Of Mushrooms and Pigs

There is a craggy old apple tree in our orchard

(a truly magical tree)

that produces no more apples,

and looks sort of scary.

It is a tree that we will never chop down, however,

because the soil above its roots is home to the elusive morel mushroom.

Each spring, for the past several, a morel mushroom has grown at the base of this tree.

This year...

not one, not two, not three morels, but...

eight morel mushrooms appeared!

Morels are very expensive in the grocery store ($300/pound),

so I will be looking for something yummy to make with these!

Right across from the mushroom tree are Ginger and MaryAnn.

I spent a little time yesterday trimming hooves.

After trying all sorts of tools, including goat trimmers and a rasp,

I have found the perfect tool for trimming pig hooves (a 10-inch equine hoof nipper)...

and thankfully, these two gals are very cooperative,

lying on their sides, while I rub their bellies and do their pedicures.

Our pedicure time came to an abrupt halt, as

Hubbs stopped by the pigpen with a handful of dandelions for the girls.

This used to be their favorite treat, but they seemed less interested this time.

What was of incredible interest to MaryAnn, however, was Hubbs himself!

Here is a series of photos that better describes this than I could with words!

Unfortunately, I did not record the sounds she was making.

She was loudly and excitedly telling Hubbs how much she likes him!

Tight-lipped Hubbs refuses to kiss the pig...

"All my men wear English Leather, or they wear nothing at all!"

(Note MaryAnn's flehmen response...nose and upper lip raised into the air...

much like that in horses...

used to better detect pheromones.)

(I think she really likes you, Hubbs!)

Hubbs gets just a little nervous.

I guess this is what happens when you bring flowers to a pig!!

(Dos Equis, eat your heart out...

Hubbs really is The Most Interesting Man in the World!)