KOTATSU!

Today, readers, I learned about a nifty little invention called a Kotatsu. Japanese homes are built virtually without insulation. This allows the walls to "breathe" in the summer so mold doesn't form in the walls. Japan can get humid in the summer. However, as you can imagine, it means it gets very cold inside the home in the winter. Running the heater can get really expensive as all the heat escapes through the walls.

The Japanese have an invention called a Kotatsu, which is a low table with a heater underneath. In the winter, you attach a blanket around the table and sit underneath the blanket. In the summer, the blanket can be removed and the table can be used as a normal table. Here's some pictures of this interesting item:

I must have one. The look extra cozy and I imagine Wylee would love cuddling up in one.