Hi Friends! Don’t be fooled by my lab like looks and athletic physique. I love walking, running, hiking and playing, but swimming is not one of my favorite activities.

There are two exceptions I have made:

1) I meet a friend on the beach wanting to dance in the sand or run in the shallow water, and

2) my mom and dad take me to Italy and there are ducks in the pond.

Then I am game, and good luck to the ducks.

The first villa we rented in Tuscany, Italy was about 5km off the main street on a rural road with not much on either side except farmers’ fields. The villa sat above the road giving really good views of the tractors, farmers and occasional cow passing by.

There were two spots we could walk within an hour before getting to the main road. The pond with the ducks, which I will get back to or a restaurant that Miller preferred, open occasionally when they felt like it. I could elaborate on that, but I think Miller has a story or two to tell you. He is the foodie in the family.

Back to the pond.

It was past the cows and down another rural road just off the street we sat high above. I loved the walk. Mom trusted that I would listen should I venture to catch something or run to greet a farmer. It didn’t happen often, and it wasn’t long before we knew most of the people and a few of the cows in the area. We were staying there for a month, and the faster I let everyone know I am available to play all day – or in this case, swim after ducks all day – the better.

The entrance to the lake was a small, brushed area. Thankfully my nose is better than my eyes and I could sniff out the most direct route to the duck pond. The water was cold, as it was only May and it was quite forested, not allowing too much sun. The perfect pond for ducks, and me.

I would scurry down the small embankment, jumping into the water. Then I was off, and paddling, paddling, paddling in the direction of the feathers flapping against the water as the ducks made their way to the other side of the pond – to safety. It was sooo fun! I never caught anything, and I don’t think my path of entry caused any harm; however, I don’t think they miss me as much as I miss those days.