Most of those new things are mushrooms and other forms of fungus and lichen. Still, most of those seem to be a variety of colors in the 'Turkey Tail' category.
You'll have to take our word on that though as it seems the learning curve on fungi ID's appears to be more representative of a dotted line.
Either way, here are some photos of what has been seen.
These looked like something you'd see on a coral reef.
Turkey Tail Perfection?
This one came in Heart shaped just in time for Valentine's Day.
A favorite find - Pretty in Purple!
It isn't all 'tree huggers'. Some larger mushrooms have made an appearance, as well.
These puff balls look like little beads of gold.
They sit, innocently enough, perched and ready to...
explode!
Looks like Cotton Candy!
The 'Jellies' are a neat variety.
The inside of this mushroom was amazing and had the look of a brain coral.
These two have mastered the art of blending in.
It is really hard to describe just how tiny these little balls of fungus(?) are.
Nicole was already down on the ground with her up close spectacles on when
the tiniest of white caught her eye.
These, on the other hand, were spotted from a great distance.
How could you not be fond of Elfin Saddles.
Puffs. Looking a bit de-puffed.
Sort of like a field of sea snakes.
And, a close-up.
It really is a fascinating little world down at their level.
It really is like an on land coral reef.
Up close, there is more color and detail than one would imagine.
This was unexpectedly a little jelly-like.
A lone soldier.
It is hard to explain the size of these. Their height is maybe an inch and the end part maybe the size of on half of a grain of rice. Which explains why this insect, which is even smaller than that wasn't seen by our eyes until we got the photo on the computer.
It looks to be in the Robber Fly category. Had she seen it when she was
in the field, Nicole would have tried for a better shot!
These half-cent-ipedes (only 50'ish legs) seemed fond of the mossy areas.
Despite their tiny legs, they clock a good speed. And that makes macro photography in low light quite the challenge. But that's what makes for fun and good times in Nicole's world.
Speaking of fun, Darlene has become quite the knitter. Her socks are super comfy.
But Nicole is a little too aggressive with hers and keeps wearing the heels out. So, Darlene discovered the perfect solution.
No. She didn't leave her heel-less.
It's called the After-thought Heel. It is separate from the rest of the sock and so it is replaceable. How perfect!
After mastering socks, hats and scarves, Darlene turned her attention this winter to a much larger project and knitted her first ever sweater.
Full-time Awesome. Right here!!!
That sweater is a hard act to follow so we'll leave you there all warm and cozy.