Indiana’s Best
“When you say you found a sackful, what we talking? This big? Or this big? (Shows me with her hands). You could be saying a giant garbage bag full!”
Our conversation across the humming and gurgling washers was so Brown County. Greys, peckerheads, yellows. Flour, cornmeal, egg, oil, butter. All discussed with fellow woman foragers as we watched our laundry somersault in dryers.
Treasure hunting in the woodlands is a cherished pastime in these parts. Secret places bathed in dappled light always happy-up my heart! Eyes racing across the forest floor searching for the pattern that sends zingers of excitement to the brain. The modeled, pale surface of the fungi gets endorphins flying. Look, there’s a morel!
A brief pause to admire this gift, still partially hidden in the moist leaves. Then enthusiastic bending to its beauty, then capture. Bring it up to the nostrils to inhale Mother Nature’s perfume. Feel the cool ribs of the cap pressed gently to your lips.
Buttered joy comes next as they sizzle and dance in the darkness of an iron skillet. My taste buds do backflips. … This is ephemeral ecstasy! The season is short, but the sensation runs long. Indiana springs brings wonderful things!
Laura Bulla, Belmont
