Life And Death In The Spring

 APPLES, DUCKS, AND STEVIA

     As my lack of energy/mobility forces me to stay home more often during the past two years, I've found that I appreciate more the pleasure that plants and pets provide around the property. They are visible signs that the circle of life continues.
COX'S ORANGE PIPPIN ANTIQUE APPLE
     With all the warm weather we've been having, I just planted this seedling three days ago. And then the freezing temperatures hit. I'm not a big apple fan, but this old-fashioned variety sounded intriguing: it's supposed to have a hint of mango and pineapple taste. I just hope a freshly-planted seedling can survive a few nights of freezing temperatures.
DEPLETED DUCKS
     Thanks to some predator, we've lost seven chickens and ducks during the past eight nights. About one a night. Never mind the fact that I'm setting a trap with plump drumsticks in it. The raccoon or possum, or whatever it is, heads straight toward the live birds. I'll be awakened by a loud sqwack at 3:00 or 6:00 in the morning. Our dilapidated chicken coop has several openings where a predator can sneak through. The scent of a dog just a few yards away doesn't deter the predator. I guess the freezing weather is making the frozen drumsticks in the trap less palatable than a nice warm, juicy, live bird. (If it weren't for the freezing weather, I'd shut dog in the chicken coop with the rest of the birds.) :)
DO IT AGAIN WITH DUCKS?
     Until the trap catches the predator, I'm very frustrated. With only two ducks left (as of this afternoon), part of me wants to order some more Muscovy ducklings this spring?
Anyone out there want to temporarily care for some ducklings for several weeks, while I have my surgery in April..??..  :)
     As I said, I'm frustrated. It seems that even the simple pleasures in life (pets) are denied to me, thanks to some wayward beast that's discovered our poultry. :(
ON THE POSITIVE SIDE
     With less birds around, it'll be easier to manage the plants. I just received some stevia seeds (natural sweetener), and I'm anxious to see if I can actually grow at home some of these plants, which are a healthy alternative to using processed table sugar in food products.