Mornings in the Pacific Northwest are unpredictable. In the summer, the sun rises early and spills light across the yard before I’m fully awake. In the winter, it’s cold and dark, and the air feels heavier somehow. But no matter the season or the weather, I head out each morning to let the ducks out of their she-shed so they can spend the day foraging in the backyard while I’m at work.

They know I’m coming. My dog runs ahead of me, letting out a few excited yips, and that’s all it takes to get my duck gals talking. They’re waiting at the door. The moment it opens, they waddle-run out, stretch their wings, and begin their day.

I gather their eggs, pause for a moment to watch them settle into the grass, and then I leave for work. It still surprises me how much I’ve grown to cherish this small, ordinary interaction before my day begins.

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Meet the Flock

I use the word flock generously because, in truth, I only have three ducks — but we all start somewhere. All three are Khaki Campbells, each a beautiful shade of brown with her own distinct personality.

Rhododendron is my most well-rounded duck. She has learned that sticking close while I garden equals more treats — insects, worms, and her favorite: slugs. Gardening is the only time she allows me to pet her or pick her up. We’ve developed a system. I call out, “Rhodie, right here,” point to where a slug is hiding, and she comes running to grab it. It feels like teamwork.

Zinnia is my most skittish gal. She bites and strongly objects to being touched or held. She knows gardening means treats, but she refuses to come within arm’s length of me. If I’m too slow at uncovering snacks, she charges me to make her displeasure known. While her bold personality isn’t as easy as Rhodie’s, I have no doubt she would fiercely protect her sisters.

Lily-Rose is my most special duck. She doesn’t enjoy being petted, but she’s perfectly content to be held and carried around the garden. Did I mention she’s blind? I bought her knowing she was blind because I wanted to make sure she had a chance. She loves swimming, sleeping, and having a good daily chat. She knows her name — if you call her, she calls back. That’s especially helpful since she occasionally wanders into corners or bushes she can’t navigate out of on her own. Most of her time is spent happily swimming in the pond.

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My Evening Duck Routine

When I get home from work, I do a quick check-in. The ducks stay out until dusk, so this is usually just a glance to make sure everyone looks healthy and content. My dog spends the rest of the day in the backyard with them, and for the most part, they politely ignore one another.

At dusk, I head back out (unless I’m already gardening) and call, “Okay, ladies — time for bed!” They know this means dinner.

Rhododendron and Zinnia come running and head straight into the shed. I usually have to retrieve Lily-Rose from the pond and carry her in myself. Then I refill their water, give them two scoops of food, and close the shed door for the night.

I’ve learned that ducks love routine. When I stay consistent, they know exactly what to do.

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From Eggs to Income (Without the Pressure)

In the winter, I typically collect two to three eggs a day, about three weeks out of the month. That averages 42–63 eggs each month. I keep about half for my family of four and sell the rest.

I currently have two consistent customers. One places a monthly order for a dozen eggs, and the other reaches out when they’re ready for more. Right now, I’m selling strictly by word of mouth, which feels manageable as I’m just getting started.

While I don’t consider this a true income stream, these small amounts of cash go directly toward extra payments on my highest-interest loan (you can read more about that journey in other posts on my blog). I am determined to get out from under this debt.

This is how I’m learning to care for what I have — and for what I owe — one quiet day at a time.

I’d love to know — what small rhythms in your own day are helping you move toward your goals? Are there simple habits that are quietly supporting your debt payoff journey? Or maybe there’s a peaceful moment you’ve carved out — a morning walk, a garden ritual, a cup of coffee before the house wakes up — that reminds you why the steady work matters. Sometimes it’s not the big leaps but the small, faithful routines that carry us forward. I’d love to hear what yours look like.