Bamboo shoots

Out on the morning walk, one of our nearest neighbors having just scrabbled up onto the road from the bamboo covered slopes with her trophy of a few seasonal shoots. No longer able to straighten up whenthe work is done, I think she was debating over whether to leave half and come back for them later, but decided to carry on home. It seems somehow very brave to be out and about doing this sort of gathering when hospital visits are an established part of the octagenarian weekly schedule. A lot of grown up kids don't stand for their parents doing it. I can imagine she would rather snuff it than call out for help if she did get in trouble and no doubt these little elements of risk add a touch of pepper to her days as they pass. She gave a little chuckle when she noticed that she had been spotted poaching. These shoots are a smaller variety than those earlier in the year and they can be eaten a bit later into their development, even when they have a hint of green some people say.