. It is a special oppertunity! Thank you, all of you! It was a excellent season in many ways! I am very happy with the style we have trained the past 2 years. Basic skill drills followed by regular gate training. Racers are able to focus on specific movements and repeat them at certain locations leading up to the course. Very efficient! I feel because of the basic drills many of you have increased your level of skiing emmensly! I know some of you want to start from the very top of the race hill though. We will do that at certain times only. Other great point are the great personal best race results I have heard about! I am so proud of all of you for your efforts! Super!!! Special Thanks to Ono San, the Takasawa family, Hotel Zonntaggu, Tsubakuro / Omatsu yama, our sponsors, Takumi, my Japanese family. I guess, ALL OF YOU!!!!! I am so gratefull!!!!! Bye for now!! The photo of the Japanese family are my relatives in Saitama! The Gai jins are of my brothers kids and my mom!

Last day Update

Thank you everyone who came out this past weekend! I was shocked to how many wanted to still train! The most ever on the last day! I am tired but am very grateful that you choose to ski race with Accel! I am also grateful for the whole Accel Team. Ono San, The Takasawa Family, Matsura San and family, the Sugadaira area and all of our sponsors! Excellent season! Great race results and new personal bests for all.

Friday Update

Today was hot! Snow is melting fast. Good thing this is the last weekend here! We trained SL today! The guys trained hard in the heat! More improvement in upper lower body separation! Also worked on flush combinations and how to ski them. Nice work! The courses did stay in good condition. A smooth rut. The last weekend coming up. Looking forward to seeing those who are training. See you tomorrow!