After six months, my husband gained 20 pounds and I gained 1.4. — Slices of fruit pies, cheese with crackers and apples, bread dipped in olive oil and the occasional dish of baked beans ( need to watch the sodium intake) are my in-meal snacks and desserts. Throw in a handful of nuts for satisfying crunch, and reduced sugar cookies baked by my…

DISABLED BIRDS Caring For Disabled Birds Their comfort and safety is my priority Leggs has no legs, just perfectly formed feet protruding from her body. She came to live with us when her owner died. I have no information as to her age and prior accommodations. I do know what crippled birds need in…

My Apple watch thinks I love rap, particularly Drake — Let me set the scene. It is 4:30 am. I am trying to be quiet, only turning on a light by the couch in the living room where I read. My husband on the second floor and the macaw in the kitchen are asleep. My iPhone is resting on the…

The problem is he forgot about the first filled cup. — Every day is the same. I clean up and pick up after him because he forgets or doesn’t notice the mess he creates. …

PLANTS ALIVE AND FAKE My husband has an obsession: buying plants This is a story about these unfortunate plants and one in particular. My husband is unable to leave Walmart or Market Basket, our local grocery chain, without a new plant to add to his collection. …

POST MENOPAUSE When Do Hot Flashes End? Will my final days include hot flashes? Oh, no. Not again. I quietly sit sipping water and reading the morning paper when it strikes. When will this end? It has been thirty years, and I am tired of dealing with it. My forehead beads with moisture, and if…

BIRD POPULATION CONTROL Birth Control For Pet Birds? Yes, I practice it with my mixed flock My cockatiels want to reproduce. It’s an urge most of us can understand and relate to. Egg laying is the next step after multiple bouts of sexual contact. Years ago, I permitted births. I loved hearing the tiny peeps…

Cell phones can be detrimental to any relationship, human or creature. — At first, our iPhones were strange objects, fearful things, things to flee from. Birds react to any change to their routine or environment, even adding a new toy or food item, with suspicion or fear. Gradually, they learned not to fear our iPhones because of our newly found passion for…

This year it is a battle of a woman against a dozen creatures. — As I sit on the couch with a cup of coffee in one hand and a newspaper next to me, my cat Miss Pretty snuggles up against my leg. I watch for a large woodchuck, whom I call “Big Momma,” come out of her den in my neighbor’s yard. …