Well, looky here...

Spring has sprung and the grass is riz...and I have photos once again!! Hurrah! I've been exploring Kilally Meadows as often as I can and my rambles should increase now that daytime volleyball has ended. I still have Friday nights at volleyball til the end of June.

Then I signed up for "Huff n' Puff" slo-pitch which was to start today. But the fields were closed to use today as it has been raining BUCKETS for several days. Yesterday I suffered with a migraine due to the intense low stalled over the city. There is still a bit of residual throbbing in my head today.

Pellride  - you asked about the uses of skunk cabbage so I did a little search and found this:

Skunk cabbage was used extensively as a medicinal plant, seasoning, and magical talisman by various tribes of Native Americans. While not considered edible raw, because the roots are toxic and the leaves can burn the mouth, the leaves may be dried and used in soups and stews.

Close to the skunk cabbage which likes a wet, marshy environment are the under-rated marsh marigolds. I think they are gorgeous and are one of the first spring flowers to pop open.

 Violets are everywhere, forming a lush carpet under trees and along the paths. I imagine I'll have to wait for a couple of dry days before I can venture into Kilally Meadows again. It's been flooded a lot this year due to so much rain. A friend told me a few days ago that he was about to plant his corn; however I'm sure he has delayed planting once again in the muddy fields.

Gorgeous blue scilla are everywhere - they are a feast for the eyes!

 While walking one day, close to the river, I heard a sound like a chainsaw starting up. I thought someone was clearing up dead branches. Then I saw a large shadow and looked up to see a heron fly right over my head bleating loudly. I think that may have been the first time I've heard that sound!

 I'm hoping to see the may apple flower this year - hope I don't miss it. They must not last long because last year I only caught sight of the little apples, no flowers.

Bloodroot is everywhere but beware! Bloodroot extracts have been listed as one of "187 Fake Cancer Cures people should avoid!"

 This is an area carpeted with violets. Just beautiful!

I will keep trying to capture Mr. Osprey. He was sitting on that metal thingy and I crept up trying to get his picture. Of course he saw me and took off (I thought I was well hidden behind some branches). So this is my effort at capturing the osprey in flight with a branch between me and him. It looks like he's coming right for me - good luck lifting me off the ground!!

Sorry I haven't been around much. I had some computer issues to sort out (my own) and still trying to sort out my mother's files, plus play a LOT of volleyball, get out hiking and so on and so on! At least my blog is back in action :)

May Challenge

So far I have gotten out into the forest every day this month! It's quickly becoming a habit and a time that I look forward to each day. Every other day I do 1.5km of trail running - I'd like to say it's becoming easier but it isn't yet. I complain to myself the whole time but force myself to keep running. Fortunately I do my trail running on a portion of trail that very few people venture onto saving my humiliation and panting/swearing for myself.

Yesterday I had another "deer moment" - she was laying under a tree with lots of ground cover but I could see her head and we stared at each other for a few moments and then she took off at a run. No photo as any movement would have startled her. But I did get a great bunny picture yesterday.

 Unlike my goldfinch photo - have you ever tried to take a picture of one? - they flit from twig to twig, tree to tree about every nano-second! Little meanies! You'll need a magnifying glass to see it!

Wild leeks by the bushel full - I just have no idea when they are ready to eat!?

If you bend down and look under the may apple's big leaves this is what you'll see right now.  I'm not sure if it is going to flower or if it has already flowered and this is the apple forming. I tend to think it's going to flower, but what do I know?

May apple leaves..

the most beautiful fungus I think I've ever seen! And I've seen some!

These flowers were in a very boggy area but I managed to get up close by walking on two logs using a big stick for balance.

Yup, out there...

 Exploring in a new area...

Heading home...

Due to having to purchase yet another charging cord I've gotten a bit behind with my posting, but hey, it is what it is. So I'll do a financial report tomorrow...if I remember! I'm getting OLD!!

Another Visitor - OMG

No photos of our latest visitor , unfortunately. My darling daughter and her fella from Jersey parted ways at Christmas - the 9-10 hour drive being too much of an obstacle to overcome. Now she has a new fella who lives in Detroit, only a 2 hour drive. Much more doable - we'll see how it goes. He visited London this weekend and I walked the fine line between giving them their privacy and getting to know him. So far so good - he seems really nice.

I spent more time in the woods as Saturday was the annual Thames River cleanup day. I could have filled my 4 garbage bags about 10 times over so I bought an extra box to keep in the truck so I can continue  "unjunking" my favourite spot to trail walk/run. Here's a few pics from the last couple of days...

Bloodroot Day One

Bloodroot Day TWO!

May apple

My favourite colour - GREEN!!

Skunk Cabbage - not a pretty name but I think it's beautiful at this stage!

The garbage I collect plus a mouldy old comforter and some plastic sheeting - ready for pickup!

We relaxed for the rest of the day - Lily caught a few rays!

While Luna enjoyed her little bed :)

It's a lot cooler today but at least there are no tornadoes heading our way! Take care those of you in Tornado Alley!