I wanted to try something a bit different with the ducklings, partly to start breaking away from their long-established habit of double-speak (as it were) and partly to give them something to do besides simply reacting to one or another of the bigger ducks. Besides, I love the “go / no-go” bit. Maybe I’ve watched too many programs about the NASA space program.

What’s more, we just went through the first week of Year Three without a devastatingly terrible pun. Your relief is palpable, I’m certain…