Pat's Place: Parrots, Photos and Points of view.: August 23, 2012 Dear Mom

As you know I'm sending these posts to some of my friends too. I hope some day that you'll get to meet them in person. So, I thought I'd introduce them to you now.

When we pulled up roots in Ontario we joined Michele in Parksville, not too far from the Refuge. You'll recall that she too, pulled up roots and moved from Montreal, Quebec to Parksville. In the meantime, my friend Lina who had an Umbrella Cockatoo who needed more than she was able to devote to her, (long story) sent Babe out to the Refuge too. And she's been crazy with longing and despair since. So, I'm sharing these posts with her with the intention of keeping her up-to-date with Babe's activities and progress etc. However, my circle of friends wanted to be included too. We, all, are animal lovers of one kind or another, and have suffered heartbreaking losses along the way. I love these women like sisters. Zillah was our neighbour and friend in Scarborough. And knowing little about birds she would and did care for our flock and two cats willingly and without complaint when we needed her. She has recently lost her closest friend, her dog Patches and we miss her terribly. Lina belongs to Babe and Lily, the Senegal. She is by far one of the most generous and loving individuals I know. Guylaine, also from Quebec, and Kozmik the African Grey, have been friends for many years now. She is by far the most talented and artistic person I know. The first time we met, we cried together. For me that's trust. And then there is Elaine. Elaine has the most wonderful sense of humour; I love laughing with her. And her love and devotion to her flock is absolutely amazing to behold. Barbara is a friend of Michele;s, whom I've not met in person yet. She recently lost her parrot Oscar. Last but not least, I include Lorne with these postss. It's his shoulder I've cried on when my "work" at the Refige was less than rewarding; it's his support that got us to Parksville in the first place; and it's Lorne that keeps our home as close to sane as possible.

Now I'll try to find some photos of all of us so that you have faces to go with the names.