My 911

October 29, 2007: My 911
http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071030/A_NEWS/710300329

My journey as recorded on mytoos.com
http://www.mytoos.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=141346&fpart=1

Kim posts to Mytoos on my behalf on October 31st:
Hi everyone,
I thought I would give you a brief update because I know you are all thinking about Maria. I spoke with her a little while ago. She is at the house. There are people there boxing up almost everything she owns because it is damaged either by smoke or by water. She was able to get a few items and articles of clothing and is getting them cleaned. The other items will be placed in storage for the time being and she is not sure when or what she will get back.
She is being very brave though this whole ordeal, but as you can imagine, very, very, heartbroken as well. She is still in shock and I’m sure the days ahead will not be easy. It will take time to heal from the loss of her birds and other pets.
They will have to gut the whole house and rebuild it, so she will have to find a place to rent for the time being. The insurance company is being very fair thank goodness.
In the interim, what she will need is everyday items and some personal things as well, i.e., sheets, blankets, towels, toiletries, dishes, cook ware, glasses, etc.
If you would like to help, as I know most of you do, you can send any of these items to the address provided below. Another thing that might be easier would be to send a Target gift card. She has a Target store right down the street so this would make things very convenient for her.

I posted on Mytoos.com November 1st:
I am so very glad I belong to such a big and loving family. Not having a good one in childhood, it is a strange and wonderful experience. Even thou I am suffering greatly, I know that I am surrounded. Thank you all so very much.
Monday morning I was running late for work. I raced out of the house at 7:50 and headed to work five blocks away. My neighbor to the back of the house was also running late and was in her bathroom when she heard an explosion and saw flames. She called 911 immediately. They are probably 10 blocks away and so were on the scene within minutes. One neighbor not blocked by the twenty or more fire trucks, rushed to my school to retrieve me while many of my neighbors came to see if they could help and to tell the firefighters that there were many animals inside, but for most, it was too late.
My neighbor got to the school some time just after 8:30 and the office staff came running into my room screaming, "You have to go, you have to go!"
Having never seen a person act this way and say this to me, I grabbed my stuff running to the office and trying to talk to the office staff to ask what was wrong. But as soon as I came into the office to see my neighbor, I knew it was bad. I turned around and ran the other way heading to my car. But what was waiting was more than anyone should have to bear.
Many animals were already removed from the building and placed under a tarp, one of my neighbors made the fireman put a tarp over them thank you thank you, and firefighters were caring more. I screamed at the firefighters telling them there were animals in the house. They of course knew that already. They wanted numbers. It was terrible hard on them, and I could see that all day long as the worked on putting out the fire, chopping down the burnt wood from the roof and other tasks that they were all very drained by the experience.
As I arrived, one neighbor came to me with precious, dog, in her arms. Everyone shouted precious is okay, she's here. They were trying to offer me what they thought would be my only hope. She was wobbly and disorientated and I quickly made arrangements for another neighbor to take her to me vet. I know the time they were taking out bodies was not a lifetime despite the feeling as if it was; they had brought most out before I even arrived, but it did feel that way. They wouldn't let me on to the property. But they wanted to keep confirming the number of animals and their locations. They asked many other questions, "Do you need us to call someone? Who can be here with you? Do you need to sit down? Can we call the Red Cross? Can we call a chaplain to talk with you? I was in a daze. I kept asking about certain animals and if they were all right. But it seemed that no one had or was willing to answer me.
I asked about my two dogs in the yard and if they ran down the street. Nobody had seen them but the pound was called and they would look for them. Then I remembered the foster dog in the garage, not attached to the house, and that he needed being rescued. They took me to the back to help find him. As I entered the back yard, Nikki and Jack ran from bushes on either side of the drive and came to me. Everybody was glad and surprise that amongst hoses, fire, men shouting, and chaos, two loyal and loving dogs stayed in their back yard and kept their watch even if in hiding. But now they were revealed and safe. I had my neighbor put them in her house. I returned for my search of the foster dog that I almost had let him stay in the laundry room that night but last minute had put him in the garage because he is not potty trained.
He was there and very glad to get out. I went back out to the street and then for the first time looked under the tarp. . . . Nothing can prepare you. It's just not a real moment. I was petting them and thinking, "They're not all dead. That one moved. I think she's still breathy.” I wanted to ask the firefighters how and why did they think they were dead. Did they try to revive them? Maybe they just need oxygen. I kept touching each one. I even picked Rosie up and held her to my ear to see if I could hear her breathing. I guess I was out of my mind. Then I called Kim. My first phone call. "They're all dead! They're all dead!” I was trying to talk to her. I don't know if I was making sense but then the pound guy had arrived and took the phone from me. I don't know what was said. I returned to my babies.
The pound guy asked if I would like to bury them on my property or have him take them away. I of course wanted to bury them.
There were lots more questions, lots more people. It’s all a blur. Then a firefighter came out carrying Doodle, a three-pound chi who is always so cold at the slightest breeze, she hides constantly under the covers. She was shaking and unstable. I got her into the car of the neighbor who was taking her to the vet and off she went. That firefighter asked repeatedly throughout the day if the chi was alright, each time delighted when reports came back positive from the vet.
This has been the second longest week of my life. The only longer one is when my sister and I were removed from our home as teenagers because of child abuse. For the last four days, I have spent hours over at the house answering questions about insurance, activities Sunday night, wiring, animals rescue, and talking to everyone that calls or stops by the house. It has been difficult, overwhelming, painful, sad, (fill in other emotions) and long. I ache everywhere’s on my body. I haven't slept much or eaten much.
The only thing that is making this experience bearable is the love from local and distance friends and family. I am overwhelmed my peoples support, condolences and donations. I didn't realize I was this loved and care about.
I am looking for house, which is never easy and even harder with four dogs and a broken heart. I don't know what will happen with this, but will need to set up a complete house of necessities when it happens.I want you all to know that all of you and your warm thoughts and the friends who are not letting me be alone for one minute are literally keeping me alive right now. Please keep praying as this is going to be a difficult road for me. My animals are my world. And while there isn't anything louder and more piercing than an angry too, I would give anything to hear it right now. It is so quiet. I love you, I need you, and that is hard for me to say, “Thank you for being with me in this difficult time.”
Maria.

I post again November 3rd:
I am so overwhelmed. I have boughts of tears. Today it was because my tutor student secretly went behind her parents back to come see my birds. Turns out, she did it just in time. As I was leaving her house today it dawned on my that, she had had that opportunity to meet them. I cried and cried driving to the pet store to get some things for the dogs. I paused briefly in front of the birds then ran to what I needed and made my escape. I just don't understand why. I feel punished. And I just don't understand why. I am always so grateful for what I have and I try to give where I can. I just don't understand why. I’ve lost almost everything. Not just my family, but also my home and my comfort. The dogs are stressed out. And I am just so sad.
But believe me. I keep reading my emails and posts over and over. I might not say much or always respond but I am reading them and saving everything.
I am so overwhelmed.
I am so grateful for everything every one is say and sending me.
I am so sad.
God bless.

A fellow mytoos poster writes on November 4th:
My life is but a weaving, between my God and me,
I do not choose the colours, He worketh steadily,
Oftimes He weaveth sorrow, and I in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper, and I the underside.
Not till the loom is silent, and shuttles cease to fly,
Will God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why
The dark threads are as needful in the skilful weaver's hand,
As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.
--anonymous

For me, I have chosen to take Psalms 32:8 as my guide in my life through all times:
I will teach thee and guide thee in the way that thou should go. I will keep thee under my eye--Psalm 32:8

I post again November 5th:
Thank you everyone. I hope Bobo, a rescued Malaccan, was there to greet them. I too bald when I read his story. It seemed to me that Bobo too didn't get enough time to get love like the one he always deserved once he was finally rescued. I was and am so prepared to love them always and never rehome (except for the fosters that I had) all of them. So why didn’t I get a lot of time with them. It was too short. But I guess in the end they did have a final "home" to return to. I’m just left to try to understand why now. Why all at once. Why this way. I just don't understand. This was always my worse nightmare and now it has come true.
I guess I will have to pray on the answer to my whys.
I know most of you don't think that you have the right words for me, but just saying something to me is what is helping. Knowing that I am understood and cared about and loved is comforting. You all must know that. Having folk’s phone numbers is helpful especially if you can take calls at night. Night, no bird buddies to play with. That is when I can't take it.
Many of you are reaching out to me, and I so so so appreciate it. I feel your email hugs and still need them.
Today, friends from my dog and cat rescue organization that I volunteer for paid to have all the dogs groomed. (Not sure, the dogs appreciate it, lol) but since they are all sleeping on my bed, I sure do. They really needed it and still smelled like smoke. So I pick them up pretty soon and they will be happy when I make a big deal out of how beautiful then are.
Many of you are sending donations. Yesterday I went to Target and got some clothes, a rice/veggie cooker, a toaster oven, and some medicine. Today I needed stamps and envelopes. You just don't know what it is like until you go thru it. I am still trying to figure it out. I don't realize that stuff is gone until I need it and then it is the realization all over again that it's gone. But perhaps that is the process. It is a humbling one for sure.
I am grateful for the dogs to be next to me. I am grateful that my family is so big and the internet keeps us so close. I am working with a bird person who lives in England. She is going to help me design a dedication video for me. I don't have the tech skills, just the memories of each special individual that went home to God. It will take a while, but it might be a good way for me to have some closure working on something like this.
Someone from else is helping me to put together a pamphlet about appliance maintenance so I can share with everyone.
And of course, my house will be rebuilt as well my life. So that is the update for now. Keep posting. I might not always post because I am crying too much, but I do read and reread them all. Especially at night.
I love you all. God Bless.

I posted again November 6th:
I am just blown away with everyone’s kindness. It's just unbelievable. I thank you. I am still here and still breathing although it is not always easy. I am quite overwhelmed with everything. Just got a call from the insurance adjustor. They had to do an environmental report and turns out there is asbestos in the lat and plaster and in the insulation and lead in the paint. Now before anyone touches anything a haz-mat contractor has to be hired to remove everything to the studs. I will probably be getting back into my house, let say Christmas 2010. Lol. Okay I guess I need to roll with the punches. Well that's what's new. Meeting another contractor to do another round of specks for a bid. If everyone can keep praying for my sanity that would be good right now.
I was back at the house this morning with another contractor. It is so painful to see. I watered my plants not knowing how long I could keep it up and if they will survive. I prayed over where my pets are buried. Then Katie Slider came with donations. I feel so blessed to be apart of the Mickaboo family. This is such a tumultuous time of very good things and very hard things. But with four dogs needing me and the next rescue, I know that I need to keep on keeping on.
Thanks for your donations. Thanks to an overwhelming and generous bird family, I have received many target cards. THANK YOU THANK YOU! But with the new news and some of the repairs now falling on my back (since the house will be completely gutted, now is the time to fix the foundation which isn't an insurance issue) Home depot cards would be the next best way to help out. I feel so odd posting this, asking for stuff. It's not in my nature, but I have never been in this situation before. And I know many of you want to help so I am just keeping the communication lines open. So please spread the word. I am off to meet with another contractor and spend several more hours in my burnt out home, Oh joy . . . not.

November 8th:
Thank you all so much. So many of you posted here, sent emails, and sent gift cards. Hugs back to you all. I feel so blessed in such a time of sorrow. You all reaching out to me is really keeping me going. If nothing else, I feel obligated to respond back to each of you. This is a good thing because I would rather pull the blankets over my head and disappear.
I had a difficult day. I tried buying stuff today but got stuck in cereal isle because I thought about the kind of cereal my birds use to like. I couldn't get to my car fast enough after that and cried all the way home and then some. I need a relief pitcher to take my sorrow. I have been just sad and depressed all evening. I am going through toys from my birds. I don't have all of it. Some of it is new and not yet used, but still in storage. Some of it is from the cages. My friend is washing and bleaching everything. I am keeping the small stuff. Mickaboo is giving me a tiel foster tomorrow. I can't wait.
I will have to do some work on the house, fixing the foundation, that won't be covered by insurance. I will need a new kitchen for sure. Insurance will cover basic replacement, but if I want anything better than the 1970, the date of the last remodel on the kitchen, which includes Formica counter tops, I will need to get it myself. The house had only minimum insulation in the attic when I moved in. I had added to that. There was nothing in the wall. I will now have 21st century features that will make the house more economical and convenient. That is definitely a plus.
But before anything can happen, we are still waiting on the fire marshal’s report. Then once we get that, the environmental report says there is asbestos and lead that has to be removed before work can begin. So I am hunkering down in the hotel for now.
I need to be space efficient so over the last two days, I have purchased at Target a toaster/toaster oven combo, and small rice cooker (and a mickaboo volunteer brought me a stove element, and the hotel provided a microwave and a refrigerator), I bought some cup and paper plates and some real cups and plates, some real silverware, a bed spread, some cleaning supplies, a filing cabinet and large organizer, some food, some doggie things (treats and bedding) and some clothes. I am organizing as much as I can so I can find everything but also not use up the floor space.
The dogs are settling down. They get nervous though when I cry and all come over to me. They are eating better and I try to take them for walks so they get some exercise, as they are otherwise just in the hotel. I use to have a large backyard that they could play in. Once the fire damage and materials are cleaned up from the back yard, I can at least take them home for exercise but not now. There is wood and nails and stuff everywhere and the insulation (half in the back yard now) and lat and plaster with asbestos. The house was built in 1927.
Please remember to vacuum the inside of you dryers, the backs of refrigerators, and the backs of stoves. If you can't move these appliances, a repairperson can. Please do it.
A final report on what went wrong with my dryer is not back yet, but the fire marshal told stories of how other fires have started. So clean your appliances and save a life or two!
http://www.newyorkbirds.net/firehazard_clothes_dryer.html

Again November 14th:
Well I am pretty down today and yesterday. I just want to pull the blankets over my head, cry, and sleep. So much for being strong. Everybody was great about me coming back to work but I just don't want to be here. Somebody keeps breaking into the property and taking stuff. Not that there is much to take, but it makes me feel like they are kicking me when I am down. I asked one of the contractors who was bidding on the job to just replace the fence now and bill me. Didn't even think to ask about the cost. Hope he fair.
The tiel sounds are great. One of my students gave me two tiels from her house, so I have three now including a male and he sings. I also adopted a plucked Hahn’s macaw with a deformed beak and sneezing from the pound. I have an appointment Friday for full blood work and maybe some beak grinding. He is a talker and a snuggler and no bigger than a little conure. My house has no TV, no cable, no phone, and no internet. Just what a desperate and depressed person needs.
Comcast comes Saturday! Yeah!
I have gotten tons of Target cards. I purchased a TV last night. Has anyone purchased a TV lately? They are all different these days--weird. Check it out. I purchased some doggy gates to keep incontent Nikkie to the kitchen. Paper towels, silverware organizer, handiwipes, pillowcases, bathroom supplies, etc. I have gotten some home depot cards. I will need to do some house repairs that won't be included in the insurance, so will purchase the supplies I need with home depot cards to keep costs down a little. I told many people this week that I could use kitchen supplies so I expect to get many donations in this area.
One thing Rebecca from Alaska is doing that is great is she is bought non-essentials for me. Comfort stuff. I got a beautiful down comforter last night and scented shampoo and body wash. She's a shopper to beat all shoppers. Too bad she is so far away; I could use her home decorating ideas here.
I can't thank everybody enough for all they are doing. This is everybodies worse nightmare. It is unfortunate that I, or anybody, have to live through it. I pray every night to God that I can wake up in the morning to find this was all a bad dream. Then I wake up to my reality sad and depressed. To hear baby again Say "wake up! Wake up!” I would give a million dollars. I was so busy with all those little babies, some times I just wanted to take a nap but couldn't because of all the noise and behaviors. I just can't finish here. I am in my class now and crying.
Talk to you all later

Kim designed a tribute to my birds on November 15th:
http://www.mytoos.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=143102#Post143102

November 17th entry:
Wow, you are probably right and that is profound to think about and comforting. I have gotten cards, emails and donations even from Europe, so someone in every time zone day and night that is some to sleep on tonight.
I have had a few rough days last week. Today has been better, but I suspect more days of ups and downs. Some times the grief is so overwhelming, I feel as if I can't breath can't live to the next minute. Maybe next time I will also remember that somebody somewhere is thinking about me and my babies and I will get to the next minute.
Thank you.

November 19th:
I have to say this too but with a smile on my face. I have visited a few birds at friends' houses lately and it sucks that birds can't be like dogs sometimes. You go to a dog's house; he licks you, brings you his slimmy ball, and climbs into your lap even if he's 85 pounds. I want so badly to hug a bird and smell her sent and preen her feathers and they just don't want me all up in their face like that. And that really sucks. Warm thought for the night.

I would love an aviary and then with the bricks, well it would be giving me a dream come true, a great place for the next generation of rescues, and a wonderful tribute to the first.

Here is a November update for everyone:
Well the animal rescue community has earned gold stars in my grade book. I have been truly blessed being apart of this world wide community for so many reasons, but this weekend was yet another example why. On Friday, I was living in an empty house. Sunday night I slept in a house that has complete living room furniture thanks to school staff, Mickaboo volunteers, and cat rescue. My kitchen is overflowing with dishes, silverware (including some on the way), pots, and pans, utensils and spices with a little bit coming from everyone. Stockton Animal Shelter Friends (SASF) (dog/cat rescue) has outfitted my dogs with beds, leashes, baths and treats while Mickaboo has provided dog igloos and a Mytoo’s member outfitted both dogs and birds with treats. I have also gotten several offers of TV’s and expect at least one on Wednesday. More Mickaboo stuff is expected from Sacramento on Sunday and maybe more at the Christmas party. If these donations keep up I will have to have a Mickaboo garage sale here at the rented house as a fundraiser, which is probably what I will do, at least later as I get ready to go back to my house after repairs are made. And so I could go to sleep, member from Second Chance Birds board brought me a beautiful queen size bed and bookcase and helped me move from the hotel to the rental.
In addition to furniture and pans, bedding, towels, rugs, soaps, shampoos, nick knacks, silk flowers, kitchen appliances, etc. have all filled my drawers and cupboards.
Donations have come in from everywhere. Pounds from England, a paypal from France, Mytoo’s Mickaboo, SASF, New York Birds, and Stockton at large keeps dropping stuff off here at the school. It is just amazing. I didn’t realize there were this many wonderful people in the world. Someone mentioned, I think it was from Second Chance said that the animals in their passing gave me the gift that they had received from me, learning that there are humans out there that are loving and worthy of trusting. I think this is a true-ism.
I have three different contractors bidding on the job, while I won’t call it a bribe, lol, one brought me kitchen items, and another brought a futon couch and cabinet.
Asbestos abatement begins today including removal of all insulation from attic, burned out laundry room structures, kitchen gutted, and dinning room gutted. I also think my bedroom ceiling, in the back of the house, will be removed as well. I don’t know how long this will take, but I know everyone working on the project will be wearing space suits. I won’t be able to check things out until the EPA or somebody does an air analysis of the place and clears it.
The dogs are still stressed with people coming and going. Repair people working on the rental is keeping all of us frayed? But I hope things can begin to settle down. I am flying to TN for Thanksgiving to be with a friend, Kim whom I met on the Mytoo’s board. She has four too’s including two that I had rescued. Two are m2’s and two are u2’s. I am sure to get an ear full for a few days. Poor dogs will have to go into boarding for a few more days.
Mickaboo is making sure I don’t live in silence too long. There are three budgies coming to be fostered today. Between Mickaboo and students, I now have five tiels. And I adopted a Hahn’s Macaw from a humane society; he is severely plucked but not short on love or gab! A Mickaboo volunteer will be checking in on them while I am away.
As for my emotions, there are tears nearly every day. I usually can keep it together during the day, not always, but nights are the hardest. I suppose time will make a difference, but the grief seems unending. It seems like a double whammy to not only loose my loved ones but also the comfort of my home and the familiar. I just keep asking why. I guess I will keep on keeping on and take a day, or half day, at a time. Certainly, everyone love and support has and is helping me feel loved supported and cared about during is devastating time in my life.

Joannie, a friend, posts of me on December 4th:
I spoke to her last night. She is overwhelmed right now with all of the details of getting her home repaired, having to talk to contractors and make a decision on which one to do the work and accidentally got locked out of her rented home a day or two ago and had to call a locksmith to get back in. Things like that are an annoyance anytime, but with all that has happened to her it just overwhelming. Between all of that, the short daylight hours, the holiday season that she doesn't feel in the mood for...it's a lot for her to deal with. She kind of feels like God has forgotten her.
Please take a moment to say a prayer and send a note to let her know you're still thinking of her.

December 5th:
Hey, everybody,
Still here, just lurking more. I am very sad and depressed, and angry. I am just beside myself and don't even care about moving forward. I've started therapy and keep trying to call folks, but I just really want to pull the blankets over my head.
Wendystevie, got the pray book. Thank you. I didn't know you were across the pond with Sharon. Hope your son is in a better place and maybe even back home.
I read some posts here, but am just keeping more to myself. I do appreciate all the wonderful and supportive things folks keep saying. I know that I can't go back to the way things are, that forward is the best direction. But not being able to go back, it seems that I have chosen to stand still for a while.
Well, that's my update. Nothing new has happened on the house besides the toxic removal and EPA clearance. Take care.

December 11th:
December Update:
Well there is not much to report on the house construction. I did meet with an Engineer to redesign the laundry (adding cabinetry and a hot water on demand tank) and kitchen rooms (taking out wall between kitchen and dining room and adding a breakfast bar, moving the stove and putting the roll-a-way dish washer under a counter) and to build a bird room off the back bedroom with a screen-in porch between the new bedroom and laundry room. The plans are suppose to be finalized this week and submitted for permit. The next update with the house will probably be in the year 2008. Gotcha. Lol. Of course.
The asbestos and lead paint and walls have been removed from the laundry, kitchen and dining rooms as well as the corresponding ceilings and including the back bedroom ceiling. The back half of the roof will be removed and rebuilt but of course it is the raining season and nothing can happen until the permits are issued so no rush in removing the roof.
As for my emotions, well I’m a mess. Okay so it is to be expected albeit unsettling. So I have entered therapy to help me process and move forward in a positive direction. One of my homework assignments was to read something inspiring and positive everyday. So I have been finding things online, but then snooped around the Target.com store and found several interesting books. Then clothes, then music, then Sex in the City. No the last one is not for inspiration, just for fun.
Okay so why do you all care. Well because I was able to buy my inspirational stuff with the various Target ecards that folks sent me. So I want to thank you all again but also share this story and their titles incase it might inspire some of you. They all sound interesting, and I eagerly await their arrival.
Mickaboo folks and Rebecca (umbie) from Alaska continue to send my stuff. My new house if so full now, I can’t even believe it. I won’t need to replace much going back into my own home, which is great, because the contents loss money will be paying for the bird room along with the various donation checks that I have received. Many of you continue to email me or send me messages via the boards. Thank you so much. I don’t always respond back, but do read them. I am getting really lost in my sorrow so keep reading and rereading posts to feel comforted. So thank you thank you.
I hope the holidays season, what every you celebrate or enjoy, (or are forced to attend, lol) are good ones. Remember to really stop and appreciate all that you have. God Bless.
· The Parrot Who Owns Me: The Story of a Relationship" Joanna Burger;
· What Animals Tell Me: True Stories of an Animal Communicator" Dr. Monica Diedrich;
· Angel Animals: Divine Messengers of Miracles" Allen Anderson;
· The Birds in My Life" The Supreme Master Ching Hai;

Other titles given to me to inspire me:
Job of the Bible.
"Marley and Me" by John Grogan
Wish You Well" by David Baldacci
The strongest of all warriors are these two — Time and Patience. -Leo Tolstoy
"Oh the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss.

January 7th, 2008:
It's hard. I feel guilty and cautious. But I got a psychic reading about my friend whom recently passed on, and I was told:
"I collectively connected with your loved ones with the help of an Archangel friend of mine. They are all safe, happy, and free spirits. Now they wish you to be free, to release the guilt and pain, and honour them with in love and happiness.
What went before has now past and there is a bright future full of inspirations ahead.
They surround you in their love."
So, to get started, I would like to formally announce I have already been adopted by and fostering many birds. I remember when Anne said she wasn't sure that she could contribute to the site now that she didn't have birds. I thought and might have told her that was ridiculous, but I felt the same way after I lost mine. So not that I need a credential of any kind, but I have been adopted by two goffins, a grey, a Hahn’s macaw, fostering several keets and tiels, and foster a bfa. So it's official, my new things have avian dust on them. I took my Lowes ecards and purchased air purifiers, and got some humidifiers from target ecards. Those really came in handy. Thanks everyone.
I first thought that I wouldn't have birds again, not that I didn't want them just that they wouldn't come to me. Silly me. I forgot an empty foster home is an oxymoron.
Well, there's my official announcement. I will get pictures loaded later.
p.s. Anne is busy working on a memorial, and it is looking good so far.

Here are the new members:
http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p60/couragee/new%20family/?albumview=slideshow
Here’s the old house, now getting rained on and leaked into:
http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p60/couragee/new%20home/?albumview=slideshow