Need I say more?? Good morning!!!

Last night I just had to stop by the lake front on my way to meet friends for dinner. 

No luck in seeing the harvest moon last night, but the lake was very picturesque! Soon the boats will be all taken out of the marina. 

Almost a Harvest Moon Night.

Today was a beautiful Fall day, clear and sunny and a warm wind. Of course that means I packed the dogs into the car and went to the Marsh!   As soon we the dogs jumped out of the Honda, we spotted a Grouse. Sadie went into pursuit mode, and skillfully chased it back into the forest.

Millie was in charge of investigating the beaver pathways. Lots of activity in the dam making department.

We also saw a small flock of Sandhill Cranes flying overhead. They make such a distinctive sound. 

Sadie loves exploring the boardwalk, and won't let anyone else take the lead.

The Red Osier Dogwood is already beginning to turn colour.

A beautiful sunset tonight. The moon is almost full, just missing a tiny sliver on one side. 

Mushroom Madness in the Rain

Today I found myself and eight other like minded souls traipsing through the forest in the pouring rain. At least the mosquitos and black flies weren't a problem.... Because it was 10 degrees!!!

I had signed up for a mushroom workshop lead by a naturalist from Toronto, Richard Aaron. We were outfitted with a gathering basket and glassine envelopes. We had our knives, and rain gear on. 

After a two hour in class session, we drove to Bass Lake Rd, on the outskirts of Cobalt. We were given an hour to comb the forest for as many different types of mushrooms and fungi as we could fit into our baskets. 

Who knew that this bright orange, toxic looking mushroom would prove to be the only edible (minus the slug) species that we collected today!!   This is an example of the "Lobster Mushroom". And yes, when it warmed up to room temperature, it did really smell like seafood! Simone was kind enough to thinly slice it into pieces, then sauté them in butter and garlic. Not bad.... But you can buy mushrooms at the store with a lot less fuss! (And without the wildlife)

Near the Lobster Mushroom was a nice collection of club moss. Another very interesting family of plants that I would like to learn more about.

It was pretty amazing how many different types of fungi there are right under your feet, once you learn to look for them. I definitely learned a lot about the forests that I spend so much time in, and never realized how diverse the fungi world is!

Two mushrooms from the same species, just with different coloured caps. The white dots are holes made by slugs.

Once we were back in the classroom, we sorted our collections into different groups. These are from the "gilled mushroom" group.

Friday the 13 th!

These cooler temperatures are making me think that it is time to start decorating the house for Autumn. I found these Chinese Lanterns growing in the back alley on the weekend. These two bottle were found this summer during different hikes around New Liskeard. 

Downward dogs and yoga mats

I have been known to take the odd pilates class or two... But when I came home from work yesterday, Claudia was very proud of the fact that she taught Sadie a few yoga moves. They had my yoga mat out, and now Sadie can do "downward dog" on command, and "child's pose" on command. 

But as this classy shirt says... I still prefer to drink wine!   Whether I have stress to alleviate or not!!!

Millie doing the downward dog in the water! Good yoga dog.