Em and I made a trip to our local garden center a couple of weeks ago, shortly after our big frog deserted us. That's what we do when the frog population dwindles--we go to the garden center and pick us up a few tadpoles to continue the cycle. It's sort of my personal goal to increase the frog population of this good green earth. And it's just fun to watch those little guys sprout arms and such.
We stood there in front of the big tub 'o tadpoles and watched for those with big legs or arms. Those are the tadpoles who need to get out of that tub as they are close to being frogs and they will drown if they don't get out of there. And you know, of course, Em and I spied a guy with arms amongst the hundreds in the dark water.
And guess who was working that day? Yep, Cocky Garden Center dude. I swear that guy dies a little death every time he sees me in his department. So, we have to make his day just a little harder than it already was...
"Hi, Garden Center Dude!" I don't add the "cocky" part because that would be rude. And also then he wouldn't be so willing to fish out the tadpole with the arms--which we were gonna ask him to do.
"Yeah, hi. Uh....can you please get us the tadpole with arms?" to which he just looks at us. He is not pleased.
But he grabs his net, and bless his wee Garden Center Dude soul, he scoops and scoops, and scoops again, trying to find us the little guy with the arms. AND he did it with patience. AND he found him and sent him home with us. And we were happy. And he didn't even mind that I was grilling him on if he knew what froglets ate--he got it wrong, btw. (Answer: they don't eat--they absorb their tails for nutrients.) He loves me, that Garden Center Dude.
We haven't seen that darn Arms McGee (that's what I called that froglet) until this morning--and he is officially a FROG! Skittish as all get out, those new frogs dart the minute they get scared, for there are lots of creatures that like to make meals out of little frogs. So, until I can sneak a photo of the wee dude, you all just have to trust me on this one--we have us a new frog.
I can almost hear Daisy singing "The Circle of Life". Hooray!
18 comments:
You are so good to add to the frog population, and the garden dude sounds like a good guy to patiently catch the tadpole with legs for you. I think you should bring him some cookies, the guy not the tadpole.
Happy for the increase in frog population at Chez Duck and Wheel. Also, it seems to me you'll need to cut some slack for Garden Center Dude. He was very helpful.
Congrats on the new baby!
You are becoming the "Famous Frog Lady"...
Way to go Arms McGee! Will he need a misses McGee?
So glad you got another frog. Will he become more family friendly as he gets older?
This reminds me of Survivor Brian when Brandon was sick of cocky Blake and he started the game called 'Bait Blake'. Keep playing Bait Cocky Garden Center Dude!
I meant to say Survivor Guatemala.
looks like he found a perfect place to chill
Terra--Nah, I do not like that Cocky Garden Center Dude. He's....well.....cocky. That doesn't work for me. This was the ONE time he was nice to me. I think it had something to do with my cute teenage daughter.
Vanilla--Just this once--he's usually such a jerk. I think he was nice because Em was with me. Boys start acting sort of goofy around her.
DG--Thanks! He's really, really little. I hope I can get photos of him.
Grace--Or just a nutty old lady. :) Is there such a thing as a Crazy Frog Lady??
Melodie--Well, Arms might be a "she"--I have no way of knowing. We've never had the frogs breed in the pond yet. But I hear that is a good thing--it can be a real hassle.
Anne--I don't like to get them too friendly because there are too many people and creatures that come around that can hurt them. I sort of like that they hop in when the kitties come by--then I know they'll do the same for the raccoons and the opossum. It keeps them alive. Also no names because they are not pets per se.
Diana--I love to drive that guy nuts. :) I think he was only nice because of my cute teenage daughter.
Sharkey--This was my frog from last year--I have yet to capture this new little one with the camera. He is really, really tiny and quick.
and this is why when I see a frog I always think of you :) If you haven't seen my post from Friday be sure to check it out
LOL!!! Lin, I love your froggy reports.
Yay for legs McGee which I guess is what you have to call him now...
You and Em are kind of Arms McGee's foster parents. How lucky he is to have your pond to live in.
I think of you too whenever I see a frog! Do you love toads just as much?!!
You should have an "FF" sign near your pond. (Meaning Frog Friend or Frog Friendly -- take your pick)
That Cocky Garden Center Dude probably loves you too. In his own weird way. Think of the joy you must bring to his life. But I could be wrong -- I have been before. :)
Yeah for you and him too! I bet he's very happy to have such a terrific new home.
Ann--Hahaha! I love your post, Ann! 'Cept I have never seen a frog in a hat. :) You've got some fashionable frogs in your neck of the woods.
Jean--Well, they may not be exciting, but they certainly are original. I don't think most people pay much attention to frogs.
Pricilla--Well, they all get legs first, so that isn't as exciting. It's the arms, I tell ya. Now THAT is exciting when they sprout arms. :) I found another froglet tonight. I'm in frog heaven.
Marilynne--It's my goal to release as many frogs into this world as I can. Even if they leave, I just like that they can start here.
Veronica Lee--I think I love all creatures, well, except spiders--they creep me out. We had a toad once, but he left our yard because he didn't like me looking at him all the time. :( I don't know why.
Chuck--I think Garden Center dude probably has nowhere to hide when I come in. :) Nah, really, I did ask him if I drive him nuts. He said no, that he has worse customers. Sheesh. I guess that still puts me in the bad category. :(
DJ--I'll just bet he's happy to have a lily pad to hold onto! We have lots of places for little frogs to sun themselves and to catch bugs. I'm still wondering why they leave.
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