I’ve used enough stone tools to understand just how difficult it is to master that technology.

To gain an appreciation of just how different the characteristics of rocks are, try this simple test of the Mohs’ scale.

This book made my toes curl.

That happens with excellent writing. Eric Schlosser and Charles Wilson use engaging language to explore the sources of food for most Americans. It is more than a nature book for student readers. Schlosser and Wilson are right up there with Howard and Margery Facklam as authors who make complex issues easy to understand.

Food is one of my favorite subjects. I even have a recipe page on this site. This book drives home the point that we are what we eat.

I have voted in every election, local and national, since becoming registered.

Today is no different, although it involved a number of hours of travel from my current assignment to my local polling place.

As I signed in during the middle of the day, less than 30 people had voted. Most were probably on their way to work before the polls opened at 6:00 AM, so maybe there will be a large turnout by the time the polls close.

On September 11, 2001 I wept for both the loss of life and the loss of a way of life.

I lived in New York City from 1976 to 1996. From time to time I worked in those World Trade Tower buildings.

Last year my travels took me to New Zealand, which experienced a surge of American immigration as a result of the attacks on the World Trade Towers. I was surprised when a magazine editor asked me to write an article about where I was and what I was doing on that fateful day four years after the event.

Back in June, I had a short assignment in Battery Park City. I felt a chill every time a visitor asked, “How do I get to “Ground Zero?”

This year the harvest has been abundant in my local area.

Foraging is usually exhausting, but wild or cultivated, fruits and vegetables are available in huge quantities this year. After I have eaten my fill, I sort what remains into groups for cooking and freezing, drying or making art.

Making vegetable prints is not only pretty, but a wonderful way to study colors, shapes – even geometry. Try these recipes and feast your eyes.

Happy New (School) Year.

Today is the first day of school for some students. In other parts of the US students started school before Labor Day.

I’ve been filling my freezer with chicken of the woods mushrooms. I’ve also discovered something about my own learning patterns. Borrowing from Anne Lamott, I have to learn mushroom by mushroom. It does no good for me to gather several samples and try to learn them all. By studying one species at a time and really getting to know it, my foraging skills improve.

This is true for plants, birds, insects, mammals – whatever I study. By spending time with one species and checking several sources, I don’t have samples shriveling up waiting for me to sort out details.

I’m also at work correcting another bad study habit. I forget to read past journals and notes. Often I have found answers to questions months ago, but I was missing a critical piece of information to really understand and internalize the information.

I’d planned to write a Happy New Year story this morning.

Today begins a new school year – which is major if you are a student. You worry about different things starting first grade, sixth grade, your senior year. It is, in every sense of the word, a new year.

Steve Irwin’s death makes me sad. As an environmentalist and a conservationist he probably would have been ignored without his daredevil antics.

I could not imagine taking the risks he took, yet his death did not result from doing something risky. It appears to be a freak accident, act of God.

I’m considered a risk-taker to some people because I’m willing to eat a new mushroom. I take precautions, so I feel no fear. I believe Steve Irwin also took precautions, even if his shows were designed to look scary.

This is another great activity for enjoying the outdoors after dark.

It’s a variation on the theme of Joseph Cornell’s Unnature Trail. During the day have one or two people hide a bunch of objects that may not be seen, but are likely to be heard, smelled, touched or tasted, like the ones on the following list.

At night have one or more people locate the items on the list using all of their senses, except sight.

Choose your location carefully, so that items can be located safely.

I’m convinced it is.

My foray into learning about mushrooms has been an opportunity to replace my fear with knowledge. It’s empowering, exhilarating and fun.

I do not understand why our leaders are dedicated to creating an atmosphere of relentless fear and stress. It’s both physically and mentally unhealthy. Franklin Delano Roosevelt did our country a big favor when he said, “Nothing to fear but fear itself.”

Hurricane Ernesto has moved on and I cannot wait to hit the trail. My mushroom guru, “Wildman” Steve Brill assures me that it does not have to be particularly warm for the mushrooms to appear.

Last year at this time I felt confident to pick two varieties of wild mushrooms. Now I can enjoy five. What an achievement! I feel more confident, hopeful and ready to learn than I have in a very long time.

Meanwhile, the mass media is going in the opposite direction. Who benefits here?

Yes! I did it! I love the confident feeling of learning something new.

Until yesterday I was sure of two edible mushrooms. Today I am sure of four. My two new delicacies are the Gem-studded puffball and the Pear-shaped puffball. I have a fifth under study.

Before I share this recipe, it’s time for my disclaimer: ALWAYS test for edibility.

When I gather mushrooms, I put each species in a separate paper bag. When I get home, I take them out of the paper bag and begin my visual study.

The mushroom under study right now is the fawn mushroom. I found one on a hike with “Wildman” Steve Brill last month. I have found it twice since, but did not eat it. I just studied the shape, how the gills were attached and the stem. “Wildman” has made replicas out of Sculpey – which is an excellent way to improve observation skills. It’s also fun.

I am cautious enough to consult other mushroom identification guides, but “Wildman” has the best photos and his sculptures are accurate. I am now making a spore print and when I do sample this mushroom, it will be a piece the size of a green pea.

The recipe: