🌤️ A Leisurely Start to a Holiday Morning
I woke up a little later than usual this morning and started preparing breakfast while the washing machine was running.
The weather forecast calls for 19°C, with a high of 22°C and cloudy skies, and a chance of light rain around noon.
Since the laundry won’t dry if I hang it out like this, I decided to go to the laundromat today.
I have some shopping to do as well, so I plan to take care of it while I’m out.
👵 My Mother’s Condition and Morning Routine
When I woke my mother up, she said, “I’m not getting up!” but eventually got out of bed.
I gave her some bread and weak coffee, and after she took her medicine, she said she wasn’t feeling well, so I checked her blood pressure.
When I told her, “It’s okay to go back to sleep,” she ended up resting in bed for about an hour, as usual.
🕊️ The Vernal Equinox and Okinawan Customs
Today is the Vernal Equinox. While I’m out shopping, I’ll pick up some offerings for my father’s Buddhist altar.
In Okinawa, we don’t visit graves during the Higan period; the only official grave-visiting day is “Seimei-sai” (Seimei Festival) in mid-April.
Otherwise, it’s customary to pray at the Buddhist altar.
🌿 The “Urizun” Air and the View from the Balcony
Looking outside from the balcony, I feel the “Urizun” air—the transition from spring to early summer.
The fresh greenery is dazzling, and when I open the front door and balcony to let the air circulate, a refreshing breeze blows through.
The cherry trees in the garden have turned completely green, and the few remaining pink blossoms remind me of the passing season.
On a quiet, cloudy holiday morning, taking the time to slowly gaze at the scenery is a pleasant moment.
🧺 Housework and Life in Okinawa
Once the laundry is done, I take it out and start drafting a blog post while the dishwasher runs.
It’s about the time my mother will wake up and say, “I’m taking a bath.”
Homes in Okinawa have a shower culture, and people rarely soak in a bathtub.
We have a bathtub at home, but I’ve never once filled it with hot water—we always just take showers.
A friend from Taiwan told me the same thing, so it might be a common practice in warm regions.
✨Summary
A quiet morning on a holiday, spent slowly tackling chores amidst the refreshing air of the Urizun season.
It was a peaceful start to the day, feeling the changing seasons while keeping an eye on my mother’s health.
The customs and rhythms of life unique to Okinawa are naturally woven into my daily routine once again today.
This lightweight foldable laundry bag makes trips to the laundromat much easier. It’s easy to carry, holds plenty of clothes, and folds flat when not in use, making it perfect for small apartments.
A compact single‑serve coffee maker that brews just the right amount for a calm morning. It’s convenient when preparing a cup for my mom, and it helps keep the morning routine simple and smooth.
