This paragraph is edited because my friend requested it. I have deleted recent inappropriate comments that were left on my site by someone who apologized and requested this page be edited. I am holding firm, though, about going to the police should I receive anymore nonsense from a grown person who should know better. The teenage drama and desperate behavior needs to stop. Unfortunately this is not the first time I have received unwanted contact from this person. All I can say to her is Been there, done that, move on and get your own life together, and stay out of mine, please. I have more important places to use my energy than on this drama.
Hapi's bloodwork came back and has revealed a few inconclusive things. His cholesterol is off the charts -- 4x the normal levels. His muscle enzyme levels indicate muscular trauma of some sort. At first it was suggested that it was atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries, and cardiac issues, as Greys are highly susceptible to them. Yesterday, in my bird momma panic, we perused the aisles of Market Basket looking for barley, lentils, and oatmeal to help reduce his cholesterol. I made a special supper concoction just for him, which he would not eat, but Kizzy thought was delicious. Figures!
Late last night Carol called again to complete our conversation. She said that increased muscle enzymes can be caused by the trauma of plucking sometimes, too. It is really unclear what is going on with this bird. I'm glad to have the blood results as it at least revealed a huge dietary issue. I am faced with a million variables that could or could not be contributing to his plucking. I was up all night reading every article I could on the issue, again, and think I have to address this through diet, environment, and attention. A major point Carol stressed was that parrots are very tied in to their family's emotional state, and if I act stressed about his plucking, it is likely to get worse. I gotta take a chill pill about this, and do everything I can do, but not react to it in any way in front of him. This started in the spring, so could be "just" a hormonal issue, after all. Parronting is not an easy gig, I tell ya!
A day of bliss fighting the domestic battle as soon as the legs say they are ready...c'mon guys there is a ton to do today!
For an art link today, here's Jette Clover's page which includes an enticing new book called "Words and Walls." The cover alone is drool-worthy as is her exploration of the visual and meaningful content of written expression in textile art. I might have to break my "no more physical books" rule for this one as it isn't available in Kindle form. Visually yummy. Cheers.