A prickly subject.

This thing - this cactus - normally (though not in this image) resides on my new lounge coffee table.  I like it. The base is of glass in the shape and size of of a goldfish bowl, is filled with fine white sand which is topped with small white globules, and has a stylish green wavy line motif around it (not visible here).  This cactus will have to be moved out of sight next Thursday and Friday when my now ten-month old grandsons are over visiting from Switzerland, and the seven year-old member of the Gloucester tribe is here, too - along with his older and more sensible siblings.