12 Comments
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Laura Calder's avatar

"They had never eaten fresh peas." Sheesh! Lucky them to have had you to show them the light. There's no going back now. Meanwhile, your garden looks so lovely and lush. May it continue to help heal you. xox

NAOMI DUGUID's avatar

Big thanks Laura

Corinna Ghaznavi's avatar

I love your report on wild roses and elderflowers. I have been in the Yukon since May and am learning wildcrafting. Wild roses are in abundance here and we made many things from petals and leaves and I am excited to see the rose hips develop!

There's also Dandelion Labrador Tea, Fireweed, yarrow, bluebells and so much more that we are making into oil, vinegars, tinctures and salves. It's a wonderful world

NAOMI DUGUID's avatar

So much bounty to work with.

Pierric's avatar

I appreciate your continued expression of affection for Toshi through your writing. Your posts consistently teach me about loss, grief, and life.

I am delighted to witness the transformation of your garden into a vibrant oasis, and I have a fondness for the wooden door.

A valuable lesson I acquired during my culinary education in Napa Valley was the importance of connecting with our farmers every Friday at the market.

There is much to learn, and I will now be on the lookout for Goji Berry leaves. Thank you !!

Pam ABRAMS's avatar

Hi, there's a good piece in the New Yorker this week about prolonged grief. It's a personal history written Amanda Petrusich, a music columnist -- so clearly not her ususal beat. A well reported, interesting mix of personal narrative and journalism--I think will be of interest. If you can't get hold of a copy I'll send you.

NAOMI DUGUID's avatar

Thanks Pam. I'm subscribed so I'll go looking for it. ☀️☀️

Khaja Zafarullah's avatar

I love the lush garden, so full of life that it seems to erupt from everywhere. The bunnies are adorable and look healthy, and they must be thankful for your vegetable patch.

When I travelled in Europe, elderflower schnapps was one of my favourite digistifs, you reminded me of those days.

NAOMI DUGUID's avatar

Thanks. I've never tasted elderflower schnapps…

Elli Benaiah's avatar

Your elderflower cordial reminded me that I make a homemade cedrocello here in Lörrach, on the Swiss border - using elderflower syrup alongside cedro lemons that a friend delivers from her house on Lake Como. I make it with ouzo as the base rather than grappa or vodka. The combination sounds unlikely but works beautifully - the Ottoman liquorice of the anise meeting the European finesse of the elder, both lifted by the extraordinary fragrance of the cedro. Thick-skinned, almost no juice, almost all pith and oil. It still feels like a small miracle every time it works.

NAOMI DUGUID's avatar

Sounds magical