
The midmorning sun painted the lake a beautiful bronze hue as George the Mallard enjoyed a winter swim. With his feathers in full fluff Old Man Winter’s icy hands couldn’t touch him. Not even in the cold lakes and ponds of his Appalachian Mountain home. He and his wife Tilly had grown accustomed to the people on the lake. It was even fun when the big boats sped by and created a huge wake. George and his new friends turned it into a game to see who could paddle their way over the ripples first. But the winter was more tranquil and flock shrank a little as the geese moved to their Southern waters and some of his friends spread out a little. George spent his winter days drifting in shallows and occasionally accepting crumbs from the locals who came to explore the bare rocks and abandoned foundations of the lake at winter pool. He watched as they boldly explored the exposed caves where the monster catfish sleeps in summer. If they’d ever actually seen it they may not be so bold as to disturb it’s lair. He marveled at how the humans would climb the exposed bluffs that surround the lake. He thought that it looked like an awful lot of work to get to the top of a rock. If they could just be ducks they could fly to top with ease and look around.

As George was watching a couple of humans trying to cross the deep soft mud on the lake bed he couldn’t help but to chuckle a little. Duck feet are perfect for walking on mud. Just then Tilly came racing across the water. “George! George!” She quacked frantically. “Didn’t you hear me the first time? The humans on the other side of the boat launch are passing out corn! C’mon we’re going to miss it!” George looked lovingly at his beautiful wife as she circled around to move to his side. She smiled back at him and gave him a gentle bump in the water. ” You silly old drake, if not for me you’d starve while watching the humans.” George didn’t say anything. He just followed her to the spot where the corn was floating on the water and counted his blessings.
Good night friends and be blessed throughout your days.
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