The Intricate nature of natural things

My grandchildren gave me these pieces of Kina to take home and enjoy.

I was amazed at the intricate patterns and features, both on the exterior and the interior of what was once a spiny Kina or Sea Urchin.

Taken from “Native Animals of New Zealand” by AWB Powell

While I have seen many of these creatures on our local beaches I had never taken the time to learn more about them or to look at the beauty of their shells.

I turned to my trusty “Native Animals of New Zealand” by AWB Powell for his careful observations and information.
He says “ The Common Sea Urchin or Sea Egg (Evechinus chloroticus) Found towards low tide in rock pools and crevices amongst seaweeds. It grows from 4 to 6 inches in diameter and in life is conspicuous with its dense covering of long dark greenish spines. When the spines are removed there is a depressed circular limy “shell” of light greenish colour, composed of a mosaic of plates, many of which have small rounded knobs, arranged in regular series.
These are the bosses upon which the movable spines are attached. Between the rows of bosses there are perforated plates through which the soft tube feet operate and these are connected with an internal water pumping system characteristic of all urchins and starfishes. The sea urchin moves about by the concerted action of the long spines and the tube feet.
The large circular opening underneath is the mouth, largely occupied by a five-sided bony structure, the jaws, and referred to as Aristotle’s-lantern, for it bears a striking resemblance to an ancient lantern. The animal of a sea-urchin is very fluid except for five bodies, like segments of an orange both in shape and colour. These are the genital glands, which in the breeding season become enormously swollen with eggs. Many people, the Maoris in particular, eat the sea urchin animal in a raw state. It is a taste I have not yet steeled myself to acquire.”

The macro feature on the camera gives a very good replication of the specialised, intricate work of this piece of nature.

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Water off a Duck’s back

This young Mallard duck was having a good feed from beneath the water of the lake on Friday. I loved the way the water flicked off his feathers but also the remarkably beautiful details, speckles and dapples of his changing plumage.

Friday photos from Plimmerton Beach

Sand and water patterns from Plimmerton Beach this week.

Winter light patterns

With the winter sun weakening and shining from lower angles in the sky there are patterns in the garden that only appear at this time of the year.

And indoors there are winter light patterns too.

Notes and Notions from Stitch magazine, March 1956

Here are some items from the “Notes and Notions” page from the March edition of Stitch magazine, 1956. Love the narrow waist and the long white gloves in the above advertisement.

” If you are still serving salads, but find the usual boiled egg dull, try Scotch eggs, a family favourite, served in lettuce leaves for a change.”

” Rivalling the suit for Autumn days is the dress and jacket ensemble. Box jacket over a slim dress is flattering and practical.”

” Time to look over your preserving jars and equipment. The season for bottling will soon be here, and it is best to be prepared.”

“Virginia Mayo believes that the first essential of a good figure is a good breakfast. Comforting words from one of the screen’s loveliest stars.”

“Make a little bag from a face cloth and draw the open end tight with elastic. Fill with soap ends and you have a useful bath pad.”

So there you are, so much advice in such an advising tone…..and why do I have a Stitch magazine from 1956? There is a great pattern in it for small people’s socks to knit:-)