And Then The Snow Arrived...

It snowed today.   The first time it has accumulated on the ground.   I left for work earlier than normal, and arrived safe and sound.   

Snow at work start

You see,  I don't drive fast.  

And when conditions call for it, I reduce speed for safety.  It seems like common sense for me, but apparently, there are lots of other folks out there who disagree. 

Snow by end of Work day.

The snow was just sloppy enough to be slippery, but most of the people on the high way seemed to have a grasp of the situation and slowed down as well.  That is actually rather refreshing, coming from Iowa...  Where every first snow, there are several cars in the ditches all along the highways.  

The Subie Snow Stick.

It pretty much snowed all day.   I think we might have received about 2 inches, as indicated by the Subie.   But the temps hovered just above freezing, so much of it melted away.  By the time I got home,  the snow was sleet and even turned to rain.    But Snow is in the forecast tomorrow.  So I imagine I will be repeating this mornings early prep time.   We shall see. 

The drive home.

In the mean time,  I just wanted to post a quick update on the Wisconsin weather.  Snow!  It was bound to happen.   No running today.   No mushroom hunting.  Time to stay inside,  drink warm tea and fold Origami.... 

 Boring?   Not if you are me.  

Thanks for stopping in. And for goodness sake:  Drive safe and stay warm!  The World is still beautiful.. Even in Winter.

The Wonders Of November.

Today, while out walking in the cold and dreary forest of Parkside,  I happened upon a moment that brought back a flood of memories from my past.  The cold and shorter days have pretty much ended the mushroom foraging I have enjoyed all through my stay here in Wisconsin.   But the forest calls me  on the weekend, and I must listen and explore.   So I headed out just after noon,  hoping for an experience that I might be able to blog about.  

As I said before,  the mushrooms are pretty much gone.   Just a few dried out shelf mushrooms can be found on standing and fallen trees.   However,  I braved the chill for about an hour, until it happened.

Two deer trotted across the path just a few feet away.  This is hardly an event, as it happens quite often in the Parkside area. But today,  I felt something different.  

I waited and did not move.  Other walkers were on the bike path a few yards away, unaware of the deer that had just passed them by.   And the deer noticed them, but not me at first glance.   Something in me kicked in, and I waited and scanned the forest for additional movement. 

A few moments later, after the other walkers had moved on,  I noticed another Doe.   Larger than the first two.   She noticed me right away... but proceeded with caution.   Her tail flipped up and brightly flagging behind her.   So I waited a little longer as she passed by.... Watching me the entire time. 

And then I saw the Buck. 

A small 4-6 point...  Sneaking several dozen yards behind her.  His tail tucked down.  His head low to the ground.   Classic buck behavior during hunting season.  I had read many books and magazines over the years,;  And heard stories from other hunters about a similar scene playing out right in front of them.   But never has it happened to me in such a perfect way.  And that is when I noticed it. 

I felt nothing. 

All of those years of freezing to death in the woods during hunting season and whenever I would see a deer,  my blood pressure would spike and my heart would pound so loudly that I was afraid I would scare the deer.  But this time... With no bow or gun in my hand,  I simply watched the entire event unfold and felt nothing.  No excitement.  No Jitters or fear.   It was weird.  Even with my camera on my person, I did not bother to pull it out to take a picture.  It would never have turned out anyway. 

But later, I felt this tremendous hole in my heart as I drove back home.  Similar to anxiety or depression.  I really don't know which,  but I did know that it was being caused my that event.  Perhaps nostalgia plays as much of a factor in our happiness as our view of the future.  It is funny how something that was such a huge part of my life now no longer brings the same adrenaline rush it once did. 

I can see how that could be depressing.    But then again....

There are new things that bring a joyful rush to my soul now.  Mushrooms being one of them.   Finding a mushroom I have never found before, but can readily identify, is quite exhilarating!  And even if hunting and fishing were still in my arsenal of hobbies and past times,  I don't think I would enjoy killing the things that are so beautiful.   Dad used to say that was why he did not like going out hunting anymore in his later years.  Now I understand it a little  better. 

With all that being said,  it was still fun seeing a buck in the forest.   Being stealthy and avoiding detection as they tend to do this time of year.    And it also brings a bit of satisfaction knowing that after all those years of being skunked by all of those deer encounters,   my hunting knowledge paid off and I was able to witness something that others could not.  

The weekend will soon be over and I will be back to work tomorrow.   I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and were able to do everything that they had planned.   Or at least, got a chance to catch up on some much needed rest.  Thanks for stopping in and

Saturday Evening Quick Post...

A restful day where nothing really happened.   But... I feel like I have not blogged since last week, so I have to add something!   So let's recount the molehills and try to make some mountains.   Even if it is impossible/ 

To start,  I got to sleep in this morning.   That was nice. 

Dave told me of a Moving gig that was scheduled to happen at one of the churches/schools in Kenosha.  ( I think Kenosha has 4 Lutheran Schools/ churches?  I have now been to three of them.  4 if you could the high school as one.   OK.. maybe five?   There are a LOT of Lutherans in Wisconsin.   We even have Wisconsin in the WELS title!   

Back to the Moving story.  ( Are you "moved" yet?)  Since I LOVE moving things,  I volunteered my services.   I arrive about 15 minutes prior to the time that I was told it would happen.   Because... Last time we arrived "on time",   the job was already done and all that we had to do was eat donuts.   I did not want to repeat that "mistake."   So.. I arrived early. 

There was no moving van.. Only a sign saying that there was a craft fair/bake sale from 10 -2 today.  I went inside and no one had any idea there was anything that had to be moved.   All they knew was that they were setting up the craft/bake sale.  And that was already done. so...  I waited. 

And waited.  

And waited a little longer.  

People showed up... bought stuff, and left.  But no moving van or truck appeared.  So.. I did the only obvious thing to do.... I paid $5 and enjoyed lunch there.  Beef soup and BBQ sandwich with chips and drink...  What a bargain!  They even had coffee and cake!   The ladies were nice and I chatted with a few of them.  But after a while,  I figured this task of manual labor was never going to happen.  

Finally,  One of the other Pastors showed up and informed me that the stuff was moved yesterday by the kids.  Ah well....  I obviously could not show up THAT early.  But I did get a good lunch out of it and got to visit one of the other Lutheran facilities.  And got to chat with a few new people while I waited around. So...  It was not an entirely disappointing experience. 

Next,  While doing laundry the other day, I discovered that I only had one work sock that did not have a hole in the toe area.  Perhaps it was time to buy more socks.  I headed out to Goodwill, because I saw that they had a bunch of new socks for a reasonable price near the check out area.  But apparently, they have all been replaced with Winter garb.... and that is not what I was looking for.   

I checked out a nearby  Kohl's, But their prices and selection seemed lacking.   $20 for 6 pair of socks... athletic!  I only needed work socks.  And that price seemed a little high for me.  (Judge my frugality if you must.... I will not be shamed for bargain hunting!) I found what I was looking for at Walmart.  And although I do not particularly enjoy shopping there, I do find some pretty good deals there from time to time.   Example:  12 pairs of socks for $10!   And I was able to check myself out... So it was an in and out situation. 

Other than that, I went out for a run in the cold and spent the rest of the evening folding paper.   I have been tasked with folding Christmas Ornaments for Cheryl's Newspaper Christmas tree.  I have set a goal of folding at least 3 items a night.  I could fold more, but the origami is to be folded out of newspaper.  Which is not the best paper for folding.  So... Glue has to be involved.    And that takes time.  

So far, I think I have a nice selection of some pretty good models.  I may attempt more complicated ones later.  We shall see. 

Well, that is all.    Boring?  Yes, I know... But what can I say?   Sometimes peaceful boring days are a welcome distraction from the normal.  And I felt I could use the peace and quiet after last week.   Time seems to move so much faster now.  I will have to do better in finding time to write. In the mean time,  I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend.  And thanks for stopping in.

Cheryl Completes The Indy Monumental Marathon!

That is correct!  This weekend was Marathon Weekend!  Why have I not hinted at it until now?  Well, the very prospect of us actually being able to pull it off seemed almost impossible!  I had to get Subie fixed last week.   I had to purchase my new glasses and that left very little money in the bank account.  Luckily, I got paid on Friday!  Cheryl had her own hang ups and issues from Time  and Car woes, and of course... Money!  

But we pulled it off!   Just arriving at the start line seemed Monumental to me. (Pun intended!)  And with all the other things going on,  the possibility of Cheryl pulling out another Personal Record for a Marathon distance seemed equally as unlikely...  Could lightning strike twice?

I'll skip all the useless drama and simply say, "No."  Cheryl did not set a new PR yesterday.   Nor did she get any age group award.. or even break the 3:30 time for a full marathon.  (3:31:56!   Was she even trying???)

And best of all... I have no pictures of her during the race.  

#1 Fail to take pics at a Marathon!

So that means...  There is no record of her "terrible" performance.  The Japanese proverb says: "Humiliation requires an Audience."   So my mishandling of the photo record allows Cheryl to spin what ever story she wants for this marathon...  So instead of an incompetent camera man....  I'm actually a Hero!  

The weather was not ideal for a high performance Marathon.  65 degrees with high winds and rain.  And it did rain.   Just enough to make you uncomfortable, but not  a downpour.  

The winds were nearly 40 mph!  At one point, the wind stopped me in my tracks!  I could only imagine running against such an invisible wall would be demoralizing.  

Cheryl admitted her training was less than ideal.  But that is very subjective.  I remember a time when she would have KILLED for anything under 3:40!  Now anything over 3:30 makes her depressed.  At least the guy printing out times mentioned that her time and pace were insane and that he could never run that fast.  A little outside perspective is always helpful to bring you back to Earth.  

So that is Cheryl's story...  But what about me?  The "Hero" of this Tale?   

Well,   Travel time to Indianapolis was far easier than it was to Fort Ben.   And navigating the city was fairly easy the second go around.  We found parking and I had downloaded the App and map so I could follow her and get some great shots  at various places.   With the warmer weather, I was bound to not be hindered by the cold this time. 

However,  my camera's battery life is ridiculous!   And before hardly any time,  my camera was acting up.   Add in that it is old and fussy.  It  takes forever to focus... if at all!   It froze up around mile 2.5 and I could not take any pics.   In frustration, I tried to close all apps and instead brought up and locked the "assistant" button.  If you have ever used the Google Assistant app,  you will know that she is anything BUT an assistant.  Instead, she is an annoying voice telling everyone what you are doing on your phone.  With long overly complicated sentences.  " App button, pushed!  Double tap for App to engage. App button pushed! Double tap to close app.  App button pushed, App button pushed. App button pushed. App button pushed. App closed. Double tap and hold bring app back up. "  And on and on and on!  (I'll skip the long "You pushed this app and it is for this purpose" statements.)

So while she was draining my battery with her yap,  I had to go back to the car several times to recharge the phone and try to unlock the app assistant.   Hint:  Two fingers  ( not one!) on screen swipes up the phone, allowing me to finally SEE the app assistant feature and shut her down.   Good to know if this disaster ever happens again!

In the mean time,  The "App Assistant" would not let me take any pictures while she was "in charge."   ( Pun intended!)  And before you say "Then SHE was the real hero!"  I will note that she is not a living, breathing person... Just an AI used to piss regular humans off and prevent them from doing their jobs.  Which, in my case, was to take pictures.

So as Cheryl raced towards the finish line, I thought I was snapping pictures of her, but instead got the App assistant telling me that the Volume control on my phone was maxed!   Pure Evil!

But Cheryl finished the race.   With a VERY GOOD TIME!  Despite what she will tell you. not a PR, but not as crushing as maybe an injured race might have been. So..  Yeah!  

By the way,  we should look at the good things:  It rained, but not hard.  It was not a hypothermic race.  We both arrived safe and sound and in a timely manner with no incidents.  She was able to run the race!  No injuries, no lack of funds, no car repairs or car issues.  We were able to stay an extra day and recover after running such a distance.  And  most importantly:   Cheryl was able to complete her 10th Marathon!  With a pretty good time!  I'm sure completing 10 marathons for most people would be Monumental  without the fast times!  ( pun intended)  So... Mission complete.

And now we can pack up and go home.  Cheryl got the extra medal for doing the two Indy Races  ( Ft Ben Half and the Monumental Full Marathon.) And she discovered that outside factors  that you have no control over can effect the race performance.   So getting a new PR would take a little more luck instead of just purely physical training.    With 10 Marathons under her belt,  she now qualifies for entry into the "50 States Marathon Club."  Which is just a snobby runner's ability to brag to others about.   Perfect for Cheryl. 

Thanks for stopping in.   Marathons!  The Holy Grail of physical achievement have now become almost routine.  What else is there to blog about, unless there are no pictures.  To be able to run a Marathon with a 3:30 time and simply shrug must be nice.  It downplays the Monumental achievement of running such a distance.   ( pun intended) And the desire to race in distant cities and places with thousands of total strangers.  And the efforts required to make such things happen.  Both in time and money!    Good thing there will be no record of this "humiliating" Marathon performance.....

Ink Caps And Elm Oysters!

Remember last post when I was flirting with two types of Oyster Mushroom Identities?   Turns out, both Id's were wrong and the actual Mushroom is not even in the Pleurotus family.   The Elm Oyster Mushroom is not technically an Oyster mushroom, even if it does look and taste a lot like one. Hypsizygus ulmarius  is really just a look-a-like that grows on a number of trees in late fall and even early winter.   

Shaggy Mane, Elm Oyster, and Onions.

Who cares?   Will it kill you?  

No!  

Will it make you sick? 

All the fixin's

Probably not.

Can we eat it?  

Yes!   In fact, it does not even have a leathery or woody texture like Ganoderma or Turkey tail. 

So let's Eat it!   And we did!  

Tonight, I fried up several Elm mushrooms with a Shaggy Mane I found in someone's yard this afternoon.   The Shaggy Mane is one of my favorites, mostly because it is one of the few mushrooms that blooms in spring and late fall. 

Bacon!

Add onions, and Mushrooms!

 

Both Flavor and texture of the Elm Mushroom was noteworthy in that they were fine.  Nothing gross or terrible, but nothing awesome or amazing either.   In the end, it is a large, firm mushroom that taste like a mushroom.   The texture is similar to a slice of Sashimi.  And all of the recipes I looked up suggest it taste a lot like some type of seafood.  A great addition to any soup or pasta dish. 

Add to Pasta!  Yum!

We didn't even have to cook it very long!  ( Unlike Honey Mushrooms or Ash Boletes.) If I come across this mushroom again, I will definitely harvest it and bring it home. So if you happen upon an Elm or Boxelder tree with a large mushroom growing out of it.   And the gills do not travel down the stem,  you may want to consider taking it home and giving it a go.  Another Mushroom to add to the Library of Knowledge!    

Thanks for stopping in.