This was the only nearly-in-focus picture taken on Saturday and said picture is by Adin, my first-grader. Who else would want a picture of a dead crow laid out on the patio?

Earlier, as I was working on grading some essays, I heard Marah on the porch chattering about a "chicken." Chicken this, chicken that. Adin went on to the porch and immediately came running to me, telling me that Marah had found a chicken. I thought, a "chick." Poor little thing must have fallen out of its nest. Poor little guy, tiny thing, fallen. The parent birdies must be chirping in deep mourning, from the surrounding tree branches. It's happened before. I figured I'd pick it up with a toothpick.

I got up, grabbed a toothpick, and walked out the door onto the porch...and there I saw the biggest, deadest crow I'd ever seen in my life. I screamed, toothpick flying!

Marah announced to my shivering, spasming self, pointing with her little finger, "Chicken!" Adin ran like crazy and promptly returned with my camera in hand, clicking away.

"I need a picture! For today, Mommy!"

Yeah...so, Adin took care of the PAD for Saturday the 3rd. I shudder.