Hello, I found that the ferns started as little tiny lacy bits extending out from the blobby pebbly bits, then I had sort of 'clumps' of longer larger ferny bits without the pebbles, I looked at them for a few days before i realised they were the ferns! Then the pebbly bits came back mixed in with the ferns before the ferns disappeared completely. I usually need to fiddle with the focus a bit to see them, and sometimes you can see the pattern better near the edges instead of in the middle of the lens. The saliva really has to be dry properly, you might be using too much or not enough spit. Make sure you don't eat or drink anything before using MB, I do mine first thing before I get out of bed. I found it a really useful confirmation of my CM observations, but other ladies say it doesn't work for them at all. You might need to persevere a while before you start getting meaningful info from it.

HTH, I hope you get some more info soon and good luck on your TTC journey!