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Are we over the hump?タイトルをクリックしてください

Is the worst of Covid-19 over? COVID-19 What do you think?  I hear news about the "9th wave" coming soon, but at the same time, mask mandates have stopped, most of the kids in school aren't wearing masks, and many countries have declared that the worst is over.  I'm not so sure. How about inflation?   While it is still going up in Akita:  higher gas prices, taxi fares, food, electricity etc,  It has started to go down in the USA for the first time in three years.  It gives me hope that Japan will follow soon. Today I want to teach you a few phrases about "over the hump":

  1. out of the woods
  2. over the hump
  3.  turned the corner.
  4. over the worst of it, or over the worst part
  5. on the road to recovery
  6. on the mend
  7. on the way up
  8. in the clear 
  9. out of danger
  10. on the comeback trail
    over the hump

Today's BGM:

Out of the Woods

Taylor Swift

https://youtu.be/FEzj8K1cL6w
Looking at it now It all seems so simple We were lying on your couch I remember You took a Polaroid of us Then discovered (then discovered) The rest of the world was black and white But we were in screaming color And I remember thinking... [Chorus 2x:] Are we out of the woods yet? Are we out of the woods yet? Are we out of the woods yet? Are we out of the woods? Are we in the clear yet? Are we in the clear yet? Are we in the clear yet? In the clear yet? Good Are we out of the woods? Looking at it now Last December (last December) We were built to fall apart Then fall back together (back together) Your necklace hanging from my neck The night we couldn't quite forget When we decided (we decided) To move the furniture so we could dance, Baby, like we stood a chance Two paper airplanes flying, flying, flying And I remember thinkin' [Chorus 2x] (Are we out of the woods?!) Remember when you hit the brakes too soon? Twenty stitches in the hospital room When you started cryin', baby, I did, too But when the sun came up, I was lookin' at you Remember when we couldn't take the heat I walked out and said, "I'm settin' you free," But the monsters turned out to be just trees And when the sun came up, you were lookin' at me You were lookin' at me You were lookin' at me, I remember, oh, I remember [Chorus 4x]


A hedge or a fence?タイトルをクリックしてください

I'm still on the fence about what to replace our old fence with. In the meantime, as promised, here are a few idioms about hedges.

  1.   Hedge your bets.  Do something to prevent or prepare for future damage or loss.  With the banks failing in the US, it's a good idea to hedge your bets by putting half your money in gold.Hedge Your Bets Meaning – What Is Hedging Your Bets? – Old Blog Posts |  Poker chips, Poker, Gambling
  2. Hedge in.  To make a border or barrier around something.  When I came out of AEON, I discovered my car had been hedged in on all sides by other cars!  I was stuck.Traffic Jam
  3. Hedge fund.  A high risk high return investment. In 2011, his hedge fund had a return of 50 percent.Hedge Fund Strategies
  4. Dragged through a hedge backwards.  Look messy or disheveled.  What happened to you??? You look like you  got dragged through a hedge backwards.Hilarious before and after photo goes viral showing first day at school
  5. A hedge between keeps friendships green.  Privacy is important for good friends also. I didn't ask too much about his children.  You know what they say;  A hedge between keeps friendships green. A hedge between keeps friendships green. | Healthy quotes, Friendship, How  i feel
おまけ:  Hedgehog ハリネズミ I have a family of hedgehogs living in my hedges!Free Animals Hedgehog photo and picture Little hedgehog song:   https://youtu.be/UmbgykJLavY How was your Golden Week?  I spent  three days in Tokyo, visiting my grandkids.  It was wonderful.  Then I was very busy for the rest of the week, but I did find time to finish some projects, and enjoy spring a little. [caption id="attachment_2558" align="alignnone" width="853"] My new sign. New classes start Monday.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2559" align="alignnone" width="853"] I finally finished repairing and staining my terrace. I'm satisfied with the results.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2560" align="alignnone" width="853"] Visited Inokashira Park Zoo with my grandkids. Surprised to see a カモシカ in the zoo![/caption] [caption id="attachment_2561" align="alignnone" width="853"] Had dinner at Sizzler restaurant in Mitaka City. It was delicious![/caption] [caption id="attachment_2563" align="alignnone" width="853"] Enjoyed beautiful azaleas at Senshu park.[/caption]
 


NEW CLASS INFO   新クラスタイトルをクリックしてください

Free Kids Children illustration and picture 5月より、新しい子どものクラスをはじめます。 定員:7名 月謝:4,500円

  • HOP クラス:毎週金曜日(1-3年生) 4:30~5:20                            (残り2人)
  • STEP クラス:毎週月曜日(4-6年生) 4:30~5:20                             (残り5人)
お早目にお申込みを、お願いします。 Thanks to your continuing support, I am happy to announce three new children’s classes.
  • HOP CLASS:           Friday;               4:30~5:20(3 seats open)
  • STEP CLASS: Monday;         4:30~5:20
Please register early, first come first served.


A fence or a hedge?タイトルをクリックしてください

Do you have a fence around your house? . . .a hedge? My home has had a tall metal fence around two sides for the last 20 years.  Suddenly in February, it was torn down without any warning.  Our house is fully exposed to the world.  I feel NAKED! We have been thinking about what to put up in place of the old fence.  There are many pros and cons to both fences and hedges.  Please give me some good advice. In the meantime, here are a few phrases, idioms about fences and hedges.Large Banner Image for Hedge vs Fence Blog

  1.   On the fence.  To be undecided about something.  I'm on the fence about building a fence.Sitting On The Fence | Great PowerPoint ClipArt for Presentations - PresenterMedia.com
  2. Good fences make good neighbors.  It's always good to have clear lines marking your side and their side. My neighbor's dog keeps coming into my yard, I guess I'll have to put up a fence.  You know what they say, "good fences make good neighbors".Mending Wall” Video Summary - YouTube
  3. Fence in.  To trap, or feel trapped.  I really feel fenced in by all these Covid 19 restrictions!Free Hands Children'S Hands photo and picture
  4. Go for the fences.  To try your hardest, make your best effort. I'm going for the fences in starting my new classes.  (This comes from baseball, homeruns).Don't Go Swinging For The Fences | Seeking Alpha
  5. Mend fences.  To repair relationships.  I was finally able to mend fences with my high school friend after 30 years of separation.BBC Learning English - 今日短语/ Mend fences with someone 重归于好
Next time, Hedges Today's BGM:  Don't fence me in. Willie Nelson Oh give me the land, lots of land Under starry skies above Don't fence me in Let me ride through the wide open Country that I love Don't fence me in Let me be by myself in the evening breeze Listen to the murmur of the cottonwood trees Send me off forever but I ask you please Don't fence me in Just turn me loose let me straddle my old saddle Underneath the western skies On my cayuse let me wander over yonder Till I see the mountain rise I want to ride to the ridge where the west commences Gaze at the moon until I lose my senses I can't look at the hobbles and I can't stand the fences Don't fence me in   By the way, have you had time to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms this year?  Here are a few photos of the last few days. Akita is so beautiful. [caption id="attachment_2534" align="alignnone" width="853"] Taihei River April 9th, so early![/caption] [caption id="attachment_2535" align="alignnone" width="853"] Taihei River[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2536" align="alignnone" width="853"] Kakunodate, Hinokinai River, April 15th, my first time to see Kakunodate Cherry blossoms.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2537" align="alignnone" width="853"] Hinokinai River[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2538" align="alignnone" width="853"] Famous Kakunodate Weeping Cherry Tree[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2539" align="alignnone" width="480"] Skunk Cabbage at Sashimaki, April 15th.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2541" align="alignnone" width="853"] Dog tooth violets at Sashimaki[/caption]


Shopping Part 2タイトルをクリックしてください

To continue from my last post, here are 5 more uncommon shopping phrases.

  1.   Separate checks / split checks.  Divide the bill for each person of a group.  Could we have separate checks please, all I had was a cup of tea. Separate Restaurant Checks Would Spur Harmony and Diverse Friendships

  2. It's a rip off.  Something that costs more than it's worth. $10 for a glass of OJ!  What a rip off, they're taking advantage of us!What is a rip-off? Definition and examples - Market Business News

  3. Shopping spree. To spend a lot of money for many things.   As soon as my Christmas bonus comes, I'm going on a camp gear shopping spree.Go on a Shopping Spree and We'll Guess How Old You Are | HowStuffWorks

  4. Yard sale / garage sale.  Selling your old things in front of your house, or in your garage. We'll have to leave early if we want to find anything worth buying at his garage sale.

  5. One stop shop.  A store where you can get almost anythingCostco is almost a one stop shop, I really wish we had one closer than Sendai!S

Have you had any fun shopping trips recently?

I bought a tent last week, I can't wait to try it out when I go hunting mountain vegetables this spring.

新品Featherstone Outdoor UL Granite Backpacking 2 Person Tent for Ultralight 3-Season Camping and Expeditions

Next time, "Fences or Hedges"

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Shop til you drop.タイトルをクリックしてください

In many of my classes, we have been studying shopping.  Unfortunately, the inflation in Japan (and around the world) has  taken some of the fun out of shopping. I did have a nice day shopping yesterday, and unexpectedly found many good deals at Dodger's Supermarket.  So with a little newfound positivity, let's learn some uncommon shopping phrases.

  1. Shopping Therapy. (or Retail Therapy)  Buying something to make you feel better I broke up with my boyfriend yesterday, I think it's time for some shopping therapy.
  2. Shop around.  Going to different stores to compare prices or services.  (also used for dating).  Don't settle on the first man you see, you'd better shop around!  (see video below)*
  3. Shoplift. 万引き One of the signs of the bad economy is a startling increase in shoplifting.A shoplifting incident
  4. Fit like a glove. to fit perfectly.  That suit fits you like a glove. You should definitely buy it.To fit like a glove – Inglés Málaga
  5. Shop til you drop.  To keep shopping until you're too tired to continue. (it's an exaggeration).  I used to shop til I dropped all night!  These days, one or two stores is my limit.Cartoon of the Day: Shop ‘Til You Drop - Inflation cartoon 04.02.2014
https://youtu.be/QOboRbBytiQ Next time, 5 more phrases. In the mean time, I really enjoyed winter camping and snowshoeing last week. [caption id="attachment_2508" align="alignnone" width="333"] Thursday morning -5. Good morning![/caption]     [caption id="attachment_2509" align="alignnone" width="333"] The path to our tents.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2511" align="alignnone" width="948"] On the Babame road, a season's worth of snow.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2514" align="alignnone" width="948"] A beautiful winter river.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2513" align="alignnone" width="948"] Our path through unbroken snow, behind us,[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2512" align="alignnone" width="948"] In front of us.[/caption]    


"Hoppy" New Year!タイトルをクリックしてください

HOP HOP HOP into 2023.

Cartoon Happy New Year Funny Image For Kids | Happy new year funny, New year cartoon, Happy new year quotes A belated happy new year to all my friends and students, and a VERY belated return to Marks's Phrase. I've learned not to make promises I can't keep, but in the spirit of new year's resolutions, I will try harder to post more here on this phrase page . . .try, try, try! I did have a wonderful Christmas and お正月. I spent it with family at home, quietly.  I will post some pictures below for those of you who are interested. In the meantime, I will continue my new year idiom tradition.  This year is the year of the rabbit.  So here are some common English rabbit idioms:
  1. Like a rabbit caught in the headlights.  To be very surprised and freeze.  When I asked my son where he was all night, he looked at me like a rabbit caught in the headlightsPaying it Forward. | Rugby Physio
  2. Timid as a rabbit.  Someone who is very shy or scared.  It took a lot of courage to propose to my wife, I've always been as timid as a rabbit.The Timid Rabbit by Elizabeth Shaw
  3. Pull a rabbit out of the hat.  To do something surprising or amazing.  I can't believe I made it in time for the party New Year's Eve.  I really pulled a rabbit out of a hat that day.  (I'll tell you the details later).Magician Pulling Rabbit Out Of Hat Photograph by H. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStock - Fine Art America
  4. Multiply like rabbits.  To have a lot of kids.  That family has 19 KIDS!  The parents really multiply like rabbits.multiply like rabbitsSupersized: The 21-member Bates family of Tennessee, pictured, were given a reality show by TLC. The show, which premieres tonight on the network, will follow Jeb's arrival as well as the other children
  5. The rabbit died. To be pregnant.   I guess we're having  another kid . . .the rabbit died.The rabbit died - Idioms by The Free Dictionary
  6. Go down the rabbit hole. To start a strange journey or search that only becomes curiouser and curiouser.   If you really want to go down the rabbit hole, click on this link.What does it mean to go down the rabbit hole? - Quora
  7. If you chase two rabbits you can't catch either one.  An easy to understand (?)  proverb. The government is trying to cut taxes and increase welfare at the same time, but if you chase two rabbits you will not catch either one.He Who Chases Two Rabbits - KidMinScience
  8. Rabbit food. Salad greens.   One of my new year's resolutions is to diet, so I've only been eating rabbit food this week.Types of Lettuce: A Visual Guide to Salad Greens | Kitchn
  9. Rabbit on.  To talk and talk and talk!  I called to say a quick happy new year but he rabbited on for 45 minutes!Blah Blah Blah 25 Transparent – Pattern Crew
  10.   Rabbit's foot.  A good luck charm . . . but clearly not lucky for the rabbit!   I put a rabbit's foot in my pen case for good luck on my entrance exams.Rabbit Rabbits Foot KEYCHAIN WHITE/NATURAL 4 Pieces - Etsy 日本

Today's BGM:

In a cottage in the wood

In the cottage in the woods, Little man by the window stood. Saw a rabbit hopping by, Knocking at the door.

“Help me! Help me! Help me!” he said, "Before the hunter shoots me dead!” “Little rabbit, come to me, Happy we will be.”

A rabbit song for adults;  White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane

https://youtu.be/TKZVUtvjBdM   [caption id="attachment_2482" align="alignnone" width="630"] Building a snowhouse with my grandson[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2483" align="alignnone" width="490"] Nothing better than a winter barbecue.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2484" align="alignnone" width="510"] with delicious meat.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2485" align="alignnone" width="531"] This year's Christmas lights.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2486" align="alignnone" width="1005"] This year's Christmas tree[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2487" align="alignnone" width="487"] Taking my grandson for his first bowling experience.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2488" align="alignnone" width="570"] First winter camp of the year.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2489" align="alignnone" width="506"] Snowshoeing in beautiful Akita.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2490" align="alignnone" width="477"] Blume Messe's Poinsettia tower.[/caption]


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