Question 1: Name of my grandchildren.

I have two daughters and four grandchildren.
Elder daughter's children are
Nojima Kaori(girl, born in 1986, 9 years old)
Nojima Ryuichi(boy, born in 1988, 7 years old)

Younger daughter's children are
Hayakawa Daisuke (boy, born in 1984, 10 years old)
Hayakawa Ayumi (girl, born in 1987, 8 years old)

Nojima family lives in Otaru, Hokkaido, while Hayasaka family lives in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Now that all of my grandchildren are going to school, we meet 3 times a year. We miss them very much.

My family consist of three. Myself, my wife and Mimi a 7 years old she-cat. All of us are healthy and live happily. We frequently have conversation with our grandchildren by telephone frequently. With Hayasaka family, we occasionally communicate by e-mail.

Question 2. Which language is easier for me: Russian or Chinese?

Most of Japanese character were imported from China in ancient time. So Japanese and Chinese have many characters in common. So Chinese may be more familiar in that we can understand some meaning when we put it on paper.

In case of Russian, it uses alphabet different from English. There are many words imported from English in daily life Japanese. So Russian seems to be a bit difficult for me.

When it comes to the grammar, each language has its own complex rules. Grammar is a real headache. However, since I have started to learn Russian, I am gradually accustomed to Russian. Now I feel Russian a little bit easier than Chinese.

Question 3: Roses!

I love roses very much. I like their color, fragrance and elegance. There are more than 80 roses in my garden. There are more than 20 kinds of them.

Now, at the center of my garden, an arch of white and red roses is in full blossom. It is very cold and snows heavily in winter here. So I have to devote lot of time and energy to set up fence against snow. In spite of this, I love roses and grow them.

I really enjoyed reading your interesting mails from all of you. It is pity that I can not see your photograph. Is it possible to put your photo with Lena-san in place of mine? Please ask your teacher, Lena-san. I am looking forward to seeing your photo on your home page.

Good-by and Good luck!