November 2024 - Workshops go leor (galore)
...and a touch of frost
Another busy month, this time a plethora of workshops. Both Brian and I had a sick week each, so we didn’t get out to Coole that much. But we still got a lot done, as you’ll see.
The Samhain Spread - the first pot-luck community supper at the Refill Mill organised by Mullingar Gathers went wonderfully, everyone was delighted to come, to share, to eat, to chat. Of course everyone brought loads of food, and there was lots leftover, but we had takeout containers so that everyone could bring home a selection. (so no food waste, and great leftovers in everyones fridges!)
I scored some amazing rolls which went straight into the freezer for a hungry day. Mullingar Gathers also had a Christmas decoration making event which I sadly missed, but there are still tickets left for the New Year Nibbles event in January. There may be a few places left for their Natural Decorations event on December 12th, check with Kim at the Refill mill.
Our solar panels are working - there hasn’t been a lot of sun, but having the app to see what’s being used has had a positive effect on our usage. We got a battery installed and that fills up on cheap electricity at night. So even if there was no sun at all we would still be ahead. If you are interested in getting some panels yourself, Mullingar SEC has a meitheal going which will help with information and a reduced price. Sign up here . (No charge to express your interest!)
My birthday came around as it always does - and I had 2 birthday dips in my birthday suit! The lake is very low, so low that diving is not allowed - not a problem for me, but scary if we don’t get the water replenished soon.
A painting of me was included in this exhibition, so we attended the opening.
We have had Pierrot and Shadow for a year now, they have settled in well and are mostly very well behaved - though the tunnel is a bit sieve like - and they are great friends with Rusty, which we didn’t expect.
Seasonal Activities
It was a great year for apples. I have been making a variety of chutneys, apple cider vinegar and chilli jam with apple pectin. The freezer is full of peeled and sliced apples, a gift to future me.
The pear harvest was very poor. Just these two.
I made some mincemeat with the apple bounty - that will appear in my mince pie cookies that will be served at my December workshops.
Coole Meadow
Not a lot of visits this month, but we did some mowing in the frost. And now kind of waiting to be told that was a mistake. Lots of bulbs have been planted in pots and under the trees.
Earlier in the year we found this flattened circle. We had no idea how it came to be.
And then I listened to this podcast. The mating ritual of the hedgehog involves the male circling the female for a long time till she relaxes (the spines would be a problem otherwise). So we have at least 2 hedgehogs!
While we are on the topic here’s a heartwarming read about another hedgehog.
I discovered a maker of a hay rope winder - Martin in Collinstown’s Mens Shed, so we will be buying one of those in the spring - looking forward to winding some hay rope. Here’s one in use. We did some rope making with Celt at Field Exchange, Brookfield Farm, keen to do more. Not sure what we will use it for - I remember it being used to tie down cocks of hay when we didn’t have access to a baler back in the 70s. But I’m sure we will think of something.
We are also laying the foundation for next year’s potato crop - putting compost on top of cardboard. Hoping to get some donkey manure to add to the mix. And then we will cover all with plastic until next March. Potatoes have been pre-ordered from QuickCrop - we had great yields this year and we are still harvesting. My favourite is Purple Rain, with Celebration a close second. No dig potatoes are the way to go!
Workshops
Loads of workshops this month. I talked about Healthy Soil in Blanchardstown library to a large and engaged audience. I brought lots of soil samples and some compost samples too, and people went home with compost caddies, coffee chaff and some coffee sacks. And lots of tips for improving the health of their soil.
The Women’s Community Project booked me for a few events - for the Women’s Health series, we made chutney. The following week we talked about sustainable Christmas ideas, and then we made some seasonal arrangements with Irish grown foliage.
For the integration group, we made melt and pour soap and origami boxes to package it.
My first (workshop) foray to Cavan was an intense day of sourdough bread making. First off was a big group in Ballyjamesduff, and then across the county for a second group in Dowra. I brought my trusty countertop oven, and we sampled some freshly made bread at both locations - with some homemade blackcurrant jam. No photos - I was way too busy! I’m hoping to get back that way in 2025.
We continued with the Sustainability Horizons project in November - two workshops - Lets go Bananas and Flower Power, and an exhibition of the work on the 21st. This innovative project shows how we can combine art and sustainability, build community and really engage people with what needs to be done in response to the climate emergency.
Please to work with Bertille de Lestrade andTeresa Doyle.
Mullingar Climate Action Network had a Green Gather event in Mullingar library - I spoke about food waste and prepared some treats to illustrate my points - including a lemon cake made with homemade ricotta, and some sourdough discard crackers.
All my December workshops are full or nearly full, and I have none in the pipeline for next year - yet.
Flower Farming
My tunnel project continues - removing the raised beds and the growing medium that filled them, taking up the weed control and making new beds. I have one new bed full of ranunculus — I reckon I have 20% of the overall task completed.
I’m planting some sweet peas from self saved seeds - It’s always amazing how well fresh seeds respond.
There were still flowers including these dahlias till 20th November. Then the frost hit. My dahlias are all lifted at this point. It’s better to wait for them to die off a bit before lifting, and after a hard frost when it’s dry is ideal.
Learning
Shino’s Japanese cooking event was delicious and informative - I’m definitely going to get some hijiki and make a squash and chickpea salad. Also must remember to make a tahini dressing for broccoli. Next time I’m hoping that she will let us get a bit more hands on and roll some sushi!
Spent a fabulous day at Sandro Coffolas place, he’s the OG wild flower seed grower in Ireland. He has a fabulous operation, and is very generous with his knowledge and seeds! His website is a little off-putting, but worth putting in the effort if you are keen to buy native Irish wild flower seeds. We came home with a nice packet of one of his wildflower mixes to try out in Coole.
Upcoming events
Mullingar Gathers - New Year Nibbles
Bertilles Bananas exhibition in Cuige- check it out!
Looking forward to a theatrical event on December 18th in Cuige.
The Choral Society Christmas concert is on Dec 1st in the cathedral. Brian will be performing, so I’ll be there in the audience - with a cushion!
And I’ll leave you with a lovely alternative to the Christmas tracks on repeat. I probably won’t publish my December newsletter till after Christmas, so I wish all my readers a peaceful, safe and sustainable Solstice season.