Pokeweed

The berries are highly poisonous as are the mature leaves. Poke is a traditional southern Appalachian food. The leaves and stems of young plants can be eaten, but must be cooked by boiling two or more times with the water drained and replaced each time. The leaves taste similar to spinach; the stems, similar to asparagus. I think I will give that a miss. We had a team practice but I will not be playing this weekend. I am not disappointed as it is an away match about two hours distant and I will probably be playing next week anyway. It means I will be able to lead the ringing and attend church on a Sunday when our new chaplain will be there. In the afternoon, our good Irish friends came to visit. They left five years ago and we still miss them. They insisted that we come to Dublin and that is an offer I am would like to take up.