Thanks to sunshine and the inspiration of Gerry from Torch Lake Views who sounded the Dutchman's breeches alert, I got out in the woods today, and now I feel at last that I am truly, fully home. If you need help identifying any of the flowers, the Arnfields' new book (signing this Friday at Dog Ears, 4-6 p.m.) should help. You'll need a different book for the fabulous red fungus--and if you already know what it is, tell me, please.
7 comments:
Those cupped red mushrooms (?) in the third photo make me think of the mouths of nestlings begging.
I suppose I must accept the consequences of luring you and Sarah away from your work. I believe the penalty is three whaps with a wet noodle and . . . these photos!
Dunno what the red fungus is but it would look great interpreted in clay as dinnerware.
You're right on the mark, dmarks. Wide-open red mouths! When I get to the bookshop tomorrow, I'll try to remember to look at a fungus field guide. Or, do I have one upstairs here at home? Possibly....
Your dinnerware idea is interesting, Gerry, but I think my appetite would be better if I didn't know the source of the ceramic inspiration. What if this is a poison fungus?
Ah, but what if it's a delectable edible fungus full of vitamins and minerals and flavor? (I'm on a Positive Thinking kick here. Bear with me. It doesn't happen all that often.)
I find in the Audubon Field Guide the Scarlet Cup, Sarcoscypha coccinea, of which the guide says, “The Scarlet Cup is one of the first mushrooms to look for in spring, as it sometimes appears in March. It is easy to see because of its size and bright color.” The ones I saw were peeking out from under last year’s dead leaves, which I nudged aside to get the photo. Gerry, I forgot to check edibility. Positive thinking is good in general, but I look for certainty when it comes to ingesting fungi!
Here are a couple sites with beautiful images:
http://www.pbase.com/artistchick/flora_and_fungi
http://www.messiah.edu/Oakes/fungi_on_wood/
These photos are *so* lovely! I just had to check out your blog after you'd left such a nice note on our (The Bookery Nook) Facebook page. Glad to hear that your event was a grand success - I wish you a thousand more just like it!
Cheers!
Thanks, Shannon. I looked back at the Bookery Nook Facebook page tonight and was glad to see that your May 1st was successful, also. Best wishes for a wonderful season and a long, long bookstore life!
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