Thanks To All Of You!








Moon River has always been one of my favorite songs. I recorded this version on my Yamaha P-515. I so appreciate the gift Andy Williams gave us when he did the gorgeous recording of that song. In addition, as I put in the previous post, this was the springboard for the singing career of Lucy Thomas. 

These pictures were all taken during a trip I did with my friend Stuart. We rode our bikes about 6 miles to get to this beautiful park. I do not think I have seen colors like this in the fall since I attended Trinity College in 1975. While I was at Trinity, I bought one of the smaller Suzuki motorcycles and I rode it between Hartford and Boston to visit relatives. The sunset picture was taken from the bridge that is about two miles from our house. What a scene!

I am sorry that I am little late with this post. I am very thankful for the following. 

  1. All of you. I was recently asked if I miss Oregon. My response was that I miss the people. So very true! Thanks to all of you for being in my life!
  2. I am thankful for Setsuko and the rest of my extended family. I feel so fortunate to have such a wonderful wife. I also feel fortunate that I have such a good relationship with my siblings. 
  3. I am thankful for the relationships I have been developing since I moved to Japan. I have talked about Stuart, a true Renaissance man who is creative and resourceful. I have had some very engaging conversations with Dana, the father of several of our former tennis students. I joined the Japan chapter of Citizens Climate International. That has given me the opportunity to meet some new people and to use the Microsoft Translation app. It has been quite hysterical to read some of the translations!  
  4. I am thankful for meeting Rohan Gillett. Here is his web site, https://tokyo-in-pics.com/ Wonderful pictures! This coming Monday, he and I are going to enjoy the rare treat of going into the Imperial Palace grounds. Should be exciting!
  5. I am thankful for my energy and my good health. A wise person once said that without our health, we are not good for much. May all of us stay healthy!
  6. I am thankful for being able to ride my bike, to run, to hike, do strength training,  play music, and to play tennis. I know that these are luxuries that many people in the world do not have. I had the good fortune of connecting with some teachers from my school who are avid cyclists. We ride together almost every Sunday. What a treat!
  7. I am thankful for the opportunity I have to work in special education. I will forever be grateful to Setsuko for pushing me to find another career so we would have more financial stability. That was the start of my 16 year special education career!
  8. I am thankful for having the ability to read. Without a doubt, that is one of the most enjoyable activities of my life!
  9. I am thankful for being able to enjoy this amazing world. I am convinced that unless we make some serious and significant environmental changes, the enjoyment I am experiencing may be short-lived. 
  10. I am thankful for music. Although I spent hours and hours listening to music as I was growing up, I did not start playing the piano until I was about 20 years old, 47 years ago. I also play the guitar and sing. Music has helped me through so many difficult times!
  11. I am thankful for having the opportunity to live in Japan. While I miss all of you, I am treasuring the opportunity to explore this aesthetically beautiful country! 
  12. I am also thankful for the fact that I rarely need to drive a car here in Japan. Between walking, cycling, and public transportation, I can get to just about anywhere I need to go.A small win for climate change!
  13. I am thankful for having the opportunity to become a better person. I have made so many mistakes over the course of my life. All I can do is to learn from those mistakes and keep working to improve. Definitely a work in progress!
  14. I am thankful for the opportunities I have to try and make this world a better place. Although I know I am only one small piece of the pie, I also know that every little bit counts!

Happy Holidays!

Bob Reed

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