Hi. Thank you. I looked at the pictures. Although the nuts look somewhat the same, the color is creamy white, and I would not describe these nuts as easy to crack. I think it was planted from a selection, from what I have read. These are good quality nuts and not terrible to remove from the shell. I really hate to lose this tree. It has fruit every year and not every other as the article states wild ones do.

Perhaps the question should first focus on the process and not the result. For me, gardening allows me to participate in the process of creation...specifically, the ongoing creation that continuously renews the natural world as well as those who take the time to notice. The subtle change in the angle of incident light as autumn approaches, the appearance of next year's flower buds alongside this year's fruit on a Dogwood, the almost imperceptible increase in root flare of a specimen tree...these are unnoticed by most and likely not appreciated by most even after it is pointed out to them. Is it more worthwhile to garden in the 'Japanese' style, or does that sentiment imply a sense of superiority of one's sense of aesthetics? Can the gardener who specializes in the traditional English garden, or even the homeowner who takes pride in his/her vegetable garden, realize as much satisfaction, or take as much pride in, or feel as connected with the natural world as does the 'Japanese gardener'. I would submit the answer in many cases must be yes. On the other hand, characteristics that a casual observer would interpret as a 'Japanese garden', such as asymmetry, subtle use of color, water and stones and the appearance that all this happened without the hand of man (or woman!) would more easily evoke the sense that the garden is a place in which to celebrate nature. The real afficianado/professional can chime in on the cultural traditions, religious metaphors and subtly profound wabi-sabi stuff and then half fill cyberspace discussing it. ;-) Which brings me to another point discussed on an adjacent thread. ;-) Does the Tradition suffer by the use of non-traditional techniques and tools? I think the answer must be...not necessarily! ;-) Does the Tradition suffer from this most non-traditional form of electronic communication and research? If you are reading this your answer must be 'no'. More efficient tools, whether it be the internet, a better pond filter or some power tool, enable the gardener/artist/homeowner to do more then one could otherwise. It remains up to the practicioner to see that the end result is acceptable. There are many similarities to bonsai design and development. Some are more stylized representations of the ideal tree, some are styled in a more naturalistic form. Some may have their deadwood carved with simple hand tools, some using a power die-grinder. The top bonsai artists in Japan currently have designed their own power tools as the art progresses. John

Actually, you probably mean Kobe beef, which is a very specific subset of the different Wagyu breeds. Per Crowd Cow: " For beef to be labelled "Kobe Beef", it must be certified according to the following criteria: It must be of the Kuroge Washu breed, and specifically the Tajima strain The animal must be raised and slaughtered in Hyogo prefecture The carcass must be rated and achieve an A4 or A5 rating "Kobe Beef" is a brand name in Japan. And it's the only brand to be well known outside of Japan. In fact, in Japan, there are other "luxury beef brands" such as Matsusaka and Ohmi, and beef-producing regions outside of Hyogo Prefecture such as Kagoshima that are widely considered by beef connoisseurs in Japan to be superior to Kobe Beef. " Sources: https://www.crowdcow.com/blog/japanese-cattle-breeds https://www.crowdcow.com/blog/myths-and-facts-about-wagyu **** Only the Kuroge Washu breed produces the A4/A5 ranked beef. In the U.S. there are only 9 restaurants that are authorized to import and serve it: https://bestlifeonline.com/kobe-beef-restaurants/ **** For a very short time Japan allowed the export of some of the lesser strains of Wagyu cattle. Those are the U.S. Wagyu and Wagyu/hybrid beef that you see in restaurants and retail markets. Note the U.S. Wagyu label indicates the steer has at least 51% Wagyu bloodline, but it is not an automatic indication of the prized Kuroge Washu Wagyu breed. It's not to say that all US Wagyu are inferior - some of the hybrids are very good: raised to a good age on grass, then grain finished (preferably with a high percentage of barley or corn). But most, frankly, are considered a rip-off, charging a premium for an unknown quality. I've had dry-aged US Wagyu twice (different steakhouses) but wasn't impressed. Mild flavor, suitable for people that don't eat a lot of beef. Also, it's not a steak I'd eat rare. Medium-rare at the very least. Just too fatty otherwise, and I say that as someone who genuinely LOVES crispy-edged suet. I grew up in Chicago when the cattle were still being driven every year to the Stockyards. My baseline is Black Angus Prime or Prime Plus, grain-finished and dry-aged. I like big, beefy flavor. Even the better US Wagyu doesn't quite make it for me. Black Angus Prime can be bought from specialty markets, or by mail from sources like Creekstone Farms/Kansas (which we discovered when we went to a great local restaurant and the menu named their vendors). Excellent American Wagyu can be ordered from Snake River Farms/Idaho, if you can't find it locally. Snake River sells the rare rib-eye filet steaks, which are usually very hard to find. BTW, keep in mind that there are levels of quality even from specialty producers. Yes, Snake River sells a line of Wagyu beef products in retail supermarkets. But their Gold Grade rib-eye steak, approx 1.2 lb. for one steak, is priced at $89. You will not find that at your local Safeway or Kroger, probably. HTH clear up some of the confusion!

There are so many interesting and well-known spots near us in DC, but we like the the less traveled spots. We love Rock Creek Park where you can get away from the hustle bustle and not feel that you are in a city at all-if you go in May/June, the mountain laurels will be blooming and they are quite spectacular, but earlier you can also see the Virginia Bluebells, wild phlox, wild geranium, etc. and then the native azaleas. Hiking the C&O canal out to Great Falls is fun and if it has rained recently, the falls are incredibly powerful. On a hot summer day, the National Building Museum is a surprising and completely delightful spot for relief from the heat, and usually quite empty. For one of the best views of the city, go across the Memorial Bridge to the Netherlands Carillon and the Iwo Jima memorial which are just outside Arlington National Cemetery. Look back across the river. You will see the Lincoln, Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol lined up in a row. Spectacular spot for a photo, especially at night.