The Domestic Jungle

Farewell, said the Sun

2009-09-03T08:32:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since I posted. Been caught up at work. Hopefully, life will be back to normal from now. :)

Cross legged beauty

2009-06-20T03:56:00.001-07:00

Death takes all

2009-05-30T23:58:00.001-07:00

The journey takes new meaning when we remember the destination. Life takes new meaning when we remember Death. This post is the first of a series on 'Death'.

Crab in the Christmas tree

2009-05-16T01:44:00.001-07:00

I spotted this chap on one of our Christmas trees. Seeing its pale, almost translucent body, I thought it was a dead and dried spider, but later realised that it was quite alive.

Belonging to the Thomisidae family, and commonly known as crab spiders, they look and move like crabs. I'm used to seeing spiders either scuttle around or jump about, so it was quite an interesting sight to see this little guy walk sideways!

Unlike our argiope friends, crab spiders do not build webs. They are hunters, who like to hide in flowers and ambush their prey.

Smile through the pain…

2009-04-24T11:06:00.001-07:00

This was written for a friend, but I guess it has something for all of us, as we ride through these times of economic turbulence.

Keep smiling! :-)

Jewel in the Grass

2009-04-19T07:21:00.001-07:00

A Twig on the Road

2009-04-11T06:28:00.001-07:00

Family

2009-04-11T05:50:00.001-07:00

A Dynasty Begins

2009-04-11T04:36:00.001-07:00

I was busy mowing the lawn and flinging grass over the fence, when a strange sight caught my eye. A handful of grass appeared to be defying gravity and staying suspended in the air.

It didn't take long to realise that it was a spider web holding the grass afloat. Closer inspection bought me face to face with my first argiope.

Sunlight and shadow seem to have inspired this beautiful creation. In fact, areas of light and shade are where this striking beauty will create her webs, as they offer her excellent camouflage. She is a member of the argiope genus, a common family of spiders found in gardens around the world.

She lived in a majestic orb web, with a centerpiece 'X' drawn with a zig-zag pattern of silk. Placing two legs on each arm of the 'X', she calmly awaited her prey. Vivid patterns mark her on the top and underbelly.

Here is a shot from the top, framed between the house and garden:

She lived here for several days before finally disappearing, web and all. I suspect the gardener must have brushed her away, as he did not want any ghastly fauna tarnishing his precious flora. Though she was gone, she was only the first in a lineage of argiopes who lived on in the Domestic Jungle. I'll be posting more of her legacy as time passes.

Welcome to the Domestic Jungle

2008-10-18T10:45:00.001-07:00

Home sweet home, simply the best
Our favourite place, East or West
We all love, our family nest

BUT WE'RE NOT ALONE IN HERE

It's a peaceful place, day or night
Just get home, it will be all right
Whether hale or hurt, it's a welcome sight

YET BRUTAL VIOLENCE THRIVES HERE

Home is where you can live with ease
Think what you like, speak as you please
Wear what you want, move like the breeze

BUT ONE WRONG STEP, AND YOU DIE HERE

Can you see them, the tiny legions?
Can you hear them, the buzzing nuisance?

Can you feel them, as up your skin they crawl?
Can you stop them, from taking total control?