Emu

Emus live in most habitats across Australia. They are not the most beautiful bird in the world. Related to the ostrich. They are flightless birds and can run 30 mph. The male is an interesting creature. He becomes broody after his mate starts laying, and begins to incubate the eggs before the laying period is complete. From this time on, he does not eat, drink or defecate, and stands only to turn the eggs, which he does about 10 times a day. Over eight weeks of incubation, he will lose a third of his weight and will survive only on stored body-fat and on any morning dew that he can reach from the nest. Wish I had his endurance! Gives a whole new meaning to weight loss. By now I am sure you are thinking this is the only "e" word I could come up with but actually one of my favorite homemade soaps has emu oil. We bought a small bottle at a craft show so that LaVern could make soap with it. I think alot of people are raising them commercially now. They are raised for their meat, leather and oil. Another favorite "e" word........elope. Which is what we are going to do this weekend. The definition of elope from Merriam Webster's Collegiate dictionary is: to slip away; escape. Hope you do the same!