Corn-Fed Duckies

Johnny was throwing peas. Not at me. Just... out of the way.

I had brought a healthy blend of corn, peas, and blueberries for the ducks at the park. Johnny immediately started sorting through everything to find the corn. He was picking up peas and tossing them aside like they personally offended him. The man knows brand. Corn-fed Yeti? Nah, Corn-fed duckie!

Now, before you judge me for naming ducks, you should know that I've become friends with the ones at our local park. I pretend I'm their only friend. I'm sure they act this way toward anyone carrying snacks, but I don't care. Let me have my delusion.

My two current favorites are Johnny Quack and Gabi Floats. They are, of course, named after Johnny Franck and Gabi Rose of Bilmuri: My favorite band, Sis's favorite band (when she's around me), Bubs shakes his little baby booty to it. Why not? Auntie Kate gets tired of everything being Bluey, Goofy, or "green poop." My ducks needed cooler names.

The first time we visited, Sis tried to chase them and hit them. I think she was a little intimidated. They're much bigger up close. Since she wasn't listening, I had to remove her from the situation. So later, Bubs and I went back by ourselves.

This time, the ducks were ready. More winged creatures showed up: Mallards, Speckled ducks, Canada geese. Some had babies. I couldn't even tell who belonged to who, but they were adorable.

The geese weren't nearly as picky as Johnny. They inhaled everything we had and then kept coming closer. Soon we were surrounded by a whole gaggle of geese, a flock of little quackers, and whoever’s babies.

Honestly, I can see why a two-year-old might find that overwhelming. I held Bubs close while the birds investigated us for any forgotten snacks. Once they realized the buffet was closed, they quickly lost interest and waddled away.

That's when Bubs found his courage. As they walked off, he decided it was time to defend both himself and AK.
"Can I go be stupid to them?" No. "Can I go hit them with the box?" Also no.

The box, for the record, was our empty snack container. I declined his generous offer. I think he had fun? Sis politely declined when I offered round two. I’m low-key glad I have something that’s mine.