Scientists will tell you that global warming, acid rain, and other dramatic environmental mood swings have had a devastating impact on little amphibians like Ernest P. Amazement.

We crossed paths by chance. I was pacing outside my house, talking on the phone to The Great Admirable Souki when I noticed Ernest P. Amazement sitting on the lawn, knees pushing into his soft sides, as blades of grass tickled his bellybutton. I dashed down the stairs, grabbed Betsy (the camera), and sat with Ernest for a while. Watching. Documenting. Wondering what brought Ernest P. Amazement to my door step.