Monday, April 28, 2008
Monday Owl Blogging!!
This owl was perched on the entrance to the nesting box, just watching the world go by. Click for a better look, but some blurry branches are in the way.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
More! More!!!
Morel Madness At Mingo Creek Park!
Saturday we went to Mingo Creek Park in Washington County for the Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club's annual Morel Madness outing. I'd never been to Mingo Creek, and its a very pretty county park near Washington PA. I figured even if we didn't find any mushrooms, we'd get to take a nice walk in the woods. Enjoy the photos below!As always, click on the pics for a closer look.
Labels: fungi, hiking, morels, mushrooms, nature, WPMC
The first morel of the day! A woman in our group found this alongside the road before we even reached the trail head. Several more were found nearby.Labels: fungi, mingo creek, morels, mushrooms, nature, WPMC
Just a pretty little flower. No bigger than a dime from edge to edge.Labels: flowers, mingo creek, nature
Spotted this little spider on a cobweb between two decaying logs.Labels: arachnids, mingo creek, nature, spiders
I found one!!! My very first morel! I found about a half-dozen more nearby this one. I spotted this right after our group leader found one a few feet away and alerted us that we were in morel country. Altogether, our group found several dozen morels in and around this area within a half hour.
Labels: mingo creek, morels, mushrooms, nature, WPMC
An old wellhead along the trail. Not sure if its for water, gas, or oil.Labels: hiking, mingo creek, trails
We couldn't get close enough to be sure, but it looked like a bunch of inky caps were growing in the hollow of this tree. You need to click on the picture to see the 'shrooms.
Labels: mingo creek, mushrooms, nature, WPMC
Not a bad haul for our first foray! We found eight morels and a bunch of Dryad's Saddles! Everyone in our group found about a half dozen morels, some folks in other groups found pounds of 'em.UPDATE: OMFG we made morel burgers for dinner, and they were the tastiest damn burgers I've ever had! MORE! MORE!!!!
Labels: mingo creek, mushrooms, nature, WPMC
Friday, April 25, 2008
Friday Pet Blogging!
More Turkeys!
It seems anytime I take a walk lately, I run into turkeys. I'm suprised I was able to get this close for a pic!
This was asbout as close as I could get to this fellow, who was making a spectacular display.Strangest Spam Ever
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banks flowerpot earthmen perplex surround apprise galvanism croydon cycad burgundy hawthorn citywide horse drumlin . wharves tweed journeyman darius cytology maggoty delicate gingham illusory bunch night myel brazil sunrise cochineal evenhanded hanoverian actinic plucky mollusk communal delectate apollonian denature jolly argue seething lubell scrawl scrupulosity pickering shack acquittal chauffeur alterate cz stockpile dogberry raucous trudge .
Thanks
banks flowerpot earthmen perplex surround apprise galvanism croydon cycad burgundy hawthorn citywide horse drumlin . wharves tweed journeyman darius cytology maggoty delicate gingham illusory bunch night myel brazil sunrise cochineal evenhanded hanoverian actinic plucky mollusk communal delectate apollonian denature jolly argue seething lubell scrawl scrupulosity pickering shack acquittal chauffeur alterate cz stockpile dogberry raucous trudge .
Thanks
I have no freaking idea what they're selling either.
Labels: spam, ye olde e-mail bagge
Thursday, April 24, 2008
The turkey was curious, though well behaved. Damn prehistoric looking bird though.Labels: animals, nature, turkey
I found a large clump of these mushrooms growing at the base of a dead tree back in the woods. Not sure what it is, but I think it is some species of Mycena. Could be alcohol inkies too, but I'm no expert. The stem is hollow, and the cap has lines radiating out from the center to the edge.Any guesses?
Labels: fungi, mushrooms, nature
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Train Train
I live along PA Route 65, which parallels the Pennsy's old four track mainline, now used by the Norfork/Southern. Just a couple of blocks away is a grade crossing leading to the Emsworth dam. Naturally, when approaching the crossing, the trains blow their horns.
Yesterday, while waiting my turn to vote, I was chatting with the ladies manning (?) the polls. I learned that there is an effort afoot by some Ben Avon residents to have the trains stop blowing their horns in the evening because it disturbs them when having guests over.
Now those tracks have been there since around 1850 or so, which leads me to the question:
If you find the sounds of trains disturbing, why did you buy a house near the tracks?
I also heard a charming story of a train engineer who lived near the crossing, and who blew his train's horn in a certain pattern when approaching, so his wife would know roughly when he'd be home!
Yesterday, while waiting my turn to vote, I was chatting with the ladies manning (?) the polls. I learned that there is an effort afoot by some Ben Avon residents to have the trains stop blowing their horns in the evening because it disturbs them when having guests over.
Now those tracks have been there since around 1850 or so, which leads me to the question:
If you find the sounds of trains disturbing, why did you buy a house near the tracks?
I also heard a charming story of a train engineer who lived near the crossing, and who blew his train's horn in a certain pattern when approaching, so his wife would know roughly when he'd be home!
Labels: stuff, the neighborhood, trains
Saturday, April 12, 2008
We Shall Meet Again
What ARe We Living For?
Friday, April 11, 2008
Gus
I decided to name the mushroom "Gus," not after the Pennsylvania Lottery's mascot, but because Gus is a fun guy.
Flahrs
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Spring!!
Monday, April 07, 2008
CSA! CSA!
No, not the Confederate States of America, but Community Supported Agriculture! We went and signed up for the CSA program at one of our local farms, and we'll be receiving a basket of farm-fresh veggies weekly from June through October.
Its a great way to support your local farmer, and get fresh veggies in season! You can find out more about CSA here!
Its a great way to support your local farmer, and get fresh veggies in season! You can find out more about CSA here!
Labels: agriculture, community supported agriculture, CSA, farming, farms
Friday, April 04, 2008
Friday Squirrel Blogging!
This furry fellow was VERY upset when Dusty camped under its tree to munch on her rawhide. The squirrel spent about 10 minutes chattering at Dusty before deciding to run off and find a new tree. Dusty completely ignored the noisy rodent.Labels: Squirrel, squirrels, The Yard
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Mmmmmm...Freshly Picked Pasta
