Mary Tomomi
My mother's mother was born in Japan in 1895.  She emigrated to the United States and gave birth to 9 children with her husband John Shinji.  Mary Tomomi passed away in 1977.
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John Shinji
My mother's father was born in Onjuku, Chiba-Ken, Japan in 1897.  He moved to the United States with his younger brother Riichi.  Brother Ichiji remained in Japan.  John Shinji worked in the farming industry in Sacramento, California growing walnuts, grapes, and strawberries.  He passed away in 1984.
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My mother's family, 1940
Shown left to right in front: Grandpa John Shinji, Aunt Kiyo, Uncle Steve, Uncle Don, Uncle Ronald, Uncle George, Aunt Kay, Uncle Pete, and Mom (Marian).
Shown left to right in back: Uncle David (being held) and Grandma Mary Tomomi.
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My mother's family, May 1986
See if you can pick out who's who from the 1940 picture above. From left to right and back to front are Uncle George, Aunt Kay, Uncle Steve, Mom (Marian), Uncle Ronald, Uncle Pete, Aunt Kiyo, Uncle Don, and Uncle David (on the far right).
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New Year's Eve 1986
I never became as good a gambler as Dad but I did manage to surpass him in Chess.  I don't know if he's winning here or not but one thing is certain...he's out to beat Cousin Scott (right).  Uncle Steve appears in the center.  He's thinking, "Go for broke!" Regrettably, Uncle Steve passed away on December 19, 2000.  An avid golfer, a World War II veteran of the 442nd Army Regiment, and a loving uncle, he is missed by all.
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Sakuyo
My father's mother was born in Hiroshima, Japan in 1898.  She had 11 brothers, most of whom died in the war between Japan and China.  Sakuyo left Japan to live in Folsom, California with her husband.  She eventually passed away in 1952(?).
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Matsutaro
My father's father, was born in Hiroshima, Japan in 1888.  He emigrated to Folsom, California with his wife and worked in the farming industry.  He passed away in 1953.
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Dad with Tommy Kono, 1992
On the left is Tommy Kono:

This picture was taken in 1992 at the Tule Lake Relocation Camp reunion.  Tule Lake is a dried up lake to where many Japanese Americans were relocated during World War II.  This is where Dad and Tommy met.  For more information about Tommy Kono and Olympic lifting, check out "Weightlifting, Olympic Style" by Tommy Kono.
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January 1, 1996
With both parents retired, they have plenty of time to relax and spend time together at home.
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November 29, 2002
Just enjoying a fine meal at the Waterfront Restaurant in Sydney, Australia.
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May 22, 2002
Here we see Mom climbing out of a hole at Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. This hole is actually a doorway for a cliff dwelling made by the now extinct Anasazi Indians.
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May 20, 2002
If I didn't know better, I'd swear that a small picture of Dad was pasted on a postcard. Nope, this is the real thing. Isn't it amazing what the Colorado River can do if given a few million years? The result: Dead Horse National Park in Utah.
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June 2, 2007
My parents at the Sacramento Buddhist Church.
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My parents visited me from the night of Saturday, September 10 to the morning of Saturday, September 17, 2005. They visit me every other year and I visit them every on years they do not visit me. This was their third visit. Having shown them many of the more popular tourist attractions close to home (i.e. Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Annapolis), I took them further away to see a different side of Maryland. At left is a photo of them at Smith Island with crab pots behind.
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National Zoo Day, Sunday, September 11
Sande drove us to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park (National Zoo) in Washington D.C. where we saw a multitude of different animals. While the cheetah was Sande's favorite, the panda bear seemed to attract the most attention.

Afterwards, we stopped for ice cream at York Castle, 9324 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, phone: 301-589-1616.

We ended the day by grilling buffalo burgers for dinner.
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Chincoteague Island Day, Monday, September 12
We started the day at the crack of dawn, driving for about 3.75 hours to Chincoteague Island on the eastern shore of Virginia. We ate lunch at Captain Fish's Restaurant on Main Street, south of the route 175 bridge and just north of the Coast Guard. Great food for a good price with a waterfront view.

Next, we toured the Refuge Waterfowl Museum. I bought lots of shells.

We ended the day at Chincoteague Island with a fantastic private pontoon boat tour with Spider's Explorer on 3801 Main Street, south of the route 175 bridge, between the Coast Guard and Anchor Inn, phone: 757-990-4242. Captain Spider Fleming of Spider's Explorer took us to see the ponies of Assateague Island and explained the island like only a native could. We toured Chincoteague Channel and Assateague Channel, then saw the Assateague Lighthouse. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly seeing a school of about 30 bottlenose dolphin just south of the route 175 bridge in the Chincoteague Channel. Swimming south just after high tide, they passed right by the boat, getting as close as 6 feet at times. The first photo on the left shows us on Spider's boat with the route 175 bridge behind. Shoulda worn my sunglasses.

Leaving Chincoteague Island, we drove about an hour to Snow Hill, Maryland. We stopped for dinner at the Lost Pelican on the east side of business route 113 just north of route 365 (near the McDonalds sign). Though it appears to be just a hole in the wall, they serve a good meal at a great price. Can't go wrong with the club sandwich.

We spent the evening at the Mansion House bed and breakfast just east of Snow Hill, overlooking the Chincoteague Bay. See second photo on left. Though it was a bed and breakfast, it often felt like we were staying in a museum since so much of the decor reflected the time period from which the house was built, 1835. Just before dusk, we went for a short walk along the Chincoteague Bay.
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Crisfield Day, Tuesday, September 13
After a good night's sleep, I awoke early and went for a walk at dawn near Pawpaw Creek, shown at the first photo at left. A little later, Mom joined me on the pier and we saw several needle fish which look much like small gar. Later, we were all served breakfast by Carol and George, owners of the Mansion House.

We drove about an hour to Crisfield, Maryland where we walked through the downtown area then went for a boat tour with Smith Island Cruises to Ewell, Smith Island, which lies 13 miles west of Crisfield.

On Smith Island we ate at the Bayside Inn and learned what a peeler is. The island is known for having roots in the crabbing industry. As shown in the second photo at left, there is some tension between the crabbers and some of the environmentalists.

We stopped at the Smith Island Center and toured their museum.

Touring Ewell on foot, we found a Writing Spider (Argiope aurantia) at the Middleton House, now operated as an interpretive center and headquarters for the Martin National Wildlife Refuge by the U.S. Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service. I've never seen a spider in the wild as large as the Writing Spider. It was about 4 inches from tip to tip. See third photo at left.

After returning to Crisfield, we drove about 2.25 hours to Saint Michaels, Maryland where we checked into the Bay Cottage bed and breakfast which overlooks Long Haul Creek just off the Miles River, north of the downtown area. We stayed in the Twilight Suite which is in a building that was once a hunting lodge.

We ended the day with dinner at Saint Michaels Crab and Steak House at the Saint Michaels Marina.
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Saint Michaels Day, Wednesday, September 14
We began the day with a quick drive to Tilghman Island.

Next, we ate a Bay Cottage breakfast and engaged in conversation with other guests and its owners, Bob and Jackie. I suppose what I like most about staying at a bed and breakfast is being able to talk to the owners about the local area, restaurants at which to dine, sites to visit, and most importantly, places from which I can launch a kayak. The first photo at left, shows (from left to right), Kay (Dad), Jackie, Marian (Mom), and Bob.

We then spent much of the day at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. This began with a tour of the Miles River on the excursion boat Patriot. It rained for about a half hour but we were able to stay dry under the tarp roof.

Next, we ate at the Crab Claw Restaurant next to the museum grounds. The 3 of us split their seafood sampler which was sufficient for us all. That was our first time tasting a soft shell crab. Very strange to us Californians.

We finished our day at the museum walking through each building and climbing up the Hooper Strait Lighthouse (see second photo at left. I was shocked to learn that a 60 watt light bulb could be seen for 12 miles due to the way the light is focused through various prisms. Mom learned what a shipjack is. It is a boat with a single wooden mast, a large triangular main sail, and a smaller sail at the front. It was used for oyster dredging since the late 1800s.

After driving for about 1.5 hours, we were back in Arbutus. I grilled sausages for dinner and we called it a night.
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Baltimore Day, Thursday, September 15
Most of the day was spent in Little Italy and the east side of the Baltimore Inner Harbor. Hence, most of the day's activities were within walking distance of each other. Though it rained a bit in the morning on the way there, we managed to stay dry during our visit.

We began our day by eating lunch at Amiccis in Little Italy, Baltimore.

Then, we visited The Flag House and Star-Spangled Banner Museum. We received an awesome private tour from Eric, a fellow member of the Young Sierrans. The first photo at left shows us at the entrance, in front of a flag the same size as the one flown at Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.

Next, we went to the Baltimore Civil War Museum.

Afterwards, we headed to the Baltimore Public Works Museum.

Then, we toured the Baltimore Maritime Museum where we went into the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, the oldest screw pile lighthouse in Maryland, built in 1856. See second photo at left. We then boarded the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Taney.

We ended our day in Baltimore with a fine meal at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Definitely some of the best steak in Baltimore.

Upon returning to Arbutus, we stopped for ice cream at Edy's Grand Ice Cream at 3710 Commerce Drive, Arbutus, Maryland 21227, phone: 410-242-4203.
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Medieval Times Day, Friday, September 16
This was the last full day of my parents' visit so I wanted to make it special. Sande helped by taking the day off and joining us.

I've paddled the Baltimore Inner Harbor many times and during my trips, I've seen an area with an abstract looking metal sculpture on the southern side of the harbor. It turns out this art piece is part of the Baltimore Museum of Industry. After talking to some people, it sounded like a great place to visit. We arrived and began by touring the outside area. Near the sculpture, we found a Siamese kitten. Though Sande would have preferred to stay with the kitten, we entered the museum building and was given a most interesting private tour by Helen. See photo at left.

We drove about 15 minutes to Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant in Mount Vernon, Baltimore where we were served a most unique lunch. After lunch, we returned home and rested before the big evening.

The evening was spent at Arundel Mills Mall. First, we went to the Bass Pro Shop where we viewed the aquarium. Unfortunately, the live horseshoe crab was nowhere to be seen.

Next we dined at Medieval Times. Though Sande and I had been there in February, this was my parents' first time. They found it quite entertaining and well choreographed. I had actually seen it back around 1990 in Spain, before it ever came to the states. I suppose my favorite part was seeing the falcon perform. I was also impressed by how many plates and full pitchers our "wench," Katie, could carry. The event was a memorable one and a great way to end a fabulous visit.
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My parents visited me from the night of Wednesday, October 3, 2007 to the afternoon of Tuesday, October 9, 2007. This was their fourth visit. Having shown them many of the more popular tourist attractions in Maryland, I decided to get input from Norma. She gave me ideas of places to show them further away.

One great thing about having my parents visit is that it gives me a chance to do tourist things that I normally wouldn't do. I regret not having seen more of California when I lived there. I don't even know the location of many neighboring towns. But I bet if I had friends/family to entertain from other states, I would have learned much more about my home state.

This was an extra special visit because this would be the first time my parents would see my new townhouse, Norma, and her family.

Thursday, October 4
After making a pancake and sausage breakfast, I took them to Ladew Gardens. We got a tour of the Ladew home. It was nice but we expected to see more sculpted bushes than we saw. See first photo at left. Still, the gardens were nice (see second photo at left), and we saw an unusual seed pod (see third photo at left).

That evening, I grilled hamburgers and hot dogs.
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Friday, October 5
After introducing my parents to Norma, we headed out to Lancaster, Pennsylvania for the day. This would be a day of introduction to the Amish culture.

We did a tour with Zerve. It was very commercial but we did get to see some nice things and a few friendly farm animals. See first photo at left.

We passed through the town of Intercourse, which still seems funny in a juvenile sort of way.

Afterwards, we took a buggy ride through a covered bridge with AAA Buggy Rides. Then we saw a few more covered bridges on our own including one that passed over the Conestoga River. Notice Norma about to walk over this bridge in the second photo at left.

The four of us ate dinner at a catacomb restaurant called Bube's (pronounced "boobies"...no, it isn't like Hooters). The place is a few floors underground in an old brewery. It was expensive but the food was good and the atmosphere was unique.

That evening, we slept at Hillshire Farms Bed and Breakfast. Very reasonable rates.
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Saturday, October 6
Breakfast at Hillshire was good, especially the dessert which was served first. I guess they didn't want us to get filled up with the main course.

We took a long drive to Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania to see the Frank Lloyd Wright houses: Kentuck Knob and Fallingwater. I used to wonder why others just didn't make copies of his homes but after seeing how he tailored the houses to the surrounding environment, I see why. I preferred the Fallingwater house just because it is built over water...unfortunately, not enough for kayaking. See photo at left.

That night, we stayed at Norma's parents' farm. Our parents hit it off well.
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Sunday, October 7
During breakfast on the farm, we saw several wild turkeys.

All of Norma's family, her in-laws, and my family took a train ride on the Potomac Eagle in West Virginia. Norma's family made a great picnic lunch that we ate on the train. I saw a few bald eagles, deer, and a turtle.

After the ride, we all stopped in at a Dairy Queen for dessert. See photo at left.
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Monday, Columbus Day, October 8
After breakfast, we took a walk on the farm. My parents still can't get over the size of it. Quite different from the west coast agricultural farms they grew up on. See first photo at left.

Norma took us to Swallow Falls State Park where we saw the highest falls in Maryland. It is probably one of the most scenic one mile walks one can take in Maryland. See second photo at left.

We were hoping to see some brilliant fall colors but we were a little too early.

On the way home, we visited Fort Frederick, which was rather mediocre.

Norma made a fine pasta and garlic bread dinner that night.
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Tuesday, October 9
Norma went back to work and I took my parents to the National Cryptologic Museum where we got a 90 minute guided tour. Nice place but be sure to bring a jacket since they keep the computer room pretty cold.

After a quick drive through my old town, Elkridge, I shuttled my parents to the airport and bid them farewell.

Since they only visit me once every other year, I make a special effort to ensure their short time in Maryland is well spent. I think I succeeded.

For a trip report of my visit to California to spend time with my parents on my dad's 80th birthday, see July-August 2008 Visit.

For a trip report of my parents' visit to Maryland and Delaware, see May 2009 Visit.

Tyler Ken
The pressure is off me.  The family name will be carried on!  Tyler Ken was born on May 7, 2002 to Jeremy (half nephew) and Maria.  He weighed in at 7 pounds, 6.5 ounces.
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July 7, 2002
Tyler Ken with Mom and Dad.
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March 30, 2005
Tyler Ken at snack time.
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Shortly after Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1942, the United States government began rounding up people of Japanese ancestry for internment.  Thousands of loyal American citizens of Japanese ancestry were sent to relocation camps in desolate locations scattered throughout the western half of the country, only bringing what they could carry.  My father's family was sent to Tule Lake, California while his mother's family was sent to Poston, Arizona.  Two of my uncles chose to show their patriotism by volunteering for service in the United States Army.  Uncle Don served in the Military Intelligence Service while Uncle Steve served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team whose motto was "Go for Broke".

Want to know more?

To learn more about the Japanese American internment, check out