Sunday, September 1, 2013

Vegetation of Okinawa

So we have had a couple of great days learning about all the plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables.  It has been an interesting process as we are not sure what many things are - or more importantly, how to take care of them!  We found a lot of wonderful places in Yomitan where we can get  our plants.  Saturday morning we found a great greenhouse down the road.  The gentleman was very kind and even gave me a couple extra flowers as a "present" (1 of the 5 english words in his vocabulary :)  The plants we bought sure make our place feel more like home...considering we have very little things of our own in this house!

This morning I decided to help Tony in the backyard.  He has been working a bit everyday since we have been here, pulling weeds, raking, etc.  It was very therapeutic (as Tony would say) to do this - and it made a huge difference.  For such a small yard, we have taken out a whole lot of unneeded brush!  As we both know the yard won't be perfect - it will be rewarding to at least try to get it to a healthy point!

Yesterday, we went to the market down the street.  I was a wee disappointed only because of the prices... We got some fun things, but I was surprised that we spent $8 for what we got.  All ok though - it's convenient to grab an onion, carrots, or whatever we need for dinner.  Speaking of high prices - at the commissary (grocery store on base) a 24pk of water is about $3.50 or so (similar to prices back home). We saw a 24pk of water at a store in town for $13!!!  No wonder we were told during the newcomer's brief that it is forbidden to buy things for the locals at the commissary.  Apparently, they all ask a military guy/gal to buy them beer, water, or whatever they can at the commissary because the prices are so much better!

That is all for now.  Enjoy some pics!

This orchid we did not get.  I guess we have other things to buy and save for rather than to splurge on a $300 orchid - but WOW it was BEAUTIFUL!


This is the small greenhouse we went to by our house to get our plants for the house.  It was incredibly hot that day - and of course borderline unbearable inside this place!

couple of our plants (and new pot!)

Working in our yard - you can't see it, but it looks a million times better!  This is 1/149342937423 of the reason why I love my husband so much.  He's amazing at this kind of stuff.  And gets me motivated!

cleaning up!

Hello brightness.  The passionfruit was so delicious...and to be honest, I'm not sure what the other fruit is (but it was good)  I don't think I cut it the right way - but if any of you readers have an idea of what it is, let us know!


4 comments:

  1. I love how something like a plant and a bright colored fruit can make you so happy. Definitely the simple things for you T:)

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  2. Having fun reading your blog Tara and Tony! What a cool way to keep us all updated! I too think that fruit looks beautiful Tara, but I also have no idea what it is! When you figure it out please share!! Hugs!!

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  3. Too bad you two don't have two acres of lawn to keep up! Makes me smile with all the new culture you two are experiencing and enjoying. Your home will be HOME when your own belongings come.

    Love you both,

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  4. It's amazing what some plants can do for your home, right?! I cannot even believe you stepped into a greenhouse, isn't the whole island a green house?! The yard looks great and I know I didn't see it, but I can imagine what it was. I know what it is like to toil out there and see the difference, though others may not. How satisfying! It really is pretty and I'm sure you guys will make it even more so over the years. Are you going to think the food is boring when you are back in the States?! What a cool looking fruit. As Pat said, it makes me happy to hear how you are enjoying and exploring this new culture. Super cool.

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