Island Life…by Clint Bennetsen

Archived in the category: Featured Writers, General Info, Island Life
Posted by Joyce Rhyne on 20 Jun 20 - 0 Comments

Clint & Corky

Clint & Corky

Summer Heat, Needed Rain and Baby Ducklings
Greetings from the island everyone. I hope that all of you are doing well, and have plans to spend time with your dad, either heavenly or on the phone or in person, in a few days for Fathers Day. I am blessed to still have my dad, Henry, in my life, and to be able to talk to him and spend time with him on a regular basis. I get a lot of compliments on my gardening, and in particular tomato growing abilities, and I can assure you that gardening gene comes directly from my dad.

Well, the island finally got a good soaking of rain lately, just over five inches falling from the sky in the past several weeks. My rain tanks total 1,100 gallons when full, which is where they are right now, so I’m good to go for awhile. And my garden certainly appreciates the fresh rain as well. My tomatoes are doing pretty good this year, especially the Sungold cherry ones, my most favorite tasting tomato of them all.

I can certainly tell that Summer has pretty much arrived on the island. Other than a rogue norther lately bringing a little coolness and low humidity to the air, the days have been hot. I’m kinda relegated to doing outside chores, especially mowing, during the early morning and late evening hours, with the hot hours spent in the shade with a cold iced tea. I’m on my 21st year on the island altogether, and 15th year living full time out here, so my aging robust body creaks, moans and sweats profusely now in the prolonged 90 degree plus days. That old saying, “work smarter, not harder”, has hit home with me!

Well, there are some new additions to the Bennetsen Island Compound, after five pretty baby ducklings hatched out on May 30-31. The babies came from eggs that my only female Indian Runner/Mallard mix mom duck had laid and sat on for 28 days. There are four black ducklings with a hint of yellow on their chest, and there is one solid yellow beautiful duckling. The babies are doing just fine, and they love to swim in two water containers that I have for them, and they enjoy exploring the yard when I let the chickens, guineas and ducks out in the evenings. With everything going on in today’s world, they are a welcomed beautiful and innocent sight.

In closing, I would like to extend a heartfelt island welcome to the Proctor & Roderick families, the newest islander cabin owners. They are wonderful families and will be a true asset to the island.

Well, that’s it from the island for now, everyone please take care, give your dad a call and have a most wonderful day.

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