When Beth Jukuri and her granddaughter go out exploring, they never know what they’ll find, but it’s usually always something interesting and even educational. The recent finds were these interesting looking mushrooms, called Shaggy Ink Cap mushrooms or Shaggy Mane mushrooms, too. They actually don’t look very appetizing, but they are edible, with a very short shelf life of 24 hours. After that they start to melt into “inky goo”. I’m guessing that’s what’s already happening to them in the second photo and possibly the third, too. I was shocked at the benefits of eating them…they fight against cancer, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, lower blood sugar, improve brain function, can heal the liver, promote weight loss and can protect against infection. Of course there is a downside, too, if you have an inflamatory skin condition, eating them could cause skin reactions and if you’re picking them yourself in the wild, there are similar looking inky cap mushrooms that are poisonous. So it’s best to seek this fungus out at the market, rather than in the wild.

Winterberries/Michigan Holly are beautiful winter shrubs, and are good for feeding the wildlife, but humans should just look and not eat as they are poisonous to humans. They sure are pretty and stand out this time of year when the berries are all you see. We had a look at them on Tuesday this week, too, so they’re all around us here in the Keweenaw.

Beth’s bottom photo just warms my heart...that’s her granddaughter getting ready to cross the leaf covered bridge. This little lady has been Beth’s exploring partner since she was just a little thing. We’ve been privileged to see her grow up through the years in Beth’s photos. What a beautiful relationship they have.

We wrap up this week with a new video from Alexis Dahl. She says modern life depends on this extinct rock – Banded Iron Formations. The lead in to the video states: “More than half of the iron we mine today comes from banded iron formations. But where did banded iron formations come from? Special thanks to Dr. Bill Cannon from the USGS for helping me understand this topic!” Sit back and get comfortable, this one is 20+ minutes.

How fabulous....what a cool find!! Did you take
them home and eat them? Edible mushrooms are super
amazing. They always heal something!

I LOVE Alexis's vids...they are always so
interesting and educational.

My favorite photo is the last one.
Not only is it precious, but I
just love any kind of road or path
pictures, especially with a carpet
of leaves. And the bridge adds a
lot to it too. But I avoid picking
anything like that out in the wild
because I don't trust it.

And yes, Alexis is always so
interesting and informative.

Today’s set is like a movie montage:
“Invasion of the Body Snatchers“,
and “The Village”. (red berries)
Another interesting video by Alexis.

Varied and interesting set! As much as i like mushrooms those don't look too appealing! But the Michigan Holly sure are! Have probably mentioned before i picked some one time and in no time the berries fell off! Better to leave them in the woods. The bridge picture is my favorite too, because of the subject and location. Thanks Beth!

Jbuck, it seems we have similar
tastes.

You're right Deb! Seems often i'm right there with you on the favorite for the day. Have a blessed Sunday.