Roslindale Monogatari

Since my last post, I've watched many more films -- but didn't even keep a list of what I failed to report on. I also visited Japan with my wife in February (staying in the Kansai region for 2 weeks) and have spent time in the hospital (and at bome) fighting a foot infection. Consequently, I have had time to watch more films and to write (a little at least) about some of them. Not enough energy to tackle screen captures -- yet. Just to prove we actually made it to Japan, a few pictures: Enjoying the plum blossoms at Domyoji Tenmangu Shrine (Fujidera) In front of the burial mound of Emperor Nintoku (Sakai) Open Air Museum of Japanese Farm Houses, Ryokuchi Park (Osaka) Nara Park (Nara) Following the footsteps of Chishu Ryu and Setsuko Hara -- Kiyomizudera Temple (Kyoto) Playing pachinko Gion Hatanaka teahouse (Kyoto) I have pictures of my foot (at its worst) too -- but I think you should just accept that part of my story on faith. A few short reviews to follow....

Our family has enjoyed attending New Bedford's Summerfest and the Lowell Folk Festival since we moved to Boston (almost) ten years ago. This year, for the first time, we attended the American Folk Festival in Bangor. As it turns out, this year our favorite Cajun group, the Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band was making its only appearance in the northeast quarter of North America there. Over the three days of the festival, we caught all three performances of the BDCB and the accordion workshop Bruce participated in. We also got to chat a bit with both Bruce and with Gina Forsyth (the band's phenomenal fiddle player). Of course, lots more went on at the festival -- so much so that there were some groups that we never got to hear (except briefly in passing). Even so, we heard the Dixie Hummingbirds, two Eskimo throat singers (Nukarik), a band led by the son of a blues guitarist we used to hear long ago in Chicago (Bernard Allison), a group of "New Orleans Indians" (Big...