{Hibiscus moscheutos Luna White}

In our garden we do have a very large variety of Hibiscus; the Hibiscus moscheutos Luna White, which can have dinner plate-sized, hollyhock-like flowers up to 8 inches or 20 cm in diameter. Its flowers are white with very dark red centers...

This photo from June 30, does show the spots where rain drops fell... We had lots of rain all summer.

There obviously is also an insect eating away all the green of its leaves, see to the left!

These Hibiscus moscheutos Luna White are quite a show!

Husband Pieter took these photos around 10:30 AM...

Again, lots of pollen for the hummingbirds, bees and butterflies.

Plenty of new buds shown here!

Lovely dark red center!

{Japanese Fireman's Happi-Coat from my 2007 Trip}

Guess this time I need some help from my dear Japanese readers... 

When we each received one, at the Sayonara party in July of 2007, I guess we were told it was a Japanese Fireman's Happi-Coat.
But I don't know anything about it. 

If you know more about its meaning, according to the Kanji symbols, please let me know!

Yes, I was fortunate to be one of two chaperones (pictured to the right) and also the team leader, for a group of 6 teenagers from Dublin, Georgia to visit our Sister City of Osaki in Japan.

We all received such a heavy, black cotton, Fireman's Happi-Coat!

Sorry, but I cannot read these characters in Kanji...
~0~
Okay, here is the FULL explanation; thanks to blogger friend Miyako from Orchid's Daily Voice:

The fireman's happi-coat is made of thick cotton (I think yours as well) and it soaks water well. They used to wear them pouring water over themselves to fight against fire.
Nowadays the coats are mainly for ceremonies.
The Kanji characters mean:
Osaki-city must have Sanbongi-town; its town's name. Yes Sanbongi-town is where we stayed!
 means 'fire company'
and means 'head of the company'.

The large Kanji in the back resembles the very same as the top 3 on the front's left side... 
But to me it is a puzzle!

It did not come with a sash so I had to make my own.

With a roll of Offray ribbon and some DMC cotton thread, I managed...

Shiny DMC 5, black cotton thread from France.

Yep, two hand crocheted belt loops and I did sew them onto the cotton fabric.

For the sash I did stitch two layers of ribbon together after first having made a diagonal seam in both ends.

Here I am wearing my Japanese Happi-Coat, complete with self-made sash and together with the Zori Sandals...
Photo is taken on our balcony next to last year's polyurethane balustrades from Vintage Woodworks, Texas on the Italian CERDOMUS ceramiche tiles that Pieter laid himself.

Related link:
{10 Things to Learn from Japan... after the Earthquake and Tsunami!} | previous post by me showing the special LOVE gift I bought for the mayor of our Sister-City
{Japanese Yubikan from 1692 that I visited at Iwadeyama Osaki JAPAN, collapsed by earthquake} | previous post by me showing our group during visit of building that collapsed...
{News from Our Sister-City Osaki in JAPAN + Join NISSAN with Donation!} | previous post by me showing pictures from my visit

{Barlow Tyrie Capri Lounger with Cushioned Velour Cover}

In a comment on: 'Our now WHITE Barlow Tyrie Ltd Capri Lounger with Wheels', there was concern that I would have to lie on it like a fakir... Rest assured Marianne from Biebkriebels (Library-jitters) we do have a very lovely white Cushioned Velour Cover...

This is IT. 'Our now WHITE Barlow Tyrie Capri Lounger with Wheels' and a very soft Cushioned Velour Cover... on the Italian Cerdomus tiles.

Marianne from the blog Biebkriebels (Library Jitters) did write: Everything is ready to enjoy, but with a pillow I hope... To which I replied: Yes sure, there is a very pretty and soft chaise cover in white... Otherwise you would be lying down rather fakir like!

There are even three handy side pockets...

Heaven for reading some magazines while snacking on some cherries!

The Velour Cover looks still a bit wrinkled here, as I just had taken it out of its plastic storage bag for winter.

All in the softest 100% cotton with Polyester filling.
Not too bulky for propping it inside the washer.

 Complete with pillow...

Frontgate Cushioned Velour Chaise Cover...

Another great find!

Related link:
{Our now WHITE Barlow Tyrie Capri Lounger with Wheels} | previous post by me