Attractions & Distractions + Chocolate Mug Cake!

***Before I forget, Frankofile awarded me the Brillante Blog Award. I have a copy of it on my sidebar, so won't repeat it, but thankyou so much & I really do appreciate your thoughtfulness! Please go visit, it is very entertaining, & I have no idea how I would do in a 'Foreign speaking country'!

Today, while lolling about in the garden, reading & enjoying the slight breeze, & lovely sunny skies, I noticed this little spider, busily building it's web. The sun was at just the right angle to shine on the thread, & so I grabbed the camera to track the progress.The support stays (?) were all in place, in a triangular shape, & the spokes had already been created. It was the spinning of the orb, that I observed, & I was fascinated to with the progress.
Round & round the little spider went, spinning/weaving yet another round upon others. It moved in a clockwise direction, & I watched the struts of the orb, move, & vibrate, like the wires of a piano, as the keys are struck.

I wondered what sound, the vibrations would make in the universe, as the little spider wove it's magic web?

I thought what a pity it is that we cannot hear that music.*

I don't think I have ever watched a spider create a web before. I have probably never had the time! I took these pics to try to capture it all, & have just been out, in the evening to capture the pic of the little spider & he/she has a prey all bundled up already.

It really is a very small spider, less than 1/4" in size. There is an even smaller one in a little round web above this one. Alas the tiniest spider has no dinner waiting in it's web.

Of course, the sunlight has gone from the web now, & so the web is invisible. I tried the flash, but it still didn't show up. I wish I had a super duper camera, but I am reasonably happy with the one I have- it is not very old, after all.

While enjoying the beautiful clear, warm, & non-humid day, outside, I noticed this large black butterfly. I was quite excited when it stopped to rest, & soak in the sun.

It almost seemed to pose for me, then flitted off, as I approached. I was disappointed, but it landed again, on a leaf slightly higher than the fern & so I crept up, & snapped away using the zoom feature to try to get a better picture.
I am guessing it was quite recently hatched, (?) but have no idea where from. I am glad it remained for me to capture in photographs.

I must get some Impatiens as I know a lot of the butterflies like them to lay their eggs upon, & later, the huge fat caterpillars munch away happily on the leaves. Gom has most successfully eradicated all our freebies, or volunteers, as the Americans call them. Really they are 'upstarts'! & very welcome too!


Our Adult Granddaughter, has rescued a neglected little dog, so now, I am the proud great grandmother of a little Maltese/Shitzu cross dog. His name is Bailey, he is adorable, & very well trained. I will get some pics as soon as I can to show him off. He is currently residing with our granddog, & they seem to be quite happy together.

*********** Chocolate Alert!!!

I suppose I am lagging behind with this recipe.

I found it on Del Quilts.

In case you have not discovered it yet, here it is.

I confess I have not actually tried it yet, but all reports seem to be success!

Five Minute Chocolate Mug Cake!!

1 Coffee Mug

4 Tablespoons of flour (that's plain flour, not Self Raising)

4 Tablespoons sugar

2 Tablespoons baking cocoa- I guess that is our cocoa powder, here in Oz.

1 Egg

3 Tablespoons milk.

3 Tablespoons oil

3 Tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)

Small splash of vanilla.

Put dry ingredients in mug, & mix well. Add the egg, & mix thoroughly. Add the milk & oil & mix well.

Add the chocolate chips if using, & vanilla & mix again. Put your mug in the microwave, (on a paper towel or paper plate) and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed.! Allow to cool a little & tip out onto a plate & eat with a fork. Or if desired, forget sophistication, & eat out of the mug. haha.

There are tips. It is sometimes easier to spray the mug with oil or grease it well before adding the mix. It is also easier to mix in a bowl first, then place in the mug. It can be tipped out, & sliced, to be served for 4 with some vanilla ice or cream!

It apparently shrinks from the top, so dont worry if it looks as if it will topple over.

My Microwave is not a 1000 watts, so I am assuming I might need to cook it a little longer. I will let you know! If you make it, please let me know how it goes, & show pics! I will link you on here, if you do!

(Is that egotistical? I hope not, I really would like to see your efforts, & I am sure others would too.)

I am rather afraid to introduce Gom to this recipe, as he is the Chocoholic in our family. Although I do think our SIL leaves Gom for dead in this respect!

************************
*Not everyone's cup of tea, but have you ever considered this?
Music, can influence the formation of crystals, in freezing water. Mataro Emoto has certainly done some fantastic photography, of his research, but of course there is a lot of counter research to his ideas. I find it quite fascinating.

Queen, Fat Bottomed Girls.