Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

He wakes up lying, and he lies all day.

Republicans don’t lie to be believed, they lie to be repeated.

The arc of the moral universe does not bend itself. it is up to us to bend it.

Republicans are radicals, not conservatives.

Let me eat cake. The rest of you could stand to lose some weight, frankly.

In after Baud. Damn.

Giving up is unforgivable.

Let’s not be the monsters we hate.

The real work of an opposition party is to oppose.

The truth is, these are not very bright guys, and things got out of hand.

One lie, alone, tears the fabric of reality.

Whoever he was, that guy was nuts.

We are aware of all internet traditions.

Sadly, media malpractice has become standard practice.

After dobbs, women are no longer free.

Mediocre white men think RFK Jr’s pathetic midlife crisis is inspirational. The bar is set so low for them, it’s subterranean.

“Until such time as the world ends, we will act as though it intends to spin on.”

Anyone who bans teaching American history has no right to shape America’s future.

That’s my take and I am available for criticism at this time.

Today’s gop: why go just far enough when too far is right there?

It’s always darkest before the other shoe drops.

It’s a good piece. click on over. but then come back!!

Trump should be leading, not lying.

The next time the wall street journal editorial board speaks the truth will be the first.

You are here: Home / Open Threads / I Don’t Want To Tell You This…

I Don’t Want To Tell You This…

by | 122 Comments

This post is in: 

I debated, but figured eventually I’d have to share. It’s a very sad day in flock today.

When I went to let the ducks out this morning, Penelope had passed during the night. She was fine yesterday, but a little lethargic when I put her to bed last night. I checked her out before bed, no sign of injury, no discharge from eyes or nose – so no virus. My hope was she’d rebound by morning. It will remain a mystery, but am keeping a close eye on Maddie and Mabel in case it was something viral.

She was more an exuberant puppy than duck and the yard will be quieter without her and my mornings will be a bit less happy without her demanding I pick her up and give her scritches.

As I told John this a.m., ducks are rather fragile. One of the reasons I was happy to adopt Penelope-Pearl was because I thought Mabel seemed frail since her rescue and I was worried about Maddie being a single duck. Single ducks are unhealthy ducks. And that doesn’t take into account predators and diseases spread by wild birds and squirrels, who all think duck food is fair game. Having them means you understand life happens unexpectedly and you roll with it. I’m taking my cues from Maddie and Mabel who are enjoying the life they have today.

We are all a little sad here today. But sweet story – once I’d taken care of things outside, I was trying to sit and have a cup of coffee. Emma and Bixby would not have that. Bixby was glued to my chest (you probably aren’t surprised that it’s near impossible to drink a cup of coffee with a Great Dane “comforting” you) while Emma sat on my keyboard, occasionally swatting at the Beast – condolences and illnesses are her territory, she was not happy to have Bixby interfering.

Always someone here to make me smile.

 

 

Reader Interactions

122Comments

  4. 4.

    Nicole

    I’m so sorry. She was a beauty. I’m glad the rest of the menagerie are doing their best to compete over who gets to offer you comfort.

  6. 6.

    dww44

    So sorry for your loss TaMara.  I have so enjoyed your duck posts.  You’ve educated me lots, especially today.

  7. 7.

    Salty Sam

    NOOOOOOOO!  She was my favorite duck evah

    ETA- So sorry for your loss Tamara.  Your duck posts have brightened some dark days for me…

  13. 13.

    laura

    A good, well loved duck. I’m sorry she’s gone and offer condolences to you, your boon companions and those who were lucky enough to see her for the special Pearl of a girl she truly was.

  14. 14.

    Betty Cracker

    Aw, damn. That sucks. Rest in peace, Penelope Pearl. Animals are so pure. It hurts to lose them.

  15. 15.

    trollhattan

    ??

    So very sorry. Ducks bring a lot of joy, even at the park. I expect having yard ducks is a whole other level of fun.

  16. 16.

    cain

    ohh.. Penelope was my favorite of the duckies. RIP Penelope we will all miss you. It’s been a shitty 2020 when we lose our precious animals – so many seems to have died in the waning days of 2020. :/

  20. 20.

    hells littlest angel

    Sorry to hear the news. Your duck enthusiasm has often pushed me to think about starting a home flock.

  22. 22.

    TriassicSands

    I’m very sorry for your loss. Duck tales are interesting as a change from the far more common stories of cats and dogs. Before the ducks of Balloon Juice, I’d never given much thought to ducks as pets. Now, with the loss of Penelope we’re all a little poorer.

  23. 23.

    pamelabrown53

    RIP Penelope. Thankful that the rest of your menagerie,TaMara , are there to provide comfort and solace.

  25. 25.

    Inventor

    I’m so sorry about Penelope. Birds don’t show symptoms of illness until it gets almost critical. The sickly bird in a flock gets targeted by predators so they mask their symptoms if possible. It’s always alarming when my Senegal Parrot shows any sign of sickness.

    I’m so sorry for your loss.

  27. 27.

    drunkenhausfrau

    Oh, how sad!  I’m so sorry!  I will miss the Penelope/Pearl updates.  She was such a storybook Duck.

  28. 28.

    MazeDancer

    What terrible news. She was treasured by us all. What a beauty. And what a great life you gave her.

    She will be greatly missed.

  29. 29.

    JCJ

    Thank you for all of the duck stories and especially for re-posting that picture with Pearl sporting that lovely scarf.  She was a might fine looking quacker!

  32. 32.

    WaterGirl

    Oh, TaMara, I am so sorry.

    It feels like 2020 has been one long, unrelenting lesson in fragility.  Everything that really matters is so fragile, and we have control over none of it.

    Okay, 2020, we get it already.  We really do.  Please stop reminding us.

    Beautiful Penelope Pearl, you are already missed.

  33. 33.

    Wolvesvalley

    This is awful news. She looks so beautiful in her red scarf.

    We will all miss your stories of her.

  35. 35.

    WaterGirl

    TaMara your story of your guys comforting you reminded me of a goodbye to a good friend, a roommate, back before there was email or the internet.  He was moving across the country, and he was packing up the car as I ate my dinner.

    He came back in the house, ready to go.  It was a tearful goodbye.  I sat down at the table, sobbing.  My cocker spaniel jumped into my lap and started licking the tears off my face.  And then, “tacos”!  Followed by “mommy who?” because she was right there in my lap, her nose and face level with the fragrant tacos.

    It made me laugh.

  37. 37.

    RedDirtGirl

    That’s so sad.  Can’t think of anything to make you smile, except that I learned today that foot odor in Norwegian translates to “Toe Fart”.

  38. 38.

    Ruckus

    Sorry about Penelope, they can be excellent pets. My sister won a duckling at the city fair one year, I had to be somewhere about 11/12. He turned out to be a rather large beautiful mallard. We had to give him away when our golden would retrieve him and bring him up on the back porch and sit there with him bleating until we heard him and went out and released him. The dog never even ruffled a feather but it was never going to end well eventually. She’d also bring skunks up on the back porch. Now that didn’t end well… skunks were fine, they walked off heads high. The dog and the porch on the other hand….

  39. 39.

    geg6

    Oh TaMara, I’m so, so sorry.  I have never been a bird fan (it’s a long several stories), but I have a super soft spot for your ducks.  Especially Pearl.  I’ve never thought of her as Penelope; she’s always Pearl in my mind.  I hope all your other animals continue to do well.  RIP Pearl.

  40. 40.

    A woman from anywhere (formerly Mohagan)

    Deepest condolences on the loss of Penelope Pearl.  She was a beautiful duck, and you gave her such a good home.  She couldn’t have had a better rescue home; I hope that comforts you a little.  She looks so handsome in her red scarf! {{ hugs }}

  42. 42.

    Jackie

    Oh, Pearl/Penelope? Like others have said, she was my favorite. Her white downy feathers contrasting with her red scarf made her look queenly. RIP sweet Pearl.

  43. 43.

    Middlelee

    I’m so sorry to hear about Penelope Pearl’s passing.  When I light the evening candle I’ll dedicate it to her.  She was truly a splendid duck.

  44. 44.

    feloniousferb

    Sorry for your loss. She was a very beautiful duck and I loved the stories about her and the pictures.

  45. 45.

    Tazj

    Oh no! I’m so sorry. I never knew ducks could be so affectionate and funny until I read your stories about Penelope and crew. You gave her a great life and I loved reading about her here.

  47. 47.

    Sure Lurkalot

    TaMara, so sorry to hear that Penelope passed. You are the only person I (sort of) know that has pet ducks and I will always love your posts about and pictures of your feathered friends. Penelope did appear to grow into her life with you happily and I’m glad you have a menagerie to console you.

  48. 48.

    BruceFromOhio

    So very sorry, TaMara! I enjoy your duck posts, and Pearl was always seemed to lend an elegant air.

    I hope the picture of her with her red scarf makes it into a future pets calendar.

  55. 55.

    scav

    She was an important duck in this flock of jackals. Condolences all around — duck relief posts, for once, won’t quite help what ails us.

  57. 57.

    SiubhanDuinne

    Penelope-Pearl was one magnificent duck! I’m so sorry for your loss, but enjoying a mental picture of her waddling across the Rainbow Bridge, sporting her lovely red scarf. I know she leaves a duck-shaped hole in your life.

    2020 can bite my ass.

  58. 58.

    TomatoQueen

    RIP to Penelope Pearl as she waddles across the Bridge in her elegant red scarf. Also, what John Cole said.

  60. 60.

    Jay C

    So sorry for your loss, TaMara: it’s obvious Penelope was appreciate when she was here, it makes missing her all the harder.

    :(

  61. 61.

    MisterForkbeard

    I am so sorry to hear it. She was (and forever shall be) an excellent duck.

    I’ve had a couple of scares with my 18 year old cat Cthulhu, lately. Losing a wonderful pet is really something I can sympathize with right now. :(

  64. 64.

    banditqueen

    Penelope was a beautiful bird. And like with all animals we love and lose, her memory will be a blessing.

  65. 65.

    CaseyL

    I am so sorry to hear Penelope Pearl died.  She was a wonderful member of the TaMara family: full of love, lots of personality  – and a real flair for fashion, rockin’ her red scarf. I always looked forward to stories about her.

    It’s very sweet to hear how Bixby and Emma are competing to comfort you.

    Please keep us posted on how Mabel and Maddie are doing.

  67. 67.

    Bex

    Are you acquainted with Rosa the pet duck of the poet Ruth in Louise Penny’s novels?  She’s a great character in a series with lots of great characters.  So sorry you had to say goodbye to Penelope.

  68. 68.

    wesinOH

    Sorry for your loss.  I had 2 ducks (mallards) and 1 polish chicken when I was growing up.  Unfortunately a dog got into their pen and they were gone.  I was devastated for weeks as a kid.  So I can understand a bit of your grief.   Fowl are actually really great pets, if raised well.

  72. 72.

    CaseyL

    I just went back to see how long Penelope was with you, TaMara – and it was such a short time!  You got her in May 2019 – a bit longer than a year and a half!

    She made a deep impression really fast.

    Earl/Pearl/Penelope:  She will be missed.

  73. 73.

    Leto

    I’m so sorry for your loss, TaMara. She was a magnificent bird who had a real flair for fashion.

  74. 74.

    Rileys Enabler

    I’m so sorry to hear about Pearl’s passing. She was a delight to read about and I enjoyed the fine scarf fashions. Thank you for giving her a loving home. I’m so sorry.

  77. 77.

    frosty

    I’m sorry to hear this. From your posts Penelope seemed like a unique duck and I enjoyed the stories.

  78. 78.

    grandmaBear

    Oh no! So sorry. It’s always so hard,but I think especially when it’s so sudden & unexpected.

  79. 79.

    cckids

    I’m so sorry, Tamara. Penelope was charming, and your stories about her make me want to have a duck of my own. Sending love your way.

  83. 83.

    J.

    Dear TaMara,

    I have followed Penelope-Pearl’s adventures on Balloon Juice and was so sad to read this. I hope Maddie and Mable will be okay, and I’m glad you had Bixby and Emma to comfort you.

    xo,

    J.

  86. 86.

    White & Gold Purgatorian

    The camera loved Penelope Pearl. Her images brought joy to so many. I am saddened by her passing. Thank you for sharing her with us.

  88. 88.

    Goku (aka Amerikan Baka)

    I’m so sorry about Penelope. She was a beautiful duck and I’m sure a nice companion

  89. 89.

    suilebhan

    So sorry for your loss. I’ve always enjoyed your duck tales and photos. Penelope will be remembered from afar.

  91. 91.

    Buckeye

    Oh, I’m so sorry about Penelope!

    A friend’s dog died this morning, and another friend’s girlfriend died this morning, so this December Monday is just the suck.

  93. 93.

    J R in WV

    Winter can be so harsh!

    So sorry for your loss… what a pretty duck, with the scarf and all. So dignified and attentive.

    Condolences from West Virginia.

  94. 94.

    greenergood

    Oh Penelopre/Pearl – you needed to stay much longer – such a self-confident beauty, with fashion sense too. Am trying to work out rescue for a white domestic goose that has shown up on my friend’s shore front on the Firth of Clyde (salt water), while she’s got a stream (aka in Scotland a ‘burn’) of fresh water – so goose could be okay water-wise and feeding-wise but is honking big time, all the time, distressed, so trying to find him/her a home. Don’t know where s/he came from, so mystery goose is mystery. So sorry to read about Penelope – what a magnificent quacker-queen …

  97. 97.

    Scamp Dog

    I’m so sorry to hear this! I had no idea that ducks could be fun pets until I saw your posts about Penelope and the gang, so she (and you) expanded my world a bit. Thanks to both of you!

  101. 101.

    Skepticat

    And we most certainly did not want to hear it. You’ve led me to including ducks in my definition of the pantheon of wonderful pets and personalities; thank you and Penelope for that.

  103. 103.

    Nutmeg again

    That’s a very sad thing to hear. I’m very sorry for you and all who knew the girl. I am not surprised that your big snoofer tries to make you feel better, though. Good Boy, Bixby!

  104. 104.

    Zelma

    I never thought of ducks as pets until I met Penelope and her buddies.  She was gorgeous too.  My sympathies,  I just want this year to be over!

  105. 105.

    prostratedragon

    My condolences on this sad news. Penelope’s time was brief, but she really brought the pizzazz to it. Include Mabel, Maddie, and Bixby to the condolences: Animals do know, don’t they?

  107. 107.

    Amir Khalid

    Damn. I know how hard this has to be for you. It’s only been since Friday night for me, and I’m still struggling. You and Penelope both are in my thoughts.

  109. 109.

    satby

    Condolences to you and your flock, both two and four legged. Did we know how old Penelope was? She was a wonderful, fun girl and you give them all such a good and happy life. Hugs.

  110. 110.

    Aleta

    I’m so sorry to hear this.  Lovely Penelope full of personality and her good luck in finding you.  Every picture of her is like a storybook duck.

    the sea darkens
    voices of wild ducks
    are faintly white
    -Basho

  111. 111.

    Miss Bianca

    Awww, poor Penelope Pearl. We will all miss hearing about her exploits. My condolences, TaMara.

  112. 112.

    Lyrebird

    Wish I knew what words to offer that would bring comfort.

    Thank you for giving so many of us some needed cheer by sharing your duck and pup adventures.

    @Amir Khalid: condolences to you, too.

  113. 113.

    Mary Ellen Sandahl

    I’m very sorry to hear this, TaMara. Before reading about Penelope and seeing her completely charming pictures, I had almost no inkling of the charm of ducks, Thank you to you and to Miss Pearl herself for clueing me in to a new avenue of love between us benighted, too-vainglorious homo unsapiens and the rest of nature.

  116. 116.

    No One You Know

    Awww. And also awe, at how much our feathered, furred, and four-footed friends bring us,  every day.

  119. 119.

    Shebs

    So sorry to hear about pearl.  Had a similar sudden loss of my favorite chicken about 3 weeks ago…she seemed a bit off but went to roost with the flock, and I found her the next morning.  It’s always tough with animals, they can’t tell you when something is wrong.  Much love from this lurker <3

  122. 122.

    David ??Merry Christmas?? Koch

    OMG!   I’m so sorry for your loss.   I’ve had ducks pass away young and healthy, without any warning.  Most of our ducks lived to age 9, some lived to their low teens, but three did pass early during winters.

    I hope you know how much this community loves and appreciates you and your family.

    Rest in peace, dear sweet Penelope.  Thank you for brightening our day.

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