A Visit with Mrs. Mallard

I love the Boston Public Garden. It almost feels like stepping into a story book when you walk through the gates. The noise and bustle of Boston surround the park on all four sides. The paths of the garden are unaffected by all that is going on around it. A quiet and beautiful space not only surrounds but penetrates visitors. 

One of my favorite corners is the tribute to Mrs. Mallard and her family. This past week was the first time the kids had met the family they have heard about all their lives. After the obligatory pictures, we just sat and watched as other kids - of all ages - paid tribute to this web-footed family.

One thing that every family paused to remember was the names of the ducklings. It was a universal experience - where did the names start? Oh yes, J. Jack. And then carefully working through the alphabet and the names of all the little ducklings. Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Oack, Pack, and Quack. 

Incidentally, I noticed that most mothers use their fingers as they work through the alphabetic names, as though they were counting. Myself included.