September 2008- Newsletter

Dear Elephants and, of course, Humans and Birds,

The whales were breaching all around us; the birds were flying with a glorious sense of freedom and adventure, and the sun was dazzling on a calm ocean. The African grey parrot, that I call the Mayor of Commercial Street in Provincetown, was not in his outdoor cage this time. Usually, he is in a cage in front of the store where he lives where he can survey the entire street and the population that passes by. The food was the best Cape Cod is a great place to vacation. Everything was wonderful until we came home when Jackie fell and broke a bone in her foot as we were bringing things in from the car....An awful end to a wonderful holiday.......We ended up spending the time we should have spent unpacking and reveling in the great time we just had in the Urgent Care Facility in Middletown.............................Yuck!

Jairo, now Dr. Jaramillo, did a bang up job taking care of my birds, chickens and cat while we were away. The animal owning public is truly lucky that he is now a licensed veterinarian; he is so knowledgeable about animals as well as being extremely compassionate. I, personally, as well as speaking for the bird club, wish him a fantastic, successful future. We need all the qualified bird vets that we can get.

Zeke just flew through the house, from the elephant room to the kitchen, and he knocked a framed picture off a piece of furniture. I just finished cleaning up the broken glass as Jackie dropped her crutch and I had to pick that up. It is so good to be needed. I am waiting for the rain to let up so I can let the chickens out. An awful thing happen a couple of weeks ago. Jackie and I went to Matt's house and came back shortly after dark when some animals took several of my young chickens. I had not counted on them all not going inside to the lighted coop. It is so painful to lose things that we love so much. The animals, be they raccoons or coyotes or whatever, are acting like animals; it was my carelessness that allowed them to be taken.

My dogs, Mugsy, Shirley and Lola were in the kennel while we were gone. Rosey, my little cat, Aristophanes and Zeke seem very happy to see us. Emma was in a mood when we came back and when Emma is in a mood, watch out. I am still healing from the mood Emma had a few weeks ago.

Jackie needs me again (I am going to get her a bell) and so I must end my letter to all you wonderful readers. Enjoy Dr. Hess tonight, we have been waiting a long time to hear her speak . Next month we have a representative from the Anti-Smoking Coalition of Sullivan County to talk about the effects of second hand smoke on our birds. Of course, our great, great Pet Bird Show takes place on October 12^th, next month as well..........See Little Matthew B. for more about that. Happy New Year to all our Jewish club members.

Love and Good Health,

Richie