For the Love of Mushrooms

As our world progresses deeper into technology, the more I seem to delve into more simple ways of living. Yes, I have most of the social media trappings, a fancy phone and computer, a “smart” thermostat etc., but I kind of wish I didn’t have them. Technology is incredible and I’m thankful to have the options and conveniences. But I’m torn. The truth is… I’d rather just be outside. Ask anyone who’s been in my home; it’s all earth tones with most everything wood or stone, and there are plants everywhere and I know it drives my partner Bryce crazy. (We even struck a deal; no more plants, unless they’re edible!) I’ve spent a lot of energy trying to make the inside, outside. 

I love to hike, garden, hunt and fish. All activities that keep me grounded in nature and also revolve around my stomach and pair well with wine! One hobby I acquired from family tradition is mushroom hunting. This goes so deep in our blood that my great grandfather Vincenzo more or less died from mushroom hunting - In his older age (70’s or so) while mushroom hunting in Willits, in what they called the Sherwood Forest, it got dark, he got lost, and fell down a mountainside. After finding the railroad tracks, he walked all the way back to Calpella! (That’s a 17 mile “walk” home by the way...) He survived but I was told he wasn’t quite the same after that.

My Auntie Adelina, Vincenzo’s daughter, who just passed at 102 (about a week away from her 103 birthday) didn’t go mushrooming like her father, but her husband Augie did. Augie taught their son-in-law Gil (he is our cousin that grows the fantastic grapes that make up our Monte Volpe Negroamaro.) Who taught my dad, who, taught me. 

I keep the tradition going today. It’s mushroom season right now, so you know where I’ll be, toting along a bottle of wine too. (Of course!)

Cheers,

Alexandra