A few weeks ago my son badly injured his leg in a soccer match (he is a defender and his own goalie dived on him). Ruptured his MCL and ACL in addition to a bucket handle tear of the meniscus. Anyway he has had the first portion of surgery and had to go for another checkup (my DIL went with him) yesterday. Grandma is not available so Poppy (moi) is on sole duty for the very first time.
Beautiful baby (12 months) wakes up as soon as the parents leave ---- O.K. here we go. Change the nappy (diaper to you yanks) and prepare lunch. Lunch is done with about
50% eaten and the rest of it on the floor. Play for about
an hour with the myriad of books and talking toys. What to do now? I know. We shall go for a walk and see the ducks about
2 klms away. Easy walking, lots to see, kids playing at school, flowers, dogs etc and we arrive at the duck pond. Ducks and assorted birds everywhere, gathering around to be fed but of course clever Poppy has forgotten to bring the bread. Great looking little ducks, assortment of birds and a couple of large majestic black swans. All do not like to come closer than about
6 ft and are fairly cautious. My little sweetheart is intrigued and sitting in the stroller enjoying herself immensely. But one huge white and black gander comes a lot closer and Poppy strokes its head a couple of times. But it is not playing the game and keeps pushing a little too close to the little one for Poppy's comfort. I am between her and this big duck so push it away with the back of my hand. The bloody thing bites me on the wrist. Now it has some sort of hook on that flat bill which draws a little blood so I push it away from us again with my foot. It sinks the fangs (I think it had fangs) into my leg but I push it away. Back it comes again. Push, bite, push, bite this goes on for a bit. The little one is fascinated with Poppy playing with the big duck. Finally I have had enough ---- I grab it around the neck and hoist it off the ground. Legs kicking, wings flapping, what a melee. Couple of cars going past blast their horn at the lunatic killing the ducks. I dump the thrashing gander in the pond --- he has learned his lesson and swims away. I am wounded (bloodied on the hand and leg) but I have done my protective duty and the little one is safe ---- mission accomplished! The granddaughter seems to have thoroughly enjoyed the excursion and associated entertainment but I am now in trouble with Grandma and mum and dad for exposing our sweetheart to the dangers of the wild. It may be some time before I am in charge again
Bill.
The mention of nappy/diaper made me realize it may be prudent to post an Australian to American translator.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuRrp83jCuQ&feature=relatedPost Edited (BillyMac) : 6/20/2012 6:49:03 PM (GMT-6)