As many of you who follow the blog know...we had an unexpected house guest this past winter.  It has been a longer than usual one and thus our resident toad has been happy in his little habitat for toadamity.  This little fellow is likely a little Madam and I have been waiting to hear the call of the toads of spring from the pond to indicate it is time to release her back to her kin.  So far the pond frogs are silent. It has been a long old winter.  At one point I was fearful that our little toad had vacated her habitat because she tends to bury herself in the dirt and unless she moves about I am never sure where she is.  I had not seen her for awhile so I wondered if she had escaped the elusive way she came.  Today it was a pleasant surprise to find her happily sitting in her flower pot welcoming my attention. I take her over to the fountain once in a while to let her get a drink and to splash about dreaming of her day of release.  Marissa joined me to have a look at her while she enjoyed her water time.  Up until now the Queen has only looked at her from afar.  Seems her total lack of fear for bugs, spiders and worms is not shared for hopping creatures like toads.  She is very interested but apprehensive.  Enjoy her first contact with our guest.  She is curious and willing but it took a leap of faith and encouragement for her to touch her toad.  She is still a bit wary of the hopping part and as yet will not pick the toad up but she has made first contact and this is a huge step towards abandoning her fear and letting her natural curiosity allow her to explore her environment and the natural creatures surrounding her without fear.  Enjoy her happy face as she sees that there is nothing to fear.