All About Petey - Part III The End

As my nine year relationship with a bird that flew in "out of the blue" and into my life came to an end on March 27th, 2015, I was made less concerned about his new home and owner.  Petey received a lot of attention, good care, and gave lots of pleasure to many people while living with me. Through the efforts of granddaughter, Beca, arrangements were made and Petey made his way into a happy young lady's life. Giorgi, a junior at SHU and who works with the biology professor in the lab, was contemplating purchasing another bird as a companion for the one she owned. 

Although the address is in Bridgeport, CT,
Giorgi is but a mile and half from school
which is in Fairfield, CT.

Poppa Charlie (in dire need of new jeans that fit), Beca and

 her friend, Kristin, arrived with Petey about 5:30 pm.

Petey was kept warm and free from distractions by

being covered

the entire 2 hr. trip. (Friday commuters on

the Merritt Parkway)

Giorgi had a small, cozy room ready for Petey.
Windows on two sides, lots of plant life as well as
Petey's new roommate.  Giorgi's bird is a little smaller
than Petey but enjoys a cage that is 5 times that of Petey's.

Petey seems to be scoping out the cage next door

 

Giorgi, left, seems happy about the entire adventure
as Kristen looks on.

Big Bird holding Little Bird

This precious little thing loved
to be petted and touched.

Afterwards, Beca, Kristen and I went.......

....to dinner at Beca's favorite place, the
Cheesecake Factory.

The most frequent question asked of me has been just how much I'll miss Petey.  After 9 years, of course he will be missed. However, my thoughts, in review, are about just what it is that I will miss:

• No more waking up early because of his announcing sunrise just when you want a few extra snores...like after that 3:30 a.m. airport trip;
• No more wiping up poop on whichever piece of furniture he decides to land;
• No more stained rugs because I misplaced the piece of paper towel (See PPPS below);
• No more cleaning cages or changing the bottom tray;
• No more worrying about the length of vacation or travel time that impacts on the free time of his bird-sitter;
• No more purchasing bird seed; bird seed ain't chicken feed, ya know;
• No more guessing where paper towels will be placed around the house. I thought I had developed and perfected the PPPS system: "Poop Probability and Prediction Scale". This scale would give the ratio of distance from paper and where the poop landed. It was an inverse proportion for you math majors: the more certain I was as to where it would land, the farther away it wound up;
• No more vacuuming seeds and seed husks;
• No more looking over my shoulder every time I went out on my balcony to make sure he wouldn't escape;
• No more jumping out of my seat because I didn't hear him while he was out of his cage.  When it got too quiet, he was into no good;
• No more triangular cuts on the edges of papers, books, or photos where he used his beak as a stapler.

This could have been Petey one summer day when I decided to put him and 

his cage out onto the balcony.  Apparently our resident hawk sitting on a limb in the

grove waited till I went back inside, flew over, and with talons forward, flew

into the cage for lunch.  Amazed at the span of the outstretched wings, I 

quickly went out and brought a shaken Petey back inside.  He spent the rest

of the afternoon tending to what I would call a sore shoulder from flapping

around in the cage.  Wish I had a video of that one.

Thank you all for your notes and concerns.  All's well that ends well.

All About Petey - Part II

Some Friends & Relatives Who Have

Enjoyed Petey's Company

Petey made himself at home quickly

Marybeth, completely protected against the dangers
of Petey, was one of the first to share a shoulder with
Petey.  You can tell how brave she is.  It brought tears
to her eyes.

Years later, Sara gave it a shot

Sister Judith had no problem.  Thankfully her
sunglasses did not betray what she really felt.

Although Petey could not be touched or petted,

he became accustomed to scruffy beards for

a once-in-a-while head massage.

Petey, the epitome of narcissism, shows how he'll manipulate

a CD so the mirrored side always faces up for self-adoration.

He even sang for his bird-sitter.

Friend, Diane, and her children 
came to visit Petey.

Theresa quickly attached herself to Petey

As did brother Mark.  Below, Petey gets a head massage
from Mark as well.  John was content to remain
apart from the festivities by sitting on the other
side of the room.

Petey received a "time out" for pooping on a

lampshade.  He tried to hide but I found him.

Apologies to friend, Vicki, who spent lots of time looking in and visiting with Petey. I was unable to find photos or videos with her in them.  The third and final part of "All About Petey III" will be posted later this evening.

All About Petey - Part I

Created by Beca for me.

My apartment is on the sixth floor and faces west with a wooded grove within one hundred feet of my balcony. During the summer months, my sliders are open 24/7. I have become accustomed to and appreciate the sounds of many different types of birds. It was early morning on July 27th, 2006, when the sound of a different kind of bird caught my attention.  This sound was different. With camera in hand, I went out onto the balcony to search and caught a fleeting glimpse of a slightly larger and very colorful bird flying around.  Along with its chirping I knew this was not a bird indigenous to this region.  I concluded this was a tropical bird and an "escapee" from someone who left their door/window open while this bird enjoyed its freedom outside a cage. For whatever reason, this bird decided to land on the railing of my balcony looking a little disheveled. It wasn't frightened by my appearance as I stood at my bedroom slider and began taking pictures. This grey cockatiel belonged to someone and it wouldn't last long in this area with its resident red-tailed hawk.  I maintain a feeder on my other balcony so grabbing some bird seed was quick and easy.  I slid the screen door open very slowly and placed a handful of seed along the railing in front of the bird and moved back inside. 

It became apparent that this little fella had been
out in the wild for a time and ravenously ate the seed.

Now to lure him into the apartment......

Voila, like it or not, I was the new owner
of a "rescue."  I had a pet.......

....and with balcony choices like these,

why did 

he choose mine?

Note the long, yellow feathered crest.
Over time he lost it. 

He (I assumed) had no problem jumping up on a finger or an arm and immediately started to get used to his new home. One disappointing characteristic was the fact that this bird did not like to be touched or petted.  Most cockatiels, love being stroked in the back or sides of the head.  Not Petey.  Petey bit; didn't break skin but his message was loud and clear.  No touchy-feeley.  Okay, understood and accepted.  No problem jumping onto fingers, knees, or shoulders but go to touch and off he goes.  Some previous traumatic event no doubt but no therapy sessions for this guy.  Meanwhile, at that time, my apartment was open to him and he spent is time free to fly around and poop where he pleased.  But, he needed a cage.  I left him in my bedroom, door closed, and immediately took a trip to the local pet store and bought all things necessary for his comfort.  I asked the owner if anyone had come in and inquired about a lost bird.  I left my name and number should that occur.  He asked if I wanted its wings clipped.  I declined the suggestion thinking it an unnatural state for a bird.

It wasn't long thereafter when Petey shared with me his unique talent.....a talent that startled me.  He in one room, I in another, I began hearing what I thought was someone in the apartment whistling, "If I Only Had a Brain" from the Wizard of Oz.  I jumped up, rushed into the living room and found no one except the bird singing this song.  As you view the video clip, notice the clenching of his claw and the precise movement of the head at exactly the right moment and with the appropriate pause before continuing.  To this day I wonder how he learned it.  If the video doesn't work from this blog.  Click Here to see him on YouTube.  To date, I've put 5 videos up and they have been viewed 25,000 times so far.

Over the years, this bird has had many visitors and admirers.  The name, Petey, has stuck but when asked, I've always said, "Call him whatever you want."  So, "Chirpy, " "Mr. Peterson," "Spotty," "Cheeko", "Ozzie", "Chirpy" as well as "Bird" have been used.  As you guessed, he responds to none of them.  In an attempt to keep this blog entry short, I will have a Part II to "All About Petey" and share photos and video clips of visitors and other "talents" of Petey.  

Fast forward to 2015, the purchase of a new RV, and numerous trips that have kept me away from home.  Petey needed someone to look after his creature comforts.  He needed a "bird-sitter."  Fortunately, I had Diane F., a neighbor downstairs who volunteered her services.  Her willingness to tend to Petey's needs during the seven years I spent the month of April down in Daytona Beach Shores, FL made my stay more relaxing.  Now, with my RV adventures increasing in frequency and duration, her involvement is a chore that is "above and beyond the call of duty." Something needed to be done.  I spoke to granddaughter, Rebeca (Beca), about inquiring around the campus of Sacred Heart University to see if anyone would like a grey Cockatiel.  She asked her biology professor and received this text:

This sounded like the perfect fit and relieved a lot of stress and concern about finding a suitable home.  Giorgi, a fellow freshman with Beca, will be Petey's new owner. She has a bird, works with birds in the lab at SHU and lives 1½ miles from the University.  I asked Beca to find out whether she'd like the stand upon which Petey's cage sits and received this:

I get a good "sense" of enthusiasm and caring from that text. So, with more photos to come, today, Friday, March 26, 2015, at 5:00 pm, a new experience will be had by all.  

This is Petey's new home

MY FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHS

Well, as mentioned in my last blog, I'm experimenting to see if this link below works.  It involves Google+ which I am not a fan of.  They sucked in Picasa which was my favorite album creator and more user friendly.  Anyway, as my "Winter Adventure" comes to an end, I looked back at the many photographs I took to remind me of people, places, and things and decided to copy my favorites into a folder unto themselves: "My Favorite Photographs."  These photos have appeared in my blogs from the past.  Hope my readers enjoy them as much as I did being in the moment to capture the experience.

There are over a hundred and to download them all would take too long.  Try this Link to my Favorite Photos  and view the album I created; Let me know if it works.  It does for me but would like to hear from you if it does not.  Thanks

All Good Things Must Come to an End...for now

I'm home at last.  Got home Wednesday, 3/11/15, and what a beautiful day it was.  Mail, laundry, shopping, paper work, taxes, and getting back into a routine make up my agenda. Looking forward, I see a return to reality which includes an airport trip now and then (13 trips scheduled so far)....I will try to ease my way out of this hobby and pass the reins to friends, Ed and Tom, if they care to carry on; Look forward to times spent with family and friends; to the task of finding Petey a good home.  If any of my blog readers know of a good home, please let me know.  I would like my future to have more trips with Winnie and less worry that I need a 'bird-sitter.'

Looking back on a 34 day adventure that turned into a 56 days hiatus, I can sit back, smile, and take pride in my planning and timing.  Every campsite, every trip in between, every stop went without a hitch....even the day chosen for my return (in time for my mother's 96th birthday Friday, the 13th) saw temperatures in the high 60's, sunny and an absolutely gorgeous day.  Some of my reflections:

• ---Weather played a major role in all decisions.  Even upon my return I was not convinced that I would encounter a difficult time getting Winnie winterized once again for the remainder of the winter season.  And, indeed, it was a mess.  The steady rain the night before at Timberlane Campground in Jersey made the winterizing procedure a muddy mess.  Lots of laundry to do....4 loads to be exact.

• ---Since my departure 1/19/15, there have been 6 consecutive weekend storms; quite a mess for those in the northeast, Boston in particular and why, wherever I was, had no reason for complaint.

• ---Along with those storms had been the arctic blast of frigid cold continuously funneled down into the northeastern states and reached far south to affect temperatures right into Florida.  My furthest point south was Key Largo, FL and I needed heat to feel comfy.  My last days in Virginia Beach had seen temps in the low 20's and I had to take measures to prevent my water line from freezing. 

• ---I had heat on in the coach every day/night.  Only once, in Clermont, FL did I need to turn the AC on.  The rest of the time, I relied on MB's little space heater to keep the coach nice and warm.  Many nights, when temps were below 38°, I relied on propane and the furnace for the warmth.

• ---My 3,340 miles of travel were planned such that I was able to include stops for shopping and the replenishment of supplies as needed.  I learned what to do when the hot water stops running or when a never before seen idiot light on my dash indicated I needed DEF (diesel emission fluid); apparently, every 3,000 miles or so.  So now, an extra 2.5 L container is on-board as is an extra anode rod for the hot water heater.

• ---I have enjoyed driving Winnie, observing Mother Nature's weather, flora, and fauna. I've enjoyed the feeling of total independence and almost total relaxation.  The pitter-patter of rain on the roof was most pleasing.  In addition, while at Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach, my proximity to the ocean afforded me the pleasing sound of waves crashing (well, washing, they weren't that big) on shore; an added bonus. 

• ---My time alone and my enjoyment of writing has afforded me the opportunity to document the experience with a journal/log/diary in the form of a blog.  Much to my surprise and gratification, there have been over 3,000 page views from friends and relatives who took the time out of their busy day to share my experiences. The 3,000th view occurred on Thursday, March 5, 2015.  Thank you all.  

• ---For my RVing friends (all 6 of them--3 couples), 
  and any one else I don't know about, I have provided links to all 14 campgrounds I stayed at. Each title at the beginning of a blog post (highlighted in green) will give the details they need if they decide to visit.

Craig's maroon shirt was
in the wash

      

• ---The planning and resulting success of this trip has given me a renewed desire to plan "My Summer Adventure."   I have already reserved five locations and will try to coordinate time blocks that will allow me to visit friends and family near the campsites.  So far Maine, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and, of course, Croton's RV sites are in the works.  That itinerary will appear some day in the future when everyone can see green lawns and leaves on trees.

• ---Here's an interesting thought:  You would think as a part of one's "reflections," there would be a list of dislikes, bad experiences, poor judgments, unpleasant encounters with people or things to avoid next time?  Ready?  I have no list. Sure, the visit to Camping World to replace a water line check valve was inconvenient; paying $4.999/gal for a  "convenient" propane delivery caused a cringe, but things balanced out:  high cost for propane vs. no cost for parts/labor of check valve.  And yes, other drivers on the road continue to baffle me to the point of cursing but what goes around comes around and it can be said with certainty, "I am a happy camper."

• As my "Winter Adventure" came to an end, I looked back at the many photographs I took to remind me of people, places, and things.  I decided to copy my favorites into a folder unto themselves: "My favorite Photographs."  These photos have appeared in my blogs from the past.  I hope my readers enjoy them as much as I did being in the moment to capture the experience.  Once I figure out how to post all of them without taking a day and a night to download, I'll post a comment.        

• ---And best of all were the many folks who stopped by, visited, and had their photos taken in front of Winnie.  Lots' of 'em and hopefully many more to come.  Those 60+ photos have been printed (with duplicates) and placed on the "Wall of Fame" inside Winnie.  If you are one of them, come by and pick up your copy.  If not, come by and visit so you can join the crowd.

• So that concludes my "Winter Adventure".  Thanks for stopping by.  See you in May, if not sooner with Winnie's "Summer Adventure."

Thank you,  MLS

Day 48-54 - Virginia Beach - Last Day

Holiday Trav-L-Park  3/4/2015 - 3/10/2015
1075 General Booth Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Yesterday, Sunday, was the best day I've experienced on this trip.  Yes, there was a day or two in Clermont, FL, but that's to be expected.  Yesterday, the temp hit 70°, sunny with a slight breeze, and I enjoyed sitting outside for a couple of hours.  How nice it felt.  My camera was ready for the "fly boys."  I could just sit in the comfort of my lounge chair and point and shoot as these magnificent machines made their way to the landing strip.  Oops, it was Sunday.  Not a plane in the sky.  Wherever they were, they returned home about 9:00 pm and it didn't get quiet until a little after 11:00 p.m. 

These two photos of mine
are the best I could do.

This is an example of the type of shot I wanted.  They were
not flying as low on their approach as I have experienced.
Yet, this is my best shot.

One thing is certain.  I have a greater respect and admiration for our military after witnessing their daily routines and training flights (219,000 each year).  Not that it wasn't previously great but "living" near the base of operations simply brought it home nicely.  The other certainty was the realization that these beauties must be re-fueled and maintained 24/7.  And there's 300 of them.  Although they are not all here in a given moment, their care and maintenance must be astronomical.  The base accommodates about 22,700 personnel.  This includes 10,000 military, 11,000 family members and 1,700 civilian employees.  Be they on board an aircraft carrier or flying these training missions, it's impressive.

Knowing my stay in Clarkesboro, NJ at Timberlane Campground is just overnight, the task of winterizing Winnie will take place before I leave that campground. Today, I've cleaned, washed, mopped, polished, and otherwise readied things for off loading into the Caddy when I get home.  I'm pleased to say I've "eaten myself out of house and home."  All I may have to pickup on my drive home will be milk.  There's little else to bring home but expecting more freezing nights, I will take it all home.  My list of needs is already prepared for my first season trip, Tuesday, May 26th.  If possible, I'll try to get some more time at Croton Point Park during the month of April.

Ah, April.  A great month.

• Easter falls early and it will be the first time in seven years I'll have Easter Sunday dinner with my mother and sister.  In years past I was in Daytona Beach Shores for the entire month of April and celebrated Easter with relatives in Boca Raton, FL.

• Granddaughter, Beca, will not be coming home for her Easter break due to her Equestrian schedule.  I will make some trips to Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT and spend some time with her--and, no doubt, enjoy some good food.  Alas, sushi is a foreign word to my cutie.

First time in SHU's history, they're
Regional Champions for Hunt Seat
and Western and she's proud to be
a part of it.

For some reason, says Beca, Tank has to have
his face next to Beca whenever she's near.

• Granddaughter, Sara, presently studying Marine Sciences at Griffith University in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, will turn 21 April 16th.  An unthinkable milestone a grandparent must endure.

Orientation Week diving the Great Barrier Week

• Daughter, Marybeth, fulfilling a bucket list item, took the course and test, scored 90, and is now an official soccer referee.  I'll now watch soccer with my mouth shut knowing there's a great ref in charge.

Click here  to see her in action on the field.

Unfortunately, she won't be able to officiate any of Beca's soccer games now that she's in college.  :-( 

• Son, Chuck, will be celebrating his birthday in April as well.  We cannot go into depth on this topic because it hurts me more than it hurts him.  Suffice it to say he'll soon be approaching the average age of the African Grey Parrot, Camel, and Macaw. Thank goodness he'll never look it (the age, not the animals).  

Some photos not yet shared:

Very clean laundry facility at
Holiday Trav-L-Park

...Today, I had to sit and
watch how they frolic and make babies.  Geeze.

A tree rat came to visit me while
I sat out and enjoyed the warm
temperatures.....

Good bye, Virginia Beach.  I'll see y'all at the Timberlane Campground in Clarkesboro, NJ.  (Yeah, I've never heard of it either.)