Fungi, cabbages and kings, the pickers, that is.

 Yesterday's walk was largely about fungi

I thought at first this was a flattened baseball

Top, looking fairly  inconspicuous, then the reveal

the gills underneath. Such wonderful design in nature.

Where those tomato vines were thrown into the trees which I foraged, a brave little volunteer. I must remember to check next year for picking.

On the subject of food, and rising prices, here's why I will always support the farmworkers

Back breaking incessant work, and no benefit from higher prices at the end of the chain. I always thank them with a prayer when I unbox my Misfits, because they feed me.

The wall hanging is in rough draft, pinned onto a backing of unbleached muslin, and is now on the wall, so I can see it over a couple of days, move pieces around and start stitching again. 

I tried several overlay ideas, didn't like any of them, so I think the open areas will be many colors of sashiko stitching instead. That seems to be more harmonious. I'll save the overlay idea for another future piece. I think I've been influenced for the good by that kantha work I showed you recently.

And, in keeping with  my long-standing support of MoveOn, here's the latest sticker, supporting library staff besieged by book bans.  This is on the fridge,  and my Twitter and Spoutible accounts.

Happy day, everyone, read a book, and, to the library folk among our blogistas, go you!

May Day, and other things too

 Happy May day!

And while we're frolicking, here in coats and gloves, let's remember it's also the Feast of St. Joseph the worker, celebrating the trades and all other workers. 

And remember the personal cost to the pickers of our food

Each bin holds about half a ton. They split $30 payment. For hand picking half a ton of fruit. 

When we complain about the price of food, we remember what the workers earn.  Machines can't pick citrus and stone fruit without damaging it.  Owners and middlemen take a much bigger cut of the eventual retail price. United Farm Workers Union working to protect their workers.

Spoken as the proud daughter and mother of union members, as well as a past personal member.

Currently registering support of Jorts the Cat, and his symbolism in the current resurgence of the trade union movement. You don't know Jorts? He has a Wikipedia entry. Check him out!  It's his birthday.

Meanwhile closer to home, my frugal heart was happy to score a patio chair at the dumpster, thus continuing a long personal tradition of never buying outdoor furniture. 

Perfectly good pieces to be found at the beginning of the season. Sometimes I swap out current found pieces for new finds.  I currently have three chairs, one a poolside lounger and the two you see here. All found at dumpsters. I'm still using a crate for a side table, until I find a good replacement.

All we need now is warmer weather.

Happy day everyone! 

And look for the union label!