Candid Elegance

Gentle Andre looking contemplative. However, deep thought is not his forte. Andre may be breathtakingly beautiful, but there is not much depth behind those sky-blue eyes. It does not matter, he is still my darling Puffy-kins.

There Is No Nobler Friend Than A Dog

On a Spring hike at Mission Trails State Park, 2011

Here is Janka at 3 years old. Without reeking too strongly of parental pride, I continue to maintain that she is one of the best-looking German Shepherds I have the privilege of knowing in my life.

She is the epitome of this versatile, handsome breed: beauty, courage, loyalty, utility. A testament to the dedication of her breeder, Grunenfeld German Shepherds.

Yet she charmingly infuses these traits with her own unique brand of humor and endearing mischief. She is affectionate in a hectic way that could only be described as "Janka", and focuses her intelligence in finding ways to bend the rules and push her limits. She is obnoxious and dramatic, big-hearted and joyous.

While she may cause us to throw our hands up in exasperation at times, she has also taught us about loving big, not sweating the small stuff and forgiveness. Grudges are like old socks, best to be buried and forgotten. Rewards are most enjoyed through hard work and honest effort. And surely nothing beats beating a bad day than a sincere hug and a lick.

She is my best friend and role model, my muse and confidant. But most of all, she is the love of my life.

I love you, Janka-Pie. And thank you for loving me back.

A Milestone

Dear Shalom,

Happy Belated Hatchday. A few days ago, you celebrated your first decade. We have been together for 10 years, although it doesn't feel that long. You have been by my side through the highs and lows, asking nothing more than to be loved and to love back. That has to be the greatest gift Mankind could ask for, and I thank you for this lesson in humility daily.

Because I am only human, I could never give you what you have given me. But that is the beauty of it. You do not hold any expectations or obligations from Mankind, except that we live up to the best of our potential to those around us.

Here is to another decade of Love, darling. I love you.

xoxo,
Your Mama

Peeps: All About Second Chances

Taken April 13th, 2011

This is Peeps, a chick I rescued last month from the ranch. She was injured with a badly infected leg. My friend and I found her struggling to keep up with her brood, fighting to stay alive despite the odds stacked against her. It was heart-wrenching.

We rescued her, and I nursed her back to health. Now, much bigger with most of her yellow fluff gone, Peeps is ready to move onto better things, and live her life out as a chicken should: where the sun shines, the grass is green, and soft rich dirt to scratch around in. Ideally, I would love to keep her. But we do not live in an ideal world and have to make tough choices that benefit those we love most, even if it means letting go.

So now comes the decision to choose the best home for her, and wish her the best with our blessings.

A Handful of Spice

Our Feisty Francesca Jalapena

Hallo there, World!

It has been a long hiatus and not without our share of adventures. Life is never static, and come what may, we roll with the punches and celebrate what it brings.

It has been 5 months since our last entry. Well, there are big changes up ahead. The flock will be moving away from sunny San Diego, and further up north to Murietta. I am filled with uncertainty as Moving Day approaches, not so much of being in a new neighbourhood but a wariness to our future live-in land lords. But whatever the Future has for us, we will face it together as a family.

Here's to New Beginnings!

New Beginnings

My Flock wishes the World a Fabulous New Year Ahead ...

xoxo,
Shalom, Francesca, Janka, Andre and Kennedy

Official Welcome

We have been enjoying a peculiar little emerald gem for awhile without my ever giving her a proper introduction. So it is time I share her feisty personality and entertaining shenanigans with the rest of the world.

As noted in an earlier post, this is Francesca. She is a DNA-sexed Yellow-naped Amazon (Amazona ochrocephala auropalliata) hen that I initially met at my old employment. She was an impulse purchase at a swap meet who was named Friendly by her previous owner. When I met her, the owner was looking to rehome her and searching for the right family.

So some time last October, Friendly became a permanent member in our family. I changed her name to Francesca. 'Cesca' for short. She is my precious little bugga-boo.

She still calls herself by her old name, and would greet me each morning with "Hi Friendly!". However she has recently started saying her new name, and entertains us daily with her repertoire from her past life, as well as new whistles, arias and words she learned from us. Contrary to the couch potato persona of an Amazon parrot, Cesca is very active and has become quite a proficient flier. She loves this new-found freedom, and takes advantage of it by flying to me whenever she can.

Francesca is incredibly affectionate and fiercely loyal to me. I took her in, not knowing what to expect apart from what I have read about Amazons over the years. She is finally tolerating Bryan, and ignores the other animals unless they are within biting distance. With me, however, I am her heart and her world.

I will admit I had many doubts adopting an Amazon parrot whose history was relatively unknown. I had no desire to own an Amazon, and was in fact hoping to add a macaw to my flock as our second bird. However, all those fears were completely unfounded, and from this unexpected encounter, a wonderful and beautiful bond developed that I will always treasure.

Peek-A-'Too

Summer 2009
Panera, Eastlake Mall

Introducing Francesca

Our adopted Yellow-naped Amazon hen

Snuggle Bunnies