I love mushrooms they are delectable. In my teens I would eat mushrooms my old South Louisiana neighbor would pick, Alcie Melanson. He was 60+ and had picked them for years, I trusted his judgement. He taught me much about the swamp, we both loved it, fishing, hunting and how not to let the swamp kill you, it can. It was a paradise for a kid lead by a swamp rat father figure. Sixty five years later I still miss it and the bond of friend ship.
You were blessed, as was I, to have such men in your life. My best memories include the Old Timers, guys who took me under their wing so to speak, and showed me how to do things. Old School guys. Horse-drawn men. WW I Vets. WWII Vets. Farmers. Even a few attorneys and politicians. I feel that my internal world is full color, but the outside world today is a dull grey. We were very, very lucky. Pass on what you can.
I am from S. La- what a great story! The old-timers from there are/were incredible people.