The Missing Blog Posts!

 This week FLEW by!  And I had so many little things to write about.  But time waits for now one, and that includes me!   So, I figured i would try to catch them all up in a single blog post. (As I have done so many times in the past)  That comes in handy, when I really have very little else to blog about this weekend.   So... Let us begin. 

I "Dog-Napped" Christina's dog last weekend and we went hunting for mushrooms.   It is always a lot more fun to hunt for mushrooms with someone rather than hunting them alone.    Hunting alone means there is no one to share your excitement and joy when you find some huge stash or choice edible mushrooms.   Or that "Rare" but "pretty" mushroom that only you know how to identify.  Sure, it is only a "Dog"... But there is a reason why we call dogs "Man's Best Friend".   And I believe Ladybird enjoys the hunt and the outdoor experience as much as I do.  

As for this weekend... Well, it rained last night.   But I don't think there was enough time to grow anything out fully.   I did manage to find some "Big Laughing Gym" mushrooms on their usual log.    And some pinning Bear Head Toothed Comb.  ( Also known as "Lion's Mane")   But it was too young to harvest just yet.  I shall keep an eye on it over the next few days. 

The biggest find and "disappointment" was the Chicken of the Woods that was ALREADY HARVESTED by a competitor! I have only myself to blame for telling everyone who will listen about how awesome and easy to Identify the Laetiporus sulphureus is.   And when they beat me to the harvest, that simply means I have not been able to dedicate the same amount of hunting time as they were.   I did manage to find a small button that was a little old to harvest... so I planted it in a nearby log with the hopes it will produce something there.   You never know.  

Last weekend,  I went fishing down the road at Lincoln Park.   I was trying out a new bait and discovered the bluegills love it!   I managed to catch a number of Golden shiners and Crappie as well.   Along with some very pretty Pumpkinseeds.  This Thursday,   I have asked for it off from work so I can help Dave celebrate his birthday with some more fishing at the super secret pond.   With some luck,  he will be able to acquire a kayak and catch enough bluegills for  the upcoming winter months.  You have to be forward thinking if you don't want to freeze your butt off on the ice!

I have not been doing a lot of running this week.   Mostly because I have been battling an annoying head cold.   Nothing major, just sniffles and a sore throat.   And a bit of a cough.   But the days I did manage to get out and run,  I noticed a wonderful Butterfly garden near where I fish.   Normally, i don't like taking pictures of flowers, but I found this place very peaceful and relaxing.  And with the Fall colors coming on fast, I figured these colors will not be around for much longer.   Might as well get a few pics of them in their prime and glory. 

And lastly,  I have been folding more Origami.   This time,  I had the bright idea to work on something a little more challenging.   Another Oriental Dragon.   

Unfortunately, it has been a while since I tackled such a challenge, and discovered far too late a couple of flaws that may require me to refold it.   Ah well.... Practice makes almost not terrible.  And although many people may not see the same flaws as I do,  I still want to put out my best work.  So I will have to begin the refold this evening and see if I can fix the problems.  It's all so much fun!

Haribo continues to get better.   Monday and Friday were almost boring when the equipment and machines work properly.    But Tuesday through Thursday were disasters!   We did 105 tons of Gummy Bears last Thursday... And that is with a broken Passerella and only three Robots available.   As difficult as those days are, they FLY by and it is very satisfying when you are able to keep the lines running and keep the Gummy production flowing.  Sure, that means there will be a pile up of Pallets in the hallway.  But sooner or later, you find the time to clean things up.   And that is what Friday was spent doing.   Super fun! 

My Friend John Tukes will be coming up from Texas for a visit with friends and relatives. (Remember John? )   The plan is to assemble the ZEBRA people at the Clubhouse for a few beers and some catching up.   I'm looking forward to it.   And since I have already asked for the day off,  I will not have to worry about Work until Friday Afternoon.   Plenty of time for some fun and conversations.   I Can't wait!

And that is all.    It seems like a lot, but really,   only a couple of things will pile up if you don't write them down.   So it is best to get those little stories out fo the way and prepare for the fish tails that will be arriving on Thursday!   Along with the pictures of stories that the Former Co-workers will have to chat about.   Perhaps I will bring some gummies to pass around so people can savor the same sweetness I get to participate in every day.  We have the latest Valentines Day Gummies!  (Pineapple and Raspberry!)  They are SO good! I'm sure the three Bartenders will LOVE them!   

Perhaps I will be able to run a little more this week.   My foot seems to be doing better. (probably only my wishful thinking...) and if this cough finally goes away, I will be able to enjoy the beaches of Lake Michigan a couple of more times before the colder weather makes that impossible.   As the weather cools down, it certainly makes those beach runs a little more fun and desirable.   I'll see what happens,  and try to make every second count.