Distracted in Bird Island

I really need to start concentrating on stoops a bit more. It seems like I've been concentrating on yards alone, which is silly because I am fascinated by stoops. It's just in my gnome blood, what can I say? I've been looking at photos of stoops, but I really need to start looking at them in person. Being out and about involves so many distractions! Which is exactly what happened to me today. While passing through a great sounding town called Bird Island in Minnesota, I saw a few nice front steps and porches, but was completely distracted by this giant rock face guarding someone's yard. Seemed like a very calm fellow and I did my best not to wake him up. I was just so curious though, and ended up sneaking up quite closely.