Japanese Meal: gushing

The photo above shows Me at home waiting [and waiting] for a meal. While I would not describe this as a begging attitude, I'm sorry to report that meal times at the Roushanzamirs can be irregular [highly].

Such is never the case at the home of Grandmere et Grandpere. The following story illustrates that happy circumstance.

Promptly upon my arrival at Norfolk Grandmere et Grandpere whisked me to Kotabuki [click the link] a 5-star Japanese restaurant [fortunately located 1 block or so from their spacious townhouse in the historic Ghent neighborhood]. The sushi Chef, a man of highly dignified mien, stands guard over the extraordinary array of fresh fish; the Chef is a tall man, little given to smiles or social chit chat.

In any case, immediately we sit down and are served Horin Gekkeikan an ultra-premium or, more precisely, Junmai Daiginjo sake. Quite frankly the best I've ever sampled. As we sip our wine, the Chef carefully and I daresay lovingly, prepares 3 sashimi platters. And when they appear, what a gloriously beautiful presentation & what a highly satisfactory, gourmet delight.

[below, a soup bowl with the requisite chopstikcs, usually filled with Udon; my Grandmere kindly presented them to me, as a substitute for my usual doggie bowls, for when I eat Japanese noodles at home. And see entries of July 31, 2006 and February 15, 2007 for more information about serving ware at the Roushanzamir home!]

[As I'm showing examples of the Japanese aesthetic, below is a screen, over 50 years old; it graces the luxurious guest room in Grandmere's & Grandpere's home. By the way, my own Mama was born in Nagoya, Japan--year unknown or at least unrevealed--but here I digress]

Such was my welcome at Kotabuki [click the link] that, after finishing the delicate sashimi [raw fish, accompanied by sculpted radish with rice on the side] and as we were leaving [to take a well-deserved, post-parandial nap], the solemn sushi Chef bestowed on me a beautific smile.

What a fortunate way to begin my holiday!

Recreational Travel: a preview

As you may recall, travel occupies a good deal of time-- my active modeling career demands it. However, mama et papa occasionally permit me, as a respite from my chaotic schedule, to visit close family members.

Thus recently, a trip by air to Norfolk, Virginia to hang out with grandpere et grandmere.

Tomorrow I will provide details of our time together along with:

snapshots of each of them

culinary explicaitons

brief editorial about air travel

short review of British humor as represented by 3 books

For today, suffice to say my welcome at home was enthusiastic & high-spirited. [Frankly, mama et papa are at an absolute loss without me.]

My New Friend, JPEG

Meet my new friend, JPEG.

JPEG lives with Peter & Amy.

Peter, a noted photographer, Amy a popular professor & widely published scholar have been my friends for the last 2 years, i.e. ever since I arrived at the Roushanzamir home. Since JPEG chose to make his home with them, their calls upon us have changed in ways unpredictable yet entirely satisfactorily.

Peter & Amy pursue international agendas of great significance. And previously, their conversations tended to reflect their interests.

Above view but one of Peter's shots documenting conditions in war zones (here Iraq). He has travelled to developing countries, ongoing wars on several continents, & locations of the aftermath of conflict situations bringing, through his photos, the devastating human tragedies very close to those who otherwise all too often choose to remain ignorant (or as I refer to it, learned ignorance).

Amy's curriculum vita with her list of publications speaks for itself. Please click the link to view it (& to see a wonderfully representative picture of Amy).

Accomplished as they prove themselves, their visits occasioned only passing acknowledgment of my presence. Yes, they were kind, yes, they greeted and bade me au revoir respectfully and yes, they might (no guarantee) pass me a pistachio or, even more rarely, a sip of champagne.

But those unforeseen consequences of adding JPEG to the mix improve the quality of these visits dramatically.

Perhaps because JPEG personally selected Peter & Amy as his rescue people, the folks with whom he wished to spend his life (may be long; he's a 3 month old puppy), they seem especially appreciative of the blessing that walks with them.

And such happy results (for me).

Since JPEG's arrival, Peter's & Amy's formerly wide-ranging conversation is now --and let's be honest, thank goodness for it -- pretty much limited to JPEG: his behaviors, social adjustments, quirks, good looks, habits, preferences, and so forth. (Benefits accrue to me by association.)

And while they undoubtedly plan to continue with their presitigous careers and distinguished pursuits, their lives (properly) center around JPEG. Now, JPEG and I together determine the agenda & logistics of the (sadly, all too infrequent) occasions of their visits.

Look at his appealing face, glorious coat, handsome markings, perky ears, slender paws, sleek & perfectly proportioned body -- and those eyes, what eyes! JPEG, now a treasured part of my life, enriches the lives of Peter, Amy and all who meet him. Thank you for choosing Peter & Amy as your rescue people & for thus rescuing Peter & Amy (& frankly your impact on Mama et Papa is also refreshing).

And finally, thank you for your love, licks, your glorious public displays of affection, your friendship.

Compare, Invidious, Unfair

During the last few days my personality & behaviour have been subjected to comparisons to the Remarkable Lucy (shown at left with her Mama). As a consequence, I've experienced any amount of suffering.

The back story: Lucy flew, from the Idaho breeder with whom I lived previously, to Logan, Boston. There for the first time she met Melinda, long time friend (& accomplished scholar) of Mama (click appropriate link in labels field below). It seems that Lucy (formerly named Poppi!) was an instant hit with her Mama & took to city life in a most gratifying manner.

However, that does not negate the unenviable position in which I've been placed. For example,

Lucy is touted as a lap dog; I, a bruiser.

Lucy's manners are impecable; mine, to the contrary.

Lucy eats daintily; I'm accused of spreading crumbs.

Lucy is called "cute little Lucy;" I'm referred to as "funny little girl."

And on. And on.

Let's face it. Such comparisons are invidious and unfair. Lucy is an adult & I, a teen. Lucy is a relative newcomer in Melinda's flat--perhaps acting on her (suspiciously) best behavior. I'm already a seasoned member of the Roushanzamir household, clearly a lifer. In any case, aren't we each unique with characteristics that define our identities, that ephemeral yet essential Who-We-Are?

Let's add insult to injury. Lucy's Mama is that same Melinda Robins who, as I reported in February 03, '07 , brutally scorned Mama's pals-- before my time & true, pauvre Mama's so-called pals were pathetic stuffed animals (again, click appropriate link in labels field below for juicy tit bits).

In fairness, Lucy is gorgeous, a veritable glamour girl; like me she may be able to pursue a successful modeling career (click appropriate link in labels field below). Apparently she has cottened to Melinda most satisfactorily.

And in the interests of truth, let it be known that it was Melinda's encounter with Me that served as the significant first step towards uniting Lucy with her Mama. In the adoption of Lucy my influence was paramount.

So Cheers to you, lovely Lucy. Your namesakes may be many (Lucille Ball, B.B.King's guitar to name only two) but you're an exceptional doggie & a credit to us all.