Sunday, May 22, 2011

Grass monster


Got myself a lawn mower a couple of days ago. Last year I borrowed my father's, but a man gotta have his own mower, you know. No noisy engine, just a wirring sound. Plug the cord in and off goes the grass.

Ihavenoideus unknowniae


Yep, I have no idea what this is. Probably going to be a beautiful butterfly in a while, though...

Coenagrion hastulatum


The coenagrion hastulatum is quite common and can be seen at most small waters. The small and slender body makes this a damsel fly and not a dragon fly. The damsel fly keeps its wings tucked to the body when resting while the dragon fly keeps them spread at all times. For your information.

Gonepteryx rhamni


The gonepteryx rhamni is spending the winter as a complete butterfly, not as a larvae. The ice yellow wings has a small reddish brown spot on each wing and is thus easily identifiable.

Primulaceae veris


The primulaceae veris is also called 'Saint Peters keys' as they look like a bunch of keys, to the Perly gate one may presume.

Beaver around


There are beavers around The Village. This can clearly be seen as there are traces of someone having very large and strong teeth chopping away on this aspen tree by the lake.


The beaver is a very shy animal but once I got my kayak in place I might see one if I explore the nearby waterways.

Convallaria majalis


The white and very beautiful little convallaria majalis is not for you to eat. Not at all as it is poisionus. But it smells nice!

Osprey's nest


Jupp, someone's there, at the top of the dry tree. In a few weeks time there will probably be two small ospreys fighting for attention and food. I guess there's no such thing as second place in this contest... The nest is on an island in the lake nearby The Village.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Blue and white


At the hight of the Sweden People's Democratic Republic's era in the 70's the Consumer Co-op chain of stores launched a brand called Blue/white. It was an answer to the more colourful and expensive ranges of goods. The Blue/white range included a lot of basic foods but was a bit cheaper as the Co-op chain did not do any advertising or used expensive packaging for it, and thus could get away with a lesser price. The packaging just said "vanilla ice cream" or "oats" or such. Only a genius in a socialistic country could have come up with this idea. It was too good (and boring) to last. Just now the co-op stores are selling a retro range of selected foods and kitchenwares. I got this mug and bowl for my breakfast cereal today as a reminder of my childhood.

The light, the light!


It's really nice now in the evenings, bright and sunny. Lots of birds chirping into the night and not giving up the concert until wee hours, and then resuming the sing contest just before dawn. In four weeks time summer solstice will be here. Till then the evening will just be brighter and lighter.

Phragmites Australis


The Phragmites Australis can reach 1-4 metres in height and can be found in any wet place like diches or lakes. If you feel hungry you can eat its roots. Good to know if you find yourself lost and no restaurants around.

Getting ready for Beach 2011


Last weekend I was informed by one of my neighbours that there is ANOTHER beach in the area! How could I have known this? Yesterday evening I took a walk to this beach and checked it out. Not so much beach as the sand was only about half a metre wide, barely enough space to spread a handkerchief in other words... But the place was nice and clean and should be sunny in the morning.