November 2025
Hibernation and rehabilitation
So, November began with a frenzy of activity - my son Dara arrived to help me put the garden to ‘rights’ before my surgery. We did a lot of tidying - filled up bins with green waste and took a very satisfying trip to the recycling centre. There’s still lots to be done, but nothing urgent, so I can look out and be calm.
Surgery went ahead on November 8th, and all went well. My surgeon cleared me to do whatever I wanted on the 19th, so that was pretty speedy. At this point, I’m walking around inside without crutches, and outside for longer distances with just one. Tried out driving earlier this week, all good, but I wouldn’t want to drive a long way. Between the physio exercises, the napping, the short walks and everything taking longer, my time is filled productively - there’s a bit of reading and movie watching in there too, but I’m not yet restless for more mental stimulation. A nice time of the year for some hibernation.
I’m enjoying slow walking - really seeing the nature in my estate. And I have been able to return to some kitchen duties - the freezer was well stocked with bread prior to surgery, but that had all run out, so made a few this week - a white loaf with oats, flax and millet, and a cinnamon raisin breakfast loaf.
Back in 2024, I got involved in a cool art project that then evolved into a short documentary film. That film has gone on to win lots of awards- most recently audience choice at Waterford Film festival - and been shown internationally and in schools in Ireland, which is rather delightful. I’m hoping to arrange a showing in Cuige at some point, I’ll keep ye posted! And the painting of my boobs is on the wall in our bedroom.
Coole Meadow
Back in October, I picked lots of medlars. After you pick the medlars, you need to ‘blett’ them - so I left them in a cool place to rot slightly. Earlier this week, they were sufficiently bletted, and they have been made into some medlar cheese, something a bit like membrillo, which will be delicious with cheese and crackers.
The willow that we planted last spring went off to become wreath bases for Karen, which is a pretty quick turnaround for any planting.
Looking back at the year in Coole meadow, we had no house or kitchen to prepare food in, on our work days, so we had 7 months of weekly picnics. Between the Kelly Kettle for boiling water, and getting creative with frittatas and tarts, I’d say our picnic game is on point with so much practice. Looking forward to another few months of al fresco lunches in 2026, before the build is finished.
Workshops
I began the month with a lovely day in Coolamber- making soap and balms with a delightful group. And great to be tagged by people afterwards making beautiful and sustainable Christmas gifts.
It feels very strange not to have any more workshops lined up, and I did have some requests that I had to turn down. However, focussing on my strength and flexibility is a priority, and I hope that I’ll have one or two events in January in my next newsletter.
Flower Farming
As part of the early November garden push, I got the tunnel cleared out, and planted lots of ranunculus and anemone. Normally I’d sprout them first, but time did not permit, so they were all planted directly. My cats are very fond of lying and digging in the tunnel, so all the corms were then covered with mesh shelves from old mini greenhouses. Light and water can still get to the plants, but cats no digging or lying on them. I have been out under supervision to the tunnel a few times, looking forward to some light weeding and mooching there soon.
Learning
How to walk again - and looking forward to getting back to the pool, and on my bike.
Upcoming events
Mullingar Gathers has a few events coming up - check here for details. Events are mostly in Cuige, and by all accounts, well attended and very enjoyable.
Links
Some wonderful news for seed saving in Kenya - with an a Irish connection.
Lots of people putting Christmas lists online - I have a few suggestions
Buy local - get out to the treasure trove that is Studio Bleu Vintage in Castlepollard.
Give experiences, not stuff. Send or bring a friend to cheese school!
Give biodegradable gifts (for example food)- this granola is a lovely gift that will still be good in January. Or this would be amazing for creating tarts with leftovers and frozen puff pastry.
Check out Brookwood Pottery in Marino, Dublin.
Interesting research report from the UK about the cut flower industry and climate change.
A nice useful list from The Edible Flower
Music
A musical poem, with thanks to Grace Wells and Mark Roper.
Great progress being made following your surgery but take it easy at the same time. I suggested you to our new Kinnegad library recently opened as a possible workshop next year so fingers crossed, you may get time at some stage. They have two rooms that would be an OK size plus a bigger, longer room that could be organised to suit.
You are a wealth of knowledge about things. I hadn't a clue what a medlar was so looked it up on Wikipedia for a bit more on it. Was funny: "A fruit which is rotten before it is ripe, the medlar is used figuratively in literature as a symbol of prostitution.
Once bletted, the fruit can be eaten raw, sometimes with sugar and cream—it has been described as being an "acquired taste" or used to make medlar jelly. It is used in "medlar cheese", which is similar to lemon curd, made with the fruit pulp, eggs, and butter."
Well done on the film's success, look forward to seeing it at some stage when available!
Anna, the seed sovereignty case just won in Kenya, with the help of the Irish researcher Clare O'Grady Walshe was so heartening to hear of too!