Thundercat

Thanks. Ganbatte! It's all slightly concerning because another family we are friends with who own a cabin near to ours were forced to sell it because they couldn't afford the capital gains tax on the property when their father, the owner and builder of the property, passed away late last year. We are trying to get ahead of the curve on this one in the very unfortunate event that my lovely mother were to pass away. Now that she is retired we are trying to claim that it is her primary residence, which it is, at which point I'll buy it from her but continue to allow her to live there for the

Snowdude, you obviously missed this post: It's amazing how different it can be from place to place and year to year. We've had almost no rainy season at all around here. Literally only a few days of rain. I don't envy you at all Wiggles. It's definitely my least favourite time of year. I'm quite obviously talking about the weather in my area, which is Shizuoka, and more specifically the weather stats according to the Mishima weather station. Nothing to do with Yamanashi. It certainly has been way drier than usual and slightly warmer. And yes, that is 0.2C warmer than las

According to JMA the average temp for June was .2C higher. Nothing significant though. Basically exactly the same as usual.

Just checked the stats on the JMA website. June had the 3rd lowest rainfall in 30 years and the lowest since I've lived here. It was less than half of the average rainfall for that month.

It would really depend on the system in Japan. Is inheritance tax levied on a primary dwelling? In Canada, there is a capital gains tax (inheritance tax) on secondary dwellings in Canada. I'm in the process of taking ownership of our family cottage and the paperwork involved is over the top. Hopefully, I'll be able to get it all done while I'm home this summer... if not... not sure what will happen.

It's amazing how different it can be from place to place and year to year. We've had almost no rainy season at all around here. Literally only a few days of rain. I don't envy you at all Wiggles. It's definitely my least favourite time of year.

The crazy thing is that the more Japanese you understand the more pitifully annoying the announcing becomes.

Wait, I'm confused. I thought the problem with ManYoo last season was that they had a shite manager who was out of his depth (while being a nice guy who cuddles kittens, of course). Why would Van Gaal need to spend so much cash and acquire so many new players when we all know last seasons debacle was all Moyes' fault?

Hot and sunny the last two days. As for the typhoon, I find it quite annoying when people talk about them not being a big deal WHEN THEY DON'T LIVE ANYWHERE NEAR WHERE IT MADE LANDFALL /rant over.

I think you mean, 'Let's weeding'. I'll be doing the same shortly.

Was down at the beach for most of yesterday and it was lovely. So nice to be able to avoid the weekend crowds. Today is going to be all about yard work and hammock time. Beers may even be on the forecast.

He'd actually be a good fit at Everton. There were rumours earlier in the summer but haven't heard anything since.

Well, Van Gaal destroyed his keepers confidence and the result was inevitable. Go Arggies! Rematch of '86 and '90. Going to be a good one.

Our first summer signing! Gareth Barry! Now let's start signing some new exciting players. We've got a few more matches next season and we don't even have a striker... Hurry up!

What in the name of all things holy happened to Brazil? I literally went to pour a cup of coffee and when I came back to the tv it was just full of images of crying fans. Then the score flashed up 4-0 and I dumped my coffee all over myself!

Haha. A gentleman never tells

Lol. I used to be the pool guy! One thing that most people don't realise is that swimming pools are a big investment that can negatively effect property value. An ageing pool that isn't properly maintained is a money pit.

I honestly can't understand being bored when you retire. I have so much non-work related stuff going on in my life that work really gets in the way. If I didn't have to work I wouldn't. In fact, I never would have worked a day in my life if it weren't necessary! (Not that I don't like what I'm doing though)

Yep. Sounds like Cillessen will start against the arggies.

I thought he looked devastated when he came off. Of course, when it came time for PKs he was cheering with the rest of them. Will Krul start next match?

I enjoyed the match actually. Plenty of chances, counters and pace. Of course, the end was a classic and Van Gaal looks like a mad genius now for subbing the keeper. Can't imagine what was going through the other keepers mind when he saw Krul warming up. Must have felt pretty bad being taken off like that.

Eco-heating is super easy. Black pipes on the roof, for example, gives free hot water pretty much any time. There are much more elegant ways than that though.

Yeah, we rarely use the ac and are often out during the day. In the winter I think we double that figure keeping our house warm. Heated toilet seats, kotatsu, heated carpets and radiators all add up!

I think they have a real chance against Brazil. Especially in light of the way that Brazil have been playing. I also think France may be at the final after watching their matches. Germany just doesn't have the pace and this world cup seems to be all about speed!

I used to build swimming pools as a summer job way back when I was a university student. They are very labour intensive to install but once up and running they can be quite eco-friendly. It really depends on how they are built. I checked our electricity usage today. This month was 125 kWH, last month was 145 kWH. Guess we are pretty good at conserving energy.