clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by mikeygraz 5 Omaha, NE (My Page) on Fri, Jul 11, 08 at 15:43 PervinPatty - Obviously you didn't do YOUR research on this subject. You undoubtedly got your information from the following website: www.californiaherps.com This is an excellent resource, and I know some of the people who have put that whole thing together. You obviously didn't look at the species list closely enough, as you will see that the southern leopard frog (Rana utricularia) is an INTRODUCED species - that means it is not native and doesn't belong there! While northern leopard frogs once had a few spots in northerneastern California where they were present, it is likely that they are EXTIRPATED (that means they are gone) from the state now, as it also says on that site and if you actually took the time to read scientific journals (as I do) you'll see that repeated efforts to find relict populations have failed. Also, you'll notice that northern leopard frogs never ranged into Central california, where you say you live...so again, that goes back to my saying you shouldn't be bringing in nonnative or nonlocal species. Obviously you didn't read my original post - do you really think that a northern leopard frog (or leopard toad, as you put it, haha) with its origins in North Carolina would survive in your region? I doubt it...not to mention the fact that it is ILLEGAL. You tried using the word "indigenous" as well - you have to use that word with some measure of scale - there are lots of anurans indigenous to California - but how about YOUR LOCAL area? I guess by your rules, you could take a Couch's spadefoot toad from extreme southeastern CA and put it in your pond...because its indigenous to California, right? Or maybe a Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea), because they are indigenous to the United State, and they sure are pretty! Again, do your research, and if you're too lazy to go find some construction sites or golf courses nearby you, then tough luck. Don't get pissy at me for advising and educating you about the problems that could be caused by your actions. ~Mike An old post but worth repeating!

I have sort of teh same issue. Our Green Frog and the little fella she brought to the pond laid eggs early June. They turned into tadpoles, but the Goldfish and their insatiable appetite ate every one. She then went with the male to the kiddy pool where we had duckweed and pond plants being held and laid more eggs, but these were laid mid to late July. We now have oodles and oodles of tadpoles and it is doubtful they will turn before colder weather gets here. I tried to dipnet some to the other side of the pond while the GF were busy across working on pellets, but there are always GF all over and they must have alerted the others because not a one tadpole is left. I have no way of overwintering Green Frog Tadpoles and would really like to put them in the pond now while they still have the cover of the roots of the Water Hyacinth and Water Lettuce....but I know they will be devoured by the GF! Such a Deal!! Cyndi

How cool is that! Great picture.

On the subject of slumps, I have not been in a slump. I've been in a crazy mosaic frenzy making these pendants: I've made over 60 of them so far and haven't come near exhausting myself on them. They are soooo fun. After making such larger yard art items, I'm loving something I can do a) indoors where it's warm and I can watch TV, and b) quickly. I can make a dozen of these in one weekend. I keep getting caught up in, "just one more" itis. And my friends are going crazy for them. I sell them for $20 each. They cost me about $4 each to make. And because they're so much lighter and more portable than my concrete pieces, I'm planning on doing shows. I definitely think the cure for slump is to try something completely different. SLOW I love how you're experimenting with clothing. It reminds me that we never know what will come next. Maybe doing GOG mosaics on indoor vases? You know, the cheap glass ones that you get when someone sends you flowers. Okay, I've been married 25 years. I ain't getting many flowers these days, haha. But you can pick those up at garage sales cheap. Or how about candle holders, or coasters?