"Alas poor Yorick, I knew him Horatio......."

Today Gordon Beakes, mycologist from Newcastle University, led a fungal foray for the Humshaugh Nature Group. About 20 people turned up.

The normal autumnal rains of September never appeared, so fungi are few and far between. We had to work very hard to find any. In the fields there were a few tiny waxcaps and we saw a few bracket fungi and a few others.

On our way back to the village, someone nearly tripped over this giant puff ball. It is edible and was taken with us and carved up into slices to share. Apparently it has the texture of marshmallow and is a good vehicle for eating lots of garlic butter.......!

Mum had a bad night with coughing last night, but is not too bad today. She needs to take care. Thanks to everyone who asked after her.

Thanks also for all your comments and faves while I've been in Tuscany. I will get back to commenting and replying soon.

PS Thanks for Hazelh whose comment resulted in a change in title for today's blip!