There we were, watching an episode of “Jeeves and Wooster” with the kids (I highly recommend it, by the way), when the nightly toad chorus began. It seemed even louder than usual, however, and I realized that there seemed to be a loud froggy croakkkkkkkkkkk coming from the general vicinity of the front door. Yes, it’s official — the new entryway pond is already a setting for amphibian amore. It’s so toadally romantic. (Yes, I went there. Don’t croak.)
We now have surround-sound toad songs for our ongoing nightly entertainment. Front yard and backyard — makes watching a movie on TV in the livingroom quite… odd.
Checking it out, I found a very handsome Prince Charming singing his heart out for the full-figured object of his desire, who was already busy fluttering all her multi-eyelids at him. Here she is — isn’t she beautiful?
So, funny story. I didn’t realize that the cat had followed me outside when I went to the little pond to take pictures. Apparently I missed a funny scene — when I went to retrieve her just a little while later, I found she was soaking wet, worriedly checking out the pond from across the sidewalk. Both toads were just fine.
Hello or kro…….ak. 🙂
Have a nice day.
Thank you, Ellada. You have a hoppy day, too. 🙂
Hi Meredith
My boys still watch Jeeves and Wooster even though its so dated they still enjoy it.
As for your poor cat – she learn’t a hard lesson about the pond and toads – the toads always win!
I would love to hear the toads croaking in the evening. We used to have a resident toad but alas he never croaked in the evening.
Perhaps your toad was a female, Rosie. Prior to having ponds around, we saw occasional toads in the garden but never once heard them. But boom, the moment the water started flowing, the toads came by the masses and the croak sounds became a nightly routine. It’s interesting how people react so differently to the toads — for some, the “noise” keeps them awake at night. For me, the sounds of nature are like a lullaby. Plus, I love counting the number of toads just based on the different pitches I hear croaking all at the same time.
Think of all the bugs those amorous toads are consuming! Poor little kitty! I am sure she just wanted to play with them…;-)
Toads are one of the few animals that our cats haven’t killed/eaten. It’s because they hop and the cats don’t know what to do about that–every time they get close to sniffing, the toad hops and bops them in the nose.
Hi Meredith, Aww… so cute! I have toads in my garden too. My daughter named one of them, Vicky.
I like your blog so much I am putting up your blog in my Blog List.
Jenny and Katina, I think Tooga would be in for a nasty surprise if she actually tried to bite a toad, given that they secrete that icky toxic stuff. But it’s hilarious to watch her get so nervous by the pond now.
Cyndy, nice job on the low-cost pond! Ponds and other water features can cost a lot, but there are definitely ways to bring the financial concerns way down.
And One — thanks for adding Great Stems to your blogroll. I’ll make sure to do the same with yours on mine! Vicky the toad — how cute!
The croaking toad picture is awesome. The pond sounds like it has made a nice addition. It’s a shame that the cat probably doesn’t think so.
Whoa, Jeeves & Wooster? What have I been missing?
We love our toads, too. I do everything I can to keep them around. Fortunately, the cats & dog know they’re poisonous so don’t mess with them. Years ago, before we had AC, the toads hopped in the house every night to eat the june bugs that flew in (took care of that little problem). At bedtime, I’d say, “Time for night-night,” and the sweet family hopped back outside. Mom, dad, and baby. Too darned cute. Anyway, thanks to them, we don’t have a june bug infestation like we once had.
Linda, if you use Netflix or have another source, you should definitely watch Jeeves and Wooster. We’ve been watching them all summer, renting them a season at a time. The series was created in 1990s but based in the 1920s, following the tales of Wooster, a rich and silly Englishman, and his highly intelligent and heroic valet, Jeeves. They are so, so good. And I absolutely love the story of your little toad family — what fine little helpers they were!