Feeding the Ducks

The ducks in on the river in the next village will never starve. There is nearly always someone feeding them as we drive past. They must eat their bodyweight in bread and seed every day yet still they float!

Today it was our turn to try to satiate the insatiable. Noodles loves to feed the ducks.

"DO YOU WANT SOME?! DO YOU WANT SOME?!" he bellows at top two-year-old volume. And twenty little duckyvoices quack in unison..."Ohyesohyesohyesohyesohyesbecausewearestarvingandhaven'teatenfornearlytwentyminutes."

And then begins the ritual of Noodles throwing bread to the hungry hoards. It can take some time because more often than not the bread doesn't reach the water, or ends up behind him which confuses him as he spins on the spot, perilously close to the edge of the bank, looking for it, while twenty little ducky voices quack in unison, "It'sbehindyouit'sbehindyouit'sbehindyouohforgoodnesssakestopspinningyounumptyand feedusbecauseweareaboutodieofstarvation."

And so it goes on. Four slices of bread can last a....g....e...s. Whole seasons can pass while Noah disposes of half a stale loaf.

One lost glove (Noah) and one case of hypothermia (me) later and we headed for home.

"Can I have hot chocolate?" asked Noah. (Hot chocolate has been Noah's favourite treat since Christmas).
"Ok," I replied.
"With cream and marshmallows?" asked Noah.
"Erm...ok...if we've got some." I replied. (I now regret introducing Noodles to deluxe hot choc during the festive season)
"And sprinkles?"
"Don't push it son." (Well there has to be a line...)