Ashes

I live in the land of earthquakes, so a bit of rattling doesn't rattle me much, except a little prayer will always be said, in hopes that no damage was done at the epicenter and no one was hurt.

The Japanese archipelago is sitting on a bed of potential onsen (hot spring) geyers, and it's just of matter of "when" it's going to create some excitment. Each year, someone will send a reminder that Mt. Fuji is "due" soon, so we need to be prepared. I haven't a clue as to how one is to prepare for an eruption, other than to leave, but we'll take our chances and hope that the volcano will be contented and quiet -- for a lifetime -- our lifetime.

Yesterday morning, I was awoken by a little jiggle. I didn't think much of it as I have always imagined that Mt. Fuji's shake would throw me off the bed, versus this one that was no more than a wake-up lullabye. Then, I heard the news that Mt. Asama, near Karuizawa, was "growing" and might decide to let off a bit more than just some steam in the near future.

Well, that near future turned out to be this morning.

Shake, rattle and roll. And pop!
The mountain which overlooks the "upscale" mountain resort with skiing in the winter, coolness in the summer and historical homes of one of the first summer cottages for the foreign community, has decided to grace her presence on the front page of newspapers.

It had a "medium" eruption in 2004 and the ash caused considerable damage to the agricultural business.

The wind is strong today, coming in from the north.

There are reports that there's volcanic ash on cars parked in Tachikawa, just a "few" (give or take 30) stations away.

Looks like there's going to be more "damage" than just to the farmers and consumers.

Better not hang the laundry out.

Or wash the car.