That's Gneiss! #47 ~ Happy Fall, Y'all!
Hello friends!
It’s official - Fall is here. It’s been creeping up on us for a while, but last week it seemed like there was suddenly orange and yellow leaves everywhere I looked. Pumpkin this and pumpkin that flooding the shelves at the grocery store. I will admit I tried the Chobani Pumpkin & Spice yogurt, and it is quite good. Maybe this pumpkin flavored thing is getting out of hand though…
You can always branch out and look for “Fall flavored” items. Good luck finding the others hidden between pumpkin goods.
Enough about food. There are other aspects of Fall to love - such as the beautiful turning leaves!
Here’s a peek into the Tumwater Canyon, taken on a trip with Nolan in 2007.
Here’s a photo taken in Newhalem on a day trip to the North Cascades in 2011.
Last year I planted several vine maples in our yard, and they’re beginning to turn. They vary in color, even when they’re right next to each other! I can’t wait until they get bigger.
Today I came across this cool interactive map from a Smoky Mountains tourism site showing when the best times are for seeing Fall foliage (bonus - includes a bit of the science behind the leaves changing colors). There’s plenty of time to plan a trip for peak viewing - just slide the bar back and forth to find the best time for your location (sorry Canadian friends). Looks like the last two weeks in October are the best for us here in the Pacific Northwest. Lots of great places for a day trip to see the leaves.
Did you know that the view of Mount Shuksan over Picture Lake is one of the most frequently photographed mountain scenes? It’s an easily accessible spot for viewing the fall colors, if you don’t mind sharing with the crowds. Artist Point, a couple of miles further up the road is a nice spot if you want to do a bit of hiking - again, crowds. I am reminded what a fun trip that was with Nolan - in 2006! Here are all the photos I took that day.
Besides pumpkin and changing leaves, what is another sure sign of Fall?
Fungi!
Once the rains arrive they start popping up all over, and with a keen eye you’ll probably spot some while you’re out and about. A walk into the woods might be in order, or you may see them in less likely places - like the side of the road. Michael spotted these - I would have missed them from the driver’s seat.
If you’re not able to get out to the woods but want to see a good variety of fall fungi, check to see if there’s a local mycological society - they often have a fall show, forays (fun collection events), or educational programs. Their websites are fabulous resources for information - for example, who does not want a Pantone chart of spore colors?
Here are a few organizations to check out:
Puget Sound Mycological Society (Seattle) - show: October 27-28
Northwest Mushroomers Association (Bellingham) - show: October 21
Olympic Peninsula Mycological Society (Port Angeles)
Yakima Valley Mushroom Society (Yakima & surrounding areas)
Oregon Mycological Society (Portland) - show: October 28
North American Mycological Society affiliated clubs (US and beyond)
Remember, every mushroom is edible - once.
Have a good week!
Videos of the Week
Speaking of fungi, here are a couple of videos for your enjoyment.
Good heavens it’s a wonder we haven’t been completely consumed by fungi.
Tidbits
The trouble with hurricane ratings.
I’m giving Swap-bot a try. It’s a site for joining into postcard, letter, and art swaps.
Today is the Oyster Run in Anacortes. We’re avoiding it this year. It seems like there’s a lot less bikers around this year.
Reading: I’ve been too busy to read much this week! Listening to another Tana French in the car - Faithful Place. Gotta love those readers with Irish accents.
Making: the usual. Thinking about starting this poncho for myself - maybe I’ll make a couple and that will solve the problem of the difficulty in finding a black cardigan…
Recently eaten: we had my favorite, dal makhani, this week. I could eat it every day!
Question of the Week
Each week I ask a question - just hit reply to send your answer if you're so inclined. I'll share your answers next week - anonymously of course!
Sticking with the Fall theme - what are your favorite fall meals? Share a link to a recipe if you have one. Pumpkin not required.
Last week I asked about your favorite flavors of tea.
Ahhhh, I love tea. My top three loose leaf teas are Earl Grey, Jasmine, and Ginger Peach. That said, I'll grab anything that smells good when I'm exploring new things at the local coffee and tea shop. I'll brew these on the weekend. My brew & go morning caffeine is PG Tips strong black tea. Evenings have to be herbal teas. I'm a fan of Yogi teas. I love their blends and the quotes on their tea bag labels. And finally, my sister's father in law make an amazing chai from scratch.
I love almost all the teas I’ve ever tried. My least favorite is Matcha. The old standby black (English breakfast, and, yes orange pekoe) is always a winner. When I’m feeling especially self-indulgent I sweeten it with sugar and lighten it with evaporated milk. Yummy!
Rich, malty Assam--brewed to builder's strength--is my favorite, but I have yet to find a non-dairy "milk" that works as well to create my perfect cuppa. If anyone knows of a good milk alternative that doesn't curdle, please spill the T. [anybody have any suggestions?]
I like Ginger Lemon. With honey. Lemon Zinger in a pinch though.
Oh, and to answer the question - We've been liking ginger lemon tea (Stash brand), recently. Mint is always a fave, as is green. I'm solidly a tea person, no coffee for me, thanks. :) I did like coffee once upon a time, but with my gut, caffeine isn't a very good idea. So…teas it is. Herbal mostly, but now and again green is good.
I’m usually fond of anything with apricot or peach flavor. Last year I started drinking rooibos more, and really like Republic of Tea’s caramel apple flavor. Sounds weird, but it’s great on a cold winter night.
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