It's not too far from Niagra Falls to Port Huron. But by the time I checked in for the night near Frankenmuth, it was the wee small hours. Good to be back in the U.S. of A.

Trying to catch up on the old photo inbox, I came across this from Taka, who returned from the U.P. to Japan last month:

I took this photo a few days ago. I just though Rose Riemer and her family may like to see this. The modem I am using here is slow and unstable. I only hope that this email will be successfully sent out before it gets disconnected.
-Taka

What a eye opener for the morning, nice job Taka.
This is a wow for me.

Also welcome back Toivo.

Please keep the photos coming, Taka. It brings us closer to you, take care....

Just breathtaking beautiful. Thanks for the eye candy this morning

Taka, Nice to hear from you. I just opened my June Arizona Highways magazine. It has great photography too. Alas you are in Japan which I am certain has it's own beauty, like the Keweenaw, but you should check out Arizona too.
A true land of contrast. Go ahead, waste that engineering degree or whatever you got from MTU, you have an eye, become a professional photographer. The world needs eyes like yours.

Oh THANK YOU Taka! I just love this photo!

After all the places I've seen.....nothing beats the mid-west!!!.....There is no-place like HOME! Right Toto?.....I mean Toivo

Welcome back Toivo!
I hope you are taking the scenic trip through the yoop and Minnesota on your way back to Canada! Of course we wouldn't be offended if you decide to stay home for awhile and continue the North American tour at a later date. Or even skip the rest of Canada, and fly from Houghton to Alaska and Hawaii. Just make sure you get in that sauna, pasty and dip in Superior.

Great picuture Taka!

taka--gorgeous photo! keep them coming!

Toivo, I'm still in awe of how far that beater has taken you! Great job!
Taka, You definately have the eye of an artist. What can I say, Thank you, and WOW!!!

aw.. taka thanks! haha :)

Beautiful picture!
Would love to see more Japanese gardens and one of my favorite plants, giboshi.

And some of the Stillwaters gardens, I think the last one we saw was in the winter.

Toivo slipped into Mi in the dark of night....another chance of a Toivo sighting averted!

rose. you smell goooood!
oh, i meant the flower in the picture. yeah :)

....comments for Toivo from Toivolasocket: 1) there IS (or at least WAS) one Tim Horton's in Michigan, not too far off US 23 in Fenton, and I would assume there are others, as their supply trucks aren't gonna come all the way to Michigan for just ONE Tim Horton's.....travel tip for those who have never Tim Hortened: do so! ...and 2) hopefully Toivo can wend his way thru the rest of Canada after taking a breather here in the CC...lotsa enticing spots yet for him to visit (Flin Flon, Moose Jaw, Medicine Hat...) in central and western Canada....even Chicken, when the ol' beater takes him to Alaska and state #49

There are Tim Horton's all over the place in Beatertown, er Motown....he shoulda come through the tunnel. Although I'm sure they have them in Port Huron, too.

Gorgeous picture Taka. Please continue with your photography. You're much too good to lose to engineering (even though, I suspect it will be considerably more financially rewarding...). Did the leaf below the flower get chewed by a Japanese beetle?
Toivo, welcome to the LP. There's lots to see down here in trollville too.

I can almost smell that rose through the computer! I think we have a WOW here!

Note the rose worm at the underside base of the flower. It may have eaten the leaf.

Toivo -- what is that, a STARFLEET emblem on the Ontario license plate? Is that for real? LOL.

Welcome home Toivo!!! Glad to have ya back, Its been fun following your journey. I bet the U.P. never looked so good after being in the car for so long.

rel DE: Closer examination 0f the picture and a look at a live rose will show that is part of the rose and not a worm, even though first glance will look like a worm.

Domo Arigato Taka-san.

Taka,
How nice to come home after a long day and find greetings from you. Thanks. Nice to hear from you and see that you've got a working camera.

So pretty Taka!! We all love seeing your photos and hearing from you The rose looks so real. Thanks a bunch!

HELLO ALL 3 WEEKS TILL I COME HOME I CANT WAIT. SEE YOU ALL THEN GREAT PIC TAKA.

The colors in the rose remind me of the Japanese koi, the large goldfish in ornamental ponds. Always thought they were so beautiful, just like this rose, which is my new wallpaper, too!

I don't know what your major was at Tech, Taka, but you would make a terrific professional photographer, or photo journalist..

Hi Taka,
Nice picture. Are the sakura all done where you are?

taka what a beautiful pic my grandmother would kiss you if she was still here. roses & violets were her favorites. your eye & talent should not be wasted. what a great pic the rose is beautiful & the buds promise more beauty to come. just don't lie down in the street over there to get the shot. you know the drill.

Welcome home, Toivo! At least it'll be home when you get into da UP. Got the bridge toll?
Hei, Taka, beautimous rose. Glad to hear from you, both times. :>) Someone must have a name for the green parts that cover the petals of the bud, 'eh?

Barry - -

Yes, I think it is the Starfleet emblem on the Ontario license plate. I heard Kirk and Spock beamed down to Sarnia in Star Trek 9.

To Ken from the UP. The green part that covers the bud, then curl back to show the petals are the sepals

A degree from MTU is never wasted, it is the key to opening many doors. Taka and Pasty.Com, thanks for the photos that have started many a day with a smile.

Taka...good job! So you are back in Japan, huh? I just wanted to say hi and hopefully get your email! I bought my own digital camera recently! We should compare notes!!!

Love this rose. You can see the dew on the rose. Taka, is this a hobby or are you seeking a profession in photography? I am a budding photographer and would like to have you as my critic and guide--is this possible?