From the Drawing Desk

The completed water oak



A tobacco bud, Nicotiana rustica L.



Ginseng, Panax quinquefolius, a now well-known plant that is found wild in woods in North America and China.



A sampling of mushroom specimen



Acer palmatum



Cannabis sativa



Acer palmatum



The Deadly Amanita



Cotton



An acorn

The Water Oak

Recently I've taken to illustrating some botany. Although much of it has been native wildlife, I have also been working on some drawings of plants that aren't necessarily local specimen. But here is one I've been working on lately, a native pride of more coastal Virginia, the Water Oak. A hefty deciduous hardwood, the water oak is common to the outskirts of southeastern American swamps, streams, and bottomlands. Living an average of 60-80 years, which is short for most oaks, it can grow up to 100 ft tall and 3 ft in diameter. If your want to know more about it, don't take my word for it, visit the wikipedia entry here. But all otters should practice their drawing from wildlife as it helps develop a greater knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of their natural surroundings.

Merit Badges

I wanted to show an example of one otter's exemplary efforts. But any otter interested in attaining these or other merit badges should talk to me and also let me know about any merit badge they would like to see invented (not including the inventing badge, because that's already been invented).

Otter Patrol Calender!!!CVNX!NXCV!NX!!!!X!X!NXCV!VCX!

Just letting all you guys know, I just finished the calender for the Patrol in case you were wondering. You can get it from lulu at: http://stores.lulu.com/theotterden. Trust me it's worth it. I meannnn..... here's a preview....






Yes, that is the world's largest Hershey's Kiss in case you were wondering.


On another note I am in the process of organize a meeting for this Wednesday in case anyone was wondering. You'll be expected in full uniform at the studios in Crit Room 3 where we took the troop portrait. Please be prepared!

Otterology: too thick to drink, too thin to plow

setting up the show!!!








all done





the oath



the phone tree



a fine portrait



breakfast



posters and guestbook



doug's intriguing knot whose use is so complicated not even he knows what its for.



vreni spitting some game



people at the opening!



nicol creeping






doug sleeping


last minute glam shot

When otters become knotterzz!!

After coaxing from the troop, here is a quick video for those of you still struggling on that knot-tying merit badge. Also good for those of you looking for that simple reminder we all need now and again.

Otter Kin Reunion

Just a reminder, this saturday, after you've gotten your halloween cobwebs off of you, there's a meeting at the opening for the show in the student commons from 6-8pm. I'll bring the juice boxes and you be sure to be in uniform, I know some of us have been slacking at the meetings but now we're cracking down! Be punctual and be prepared!

Your fellow Otter,
Scoutmaster Peter

Meetings and Maymont

Visited our friends at Maymont the other day. This most likely will be the site for our rank achievement ceremonies; speaking of which, merit badges are coming so if you've earned your Knot-Tying or Gary Busey badges you'd better come on to our meeting on Friday! We'll be working on otter badges then so the more scouts the merrier! Otter Den, Friday, normal time, normal faces!

The Secret Knock

Here's how the clubhouse is looking after some much needed tlc. Now remember, the secret knock is three quick, hard knocks followed by two slower ones and then the otter call. If you don't know the secret knock you're not allowed in!

Update!

If anyone hasn't heard already scouts, the camping trip had to be tragically postponed. But, alas, we will find wilderness soon! So enjoy your reading days (I suggest Wittling and Woodcarving by E. J. Tangerman or Bula Matari, a biography of Henry M. Stanley [Famed explorer of Africa if you didn't already know], or your good old Scouting for Boys manual if you haven't already picked yours up!). We'll be meeting again on Sunday at the newly renovated otter den (my house) at 6pm. Hit me with any ideas about crafts you guys would enjoy because we're about to start getting pretty crafty with it, just so you know!

On a separate note I'm installing tonight for a critique tomorrow, probably a site specific tent at the otter den. So give me a ring if you want to come over and learn some lashings and build a tent! On a larger scale I have a solo show at the student commons I need to set up on October 26th, the sunday after next. Any volunteers ahead of time would be great. (Also that's why we may be in a rush to make as many crafts as possible before then!!!) So please give me all the feedback you can muster and a hand or two would be nice, scouts!

Until then I am yours truly,
Scoutmaster Peter

First Installation

The Otter's Oath

On my honor, I will do my best
to seek knowledge in the face of ignorance;
to stay my balance, have a discerning eye;
to be true and tried, almost never lie;
to guide my fellow forthright otters
in their voyage through uncharted waters;
to blaze a trail in jungles dark,
warding off the conniving shark;
and to keep, both inside and out, a tidy den
for the world that is coming to an end.
But most of all, I must hold this stance,
"Leave not my survival up to chance."

We're on the Otternet!

Otters love rivers!!!!!