Lake Reflections: Feathered FriendsBy Debbie Nania
 I used to have pet ducks. I have actually had two different pair at different times. My first two were Harpo and Groucho. The last, Bob and Bing. They were the big, white barnyard variety who couldn’t really fly. Ducks poop every two minutes and are easy prey to, in our case, raccoons. Other than that they make lovely pets. In each case, the end of their lives was very sad and tragic, but the memory of them is something I cherish. In fact, the best gifts my husband ever gave me were those ducks!
He came home from work one day with a tiny, peeping box in his hands. Out popped two fluffy little bundles of joy! Really, it was our most romantic moment in over 25 years together. I know that might not sound like much to some of you, but to me it was perfect! While I was falling in love with them and keeping them safe, fat, and happy in the house for their first month of life, Joel was busy building them their own compound in the yard. They had a house that was a miniature version of ours, and he surrounded it with an electric fence.
Harpo and Groucho bonded with me as “Mommy”. They peeped and peeped, and ran to catch up with me, stumbling over each other. I loved to lay down with a towel on my stomach, (for obvious reasons) and we all three took a heavenly nap. I just couldn’t believe how lucky I was that I had ducks sleeping on my tummy. If I could guarantee their safety, I’d have ducks now.
 I was beginning to be known around here as “The Duck Lady of Liberty Lake." These guys put on quite a show. As they got bigger one of their favorite activities was to swim with me in the lake. It was fun to play with them in the water. They quacked and dipped in and out of the water, joyously flapping their wings. It was so cute! Just like children, after much excitement during playtime, they got sleepy. I laid on my air mattress and let my left arm float in the water. Harpo floated next to me, nestled between my arm and the mattress; his head resting on my shoulder. Groucho climbed on to my stomach and get this...He laid on his back, with his head right next to my face, methodically moving his feet in a swimming motion. He even snored! We caused quite a commotion when a boat went by.
Who knew that ducks could be such wonderful, loving pets? I miss my guys!
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