for the birds . . .

We have rapidly become a bird sanctuary here in our little house.  After Dufus and her mate were killed, I was really sad and depressed.  I wanted nothing more than to find another like her.  As it turned out, we purchased Button the Patagonian and though he is a wonderful and sweet bird, he wasn't what I thought he would be.  Then came Rembrandt, the talkative and funny Black-capped Lory.  I absolutely adore him and he is incredibly beautiful.  He even likes to ride in the car. 

Then I fell in love with an African ring-necked parakeet who was still being hand fed.  We bought him and his cage mate Squirt who is a Green-cheeked Conure.  The ring-neck is a lovely shade of blue and they had been calling him Sunny Sky - but as we talked to him, we kept referring to him as Blue, so the new name has stuck.  Then a friend of mine who is battling bone cancer gave us a breeding pair of cockatiels, Skipper and Summer.

Finally, last week, I bought a little Sunday conure (the kind of baby Dufus and her mate would have had)  I wasn't going to buy him.  We had enough birds.  I just went up to see him.  I started to cry when he nuzzled up to me and started to nibble on my lip.  I was had.  Punkin came home that day.  That was it.  With the 3 doves outside and 7 assorted birds inside, we were full up.

WRONG!  I saw an add in the paper and called.  The lady's partner had died and she needed to liquidate some of her stock as she no longer felt able to care for all her birds.  We took 2 rescue birds - Pedro - a Blue and Gold Macaw who began to pluck his feathers about 2 years ago.  He doesn't know how he looks, and we aren't telling him.  We also took Beak, a green-cheeked Conure whose upper mandible had been bitten off by a Rosella.  Both came with their cages.  Then we purchased two more ring-necks - an Indian Lutino and an African.  The prices were extremely low and I couldn't resist. 

So now we have 3 girls, 14 birds and a dog.  Can you say overcrowding?  We need a bigger house, but that probably won't happen very soon.  We're pretty comfortable in this house.

I've been kind of overwhelmed lately and have had to turn off my alerts.  I still want to read your journals and comment, but with severe back pain and other stresses, I haven't been able to.  If you've written something you think I would enjoy a lot, drop me an email and I will be sure to read and comment.

May the Lord richly bless you all,

                        

Blessings in the Good Times and Bad

                       

Yes, God truly is good!  I've been overwhelmed lately as you might have guessed from my last entry.  My emotions have been up and down and I've been in pain.  I've tried so hard to get to your journals, but just have not been able to do so.  If you haven't heard from me, rest assured that I am still here and will visit soon.

In the midst of all of this, I have seen the hand of God moving in our lives and in the lives of so many people we love.  The more we pray, the more we see the miracles of the Lord.  He is so faithful to bless us in everything we do. 

Though I've been in pain, I am swimming a minimum of 3 times a week now.  Friday I swam 600 meters.  I can swim more and often do, but I can tell my limit and stop when I have reached it.  I feel like the slowest one in the pool.  At least I'm not the biggest one.  There is something so peaceful about swimming. 

In church this morning, I had the opportunity to hold one of the new babies born to our members.  He's about 2 months old.  I have to tell you, I never feel more at peace than when I hold a baby in my arms.  Rob calls it my "baby fix".  I held Joshua throughout the service.  He is such a peaceful baby.  He slept about 90% of the time.  The rest of the time, he had eyes open wide and he just stared intently at me.  What a wonderful feeling!  I heard every word the pastor spoke.  My mind was at peace and able to listen.  

We have a busy week ahead.  Lupe leaves for camp in the morning.   I have to take the girls to county health to see that their vaccinations are up to date and for a skin check.  Then we need to buy paint for the living room, kitchen and computer room.  A group of teens from the church needs to earn money to go to a convention of teens in leadership and we've decided to hire them to do what we have been putting off. 

Rob rearranged our living room today,  What he did made it look like there is more space.  I can hardly wait for the painting to be finished. Rob has worked so hard to make our little house a home.  His work is paying off big time.

I pray for you all everyday and appreciate your prayers and comments.  Be blessed in the Lord today.

   

Ups and Downs

                             

Hi there, my J-Land friends.  This is about how my week has been.  A smooth ride for a while and then a roller coaster.  Up and down, back and forth, the ride of my life has been unpredictable.

We had a wonderful day the 4th of July.  We barbecued out front for whoever showed up.  We had 5 little girls who nearly drove us crazy, but who also reminded us of what joy there is in life.

Emotions have been running high for us this week as well.  Kayla had more than one disappointment.  We feel protective of her, so when someone disappoints, we get upset.  rob got upset one way and I another.  We spat our emotions at each other, forgetting that our goal was the same.  We were uncomfortable for a couple of days.

We have filled our home with birds.  We now have Button the Patagonian, Rembrandt the Black-capped Lory, Sunny Sky the African Ring-necked parakeet, Squirt the Green-cheeked Conure, and a breeding pair of cockatiels.  I can't remember their names, but will get them today.  Outside, we have 3 doves and a pigeon.  We're going to need a bigger house and yard very soon!

I worked 4 days last week.  Usually it's only 3, but someone was on vacation.  I really noticed the difference.  I missed the extra day at home and by Saturday, the day seemed to drag by.  I could hardly wait for 6 pm.  Today I am taking 5 little girls to the swimming pool.  Fortunately, I don't have to do anything but swim some laps and then supervise my kids.  I slept late and am going to bed early.  I deserve it.  It's my day off.

I pray that each and every one of you have a good day.  Many blessings in Christ, Penny

                

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

               

WHAT MORE CAN I SAY?  WE LIVE IN THE GREATEST COUNTRY ON EARTH.

BLESS YOU ALL THIS

4TH OF JULY!!!!

         

 

Sunday Drivers

Sunday was a wonderful day for us.  Rob and I slept in, played hooky from church and went out to breakfast.  After breakfast, we stopped to get some fishing gear, returned Remy's carrier to the pet shop and went by to visit my friend Elaine.

While visiting Elaine, we began to talk about taking the back road up through Ojai.  Elaine said they were doing road repairs but it was a lovely ride.  We got directions to the lake and got on our way.

The pictures here are some I took while we were on the road and out at the lake.  Rob found some great fishing spots and we found areas where the girls and I could have some fun while he fishes.  It's hard to believe this beautiful scenery is just about 20 miles from home.  Out of the city into the country in a 15 minute drive.  We truly enjoyed ourselves and came home relaxed and refreshed.  It was so nice just to have some time to ourselves.  I don't think we realized how much we needed that.

The girls came home Monday afternoon.  We had a great time while they were gone, but we missed them terribly.  It was so quiet here!

I pray for you all regularly.  You are such wonderful friends.  May you be blessed in His presence today,

              

Sunday Pleasantries

             

I was on my way to work on Thursday and decided to stop in a new pet shop nearby.  The store was well stocked with food, toys . . . everything the pet lover would need.  I met up with an Umbrella Cockatoo named Thelma.  She was wonderful.  I also met a lovely and talkative African Grey Parrot.  Meandering through the store, I saw what we needed for the bunny and picked it up and a toy that I just knew Button would like. 

I stepped into the bird room where I saw ring-necked doves like our own Scooter (Rob has been wanting more) and a beautiful bird in the corner said to me, "hello - I love Patrick O'Reilly"  I was fascinated by him.  His colors were so bright and he seemed to be interested in what I was doing.  I put my fingers up to the cage and he nibbled (not bit) on them.  I was falling in love.  I paid for my items and called Rob.  He said to go ahead and get him, so after work, I went back.

His name is Rembrandt or Remy.  He loves to have company and talks constantly.  He was best friend to a woman who became unable to care for him.  The pet store took him on consignment for her.  When Remy was out of the cage, he came to me and climbed to my shoulder.  I carried him up front to pay for him.  The owner brought out a pet carrier to take him home in, boxed up the doves and reached for Remy.  He wouldn't go to her!  She was surprised, but said that I must be his person now.  I carefully took him from my shoulder to the carrier.  He talked all the way home.

This beautiful little guy is a Salvadoran Black-Capped Lory.  He is not a seed eater, rather eats fruit nectar.  He's kind of messy, but I already love him.  He's a great buddy to have.  He even says, "C'mon, give the birdie a kiss".

I'm still looking for the little Sunday conure, but feel content now with our array of pets.  Button has bonded to my husband, goes to the girls and Remy is definitely my bird.

We are taking a well-earned day off today.  All three girls are off with Uncle Eddie until tomorrow.  We are going to be selfish and get a little private time together.  We really need it.  I'm already enjoying it.

Have a blessed day, my friends.  Please keep Lisa Jo in your prayers.

In Him,

             

Can you believe this??!!

This pretty magenta phone was my mother's day present.  I took pictures and saved them to it, saved all my phone numbers and some cool sounds as well.

Yesterday as I left work in 100 degree heat, my husband was telling me that our house was no cooler.  We decided I should pick up a couple more fans and the room air conditioner that was on sale at Rite Aid.  Some very nice ladies from the store helped me put them in my car and I went over to Von's to pick up some cold cuts and popsicles.

While in Von's, I tried to call Rob to ask him if he wanted or needed anything special and I couldn't get a connection through my Bluetooth headset.  I pressed the button and said his name several times, but got no response.  I checked my pockets then my purse and could not see the phone.  I knew it wasn't in the car, so I figured I must have set it down at the check-out when I was taking money out of my pocket to pay for the items. 

I quickly checked out at Von's and went next door to Rite Aid to ask for my phone.  The lady at the checkout said they had already given it to the man. 

"Did my husband come in for it?" I asked, wondering how he would know.  The gal looked at me, I guess she figured out that the guy couldn't have been my husband, and called the girl that gave him the phone.  She walked it out to him because his baby was sleeping in the car.

"Didn't you ask him to identify himself?  Show identification?  Call the phone?"  I was nearly in tears.  I just got that phone in May and the stuff in it had sentimental value.  The manager came up, said it was her fault.  I just kept saying I couldn't believe they would just give an expensive cell to someone who called in!  I called Robert and asked him to keep calling my cell.  I tried the cell as well. They urged me to call the cell company, but they put me on hold and I had popsicles in my car.  I drove home.

At home, I called the cell company.  The gal I talked to had a beautiful southern accent (maybe Alabama?) and was as helpful as she could be considering the situation.  I had to order a new phone.  These little babies are pretty, but not cheap.  Phone lady stopped my cell service and told me that I was not liable for any calls after around 5:30 that day.  At least I wouldn't be paying for calls to China.  After hanging up and talking to Rob for a minute, I called Rite Aid again to tell the manager what had happened.  She felt badly about the expense and told me she would talk with her boss on Monday and see if they couldn't help a bit with our expense.  I'm not going to bank on that, but it would be nice.

A while later, I got a call on Rob's cell.  It was from my phone!  The man on the other end asked me if I knew whose phone he was calling from.  I said, "MINE."  He went on to explain that his sister had left her phone at Rite Aid or some other store and he was doing her a favor to pick it up.  He just (right!) realized he had the wrong phone.  He offered to meet me somewhere to give it back to me.  I got a funny feeling in the pit of my stomach.  I told him to take it back to the store where he picked it up.  He said it wouldn't be until Saturday afternoon.  I said that was all right, I would be working.  He said again that he could meet me someplace.  I told him no, that it was fine to leave it at the store. 

He never took the phone to the store.  I didn't think he would.  Apparently he was in the store around the same time that I was.  The store manager and I suspect he saw me set it down and called a little later to say he had left his phone in the store.  I also believe he was too eager to meet someplace.  I didn't want him to see me or the car.  The store was a safe place. 

Can you believe that most stores have no  policy regarding the return of a cell phone left or lost in their store?  No identification, no verification of cell number or description of what's on the screen  is required.  The manager at Rite Aid says they will be changing their policy effective immediately.  That's just one store.  Sad, isn't it?

I urge you all to ask your local store managers about their policy for cell phones left in the store.  Ask them to be sure to ask for verification that the receiver is really the owner.  I am going to be doing that as well. 

I know that the phone is a material possession and the most important to me is my spiritual walk with the Lord.  Still, we humans tend to place a high value on our sentiments.  You know - our "stuff".  I guess I am going to have to spend a little time re-evaluating my priorities in prayer with the Lord.  I was so upset about the theft of my phone that I was grouchy and hateful to those I love the most.  Hopefully they will forgive me.

I pray that you all sleep well with the heavenly host guarding your homes and lives.  Have a pleasant Father's Day tomorrow.

In His love, joy and service,   Penny