One major summer goal is to get Hapi's feathers back. Monday he is off to the vet for more testing. His cage will be scrubbed from top to bottom. All his toys will be cleaned and I will get extra things, such as the chains that remain from happily destroyed toys - out of there. He will spend more time with me out of his cage, a personally delivered spray bath at least once a day, and I will put together a new extra cage for outside sunshine, which he will hopefully have daily. Right now I have him sitting on the hula hoop that hangs from my kitchen ceiling (doesn't everyone have one of those?) so that we have some "just me and him" time before all the birds come out. Whatever this is, I need to get to the bottom of it as it is literally heartbreaking to see the bald patches grow on this gorgeous creature. In reading about it last night I was not surprised to learn that greys are so smart that some will use plucking to manipulate their owners to gain more attention, while others pluck because of hormones or nervousness and need more sleep, time alone, or toys. I have to be a birdie psychologist, here. After reading through one very good article on the possibilities for plucking, the author stated that the best way of getting to the bottom of it was through her telepathic abilities which were for hire. Jeesh. This is not an easy problem to solve.
So much art to be made this summer! Not just in my head, but in fabric. I am not working a lot, so this should be possible. Ah, summer, I love you.
For art today, here's a visual thought about summer. There are so many wild birds around my yard right now it is a joy to sit out there. I put together some old lawn furniture and bought a snazzy new umbrella to make sure there is a place to sit outside and get fresh air while working on things. Here is an article about the artist of the work above, Betzi Sylvan. I like the stained glass look to this piece and how "painterly" it is. Ah, summer again!
So today, taking the day as it rolls, lucky to be dressed by noon, methinks. The Leg is still weak and very painful along the nerve line, so taking it slow is not a bad idea. I know staying still is worse, which is good for productivity. Game on!