Camera Obscura

I'm in the process of moving all my artwork/photography over to Flickr in order to keep everything together. I might just post a few old pics on here as I go...

These were made with a "Camera Obscura" which I fashioned from a cardboard box, a magnifying glass and a sheet of tracing paper:

Allotment friend :)

When I actually get round to digging or weeding my plot, this little guy always pops over to say hi...

I need help to identify some botanical specimens...

One lunchtime last week I went for a little bikeride by the Thames, hoping to see Adders. Unfortunately there were none but I did discover an interesting plant which I've not seen before. It was growing by a lake (but not right in the water). I thought it looked a bit celeryish, but for some reason I didn't think to scratch'n'sniff. I will go back in a few weeks to see if it's flowering...



The second mystery is a tree (well, shrub I guess) that's growing near to my flat. I always wondered if it was something like a Bay, but now it has these strange red fruits on it. They have a stone or large seed in the middle... any ideas?



In other news - I am BORED BORED BORED of this cold north-easterly wind! What happened to the gulf stream? Brrr!

[edit] The mystery tree is now at least partially identified, thanks to helpful Flickr users!

Nettle beer update...

The nettle beer I made last month is the fizziest brew EVER! It is now mostly all over my kitchen floor and all over my cardigan. Tastes pretty good though! :)