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This is a Red-belted Bracket that Col took in Binsted Woods. He heard it had been seen, hunted it down, and shot it - the humane way! - and got this magnificent photo. And we made this photo our November calendar photo.
The wild Bracket herds seem to have deserted the woods, alas. Col has not been able to find one since.
I hope that one day we will be wandering through the Autumn woods of paradise picking mushrooms for our supper. I wouldn't risk it in this system of things, as even experts can make lethal mistakes when gathering fungi, and we are not experts.
Yet, having said that, my father, from Eastern Europe (Belarus/Poland) grew up in a culture where mushroom picking was the norm, and people usually survived it. I guess it was like that here once.
And I need to keep reminding myself that if we are there then we will be full of energy, in perfect health, because I am going through a bad arthritis week - knees, hands, especially left knee. I don't understand why my knees hurt so much as they are artificial knees, as is one shoulder. That still hurts too.
Did they make them too realistic, or what?
The highlight of Saturday, and of my week, was a shepherding visit from two of the brothers. Hard to explain how encouraging and comforting it was, especially after a week of pain - I was back on my Zimmer briefly, and even thought I might have to wotsapp them to cancel, or to warn that it might take me a while to answer the door.
However, thank God, the painkillers kicked in, and I was able to let them in, Zimmerless, and was so encouraged and built-up by their visit. They are so young compared to me (and indeed who isn't these days?), but what wisdom Jehovah can give to all who will come to him and be taught by him. Their visit both encouraged me and taught me. And I hope to include some valuable information about improving my studying in another blog. If I do, it should be under the heading of Quail. For one thing, it will help to keep it clear in my own head.
The care we receive within the congregation - the care that Jehovah and Jesus make sure we receive - is beyond anything "the world" can offer.
And I do feel guilty that I do not deserve all that appreciation and encouragement - but isn't it a reminder that what Jehovah wishes to give to all of us is "undeserved kindness", through the ransom sacrifice of his beloved only-begotten son?
I just wish everyone in the world, especially my family and friends - and my special fb friends like Marcin of Oz - could be gathered safely into the congregation family of the God of all comfort, Jehovah. I guess I can only keep encouraging them to accept a Bible study course from their local JW congregation. And hope and pray that they will.
