The Frog Who Lived In A Bucket

Six Word Photo Story Challenge: Freestyle

I am really not here — honest!

Last January I cleaned out my pond as it had become overgrown with marsh marigolds and other plants. Thinning them out, I gave some to neighbours, but still had a few left. I was in a dilemma. I hate to throw away good plants, so what to do with these?

I borrowed a bucket from my wife’s broom cupboard. Our broom cupboard. I do share household tasks using said buckets.

So, for a temporary solution, filling the bucket with rainwater from my water-butts, I placed the plants inside, and plonked it against the south facing garage wall, and left it.

A week later I noticed duckweed on the surface water. My suspicions were aroused. One morning whilst gardening, out the corner of my eye I noticed a frog sat on top of the bucket. It dived under the water as soon as I made a move towards it.

He was a sneaky frog. Every time I attempted to capture his image, he’d dive for cover. So we played this game of catch me if you can for days.

Frogs love rain. Whenever it rains they clamber out of my pond, sit on plants, rocks, and even venture on the lawn to enjoy their soaking.

I made it rain using a watering can and tempted the frog to climb onto the plants, so I could finally capture the little blighter.

My wife kept asking where that bucket was, so I bought her new one from the local Poundland shop.

Mr Frog lived in that bucket all summer. I’ve left the bucket in the same location all through winter just in case he returns this spring.

Over the last twenty years, 20 February is the average date when frogs return to my pond to breed. I’ve cleaned the bucket of debris, put fresh water in, and already green shoots are appearing on the plants. There’s just one thing missing… I’m hoping he’ll return to continue our little game.

Thanking Mary Chang Story Writer for seeking to provide us with Six Word Photo Story Challenge.