katana600

Miles may separate us, but our hearts are close together as you care for Spock. Our prayers are with you and we all rejoice when you have good news and are here to lean on and share the struggle knowing how much Jay and Maggie have been a support to us and to all the birds that are blessed to make their home with you.

Wow, those are some great toys and it looks like everyone is having fun together. I love the picture of Mojo where you are holding up the colored tongue depressor toy. His eyes are more almond shaped than in the other pictures as if he is a little sly about testing out this new creation. It is great that you are enjoying the whole process as a family.

Supernova wrote: Ha ha ha, good one Bernie! And with that I should guess you are wrecking it because you wish to. LOL Can't wait for the videos. Have fun.

Brittany, I am so happy for Pepper to be back home with you. We were away for a few days and didn't have internet so by the time I started reading, she was already home. I am so sorry for the worry and for you feeling helpless and scared, but overjoyed at your happy ending. There are a lot of good people out there and the man who found Pepper and helped her get back home is a real angel. You may have felt like a mess but you were persistent and effective at working to find a way to reach Pepper and get her home again. It is wonderful to read a success story and know your love is with Pepper again.

Jay, if I wasn't putting my heart into actions right now and finding a way to help other birds while I come to grips with our loss, I wouldn't be able to breathe. It is only through sharing with people like you and finding a way to make a difference that compels me to work hard at supporting research that may isolate this horrible virus and find a way to protect all our birds. There is not a day that goes by that I don't get teary when I think of Juno's chuckle, or how I would wake up and look at the clock to see if it was time yet for me to get up and go see him in the morning. One morning of having him in my life was better than all the Christmas mornings I had in my lifetime. It is that joy of his time with me that changed something in my soul. What I am searching for in the design of the quilt is the sunshine and rainbows and happiness I imagine for him in his place while he waits for me to join him again someday. When we find a place in our life to express sadness and loss, it raises us up to new heights of joy and I can feel that deep in my being. Our journey has a lot of hard, rough spots and the happy, cheerful parts are fleeting, so I just have to say how much I treasure what each of you bring to my life. Meanwhile, my dreams take me to soar in spirit and find a way to multiply all the good parts and put my energy into the things that will make somebody smile today... unless they are trying to edge me out of my lane in this Atlanta traffic. LOL.

or lack thereof... yikes

I am glad that you are able to spend the time with Vree and comfort him during his ordeal. It must be really hard on you but the small triumphs like lifting him so he can keep himself clean and carrying him around with you show your kindness and spirit. I hope he continues to improve and has a full recovery. Bless you and Vree.

Fireplace be gone, Harvey is the focal point. What a beautiful stand for him. Isn't it great to let go of those preconceived notions of how you "should" decorate and just have fun? Harvey is a great negotiator to get his house just the way he likes it.

That is a sweet picture of the little one. His fluff looks yellow like his poppa. It just seems like a miracle to see these chicks when they first hatch and a few weeks later. Congrats to the proud parents.

What a nice setup you have for Mikey. He certainly looks happy and content in all the pictures. I love that he snuggles you and that you are getting along so well. I agree with Judy, that picture of him sleeping is my favorite. It looks like he is smiling. Of course he is content, he has a really good mama and a great new home. My blessings to your new little family member and a long healthy life with your little companion.

Bismark is quite the addition to your family and the center of attention. I admire that you take him with you and everyone accomodates him for holidays etc. You all have such affection for him. I liked his monkey laugh, he is adorable.

He looks like a weight lifter with that bone, and look at his messy little chops. I love seeing him enjoy life and savoring his treat. He is beautiful, thank you for sharing him with us.

Jay, you and your family and Spock are in my heart and prayers as you try to find out why he isn't feeling well. I am so sorry you have this to worry about and hope for the best that he turns around and starts gaining weight again.

Thanks for the input, I really appreciate it. The color design is the hardest part for me. I like the outside part because it looks like flying wings, and I may make each one a rainbow of color instead of having separate colors. I am working with the balance first, then with colors, from the outside in. I love being able to put it on the computer first while I am gathering the fabrics.

This is more where I am headed, I just have to find the black-on-black fabric for the background and quilt back.

I like this design from Deb Karasik in her book "Quilt's With Attitude" but it is too small in its original pink format and I am not so sure about a full sized one, maybe next year. It is aptly called Ribbons of Hope

I have been on two more fabric buying junkets, LOL. Have had some of the dyes running together but that is why I wash all the pieces and catch it before it ruins all my hard work. I will try to post a couple of pictures of where I am going with the colors. Deb Karasik designed the pattern in her book with Janet Mednick called "Quilt Maven's Perfect Paper Piecing" It is still in the color and design process, but I am making some progress.

Jay and Maggie, you are such an inspiration with the lengths you are willing to go to do what it takes to lovingly care for Spock and for all the research and vet care. This is a rough time for you and I hope it helps to know how much we care and that we are sending all our prayers and wishes for the best.

I am so sorry to hear that Spock is feeling bad and hope the antibiotics help. He has been such a joy to you and us on the forum and it is so out of character for him to be having grumpy spells. Sending all my love and care your way.

I know it is hard for you to be moving forward without your Sindbad, just wanted to let you know you are being thought of and you still have caring people here on the forum hoping and praying for you to be reunited. You have been through an emotional wringer. You didn't do anything wrong by questioning the integrity of a stranger, you only had a normal reaction to your loss and hope for getting Sindbad home again. I am quiet impressed at your strength and courage and for you to have kept your emotions reined in while you checked facts. You have also raised issues for all of us think about, microchips, means of identification etc.

So far, so good for Igor. The progress you are making is remarkable. I think any new home situation either for a baby or a bird a little older is quiet at first as the bird contemplates the "lay of the land" in a new place, with new people and other new animals. I like how some people refer to this as the honeymoon period. It will not be long before she starts getting really comfortable and her personality shines. She sounds like she is well adjusted and is already adapting to being a member of your family. What a happy time for all of you.

I would love to know how things are working out for you and Gugu and your family. Changes are difficult for everyone involved, but I am confident that you will get it sorted and everyone will come to adjust to the best schedule you can keep. I was wondering how far you live from your parents, since you visited with Gugu everyday, it must be close. If he is at your house, can your mother check in on him from time to time, he is sure to miss her a bit too, maybe if she visits while you are transitioning him it would be easier on everyone. My daughters' pets are like family to me and I would be willing to help my kids too. It is good that your parents are so supportive as well.

I am so sorry that you and Vree are going through this trauma. It is admirable that you are going through such great lengths to keep him comfortable and reassured. I am praying for his speedy recovery and just so proud of all you are doing for him.

I will make sure the raffle coordinators factor in the overseas shipping and insurance on the quilt. Maybe I should tell them I have to carry it in person. Wouldn't that just be a hoot?

Thanks to all of you for your encouragement. I have never made a quilt this big before, but it all starts with pieces and I can do pieces. I just have to bring color, light and fabrics into my life again and get moving in a positive direction. When I was reading about PDD, there was a group a few years earlier who raffled a quilt for research. I read some more and decided which university was dedicated to this research and then talked with Ann. Her club raises money every year for the same school, so we put our heads together and I am just finding something to give us hope. If this turns out to be a worthwhile time investment, I may do it every year, but that is easy to say since I haven't received the pattern book yet.