These Ducks Go Into a Bar...

It all started one blissful day last year. My dad says to me, "I'm getting some ducks. Want some?"

Mike (in foreground) and Mrs Mike

"Where art thou, oh Blissful Ignorance?" moans the Idiot.

Experience replies, "She has left town, and I know not where she has ventured."

"Bring her back! Send her an urgent letter, or better yet, a text demanding her rapid return."

"Nope. Can't do it. She left no forwarding address as to her whereabouts."

(Sob). "But all I wanted was just a couple ducks. Not a lot. Just a couple. You know, for Cute's sake."

"You leave me out of this!" retorts Cute. "You know good and well I can only last so long. Mine is a temporary assignment. When I'm gone, you're left with...well, you know how it goes."

(Sob, sob). "EXPERIENCE! I demand you do something about all these DUCKS!" cries the Idiot.

"Oh, stop your bellyaching".


Just this year: 29 hatched and counting. (Sob).

Moral of the story: Never let ducks go into a bar.

Four hens left of the first six ducklings

Two hens and brood

The maiden voyage of the latest ducklings with two hens

Brooding hen #1

Brooding hen #2

"Hey! Get back in here and hatch out these last two eggs!"

You, Me and the Duck

 John likes to go to Florida every year.  I have gone with him, and it's nice to soak up some much-needed sunshine and warm weather. It does John some good also, because it helps him get ready for the busy work season that usually starts before we get back.

This year, however, was different. With the mild winter and onset of early warm weather, I know for me, heading south would have been time I could be using in getting a start on an early spring, like starting seeds in the greenhouse, getting the rabbits bred and doing some much-needed yard work.

So, the trip to Florida isn't happening for me this year. But, for John, it should have happened. And it might yet. This is a stressful time for him, and he still talks about closing up the house and heading south at least for a couple of weeks. I tell him he should. It would do me good if he went.

In the meantime, spring has sprung and life begins to multiply here at Nestle Inn. The sparrows are hoarding the birdhouses, Miss Kitty is due to drop a boat-load of kittens any time and Daffy has joined the farm.

Meet Daffy Duck. He is two years old and alone. But, he's alive. Currently he is in with Rooster and the Ladies with his tub of water. I will search for a mate for him so he won't be "alone".

The next day after Daffy joined the family, John and I were talking about all the work he has to do. With a straight face and a determined tone he says, "We should go to Florida. You, me and the duck."

Daffy Duck