4th November 2022 Mailer

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Snail trails by Vicki Avcin

We seem to have a lot of snails and slugs at this place. Yes Ive had them at other places but dont think Ive ever seen as many as here. So its not uncommon to go out on the verandah and see the tell tale silvery trails on the concrete but the other morning after a downpour of rain we had this fascinating dotted trail at the end of the verandah where the rain had blown in. At first it looked like bubbles but on closer investigation the water had not stuck where the snails had been. It was really quite pretty. The trail is from a mucous that the snails (or slugs) put out helps them in a couple of ways. As they travel on the slime they produce, the slime helps them to stick to whatever surface theyre on while their muscles are at rest. As their muscles contract and push down to propel them forward, however, the slime becomes more liquid and makes movement easier. Slime is particularly handy when snails climb vertical surfaces and even travel upside-down. In these instances, the slimes sticky properties help snails cling to surfaces, seeming to defy gravity! In addition to helping them move, their slime helps to protect snails skin from environmental hazards, such as sharp objects, bacteria, and the Suns ultraviolet rays. In dry weather, snails can curl up in their shells and seal themselves inside using their slime. This helps them to stay moist and comfortable even when the weather threatens to dry them out. Pretty cool hey?

This weeks designs are another two of my latest gnome designs. An Australian design (with a touch of wattle) and another not so traditional colour.

cup1178833_543 by Vicki Avcin

cup1178835_543 by Vicki Avcin

Not Mushroom Here by Janice McFarlane

Looking out of the window last week my husband commented on how sunny it was. Then exclaimed to the size of 3 toadstools growing on the lawned area of our communal garden. I thought he was exaggerating as to the size of them so I couldnt resist having a look. I was surprised at how big they were, so grabbed my phone for a closer look and to take a picture. Over the years we have lived in our retirement bungalow there have been odd time when we have noticed a small fairy ring of toadstools, but these were gigantic in comparison. With the tallest about 9 inches high and a black rim on the cap. On further investigation Ive discovered they are a mushroom, called the Common Inkcap. Whilst apparently they are edible, they are poisonous when consumed with alcohol hence it also known as tipplers bane.

cup1180391_905 by Janice McFarlane

cup1180392_905 by Janice McFarlane

Little Sam! by Sue Way

Little Sam is 16 months old! The time is flying by, he is tall a Billy now, but still has some filling out to do and his fur will get a lot thicker. He is a very sweet and loving little chap. He is always smiling (Goldens do smile you know) But as I forgot to add the picture to my news last week, here is a lovely pic of him asleep with his ball in his mouth. I am getting back into my designing again, so expect a lot of new designs from me in the future. Here is my newest one of a family in their Christmas Jumpers. I can add any family member or changes hair colours and jumpers. I can even add a baby. Just send me a request using the Support Request button on my homepage.

cup1180700_38 by Sue Way

cup739871_38 by Sue Way

This .. by Carol Clarke

…. week, it being part of the school half term holiday, we got to spend lots of time with our youngest grandchildren Olivi and Austin. We got to do lots of their favourite things including board games like snakes @nd ladders and Ludo (youngsters might know it better as Frustration though! Lol) And as well as going to the park, I also sorted out some craft items for them to have a go with, which they loved doing too! Below are 2 of my Christmas Cracker kits …. Theres lots more to choose from too! Lol

cup1177419_359 by Carol Clarke

cup752013_359 by Carol Clarke

Close by Tina Fitch

Another cockpit close upMy visit this week on Monday was busy very busy. The weather was beautiful considering it was supposed to be raining.Here I caught 492nd FS quite close. You can even see the pilot and his WSO in the back, I do believe they were hot pitting as they went out for roughly an hour came back refuelled and re launched..Wont be long before next weeks visit.

cup1180361_596 by Tina Fitch

cup1180348_596 by Tina Fitch

Trulli houses by Carol Dunne

I have recently been on holiday to Puglia in Southern Italy, ( the part that looks like the heel of a boot ). I have never been there before and found it incredibly interesting. Alberobella is one of the places that I found fascinating and I will paint some watercolour paintings of the photos I took here. The houses have conical roofs and they look like goblins should live there. Fabulous place with a lovely town centre.

cup1180613_173 by Carol Dunne

cup1180394_173 by Carol Dunne