I’ve become accustomed to seeing robins at the edge of our nature pond and atop the bog filter bathing and playing. Today I looked out and saw a cardinal back there on that filter just splashing away and I felt such joy. The bog filter is a tool Matthew and I built to keep our pond clean and clear. A tool comprised of rocks and stones of varying size and texture, layered to do a job in benefit of the creatures that visit the habitat. The squirrel, the frog, our pet cats, and the koi, who thanks to the clever filter and the addition of a small heater, survived the winter and are finally warm enough to actually be playful, instead of playing coy, tucking into their blanket of leaves.
It’s no secret that I hope for the return of baby opossum to our pocket oasis. Our friend O was such a delightful addition to our cast of creatures last year and by far my favorite. He was the cutest and most hungry little fellow with that tiny pink nose and those beady black eyes of his. O did not mind our presence and definitely appreciated our presents of blueberries, pistachios, and such yet was no fan of spinach. The little marsupial spent about two weeks in and around our garden and it felt like a gift. On O's way out, he brought his sister by so she too could share in the treat bounty before they moved on. When I was asked why an opossum was out during the day, my answer would always be the same. “He’s just a little guy and being so young, has not experienced elders telling him how an opossum is supposed to behave, so he just behaves. He just snuffles around for snacks when it suits him. No one has insisted that he must be a nomad and a loaner.” I miss seeing him here at our home in the light of day.
Monday, May 18, 2026
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