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I have just spent a few days at Hokkaido and I am reminded of why I like it so much. In no specific order, I especially appreciate the: Skiing – I was just at Niseko for three days of skiing.

I left from Sapporo this morning on the Niseko Ski Express, a special limited express train that takes a scenic route along the coast between Sapporo and Otaru before turning into the mountains as the train goes west.

I discovered an extraordinary organic fertilizer a few weeks ago at the elephant kraal in Ayuddhaya. This product is, to quote from the label, “ELE-POO 100% ELEPHANT FERTILIZER.” We will be testing its affect on turfgrass color and quality.

I’m glad that I have geckos inside my house and rats on the outside of my house. I would not sleep well if the opposite were true. This is little Oliver in my office.

I enjoy the food from many roadside vendors, especially the noodles or sometimes som tam (green papaya salad) or fresh fruit. Occasionally I’ll have a dessert that must be some sort of congealed and fried coconut milk.

During 2008 I put a photo up each month on the Asian Turfgrass Center website to illustrate something that I had learned that month, something that the company was working on, or something that our clients may be interested in.

The weather in Thailand is predictably clement in December, that is if sunshine and blue skies and moderate temperatures are what one enjoys. I have been here helping with some projects at the research center.

I am involved with the organization of sustainable turfgrass management seminars to be held at Thailand, Philippines, and Malaysia in March 2009. Detailed information about these seminars is available at the Sustainable Turfgrass Management for Southeast Asia website, or can be accessed through the Asian Turfgrass Center site.

I had a healthy Thanksgiving dinner of vegetables, fried rice, salad, an omelette, and white wine. The food was special (for me) compared with my usual meal of fruit and peanuts or other readily-consumed

I’m at Haneda airport at the Signet Lounge looking out at gate 66 and the Pokemon 747 that I will be flying on to Fukuoka in 30 minutes. It is always fun to fly on this plane.