Presidential

Mother duck and her brood of little ones

Some years ago we were staying at a resort in Gordonsville, VA. During that vacation we were able to visit homesteads of several of our early presidents: Jefferson, Monroe, and Madison. At one of these mansions, we came upon this very attentive mother duck and her group of very young toddlers. I just can't remember at which presidential palace we had this encounter.

Some traits of this family hit close to home. The youngsters followed Momma everywhere staying close to her wisdom and protection all day. They huddled together with their siblings for warmth and safety. Surprisingly they seemed very comfortable with us in close proximity. No doubt their regal mother had assured them that we posed no threat. In fact I'm pretty sure this watchful parent had enthralled them with tales of their someday becoming famous by having their photo posted on a Facebook blog. It was probably one of their favorite bedtime stories.

Imagine! The family is huddled close in the protection of the reeds along a creek at Monticello. Mother duck addresses her sleepy band, "Now children, settle down and I'll tell you a bedtime story." As the ducklings hush attentively she begins, "Once upon a time there was a blogger who lived in a village far, far away called Columbia, Tennessee..."