Scene of the crime

My little sons used to fall into duck ponds, fishing lakes, and prairie dog enclosures at zoos. They survived, none the worse for wear, and don't even remember those soggy OOPS moments. One son tried hard to fall into geysers in Yellowstone National Park, and his mom's nerves are still frayed. Another son loved playing in the waves at South Padre, and I never relaxed a minute on those beach vacations being ever vigilant for an undertow.


On my last drive through Oklahoma I checked out Edmond's Hafer Park, the scene of a particularly memorable duck pond dunking. The park is lovely, well-kept, and well-used. Families were picnicking at every available table. A group was hosting an event in the pavillion at the duck pond. Teens were reenacting a medieval battle while dressed in cardboard armor and pillowcase chain mail.

Red marks the very best spot for falling into the pond.

© 2008 Nancy L. Ruder