unexpected

I went into work today, but by leaving time I realized I probably would have been better staying at home... this cold is so snotty, and my sinus' feel like they are on fire, with my nose bleeding and dripping for England ....eugh!!!
Anyway, I really didn't feel even vaguely inspired to go blip hunting, so I was quite relieved to find a large branch blown from our Silver Birch tree during the heavy rain and wind last evening.
Although it just looked like a branch, I quickly realized the grey patches all over the bark were in fact a crust forming lichen which I haven't attempted to identify as the whole area is a minefield! 
I do think it is really interesting in macro, once again a whole area I have totally missed before!