Skirret 2025

I lifted the first skirret crown of winter today. It is a triumph, with the chunkiest roots yet. The biggest are about the thickness of my middle finger. 

The extra shows what part of the crown looked like once I had snipped off the roots. The original crown fell into several smaller ones, and I have replanted them all for new roots to grow over the next 12 months.

I am roasting the washed roots that I cut off and they will be a delicious pre-supper snack, still warm from the oven.

Thank you for all the good wishes yesterday. What a kind place we inhabit together. Whatever ailed me had disappeared by the time I woke this morning. As a result it has been full steam ahead again.

Bean and I spent the morning having coffee with A and K in town. They are in their 80s and we met in Kakanui when I first moved to this area. 

A has been suffering from dementia for the last 18 months and it is heartbreaking to observe her decline. I see them about once a month and Bean is an essential part of the visit. 

Today she sat next to A so that she could stroke her the whole time we were there. The soothing power of a dog always astounds me. 

A can't keep up with even simple conversations these days which frustrates her, but she became calm and relaxed once Bean assumed her position. The two of them communed silently, both apparently benefiting from the non-verbal communication. 

I was in awe, and so proud of Bean's gentle patience. She understood how important her presence was. She had a special extra handful of treats when we got back to the car.