🌥️ This Morning’s Sky and Wind Conditions
This morning is cloudy with a temperature of 17°C. The forecast calls for a high of 19°C, with cloudy conditions during the day transitioning to clear skies by night. Wind speeds are around 3-5 m/s. While the tips of the bamboo sway, the cherry trees barely move, indicating it’s not a strong wind. The breeze feels slightly cool, but more pleasant than cold.
Even with the balcony window open, the room stays comfortable—warm enough to wear short sleeves and shorts. Mom doesn’t seem cold either, though she did want some warm tea.
🍳 Morning Routine and Mom’s Condition
The morning was uneventful, with no laundry needed today, so chores were light. The dishwasher only held morning coffee cups and plates; I’ll run it later this afternoon.
When I woke Mom, she grumbled a little at first but got up without much fuss.
This morning’s breakfast was egg sandwiches.
- Spread butter on bread, top with thinly sliced bacon, and bake in the air oven at 120°C for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make a thin omelet and place it on the baked bread to make the sandwich.
For Mom:
- Frozen fruit + yogurt + honey
- One banana
- 1/4 of the sandwich
She seemed in good health, took her medicine and checked her blood pressure on her own, watered the flowers at Dad’s Buddhist altar, and then walked around the room to vacuum. After that, she’ll probably wipe down surfaces with a Quickle Wiper, watch TV, and take a shower before noon – the usual routine.
🚗 Afternoon Plans and Crowded Offices
Mom has daycare this afternoon, so I plan to finish lunch early and take her there.
All government office errands wrapped up yesterday, which is a relief.
Offices are packed this time of year—parking lots full, reception desks with long lines, and the wait times are exhausting. After dropping Mom off today, I’d like to relax a bit and recover from the usual fatigue.
If I have time in the evening, I’d like to cook something while taking photos of the dishes.
🥬 Vegetable Prices and Seasonal Changes
The period when Chinese cabbage was cheap has ended, and now cabbage is getting cheaper. Daikon radishes are especially cheap this year, consistently under 100 yen.
Summer vegetables seem to be appearing early too. Bell peppers are mostly field-grown, and Okinawan daikon radishes are becoming more common. Okinawan daikon has red soil clinging to it, giving the surface a slightly reddish hue, but washing it makes it white like regular daikon. Zucchini is also cheap, making this a season where winter and early summer vegetables mix together.
In Okinawa, due to the melon fly issue, taking cucurbit plants out of the prefecture is prohibited. As summer approaches, warning notices increase significantly. It’s best to assume you generally can’t take vegetables out of the prefecture.
🌸 The End of Cherry Blossoms and the Season of Ippei
This morning, the cherry blossoms had turned mostly deep green, with only a few pink spots remaining. The cherry tree beside the apartment building has finished blooming, and other trees are also nearing the end overall.
Right now, the vibrant yellow flowers of the Ippei are at their peak. If I had time, I’d love to go take some photos.
Around the apartment, the red fruits of the Manila palm are also noticeable. I looked it up and found they’re ornamental, not edible.
📝 Summary
- This morning started calmly under cloudy skies and a pleasant breeze.
- Mom is feeling well, and her morning routine went smoothly.
- She’ll be at daycare this afternoon, so Kanehisa should have some time to rest.
- The changing vegetable prices and seasonal shifts make the transition from winter to early summer very real.
- Cherry blossoms are nearing the end; now is the season for the vivid yellow of the Ippei flowers.
Feel free to read other articles too
Check out photos not posted on the blog
