Vacation Day 8: Forest Foraging & A Not-So-Great Ending

Posted on by Ilze

I was feeling a bit down yesterday, so I went to the forest. I foraged for chanterelles and russules, and ate a few bilberries — enough to turn my mouth completely blue.

Saw a huge patch of ferns and a whole field of heather (Calluna vulgaris). I couldn’t resist taking a few stems home. Butterflies were fluttering everywhere, and the plants were full of busy bees. I slowly moved through the patch, careful not to disturb the scene — or get stung. 😊 The gentle hum was so peaceful.

When I got home, I cooked dinner. I love making birch boletes into what we call sēņu karbonādes — mushroom patties. I ate them straight from the frying pan… only half of them made it to dinner. 😅 And of course, with the chanterelles I had planned to make risotto, but I ended up making potatoes with a creamy chanterelle sauce instead.

At 9 PM I realised I had only 5.5K steps (including the forest walk), so I went for a walk with Jānis. I complained a lot — I was exhausted and didn’t feel good. Still, I finished the day with 10K steps… and a headache with chills. Something wasn’t right. I went to bed at midnight (earlier than usual for me).

Watched a Hallmark romantic movie — predictable as always, but somehow still so comforting 😊 Anyone else guilty of watching these? I watched Love and Sunshine. They all are the same…

Not sure what my plan is for today — still have a headache. I think my head only hurts when I move it, which means I probably have a stiff neck. It might be from the forest trip — I got sweaty, then jumped into the car and turned the air conditioning on full blast. Probably not the smartest idea.

Ilze

Discover more from a day in the life of a latvian mom

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

20 thoughts on “Vacation Day 8: Forest Foraging & A Not-So-Great Ending”

  1. Hello Ilze, 10,000 steps every day would be too much for me, they say 6,000 is good enough, I don’t know if that’s correct. With the gardening you do that is a good workout by it’s self. The mushrooms look lovely and the heather and wildflowers.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hello! I’m 42 and actually don’t do much gardening, so for me 10,000 steps is more like a minimum to feel active. I’ve also heard that 6,000 steps can be enough for some people, but I prefer to aim higher. Gardening is definitely a good workout though, so you’re right about that! Thanks, I’m glad you like the mushrooms and flowers. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  5. I feel hugely envious that you have chanterelles, or for that matter, any mushrooms to pick in the wild – we may live in a wondrous country in Australia but there is but little to pick unless you have the wisdom of the Aborigines – they know the wild greens and berries many of which are poisonous. I am fully medically trained and am currently studying natural medicine at a number of universities in the US – Beliefs like BMI and 10,000 steps are very definitely not necessary and are but one of the physical ways to keep healthy, 3000 steps being quite sufficient . . .gardening in the fresh air and sunshine fulfil entirely different but even more necessary needs – look up Mayo Clinic in the US – pretty old-fashioned still but credible . , , and I am laughing at your ‘old age’ . , , my grandchildren are nearly that age . , , 🙂 !

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Oh, Australia must be amazing in its own way — though I understand the mushroom envy! 🍄 Here in Latvia, chanterelles are a true seasonal joy, and I can never resist picking them. I agree that gardening gives a completely different kind of health benefit — it’s both grounding and energizing. And yes, 10,000 steps is just my personal target; I know there’s more than one way to stay healthy. As for “old age” — well, I’ll take that as a compliment from someone with grandchildren nearly my age! 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *