As you noticed Genie was gone during the last meeting; looking for a possible place to settle in northern California. Her youngest son is also looking, and it sounds like there whole family may end up in northern California. She stayed with her brother who lives near San Francisco during her stay, who is also an avid mushroom hunter, and a member of the San Francisco Mycological Society. He in fact initially got Genie involved in mushroom hunting.
We need to be thinking of some new officers who will be taking over in June. Genie will be leaving at some point in the future, and so will Katsu. It's time to look for someone else to grab the torch and lead the way; someone willing to stand-up and be noticed (start the Star Spangled Banner in the background now); someone to lead the group into the brave new world (slowly start lifting the Flag); will that someone be YOU (have Uncle Sam point a finger towards the audience). Seriously, if you're interested in one of the available positions, just let us know.
This next meeting we will be appointing a search committee to decide about next years officers. We will be voting for the new officers in May, and they will be taking over in June.
Well, its finally mushroom time again. Genie, Zelda, Katsu, and Nancy Weber Smith hasn't wasted any time in getting out there and thumping the brush trying to rustle up them almost invisible Verpas.
You know, I haven't had the pleasure yet of being on a foray with Zelda, but I've heard more about the optimized stance that she takes when she is looking for mushrooms; she apparently always finds the mostest, and the bestest (but not today - no, not today).
Genie says that they were along the Santiam in the cottonwoods on Thursday the 25th, and they each found around a pound full of Verpas or so; except of course Zelda, who was able to walk away with two pounds. Then, apparently as they were each getting ready to leave, Katsu mentioned that she was going to stay a few minutes longer and look for some stinging nettle to go along with the Verpas. Well, after everyone was gone, Katsu pulled out the industrial strength vacuum cleaner (she apparently must of had a portable electric generator along) and found around six pounds altogether! Out of town friends were treated to a delicious dinner of Verpas and stinging nettles.
The recipe she chose was a Morel recipe from a cookbook put out by the Oregon Mycological society. She said that she liked the Verpas as well as, or better than the true Morels. The flesh is a tad softer and watery, but the flavor (according to Katsu anyway) is wonderful. Some people think that Verpas are a poor substitute for Morels - she welcomes them to give her all the Verpas that they find.
She also found some good oyster mushrooms. The Verpas are coming to an end very soon now, and Katsu would really like to go Morel hunting in the very near future. She suggested trying Sauvie Island, at least if anyone knows where to go. Let's all be thinking of some good Morel spots to suggest for a few group forays over the next few months.
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