On one of those fantastically delicious hot and sticky summer days, like last week*, we took the kids waaaay out to the Louisiana countryside to feed wild geese.
Oh, okay. We went to City Park. That’s the New Orleans Museum of Art in the background. FUN FACT: NOMA does not allow strollers. So we’ve not been, kind of as a point. But Will went on a field trip earlier this year.
We had about 4 bags of bread — collected from frozen ends of loafs and other assorted stale varieties that I stock pile in the freezer for days like this.
And the kids went at it.
So did the birds. Will, who had recently discovered the delicacies of duck, suggested we bring one home for dinner.
Just kidding, buddy.
This was only a few months ago, but I can’t believe how much smaller they look, especially Kate.
Then, we realized that a new group was interested in sampling our wares. Momma and her 5 babies.
Don’t these two look like they are playing “Cee Cee My Playmate?”
Fast moving, with sharp little teeth. And very bold.
But cute.
Sort of like Kate. Fast moving, sharp little teeth, and bold. We were a little afraid that she would try some of her favorite playtime activities with The Cat, Scout. Things like sitting on his back, pulling his tail, and zerbering his tummy. He’s a pretty chill cat.
Paul is ready to scoop her up if needed. Will, on the other hand, wanted to stick to the ducks.
When they had their fill, they climbed up on branches right over our heads…
… and went to sleep.
*Actually, it was in early August.
Paula | 10-Dec-08 at 3:43 pm | Permalink
Your family is lovely 🙂 I have great memories of feeding geese as a kid with my grandma. I’m sure your kids will have wonderful memories as well.
And, awesome pictures of raccoons! I know from a recent post that its hard to find pictures of them up close. It’s too funny they just curled up and went to sleep.
Painted Maypole | 11-Dec-08 at 4:09 pm | Permalink
adorable!
(wonder how the park looked today in the snow?)
Aut Deb | 15-Dec-08 at 6:42 pm | Permalink
Good Lord – what are you thinking!!! Racoons in the daytime – can you say rabies. Never never let the kids anywhere near these animals. This scared the pants off me the hunter. Any time I would see these in the daytime danger is following!!! Don’t ever do this again. My reaction is to get a gun and take them out. I only kill what I eat unless their is disease involved.
Unless this is a park that they are contained and are vaccinated. Please let me know. PS the photos are great.
admin | 15-Dec-08 at 7:27 pm | Permalink
Hi Aunt Deb — you are making me laugh!!! Yes, this was in City Park and the raccoons are well-known there. I’m quite certain that they are tagged and vaccinated — they are also very tame and obviously used to humans (and ducks!) But don’t worry, we definitely kept space and were cautious.