Unable to think about anything due to the hot waves, I have not posted the message for a while, but have enjoyed reading the messages exchanged by all of you. Now, it seems the hot wave is leaving, and the insects are chirping everywhere as if holding music concerts. I pledge to post my message more frequently from now on.

Jean, I know you navigated the Internet and found the Web sites introducing the Kokeshi Dolls. I love their simple and charming images, too. I reported previously that my elder daughter went to the U.S. as an exchange student. When we sent a Kokeshi to the host family as a Xmas present, they were so much pleased to say the painted colors of red and green are best for the Xmas. Since then, we regularly sent them a Kokeshi as a Xmas present every year, and now they become a kind of Kokeshi doll collecter.

Bernie, you gave me such a splendid opportunity as described below; What a cheerful image the words "State Fair" bring to me ! I recall the TV program "Little House on the Prairie" by Laura Ingalls Wilder. (She reportedly started to write the work at the age of 65). The scene her-mother-made pie won the first prize in the Thanks Giving Day Festival appeared imaginarily in front of me. 25 years ago, I was devoted to the TV program as well as my two daughters were. I am glad to know the Festival is going on even now. Since Bernie's note made me excited by the images of happy gatherings with people's laughter and music sounds, I was forced to make virtual tours to several places on the Internet. The places I visited were the State of Wisconsin (Laura's birth place), the state of Kansas (related to the book of "Little house in the Big Woods), Walnut Grove in Minnesota, Spring Valley (the location of a farm owned by the Wilder), and so on. It took 4 hours since all the web sites are composed and written in English.

The show of "Little house on the Prairie" is repeatedly televised even in Japan. I wish to my gratitude for the penpals and the Internet in terms of photos of Kokeshi Dolls and my virtual tours. Here, I end a bit longer message. Take care, Mutsumi.