We finally had another open fire day in the valley.  We burned many branches that were not suitable for burning in the shop wood stove, about twice as many as you can see in the fireplace.  Sadly, we did not have any marshmallows.  The coals were still hot two days later.  May try for one more burn before the season ends at the end of March, weather permitting. 

After 11 years in storage, we were finally able to bring out our Ohima-sama.  It has been a traditional gift to the first-born girl, and is displayed for a few weeks in the home around the time of Girl’s Day, March 3.  This display was given to Mizuho’s mother about 80 years ago, and has incredible detail.  The top level has the prince/princess, the 2nd – servants , the 3rd – musicians, the 4th – bodyguards, and the 5th – more servants.  There are also representations of food, lanterns, palanquins and carts, and more.  Mizuho remembers playing with these dolls with her sister, and is pretty sure they may have mislaid a few pieces.