by Nancy Ellis-Bell

I’m not trying to create any spoilers here, but you’ll notice I have included a box of tissues in this photo. I stayed up past 3am last night finishing this book in one evening.

In this book, Ms. Ellis-Bell takes us on a journey of what it is actually like to own a gigantic parrot. You know, the big beautiful birds you see at the pet store, but you are sort of afraid of getting really close? Yet- when they seak you are delighted? The big giant two foot tall ones with rainbow colors? Yup- that’s who Ms. Bell adopted- a macaw. Or perhaps the macaw adopted her and her pack.

At times I laughed out loud laying in bed and at times I felt the appreciation for animals and wildlife. This book inspired me to review in my mind how I feel about animals’ rights- we have domesticated them, now it’s our job to take care of them. But- if they come from the wild, should they go back? Can they go back?

In the meantime, a memoir unfolds about life in a little petting zoo, in a little house, (this is starting too sound very familiar to me), created by a woman who needs to be needed. (uh- very familiar).

This is where we insert Cheap Trick’s, “I Want You to Want Me” song. (just imagine it, don’t want to get anyone in trouble reading at work).

I suppose this book can, in a way, be compared to Marley & Me, but it is definitely worth the read. I never really knew what a commitment and responsibility it was to own a large bird. I never understood how the large bird trade works. I learned a lot. I also understand now how a bird can melt someone’s heart- by offering up two words at the perfect moment: “love you”.

Tons of references are included at the back in case you are thinking of adding a large bird to your family. In addition, there is a link to the author’s blog, The Barking Parrot.

I completed this purse today! I am happy to have it done- it’s been a learning experience for me not only to work with faux fur but such a stretchy, silky fabric. It turned out HUGE! I listed it for sale today at my Etsy Store. I really had a fun time creating it and can’t wait to start on another handbag. I’m making another “hobo purse” but my next one should be a little smaller.

Hi Everyone,
No product review today. “Sore-ee”, as my Canadian friends would say. It’s just been so beautiful outside and I feel like I am trying to soak up every last bit of pleasant weather by tending to a lot of outside chores.
In addition, I have been really busy in my workshop creating things.
My beautiful partner, Iris, has made some really pretty jewelry! I am so proud of her. I’m hoping she’ll get around to photographing it and blogging about it- maybe even tonight or tomorrow.
Today the sky is really blue and the sunshine has brought us to the mid 70’s. The windows are all open and I know this is sooo limited right now. hahahah. I am getting antsy about the winter months. I think since maybe I was born and raised here in Western New York I should be a little more accepting of the winter.
Everyone is in a wierd mood around here this week. Iris has been more playful than usual- and it’s fun. But the dog pack has gone topsy turvy and they are all snapping at each other. Penny (the baby) keeps getting locked in the bathroom while we aren’t home. Today Prairie (#2 Dog), was all wrapped up in the cord for the blinds when I got home. She sat perfectly still as if she sensed she couldn’t move or she’d be a hung dog.
Our teenage son has decided that on somedays he just doesn’t want to talk to people and I need to give him some space to do that.
Our daughter is away at college and pledging a sorority. That’s right- all those “worst case scenarios” are flashing through my head too. hahaha.
So, back to my workshop for now. Hopefully I can get my idea up tomorrow for Niagara Falls Friday. If not, you’ll understand?

Today at 11:44 am Eastern Time, the sun crossed the equator officially ushering in the Fall season and the day and night are equally timed.

Today, seven triangles become visible thanks to shadows and the design of the Mayans at Chichen Itza. Many Wiccans and Pagans will celebrate the harvest and thanksgiving. Many Japanese will consider their lives, gratitude and holiness on six days of reflection. And many schoolkids will be the victim of a trickster- and see if they can get an egg to balance standing up.

Here in Niagara Falls, I will deny the passing of the summer. The first step of the grieving process. Refusing to believe that in probably one month we will already have had our first snow. Not wanting to accept that I won’t be able to enjoy the fresh breeze going through my house for at least six months.

Dreading the fact that I have to drag out that damn winter coat again soon- and scrape the windshield before I go anywhere.

I’ll sneer in the direction of Australia and the southern hemisphere, jealous of them for stealing the sun- knowing they are just heading into a beautiful Spring- the very beginning.

Oh well, I better stop reflecting about this. Maybe just maybe there are some good things about it. I can finally cook in my oven again. Screw it- that’s all I can think of. Time to go out and rake up the damn walnuts from the backyard.

Remember my trip to the Lavender Farm this summer? Well, my lavender at home grew really well this year too. (Thanks to all that great rain and sunshine we had all summer long!) So, it my quest to make nice handmade items and offer them up for sale, I have used my harvested lavender to make aromatherapy sachets.

I used vintage tweed and lace to sew the sachets. I filled them with snips of my lavender plants- both the stems and the blossoms. Mmm it smelled so good while I was making them. How relaxing!

I sewed on purple ribbons so that they can be tied onto a doorknob or closet rod. I even tied one to my rearview mirror in the car and it smelled great!

I listed them in my Etsy store as a set of three. I decided to charge just under twenty dollars. I had a hard time figuring out the pricing- but based in on the quality of the organic lavender and the time spent making the items.
What do you all think? Oh, by the way- I made a little widget that has a few of my Etsy items for sale- it’s clickable. I spotted a really wonderful cage for Woobie at the pet store but it cost $137!!! That is my financial goal for my Etsy store at this time.
Wish me luck!

I found this last week at the local Salvation Army. It has a pretty bad paint job. I am going to clean it and fill the slight cracks. I’m also going to give Jesus a new paint job, perhaps a better skin color and more realistic hair color, bleeding, etc.
My mother just purchased a huge fancy house for my sister in the suburbs so I think I’ll send it to her as a housewarming present.

I saw this beautiful “scarflet” on another blog about stitching. It is crocheted. I really love the way the shells are. I’ve written the author of the blog and so have others, asking for a pattern but she is not responding. If anyone out there thinks they can figure out how to make this, I’d really appreciate it. I do know how to create shells with crochet, but it’s not coming out quite like this. Please just drop me an email if you have any suggestions. Thanks!

I snapped this photo Thursday evening about 9pm at the new fountain at the Schoellkopf Park. What a beauty! If you haven’t stopped by to visit this park, I really recommend you take a half hour out of your busy day and do it. You’ll be so glad you did.

Originally built in 1913, over the decades Schoellkopf Park, (adjacent to the hospital), became really just a lawn. Recently, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center received an Oshei grant, funds from New York State Environmental Fund, private donations, and federal community development funds to rebuild this beautiful park. It is estimated that the revitalization of the park cost about $600,000.

Is it beautiful- with circles and gravel pathways leading to surprising plantings of flowers- it makes you feel as if you were in 1913 Niagara Falls. What’s even more wonderful is that is is accessible to the patients of a 120 bed long term nursing facility, as well as the general public.

In fact, at 9pm the park was not abandoned. Very nice local residents were enjoying the park. I spoke with one lady walking with her dog, who was also admiring the beautiful fountain. Another set of neighbors sat on a bench and were admiring the period lighting that has been installed.

So much for the naysayers that think that downtown Niagara Falls is scary. haha!

I really want to thank the hospital, the landscape architect, the garden auxillary and all those involved for bringing this to us. We residents of downtown Niagara Falls will really appreciate this park for years to come. We can’t thank you enough for the improvements you have given our community.

as advertised at Subway

the actual sandwich I received

So, I’ve seen the Steak & Cheese commercial enough this week to think it looked really good and I wanted one of those! The melty cheese and the peppers and onions looked great.

I took my son to Subway for our dinner tonight. Above you’ll see the photo of what I received versus the actual advertisement by Subway.

First of all, I thought that Cheesesteaks had fried onions & peppers. When I ordered my sandwich, the lady behind the counter opemed a container and just pulled out a little paper tray of thin beef. It was very small. It was not enough enough to cover the bottom of the roll, let alone stack up like the advertising.

I ordered it toasted, but still the cheese didn’t bubble or brown like on the commercial. The bread didn’t even toast. I added the vegetables, and it was done.

It tasted okay. It wasn’t great- not anything like a real Philly Cheesesteak. Not even as good as sandwiches from the franchises, “Steak Escape” or “Steak Out”.

Subway was clean. The workers were friendly. However, the footlong was $8.49 and I thought it was really overpriced for the quality and quantity.