Finding peace of
mind in odd places

Even with the several overheated televisions turned off, my Kaneohe house vibrates with the echoes of war and the yammering of overly sincere talking heads.

I flee on my daily walk and I come across one of my neighbors watering his ducks. Wild ducks, actually. About a dozen hang out in his yard when not flying over the bay. They waddle together in a pack, facing him as he sprays them with the hose. They snap at the water and wiggle their butts, giving every indication of extreme enjoyment.

My neighbor seems to find peace through the simple act of watering his ducks. Somehow, I'm refreshed, too.

--Charles Memminger

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