Present war

We are in Fukuoka for the New Year holiday. And, incidentally, trapped here with no plane, train, or automobile to take us back in time for the 1st day of work. I HATE the holiday rush and that we didn't manage it successfully. But while I am in the countryside, I want to comment on the brisk present war I've been observing.

Country housewives can make and do ANYTHING! So it takes thoughtful little present giving to a whole new level. And soon escaletes into a full blown present war. My in-laws just moved to the countryside and while building their new house here visited the 24 or so homes in their "area" and distributed gifts. Thus the firt step in the present war--which is now in full swing and we got to benefit from while visiting. On one day, two neighbors stopped by to drop off their latest barrage of gifts. Including fresh strawberries from their hothouse! Yuuuuuuuuum.

In another arena, a present war is being conducted by my mother-in-law and a family she has never met in person. The husband of that family is Daisuke's fishing buddy and now his wife and my mother-in-law relentlessly exchange local delicacies--fish eggs, dried parsimmon, freshly grown rice. A twist I like is that they live in opposite ends of the country so have distinct local dialects. So sometimes they can't undertand each other when they call to say a word of thanks!

Japanese hospitality can NOT be beat.