Arachnophobes don’t look!

An urban jungle today. Outside the city cafe where I met my friend M for breakfast was a hedge of clematis aka Travellers Joy. Not surprising, I suppose, to see a white bottom bumblebee (not quite sure if that’s its exact name). But also about 6 spiders who have each made a dense web spread across like a blanket, but with a funnel shape at the base. M and I think - are they funnel-web spiders? Which rings a bell. But google tells us that funnel web spiders are dangerously poisonous and restricted to Australia. These are harmless labyrinth spiders who happen to build a funnel shape in their webs as a safe place to put their eggs til they hatch. They are quite big though:) Another blip learning day
After breakfast I head to my allotment to water. My lovely next-door plot neighbour has watered while I was on holiday and everything is fine. But my goodness the weeds have grown. One is a ragwort, and as if by magic, cinnabar moth caterpillars are there, munching. My other-side next door plot neighbour and I admire them and look forward to hopefully seeing some beautiful red moths. We agree to look after the ragwort as best we can - it’s on the path between us.
In the afternoon I go to my first book group meeting. 5 very nice women, we have an interesting discussion about “Small things like these “ and they all loved it. Phew. Just the right mix of structure and open discussion for me. I think we all enjoy it and are pleased.