Snow

It’s time for a farm story.

Last year we were able to acquire a few Pekin ducks which we raised for their meat.  As butchering day grew closer, my grandchildren begged to be allowed to keep “just one” for our permanent flock.  After some reluctance, I relented and allowed Arya to choose a female thinking that we could at least get a few eggs and perhaps some ducklings from this big white bird.  We creatively named her Snow.

Snow is a solo comedy act covered with feathers.  Larger than everyone else, her ample body cannot fit through the escape holes that her friends have discovered.  Thus she remains stuck in the pen, voicing her annoyance until a human comes along and lets her out.

Then off she huffs to find her flock.  I watch in amusement as her ample hips sway from side to side and am reminded of Mark Lowry’s, “Excuse me, pardon me, excuse me, pardon me” comedy routine.

While the rest of the flock rushes to and fro around the farm, Snow’s stride is one of determination.

“I’m coming; I’m coming,” I hear her puff as she follows at her own pace.

“I can do this; I can do this,” she mutters to herself.

Currently, two of my grandchildren are in the midst of an argument–who actually owns Snow?  Is it Oliver who begged to keep a Pekin or Arya, who is technically in charge of the ducks?  I’m not getting in the middle of that one.  But secretly I think that Snow belongs to all of us.

I am a business woman.  I raise livestock for their meat, eggs, and milk.  It is well understood that my animals live here for a planned purpose–to create products for ourselves and for our customers.  But once in awhile there is a special soul who needs to stay, just for the pure joy that they bring into our lives.

Next week we will get back to business.  I will discuss duck eggs.  What do they taste like?  How do you cook and bake with them?  Why would you choose them over chicken eggs?

But if you are like me, once in awhile you need to stop, catch your breath, and allow yourself to be entertained, even by a duck named Snow.

Warmly,