December

5.12.04

Gerd's birthday today. Was it in honour of the day that Gertie made an extra long flight? I counted 10 or more wingbeats. But then she spoiled it with a crash landing.

13.12.04

My darling brother Helmut died today. The one who is the reason I got my runner ducks and who encouraged me to write up their story. It was so sudden, and we're all very, very sad.

But I shall continue with these diaries, especially as my darling brother Gerd and his son Richard have put so much skill and effort into them. They are dedicated to them from now on.

28.12.04

We have been to Helmut's funeral in Germany, and Christmas is now behind us.

The ponds have been frozen for days - the two near the house longer than the duck pond - and the ducks have been unable to swim for a couple of days. We smashed the ice in two places so they could drink, and of course they have water in their hut.

I thought I'd end the diary for this year with a picture I took yesterday morning when the sun came out. It is unusual in that the ducks, who are nearly always together, have split up into two and one to be at a "watering hole" each: