Getting Started At Haribo!

 This week began the start of something new.   A New Job with new experiences.   This week I started the Haribo Experience.   Another chapter in the life that is mine...   So let's get started. 

Well,   not much to really say about it.  It was the "Orientation Week" with videos and policy lectures.   They even tossed in a couple of "quizzes" to make sure we were awake during the presentations.  (Which, ironically,  the lady next to me fell so totally asleep that she began to Snore!)   Well,  there is always one in every group,  right?  

It was informative.   And there was a LOT of information to absorb.   Thankfully,  most of the information was either review or "common sense".   With a few tidbits of info that was unique to making Gummy Bears.  

Overall,  it was fun.   The only part that makes me nervous is the use of the forktrucks.   They are heavy and dangerous.   And it has been over a year since I was on one...  and I was never technically on a "Stand Up" ...  Even though I was on a "Reach" truck before.  And although I know how to use it, and was able to "familiarize" myself this week,  I know it will take time behind the wheel to get that comfort  that the pro's have.   Honestly, I hope I never get that overconfidence that many of the pros get.   That is how you tend to break things or cause accidents.  

But one day at a time.  

Next week, I begin second shift with ... Of all people.  PHIL as my trainer!  

(Remember Phil?) 

Well,  I guess the Mob is no longer after him, because he has been at Haribo all this time and seems to be doing just fine.   Hopefully he will not hold any hard feelings about my previous blog post... So many , MANY years ago.  ( How long was it now? )  Time heals all wounds, right?   Hopefully,   that saying also goes for grudges too!  

So as I await for Phil to exact his vengeance,   Today I went out mushroom hunting and had another great day of finds. 

It rained over the last two days, and the Russulas were out  in full force!   I have been eating mushrooms for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day this week, and finally just finished one of the bowls I had in the fridge.   That is AFTER giving Dave two bags of Chanterelles!    And now it looks like I will be adding to the pile.  

White Jelly Coral.

I also found several other  mushrooms along with the Russulas and Chanterelles.   Some Corals, 

Waxy Cap

Waxycaps, Polypores, and, most notably...  Boletes!

LOTS of waxy caps.

The field Bolete and Summer Bolete were out and fresh!   (no Mushroom eating fungus or bugs to speak of!)  

Lots of Summer Boletes

I also ran into several other people harvesting the Chanterelles.   A family with kids and a hiker lady.   Neither of them were keeping the Russulas or Boletes, so I had full dibs on them.   ( But they DID take the Chanterelles!  So I only managed to grab a handful of those. 

It didn't matter, because my basket was already overflowing with the Russulas and Boletes.  Boletes are very heavy and BIG, so it does not take many to fill a basket.   And even the Russulas were really large after that rain.   So I never went out to check my other Chanterelle spots. 

Pale Chanterelle

In fact,  I found a cluster of Pale Chanterelles that the others overlooked!  How exciting!  And satisfying... Knowing that they overlooked a choice edible one simply because it did not look like the Golden Chanterelles.   But there is no mistaking the Ridges on the underside.   (And, just to double check, I ran it through the Mushroom ID when I got home.  It never hurts to double check a mushroom!)  

So now my fridge and freezer is "full" of mushrooms... Again!   I should probably buy something like mushroom soup or make some spaghetti to toss in a bunch of them.  But I currently am having a lot of fun making the Mushroom and Swiss burgers. the only problem is the rate at which I am consuming them. 

I actually ended up leaving a bunch of mushrooms in the woods.   And I actually apologize to them for not being able to bring them home with me.   Is that Weird?   (People talk to pets,  why not talk to mushrooms?) 

Rosy Or Crab Russula. (Bitter!) 

I do take their Picture though... well, as best I can.   (Especially the really pretty ones...  Who are usually the bitter ones that can't be eaten anyway.)

 There were lots of the Yellow Amanitas out today right along with the Chanterelles and Brittlegills.  I also harvested a few small clumps of Crown Tipped Corals.   

In all,  it was a good day.   And now I am doing Laundry and chilling the AC.  (It is far more humid today than the last couple of days.)  Dave has not called yet, but he hinted that he may need an extra set of hands to help move some acquired furniture.
  I have to get back in the mindset that my weekends are now going to be used as those "catch up" days where I do all of the things I can't do during the work week.   But I'm sure I will get the hang of things as I get the job and new way of life  to fall into the habit category.  All it takes is time.   And you have to make every second count.