During the long summer months many fun-filled and exciting events
occurred at my house. One of which was the arrival of Donald and
Daisy. (Original names provided by my children to two Pekin ducks).
They were very tiny, covered in yellow down and as I recall peeped
the whole night as they peered out from their bushel basket home.

The blissful days passed quickly and Donald and Daisy grew rapidly.
We provided a good home by providing a duck house and pond, constant
pampering and too much food. They seemed to relish in their daily
swims. They grew large and turned a beautiful white with the
acquisition of their feathers. During the fall Donald and Daisy
appeared rather majestic as they explored the yard in search of
their favorite delicacy - slugs. Our entire family often went on
slug hunts which when successful meant a joyous time for Donald and
Daisy as they stuffed themselves.

A few days ago as I lay sleeping I heard a singular distressing quack.
I awoke and stumbled to the kitchen window - peered out to see Donald
scurrying back and forth near the barn alone. Even in a state of
drowsiness I realized that Daisy (who is seemingly inseparable from
Donald) was missing. I looked around and to my horror was seized by
the sight of a raccoon surely plucking Daisy - Daisy was no longer
resisting. Knowing that the raccoon (whom we affectionately now call
Charlie) lived in unknown places and would soon escape to mull over

his victory and plot his next move, I had to cut him off - in fact
Since I couldn't shoot him (not owning a gun) I was taken with the
thought of cutting him up. I started tc the door - realized it was
raining - grabbed my jacket - started to the door - realized I sleep
nude and felt less like a warrior withcut my pants - grabbed my pants -
they were slung to my hips - started to the door - what weapon have I -
descended to the basement acquired my axe and hunting knife - started
to the door and flung it open...... Can you imagine its 2:15 in the
morning, a driving rain, the door to a suburban house opens and a
‘civilized creature, hair and beard looking wild, vengence raging in
its eyes pants slung low, barefoot, jacket hanging open, axe and knife
in hand suddenly streaks forth. Well Charlie being more together at
this point than anyone else, instantly assumed, no doubt "this guy is
crazy and after my beloved body." I suspect this was a fair assumption.
Charlie flees into the darkness and I fling my weapons into the night.
Charlie we cannot go on like this, but we'll meet again as I have
decided to trap you and carry you to the wilderness now that I am awake
and the moment has passed.

Leland