🌅 This morning’s Okinawa sky and temperature
Good morning.
This morning in Okinawa it’s 18°C. It’s lightly overcast and a bit chilly. The past 2-3 days have been cloudy or rainy, but today we finally see some clear skies—a refreshing start after so long.
The news reports heavy snow on the mainland of Japan, reminding me how different winters can be. Okinawa’s winter is short, and the cold is only temporary, so mornings like this feel especially precious.
🌸 The cherry blossoms visible from the balcony
The cherry blossoms visible from the balcony are also gradually hinting at spring. While still far from full bloom, the buds at the tips of the branches seem to be swelling little by little, and I look forward to the day they bloom.
The news reported that plum blossoms are in full bloom in the northern part of the island, but it seems the cherry blossoms in Urasoe will take a little more time. The way the seasons progress differently by region is one of the interesting things about Okinawa.
👕 Morning chores and laundry
I started the washing machine early and hung the laundry on the balcony. It’s slightly overcast, but the chance of rain isn’t high, so it should dry nicely by evening.
Since Okinawa often has high humidity, sunny breaks are perfect laundry days. On days like this, household chores just seem to get done naturally.
🧴 Our Household Detergent Items
At home, we always use three types: “Attack,” “Wide Hitter,” and “Lenor.” There’s no particular reason; they just happen to be where they catch my eye at the Sanei store.
“Wide Hitter” is often on sale, so I end up grabbing it. The scent and feel of detergents are also about habit, so before I knew it, I’d been using the same combination for ages.
🧺 Memories of Laundry from Elementary School
Back in elementary school, we used a twin-tub washing machine and powdered soap. I still remember carrying those heavy soap boxes home from shopping with my parents.
Liquid detergents were rare back then, so measuring out powdered soap was the norm. It was a world apart from today’s one-push convenience.
The area we lived in had abundant spring water, so after washing, we’d rinse the clothes there before spinning them dry. Water cuts were frequent in summer,
so the routine was:
“Wash at home, rinse at the spring.”
I fondly recall those days, washing clothes together as a family while washing our hands in the cool spring water.
🌤️ Another day to take it easy
It’s a quiet, slightly overcast morning, but this kind of peaceful time isn’t so bad.
Looking forward to the cherry blossoms blooming, I plan to take it easy again today without pushing myself.
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