Mara's favorite duck...

In spite of my not being particularly fond of Tingley Beach, we end up there like every other day because the baby likes it so very much. Where else will ducks take bread from the baby's hand. Especially this one, old red face as we have been calling her. At least we think it is a her because she doesn't have a curly tail. She also appears to be old as her feathers are not in the best shape and she has an aura of wise duck. The baby makes such happy noises around the ducks and geese.

Old red face is very gentle and very tame. The baby will hand her bread, but insists on jerking the bread back and trying to eat it herself. This necessitates removing the bread from her hand, tossing it to the duck and then giving her a new piece. The baby chews on it a bit and then dangles it for the duck again.

She is also doing this at home to the dog. The dog does not let the food be jerked back. He removes it gently or waits for her to drop it. I have been telling her no, but as soon as I turn my head, she is delightedly fishing for dog or duck again.

Today, I am grateful for the day I was given, Tingley Beach, red faced ducks (old red face has a slightly less red-faced buddy), the baby, the puppy and the incredible luxury of warm bath - all that water, clean and heated with so very little work on my part.