It's been awhile

Yes it has. It's been a long while since I posted to the blog. Not for lack of anything to talk about. The drought is in full swing here in S.W. Ontario, and no rain means no fungi. I do go to the woods quite a bit but the fungi are few and far between.
I could talk about Dr. Ron Paul. He's a spirited congressman from Texas running for President. He's running under the Republican ticket, which is not good, but I could actually vote for this guy and probably will. If you happen upon this blog and have an interest in U.S. politics, google him up. He's very interesting.
I work Thursdays and Saturdays at a large farmers market where I sell mushrooms. Wild when I can find any, but the bulk of the sales are cultivated Agaricus like the common white mushrooms, Crimini and Portobello. We also sell Shiitake. I really enjoy the atmosphere there and the cultural diversity among the market-goers is very interesting as well. One of the many reasons I like Canada.
I've been doing a bit of photography lately. I captured a red fox the other day and she allowed me within 10 feet of her. That was awesome. I guess the local paper is going to print a couple shots. I've attracted a swarm of Hummingbirds to the yard this season with 4 feeders I have out. I enjoy their presence and photographing them is a challenge, but well worth it when a shot comes out as expected.
The other half of my relationship is away in Texas with her work. She'll be gone a month this time.
I suppose that's it.

I just got done lounging around and watched Crash, the movie again. Sure is a good one with a powerful message. Sad thing is I don't think too many folks got the hint.
Mushrooms. Well, morel season is over. My phone is ringing off the hook for morel orders, but I'm out. I was only able to enjoy about half a dozen myself this Spring. I had to sell them to make ends meet. That's alright though. I was able to create a little happiness in a few folks lives. You should have seen the expressions of joy on the faces of the people that bought them from me. Satisfying to say the least.
Soon, the marvelous Cantherellus cibarius wil be fruiting along with some delectable Boletus and some Laetaporus sulphurus. Chanterelles, Boletes and Chicken of the Woods. Beautiful.
I've been home alone for a week now. Still not too sure I like being alone. Maybe for short periods of time.

Will I vote Republican in '08

Up until last night, my answer would have been a resounding no way.I never have. However, I've been watching a fellow, and I think I believe him. I do take in to account his views on foreign policy, and I like what I hear. Ron Paul is his name, and well, I guess we'll see what happens.

I watch too much news

At least I'm starting to think so. I have over 200 channels on a satellite connection and rarely watch anything but CNN and/or FOX news (yes, the shame of it). I recently heard a story about a heinous crime in Tennessee where a young couple was brutally murdered and now folks are debating whether it's a true hate crime or not, because the accused are black and the victims, white. I'm pretty sure I know the definition of hate, but yet it's odd to me how certain instances are considered hate while other things equally brutal aren't. The larger issue seems to be that the mainstream media hasn't so much as mentioned the story, while other crimes get headlines week after week. I don't know.......depressing.......I wish they had the Fungus Network, or the Mushroom Channel. Now that would be well worth viewing, wouldn't it?
I missed the BBC documentary "Planet Earth" on T.V., so I watched the first 2 episodes on YouTube. Fantastic view of our Earth. I wish we all could understand the intricate beauty the earth bestows upon us and quit all of the political hatred and warmongering. I wish.....

Fresh Morels

Been a couple of weeks since I posted, but that's due to morel season and my lengthy solo forays out to the forests in search of the delectable edible fungi. It's been an incredible season so far and I expect to come across more morels before they finally disappear for yet another year. The other wild mushrooms are just starting to appear though, and although morels may be more popular to forage for, I have many others that I appreciate for the table even more than morels. I've been working for a friend on Saturdays at a very large farmers market operating a mushroom stand. I really enjoy interacting with the people as they come by. It seems that folks are intent on disproving my theory that people are inherently cruel as I find the folks to be friendly and always willing to share a moment, usually. Seems to be popular to bring the pet dog along. I guess if I had a dog I'd do the same thing. Well, until next time, keep looking down....

Morels at last

Finally, yesterday evening in a flood plain, I found what would be my first morels of the year. Tiny delicate beauties that had just emerged. I left then to mature but did manage a few photographs. These little ones were scarcely a half inch tall, but perfect in every way.

The Cup Fungi

Good news! We finally received some much needed rain over night. This will have to do if I believe the forecast for the next week, but I believe it was enough to get those morels poppin'!
I was out yesterday and did notice several of the cup fungi. Beautiful orange Sarcoscypha dudleyi or the "scarlet cup". And some rather bland looking but none-the-less interesting Disciotis venosa. These strange fungi are actually related to the Morchella. How cool is that. The mortar to the pestle if you will.
A Friend just called. We may check a river flood plain this afternoon for morels.