And They Call It.....Ducky Love!

The summer is flying by, and despite my good intentions and grand plans, I am neglecting this space! More than ever, I'm finding life with the boys busy. It's not hectic in the sense that our days are packed with planned activities, although we are certainly enjoying our summer swimming and tennis lessons. I'm learning that 5 and 6 year old boys are literally bursting with energy - energy that needs to be burned and refuelled constantly throughout the day! When they aren't sitting at the dining room table refueling their growing bodies, they are out the door in the blink of an eye.....off and running.....which ususally means I'm not far behind! We are spending our time soaking up as much of these summer days as possible, rain or shine or fog!

There has been lots of fun farmyard action this summer to keep Chi-Chi and Muffy occupied. Their pet ducks are now full grown and both boys are quite smitten with their special feathered friends. I'll take a pet duck over a puppy any day! Don't get me wrong, I love dogs, and have such fond memories of our childhood beagle, Barney. I am, however, happy to have any animal that lives outside the four walls of my home! Another creature to clean up after is not something this Mama needs right now (: We've had so much wet weather that the chicken/duck yard is pretty much a muck pit. Chi-Chi and Muffy don't mind at all, and are constantly "bonding" with Ducky and Lovey. It turns out we have two females - one Appleyard and one runner duck. We also have a male runner duck named Toyota. Do I hear new little ducklings in my future?? Our runner duck hen started laying this week, producing the most beautiful blue eggs. It took some Scooby-Doo style sleuthing to figure out that our duck was laying as opposed to our Americauna hens. I'm currently enjoying my first batch of "duck egg" brownies with my afternoon cup of tea. Any interesting suggestions for using my new eggs would be appreciated!!

We also have one new little baby chick on the farm, hatched by one of our broody mama hens. She's as sweet as can be...as all baby chicks are. The boys teamed up and named her "Sunny Rainbow". Ah, I do love the hilarious names these two monkeys dream up. How cute is that? It's enough to melt my heart.

Yes, lots to keep up busy in these parts and still lots of summer days to savour!

Lucky Duck

With spring in the air, I have been itching to get back into the blogging groove. My mind is bursting with fresh ideas and inspiration. I’m anxious to get the bleak and dreary winter behind me and embrace the excitement and freshness of the new season. I must admit, we awoke to a dusting of snow this morning and the kiddies and I were bundled up in our full winter woolies, chattering our teeth while waiting for the school bus. It’s a tricky time of year in these parts. The calendar declares the arrival of spring, but Old Man Winter doesn’t seem willing to say farewell just yet. Nonetheless, I’m moving forward. I have been struggling with some personal health issues the last few months, which certainly put a damper on my spirits, creative efforts and general mood. Although I am still awaiting tests and sorting things out, I’m feeling much better and have regained my energy and focus.

As a result, I’m doing my best to simply force the arrival of spring, despite the temperature readings, forecasts and that blasted wind-chill factor. On a whim, our family recently picked up a few ducklings to add to our back yard flock. I was craving a distraction and a new focus and these buttery yellow sweeties are just what the doctor ordered. It was love at first sight for all of us. Although I have adored our baby chicks in the past, there is just something so sweet and special about ducklings. Muffy remarked immediately that his new pet Ducky (how appropriately name) looked so happy! They have such a pleasant and comical disposition about them that you can’t help but feel joy in their presence. Chi-Chi named his new friend, Lovie and is demonstrating a new level of maturity. His relationship with Lovie is bringing to light a very nurturing and gentle side of his personality that is heartwarming to observe.

Yes indeed, I'm feeling like a lucky duck these days, with warmer weather and healthier happy days ahead! I look forward to sharing and exchanging ideas and inspiration in this space once again.