Mr.Durer

“Study nature diligently. Be guided by nature and do not depart from it, thinking you can do better yourself. You will be misguided, for truly art is hidden in nature and he who can draw
it out possesses it”
Albrecht Durer

I really like the painting called 'Turf' by Mr. Durer. It is of simple common 'weeds' but it is so alive and has an almost modern art feel to it.

Fungi in the Park.

We are getting closer and closer to our big move back up to Utah so we took the time today to meet up with my former coworker, Kira Henderson, at a local park, Baroldi Sycamore Park.
While there I found a nice grouping of Fungi growing among the roots of a large tree, so took a few pics.

Then to my surprise while cleaning up the patio this afternoon I discovered we have a nice little colony of our own Fungi.




So I had to move a nice clump into the ol' terrarium.



I know that it will not live long under glass but I like how it looks and maybe it will spring forth new fungi in the future.

Next I will post a few images of Nature showing its will of survival making its mark in and around Los Angeles while I was out on one of my last shopping excursions before we leave... It may be my last.....

Mrs. Potter.

The recent extrema interest in the natural world around me all stems from a small interest in Mrs. Beatrix Potter, author and illustrator of the early 1900's.

I have had an interest in her work for a while now and in October of this year, 2008, I found myself checking out all books related to her and her work at the local library. I was most drawn in to her work of Fungi That is how it all started... Then I spent a full Saturday working on cleaning up and dressing our patio/garden and I was hooked.
Here is a collection of more of her inspirational work.
I still have yet to actually try my hand at drawing and painting the various vegetation around me as I have been caught up more in researching others and the local flora and fauna while taking fotographs to use for later time when I actually take the time to sit down and add pen & ink to paper. Till then enjoy her work.

Cheers,
'Mr.Ray'

Rosemary & Thyme

I love that the British can mix the love of gardening with crime investigation. That is the main plot for the BBC TV series 'Rosemary & Thyme'. Here is part of one of the episodes.



'Mr.Ray'

Our Morning Walk.

On our walk today I came upon several spots with Fungi. I had the ol' nikon and so did a little documentation.

There is some new growth down the side walk from our place.



These red guys are hanging out along Kettela Ave. in front of the convention center.


We are packing our place to move back up to Utah. I find that I am a going to miss living here more than I thought. This has been our place in Anaheim for the last 2 1/2 years, the only home both of our boys have ever known. SoCal has been mine and the wife's home for over 7 years. I think if I had been working full time for the last few months it would be different, as in, excited to start something new. But as we have developed a routine and I have been able to enjoy our place it is a lot harder. I think also the fact that it is by necessity not so much choice that we have to do this. I am very grateful that my sister in law and her family are willing to let us move in with them at this time.
I love Autumn and Winter but as my fascination with plant life has begun to develop it will be different not having active growth going on around me. I will miss discovering exotic plant life in and around our neighborhood. The climate in Utah is much harsher and not actively suited for these types of plants out of doors. But I do look forward to new discoveries that are bound to be found when making an effort to explore. I think in the spring I would like to go down to Utah Lake and possibly try and find some tadpoles and adult amphibians. That will be fun. On to new adventures!

'Mr.Ray'

In the Grass

Coprinus quadrifidus mushrooms (?)

On our walk the past two days I noticed a nice growth of two spors. This morning we came upon this. There was heavy rain last night so this fungi is not in the best of shape. I love little secrets and discoveries. The image was taken with the camera on the cell phone so not the best image.

'Mr.Ray'

Under Glass.

I have had a bell jar for well over a year.... almost two I think. Anyway I have been lazy in not getting myself a base so finally I recently dragged myself to the local thrift shop to find an old plate and begin my life under glass. I have started with simple mosses (Bryophyte) that are abundant in and around our living complex.


I seamed to have found several types of mosses. I plan to find out their taxonomy and will update once known.


Upon digging up a nice clump I also was blessed to have found 'Walter' the little earth worm who is now making his home among the soil of our Terrarium. This Terrarium is also home to 'Pete' the frog prince statue that was given to Miss M. for her birthday a few years back.


I plan to add a small fern as soon as I locate a suitable subject.

below are a few more images.





Cheers,
'Mr.Ray'