Lori and I have decided to take Golf lessons. Neither of us has played much in the past number of years and the game had become more than a little frustrating. While I have never been a good golfer, breaking 90 was an accomplishment, my game had deteriorated to the point where there was little joy in Mudville (to borrow a phrase) after a round of golf. It was either take some lessons and commit to getting out more than a few times a year or put the clubs on Kijiji and free up some space in the garage. Well last week we went for our first in a series of lessons. Our neighbour had given us a coupon for a swing evaluation at Golf Tec and after watching the video of my swing a couple of things became very apparent. My golf swing was UGLY. Every part of my body was moving and not in a coordinated way. It was a wonder that I could even hit the ball let alone figure out where it was going to go. The other thing that was in full evidence was that I have become fat. Don't know when that happened but obviously too much of too many good things results in a hefty profile. Guess I need to quit making those midnight trips to the fridge and increase the pace, length and frequency of our walking regime.
Now for the reason for my post. I was cutting the grass today and as I was trimming around the willows there was a sudden flurry of feathers and the sound of beating wings. Kind of startled me but I quickly realized it was one of the Mallard ducks that has been hanging around our yard. As I passed by one of the willows what to my wondering eyes did appear. No, not a sleigh being pulled by 8 tiny Reindeer but rather a nest lined with duck down huddled between the protective branches of a large willow tree. The nest contained 9 large eggs, all perfectly arranged awaiting the return of Mrs Mallard to provide them with the warmth they will need to hatch.
Now that I know they are there I will avoid that area but continue to view from afar and wait for the hatchlings to appear. The nest is located right at the base of the tree and only a couple feet from the ground so hopefully no predators raid the nest.
A couple years ago we had foxes under our shed and it was a joy to watch the kitts playing under the watchful gaze of mom and dad. Deer make regular appearances and we have on occasion seen coyotes wandering thru our yard (I could do without seeing them).
Country living does have its benefits.
The only camping we are planning for this summer is 3 weeks at Clear Lake. 2 of my grandsons will be joining us for 1 of the weeks and we are looking forward their visit. My son tells me that the kids don't take naps in the afternoon so I'm going to be one tired dude by the time its dark and we can light the campfire.
Just a quick mention about our plans for next winter before I sign off. We are planning on trekking west in late October and visiting with my Son and his family in Lethbridge. From there we will continue through the Rockies to southern BC and down the Washington and Oregon coast, likely taking 101 most of the way. We plan to spend much of our winter in California and are busy researching places to see. We hope to return much the same way although we would like to pass through the Okanogan which should be beautiful in the spring. This is all very preliminary but its the start of a plan. Now if the Loonie could just get back to 90 cents.
Later.
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