May 08, 2012
Van Diemen's Land
Fresh on the heels of my duet with Em, here's a crack at U2's "Van Diemen's Land" I recorded last night with my Martin acoustic. Still not super confident in my singing after all these years. And yeah, I screwed up a couple lyrics. Whatever. I just get tired of playing to myself all the time. Checkit if you dare:
May 06, 2012
Em and Daddy, Just Like Heaven!
Em and I recorded a duet tonight - me chording, she strumming, we singing "Just Like Heaven." She was SO excited! Warning if you dare to listen - it is ROUGH, but she's 5 and we only "practiced" once. She was SO excited to hear this on HER OWN mp3 player, though. She said, "THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! YOU'RE THE BEST DAD EVER!!!! Thank you for EVERYTHING!!!"
Awesomesauce.
April 15, 2012
February 26, 2012
Our Trip to C.A.R.E.
On Saturday, 2/25, Emily and I drove about an hour up to the Center for Avian Rehabilitation and Education in Hubertus/Richfield, WI. The plan was to pick up an aquarium stand they had for sale, possibly pick up a bigger travel cage for Spencer, see some of the birds, and just generally check the place out. I'm not looking for a new-to-me bird at this time. I swear. What we found was much "more" than I ever expected.
As for what I expected, I don't really know. They have a large number of birds listed via PetFinder, so I should have expected a large space, but I was not prepared. I also knew they had toys and some 'miscellaneous items' for sale, but I guess I never really thought about how 'big' it would be. I expected a small rack of toys, a few cages and, I don't know, a back room with the 'other stuff.'
First of all, when we pulled up and I got out of the car, I IMMEDIATELY knew I was in the right place. I could hear parrot sounds, muffled, but many, coming from 'everywhere.' We walked in the door and were immediately greeted by women, one with a macaw and the other a cockatoo on their arms. In front of us was a HUGE selection of toys, cage accessories, and foods. I was instantly overwhelmed. I lead my daughter on a quick tour of the 'store' part and noted where most of the noise was coming from - a door with signs warning that birds bite HARD and that children needed to be supervised. I didn't know the protocol - could we just go back and see the birds, did we need to ask, etc., so I hesitated. One of the women there asked if I needed any help and I mentioned that I had exchanged some e-mails with Mary and was interested in some of the used items they had. I was lead to the front counter and after Mary finished up a phone call, she took us out to "the garage."
The garage, a separate, very large garage/storage space, was FILLED with bird cages, stands, aquariums, critter habitats, etc., of ALL sizes. We looked around for a while and found the aquarium stand I was interested in and also, after brain overload, picked out a bigger travel cage for Spencer. This much I know - if I EVER need another cage or aquarium, I'll be checking with them to see what they have. The items were in good shape (some needed some cleaning) and the prices were quite reasonable. Unreasonable for them, actually.
After we got the items, Mary was going to look for some food dishes to go with the cage. I wasn't too concerned about that since I figured I'd use some Quick-Lock crocks or similar, but while she and another woman looked for those, Em and I went on a shopping spree among the toys and treats. We made a little pile of items on the counter and since they were still looking, we wandered back by the birds.
Overwhelmed. That's the main word for it. Overwhelmed and heart-broken. I was in such a tizzy, I only thought to get one picture the whole time.
Buddy the scarlet macaw says "Hello."
The main bird room is a very large 'warehouse' type area (but it's heated and well-lit) with cages down both walls and a double-row down the middle. I really wish I'd gotten an overall shot. The number of birds there was just staggering. They're quite obviously well-cared for, with a bazillion toys each, so I'm not saying they're overcrowded, I'm saying it was gut-wrenching how many poor birds need homes. Many were plucked to some extent - especially the 'toos and a couple of the macaws. Happily, some looked to be regrowing some feathers. The noise was mind-boggling as many of the birds were vying for our attention. Buddy the scarlet macaw pictured above was pulling my heart-strings by repeatedly calling us over with a "Hello!" He SAID "Hello!" but he really seemed to be saying, "Pick me!!!" Again, I was so overwhelmed that I hardly spent more than a few seconds in front of each cage. Em thought the naked birds were funny, but I had to point out that it was actually sad - that they had done that to themselves out of frustration, boredom, or illness. Several of the other birds seemed to yell "Pick me!" in their own ways as well. For some it was "Hello!" or their name, for others, just a loud SQUAWK! And some birds, sadly, barely noticed us passing at all.
After a quick spin through the birds, Mary found us again and took me to yet another storage area packed with 'bird stuff' to show me a play stand they had available. It was HUGE and far too large for me (until I get a macaw, whenever that may be), so I passed on it. We then went up to the counter to pay for our shopping spree. While back up front, it looked like one of the Blue and Gold macaws was getting ready to go to a new home. That was sweet to see.
I left there with a cage, aquarium stand, treats and toys for my two birds, a sheet of bird stickers for Em, and a new appreciation for the plight of 'discarded' birds. It was both amazing and heart-breaking - the two words I've used most to describe it. In addition to the cost of my items, I left a meager donation (I'm still reeling from Anya's vet bills - I need to put up a post about her). Since I don't feel able to take in another bird at this point, it really was the least I could do. I know I'll be back up there to spend more time visiting the birds and plan to do most of my toy, if not food shopping there.
If you're in the area, definitely check them out. They were very friendly, helpful, and welcoming. If you're NOT in the area, check out one or many of the rescues in your area. I don't think I'm overstating things to say that the visit changed my life.
October 11, 2011
Give a Damn - National Coming Out Day
(From the Facebook machine):
If any one ever questions why I post so much 'gay stuff,' read the attached link. It is my belief deep down in my heart that NO kid should be thrown or chased out of his or her home because of how s/he was born nor who s/he loves. I am vocally supportive of gay/bi/questioning people of ALL ages, because I want scared, confused, or for god's sake (ahem) HOMELESS people in my life to know that _I_ am not one of the people they should fear. I will NOT bully them. If I loved them before they came out (or were forced out, or even just SUSPECTED) as GLBT, they MUST know I will damned well loved them after. It should go without saying, but sadly it MUST be said.
Read this: Give a Damn - by Cyndi Lauper
And this.
