Frederico The Frog...

Watering the plants this morning in the garden I was reminded of the therapeutic value of such moments and the sheer bliss involved. People think of bliss I think as intense pleasure, but I think there is also the sense of inner calm and peace that could be described as bliss. Until the dramatic end to the heatwave a little while back, watering the garden had become not so much a chore, that would be ridiculous, but nevertheless a responsibility. Not that I ever resented it and always enjoy it but anything that by its very nature needs to be done, literally ever day, can at times seems onerous. In other words, it can be easy to see it as a task, rather than a privilege.

 The significant rain in the last two weeks had reduced the need to water the plants so after today's little reminder, I am hoping for no more rain for a while. An activity which is only really possible for about 4 or five month of the year, should be treasured. You don’t know what you got till the whole things gone, the attitude of gratitude, summers lease being all too short etc.

So in probably just over a months’ time, this act will no longer be required and I’ll miss it. It’s a reminder, not only, of carpe diem – I learnt that phrase watching Roxanne with Steve Martin- seizing the day or indeed the moment, but trying to focus on that moment. Our minds are so distracted, filled with worries, pre-occupations, that simple acts such as this do allow one to forget.

“Someone saved my life tonight.” Elton John & Bernie Taupin. 1975

Saving Frederico…Frogs by their physical appearance are more pleasant company than toads.  No–one’s fault. Like with humans, it’s just the luck of the draw. Though a human being who doesn’t have the luck of being easy on the eye at least has the option of working on their personality. Toads, judging by the way the breed, presumably don’t. A violent, graceless, murderous orgy, I think is an apt description. They should do an animated version of Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus with Toads, I reckon.

A frog’s presence is as soothing as their skin is smooth. Toads; bumpy and bilious, just ain’t got it.  Our frogs have become very approachable. They have a very calming energy too. Very still, sitting in the corner, a few feet away. So it was all the more gratifying that I saved Frederico’s life last night. It was about half-nine, dark, quiet and still and we heard some shuffling. This is perfect weather for frog spotting. Sure enough, it was Frederico, but I looked again and I wasn’t convinced. This frog seemed smaller and paler. It was, me thought, the other frog which appeared a couple of weeks ago. But where is Frederico? Do we have a usurper? Murder most foul amongst our amphibian friends? Should we call this new frog Macbeth? Then more shuffling. It seemed to be coming from the drain. Surely not? Closer inspection revealed a pair of goggly eyes seemingly belonging to Fred. He was trapped. Panic all round. But the cover lifts up and he gratefully and speedily jumped out, an inch from my hand. Joy all round. He then quickly moved past Macbeth (or Lady Macbeth as I think it’s a lady) who remained perfectly still and took his place behind the corner pipe. We ascertained that this is his specific place at night. A stand-off of epic proportions ensued. Neither one batted an eyelid. The tension was palpable. My life is not very exciting of course. Around a half hour later they remained as they were.  So I watered the plants thoroughly and not long after Lady Macbeth set off, presumably now confident in finding a damp corner to spend the night. Either that or Fred's chat was no good. Frogs need a damp place to spend their time. Otherwise they’ll dry out, you see.

Elsewhere the flowers remain sprightly but there are far fewer “buzzing things” to quote Baldrick’s description of a bee (Blackadder Three – The Dictionary) which is sad. The odd honeybee, the odd hoverfly and one or two brown bumbles.

So it’s a question of quality not quantity with my friends the bees and and as with the plant watering, I’ll cherish every moment I see a bee buzzing around before the wind turns to autumn and winter forcing the bees into retirement followed by the next life.