Toadally Surprised!

Today, it was such a beautiful day, hubby and I decided to go along to nearby Raby Castle, one of England's finest Medieval structures (built in the 14th century) and home to Lord Barnard's family since 1626.
Over this weekend, a synthetic outdoor ice rink was operating in the coach yard to celebrate the opening of the Christmas shop and tearooms for the Festive season. (we normally go here to choose our Christmas tree nearer the time.) It would be nice to watch the children having fun if nothing else. Our kids always loved the ice.
Walking round the grounds, we came across various points of interest .The Autumn colours were simply stunning, affording loads of good photo opportunities, a family of ladybirds were huddled together on the underneath side of a fence, we discovered an old metal contraption which resembled a hand water pump but was obviously some kind of weighing machine or balance used by the workers on the estate. Any ideas what this might have been?
We walked through the grounds admiring the ever changing views of the castle ,the cattle and herds of deer grazing. Then, just as the light was fading, a toad hopped across the path in front of us. He was simply delightful and obliged by staying in one spot long enough for a photograph. (albeit not a very good one) then he seemed happy to be left alone.
My younger daughter always says you have to kiss more than one FROG before you get your prince but she has met hers. It wasn't easy for him being green but when he invited her to 'come on over to my pad' she jumped at the chance. They danced the night away at the local hop. "Times fun when you are having flies" said the frog. "You are unFROGettable , - - - you make my heart leap!" he croaked. One kiss and the frog was transformed into her handsome Prince Scottfish. Ohhhh ,and I FROGot , they are still living happily ever after, making their FROGtune hopping to the SPAWNtaneous rhythms of the band over the POND.
Sorry folks!!!!!I couldn't resist.