I’m back in New York today, but before I left Oklahoma, I squeezed in my first visit to The Kow Pasture, to my knowledge, the one and only bar in Owasso, Oklahoma. I always thought that a town with 40-plus churches needed at least one bar. Apparently most Owassoans still don’t know that The Kow Pasture has existed there for the past 50 years.

The cinderblock establishment is tucked away amongst scenic pastures, and probably also cows, though I only saw horses on the drive there. Since my parents discovered The Kow Pasture a couple of years ago, they’ve almost become regulars, in a sort of half-ironic way, and they’ve been talking up its rough charm ever since.

My mom was eager to point out the weathered door and barred windows as we entered. I was especially taken with the mascot.

This cow knows that you can’t enjoy a beer without a cigarette!

Neither can the patrons of The Kow Pasture. An atmospheric haze hung over everything inside.

Note the shuffleboard, which you can use for a dollar. There was also a dog (maybe a doberman pinscher?) wandering around. It seemed friendly, only jumping up on me once.

The drink selection wasn’t huge—basically, they had Bud and Bud Light, and they were out of Bud Light that night. If I remember correctly, a pitcher was $6. Definitely an economical way to spend a night out. The trickiest thing is hurrying home to throw your smokey clothes in the wash afterward.

I’m happy I could see this slice of Oklahoma before returning to the big city!

Did you hear that Seseame Workshop is producing new episodes of The Electric Company?

I don’t have any specific memories of the show, which was in reruns on PBS by the time I was around to see it, but it must have made an impression on me, because everything I imagine about childhood in the ’70s seems to be based on the show: cheery diversity, music that was both educational and smart, and swirling animations in yellows and reds.

Here’s a delightful clip with Morgan Freeman that I could watch over and over again. I love its totally analog quality.

The new episodes are supposed to begin airing this fall.

I took this photo with my phone camera a few weeks ago. It’s a building on 11th Avenue in New York, not far from where I live.

I like how it’s a normal building, then it just stops, as if part of the backside melted away. Not sure what’s going on here.

Did I mention I’m going to Japan? I’m leaving in about 12 hours!

Husband John and I will be taking his mom and big brother on a 10-day tour of Tokyo and Kyoto, with a stopover in Nagoya to see friends. Yay!

I wasn’t necessarily expecting to return so soon (it was just about a year ago that John and I went for our last vacation), but the timing just worked out for all four of us. I think it’s going to be a riot to go with two people who’ve never been and don’t speak the language. We’re planning on lots of sightseeing, shopping, eating, and other fun activities that are so much more exciting there than here for some reason. Like crane games!

Like last year, I might be a tad bit slow to respond to emails, but I’ll be online when I can, and still posting to the blog.

I’m also hoping to find tons of toy inspiration and the prizes for this year’s Mochimochi Photo contest!

Speaking of the photo contest, it’s not too early to start working on your entries! The contest will probably be a bit earlier this year—I’m thinking summertime or thereabouts. Here’s an amazing photo already from Giolou.

Ninjabunzilla! I hope I get to meet him in person in Tokyo.