I got to say hi to some Awa Odori friends and introduce them to Chris at this year’s JMSDF Mochi-Pounding Party. “Ah! Very handsome!” said one of the guys when I introduced everyone to Chris. The girls giggled and agreed. Everyone was there! It was fun seeing all the Awa Odori folks, especially since none of us were in gym clothes and only a few people were in full costume. They performed the whole routine under the banner for the New Year—2011 is the year of the rabbit—then invited the guests to join in. We did! 
Chris and I watched the mochi-pounding, got our names signed in kanji, saw many folks from our squadron and across base, plus ran into the AWA (Atsugi Wives Association) ladies, the Japanese wives club we join for Bon Odori dancing and regular luncheons. We’d seen each other less than two weeks before at the AOSA (Atsugi Officers’ Spouses’ Association) Christmas Luncheon, where we’d toured many lovely homes and enjoyed a traditional Christmas meal. Asian ladies always tell Chris he looks like Tom Cruise, which greatly amuses me and embarrasses him to no end. He made a joke about being much taller than Tom Cruise, prompting these ladies into more giggles and a group photo. Thanks for another year of good-luck mochi, JMSDF! Happy End of Year! And WELCOME HOME, CHRIS!!
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