Jelly Ear fungi

I often wonder how we managed BG (before google)

After a bit of googling I think I have identified the fungi from Sheldon Wood.

I think it is Auricularia auricula-judae, known as the Jew's ear, jelly ear or by a number of other common names, is a species of edible Auriculariales fungus found worldwide. The fruiting body is distinguished by its noticeably ear-like shape and brown colouration; it grows on living and dead wood, mainly elder but also on beech and sycamore.

Its specific epithet is derived from the belief that Judas Iscariot hanged himself from an elder tree; the common name "Judas's ear" eventually became "Jew's ear", while today "jelly ear" or other names are sometimes used.

It is meant to be edible but I don't think I'd chance eating fungi that hadn't been identified by an expert.

Autumn leaf

If I were an autumn leaf
would I set red in my hair
to blaze against the dying day

or dust my dress with gold
to light the night
with soft shining?

Would the earth creep into my veins
until I curled and crisped,
an offering for hungry feet,

not to fear the decay of death
but shoot bright a light
to warm hearts on winter’s journey?

Jane Upchurch

Havering Deanery Quiet Day

We had a quiet day for Havering Deanery clergy last week at mulberry house. Our numbers were supplemented by some local residents.

The Unexpected

I'm convinced this tree was doing a handstand!

Journey

Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.

Sir Winston Churchill (1874 - 1965)