Harry E. Plopper and the Ghost of Pinyon Hollow

8/8/2019 Harry E. Plopper and the Ghost of Pinyon Hollow

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Josiah K. JumperJosiah K. JumperJosiah K. JumperJosiah K. Jumperand the Ghost ofand the Ghost ofand the Ghost ofand the Ghost of

Pinyon Hollow PonPinyon Hollow PonPinyon Hollow PonPinyon Hollow Pondddd

By

Lisa Alvir


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Josiah K. JumperJosiah K. JumperJosiah K. JumperJosiah K. JumperAnd the Ghost ofAnd the Ghost ofAnd the Ghost ofAnd the Ghost of

Pinyon Hollow PondPinyon Hollow PondPinyon Hollow PondPinyon Hollow PondLisa Alvir


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Dedicated to all my family & friends

Copyright 2005 by Lisa Alvir

Grand Junction, CO USA


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If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:

Old things are passed away; behold

All Things have become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17


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The Ghost of Pinyon Hollow Pond

Josiah K. Jumper was preparing for a visitor. Cathy the Caterpillar wascoming to play. Cathy and Josiah were very good friends. They liked toplay hide-n-seek together. Josiah, being a small, green, spotted bullfrog, hid

very well when they played among the tall green reeds. It was very hard to find

him there. Sometimes they would play with Harry and their other friends.

However, today they were going to play where the wild flowers spilled overthe muddy bank in a rainbow of beautiful colors, sunny yellows, sky blues and

pretty oranges. October had come to Pinyon Hollow Pond in a riot of color. A

few late summer flowers still held their heads high with darkening blooms, and

the trees were showing off their new fall wardrobes, with a touch of gold here

and a painting of muted reds over there.


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Cathys furry little body was brown divided by a bright yellow stripe. She was soft

and fluffy. When she smiled her chubby cheeks puffed up like chipmunk cheeks and

made Josiah giggle. The two friends had played in the wildflowers yesterday andCathy had won every game! The coming of fall presented the perfect camouflage for

Cathy but today, Josiah was determined to find her hiding place every time. They

played game after game yesterday, until the last of the long shadows had blended into

the cool evening light.

Just one more game, the little frog had pleaded. I know I can find you this time!

Oh, but I am so tired, Little Jo, Cathy had exclaimed. We can play tomorrow. I

will come over early and we will have all day.

Cathy smiled at the baby bullfrog. The swaying of this cattail is making me verysleepy, she yawned, clinging to the yellowing cattail stalk as it swung back and forth

in the cool evening breeze.

Josiah giggled, You are right. We will start early. I am learning your secrets. You

best beware!

Cathy laughed. She had a light, tinkling laugh that made Josiah giggle, a special


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giggle that began with just a little tickle in his tummy, which would tickle and tickle

until he giggled and giggled. The fluffy caterpillar would then laugh at his giggle, and

they would giggle and laugh until they raised such a racket that Mr. Grumpy BumpyToad would start to complain.

A little peace and quiet, he would croak, Thats all I ask, just a little peace and

quiet.

The next morning dawned cold and clear. The time had arrived for the games to

begin! In fact, it was somewhat past time. Rising high in the sky, the bright autumn

sun was trying to warm the cool waters of Pinyon Hollow Pond but not with much

success. The tall green reeds, dusted with frost, gave off long shadows. The buzzing of

busy insects, usually frantic by this time of day was strangely absent. Cathy was verytired, she must have slept in, Josiah thought. He decided to hunt a few gnats while he

waited but didnt find any so he practiced jumping over the slippery wet stones.

Lunchtime came and went, and still Cathy did not come. Before too long the little frog

saw the shadows lengthening among the cattails, the sun sinking below their fluffy

heads that bobbed in the wind. He decided he must go find Cathy. I will rest a little

first, he said to himself. He was feeling very sleepy. The little frog found a

comfortable spot on the bottom of the pond where leaves had settled into the mud. It


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is very cozy here, Josiah whispered. I will just take a short nap, a very short nap, then

I will look through the wildflowers for Cathy, and then the tall green reeds, and then...,

and then he fell fast asleep.The yellow morning sun reached down through the waters of Pinyon Hollow Pond

and began to warm the muddy leaves where the baby bullfrog was snoring loudly. Its

bright golden rays flitted among the cattails and reeds, bouncing off the glassy surface

of water. Josiah blinked against the bright flickering light. He felt lazy and hungry,

very hungry!

Oh, no! His short nap had lasted all night? Josiah surfaced and hopped up into

the gooey mud. He looked around in wonder. The bright colors of fall were gone. All

around him, tender young plants were springing up along the muddy bank. What wasthis? He remembered cold mornings and frosty nights, feeling so very tired, and

wondering where all his friends had gone. He also thought he remembered white fluffy

flakes falling from the sky, or was that just a dream? Had spring come to the pond

already? What an exciting thought! Having slept his first winter through, Josiah now

found himself eager to explore the new spring growth bursting out around the pond,

taller green reeds, new leaves turning a light spring green and early flowers just starting

to bud with a hint of the bright colors to come. He tried to jump up out of the mud but

stuck fast, his green spotted legs squishing in the muck.


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Ooof! Ooof, he croaked as he pulled himself free one webbed toe at a time. The

worried little frog wondered if Cathy had come while he was sleeping. He looked

around; blinking again in the sunlight, but his fluffy friend was not there.

He jumped across the slippery stones and up onto the slimy logs, but Cathy was notthere. She must be waiting for him in the wildflowers. Of course, that is where she

would be, he thought and jumped into the cool water, kicking as fast as his little

spotted legs could kick. Coming to the muddy bank where the wildflowers spilled over

the edge, Josiah splashed through the shallow water and up under the cascade of vines

and twigs. The bright colors of fall were gone however, replaced by little buds of green

with tiny white and yellow centers.

Cathy! he called. Cathy, are you here?, but Cathy was not there. Where could

the caterpillar be? A rustling in the reeds suddenly caught the frogs attention.Rustle, rustle, crackle.

Whos there? Josiah whispered.

Rustle, rustle, crackle, went the reeds.

Ca...Ca...Cathy, is that you? Nervously Josiah peeked out from under the

branches. No one answered. Rustle, rustle, crackle, went the reeds. It must be Cathy,

playing a trick on him, he thoughtora a snake! The rustling grew louder, and

closer, and louder and closer.


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Rustle, rustle, crackle...Oooof, plop! Out plopped Harry E. Plopper, just missing

Josiahs nose by a gnat bite. The little frog screamed, "Noooo, dont eat me! as he

covered his eyes with his little webbed toes.Harry jumped backwards and tumbled into the water, his legs flying up over his

spotted green head. Josiah peeked out between his toes. The sight of Harry

somersaulting into the pond suddenly filled him with relief. He was not to be eaten

after all. He started to giggle, and then he started to laugh. Harry, however, was not

amused. He kicked up out of the water, sputtering and muttering,

Eat you, eat you! Why in the world would I try to eat you? he cried. Harry

frowned at the little frog who continued to giggle, his small spotted throat wiggling

with the laughter. You seem to be enjoying this far too much! I think I sprained mytoe. Harry flicked his back legs, sending little sprays of water into the air.

Im sorry, Harry. I...I cannot help it. I thought I was going to be eaten, and then,

and then it was only you. The little frog covered his mouth only to burst out into

another fit of laughter.

Well, sighed Harry, Since you thought you were going to die, and Ive only

sprained my toe, I guess thats alright then. Why are you hiding in the wildflowers?

Are you playing with Cathy?

The giggling frog took a deep breath. No, actually Im looking for Cathy.


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Well if youre looking for Cathy, youre playing with Cathy, arent you. Thats

what you do in Hide-n-seek.

No, Harry, Im only looking for her.

Of course youre looking for her. Youll never find her here you know. She is too

good. You two should find some other game to play.

Im not playing, Harry. the little frog groaned. Im really looking for Cathy.

Harry shook his head, Little Jo, you are taking this far too seriously. Its only a

game.

No! Josiah cried

Calm down, Little Jo, Harry patted his friend on the head. Ill help you look. She

wont win this time. Harry looked under the spray of pale yellow buds. Have you

checked in here?

Josiah stared at the older frog. Harry stared back. What? What?

Oh forget it, Josiah turned away.

Concerned now, Harry hopped up to the small frog and frowned. Whats wrong,

Little Jo? You better tell me so I can help.


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Cathy was supposed to come and play but then I fell asleep, and she never came.

Now I cant find her anywhere!

She must have forgotten. Harry replied. Ill help you find her.

OK Josiah pointed to a stand of old yellow cattails. Lets try over there. I think

weve played in there before. There are so many though.

Thats alright. Ive got a plan. Harry nodded his head. Ill go right, you go left

and well meet in the middle.

The two bullfrogs kicked off into the cool water determined to find their friend.

They split off at the edge of the plants and began their search.

Josiah swam slowly in between the green and yellow leaves occasionally stopping to

glance upward along their tall stalks. The little frog liked the cattails, especially in thefall when their tail like heads began to burst, the white fluff spilling out to drift off on

the wind. Sometimes it would sink down between the stalks and drift along the surface

of the water, to land light as a feather on the baby frogs back or flick past his nose

making it tickle. Josiah liked to watch the swirling fluff and wondered what it would

be like to fly up among the tops of the cattails and drift off on the breeze like the

butterflies. I would like to be a piece of fluff for just one day. He would think to

himself. But then, I could not swim in the cool water or sleep in the soft brown mud.

Today the new cattails were growing up among the older brown and yellow stalks, their


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fresh new leaves reaching toward the warm spring sun.

Jo...si...ahhh. Josiah turned his head and listened. The sound of his name drifted

on the breeze.

Jo...si..ahh

Over here. Im over here! he called. Is that you Cathy? He listened again and

heard, "Plop, plop, plop," out among the cattails.

Josiah! Harry plopped out into the open, stopping to catch his breath.

Oh, its only you. the little frog said in disappointment.

Come quick, we have to save her! Harry suddenly cried. Something terrible has

happened.

What are you talking about, Harry? Josiah looked up in concern.

Come on, theres no time to lose! Harry grabbed the smaller frogs leg and pulled.

This way, hurry, hurry!

Harry plopped off and Josiah followed. Harry hopped through the cattails, over a

slimy log and back into the tall green reeds. He stopped in a thick stand of cattails near

the muddy bank and huffed to catch his breath.


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Look...there! Harry pointed up a tall strong stalk. Near the top, a small white tube

clung to the stalk.

What is that white stuff...cattail fluff? asked JosiahI remember hearing the two of you playing near here sometimes, answered Harry.

Im sure I saw Cathy on this very stalk before.

Josiah looked around. It does seem familiar. I think we have played here before.

Josiah looked up at the white thing. It looks ...like...a thick web. He said nervously.

Harry put his webbed toes on Josiahs little shoulder. I think. Harry paused and

looked at the younger frog. Im sorry Little Jo, but I think...I think its spider web.

Oh, no...No it couldnt be. The baby bullfrog stared up at the white webbed thing

and tears welled up in his eyes.

Harry leaned up against his little friend and croaked softly. We could be wrong,

Jo. He whispered. Harry looked down at his friend and then up at the white webbed

thing.

That is a very big web, Josiah. It must have been a very big spider.

Josiah shook his head. Yes, I suppose it was.

Then it must have been quite a battle.


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What? Josiah sniffed and glanced up at Harry. What did you say?

Harry straightened his shoulders. It must have been quite a battle. Im sure Cathy

must have been very brave.

Really?

Oh, Im sure of it. Harry said proudly. Only a very big, very mean spider would

want to eat a nice fluffy caterpillar like Cathy. She fought very courageously I think.

That big bad spider is probably wounded and hiding somewhere even now.

Josiah lifted his head and squared his small shoulders. I think so too, Harry. Cathy

was very brave.

We will always remember how very brave Cathy the Caterpillar was. Harry

replied. The two friends placed their webbed toes over their hearts and held their

heads high.

Yes, we will always remember!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The storms came. Dark clouds filled the skies above Pinyon Hollow. Thirsty

plants and trees drank in the refreshing rain and grew tall and green. Harry


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and Josiah loved to play in the rain. They would hop out onto the logjam and follow-

the-leader back and forth on the slippery logs. Then came a day when the cool spring

breeze turned warm and moved gently through the reeds, the sunlight sending itsgolden rays filtering down into the cattails to warm the soft brown mud. Josiah

stretched his little legs and gazed up at the blue sky where a few lingering white clouds

moved towards the horizon, chased away by the coming summer winds.

The little bullfrog had something important to do and today was the perfect day to

do it. He bounced across the logjam and then thrust himself up into the air with a leap

that sent him sailing out over the open water, ending in a great splash. He swam

through the water until he saw a flicker of color where the wildflowers were beginning

to bloom. Paddling slowly along the bank the frog looked closely at the small yellow

blooms. Finding one that was just right he plucked it from its stem and placing it

carefully in his mouth dove back into the water. Coming to a thick stand of cattails, he

moved quickly into the leaves until he saw a tall yellow one with a ball of white

webbing near the top. Josiah paused a moment then placed the bright yellow flower in


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the soft mud at the base of the stalk. This is for you Cathy, he whispered. We have

not forgotten the Great Battle and how very brave you were. He glanced up the stalk

and watched the white chrysalis swaying gently in the breeze. It swayed slowly backand forth, swaying, swaying, slowly swaying, wiggling, swaying, swaying, wiggling...

Ah! What is that? Josiah jumped back. Did it move? He looked up again at

the small ball of white. Nothing happened. The little frog stared. Was there something

or someone inside? Im just imagining things! The frog told himself. He looked

again and it seemed to tremble just a little bit. It is just the wind, he said bravely, but

was that the outline of something...inside? A ghost? Is it a ghost? He stepped

slowly back from the bottom of the stalk. Suddenly the white webbing shuddered and

the baby bullfrog ran, or rather jumped with all his might, back through the cattails to

where a wet log lay out from the muddy bank. He jumped over the log and ducked

down behind it, gulping down big breaths of air. He had never seen a ghost before.

Josiah peeked over the top of the log, glancing up along the tops of the cattails. He


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could just see the big yellow one with the little white ball towering over the tops of the

new green leaves. The little frightened frog squinted against the light. The stalk

swayed gently in the breeze then shuddered. There was something inside and it wasmoving!

Josiah jumped into the water and swam away as fast as his little legs would take

him, out across the clear blue water, over the slippery logjam and into the darkest,

safest spot in the tall green reeds. Josiah slipped down between the plants, his little

green body blending into the shadows. He had hidden here many times while playing

hide-n-seek. No ghost will find me here, He whispered. The little bull frog held his

webbed toes together tightly to stop their trembling. His heart beat so loudly in his


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small chest that he could hear it going bump, bump in his ears! He stared out through

the reeds. The sunlight sparkled on the blue water and little ripples bounced back and

forth between the plants. Overhead Josiah heard a buzzing sound and he crouchedlower in the darkness, but it was only a bee out to find the first spring blooms for his

honey. Gradually the sun rose higher in the sky. The frightened little frog watched and

waited, but no ghosts came and soon the afternoon grew warm and bright.

I am not being brave, Josiah thought. Cathy would have been very brave. She

who had fought the big spider would not have been afraid of a caterpillars ghost.

Josiah peeked out between the reeds. It was very quiet. I must be brave too. Cathy

was my friend. She would never hurt me, even if she was a ghost. The little frog

straightened his shoulders and swam slowly to the edge of the clear blue water. I will

go see this ghost of Cathy the Caterpillar, he decided and courageously hopped out of


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his hiding place-then stopped. He would go, but maybe just a bit more slowly. Josiah

slid quietly through the water and hopped over the logjam. He slipped in among the

cattails and coming to the fallen log paused to peer just over the top of its mossy bark.He looked over at the big yellow stalk and slowly let his gaze travel up to the top where

he saw...

...a huge butterfly at the top of the cattail! It was a beautiful butterfly, a beautiful, big,

yellow butterfly, a very beautiful, very big and very badbutterfly for Josiah could seeCathys little white webbing was broken and there was nothing inside at all! The big

bad butterfly must have eaten the ghost of Cathy the Caterpillar!

The baby bullfrog was angry now. A big bad spider had captured Cathy in his web


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and now...now a big bad butterfly had eaten her ghost. The angry little frog hopped up

on top of the log and cried

Hey! Hey, you up there!

Startled the big bad butterfly fluttered up into the air and spread out her great golden

wings. Hovering above the cattails, she turned and looked down at the little green frog.

Hello, she answered.

Josiah looked up a little nervously. This was a very, very big butterfly.

Hello, he stuttered, then taking a deep breath he asked, Have you...have you

eaten the ghost of my friend?

Why, I havent eaten any ghosts at all, she replied. The big bad beautiful

butterfly smiled a big smile that puffed out her chubby cheeks and suddenly made her


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look suspiciously like Cathy the Caterpillar. Josiah became quite indignant.

Yes you have. I saw her here just this morning and now she is gone and not only

have you eaten her ghost, you have stolen her chubby cheeks!

The butterfly looked stunned and cried. I have not stolen anything, Josiah. Dont

you recognize me? I am Cathy and these have always been my cheeks!

Josiah looked up suspiciously. He saw the familiar chubby cheeks but he also saw

a long thin body, big fluttering wings and brilliant colors.

You are an imposter! The angry frog stomped his foot. Who are you and what

have you done with Cathys ghost?

The big bad beautiful butterfly stared at the little green bullfrog. The little frogstared back. It grew very quiet. Suddenly Josiah felt very brave. He jumped off the log

into the soft brown mud and puffed out his spotted bullfrog throat.


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You best beware! he said bravely. I have a very long sticky tongue to eat bugs

like you with!

This courageous outburst surprised the big bad beautiful butterfly so much that shesmiled and then she began to giggle and then to laugh, a light, tinkling laugh that made

Josiah feel like giggling, that special giggle which began with just a little tickle in his

tummy. It tickled and tickled until he giggled and giggled. The butterfly with Cathys

chubby cheeks laughed at his giggle, he giggled at her laugh, and they giggled and

laughed until they were exhausted with giggling and laughing. Josiah gazed up at the

big butterfly with Cathys chubby cheeks. He saw her big brown eyes and heard her

tinkling tickling laugh and immediately he knew.

Cathy! It is you! He began to hop up and down singing. It is you! It is you!Cathy swooped down from the top of the cattails and landed beside him on the soft

brown mud.

The baby frog looked at her in awe and whispered? Are you an angel?


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An angel? Cathy giggled. Of course not silly, Im a moth.

But you were all fat and fuzzy. Where are your soft fluffy stripes? And what about

the Great Battle you fought with the big bad spider that captured you in his web?

Cathy blinked, What battle...what spider? I dont understand.

Josiah pointed up to the broken white ball at the top of the cattail stalk. There! he

cried.

Cathy stared and then started to giggle again. Thats not a web, Little Jo, that is my

cocoon

Co-Co who?

My my cocoon. I made it to rest in while my wings grew.You...you didnt die in a great battle with a big bad spider? the little frog asked in

confusion.

Oh no! I was only napping. I am so sorry if you were sad, Josiah! Cathy wrapped

her large golden wings around his spotted green shoulders.

There was no battle with a big bad spider? He sighed, somewhat disappointed.

No...No battle... Cathy answered. But... Josiah looked up expectantly at his

friend.


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But we could pretend! she cried.

Josiah laughed Yes! Yes, lets pretend. The little frog hopped up on a mossy log

You best beware. I am a very brave caterpillar.And I am a very big bad spider, Cathy fluttered her big wings menacingly.

Therefore, the battle began, and a very noisy battle it was, with growling, screaming,

laughing and then that special giggle that began with just a little tickle in Josiahs tummy.

It tickled and tickled until he giggled and giggled. The two happy friends giggled and

laughed, laughed, and giggled until they raised such a racket that Mr. Grumpy Bumpy

Toad began to complain...

A little peace and quiet, he croaked, Thats all I ask, just a little peace and quiet!


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TheEnd


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Harry E. Plopper and the Ghost of Pinyon Hollow

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