More bamboo and veggies

Trudged down the hill to the forest to dig small shoots - they fetch a better price, still around 230 yen/kg. The larger shoots, the ones most people are finding quite easily after the rains, are about half the price. I only could find about 35 kg worth today but it was a nice day to be in the grove. There is something very calming about the pale green trees and the sunlit leaves so high above, the swaying motion of the tall trees and the soft mulch underfoot. I could just stay out there forever...if it weren't for the gnats.

We are planting bitter gourd (niga gori) around the back of the barn on trellises. Actually it is an attractive vine but a disgusting vegetable that is supposed to be very healthy for you. I don't know why healthy foods tend to be bitter and/or slimy.

I need to plant the watermelon on the big field. I need obachan's guidance - we need plastic and hoops and all kinds of fuss to get these growing.