A Full Week At Haribo, A Weekend With Cheryl, and A Fridge Full Of Mushrooms!

 My first full week on the floor at Haribo is complete!  And I survived!  

I won't lie...  It is a challenge.   Navigating the fork truck in those narrow spaces is tough...  Especially for someone like me, who lacks the years of experience that many of the folks in warehouses have.   But by Friday evening,  I started to get a feel for things and  I'm feeling a little more comfortable now. 

I'm getting a feel for the landscape as well.   The times of breaks,  the people to talk to, the tech and the Machinery that requires attention and the things it takes to get them back online.  I believe there is an opportunity to grow and remain challenged here.  (As apposed to becoming bored and complacent...) With a little luck, a bit of skill, and a willingness to learn, This could be a great fit and place to grow.  That being said,   I will continue to pray for guidance and help along the way.   Gaining confidence has an uncanny ability to turn into arrogance and that is when accidents happen.  

So.... Take is slow.   Take it easy!   And always remain cautious when moving a 3 ton vehicle in close proximity to robots, equipment, and most of all:   Other people!  Safety first!

After that week,  Cheryl called and mentioned that she would like to drop in for a visit.   I was more than thrilled!   But working the late shift now, I  would not be there Friday night for her. So She agreed to arrive early Saturday Morning.  That way I could get a good nights sleep and had  time  in the morning to clean the place up a little.

With time being so precious for the weekend,  we headed right to the beach and enjoyed the cool air, cool water, and the sounds of the crashing waves.   It was raining in Kenosha on Saturday, so we headed north to avoid the turbulent weather.... and had a nice talk on the way.   Turns out  talking about your troubles helps you get the bad Chi out of your system and allows you to actually enjoy the weekend.... And the weather and  the waves along Lake Michigan.  

Cooler weather in the Summer is always welcome...   And it was nice.   Sure, the sun came out for a few moments and got us sweaty, but overall it was a pleasant day.

We dropped in to the Beer Garden in Racine.   And enjoyed  a sundae.  

Then headed to the Beer garden At Parkside and enjoyed another beer and some pretzels.  The live music at Parkside is always an added level of fun.   To bad we missed the movie that they were playing on Friday night.   ( Come to think about it, I will be missing ALL of the Friday night movies... And all of the Music in the parks around here!   Bummer!) Ah well,   sometimes you only get 80% of what you want.   And that is not always bad. 

 We decided to go for a walk in the woods after our pretzels were gone and discovered that the rains have triggered the mushrooms all through the forest!   It was like walking in a mushroom wonderland!  

And the Mushrooms were HUGE!    The Forest Floor was VERY happy.   Cheryl found a "rare" Old Man of the Woods. ( A black Bolete!)  And I found a Green Laces Russula!  Both are edible... But!   We had no basket and there is more....

You see,  I have been collecting Mushrooms all week.    And I literally have no more room in my fridge for anymore.   The Chanterelles are fully out and HUGE!  

Along with a vast number of other species of mushrooms.   

Huge Amanitas!  (Poison!) 

And HUGE Saffron Milk caps.  Edible, but Sharp and spicy!) 

And Boletes!  Edible, but HUGE!  Where would I put them?   

Boletes also have the problem of not lasting long.   In fact, I was "forced" to eat the Summer Boletes ahead of schedule because they were going bad.  So I have been leaving them in place of the Chenterelles. 

Ah!  The Chanterelles!   They are all over.   I stumbled upon a Fairy Ring of  them and filled my basket so quickly, i had to leave over half of them there!  ( A terrible feeling!)   I apologized to them for not being able to bring them home with me.   But after two days of full baskets... and a FULL FRIDGE!  I simply have no place else to go with them.  Hopefully  those "Other" mushroom hunters will find them and save them from the bugs and slime molds that will eventually consume them if they stay in the woods.  

And I have harvested enough of the brittle gills now so I feel nature can have the rest.   Even though they have proven most tasty on a burger with Swiss cheese.   I'm not 100%, but I do feel like I found at least a couple Bare Tooth Russulas in my mix.   ( At least according to the Mushroom ID app.) They definitely have a delicious flavor  ( similar to almonds at least.)   But not quite like the cherries of Amaretto flavor I remember.   Then again, they are mixed with the swamp russulas and other ones.  

I use the Mushroom ID app as a guide... not a sure fire rule.   Because it has suggested that several of the russulas I have harvested were the "Toxic" ones.   But after tasting them myself, and EATING them!   I discovered that either it was NOT that specific Russula  OR it is not as Toxic as the book suggests.  Remember,  Mom used to feed us Toxic  mushrooms all the time!  (Gyromitra esculenta)  Mostly because they were fairly easy to identify and find near Grandpa's Cabin.  (Not because she was trying to kill us... intentionally...) 

I have developed a certain theory of the Toxicity of mushrooms and the book's definition of toxicity.  If there is EVER a documented case of someone getting so much as a tummy ache or diarrhea from eating a specific mushroom,   the post a warning... regardless of the source or evidence.  Better to error on the side of caution, I guess.    And with food allergies running rampant in this new generation... it makes sense that wild, foraged food might end up KILLING a fragile Gen Z or Millennial.  (That is my "Old Man Jab" at the younger generations.....)  

Honestly,  there are so many mushrooms out there where the edibility of them is unknown... So you have to take a risk sometimes.   That being said... best to do a bit of research. 

Well,   Before this post ends up being another post about Mushrooms... I should end it now and prepare for Tomorrow.   Monday begins a new week at Haribo.   And a new moment in time in my life.    So... Keep reading!  This Chapter is just beginning!

And Make every second count.  

Oh!      And a small end note:   Today was our anniversary.   Had we stayed married, it would have been 29 years today!  Ah, Nostalgia. 

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.

Getting Lost In Goodwill...

 I visited Goodwill today.   A number of my readers (Can I call you My Readers?   It makes me sound so important....) have suggested that I go there for common kitchen items that are cheap and disposable...   Or keep-able, if they end up being something I like. I had been putting it off because I know I wanted stuff from IKEA (Because it is also affordable and it matches!)   But today, I realized there were a few things I still needed and IKEA was not going to be  the place to find them

I needed a basket.   For Mushrooms! (Of course!)  And I figured I would check out Goodwill first before investing money in a basket that functions, but looks bad. (Images of Hobby Lobby come to mind from previous years....) 

Well I found one!  In fact, I found two!  And for only $2 each!   Well you can't beat that price,  so I nabbed both of them. 

But then I got sucked into the black hole that is Goodwill....  

Goodwill has lots of "Stuff" and it is cheap!   But...   If you take a moment to actually look at stuff,   your mind begins to wonder. ( At least mine does.)    What is this!  Who would throw this away?  Why would anyone throw this away?   Who would ever buy this!?!?  

But the Journey does not stop there.  You begin to think about the history of random things.  And what that item must be thinking... If you believe it had a soul.  (Hey!   I think Subies have a soul.....  so back off!)  If you have ever watched "Toy Story" and let your imagination run wild,  you begin to think that these abandoned items are simply yearning for another life.  Kind of like a pet at the Animal Shelter. 

And then it gets sad... because you cant take all of this junk home... No matter how cheap it is!   So you look for reasons to NOT buy it.   "I would not have any place to put it... "  "It is not the size or color I was looking for."  "It CLASHES with everything I have at home!" 

Eventually,   You add a few items to your list of things and you end up spending more than you had originally thought. ( Even thought everything is SO CHEAP.... that it really does not matter.) I actually needed a salt shaker for my huge box of salt.   (Seriously!  Who does not have a salt shaker? ) Well I didn't have one...    And I never use pepper, so I broke up the pair and only bought one.  Will I be condemned to hades for splitting up a salt and pepper shaker set?   I don't care.    Let Pepper find their own home!

I also found a cluster of baking pans that were cheap enough for me to modify with a guilt free conscience.   They will now be repurposed for "Food Covers" for my griddle.   And  "Yes!"  I punched a hole in the bottom and added a bolt for a handle.  I even added a cork handle to the top so I won't burn my hand.   

Where did I get the cork?   Well,   I am a master of being resourceful!   And we happened to have all of these bottles of wine that "survived" the fire.   You just throw the cork away after you open it anyway... why not repurpose it for something more lasting?   

As for the wine...  well.   No one will know if you drink the evidence, right?  

Come to think about it, perhaps I should not admit this on the blog.    Then again,  perhaps I shouldn't attempt blogging while drinking the wine to begin with!   Ah well... It will all work out.   ( Then again, that would explain all of the typos and bad grammar. Mental note: Alcohol is best left for AFTER the blog has been posted!)  Hopefully....

Honestly,  I just reread the last paragraph and it was TERRIBLE!  Seriously!   Don't Drink and Blog!  It will ruin your ....  I forgot.  

Anyway,   Now for something completely random:  I went mushroom hunting again today.   several hours in the woods with my new Goodwill Basket!   I was able to harvest Brittle gills without the Chanterelles crushing them.  So I consider that a success!  

The Chanterelles are seriously lacking behind the Russulas this year.   I happened upon several locations where it appears the deer or Squirrels are "digging them up" before they are harvest able.    (Those stupid animals!) Bu tI found a basket worth of Russulas to bring hoime to make up for the lack of Chanterelles.  And I know that the Chanterelles are going to be popping up over the next several weeks anyway.... so I will let nature take it's course..

Well...   That is all for now.  That wine is really hitting me and I find it getting more and more difficult to focus....  so I should probably end this blog post now.   Even though I took so many mushroom pics that are BEAUTIFUL!   It will not matter if the people can not understand the sentences that accompany them.

 So,  Let's just end this now.   I begin Haribo tomorrow, so my blog posts might get a little less frequent than they have been I might have been able to expand upon that, but not in this condition.   Let's just say that I this is the last day of my vacation" and I now have to get back to work.  Because life is short and every second counts....  

Because it is funny, I will admit I had to do some MAJOR revisions.  to this blog post....  You can fill in the gaps.