One of the things that surprised me most when I came to Okinawa was the number of excellent bakeries. I had never associated Japan with bread and croissants. When I moved to Ginowan the outstanding Hoppepan bakery was just up the road.
To my distress, it moved as there was not enough parking for the devoted clientele.
I have lived in Ginowan for nearly two and a half years but did not know that there is another bakery, Yamagami Bakery. just 5 minutes walk away.
True it is hidden in a nondescript cluster of apartment buildings and there is no sign, but all the same I am astonished I have not spotted it before.
There used to be a good fish restaurant just across the road from my place.
Covid killed it but it has been replaced by a meat restaurant
We finally go. It is more like an izakaya that a thoroughbred restaurant. You can drink as much as you want for 90 minutes for 1500 yen!
It is OK but I prefered the fish restaurant.
I am lucky enough to have a beautiful mahogany table. I have spent a long time cleaning and waxing it.
I am planning two trips to the mainland, one to Izumi in Kagoshima to see cranes and then to Northern Hokkaido to see Steller’s Eagles and White tailed Eagles. Sub zero temperatures and snow in both places. I only have sandals and flip flops. Next to the marina is a huge sports store where I buy a fantastic and very expensive pair of waterproof hiking boots. They have my size! I am so proud of my new boots.
I take a friend to the airport. I like doing this as not far away is the famous triangle pond home of many birds; in particular the extraordinarily rare Black Faced Spoonbill. There are lots; in fact more than I have ever seen together at one time. Alas it is the gloomiest of days and all the birds have been partying very hard and are now fast asleep trying to slough off bad hangovers. Not great for dazzling bird photos.
Lots of birds but terrible light. maybe there will be some sun tomorrow.
The Quiet Ripple Defines The Pond 
Oh please do try the choco cornet curry bread, I do hope that it is one thing and not two.
That old table is amazing when you think of all the climates it has traveled through in its 100+ years.
Happy new year
Great to hear (see?) from you – thanks for the update! ~Raytch