Yes, I know. I know.

If I’d meant it as a pun, would I have left Rusty out of the picture? Really now. Give me some credit.

In all seriousness: While I won’t promise never to bring “serious issues” to Quacked Panes, I’ll do my damnedest not to make a Very Special Episode out of it should it ever come to pass. Fair enough?

Fine, fine: I don’t have any perfectly normal yellow rubber ducks. There’s nothing actually wrong with that, you know.

Also, may I say how delighted I was to have the chance to line Neil up with the chessboard pattern? I may? Good!

This new duck and several others (one of which you’ll see Monday) comes to us courtesy of a friend met via City Of Heroes who goes by Janlee. He went to London on vacation a while back and found some very British ducks, so he bought them and shipped ’em my direction once he got back Stateside.

You know, I should point out that I’m not actually a duck collector. My goal isn’t to have hundreds of the things. With that said… it always boggles my mind that someone would take the time & trouble to acquire and mail ducks to a near-stranger, someone known only through the Internet. (See also: The inestimable Wonderduck.)

It’s awesome, and humbling, and awesome. Yes, I said “awesome” twice. Deal with it.