insects, snakes and little old men (but not in the same room)

Ahhhhhhhhhh!!! That sound is me slowly melting into my seat as yep, rainy reason is about at an end YAY but that does mean so humid my eyelids sweat summer season starts BOOO!
This transition between seasons means we get just about more animals out and about (and hiding in places) than you usually would, so along with the fireflies I saw the other week, you'll also see swallows diving through the air, giant moths fluttering around at night, bright green frogs sitting on your bike in the morning, crickets and grasshoppers, gatherings of dragonflies flitting around the green rice fields, spiders, massive massive spiders, even more massive massive spiders (currently taking up residence on my balcony (which at least keeps the mosquitoes away) oh and yesterday I almost rode over a snake, yep a real big snake.
So just a few things then. Actually the snake was very rare indeed, only the third I've seen in my time in Japan although the closest to where I live (once again another reason I'm glad I'm on the second floor) but the other things, yep pretty regular basis.
Last night I was attempting a recipe from the great river side cook book given to me by my family (beef with penne pasta and red wine hmmmm) when I got a call from one of the only people in our village who can speak English inviting me to the local booze shop/Karaoke parlour. It turned out that they had held the village annual meeting in the booze shop which at least save the walk there afterwards, so in I walk to be hugged by a tiny little old 80 year old man who was clearly pleased to see me. It just shows how nice my village are considering that despite no one really speaking English they have tried to get to know me, and made me feel very welcome, so last night after singing my turn at Karaoke (David Bowie's "Lets dance is the only song I can actually sing by the way) they promised me a leaving party put a beer (or three) in my hand and asked me questions (the usual question is "Baby?" followed by "Why?") oh and I've promised at least three people can come and live with me and T.O.H in England (I'm edging my bets that they won't be around, although one day I know there's going to be a knock at the door and a "Herrroooo Mr. Stephan!) Still a lovely night, although I could have done without waking up at 4.40 dying for a glass or water laying under the table of the living room.
Anyway back to the sweating of the eyelids and a preparation of a nice pasta salad, and that my friends is what Sunday is all about.