Love is in the Air!

  So far, we have had a most delightfully cool spring albeit a wet one filled with thunderstorms, hail and tornadoes.  I fully expect that our summer will not be much easier and we will see our share of tropical systems move ashore.  As long as they are not too overly powerful, I am good with a storm or two.  They clear the air.  Speaking of air, love seems to be bouncing about the clouds right about now.  Birds are nesting more rapidly after clearing the nest of fledglings, squirrels are popping out litter after litter and the frogs seem to think there is no end to childbearing.  

  After a few days of drier weather, we had a day of thunderstorms.  This not only gave the garden a good soaking, it called out all of the frogs and toads on the hill.  Last night was a regular cacophony of chirps, croaks and trills.  I shook my head at the clamor since I knew what all this meant.  Sure enough, the frog pond is filled with eggs once again.  There is barely enough space for the lily pads!  I even had one pair of American Toads deposit eggs in a water filled flower pot!  

  At least these are all good for the garden and will perhaps cut down on the myriad of mosquitoes that also love this rainy season. I am good with the frogs and toads inhabiting the area, although, there was a time when the racket they make at night, irritated me.  The din made it almost impossible to sleep with the windows open.  The kids and I used to go out with nets to scoop up as many frogs and toads as we could catch. These were moved to my brother's pond (without his knowledge, of course!) but the next night, they would come hopping back home.  I could not get rid of the critters!  Once I came to that realization, I decided to quit fighting it and sit back to really listen.  Instead of a racket of critter noises, I began to hear a beautiful serenade.  More importantly....I realized that I should be thankful.....I COULD HEAR!  Since that evening, the frogs and toads have had free rein in the pond, hence, it became known as the Frog Pond.

  With the number of eggs, tadpoles and frogs/toads that now abide here, I am surprised that there have not been more territorial squabbles in the pond.  There have been a few but not enough to cause worry.  If it comes to be a problem, some will be relocated...far, far away!  In the meantime, I will just enjoy life as it is even if it means noisy nights!