Happy July 4th - Fireworks Presented by Nature!

 I hope you and your family had an enjoyable 4th of July holiday.  

Yesterday I was informed by Denise of her discovery of red-colored, tiny-and-cute mushrooms on the logs at about half-way between the dam and the Prospect Street entrance.  This morning I could not wait to check it out, and even went to the park a second time around noon to appreciate the mushrooms again.  The creatures first appear in brown color.  Upon maturation they turn red and fuse to one another.  Some of the patterns look interesting, one like a praying child, and the other reminded me of the character in Henry the comic strip by Carl Thomas Anderson in the 1930s,

Watching the red mushrooms in scattered patterns, it suddenly occurred to me that this could be nature's way of decorating the park to celebrate the birthday of this blessed country.

The beefsteak mushroom I saw yesterday had a rapid turnover like a magician's performance.  The appearance today is like a singer from the Hippies era.

On the right side of the driveway to the parking lot, several hamburger-like mushrooms made me feel hungry.  I thank Lloyd for his timely reminder cautioning me to refrain from becoming a modern version of Adam and Eve. 

 a dead tree by the dam.  In the morning a branch of the dead tree by the dam reminded me of a bunker with artillery at Normandy Beach.  By noon when I took a step back, I saw a monster with its mouth open and tongue flipping.

I include photos of a tiny spider less than half a centimeter in diameter) with long legs.  I apologize for the quality as the iPhone has stretched to its limit.

The ghost pipe just started to bloom.  In the next few days I expect to see more flowers.