Late visitor

A late visitor arrived while we were drinking our afternoon coffee on the terrace . The temperature is a comfortable one, Indian Summer like. Some of the warmest weather so far. But the nights are cool. This beautiful butterfly must have hidden away someplace cozy and is now refueling for the next cool night. Not sure if we have this kind in the States, it's called a "Peacock Eye" here.

Autumn

The Honeysuckle on Mom's terrace was pushing out some more blossoms, even as the berries of the earlier blooms were ripening, ready to be nibbled off by passing birds. Autumn is definitely in the air.

Forest Treasures

In the fall, after a warm summer and heavy rains, mushrooms spring up everywhere in the forest Many of them edible. Of course as I am not familiar with the varieties and Mom not 100% either, we merely admire them, rather then risking tasting possible deadly ones.

While we were at the Baltic Coast, hordes of people roamed the forests, willow baskets in hand, looking for the fragrant, tasty treasures. On our travels into Poland many had roadside stands set up, often with huge baskets of freshly picked Porcini mushrooms. My favorites are the Chanterelles. Which are offered in all of the restaurants right now. Delish!

Baltic Sunrise

Took this photo on the last morning of our Baltic Vacation on the Island of Usedom. It was still slightly hazy. The sun was just making it's way through the light fog layers that shrouded the coast. It was utterly quiet, other then for the breaking of the waves and the calling of the sea gulls. Barely anyone around yet. So a very nice Goodbye visit for me, before loading our suitcases up for our return trip to Berlin.

Snails

It's been a while since my last blog entry. On vacation in Germany, visiting Mom to celebrate her 80th Birthday with her. So many pics to catch up on. But wanted to share this wonderful little pic of two pretty snails, making their way across a bunch of rosehips . Rugosa rosehips are huge. Loved the markings on the snails as ours are just simple garden snails , not fancy striped ones. I've always been fond of snails, unusual for a gardener I know. I love the way their little horns come out and retract in an instant. :) I found these especially attractive.