I've lost track of time. But I think it was four Fridays in a row that I didn't get to see Babe; The Director was away. And I think it was three Fridays in a row that I didn't see Bertie. So, with Lorne home, I went to check up on everybody yesterday. As soon as I arrived at the Refuge, I went to the Director's place to see Babe. Babe was in the kitchen waiting to have the bandages on her legs changed. When I asked if I could see her, the Director brought her out. I was standing just inside the door in the living room. Babe didn't want to come to me, just snuggled in to the Director's chest. But I talked to her and gave her skritches and took a good look at her. Her chest and back are almost covered in down now. But her legs, at least what I could see of them, are a mess. The old bandages were still on so I couldn't see much except at the very top. It was obvious that she'd gone at the right one with a vengeance. I was standing at the end of the sofa and the Director was standing almost at the other end holding Babe...and we were talking. Suddenly, Babe put her head down to the back of the sofa and the Director put her down. Well, that little sweetheart just walked down the length of the sofa to me and put her foot up. So up she came and she snuggled in for some lovin'. I was so happy that she did that because neither the Director nor manager have seen Babe and I together. Now the Director has seen that my relationship with Babe is reciprocal.
Then I was off to see Bertie. Bertie usually hangs out on top of a cage at the back of the enclosure she's in. And now when I visit, a lot of the other birds in there recognize me and come running when I enter the enclosure. So it takes me a few minutes to work my way down to Bertie giving out treats as I go. Not yesterday. Bertie was having none of that. As soon as I got inside the enclosure Bertie headed for the floor and was one of the first two birds to reach me. So she stayed on my shoulder most of the time I visited and passed out treats. There's an old Macaw that hangs out on the same cage as Bertie. He has a scissor beak. For a long time he wouldn't take a treat from me; he'd just lunge. Now he says "hello" when he wants a treat which is whenever he's not already eating one. His hello is in a deep demanding voice that's quite funny. I just cannot fathom someone talking that way to him...or any bird.
That was it for my visit yesterday. Hopefully, I'll get out there to actually do some work this weekend. The Director has changed the name of the new center from the Palliative Care Center to the Old Friends Center. She said her husband thought her first choice made it sound like all the birds that would be in it would be dying. I agree. Anyway it will be for the very old birds and birds needing special care for one reason or another. Both Babe and Chris will be there. The Director is also hoping that the new center will be staffed by volunteers. And...she's planning to open the center this weekend, on whichever day is best for press coverage. Last, but not least, all the special needs birds at the Director's place now will move into the center leaving her and her family free to move into a nearby town. Then the manager will be moving into the house on the Refuge premises that the Director is in now. That move will be good for all concerned I think. The Director and her husband will get some much needed privacy...and space. The manager who has been driving a long distance from her home and back daily for five years, will get a much needed driving break. And she spends a lot of hours at the Refuge. So, living on the premises will be great for her.
That's it Mom! At least for today. I'm off to do my ironing. LOL
Love,
Pat
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