Earth Toad, Bufo bufo, the creature I nearly crushed underfoot. It was deep into the night, back when I resided in Rems-Murr district and was making my way home. It was the day of the month reserved for

I did the whole hand movement and waved at it. "Shoo, go away" like it was a stray dog, not an alien squid bug.

Friday. The day was slightly cloudy to begin with and became increasingly sunny as the day progressed. Probably inspired by @geekdancing, I took the old fold-a-bike for a spin to ride over to the next

Found this photo of my daughter and I from last summer when we had this close encounter with a bald eagle while paddleboarding at the reservoir about 30 minutes away.

Sweet lady (or fella) I met in Colorado many years ago. (S)he was bold – likely hungry – delicately stepping to within 5 feet of me – clearly inviting an intimate portrait. I was charmed, naturally...how