I try to view the same places with fresh perspectives to see if I can find anything new about them. I try to observe the world around me for interesting things. As a photographer you need to notice what others do not. Who else noticed the carefully placed cone against the pole to prevent people using the cross walk from turning and walking into the pole? Did I notice this because I have am the world's foremost authority on cone usage or posses a keen photographic eye?

Today's configuration: Leica M9-P with a Summicron 28mm f/2.0 and a few with the Summilux 21mm f/1.4 and Summilux 35mm f/1.4

I seem to be seeing a lot of municipal vehicles lately...

It has been a very long week. I had planned last Saturday to fly out to the US to see my parents for a few days but Mayumi wasn't feeling well so we delayed the trip a day. Long story short she ended up having influenza and so did Kai. I ended up canceling the trip to stay and take care of them. Kai got a bit worse and had to be hospitalized in the middle of the week so the doctors could keep a good eye on him. If you have been watching my Instagram Posts or Tweets you might have noticed some unfamiliar areas. A few more days and we should be out of here.

Another silver lining: A great view of Mt Fuji from here!

Carefully coned off spaces...

Rolling Stock = Loading Dock?

OK...Mayumi and I have been having a debate on my chosen location for parking. I try to park out of the way to ensure my car's safety. Can you image how much I would complain if someone wacks my door in the parking space?

We went to eat Soba for lunch but this machine ate our restaurant...

We ended up having Chinese. To no one's surprise I had Mabudofu. It was the spiciest I have ever had. I took a bite and was thinking 'this is OK'. About 1/1000 of a second later my entire face was tingling. I thought I was having a allergic reaction until I saw someone else having the same reaction. It is probably feels the same as getting maced. Heat aside it was delicious.

I can't make this stuff up... I parked in this space. The guys who looks after the parking lot came over and asked me if I was planning to park here. I of course said yes since I was in the process of parking. He said sorry these are reserved and asked me to move. I did and then he proceeded to cone off the spots. I have a fantastic action shot on my Instagram feed.

There is so much ethnic food in this area...

...and a book store run by a woman who really loves her cat.

Today we had Curry for lunch at an Irish Pub...

It was fantastic.

Don't litter. You'll make the monkey and crab sad.

There is really nothing in this area...

Well except for a cone obstacle course...

nothing...

The please take your time barber shop...

Mayumi is staying at the hospital with Kai each night. You can't pry a Japanese mother away from her sick kid. Mothers are amazing...

I stay with them until 10 or 11 and then head home. Rather than eat alone at home I grab something in my neighborhood. I actually haven't explored my neighborhood much at night and found some fantastic places this week. Another sliver lining!

I found Old Flame. A fantastic little bar that serves food. I had Curry here twice. It was fantastic.

I was going to have dinner here tonight. What's better than Moonshine and Tacos? It was a bit too smokey for my taste so I looked for alternatives...

I'm glad I did. I ended up trying out Que Rico in Jiyugaoka. It's a new Mexican place that just opened up, It is run by a Japanese woman named Eiko. I had a few Tacos (also called round things by me sometimes). They were fantastic! The staff is super friendly and welcoming as well. I can see me coming here again.