Rain gloss and moss

Jesus is speaking: ‘ Seek first for the kingdom of God and His righteousnes…don’t worry about tomorrow it will look after itself. Today has troubles of its own to look after.’ (Sandy’s shortened form read it for yourself Matthew 6: 33,34.)

January 2026 saw over 150-180 % of the long- term rainfall for the region, ranking it as one of the top wettest Januarys on record for Southern England.

Here is the rain glossed fungus growing on the stump of a fig tree. The stump has a sad story. I bought it as a stick with roots. It grew extremely well but so did my knowledge. What I learnt wouldn’t please the neighbours nor be good for the foundations of our home. It had been planted too close to our house and the neighbour’s and not confined to a barrel. The result of growth and knowledge was that we chopped it down and the figs I once painted are missed with hopefully the foundations saved.

Here it is today with green leaves of a bluebell plant coming up beside it and ‘rain glossed’ plates of fungus growing on it. Several good specimans shining well in the sun.

Moss has thrived also as seen in Popeswood meadow with a good amount. Moisture directly from the air and from the rain is taken in directly through the leaves with the heavy rain helping its spread. Fat poles capped in green, and tree branches with it competing with lichen then clear lines of it on brick work. A pleasant sight but also a bothersome one.

Popeswood Pond with reflections and moss.

Moss and lichen together on a branch.

Moss growing in the cement between red bricks with its shadow of seed bearing stalks.

Here is a thought about a common saying:

‘ The difference between the Japanese and the Americans is summed up in their opposite reactions to the proverb,

” A rollimg stone gathers no moss.”

Epidemiologist S.Leonard Syme observes that to the Japanese, moss is exquisite and valued, a stone is enhanced by moss, hence a person who keeps moving and changing never acquires the beauty and benefits of stavility. To Americans, the proverb is an admonition to keep rolling, to keep from being covered with clinging attachments.”

Carol Tavris

Let us not gloss over this.🤭

Moss and fungus, Matt and gloss, Moss and gloss. A rainy January. But now we are in February.

Take care,

Sandy 🙂