Autumn Zen and the Attack of the Killer Toadstools
...Autumn Zen time is setting in. I found myself sitting outside contemplating the the foliage as it turns vibrant shades of yellow and red. The air has taken on that special spicy quality that only happens in the fall. Looking over the yard and its perimeters, I noticed something more than just autumn leaves sprouting in colonies. Colorful toadstools were erupting overnight with all the rain we received in the passed few days. At first I thought the display to be miniature umbrellas placed thee as an outdoor festival for the fairies in the woods and garden. After a few days of observation I was amazed at the size of these toadstools. They had begun to take on the appearance of something from outer space. Some of the largest ones measured approximately eight to ten inches across, and were roughly six to eight inches in height. A few of these monsters were big enough to pose as birdbaths in the garden. Upon closer inspection that had in fact held about