The Vagabond's Roots

Okay to my real post:

I have roots! Or at least I've just learned a little more about my family history. I actually now know the names of my great grandparents on my dad's mom's side: the REAL Japanese in my family.

Introducing g-grandpa Suyekichi (or Sayekichi but there are more Suyekichis on my google search) and g-grandma Tone Narita, b. 1878, 1888 and d. 1931, 1936.

What's cool about my grandma's family is that the husband of her older sister actually took on the family name Narita since there were no boys to carry on the name into the next generation. Ironically, my great Auntie Nei-san (I believe 94 or 95 years old now) bore all girls so the name never made it to my generation.

Also now known in my grandma's work history from 1956-1967 and beyond. After retiring, she continued to work as a dental assistant until 1971 is appears. She herself told me that she never got a degree in it, just on the job training. And she went back to work after retiring, because she was bored not working. I don't know if I've ever met a person with more energy and a better work ethic than my grandma.

And for all of you who complain about taxes: in Nov. 1967 $280 got taxed $117. Ouch. Or perhaps it's the other way...after taxes $280 became $117, but I can't quite believe that.

Okay my brain hurts from fatigue. Gotta wake up semi early to repack (err I didn't really unpack but you know...) and clean and see some friends!!