YONAH•Mourning Dove•Journal

MAY 2021

Saturday 01 May:

AS OF 14.00 (2:00PM) WWW.YONAHTAUBE.COM IS ON THE SERVER! UP! LAUNCHED! RUNNING! LIVE!!! ALL THE PAGES ARE UP, INCLUDING VIDEOS!

I'm excited and proud, happy, ELATED! My reasons for getting a web-site are many, but the primaries are (1) Now, I can see all the photos and the notes, no matter where I am in the world, (2) if and when I happen to be any-where where there is a computer with internet access, people can see Yonah and her AMAZING accomplishments right then and there, (3) and with the information I'm accumulating, other people who are in the same position I've been can now access information they so need, with-out having to jump about the internet.
That said, I don't consider myself as “THE EXPERT” on all things “MOURNING DOVE”, BUT... between the information that I've gotten and the first-hand experience, well, I've worked on “trial and error”, “live and learn”, with the help of the experience and education of others. So the information I've posted isn't simply “text book”. AND, maybe it will give somebody the HOPE they need, should their heart be as mine: to do ALL-POSSIBLE for a little one in need. And this site isn't just “me”... it's YONAH! YONAH is now helping others... including her own. It's a grand day... for me. Hopefully it will be a grand day for others who find this.
This morning, again, there was snow on the peaks across the road, on the mountains to the West. Windy and brisk, temperature of 2° with a chill of -4°. It just seems that the closer we get to the actual warmer weather, the closer we SHOULD be, there are the days that come along to grind it all to a halt... it plays on the hopes and dreams of Yonah being back out, flying free. And now that it's “May”, it becomes more difficult to handle with patience. But, there's nothing to be done about the weather. “Nature” does what “Nature” wants. (Just another reminder of the insignificance of “humanity”.)
The best of it all though is that Yonah and I have more time together. It's “best” for me. I can only hope that she doesn't mind. She's safe, well-protected, there's more than plenty good food and fresh water for her, as she wants and needs. She has a “home” here where she's not “confined”. And, most important of all... she's LOVED, RESPECTED and CHERISHED.
Today, our “neighbours” here, left for their new place. This house is quite empty, save for Yonah and I. I'm having a “moment”, getting adjusted to being in relative solitude. But, I'm reminded, by the occasional “coo-WOO-hoo-hoo”... I'm surely NOT “alone”. Just an old man and a bird... in a range of 6 million acres of mountains. I truly couldn't be in better company, and I couldn't be happier, to be honest. This “little bird” is the most exceptionally best company, the best companion a heart could wish for.
And the sun POURED in through Yonah's windows today, as she rested in her little corner of her house, basking, soaking in the light and warmth. And her “pool” water got refreshed twice today. Some pine needles had fallen into it and I want to make sure the water is ALWAYS fresh and CLEAN! She sometimes drinks from there as well as bathing. And I grant, in Nature, birds will drink and bathe in “run-off” and puddles of all sorts of water... dirty, stagnant and the likes, BIT... as long as she's here, with me, there's NO reason or excuse why she can't have fresh, clean water. And so she shall... and does!
This morning, we had broccoli... a good source of vitamin D and calcium (so they say), and she seems to REALLY enjoy it. And I'm happy to see that because it's “greens”, as well as the source of much-needed vitamins and minerals. I “shave” the the greenest tops off, into a little dish, separate from the seeds. It looks like a little dish of “grit” or dark green seeds. Serving it separate lets me know whether or not she actually eats it and enjoys it. And it doesn't last very long. I put in one little “fleurette” at a time, but, Yonah goes right for it. So, of course, broccoli is now “Item Nr. 1” on the shopping list. Always fresh and WELL-CLEANED!
I'm thinking I'll have to keep a good and proper Journal of these events now, and work on transcribing them to a Journal set just for Yonah. I keep my own “Journal”, mostly so I can recall what I want and need to do in future and to note what I've done in the past. Well, I'll have to include a section called “YONAH NEWS” from now on, so I can go through and transcribe pertinent events.
Today, the little door on her house was kept open. I'm hoping she'll get used to using it. When her house is out on the back gallery, I don't want the larger door open because it's large enough for predators (owls, hawks, &c.) to get into too easily. Obviously, the smaller door is enough for Yonah to get into and out of. So, to me, that's a comfort. AND, I'd like, very much, if she'd give flying another try. She has this entire house to fly about in, and she really hasn't used those wings in months now. Surely the exercise will do her (and her wings) some good. And I want to see how well she can fly because, well, she's going to HAVE to... soon.
She really can be hysterical though! (Or, it might be that the last “flight” frightened her.) From inside her house, she'd come to the open door, stand there looking at it, BUT WOULDN'T VENTURE OUT! I even put a little limb on the out-side, bottom of it, hoping she'd be curious and try to rest on a “perch”. I attached a little “dish” with food in it but... NOPE! She wouldn't use that little door! I don't know why. But I'm going to keep trying to “encourage” her to get out and about... I'll just keep that little door open for all the while I'm in the house and HOPE she'll give flying another try.
MY GREATEST FEAR NOW IS THAT SHE CAN'T OR WON'T FLY ANY DISTANCE! Its been a while since she needed to actually fly. There's such limited space in her house. Sure, she can stretch and preen, but... Yes, I'd LOVE to have her company for “the duration”, I'll miss her, deeply and terribly when she's no longer here, part of my every-moment, and I AM FEARFUL of her being back “out there” with the predators (animal and human alike). But to think of her forever separated from her flocks, breaks my heart, hurts me to the very core of my soul. Well... there's still time... I suppose. I have all of “my time” to give her... openly, gladly. We'll see.
I hear Lake Placid got another 16cm of SNOW last night! We were “lucky”, we didn't get any of the threatened snow-fall. COLD NIGHTS are sill in the near forecast as well. Hey... it ain't July yet. And tonight... as I stood on the back gallery, I wondered... will Yonah stay here, in her house, on this gallery, into the Winter to come? And if she does, do I bring her back into the house? Or, do I hope she'll head South or find a warm, comforting, PROTECTIVE mate or flock? I suppose the only way to know for certain is... “Time”... and all I can do is hope that have the time she'll need.
Well, little Yonah got “tucked-in” at almost 20.00 tonight ans whilst I worked out in the kitchen, she gave a “call”. I usually answer but because it was “late” and some-what dark, and she was “settled” I didn't this time, hoping she was OK and would get her need sleep. She was quiet after that.
IF there is such a thing as “God”... I don't “ask” that she be blessed... I INSIST ON IT!
I want to get to that “backing” for her house when she goes to the gallery. Something that will keep the winds from slamming in from the North and for the back, something to keep “prying eyes” out, so that she has her privacy... and comfort. Meanwhile... we close the first day of the month of May... and look forward to the arrival of Spring... soon. All is calm, peaceful.

Sunday 02 May:
Ah.. Sunday... AND A ***** MILE-STONE ***** DAY ***** !!!
It began, very much the same as any other day. “Morning routine” of fresh waters for Yonah, serving “breakfast” to the birds in the yard and getting back to going through Journalled notes, extracting all the items particular to Yonah... when...
11.36 YONAH WAS OUT OF HER HOUSE! STANDING ON THE LITTLE LIMB I'D ATTACHED TO THE FRONT, AT THE DOOR (to see if she'd use the smaller door on it, especially for when her house is on the back gallery). IT WAS ADORABLE! PRECIOUS! I WAS SITTING AT THE WORK TABLE AND THERE SHE WAS, PREENING AND LOOKING AROUND THE ROOM AS IF IT'S ALL SO “FOREIGN”. NO RUSHING TO TAKE FLIGHT. JUST BEING “COOL”, “HANGIN' COOL”, AS IT WERE! I really would have expected her to notice that she wasn't “confined” behind those “bars”, that there was “open space ahead” and make an all-out CHARGE for some-where other. But NO. She seemed quit comfortable, just standing there. AND I MANAGED TO GET A VIDEO AND SOME PHOTOS OF HER... EVEN RATHER CLOSE... AND ALL THE WHILE, SHE ATE A LITTLE FROM THE DISH AND PREENED... AS IF ALL WAS PERFECTLY WELL AND FINE! I'M DUMB-FOUNDED... IN AWE! SHE REALLY IS COMFORTABLE IN HERE NOW! (Which is good and bad... Good, because she's not fearful, but bad, because being in this house has become “acceptable”...
So I managed to get TWO videos of her, out-side her house, and posted them on the site, HER site, along with the up-date to what is currently a “Blog”. For the longest while, she just “hung out” on that little limb, eating, preening and SNOOZING! I'd get up from the work table, walk about, leave the room, return... it made NO difference to her! And today, SHE'S LETTING ME GET SO MUCH CLOSER TO HER AND SHE DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE! SHE DOES STARE AT ME THOUGH... STERNLY, INTENTLY. AND IF I GET MY FACE “A LITTLE TOO CLOSE”, SHE “LUNGES” FORWARD, AS IF TO PECK AT ME. AND SHE DOES *NOT* LIKE HANDS! IF I PUT MY HANDS UP, SHE GETS ALMOST DEFENCIVE! BUT, OTHER-WISE, SHE'S JUST AS FINE AS CAN BE, AS IF THIS IS HOW IT'S BEEN ALL ALONG!
***** THEN ***** AT 14.53, I WAS SNOOZING, ON THE FUTON, IN THE LIVING-ROOM. I HAD A 22-MINUTE ALARM SET FOR 14.55 WAKE-UP. I'D JUST STARTED COMING OUT OF MY LITTLE NAP WHEN, FROM YONA'S ROOM, I HEARD HER “CALL”, WOO-HOO-hoo-hoo, WHICH IS HER USUAL CALL. VERY SOON THERE-AFTER, AS I LAID THERE, EYES CLOSED, WAITING FOR THE ALARM, THE SOUND OF FLUTTERING WINGS... IN THE LIVING-ROOM !!! I OPENED MY EYES JUST IN TIME TO SEE YONAH FLY OVER ME AND THE ACROSS THE LIVING-ROOM TO THE LITTLE “ALCOVE” ACROSS FROM THE FUTON! SHE “LANDED” ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE CHAIR THERE! SHE'D MADE THE “FLIGHT” FROM HER ROOM, THROUGH THE KITCHEN INTO AND ACROSS THE LIVING-ROOM AND BACK TOWARD THE KITCHEN! SADLY, SHE DIDN'T QUITE PROPERLY NAVIGATE THE OTHER END OF THE LIVING-ROOM AND HAD A BIT OF A “CRASH” INTO THE WALL... *** BUT NO DAMAGE, NO INJURIES *** !!! SO I GOT UP AND WENT OVER TO HER, ON THE FLOOR, AND TALKED ABOUT HER SUCCESSFUL FLIGHT. THEN, ASS I WENT TO PICK HER UP TO CHECK HER FOR INJURIES, SHE NESTLED INTO THE SPACE BETWEEN MY KNEES (I WAS ON THE FLOOR WITH HER) AND MY CHEST! I LET HER STAY THAT WAY A WHILE, AND THEN GOT HER ONTO MY ARM WHERE SHE STAYED, QUIETLY, FOR A BIT AS I WALKED AROUND THE LIVING-ROOM! WE WENT, TOGETHER, TO THE FUTON, WHERE I SAT WITH HER, ON MY ARM, AND TALKED A LITTLE WHILE LONGER. AFTER A WHILE, I STOOD UP AND MANAGED TO COAX HER TO MY SHOULDER WHERE SHE COULD BE MORE COMFORTABLE, AND I WALKED ROUND THE HOUSE WITH HER THERE, AND GOT TO TAKE SOME “SELFIES” OF THE WHOLE SITUATION! (I note: I look HORRID these days... so *OLD* and almost “decaying”... “selfies”... they won't become a habit, to be sure.) ANYWAY... WE WENT ROOM-TO-ROOM ABOUT THE HOUSE, TOGETHER, AND WHEN WE GOT BACK TO HER ROOM, SHE TOOK OFF FROM MY SHOULDER AND WENT TO THE TOP OF HER HOUSE WHERE SHE “PERCHED”, TAKING A REST FROM HER “ADVENTURE”! BUT... SHE WAS ON MY SHOULDER, MY NECK, LOOKING AT ME, PECKING AT THE BACK OF MY HEAD, MAKING HER TINY “COO'ING” SOUND... NOT, IN THE LEAST BIT, NERVOUS OR AFRAID! WELL !!! TODAY, Ms. YONAH HAS BEGUN HER “FLYING” !!! AND SHE DOES QUITE A GOOD JOB OF IT! SHE OBVIOUSLY NEEDS THE EXERCISE THOUGH... AFTER 6 MONTHS OF BEING IN THAT “HOUSE” OF HERS. BUT... TODAY IS MY “DREAM COME TRUE” !!! SHE'S OUT OF THAT HOUSE AND GETTING TO USE HER WINGS! DAY 1. THERE WILL BE MANY MORE TO COME NOW. (My precious little COMPANION is getting ready to... “leave the nest”, as it were. I AM EXCITED FOR HER! Honestly, I AM excited for her.)

Precious LOVE! We got to settling-in for the night at about 20.30 tonight. She was almost sleeping in her sand when I went in to see her at 19.00, and she didn't want to get up to her perch where she usually spends the night. So I made here a little “nest” from that green flannel that I'd given her when she first came. I wanted to give her a place that's soft and warm for the night but she wasn't impressed and went up to her perch. BUT... WHEN I REACHED IN TO TRY TO COAX HER TOWARD THE CORNER WHERE I'D PLACED THE “NEST” SHE ACTUALLY LET ME PICK HER UP IN MY HAND! So now I'm wondering if her “flight” today was a bit “over-taxing”. After all, truth is, she hasn't flown in almost 7 months. I can only hope that's all it is and not anything more serious. Still, when, at about 17.00, I got her back into her house, she ATE and ATE and ATE. So she has an appetite and WILL eat, that's GOOD sign. So I closed her curtains, put the card-board up to block the out-side light and put her radiator on “5” out of a top setting of “6” (what-ever that is, other than quite warm). I closed the door to her room to keep the warmth in that room. The forecast isn't for “brutally” cold tonight, but, for her “recovery”, surely, she'll need the warmth. I'll just have to wait until morning, i suppose. I don't like the idea of “waiting” but I really have no choice... especially considering the “absence” of

“avian veterinarians” locally who, as I'm told, will care. It rips my soul apart to think that she might be “uncomfortable” or even “inconvenienced” in any way. Again, tonight, I feel “alone”. But I'll do all I can... and hope, as always, that my instincts guide me correctly. We've come SO FAR in these past months and there's been SO MUCH CHANGE just in these past few weeks. We're growing closer, Yonah has obviously come to trust me... This would be the WORST time to... lose her! I really, literally, couldn't tolerate that, emotionally or physically.
Three days of rain to come and then another PLUMMET to -1° on Thursday night! 10s and teens for the daily highs. Poor Yonah!
Today just seems like a DREAM... all told; something that never really happened. I'll get today's photos and videos on the server tonight... a “Legacy”.

Monday 03 May:
The “morning call” came this morning! I went in to Yonah's room, opened her curtains, changed the “pool” water and her drinking water, as usual and SHE APPEARS TO BE OK this morning! She was on her perch, where she spends the night, when I went in and then moved to the little “corner shelf”, “the loft”, as I think of it. She seems “dozy”... “snoozey” this morning. I don't “know” that she injured herself yesterday, with all that flying about, but what-ever it was, it seems to have taken some of the “starch” out of her. She's “fine”, for all intent and purpose, just more “mild”. Well... a calmer day on the agenda.
I DID get out and into the woods for a while... for some fresh white pine cuttings... “trees”, for her house. She seems to enjoy having them there and they do give a nicer, more “wood-land” appearance and “feel”, AND today, I found some VERY healthy, fresh moss on an old, felled tree... and, of course, brought a nice little “carpet” of it back. More “natural, woodsy-wood-land” elements. If Yonah were out there, she'd have plenty of it to walk on or nest in or what-ever mourning doves would do with moss. I brought it back, covered a large baking sheet with cling-wrap and laid it out on that. I'll keep it in the living-room for a while, just to make sure there's nothing in it... especially ticks! I'll keep an eye on it and we'll decide whether or not to add it when we see whether or not it's “safe”. Meanwhile... it's a possibility for something more like a mourning dove's “natural habitat”. (I wonder what Yonah will think when she gets back to the “real wood-lands”... I often wonder what she thinks of me, this time here over the Winter... and if she'll “communicate” her “experience” some-how, to the other doves when she's back in a flock. Oh... the stories she can tell them!)
Well then, I DID manage an additional 100 pages coded for more photos on the site, and, of course, I'm sure, SURE there's AT LEAST that many yet to come. AND... I've started some notes for a page on the site called “Care and Tips”, bits and pieces of information that I've acquired in my own research AND my direct experience (teachings of the greatest Professor on the matter of 'mourning doves'... Professor Yonah Taube! can't get any better than that). What began as a simple effort to put photos and videos and some notes onto a universally-accessible server is suddenly growing into a “What-ever You Wanted To Know About Mourning Doves But There Was Nobody Around To Ask”. Ah... the Great Yonah Taube... Guru!
And tonight, at “tuck-in”, she and I had “chat time”. She'd “called”, and when she does that, I go directly, similar, I suppose, to a caring parent when an infant even so much as makes a whimper. She was calm when I left the room... curtains closed, light-block up, radiator on lower tonight, just to keep any potential “chill” away.
Tomorrow, I have no cause to leave the house, we'll have THE DAY together again! ALL day! So I'll bring the lap-top in to her room and we'll “work on her site”... together. My MOST PRECIOUS LITTLE ONE! MY MOST CHERISHED LITTLE COMPANION!

Tuesday 04 May:

It was FULL DAY with Yonah, as I worked, at the table in her room, on her “YonahTaube.com” pages. IN HER ROOM... WITH HER! WAHT A GLORIOUS WAY TO SPEND A DAY!
And the little door to her house was open all the while. Only once did she come to check it out. I put a rock inside, by the door, to help her get up to the opening. She did hop up on it, the up on the little “perch” I attached to the “bar” across the opening so that she has something more substantial to wrap her little toes on when she gets there. Well, she stood there for a brief moment, looked round the room and decided “Nope, not going out there today”. No problem. Precious little one. One of these days... and there are more days like today to come (sadly, the rains are supposed to continue and the temperatures aren't expected to get warm any time to soon... sadly... and aggravatingly).
By day's end today, we'd got only briefest glimpses of any sun-light. But I did mange to get more photos up and the “refreshing pages”, the ones that advance, photo-to-photo. I'm thinking of just putting the photos on, a “Blog” and the page with the “Care” on the site... well... at least, for now, anyway. It was supposed to be just a “photo album” but... this is for YONAH! And I don't suppose I'd need, at this point in time, to tell how important YONAH is to me. Eh?
And the entire day went by ALL TOO QUICKLY, as days seem to do of late. Yonah “tucked-in” at about 19.45 and we had our “Evening Chat” before lights went out for the night.
Yes... indeed, these days have gone by ALL too quickly... ENTIRELY all too quickly. But there's been so much LOVE and JOY in them all. Well, it IS said “Time flies when you're having fun.” Having Yonah in my life, my time... days last mere moments.

Wednesday 05 May:

The 6.30 alarm sounded this morning and I turned it off, wanting to grab just a few moments of rest but... “WooHOOhoohoohoo”! Sweetness was awake! So our day commenced with water changes, fresh food for breakfast, a tidy of house-keeping.
Today, because it's due, the “pool” got taken out and washed, the tubing and little pump for the fountain got a thorough “flush” in the kitchen basin. Yonah will drink from that water every now and then and I want to make ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN that the water, tubing and pump are always CLEAN! (OK. Sure, in the wild, birds will drink from bird baths in which there's all sorts of ... well... all sorts, but in here, there's NO reason why THIS water, in THIS “bath” can't be clean at all times... and so it shall be... so it is. Yonah didn't come in here to get sick. She came in here to get well! That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!)
YONAH WAS OUT AND ABOUT AGAIN, TODAY, AS I WORKED ON HER SITE TO ADD THIS MONTH'S PHOTOS AND SUCH! SHE SPENT MOST OF THE TIME A-TOP HER HOUSE! SHE'S GETTING USED TO NOT STAYING IN THERE... AT LAST! BUT WHEN IT GOT TO BE ALMOST 14.00 AND I REALISED SHE HADN'T HAD HER LUNCH, IT WAS A BIT OF A “TASK” TO GET HER BACK IN TO EAT... BUT... SHE EVENTUALLY HOPPED ONTO MY ARM AND I SLOWLY GOT HER BACK “HOME” WHERE SHE HAD LUNCH AND THEN SETTLED TO REST, RELAX AND DIGEST! BUT... SHE GOT ONTO MY ARM!
There IS one MAJOR concern right now: she's not flying “smoothly”. Her flight seems to be “laboured”, as if she's having trouble with the effort. And there's one feather on her left wing, the injured one, that never seems to grow properly. It's rather like a “blood” or “pin” feather that come in and seems to “break” at the base, before maturing. And the one feather that's as large as a “normal” feather, but always appears “jaggéd” at the edges. I wonder if her injury didn't cause trouble with those and that they might hinder her in flight. If so, she'll never be able to fly fast enough or long enough to escape predators! And THAT weighs ever-so heavily on my heart. Yes, I understand that, had I not “intervened”, she, most likely, would have perished, either from her injuries or by another attack. “Natural causes” or (and this though makes me physically pained to think) a predator would have “taken her out”. “The way of Nature”. BUT, the fact remains: I brought her in to protect and help her and now... well... I CAN'T just TOSS her out there and HOPE she fends for herself! Now I wonder: did I “meddle” where I shouldn't have done?
Well, she's here now, and she's healthy, other-wise. AND... I notice that she “roosts” by the open door of the house (her “cage”... I HATE calling it that because she's NOT “caged” and, with all the “accoutrements” it sure isn't a “cage”) when I leave her room for lunch or what-ever reason, and she's SO relaxed when I'm in the room. And when I leave, say, to take a snooze in the living-room, with-in moments, she “calls” until I “call” back. She might not trust me completely, but it appears I'm her “flock” now... her “companion”. And so, I'm most seriously considering getting one of those “kennels”... those “dog crates” for her. They're MUCH larger than the “large bird cages” I'm seeing, (and considerably less expensive for the value, quality, space and size). The space between the “bars” are larger, which is nice, but not large enough for her to get through, and, especially at night, run the risk of injury, if she should try to navigate the rest of the house in the dark. I'll have to give up her windows, figure a way to put the “crate” on wheels so as to be able to open them (the windows), come the warmer weather. But it's all so well worth the effort and such. (Truthfully, my MAJOR concern is my own health... and being “around” for her... for as long as SHE needs me. And no, NO! I don't know anybody I'd trust her to. So...)
Well, Time, as always, will tell what's to be. And with the larger “crate”, she'll have more room to spread her wings, more exercise. Surely that might help. And when she leaves... well... so be it. If she leaves for good, I'll have the crate for other emergencies... should they arise. There are plans... there are plans.
Other-wise, there's quite an impressive collection of photos and videos already on Yonah's web-site. And the “auto changing” photos are working quite nicely. There's still a LOT more work that I want to do but what I originally thought would be 50 pages or so is already working up to almost 300, with the photos! GOODNESS ME! But it's all SO WELL WORTH the effort!
And tonight, as the drizzle continues to fall out-side, Yonah is all snug, tucked-in for the night, safe, warm and dry, protected and LOVED... and more... SO CHERISHED! And what-ever “Life” and “Fate” have to throw at us, we'll see it through, no matter what. She's come SUCH a LONG way... I've grown SO VERY much with her Companionship. We'll do just fine... as I say... no matter what!

Thursday 06 May:
GLORIOUS SUN-SHINE today! And Yonah passed the day, basking, as it POURED in through her windows! And her “door” was open all day, but she didn't appear to be even slightly interested. I'm some-what fascinated because I would have expected her to try to some sort of “escape”. Obviously, she doesn't even feel “captivated”, and she's quite comfortable in her own space there. Well, I'm comforted by her comfort, although I'd like her to get out, get some “exercise” of those wings. Still, as long as she's content, that's my primary concern.
We got to spend the entire day together, again, as I worked on what was intended as a “Care” page on her site, primary notes on information garnered from a lot of reading through a lot of sites, forums and the likes, AND, of course, what I'm learning as Yonah and I go along. The “page” is becoming a small “book”, there's so much to put into the topic, and even now, I'm searching for “requirements” for “keeping a wild animal”.
As I work on this little project, I can't help but feel angry, to a point. I NEVER had ANY intention of “keeping Yonah here, in the house, but the nearest “avian veterinarian” that I can find, is “100 miles” away. And being told “They won't take her...”, remembering the words “Put it in a shoe-box with some paper until...” The general apathy, inconsideration... it weighs on mind and spirit. BUT... BUT... BUT... it appears I didn't “need” input, advice, comment from “out-side”. Yonah and I have managed to make our way through a Winter... we've “survived”, together, for 6 months and now approach the 7th month. She's doing quite well, over-all, seems to be quite comfortable, and healthy. She learned to trust me, I've learned to ADORE her, and have, obviously, learned to keep her well. Actually and factually, there really isn't anything else that's even worth a passing thought.
AND, I DO believe I've found a rather very nice new “house” for her! It's a “dog crate”, at a most reasonable price. Not available at present (or I would have ordered it immediately). “Large”! We're going for the “large” size because, I'm thinking in terms of Yonah staying here, “for as long as...”, unless those feathers on her wings improve and she manages proper flight. I WILL NOT PUT HER OUT WITH ANY DOUBT THAT SHE'LL BE ABLE TO FEND FOR HERSELF PROPERLY! It's not just a matter of how worry would gnaw at my heart and soul, wondering and worrying that she'd be perfect prey; it's more a matter of knowing that she's here because something attacked her, tried to rip her apart, for what-ever reason. She's already suffered through the trauma of being attacked, then the trauma of being brought into this house, but a “species” that her natural instincts told her was her “enemy”. She had NO way of knowing my intentions. She's had NO way of knowing, through these 6 months, that I wouldn't, couldn't harm her in any way. So NO, if there's even the slightest possibility that something or someone could cause her ANY more trauma... or harm... she has a

house, a home... A HEART... right here. She'll always have good food, fresh water, warmth, protection from the winds, rains, snows... As I say, it was never my intention to “keep” her, but if it means giving her a long life, and if she's OK with what I can give... so be it. Here is her “HOME”.
Today's view of the forecasts is that the “minuses” on the temperatures are gone (for a while, anyway). Sadly, so too, the forecasts for more sunny days. Ah, the season is truly about to change. Alas... But it's a comfort to see temperatures above freezing. What's to come with those is to be seen.
And as another day came to a close... this little bundle of feathered LOVE and BEAUTY, rests, comfortably and safely. We spent another day, very much together, companionship for one-another. And tomorrow ... we'll deal with that when it arrives.

Friday 07 May:
YONAH'S NEW HOUSE IS ORDERED!!! From “Chewy”. THIS MORNING! AND, IT'S ALREADY SHIPPED! (And now, I'm hoping the spacing of the “bars” is small enough AND the spacing IN the place is LARGE enough! AND... I'll have to figure a way to move it about so we can get her windows open... IF we EVER get warm weather!) It appears that Yonah will be with me a LOT longer than anticipated, and intended, if her wing feathers don't “recover” and grow in properly so that she can fly FAST AND FAR. BUT... honestly, I don't mind at all. She's my BLESSING, my LIFE, literally. We're in this together, for how-ever long it will be. If she's able to fly, then she flies. If not? Well... she has a HEART, A HOUSE... A HOME, where she'll be LOVED, PROTECTED AND CHERISHED... ALWAYS! Right now, her new “HOUSE” is ordered and is on it's way! Her own, official HOUSE and HOME!
Today, I began seriously getting into a LOT of reading, on-line, for Yonah's “Care” pages (which are now running into pages and certainly NOT just one... there's a LOT to be said there, a LOT that I didn't know and that I imagine others will want to know).
Well, then came the “distraction”... I kept thinking about what I need, NEED to do and have, in the event that she won't be able to fly properly and get back to her flocks SAFELY! And, even if she does manage to heal, I don't know how long it will take. Even if it's a few more months, I don't want her “confined” to a small space. The place she has now is quite large. It's called a “Flight Cage”, but it's a “flight” for finches. Sure, Yonah can take “quick, short, flights”, as it were, but she'll need MORE space, large enough to get some serious “wing-flapping” in. And Even if she DOES leave, this new place folds flat and will be here, in case she decides to stay the Winter OR in case of any more “incidents”... with any OTHER little ones. No matter how I look at it, its a good investment all round. So, I ran through all the “book-marks” I've accumulated from different places that have offered all sorts of “large cages”. FINALLY, not only did I find one that I find is GREAT quality and a GREAT size, it's REMARKABLY LESS EXPENSIVE than all the “deluxe bird cages” that are OK for smaller birds, but shaped “tall” and not “wide”. I JUMPED at the opportunity, ORDERED! WELL! As I browsed even further, for other items that I might want to get for Yonah and her new place, I happened to notice that the “dog crate” that I'd just bought was “SOLD OUT”! FATE (and gut instinct) SAVED THE DAY AGAIN! BUT YONAH'S PLACE IS DUE TO ARRIVE IN A WEEK! WONDERFUL! It gives me time to “configure” AND... I'll have to cut “perches” for it, since it's 32x24x27 inches (81x61x68cm), and make a new “loft shelf” for sun-bathing... not to mention the particulars on how to set it up to “roll” so I can move it to open Yonah's windows. But I'm so excited today. I want NOTHING LESS than the ABSOLUTE BEST for this little one... from food to home to atmosphere. And we're just another step closer. YAY!
AND, TODAY, I GOT A RESPONSE FROM A POST TO A GUY IN AUSTRALIA, ON SOCIAL MEDIA, WHO RAISES CHICKENS, PIGEONS AND DOVES! I'd asked him (“Birdman”) for his opinion on Yonah's wing feathers. He suggests I pull them and see how they grow back. He pulls feathers on his “show-birds” regularly. Yes, I imagine he does. But I have one “tiny problem”: I DO NOT WANT TO PULL YONAH'S FEATHERS! DON'T WANT TO CAUSE HER ANY DISCOMFORT AND ESPECIALLY NOT THE TRAUMA! She doesn't associate me with “pain”, she doesn't see me as a “predator” or “threat”. It's taken ALL this time to develop what-ever relationship we have now, and I do NOT want to disturb that. If I MUST pull them for some reason, I suppose I'll just have to, but right now, I'm leaning more toward waiting... I suppose that, eventually, she'll lose the “awkward” feathers, as she moults. So I'll let “Nature” take course... at least for the immediate future. I feel safer this way. AND, HE RE-ASSURED ME SAYING THAT, IN HIS OPINION, UNLESS SHE'S FLYING AT “100%” SHE SHOULDN'T BE PUT OUT. (We agree there.) AND IF SHE DOES GO BACK OUT, SHE VERY WELL MIGHT JUST COME BACK, AS A “HOMING PIGEON” WOULD DO. Says he, it might be in her best interest, if I don't mind having her, to plan on her being here... permanently. (Ah... “if I don't mind”... OF COURSE I DON'T MIND! It's not what I'd intended, but I'll be damned if I'm going to toss her out of being where she's LOVED, CHERISHED, RESPECTED and PROTECTED, only to have her fall prey... torn to shreds!) he suggested getting her a “mate”. Truth is, I'd have to look into getting a “domesticated” dove, or, of course, if another one comes along injured, it would be most welcome, by me. I'd need a MUCH LARGER “house” for two. But... for now, it was such a comfort to see such a quick, friendly, informative, supportive response. Imagine... from a “stranger”, completely around the world! (Meanwhile, locally, I get “BS”. Oh, thanks to the internet!)
Well-so... the REST of the day was spent WITH Yonah, in “her” room, working on an “out-line” of a sort, for the new pages. I had to take a quick stroll down the road to the river, but I “quick strolled” and was back with-in moments. Odd (or not), but when I have to leave the house, I MISS being with Yonah. I don't like to leave her so alone for any length of time. I keep thinking how, being in the house is still just not “normal” for her and that, well, we have a “relationship” of sorts now. Obviously, she trusts me, expects me to be around. And I SURELY don't mind “being around”. She's the most EXCELLENT companion. So I miss her. Unashamedly. And so, the little “excursion” was... brief.
At day's end, the house was calm, and Yonah was “tucked-in” for the night, fresh waters in pool and drinking, and her house was made neat, tidy and clean. I'd managed to get quite a bit of her “Journalling” done today, “inspired” by her new house and the words from “Birdman”. It looks like she and I have become some-what “long-term” companions... at least for the foreseeable future. It's bitter-sweet, really. I NEVER intended that she should become “permanent” in this life she's had over the Winter. But, as I say: being here, “spoiled” perhaps, at least she'll have a chance at a long life and no “suffering”... I'll see to it that she has NO SUFFERING!
Well, we wrap today and look to more “surprises” for tomorrow. OH... How I DO LOVE this little one. I just wish there was a way I could tell her so, in a way she'd understand. Then again, maybe she DOES know... already. The best I can do is “HOPE”.

Saturday 08 May:
Another grey, but not intolerably cold day. And this morning's little “diversion” from the “routine” was the cleaning of the humming-bird feeders. They should be returning soon, if they haven't already, and they'll need some guaranteed nourishment after their “migration”, not to mention, something to keep them “warm”... since the nights are still getting chilly.
Last year, I had TWO of them as “over-night patients”. One came by and was doing quite poorly, lethargic. I wasn't sure what was wrong but when I was able to pick him up, I knew something needed attention. Well... a night in the house, kept warm and cozy, the next morning he was off again, as if nothing happened. And the second one was quite young! She was just laying on the front porch and made NO effort to fly away when I reached down and picked her up. We spent the night together, and I made a bit of a “heavier nectar” for her to eat as she wanted. She was in a little box, lined with... the afore-mentioned flannel that I've used for Yonah's “nesting” (always thoroughly washed, of course) for the over-night. The next morning, one of the neighbours stopped by to inquire as to her health and as we were talking, she decided she felt well-enough to leave and showed-up at the front door. I opened the screen door and away she went!
So I suppose it's almost “fitting”... last year humming-birds, this year, mourning dove?
Anyway, when those little ones come back, IF they remember last year's feeders, there's a healthy “snack” for them.
For the rest of the day? Well, of course... time with Yonah... who, today PASSED SEVERAL HOURS SITTING A-TOP HER HOUSE! ALL COZY! AS IF SHE'D BEEN DOING THAT FOR, WELL, ALWAYS! She's quite comfy up there now. What concerns me though is that she shows NO sign of wanting to leave “her room”. I don't quite understand it.
Set-back though: when it came time to go in for “dinner”, she had an “incident” and flew into the window again! I was heart-broken when she wouldn't eat and wouldn't set on her perch... she just stayed at the bottom of her house. But, a little while later, she ate and now she's “tucked-in” for the night... on her perch. I'll be checking-in and checking-up on her regularly... the old “Nursing days” return.
Anyway... I'm still working on the “new house” and how to best situate it at the window. Looks like I'll be getting rid of the “work space” at the window. And I'm seriously considering turning the two long pallets I have in the garage, into a “futon” for in that room. I might even take the shelves down, temporarily, and put another coat of white paint on the walls. (I'll have to move Yonah to the living-room for the while, but at least it doesn't get so cold in the house now so... And she can be at the window at the front of the house... nice in late after-noon and evening, terribly dark during the day though. But it would be very temporary... until the paint dried and the “fumes” were gone.) Oh... it's like planning a “nursery” for a new child... or a bed-room for a new teen. I'm LUVIN' it!
Well, yet another day passes, and ALL TOO QUICKLY! But we got things accomplished and at the end, Yonah appears none-the-worse for the little “collision”. I have NO idea HOW she manages to get through these. Thankfully though, she doesn't hit at “top speed” (55mph/88,5kmh). There's a blessing... on BOTH of us.

Sunday 09 May:
All said, it was actually another entire day spent with Yonah. And quite a bit got done for her pages on “Home Care for Mourning Doves”. The sun was “sporadic” at best, as the clouds gathered to remind “It ain't July yet”. But, it was fine... Yonah and I were all comfy in the house and she gave me all sorts of “speeches” during the day. I DO say, when she “gets the mood”, she's got A LOT to say! And as she “says”, my heart just JUMPS ABOUT like a happy kid in a “bouncy castle”! These days are SO different from the “early days” when I'd sit in the room for the longest while, and Yonah would be in that little “cage” that I put together, in a corner, so silent. And I'd wonder and worry. Today? It's “Let's talk about this!” time. And I'm THRILLED!
I'm excited about the “new house” now too... wanting it to arrive, and planning on making a bit of a “dolly”, with wheels so that I can simply roll the house back and forth across the table where Yonah is now in, what seems, “permanent residence”... well... for a while anyway. There's SO much I WANT to do for her! And I wish the temperatures would rise out-side, so I could open the windows for her. She's been in this old house for MONTHS now, with-out so much as a breeze! Surely she missed “open air”. (I know I do.)
Anyway... this evening, after Yonah and I had our meals, I spent quite some time, sitting beside her, her in her house, me, on a chair beside, and we had a nice “chat” about all sorts of things... especially, tonight, about the “new house”. And she was a LAUGH-RIOT!
She tried to fly out of her house but flew directly into my FACE! THAT was an immediate “RETREAT” back. And when I tried to “reach out” to her, to calm and re-assure her, she tried, several times, to attack my hand! Pecking, repeatedly, but NOT so hard as to cause any pain or injury. More like a “warning”: Hey! Hey! No fingers!
But tonight, for most of our “chat” she was AT THE DOOR, INSIDE, OF COURSE, BUT AT THE DOOR, RIGHT BY MY FACE! TALK ABOUT “PURE DELIGHT”! SHE'S NOT “AFRAID” OF ME ANY LONGER! Well then, if she and I are to be together for any length of time now, it looks like we're going to get along just fine! (To think, in the earlier days, I tried to keep a distance from her, not wanting her to “bond” in any particular way... Looks like I've failed at that... but... for the best.)
And so... “seepie-nigh-night” time came along... waters freshened, food freshened, light blocks up, curtains closed... and... Peace... in the house-hold... We made it through another day... WHAT A LOVE! WHAT A HEAVENLY, PRECIOUS LOVE!

Monday 10 May:

If we were fish... yet another dreary sort of day, with clouds and rain. But, as is the “rule” in the very BEST of company! It did give me the opportunity to CLEAN the tubing and the pump for Yonah's “pool” though. And CLEAN it IS today!
Yonah was ever-so vociferous this morning. When I went in to her this morning, she came RUSHING over to greet me! (I almost don't see her leaving... I just wish she'd be more adventurous in the house, to show how well she can fly. I WISH there was more open space available where I could see her fly out-side! I WISH there weren't any predators... read: cats... so close by. And I WISH I hadn't been seeing feathers about the back yard lately. I wish... I WISH... I'm an idiot.)
Even as I removed the pool and paraphernalia that goes with it, Yonah stayed on her perch, watching, intently, as if “supervising” the entire project. No “panic”, almost “curiosity”.
I brought the dish, tubing and pump into the kitchen, set it all up in the basin under the tap. With the pump on and tubing set to “flush through”, I opened the tap into the dish/pool and had the fresh water run from tap to dish and into the other basin. Let that run for about 15 minutes and then... put the “outlet” tubing into the dish to “cycle” the water through the tubing and pump, from the dish. To the water in the dish, I made a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water, and let that run through for a good hour. Then, I added about a teaspoon of baking soda to the vinegar-water and flushed that through for an additional 30 minutes. At the end of that, I put the out-let tube back into the adjacent basin, opened the tap and flushed running tap water through the whole thing for about 10 minutes. There was algae in the tubing! Most of it was gone with the vinegar and baking soda, but some remained, and there was a bit of a “film” on the inside of the tubing. I could tell because the tubing was perfectly clear when new, but today, there was a “haze” to it. So I opened the hot water tap and let hot tap water flush through and as it did so, I “squeezed” the tubing between thumb and forefinger. It actually worked! The “film” broke away from the tubing and about 30 minutes later, the entire length of both in-take and out-put were as clear as they were when new! So just to be on the “safe” side, I put the out-put tubing back in the dish with “tepid” water to circulate through tubing and pump and added about 30ml of unscented bleach to the water and let that run through for about 20 minutes... When it was ALL done, I put the out-put back into the other basin, opened the tap to more “tepid” water and flushed the whole “system” with tepid water for about 20 minutes and then, for another 30 minutes, I flushed it all with pure, cold tap water to make sure there was no bleach residue in either the pump or the tubing. (I MUST say, that little pump is amazing! 11$ and it takes a beating...) Before putting it all back into Yonah's house, I scrubbed the dish (thankfully, it's clear glass), rinsed it VERY well, filled it with cold tap water and circulated that for another 30 minutes... then, took everything apart, re-washed and rinsed the dish and dried it. OK, so it reads as a LOT of work, but honestly, it wasn't even nearly as involved or tedious as it might seem. AND, at least I KNOW that there's nothing harmful in the dish, tubing or pump now.
I'm wondering how the algae managed to take hold though. The water in the pool is changed, completely, not less than twice daily. Sometimes even thrice. It never sits for more than a few hours, the longest being at night, and then, the pump doesn't run. (I turn it off at night so the sound of the splashing water doesn't annoy Yonah.) This is our “drinking water” from the tap. Hmmm... cause for pause and thought, I should think. But, thankfully, it's gone. I'll be getting new tubing soon anyway. I just don't like the idea that there was algae in it.
Well, that did take a bit of time (of course, I was able to do other things whilst the :flushing” was going on so...) and ALL the while, Yonah had taken to sitting a-top her house! Another day of her being OUT! I LIKE THAT! She's getting “investigative”. Truth is, as long as she doesn't collide with walls, windows, furniture, I'd LIKE her to feel that she has run of the entire house. If she's staying, this will be her home, domain, pretty much her “world” and I want her to take full advantage of ALL of the space! Ah... THEN CAME THE FUN... THE FUN!!! When I was putting the pool back, after giving her house quite the cleaning, since she was out of it, SHE'D BEEN CALLING TO ME, FROM HER ROOM, TO THE KITCHEN, AND I WAS “RETURNING THE CALLS”. BUT WHEN I GOT INTO HER HOUSE AND WAS SETTLING EVERYTHING, SHE GOT SO PLAYFUL! AND IT WAS, INDEED, ”PLAYFUL”! WHEN I PUT MY FINGERS CLOSE TO HER, SHE PECKED AT THEM, BUT NOT “VICIOUSLY”. IT WAS ALMOST MORE LIKE “PREENING” OR “POKING”. AND SHE DIDN'T TRY TO TAKE FLIGHT! SHE WASN'T AFRAID OF ME AT ALL!!! SHE DID PECK, THEN FLAP HER BOTH HER WINGS TO MAKE A “SNAPPING” SOUND. IT WAS AS IF SHE WAS IN A PLAYFUL “FIGHTING” MOOD”! I DIDN'T “PUSH” THE ISSUE FOR LONG. I DON'T “KNOW” WHETHER SHE'S BEING COMPLETELY PLAYFUL OR IF SHE'S ACTUALLY ANNOYED. BUT AS I SAY, IT WASN'T AS IF SHE WAS TRYING TO INFLICT INJURY. STILL, SINCE SHE'D BEEN OUT ALL MORNING AND IT WAS “LUNCH TIME” I HAD TO “COAX” HER BACK INTO HER HOUSE FOR LUNCH... THAT'S WHEN WE RAN INTO TROUBLE...
YES... INTO THE WINDOW AGAIN!!! AND THERE WAS A BIT OF BLOOD ON THE WINDOW SILL! I DON'T KNOW WHERE IT CAME FROM BECAUSE WHEN I GOT HER BACK INTO HER HOUSE, THERE WASN'T ANY TO BE SEEN IN THERE, AND IT'S GOT A LAYER OF WHITE KITCHEN ROLL ON THE ENTIRE FLOORING. STILL! WHAT IT DID HELP ME WITH THOUGH IS THAT I ACTUALLY GOT TO SEE HER “FLY”... SHE FLEW ABOUT THE ROOM, FAIRLY WELL, BEFORE HEADING BACK IN. IT LOOKED A BIT “AWKWARD”, NOT THE “GRACEFUL” FLIGHT OF A DOVE. BUT SHE DID MANAGE TO FLY! AND SHE DID MANAGE TO GET BACK “HOME”. But when it comes to her being able to fly and distance and at a good speed, to escape predators, to fly with a flock... I'm not su sure. BUT... she has a new, larger house coming, maybe she'll get better exercise in there and things will improve. (I can still HOPE.)
She DID come back out at “dinner time” and getting her back in was a bit of a “do” but not too difficult. She didn't mind being “playful” this after-noon BUT SHE DOES NOT WANT TO BE “HANDLED”! Fair enough. Besides, tonight she needs to recover, get rest. I can understand that.
So after all this, I got back to work on her web pages. I have to re-do the entire “scheme” of them now. I'm not exactly sure how or what, but there's 7 pages in the one segment thus far and I'd rather different topics have their own “page”. I'll be occupied with that for a while now and, well, if anybody's watching the site (which I doubt, since it's only just launched, really) they'll see that attention is being paid to it and that's good.
Friday, her new house is due to arrive, so I'll be working on a “dolly” for that too, come the week-end. Oh... there's always time for YONAH! Time and LOVE LOVE LOVE!
So this evening, “tuck-in” and “I LOVE YOU”, she's all settled-in for the night and I won't be disturbing her at all until I hear her “call” in the morning. She's had QUITE the day! (I'VE had quite the day... with her. It's been ACTIVE, to say the least.)
In closing: I was watching some episodes of an old British series called “One Foot In The Grave”. I used to watch it, many years ago and have now found it on-line and so, before bed, I pass some time re-re-watching. But tonight the second episode I watched was truly DISTURBING:
Victor Meldrew, the main character, had been getting up every morning and going into the back garden to feed a little red bird that had begun frequenting for a meal. Victor had come to expect the little one every day and was SO enjoying its daily visit. Well... at the end of today's episode, Victor went out to put out breakfast to find that the little one had been killed by a neighbour's black and white cat! Of course, Victor was heart-broken, got a little box and gave the little one a “proper burial”. But it just THRUST right through my soul! The little bird, the black and white cat... all TOO similar to this place, the cat next door (that kept coming over here to attack chipmunks, and the likes) and the little bird! NOW... I MUST make some sort of safer arrangement in the back for the birds out there! I know cats do what cats do... but I don't have to enable...
Anyway... Yonah is here, in her house, safe and sound, well-protected, LOVED and SO CHERISHED, and that's what's truly most important in this old world.

Tuesday 11 May:
Oh, this day... “opened” Yonah's house and she appears to be in a “snit” with me! She wasn't even slightly “combative” with me. Just didn't seem to want to even be “bothered” at all. Not combative, not playful... not even indifferent. Just obviously didn't really want me around.
I probably didn't make matters any better by going out shopping, even though the primary reason was for items to make her more “comfy”. (No, I didn't go “guilt shopping”. I've wanted and needed some items all along, but I “postpone shopping” of any sort these days, for a multitude of reasons, the top of which is... well... I don't like leaving Yonah alone in the house for the hours it takes, since the closest actual “stores” are a 45-minute drive away.)
BUT... shopping was good. I got 4 little wheels for the “dolly” I want to make for her new house, and 2 small “trays” that go with what must be a terribly small “dog crate”, and a little PVC “elbow” for the “new bath”. AND I got a “new bath” for her! THIS one is larger (since there's more room in the “new house”, so she'll actually be able to SPLASH ABOUT in it! (It's an “Anchor Hocking baking dish”... just large and deep enough for comfy bathing. 35x25x5cm!) Also got 3 little dishes for food and water (and one extra... in case of need). Got a roll of a heavy gauge, plastic, translucent “shelf liner” that I'll use on her “old house”, IF she goes back out (which, lately, doesn't look “promising” because those feathers on her left wing are still rather horrid... even though she's flying in her room some-what nicely... time will tell. Oh, a actually found a jar of “High Calcium Grit”! At last! It's been difficult to find recently, and Yonah needs her calcium... not to mention, grit, for digestion.
Last stop: the market... BROCCOLI! Also high in calcium, and vitamin D... and she LIKES her broccoli! A little “extra treat”.
When I got in, I immediately went to her to tell her of the things I bought... FOR HER... and opened her door. Moments later, she was a-top the cage, as usual. SWEET-HEART! BUT... when I went to talk to her, she SNAPPED HER WINGS AT ME AND TRIED TO POKE MY FINGERS AGAIN! THEN GAVE A “RUFFLE”. SHE'S MIFFED AND I DON'T KNOW WHY! But I went on about preparing my meal, eating and when I went back in to get her so that she could eat before going to sleep... she gave another “Wing-Thing” and it took a bit of doing but I did get her back into the cage. (She did eat something and, as I type, she's “seepie-nigh-night”.) I can't imagine WHAT'S gotten into her. The season? It's “Spring”... Hormones? Oh well... at least by Saturday, she'll be in bigger digs, with a larger pool, more space, wider spaces in the “mesh”, less “confining”... I'll have my work cut out for me, making the little “dolly” to go under her new place so that she can be moved to “follow the sun” (IF we ever actually EVER get ANY). And then, I want to figure out some “green'ry”... in the new place, I could almost put in REAL TREES! (And I know JUST where to get them too! Plenty “seedlings” in the woods and along the river. I'm thinking “potting” them so they'll continue to grow, instead of “clippings” that dry out in short order.). But that's for then... For now... I'll just have to see how long this “snit” lasts. I don't mind... other than I'm at a loss for knowing what's bothering her. (I thought it might be mites, but I notice the doves out back doing the same “picking, preening, fluffing” that she does. It could be dryness from the radiator too. We'll see... I see NO indications of mites in her cage... and I've looked it up.)
One other thing I thought of today: I've been using a “sun block” on my face lately, preparing for the “out doors” activities of yard work. It's a “UV Block”, and I've seen what UV vision looks like, in my research, on-line. Birds see “UV”, so what we humans see is nothing in comparison. BUT, using a “UV Block” on the face cuts ALL colours out... and so, our faces would appear, to a bird, to be BLACK! I wonder if that's not what Yonah is seeing now. If so, it's a STARK difference from the face she's seen through the Winter months. Maybe I frighten her? Maybe I appear to be some stranger? I'll have to stop using the “block” and see what happens. (How odd that I should know this. Eh? Oh the things we learn... when we have a mind to learn... and these past months have been SUCH and education... thanks to my little “Professor” here.)
Well, by end of day, all the “new purchases” are washed and ready for “installation” when the “new house” arrives. The broccoli is thoroughly cleaned (I don't trust “market” produce... there's no telling what's on it, who's handled it, what it's been through... and I don't want ANYTHING on ANYTHING Yonah eats that would cause her even the slightest upset.)
She's tucked-in for the night, safe, sound, comfy-cozy. Tomorrow... another day... another day... another day. (And I'm falling behind in my “documenting”... “Journalling”. MUST get to that! A day with YONAH!)

Wednesday 12 May:
THE HUMMING-BIRDS HAVE RETURNED!!!
With this morning's 6.30 alarm... “the call”... Well, my heart was FULL of JOY! Yonah's “speaking”! A GLORIOUS way to start a day!
Today's “menu” included cod liver oil. She's not “fond” of it, and I imagine it does leave a bit of a rather unfamiliar “flavour”, even though it's said that doves don't “taste” their food, nor, it's claimed, do they “smell” it. They basically choose seeds by appearance. But it's also claimed that cod liver oil is rich in vitamins and it provides some “fat” that's absent in most of their seeds. So, 5ml to 500g of seed... it isn't a lot, “just enough” (I found the “recipe” on-line... from a guy who raises chickens. I know... chickens aren't doves and doves aren't chickens but... I don't want Yonah lacking in ANYTHING so... we're giving it a try. If she seriously refuses to eat the seeds with the oil, well, we'll move along onto something else. All of this is still, very much, “trial and error”... “live and learn”.)
Yonah's new house is due to arrive in 2 days (or should be) and she and I have time to look forward together... SET-UP! I'm REALLY excited about this. More space, more “open space” for more air to flow through. And SO MUCH LESS like a “cage”! (And the larger door will make it SO much easier for Yonah to come and go as she pleases... should she please.)
During the day, I did manage to get to more work on Yonah's web-site, but most of it was more research, on-line, so I was in the kitchen, on the lap-top. (I don't use the WiFi in her room... I just don't like “attracting signals through her”... bad enough they're going through everything anyway, but no sense “inviting” them!) She was a-top her house most of the while and when I went in to check on her food and water... SHE TOOK OFF AND INTO FLIGHT... in her room. I stood quite still, but waved my hands by the windows to keep her from slamming into them... SHE WENT DIRECTLY INTO HER HOUSE! SHE KNOW HOW TO GET OUT... SHE KNOWS HOW TO GET BACK IN! AND SHE HAD LUNCH... AND A LITTLE SNOOZE.
AND THEN, as I was preparing my evening meal... she came back out to “roost” a-top her house again. It seems to be her favourite place now. Hey! No problem! (I wonder if she'll enjoy being a-top the new place as well...)
Over all, though, it was a sun-filled day and Yonah seems to have returned to her “usual” self. Not really any more “'animated” that usual, but, thankfully, the “snit” appears to be passed. I'm relieved.
Ah... BUT... TODAY'S “RAY OF HOPE”... THE RETURN OF THE HUMMIES! I'd stepped out onto the front porch after this evening's meal, at about 18.30 and, as I stood there, I HEARD THE FAMILIAR *** BUZZ ***... AND THERE, AT THE SOUTHERN END... *** Mr. BUZZ *** !!! HOVERING WHERE THE HUMMING-BIRDS' FEEDER HUNG LAST YEAR! AND HE HOVERED FOR QUITE THE WHILE. I COULD ALMOST “HEAR”... “HEY! WE'RE BACK! WHERE'S THE FOOD?” All day I've been thinking that I have to boil-up some nectar for them. Tomorrow's the 15th of the month and I've actually been planning on putting their feeders up on that date. In fact, I have them all washed and drying and ready to fill and hang tomorrow. All I needed to do was make the nectar! Well! In an absolute panic, I went RUNNING into the house, grabbed the sugar, ran the hot tap, gathered the feeder and put batches of nectar together in each. A DEAR friend, years ago, who's “penchant” was hummies told me that it isn't absolutely necessary to boil the nectar so... this will carry them until I can actually get to the particulars of good batches. So now, as I type this, the feeders are on the porch, there's a pot of “nectar” on the hob. THE HUMMIES ARE BACK!!! WARMER TIMES AHEAD! Sadly though, tonight's forecast is for only 1°. That's still COLD! And today I was thinking that if the hummies come back now, they'll need the energy after their migration AND now, more-so, after a cold night! Well... here they are, and food is ready for them.
This evening, when I went to get her back in for the night, she shed ANOTHER CLUMP OF FEATHERS! I've NO idea where they came from. I got a hold of her and held her to me as I tried to determine where she's lost so many light, down-like feathers, but there's no sign, no indication. And she wasn't at all happy, being held. But I stroked her, spoke softly and she wasn't combative or the likes. She got back into her house and was a touch skittish... “skittish”... a word I've seen a LOT of in the research for her site. But, thankfully, she wasn't breathing heavily and showed no sign of “trauma”. I've got other feathers in a jar in her room, so I added these and had a good look in the jar. She doesn't appear to have “mites” or any sort of parasites. I can't help but wonder if it isn't from her injuries. It doesn't look like she'll be able to fly at “100%” and the “Birdman” in Australia was saying “If she can't fly at 100% it looks like she'll be staying with you”. It breaks my heart, taking her from the flock. But it would destroy me, thinking of her “out there” unable to escape danger, fly distances with the flock, migrate away from the cold, come Autumn. I wouldn't mind, really, if she returned to the others... if I knew she was happy again, re-united, properly, and COULD defend herself. And if she stays, I've even looked into getting another dove for her. That would bother me too, separating another dove from... friends and such (the “bird-selling” business physically sickens me), and I'm not sure how she'd respond to a “domesticated” dove. Again, this is all a matter of “time”... I just need to be patient, I suppose...
Well... lights out. Tonight will be chilly but there are no “minuses”, no “sub-freeze” in the forecast for the coming fort-night! And the days' highs in the teens! The hummies are back... “Better days” are coming! Meanwhile... this little LOVE is safe and sound, CHERISHED... and soon, will be in another new house... ALL HER OWN!

Thursday 13 May:

YONAH HAS BEEN MY LIFE FOR 7 MONTHS TODAY!
AND TODAY, SHE FLEW FROM HER ROOM TO THE LIVING-ROOM... PERFECTLY!
Bring brutally honest about today, I SO WISH I could think of this as a “celebration”... but my heart just won't allow it. THIS SHOULD have been the month when Yonah would be out, on the back gallery, FREE to re-join the flock, to return to her “folks”, find a nice mate and be off in the wild, flying to all sorts of places, raising little ones, off to the river, up into the mountains. But how cruel would it be of me to have protected her through the Winter, against the cold, making she she had more than enough to eat, GOOD food, fresh water, a clean, safe place, and then, “toss” her out to try and fend for herself... with a wing that simply won't alllow her to “fly at 100%”? Were I NOT aware, if I truly DIDN'T care to learn and come to know... but I DO know, I AM aware... BUT... I STILL have hope. Maybe she'll take to flying about the house, that will WILL improve and she WILL be “out there... We still have June and July, at the very least. We can hold the hope through those months. But today, she has clean place, a new and larger “house” on the way, and... broccoli... good for her, nutritionally and she enjoys it. Oddly, when I said the word “broccoli” this morning, as I opened the curtains and “announced the menu for today”, she “coo'ed”... I said “broccoli” thrice, and thrice it evoked a “coo”, almost as if she was saying “YAY!” Hey! It provides calcium, vitamins C and D... good stuff, good things, good food for her. And she has a good home where she's safe. Now, I just have to figure how to make sure she gets good sun-shine and a GOOD place to call “Home”... at least, for a while longer.
Today, the skies were blue, the sun washed over the mountain-tops and is was a delightful day, over-all. And it began with a “morning chat” (as we often begin a day). We talked about the “anniversary”, the changes over the months, the “new house”, good food and, as I ALWAYS make sure to include, in or “chats” and, well, every opportunity, to tell her just how much I LOVE her, how integral she is in my daily existence. Whether she “understands” or not isn't important. That it's said... I can just hope, in my heart, that some-how, there IS some degree of understanding. And from her ever-growing trust, I have perfect cause to believe... she DOES understand.
I had a lot of work to be done on her web-site and “prep-work” to build a “stand” for her new house, work which I can't do until it arrives, but...
it was about 12.30 and I was sitting in Yonah's room, getting to the site-work, she'd been resting, comfy, a-top her house for the morning until... SHE JUST TOOK OFF! OUT OF THE ROOM AND, WITH-OUT ANY “BANGS” OR “COLLISIONS”, I HEARD THE “WHISTLE” OF HER WINGS... SHE FLEW DIRECTLY INTO THE LIVING-ROOM AND LANDED, QUITE NICELY, ON A CHRISTMAS CACTUS THERE! A PERFECT FLIGHT! ABSOLUTELY PERFECT! AND MY HEART DANCED! SHE FLYING! AND CAUTIOUSLY! THE FRONT DOOR WAS OPEN THE SCREEN DOOR ON THE LATCH, OF COURSE. THE BACK DOOR IS OPEN, THE SCREEN DOOR THERE, ON THE LATCH AS WELL. SO SHE'S GOT FRESH AIR COMING IN. AND SHE'S LEARNING TO TAKE FREE RUN OF THE HOUSE AND EXERCISING HER WINGS! WOOO-HOOO! It's a bit of a shame that I don't yet, dare to leave her out of “house and room”... just let her have the whole house, not until she becomes more familiar with it all... BUT SHE'S FLYING AGAIN... FLYING!!!
So we spent the greater part of the day together, in her room... after I “brought” her back. As I say, I'd LOVE to just let her be but, the little flight obviously took a bit out of her, so I carried her back, after we sat, for quite the while, together, in the living-room, where I did my best to “sound” thrilled, proud, happy. (I want her to associate her flying with “positive sounding” voice, encouragement, as it were.) She went back to her house, had a little “nosh” and recuperated. I continued working on her web-site... back-ground, spelling, compiling a “Bibliography” that I WANT included, to show my own research and to encourage others to look at a multitude of resources before taking any sort of actions. I know that most people hit one site, one page, for all sorts of topics, and that's as far as they get. Ah... I'm always learning that that's NOT even slightly acceptable. So... “Bibliography” it is...
in other news... THE HUMMING-BIRDS ARE CERTAINLY BACK! TWO feeders, one on the front porch and the other on the back gallery, and they're at BOTH! I'm THRILLED! “Spring”, warmer weather... soon to come and stay... for a while, short that it might be, but it's just about here... at what seems “LONG” last!
So then, as the day closed, we couldn't possibly have an “absolutely perfect” day... “life”, “the world”... “Creation” just doesn't work that way. I'd been on the front porch for a few moments this evening and I heard a “bang” in the house. When I got back in, I went directly to Yonah to find her a-top her house, but appearing “sedate”... as she usually i after a slam into a window. AND... as I offered it, SHE HOPPED ONTO MY ARM, and I brought her back into her house where she could rest... and I “settled” her, “tucked her in” for the night at about 19.45. She had such a WONDERFUL flight today... I don't KNOW for certain, that the “bang” was her, she had no signs of injuries, but, just to be on the “safer” side, a good night's rest can't be wrong.

Tomorrow, hopefully, her new house will arrive. I'm wishing it would get here early in the day so I could work on the “stand/cart”. The wood I have available isn't exactly what I'd like, but I'll use what I have to make Yonah as comfortable as possible. And I'll have to get out and cut new perches for the new place. I want to find new rocks for her new pool and, perhaps, more moss. AND... I'd REALLY like to get some actual little “shrubs” or trees as well. She seems to like being near the avocado tree that's in the pot beside her house... BUT TODAY, I READ THAT AVOCADO... THE FRUIT AND THE TREE (leaves, bark, &c.) ARE TOXIC FOR BIRDS! Well, that'll have to be moved, preferably out of the room... there's a lot of re-arranging to be done... when the new house comes. Exciting time, this! And ALL for the LOVE, the HEART, the SOUL of my LIFE!

Friday 14 May:

YONAH'S NEW HOUSE ARRIVED TODAY !!!
Ah, the sky was clear, blue, the sun rose quietly over the mountains... Yonah coo'ed, the humming-birds, mourning doves, chipmunks and all had their breakfast... Yonah was fine, after her “Great Adventures” yesterday! “Tracking” showed her house “on the road”, “out for delivery”... WHAT a morning! WHAT a MORNING!
This morning, as I sat typing some notes, catching-up with Journalling, I heard the fluttering of wings... YONAH WAS OUT FOR THE DAY! SHE'S FLYING AGAIN... AND SO TOO, IS MY HEART, KNOWING THAT SHE'S WELL ENOUGH FOR HER ADVENTURES! She'd come to stand at her door for a good hour, looking out, as if “sizing-up” the situation. BUT, that she decided to “take the flight” is just SO encouraging, SO up-lifting, not only her, physically, but my mood, spirit, heart and soul! AND she coo'ed repeatedly! SHE'S FINE! SHE'S WELL! SHE'S MY LIFE!
BUT WHAT A DAY IT'S BEEN!!! AT 14.24, Yonah was in the living-room... she'd flown out and gone to the plants at the window for a while and I continued with my house-things. When I came back to the living-room, she was back on the futon. I think she likes the colouration... and, oddly-enough, she blends-in almost perfectly with the beiges and muted other colours of the “tapestry”. Maybe she knows she's almost un-detectable there? Well, I decided to try for a lie-down... on the futon, with her there. SHE DIDN'T MIND AT ALL. So I got comfy and SO DID SHE... ON MY LEGS, then ON MY CHEST! (Photos taken, of course.)
WELL... AT ABOUT 14.25 I HEARD THE “THUMP” ON THE FRONT PORCH... HER NEW HOUSE ARRIVED!!! That was the end of “snoozing”. I got up, brought the box in and opened it. PERFECT CONDITION! And before I knew it, I'd set it up! SO... of course, I HAD to try it on the window table in her room... PERFECT FIT! And whilst Yonah was in the living-room... I went insane... I SET THE ENTIRE HOUSE UP... WITH ALL THE “FAMILIAR” THINGS FROM THE OLD PLACE... THEN WENT TO THE BACK YARD AND GOT LIMBS... Looked in the garage at the “pallet wood”... I probably could make the little cart for this new house with what I have but... I'd really rather get something nicer... The thing is.... the new house is HEAVY! So moving it back and forth across the table is a bit of an effort. Never mind if I wanted to move it to another room (like the living-room if I want to paint in Yonah's room). So, I brought the limbs to the house and cut one new perch, with notches to fit the new bars. THEN took the “shelf” from what was left-over from the dollar-store steel and white plastic coated “kitchen cup-board” shelf thing, sawed off a sharp bit and managed to put another shelf in for her, in the same corner as the other one in the “old place”. Her new pool went in. This new place is easy-peasy. 4 rows of kitchen roll across with a nice “tuck” in the back and front. And SO much easier access! What a DREAM! And space? It's really wonderful! Yonah's even shown that she actually has to use her wings (poor as the left one is) to get about, up to her perch, down for food, back and forth. She can almost fly in there! And so, when it was complete, I went to the living-room, cupped her in my hands and brought her in to her new place. Even as of now, she's “adapting”. I sense she's a little uncomfortable. The spacing in the bars is much wider, and there's a lot more space for her. But she's OK with it, for the most part. To be honest, it IS different from what she's gotten used to. But it's SO MUCH MORE OPEN, SO MUCH MORE AIR-FLOW... and, I'm sure, LIGHT!
After “meal”, I brought her back out the the living-room. I had her old house on it's side on the floor as I was tidying her room for a bit, and she went right for it! She recognised it, even turned on its side on the floor! So I set her in the sun that was pouring in through the open door and went about Hoovering. When that was done, she actually GOT ON MY SHOULDER and I brought her into her room where, I made an adjustment to the “light block” so it fit a bit closer on the top, and she's now “in” for the night. She's a little “off”... new place and such. But she's settled. We'll see how the night goes. Shame I don't have a place to sleep in there with her. But I'll work on that as time goes by. For now... this is truly the epitome of “Bitter-Sweet”... I SO wanted to see her back out in the wild, with her flock again! But, the truth, the fact... that left wing just doesn't lay properly on her little body, and though she can fly in the house, I most seriously doubt she'd be able to dodge predators out there. And though I believe she can fly “high”, I doubt she'd fly “long” or “fast”. Looks like we're a couple now... til death do us part. I can't say that I mind at all. I'm heart-sick that she's had to forfeit her freedom and liberty of the wilderness though... absolutely heart-sick and heart-broken. But I ADORE her... with every bit of my being, and giving her all I can is my blessing. We'll see how WE fare... over time. For now, she's safe from harm, the winds, rains, snows, predators... she has a healthy diet of foods, fresh water... and if (Oh forbid) another dove should ever come injured... I know what I can do, I even have a proper cage now for convalescing. AND... a little “companion” for him or her. “Life” will be alright... (Three little birdies, at my door-step singing “Don't you worry, 'bout a ting, 'cause every little ting, gong be ah-right”.)
And the weather today was amazing, quite comfortably warm and sunny for the most. The doors were open. Delightful!
AND THE HUMMING-BIRDS ARE REALLY, REALLY BACK! 3 OUT FRONT. 3 IN THE BACK. JUST LIKE LAST YEAR! AND THIS YEAR, AGAIN, THEY STILL FIGHT FOR THE FEEDERS *AND* THEY COME TO THE FEEDERS WHEN I STEP OUT THE DOOR, THEY MUST BE THE SAME ONES FROM LAST YEAR AND THEY REMEMBER WHERE THERE'S FOOD AND WHO BRINGS IT! WOW! I'm SO HAPPY that I put the feeders up yesterday! “Timing”... “Life”... and that strange “connection with Nature”. I had to wonder about it even this morning. From judging the season by the mountains to just getting notice from that one humming-bird to put food out. Mine is most strange existence.
Didn't get to work on Yonah's web-site today, but there's time... there's tomorrow. It's supposed to be only 5° tomorrow morning. I'm hoping the house holds enough of today's warmth to last through the night.

I didn't put Yonah's radiator on before she settled for the night and I don't want to go in and disturb her rest. She had “quite the day”. And now, she's in her NEW HOUSE! It's all settled, with the new trays, with sand in both... fresh, clean sand, the moss is on top of the sand in the “front” tray. Her new “pool” is in and has water in it. I'll work with the pump tomorrow... we ran out of time today, but tomorrow, we'll have a working “fountain” for her too.)

PRECIOUS, MOST-CHERISHED LITTLE LOVE... IF SHE'S TO STAY HERE, SHE'LL BE SO WELL CARED FOR, TAKEN CARE OF, SAFE, NOURISHED, APPRECIATED, RESPECTED... and if not? Well... she's got a whole new start on Life! Only “Time” will tell where we go from here... But no matter what: she is and always will be my HEART!

Saturday 15 May:
Mid-point of May... We're rolling into the warmer days... Winter is, for all intent and purpose, behind us now!
And it was another delightful, TRULY delightful day that started with a “fluffy” little bundle of LOVE in her NEW HOUSE! It got a bit chilly in the house last night, 18° this morning, and Yonah was “fluffed” against it. Oops! My bad! as they say. But we got the chill out with a quick run of the furnace so she was back to “comfy-cozy” in a quick bit.
When I stepped out onto the back gallery, to put “breakfast” out for the birds out-side, a little hummie cam a-hovering at the step just below where I was standing. They're SO curious and just a bit on the “bold” side of things. (And I have to ponder: Am I becoming a “Birdman”? “The Birdman of New Russia”? When I think back, my first Summer here, we were inundated... the entire house was SURROUNDED by/with Monarch butterflies! It was, well, “AWE-FULL”... the milk-weed was plentiful in the flower beds, the caterpillars were quite numerous and they attached to door-jams, window-sills... every-where they possibly could. And suddenly, for a while, when they all decided to emerge, the place was “a-flutter”! Monarchs ALL round! The following Summer... the humming-birds came, 2, 3 ... 5... It was a JOYFUL DELIGHT! Now... THIS year, it's the return of the humming-birds AND... a mourning dove... and me. “Life”... the way it OUGHT to be, especially at “this time in my life”. I AM SO VERY BLESSED!!!)
And Yonah was delightfully well... and NOTHING can top THAT! AND, AS SOON AS I OPENED THE “NEW” DOOR TO HER “NEW” HOUSE, SHE WAS UP AND OUT AND UP TO THE TOP WHERE SHE SO ENJOYS “ROOSTING”! A “new” day had commenced... and thanks to this little one, JOYFULLY!
Immediately after morning coffee, I got busy...

YONAH'S POOL IS UP AND RUNNING AND IT EVEN HAS A LITTLE “FOUNTAIN” IN IT NOW! I need more rocks, different sizes and shapes, but for what it is now, it's really quite delightful and functioning. And she's been a riot all day, in and out and in and out. Out, mostly... and I still have to physically get her back in for lunch and dinner and snacks. Crazy little bird. She didn't leave her room all day, but we spent most of the day together, as I've been re-writing the pages of her site... with her supervision, as it were. Her wing feathers are still so frayed and I've managed to take a photo to post to the “Birdman” in Australia when I can. I still believe the “odd feathers” are because of that injury she sustained. I just don't have the guts or heart to “pull” any of them, and they obviously annoy her. BUT... SHE FLIES! Not perfectly... BUT SHE FLIES and that's WONDERFUL! And she's getting SO comfortable with me. In fact, tonight, since I can now, with the large door on her “house”, after I put her “light blocks” on, I put my head into the cage by her perch and, as I always do, re-assured her that all was safe and she could sleep well again tonight... she scurried over and stood right beside my face! It touches the core of my soul when she does that. We're “Friends”... “Family” now... and as I just said in a little “prayer to the heavens”... I'll do ALL I can for as long as I breathe, to make sure she's taken care of... as perfectly as is humanly possible... for as long as is humanly possible. She actually IS... my Life now.
Tomorrow, I have to get her more moss, a better perch (this one's a bit raggedy and too close to the side of the cage for her tail). And I'm thinking “ferns”... the small ones from the back of the house... and a little “shrub'ry” of some sort... plants from the woods, and the stones. Yes... she's my “obsession” and I'm pleased and proud to say so.
So it was a most pleasant day. This old house is still holding the “chill” from Winter and the sun was clouded-over for most of the day. The trees here, at the base of the mountains, are REALLY bursting into green, the lawn is growing ever-so well. The humming birds are back, fighting for the feeders as they do. “Life” of the “warm season” has returned... What's to come will come... but as long as Yonah is safe and well... we are and will always be... perfectly fine.

Sunday 16 May:

TODAY, YONAH TOOK A WONDERFUL BATH IN THE NEW POOL! BUT... I GOT TO SEE HER LEFT WING, CLEARLY... SHE MUST HAVE SUFFERED INJURY TO THE EDGE AS WELL AS CLOSER TO HER BODY BECAUSE THERE'S “SCAR TISSUE” ALONG THE EDGE WHERE THOSE FEATHERS WON'T GROW PROPERLY!!! HOW I NEVER NOTICED IT IS IRRESPONSIBLE AND REPREHENSIBLE AND MY HEART IS CRUSHED, MY SOUL, RIPPED OUT OF ME! SHE'S NOT GOING TO “RECOVER” FROM ALL OF THIS AND SHE'LL NEVER BE ABLE TO FLY FAST, FAR AND PROPERLY! MY DREAMS AND HOPES OF HER RETURNING TO THE WILD ARE SMASHED! THIS IS MY “HELL”! I WANT TO BLAME SOME “GOD”... I WANT TO BLAME SOME “THING” OR SOME “ONE”... BUT THE LOGICAL PART OF ME UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS IS THE WAY THIS “CREATION” IS... I'VE BEEN WORKING, ALL DAY, ON HER SITE, AGAIN, AND ON THE “MEDICAL EMERGENCY” PAGE I'VE WRITTEN, FOR THE SAKE OF THOSE WHO READ IT (IF THERE EVER ACTUALLY IS ANYBODY WHO WILL)... UNDER “FRACTURES” AND CARE OF THEM, THAT THEY, THE READER, SHOULD BE PROUD THAT THEY ARE THERE TO ATTEND A WOUNDED DOVE BECAUSE, IN THE WILD, S/HE WOULD, MOST LIKELY, SIMPLY FIND A QUIET, DARK SECLUDED PLACE WHERE S/HE WOULD BE IGNORED AND ABANDONED AND, MOST LIKELY SIMPLY DIE. AT THE VERY LEAST, THEY, THE READER, IS THERE TO GIVE LOVE, COMPASSION AND CARE. IT'S THE SAME WITH YONAH... HAD I LEFT HER TO “NATURE”, SHE'D MORE THAN LIKELY, BECOME PREY TO SOME-THING (LIKE THE CAT NEXT DOOR), OR JUST LAY THERE, SOME-WHERE, HIDDEN UNDER THE PORCH... TO DIE... SLOWLY. AS IT IS NOW, SHE HAS A WONDERFUL HOUSE THAT TODAY, SHE SHOWED ME (THIS MORNING AT 8.40 AS I SAT AT THE WORK TABLE) THAT SHE CAN AND WILL FLY OUT OF TO SIT A-TOP AND WHEN HUNGRY, FLY BACK IN TO EAT!!! THAT WAS MY MAJOR CONCERN OF LATE, BUT TODAY... SHE JUST DID IT! AND SHE OBVIOUSLY ENJOYED BEING ABLE TO BATHE IN THE NEW POOL, WITH THE LITTLE FOUNTAIN RUNNING BECAUSE SHE SAT IN THE WATER, RAISED ONE WING THEN THE OTHER AND HAD A WONDERFUL TIME OF IT. SHE'S EATING EVER-SO WELL AND DRINKING FRESH WATER DAILY. SHE'S PROTECTED FROM THE HEAT AND COLD OUT-SIDE AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, SHE'S PROTECTED FROM PREDATORS. NOTHING WILL BE ABLE TO HARM HER... BECAUSE SHE'S HERE! HER LITTLE LIFE AND SOUL ARE SAFE, PROTECTED AND I'LL SEE TO IT THAT SO LONG AS I'M ALIVE, IT WILL STAY THAT WAY! STILL... IT WOULD HAVE BEEN WONDERFUL TO SEE HER RETURN TO A FLOCK... FLYING FREELY TO WHERE-EVER SHE WANTED TO GO. (THOUGH, LATELY, SHE SEEMS TO BE SO COMFORTABLE IN “HER” ROOM... EVEN TO THE POINT WHERE, WHEN I OFFERED TO TAKE HER, ON MY SHOULDER, AROUND THE HOUSE AND TO THE LIVING-ROOM, SHE'D HAVE NONE OF IT AND RETURNED, IMMEDIATELY, TO HER HOUSE.) NOW I HAVE TO WONDER: IF THERE'S ANY SORT OF “FORCE” OR “BEING” OR WHAT-EVER, THAT GIVES OUR EXISTENCE A PURPOSE... IS IT AS HAS BEEN CLAIMED (BY THOSE WHO KNOW YONAH IS HERE) THAT SHE CAME INTO MY LIFE FOR A PURPOSE? TO KEEP ME HERE BECAUSE THERE'S SOMETHING ELSE I HAVE TO DO IN MY LIFE-TIME? I HAVE TO WONDER. BUT... FOR NOW... SHE AND I ARE TOGETHER... NO MATTER WHAT! SHE'S MY HEART AND SOUL AND I'M QUITE HAPPY TO BE OF AND IN HER SERVICE... 'TIL DEATH DO US PART.
I was up and out of bed at 6.30... immediately got into the “routine” of the day and by about 8.00, I'd changed the water in Yonah's pool and was sitting at the work table working on her site. Thankfully, there was brilliant sun-shine this

morning but by about 10.00... the rain came again and lasted until almost 17.00 tonight when the sky cleared, the sun shone... as it started to dip over the Western mountains. Another chilly and damp day.
AT day's end, Yonah was “tucked-in” for the night. Here we are... she is here and so am I and so are we and here, in this little mountain hamlet, is where she came from and here is where I was for here and here we will make our little lives... together. I am SO TRULY, DIVINELY BLESSED BY HER PRESENCE. AND, I AM STILL, EVEN AFTER THESE MONTHS, IN AWE... DISBELIEF. She came into my life, I, in a way, into hers... “Fate”? What-ever it was, my heart is SO FULL... just SO COMPLETE. (Though I still regret that she isn't back in the “natural” environment into which she was born, inherited. But then again, as I think on it, that “natural” was what brought her here, so, in a way... We're fine... just fine.)

Monday 17 May:
I was at Yonah's site ALL DAY... ALL DAY, which means ALL DAY WITH YONAH... I, in her company, she, in mine, with the exception of a “lunch” and a “dinner” break... and the usual distractions and diversions I usually go through in a day. But I DID manage to go across the Hill, to the wooded area at “the park” and cut a maple sapling for new perches. AND I dug up some small ferns from the back yard to plant in a jar to put in the corner by “the pool”.
Other than those moments... it's LITERALLY been and ENTIRE DAY of working on the site! I've RE-RE-RE-RE-RE-DONE pages... almost from scratch, combining so many that were duplicated content under different pages. I even re-did the “Home” page! And now, if I'm at all correct , all that needs to be done now is ALL the links on ALL of the pages! THEN... I still have to go through photos and videos and put them where they belong and THEN put it all on the server which means wiping out all the pages that are already on the server and replacing them... and trying to remember where images are and where they need to be. It's keeping me busy, occupied... and it's ALL a “Labour of LOVE”, for Yonah and, quite honestly, for those who might need to come to it for information and support (as I was, 7 months ago).
It was a mostly-sunny day today and Yonah and I got to spend it together, her, out of her house, resting, for the most part, in her favourite little corner, “on her roof”, as it were.
Oh... and I think I'm going to buy another one of those metal rack/shelves for her. Larger, heavier (it has to be because her new house is MUCH larger and heavier than her “previous residence). The shelving I got for the “previous residence” held that one most perfectly. But I'm almost certain I can find another that will fit the “new place” just as well. Maybe get a set of wheels for it too. Yonah will be living in a “mobile home”... of sorts, as it were! BUT, maybe then I'll be able to move her from room-to-room, give her a bit of a change of scenery (if she wouldn't mind).
But all said, it was another most delightful day, much accomplished... and my little COMPANION is, at it's close, safely tucked-in for another night of safe-and-sound rest. The world is well... the world is well.

Tuesday 18 May:
And another day of mostly working on Yonah's site. (This is a “full-time occupation” these days. But OH... the education I'm getting as I add new information, review the old, add, move, re-read. AND, it's fascinating! As I work, I wonder how many, if any, will ever come to see it, and, with Yonah's e-mail address, how many, if any, will correspond. Does she need a “social media account” now too? I know... I'm teetering out of “eccentric” and into full-on loony. But I'm sure that others in my position fully understand. If not? Oh well... THEY don't have YONAH in their lives! So there.)
The day? Well... it was cloudy for most of it, the house was chilled but the out-side warmed nicely so the doors were opened There were breaks of sun-shine and so, Yonah's window was open for most of it. FRESH AIR! OH! Poor Little One! Months of still, almost stagnant air. AT LAST! FRESH AIR... and slight breezes! I was relieved. I'm pretty sure she was too. I have to wonder if it didn't seem “so strange” to her, all Winter, being in an environment where there was no motion of the air. But then, had I opened the windows... COLD, and there was NO reason why she should have had to deal with that. Precious little Babe.
WELL! THE NEWS OF THIS DAY... I WENT TO THE TIP (local dump), STOPPED AT THE MARKET AND WHILST I WAS OUT... YONAH WAS OUT, FREE RUN OF THE HOUSE!!!! SHE SPENT THE MORNING IN THE IN HER HOUSE AND WHEN I WENT OUT TO GET THE TRUCK TO BRING IT ROUND TO THE BACK DOOR SO I COULD PACK THE HOUSE-HOLD GARBAGE IN IT TO BE HAULED AWAY... THEN SHE DECIDED TO COME OUT TO HER “CORNER A-TOP”! SO? SO I GAVE HER THE BENEFIT OF TRUST AND LEFT HER TO THE WHOLE HOUSE... ALONE! WHEN I GOT BACK... THERE SHE WAS, STILL ON HER LITTLE CORNER... JUST FINE AND DANDY... SHE'S SO COMFY IN HER ROOM, AT HER HOUSE! (Of course, I have NO idea what she was up to during my absence... “Home Alone”? But it was a delight and relief to see her so calm, as if it was just another day... another moment.) AND, MOST OF ALL... NO INJURIES!
I DO have to mention though... she's been rather “edgy” with me of late... wing-flaps and nips when I get near. Not sure what's going on there. BUT SHE WAS ON HER OWN, IN THE HOUSE, FOR A GOOD 90 MINUTES! I'd say: “She's at HOME here now.” and I couldn't be any happier.
Well, for the rest of the day, aside from the usual break to put the groceries up and another to take meal in the kitchen, I DID spend the rest of the time with her. I still have work to get done on her web-site and being in HER room with HER, is my inspiration. (And knowing that, some-how, she's “supervising” is even more “incentive” to keep at it all.)
Came 20.00, the day was done, for the most part. The sun began setting, the room began to darken and it was, as “we” call it “seepie-nigh-night” time. It “bothers” me in the evening, to tuck her in for the night, and leaving her in her room. But, I'm sure she doesn't mind it. And, I keep in mind, mourning doves, it's documented some-where, will take about 10 hours of rest at night so... Besides, at least here, she can SLEEP through the night, no need to “watch and listen” for any dangers. There are NO “threats” to her... in HER room... in HER (new, large) house... in THIS old house. No predators... no storms. She can sleep comfy, cozy, safe and sound. And knowing SHE can... I can too... PRECIOUS LITTLE LOVE!

Wednesday 19 May:
The NEW pages are up and running on Yonah's web-site today! (Another “iteration” of a site-in-progress... which it will be, always, as I learn more and more, and document more and more.)
“Bad News” of today: according to the forecast, Monday we'll drop BACK DOWN to a single-digit night! AND, for a while there-after, “high” temperatures will be in the very low teens. The closer we seem to get to “Spring”, the farther away we seem to get! And now, I'm getting into a mind-set where it isn't ONLY a matter of whether or not Yonah will be back in the flocks, it's a matter of open windows, fresh air, breezes! The few days of being able to “freshen the air” in the house have me spoiled. I look forward to simply opening the windows, through the day, through the night... moving air... breezes... FRESH AIR! Ah well... Ah well...
Yonah remains a bit “annoyed” with me, it seems. A LOT of “wing-snapping” and “hand-pecking” if and when I put my hands into her house. I WISH I COULD KNOW what it's all about! I WISH I COULD KNOW IF she's annoyed AND WHY! Sure, it's “Spring” season and she OUGHT to be out, either with the mate or being perused by other prospectives. I CAN understand that. But I HOPE she's not angry with me because she's sensing that she's being “caged”, “captive”. SHE'S A LOVE... SHE'S MY LOVE, MY HEART... and I CERTAINLY DO NOT WANT HER ANNOYED, OR SAD OR... EVER! I just want to see her content... to the best that this “new environment” has to offer. These are the times that try my old soul. I have to keep reminding me that, if she can't escape predators, “animal and human alike”, being out there is a certain death... SOMETHING attacked her once... I WILL NOT allow that to EVER happen to her again! So, I suppose we both have to ride this out, and all the while, she'll teach me, and hopefully, one of these days, we'll get back to being “Friends”.
On a happier note, her site colours have been changed, it's MUCH brighter, lighter, easier on the eye... and spirits, to be sure. There's still so much more work to be done on it, but, the sooner it got up and out, the better. Hopefully soon, it'll appear when anybody searches for information on mourning doves. That would be SO GREAT! But, for now... we tweak, up-date, move along. One of these days it'll be just a matter of up-dating a “blog” (or Journal, depending on how it all works out). And, I've no doubt, modifications to information on the “Guide”. As I say, I'm forever learning, Yonah is forever teaching, and I'll be forever posting the latest.
Tonight, another “Stop And Marvel Moment”... at about 20.00, Yonah brought her-self down from her “roof-top” and SHE BROUGHT HER-SELF IN FOR THE NIGHT! THAT LITTLE ONE IS INDESCRIBABLY INCREDIBLE! I gave her the opportunity, tonight; I purposely waited to see IF she'd head to what's become her place for the night when she got tired. And I wanted to see just how long SHE would stay up and about. WELL! I've been “targeting” 20.00, give or take, because that's about when it begins to get darker at day's end. So, it appears either I've been a REALLY GOOD guesser OR... Yonah's got a “routine” now. Which-ever, it brought BRILLIANT SMILES... to face and heart when she went in, grabbed a bit of a “nosh” and got settled on her perch where she sleeps. I AM SO BLESSED AND SHE'S A DIVINE BLESSING! ALWAYS A MARVEL! ALWAYS A JOY! ALWAYS... MY LIFE! And so... waters got changed, food got freshened, tidying got done and... another day came to a calm, wonderful close. Lights out... May she sleep sound, well, and know that she's SO VERY LOVED AND CHERISHED!

Thursday 20 May:

THE TEMPERATURE SOARED TO 32° TODAY AND... YONAH USED HER *NEW* POOL *AND* IT'S A GRAND FIT FOR HER!
It was SO WARM today that windows got opened, doors got opened! Sadly, there are still nights of only 6° and 9° to come, but for TODAY... IT WAS DELIGHTFUL! Hazy, but DELIGHTFUL!
I DID order the new shelving for Yonah. Due Wednesday-week. I DO NEED a way to move Yonahs' new house about, especially to get to her windows now that we'll be opening them more often. The shelving will make it easier... for me AND for Yonah. With the wheels on the legs, she won't be disturbed, though, she might have to “adjust” to the world moving about as she gets “re-located”. But, it sure beats having her house pulled, pushed and such.
And today, again, she appeared to remain “annoyed” with or by me (or both). “Wing-snapping” and “finger-pecking” as I went about the “morning routine” of water changes and tidying. It doesn't come across as being particularly “furious”. I mean, she doesn't with-draw from me. She stands her ground quite firmly. AND she coo's during the day. But when I leave her room and return, she seems to “take a stand” in a position of “daring”, she “fluffs” her feathers, as if to say “C'mon! Bring it on!” Poor little one. I DO suppose a “friend” in there would be nice for her, but I'm not going to “pull” another dove into the house. NO “entrapment”. And NO, I do NOT “hope for another injury” out there! And the very thought of “buying” is, to me, repulsive! I will NOT support that sort of mental illness... “selling” these beautiful little beings. So? So... we'll just have to “settle”. She has me... almost worthless as I might be in the “greater scheme of life”. But I'll continue to do ALL I humanly can to make her “Life” as comfortable and appropriate as I possibly can.
To that end... I DID get out and down the road and into the woods today. I got more, very nice moss and some VERY nice rocks for her new house. The heat and humidity was almost murder, but it was ever-so well worth the effort. And I brought he rocks in, gave them a thorough dousing of boiled water, a good scrubbing (with water... no soaps, of course) and another thorough dousing of boiled water. Yonah's house got a thorough cleaning today too. The rocks got “arranged” in her pool, which got a thorough cleaning as well. The “arrangement” still gives her a LOT of room to get into the water and SPLASH ABOUT to her heart's content! And the moss... I've left that in a plastic bag on the back gallery until I can give it a good rinse and check for “things” in it. So now, she has a pool, fountain, plants... a veritable “wood-land” all her own. OK. So it isn't “perfect”... it isn't “the great open out-doors”, but it IS close to her wood-land world that she'd be in, were she “out there”. I'll just keep trying to mimic it all as best I can for her.
OH OH OH OH... AT 11.45 (FROM THE TIME ON THE PHOTO)... YONAH WAS IN HER POOL... LITERALLY SPLASHING ABOUT!!! THE NEW ONE IS *SO* WORTH HAVING BOUGHT!!! (PHOTOS AND VIDEO TAKEN... TO BE PUT ON HER SITE, OF COURSE.) POOR BABY! IT WAS SO HOT IN HER ROOM, WITH THE SUN AND HEAT AND ALL!!! THANKFULLY, SHE HAS A POOL! AND FRESH WATER! AND TODAY, A NICE LITTLE FOUNTAIN UNDER SOME STONES AND... I'LL HAVE TO FIGURE A WAY TO KEEP THAT ROOM FROM EVER GETTING TOO HOT FOR HER! (I HAVE THE BOX FAN BLOWING FROM THE KITCHEN, INTO THE ROOM NOW... POOR SWEET-HEART. I KNOW THEY LIKE 70-90F BUT HEY!!! THIS IS HOT!)
When she'd done with her “splash”, she came out, gave a shake and went to bask in the sun for a while, on her little “beach”... the “sandy quarter”, as it were. And, of course, when she'd settled and appeared to be “established” in her little space, the water in the pool got replaced with fresh, cool water... in case another splash was to come.
And this evening, I've ordered more of the “Moulting Mix” and a jar of “Niger” seeds for her. I mix those in with her regular diet now. The “Moulting Mix” is supposed to be excellent for proper feather growth (and she could use that). The “Niger” seed I see, is “choice”, a particular favourite of birds, full of nutrients and necessary oils. So those too, get mixed in. They're “due to arrive” round the 26th... which is when the shelving is due. Good timing!
Well, well, well... another day and all is... well.

Yonah got a good swim on a hot day, and she's all tucked-in for a night of good rest. She's eaten, she's had plenty of water to drink, she's had her exercise... and, as always... she has my HEART, my SOUL, my DEDICATION, my DEVOTION, my PROTECTION... my LOVE! (I hope between that and the little things I can get for her else-where, they make her Life pleasant. All I can do is “hope”.) She IS, after all, my “existence” now.

Friday 21 May:
“The call” came at about 5.00 this morning. The day is breaking earlier, and so too, “the call of Nature”. But a kinder, sweeter “alarm” there just couldn't be. The gentle “coo-WOO-hoo-hoo”, as if floating on the early morning air... no, there just couldn't be anything more beautiful.
Yonah appears to still be in a bit of a “mood” today, with “wing-snaps” at me when I went in for the “morning routine” of water changes and “house-tidying”. And I'm coming along to expect it, and accept it and hoping that it will pass, if she's angry with me for some reason. But it's “HER”, and it's WHO and what she is, so, we shall see what develops. All the mean-while... I LOVE her so VERY much, and she IS my heart and soul and hearing and seeing her first thing of a morning just makes this other-wise potentially miserable world all worth facing.
We woke, this morning, to a “cool” house, but because of yesterday's warmth, fans ran through the night. And today's “threat”... 29° with risk of storms in the after-noon. And no, it didn't get to 29... it SURELY bolted up into the low 30s. Poor Yonah was almost lethargic most of the time. I suppose the sudden heat, after so many months of “cool” and “chill” gets to her as much as, if not more than it gets to the rest of us. I kept the box fan going in her room, windows open for fresh air, but with the “fresh” came the “hot”. Air conditioning might be nice, but then we'd go right back to the Winter months: stale, stagnant, still air. No, I'd much rather she had the fresh air, even if it is a bit hot. (And too, she has her new pool, so there's always the opportunity to cool in that, and the water is always clean. We make the best of what we have... and, let's face it, even her pool is safer than, oh, let's say, the river or a pond in the open. She can rest, relax, refresh... and all with-out any concern for any... ANY sort of “predator” coming in out of no-where. And there are river rocks, running water, moss and trees! NOTHING is “too good” and nothing could ever be “good enough” for MY little MOST-CHERISHED Companion. And I'm sure that, should it get “too hot” to tolerate, she KNOWS she has the pool and won't be shy about getting in for a good SPLASH! So...
I DID mange to catch-up sorting through and posting May's photos and videos today and re-did the “photo thumbnails” page, break-downs into individual months. There are so many photos that the page was beginning to take quite too long to load in a browser window. “Too much data in a table. It always used to slow the internet and, all these years later, oh lookie, it still does. So now, all the photos are on the lap-top, backed-up on a server AND on the “peripheral drives” here, in the house. They're safe... and unlike so many photos of so muc importance in my life-time that have been misplaced and/or stolen, THESE are in so many places that, well... they're here for a life-time... mine, at least.
Other-wise, Yonah spent the majority of the day on her “roof-top”, taking it easy, as is appropriate to a day like today. We had a few “chats” during, and I swear she enjoys those. Not sure if it's a “familiar voice” or what else, but, it obviously is appreciated (by me too, let me just say).
The windows and doors were open all day but, tonight, we'll have to “close shop”... there's still a chill lurking just a-top yon mountains. But that's fine. At least there's no more “sub-freeze” lingering about anywhere. We've made it through all that!
I'm beginning to look, again, for places that are quieter, more in a “wooded” sort of area. It appears that Yonah and I are to be together for “the duration” now, so we'll be looking for a “cozy little place in the woods” where she can be out in the yard, either in her “old place” or maybe I'll be able to build a REALLY BIG “Aviary” for her. Oh... I can dream.
But for tonight, here we are, and she's still safe, food and water readily available, and a protected place in which to sleep, with no need to “be aware” of anything other than her rest and comfort. Hearts, in this old house, are full.

Saturday 22 May:
YONAH'S “HIGH-RISE” ARRIVED TODAY!
Ah, but over-all, it was another one of those “change of seasons” sorts of days, the new warmth and the grey skies, and just about “oppressively” humid! What a complete difference from the past months of “chill, cool and cold”. “The times, they are a-changin'”. But, with any good fortune, these days will open to blue skies and comforting breezes... soon, one can hope.
I, for the most part, was back at Yonah's “Blog” today, well, this morning, until about 11.45 when I decided to take a break and check today's post...
As I opened the front door... THERE... TWO BOXES awaited on the front porch, one large, the other, small. YONAH'S NEW, STURDIER SHELVES AND THE WHEELS TO GO WITH HAD ARRIVED! I've no idea when, but... THERE THEY WERE! They weren't due until Wednesday! I was (and still am) THRILLED! So I went for the post came back into the house and IMMEDIATELY got right to the chore of setting-up Ms. Yonah's “HIGH-RISE”! And indeed, it IS MUCH higher than she's been! AND... HER NEW HOUSE FITS ALMOST PERFECTLY ON IT!!! I thought I might have to “wire” it onto the shelves or other-wise “attach” it some-how, BUT IT FITS, ALMOST AS IF PERFECTLY PLANNED! so... I WORKED ON THAT PROJECT FOR THE REST OF THE DAY!
The “work table” at the windows, on which the house had been placed all this while, had to be disassembled, and, of course, the windows, now perfectly accessible, got a thorough cleaning. All of what used to be on that table needed new “places of residence” and the rest of the room had to be “re-established” and re-settled. Wiring for the fountain, and figuring what to do with the planks that were the “work table” had to be... (they made lovely shelving in the living-room).
EVERYTHING WAS DONE, ALL BACK IN ORDER AT 16.15! A GOOD FOUR HOURS OF WORKING ON IT. BUT... NOW... WITH THIS NEW “INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH” STEEL SHELVING UNDER YONAH'S HOUSE, AND THE WHEELS ON, IT'S ALL SUCH A JOY! I CAN “ROLL” YONAH'S PLACE AWAY FROM THE WINDOWS TO GET AT THEM TO OPEN AND CLOSE AS NEEDED, AND OPEN THE CURTAINS MORE COMPLETELY IN THE MORNINGS, CLOSE THEM BETTER AT NIGHT.!
As I finished the work in her room, Yonah was in her “NEW HOUSE”, on the “NEW SHELVING” in the kitchen! The whole thing rolls perfectly well, through her door-way! So now, come the Winter months, when the sun sets lower in the Southern sky and FILLS the living-room, she can go from her room to the living-room... IN HER HOUSE! THIS “decision”, to get the shelving AND WHEELS was perfect! Not just for Yonah, but for me as well... although, she's probably going to enjoy being up higher AND her house REALLY looks like it belongs in her room! Win-Win for both of us!
As I feel: I brought her into this house... now, it's my ABSOLUTE DUTY AND RESPONSIBILITY TO SEE TO IT AN ENSURE THAT SHE'S PERFECTLY ATTENDED AND ATTENDED TO!!! IT'S WHAT SHE DESERVES AND IS ENTITLED TO! And I will do ABSOLUTELY ALL THINGS HUMANLY POSSIBLE TO MAKE HER LIFE HERE AS PLEASANT AND COMFORTABLE AS THIS OLD WORLD WILL ALLOW!
Now, the one thing that I still want ... a futon in the room... Tomorrow...

Sunday 23 May:
A cooling, comfortable breeze today. No sun-light, but the heat and humidity are gone. (Weather report: 9° tonight! Ah... how the “good days and nights” are postponed.) But...
What a delight it was, being able to move Yonah's house, as one “unit”, away from the windows so that the curtains and windows could be opened this morning! And even the “appearance” of the whole thing is so much more “intentional” and “purposeful”. It's Yonah's house, her place of residence... HERS! Not just a few items put together for a temporary “shack”... Now it's HER place and it has substance! Oh yes indeed. Yonah is now, officially, in HER room, in HER house, in this old house!
Later this morning, as I was tidying and attending to other such chores, I was at the kitchen basin when I head the FLUTTER of wings and a bit of a “thud” at the back door. The inside door was open, but the screen door, thankfully, was closed. YONAH had made a DASH for the back door! WELL! THAT'S NOVEL! In the time it took me to look over there to see what had happened, I saw her heading directly back “home”... back to her house! OK THEN! She's “adventurous” again, and now we see that she CAN fly... from her room, through the kitchen and to the back door! And I did, IMMEDIATELY go to check on her. I suspect she headed for the door, and of course, screens don't mean anything to her, she just saw what was beyond that and headed toward it. Must have hit the screen, which isn't “good” but it's a LOT better than hitting a solid door or window. Well... no visible injuries and in a little while after, she appeared none-the-worse for the incident so all is well. But I'll have to keep an eye on this situation with the back door! There's a latch on it, because, at times, when the winds blow heavily from the West, they come in through the front screen door and windows and will blow the back door open. Now I have to make sure to keep that latch on because, if Yonah hits it hard enough... she just might be OUT... and at this juncture, I don't know whether or not she'd manage to get up into the trees, and if she were to do so, well, that “50/50” with the danger, and survival... I'd be living in perfect, absolute HELL with worrying about her for the rest of my life, to be sure. It's not that I don't ever want her re-united with her flocks, but now, at this point in time, I don't know that she would be, after being in this house for so long and I don't know that she'd be able to keep up with them, since her wing isn't as it should be and though she obviously CAN fly, it's just as obvious that she can't fly “perfectly well”. And should she be “out” after a collision with a door? My heart can't handle the thoughts. Yes, her freedom would be perfect, in a perfect world, and it's obvious that this isn't a “perfect world”. But for now, she and I have to “settle”... for her safe and cozy new house... and my “doting” over her. Things could be worse, I do suppose... I DO suppose.
Mean-while in other news: Yonah appears to really enjoy her new place... especially the height. She has a MUCH better “vantage point” from which to “survey” her space... above my head, even as I stand! And I must say that “morning routine” of water changes in her pool is MUCH easier now, with the height and the size of the door.
But, sadly, as there must be a “sadly”, I suppose, we had one of our “chats”, as we do in the course of every day, talking about the “new place” and such, and as we (I?) chatted, she raised her left wing... THOSE FEATHERS! How I wish... I SO WISH I knew that do to to help those feathers grow properly! If I could find a reputable, respectful, compassionate, respectable, competent veterinarian, it'd be worth the trip, at any length, the time and the cost to bring her. I just wish I knew where to begin looking. (Again... no “necessary information” to be found... yet.. I'll say “yet” because I won't just give up on ALL hope.) I still don't like the idea of putting her in a box or “carrier” and driving about 3-400km with her in the truck. She's been through so much, adapting to this “domestic” sort of existence as it is. The sound of an engine, the rolling about, the bouncing along the road-ways and not being able to see what's going on, not that that would be of any help, I shouldn't imagine. But I still have this little bit of a “Hope” in my heart... her, back with a flock, in her “intended” environment, happy, healthy, FREE! I sill have that little “Hope”... silly as it might be... at this juncture, at this point in time. And I have to wonder if those feathers don't annoy her some-how. It pains me, literally, to think of her in ANY discomfort. Oh... the “bane of my existence”, as it were. But I'll continue to do my best... for and by her.
OK... a move to “lighter” accomplishments of the day: For so long, I've wanted, at least, a “cot” in her room, a place where, when I want to take a “snooze” during the day, I could just have a lie-down, in her company. Well, today, was a day of getting closer to that... AND now she has a “wood” panel to hang from the back of her house, the window-facing side, to block the out-side, on-coming head-lights from the “accursed” traffic on the road! Yes, indeed... the “bench” section of the “futon” is now assembled, after some cutting of a long pallet and some 2x4s as well! A little more “assembly” work, I'll attach the other long pallet along the back of the “bench” and then... all I'll need is a “cushion” of some kind and it's done! Snoozes with Yonah... AND, maybe even some “over-nighters”! I have to run to the local hard-ware to get some appropriate “hooks” for the “light-block” so that it can be placed and removed but, that's cut to size and ready to go! Oh, it was a productive day, in the world of Yonah Taube today! (And I'm feeling MUCH better... especially having FINALLY, at lest beginning, the “furnishing”, “futon” for HER room.) And “things” have been moved about in her room, and MUCH that has been in there just because there was no other place for it at a time, is, sorted-through. ALL of the completely un-necessary items have been removed, much of which has been “disposed of”... SHE HAS ROOM, SPACE, it's HER room... and no longer a “catch-all”. Talk about “established residence”! She is SO “IN”! And I am SO GLORIOUSLY THRILLED!
And so... at about 20.30 tonight, Yonah got “tucked-in”. There was a bit of “fluttering” for a brief while after “lights out”, but I'm hoping she'll get a GOOD night's sleep... restful. She had quite the day, with me sawing and assembling and moving all sorts of things about.
And tonight, at quick check of the forecast... we're expected to drop to SIX degrees tonight! Well? Radiator on... Yonah won't even notice... let the cold happen... OUT-SIDE... my PRECIOUS, CHERISHED LITTLE HEART AND SOUL IS PROTECTED... with the warmth of her own radiator and... my HEART.

Monday 24 May:
Fist thing this morning... it wasn't just the usual “morning call” of “woo-WOO-hoo-hoo”... She's now giving a “woo-WOO!”. It sounds so “determined”, almost “stern”. And she “flutters” her wings slightly. How I SO WISH I had even SOME ability to understand her, to KNOW what it is she's communicating! How I also wish there was more information... some-where! I keep looking, it's become a constant. Every spare moment is dedicated to “search and research”, and with each new motion, coo and call, I hit the internet, because that's my only source of reference and information now. Well, one of these days, as I “live and learn”, I'm just going to compile all the learning and lessons, information and learning... Yonah will become the “central repository” for her folks and those humans who NEED to understand them. (There's an ambition, hope, dream and desire of mine.) Meanwhile, I just keep a watchful eye and hope it's just “normal”... and NOT some sign of illness or a result of her injuries!
She was perfectly fine though, during “morning routine” and I'm SO much less “intrusive” now, with the easy access to pool, food, kitchen roll... her house. It really is a delight, this change.
Last night's temperatures DID drop quite low, and the rest of the house was rather “chilly” this morning, but I'd put a radiator on, in Yonah's door-way and that DID keep the chill out of her room. And, sad to report, there are still MORE “single-digit” nights to come! Oh well... at least there aren't any “sub-freezing” temperatures... as I say: “It ain't July yet.” and we DO have the means to ward-off the cold. So there!
This morning, as I chatted with Yonah, the humming-birds were flying about just out-side her window and “resting” on the roof of the cellar shed which is just below her windows, out-side. I was SO wonderful to see them! A sign of warm times to come AND it was a delight to see them at her window! (I wonder if she even noticed... I wonder, if she did, does she miss being able to be WITH them. “Bitter-sweet”... her time here is and has been, just that.)
Well... I DID get the little “hooks” for her “back-board/light-block”, so it's ready to go! Easy on, easy off, and it covers the entirety of the window-side of her house so she won't be “flashed” during the night as she tries to sleep! It's ALL about her comfort... to be sure. And with the wheels on the shelving... well... a “roll out”, attach the back-board and a “roll back”. SO much better, especially when I think of how it began: a piece of card-board, a box, opened and rested against her window every night. It looked horrible, but it's what I had. It served the purpose but NOW... THIS looks “official”, a part of the housing, intentional, purposeful! Oh my! But Yonah's little place is becoming quite the “condo”... and I”m LUVIN' EVERY BIT OF IT! (I hope she is too!)
Ah but... yes, again... “but”... 17.45... YONAH... DECIDED TO MAKE A BREAK FOR THE SCREEN WINDOW BEHIND HER HOUSE AND GOT STUCK! I MANAGED TO RESCUE HER AND NOTICED... *** BLOOD *** ON MY HAND!!! IT'S THAT LEFT WING! THANKFULLY, THERE WAS NO BLOOD ELSE-WHERE BUT SHE WAS QUITE SHAKEN SO I STOPPED EVERYTHING, GOT HER BACK TO THE TOP OF HER HOUSE AND I CHANGED THE WATER IN HER POOL AND THE LOO-ROLL UNDER IT (MOSTLY SO I COULD KEEP AN EYE ON HER) AND THEN, WHEN SHE WAS PRE-OCCUPIED WITH “PREENING”, SNUCK UP AND GOT A HOLD OF HER AND TRIED TO SOFTLY TELL HER THAT SHE NEEDS TO STOP HER FEAR OF ME BECAUSE I LOVE HER SO DEARLY AND I PUT HER INTO HER HOUSE. WELL... SHE GOT TO HER PERCH AND SETTLED-DOWN. WHAT-EVER SHE DID TO CAUSE THE BLEEDING DOESN'T APPEAR TO BE CAUSING HER ANY CONCERN OR DISCOMFORT BUT... I'LL BE KEEPING WATCH! THANKFULLY, THE KITCHEN ROLL IN HER HOUSE IS WHITE... IF THERE'S ANY BLEEDING, I'LL SEE IT.
But... as the day came to a close, all seemed to be “normal”. There's no sign of any further bleeding and Yonah is “tucked-in”, with her new “back-board” in place. The lights are out, the radiator is on... the 7° in the forecast for tonight has been raised to 10°... not “toasty” but a little better... but really, Yonah needn't care... she's got her own heating, her food and water are right there for her... she's safe, protected... LOVED, CHERISHED... and she can rest, peacefully, in her “new house”... with ALL the comforts she could want for.

Tuesday 25 May:

This morning, INTENSE CONCERN: During the regular “morning routine”, I noticed, as I always do during “morning routine”, Yonah's “poop”. Instead of the normal, regular, little rounds of dark-brownish with the white “urine”, she's been passing green-black, watery little stools. She'd been passing them through the night too! Poop is a great “tell-most” (not necessarily “all”) about a bird's health, from quantity and location to colouration and consistency. So I DO pay particular attention, always, to Yonah's.
As a note here: Birds normally perch in one spot through the night as they sleep, and during the night, they poop. If most of their poop is in one spot, that indicates that they've slept peacefully, in one place. But if it's in various places, that means they were restless for some reason.
Normal poop is the familiar little rounds, dark brown to an almost black-brown, which is their food. And with that, a bit of white, which is their “urine”. Normally, the rounds are relatively “compact”, which is why “clean-up” is quite easy: let them dry, pick them up, discard.
This morning I see that, although Yonah slept in one place during the night, on her perch, where she usually sleeps, she was passing quite a lot of liquid stool, almost no “white” and the poop is/was so wet that the green liquid seeped into the white kitchen roll that's on the floor of her house. (It's one of the reasons I use that to cover the floor and not newspaper, as many have and will suggest.)
When I went in to open her curtains and such this morning, she was on her perch, in her corner, by the window... “fluffed-up”, which is another sign of something “wrong”. She was still, unusually quiet. In fact, she only called once this morning, instead of her usual several times.
I had a out-right SOB... most because, at these moments, I feel so utterly useless to her. I can't tell what's wrong, she can't tell me what's wrong, I don't “know” what to do to make it “all better”. And I just can't, physically, mentally and emotionally, bear to know that she might be suffering, even just a little bit... in ANY way at all! I really AM so useless to her at these times. I was all but useless when she first came into the house, and all I could really do was allow her to heal (or not, I didn't know at the time) as “Nature” would have her do. I HATED my inabilities then. I don't like this any more now. So I kept watch... I did the regular routine water changes, food change, changed the kitchen roll to make sure her house is CLEAN, and resolved to keep a most-careful watch, especially noticing when, where and what she pooped.
At about 7.12 (I was noting, with care), she coo'ed... twice... what I've come to learn is her, what I call “conversational coo”... the “coo-WOO-hoo-hoo”. It's the usual “morning call” and, through the day, it's how she calls when she wants company. THIS morning, my heart went into both relief, hearing the “normal” call, and crushing worry: Was she calling to say she's “OK” or was she calling for some sort of “Help”? Again, the incompetence of “humanity”. I was heart-broken with worry and angry, SO angry at being SO useless to her!
At 8.29 (my old Nursing days return)... she was up and about as if all was well AND SHE ATE BREAKFAST! I remember some years back, when a cat strayed into the barn, with a most horrific abscess that was literally “eating” his little face away, when I spoke with a reputable veterinarian, the first question was “Is he eating?” Oh yes, he was, and very well. “Good. As long as he's eating, he'll be OK for a while. When they stop eating, that's when it all goes terribly wrong.” Well... YONAH ATE! She must have been feeling better! And THEN... she started coo'ing again... “woo-WOO-hoo-hoo”! I didn't calm ME down right away, made sure to keep a most careful eye on her, listen for her coo, how long, loud, clear... and as usual, monitored her poop.
She was unusually quiet through the day, and never came out of the house to go to her “roof-top” spot. She DID go from perch to perch But every time I spoke to her, softly, to express my worry and re-affirm my LOVE, she closed her eyes, as if she were tired! My ONLY “relief” was knowing that she was eating on her normal schedule. But I wonder: is it the sudden heat? Could there be any injuries from her little “collision” yesterday that I can't see? I FEEL SO UTTERLY USELESS TO HER! I FEEL SO UTTERLY USELESS TO THE WORLD! I can't understand and KNOW what's wrong, so I have NO idea what to do to make her life better, easier, more comfortable! These are the time that PROVE, beyond ALL doubt: humans are the SUB-species in Creation. Morons, useless, narcissistic dolts. As I've said and say again: “Animals” can learn human vocabulary, come to recognise words and their meanings... in ANY human language; humans, on the other hand, can only guess at what animals are saying to one-another and to us. “Sentient”? Capable of comprehension? Oh yes, YES THEY, the little ones, most certainly are! Humans? What a total waste. We can “make things”, but most of those “things” cause harm and damage to the rest of Creation. We “TAKE” things from this old planet, to the point of absolute annihilation and extinction. Self-destruction at its best. And then, as one of the most blatant exhibitions of incurable ignorance, a human notes “And God gave man dominion over all the Earth”... and DOLTS believe it! No, I might feel useless to this little one here, but I have the drive, the desire, the NEED to LEARN how to bet help and serve her, especially in her time of need. The “exception” to the “rule-human”. And I WILL learn... some-how... hopefully soon enough!
I did manage to grind some more sun-flower seeds for her. I intended to make an egg for her today as well... but she's got the sun-flower seeds and that's added nourishment and good oil/fat that she needs.
During the day, I “occupied time” keeping me busy... Yonah's “back-board/light-block” is properly “hooked” now so it hangs perfectly situation to keep headlights from flashing her at night. And I had to trim some perches so that they don't protrude out too far from the “bar” on her house and tilt the back-board. The shelves in her room are orderly. The room is settled, neatly. It's HER HOME, and well-kept.
TWO POINTS OF NOTE THIS EVENING...
1st: This evening, after “meal”, I added more moss, from the moss I've been keeping in the living-room (to make sure there's no “vermin” or “parasites” in it) to the front “tray” in Yonah's house AND SHE LOVED IT! WENT DIRECTLY FOR IT AND STARTED PECKING IN IT AND WALKING ALL OVER IT! (VIDEOS POSTED, OF COURSE, TO HER “Portfolio”). It was SO amazing, and rewarding, especially considering she'd stayed in ALL day, almost lethargic...UNTIL...
20.35... I'd been sitting at the work table, doing my “ledger entries” and then went on to get the photos of her new “high-rise” and the moss to code them into her “Portfolio” pages. All was calm, all was growing dark with the setting of the sun. Yes, we were later than usual tonight with “seepie-nigh-night” but she seemed fine. She was up on her perch, just as calm as could be when SUDDENLY... THE FLUTTER!!! SHE DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO TRY TO TAKE FLIGHT... IN THE RELATIVE DARKNESS OF HER ROOM! I'd had a small “USB” light plugged into the lap-top for my own lighting, so the rest of the room was pretty darkish. Well, as I've learnt, from all my “investigations”... doves don't see well in the dark. I'll NEVER know WHAT prompted Yonah to decide to take off at that point, but she landed at my right foot, on the floor! I managed to pick her up, hold her to me in cupped hands, and stroked her, softly, and after I'd managed to stop laughing, out of relief from seeing her fly again and from the fact that she didn't collide with anything, I spoke to her. She was SO CALM. So I stood up and gently got her back in her house. THANKFULLY... NO BLOOD!!! But that one “pin feather” that NEVER grows in properly is now hanging off her wing so she'll have to pluck it, as she does. BUT THANKFULLY... NO BLEEDING TONIGHT! SO... with her back at home and safe and secure... I put up her NEW “light-block” and... she's all “tucked-in” for the night. BUT... of ALL the times to decide to “have a fly-round”! SHE'S SUCH A LOVE! SO MUCH SUCH A LOVE!!! I honestly, sincerely, factually, actually and truthfully can't image my existence with-out her any more. NEVER a dull moment of a day with her as my life... my “LIFE”... my other-wise useless existence.
Well, the day closed with HAPPINESS... Yonah's room is “settled”, there's a “futon” (that needs a mattress or cushion) in her room, her photos are on the server... AND SHE'S SAFE AND SOUND AND APPEARS TO BE OK! (As long as she's “OK”, I'm OK. OK!)

Wednesday 26 May:
Another “strange” sort of day for Yonah. She was up and about for a while this morning, and up to her “roof-top”, but then, shortly after, she returned to her house and, for the most part, that's where she stayed for the rest of the day. At best, I can hope it was because of today's heat... 32°! She did “bask”, resting on the little “loft-shelf” in the corner, but she just wasn't her usual “energetic” self. And when not on the “loft”, she did spend quite a bit of time “lounging in the moss”. She obviously does enjoy having that. (I HOPE it's OK for her... she likes to “rest” in it, walk about on it, peck at it. There's nothing “in” it, that I've seen, and it HAS been dried-out, then soaked and agitated in a basin of water... for quite a while, and thoroughly. Then, I dry it as much as possible before putting it in there. No “mites”, or fleas or... ticks!)
We had a few “chats” during the course of the day, and we talked about the moss. I apologised for not thinking of it sooner, but, truth is, “sooner”, which means “recently”, there really was no way to get at it, all the moss has been under the snow. But, I DO try, and I do my best. So much of what I do is based on my “gut”, from the little trees, the pool, to the moss and sand. I'm learning, and, I'm REALLY trying to make this situation as comfortable and pleasant for her as I humanly can.
She did seem to be “in better spirits” though. There's a “distinct”, obvious difference in her “moods”... how often she moves about, perch-to-perch, coming out of the house, even her little face... how often she closes her eyes and how quickly or slowly. It's really just a matter of having the compassion, the interest, in paying attention to even the slightest of details. And my mind is, even unconsciously, “tuned-in” to all of what I see, what she does. The way it “ought” to be, the way it “should” be, the way it “must” be. She's my little “BEST COMPANION”, literally, the reason why I wake in the morning. And I always remember:
For all intent and purpose, as far as any of us knows, in all likelihood, I've saved her life, and now, her life and comfort is my continued responsibility. I have NO regrets nor gripes, and giving ALL that I possibly can (and, sometimes even more, if that's possible) is my honour now, my privilege. Making certain that she's comfortable and safe at all times, is my responsibility. There's so much (too much) that I don't know, but I do ALL that I can to LEARN, either from information I can find, mostly on the internet, but MORE from what she teaches me, in her way. She's well fed, with what appears to be some of the best, healthiest and most nutritious food. He always has plenty of fresh, clean water to drink AND to bathe in. Her house is kept clean, fresh paper (kitchen roll), white, so that I can see if, when, whether or not she's not feeling well (“poop check”), if there's anything in her house that shouldn't be there (insects, &c.). We “chat”, I try to “play”. I do my best to be a “best companion” to her... it's my obligation now. And, as I say... it's my honour and privilege. Ah, there's SO MUCH MORE I wish I knew... but I'm trying... always... to learn more and more... and more.
Well then, it rained, on and off, for most of the day. The winds blew and temperature dropped. Tonight's forecast is for 15° (quite a drop from 32). TOMORROW NIGHT'S “threat” is a plummet to only 3°! When the temperatures drop that low, that suddenly, it comforts me to know that I didn't rush to put this little one out on her own. She's not had to “adjust” to such cold, even on the coldest nights of the Winter we've passed through. So, “Nature” can do as it will, “out there”... “in here” this little one will be comfy-cozy, warm. And what-ever is to come will come. Meanwhile, she'll have nothing to “worry” about.
It does, still break my heart that she's not in the company of her flocks, out where she was born. But, time... just time... and then we'll see where and how all of this is to be.
Her “treats”... the “Moulting Mix” and the “Niger seeds” arrive today. more “good”, healthy nutrition. If she DOES go back out, she'll be quite the healthy little one out there.
OK. A COLD night coming. Thankfully, the humming-bird feeders are full, fresh today. THOSE little ones are going to need the nourishment come the morning. I wish I could do more for them too... Oh... I just wish...
But for tonight, Yonah is safe and sound, “tucked-in”, warm and cozy. One little life at a time... and THIS one is THE one... to be sure...

Thursday 27 May:
Big “accomplishment” for today: made it down to the river and came back with more fresh sand for Yonah. She REALLY does enjoy laying on it! And there's always quite a lot of it. And it's relatively CLEAN! Mountain rocks, tumbled in the river, here before anything can spoil it. AND... Yonah enjoys it so...
And the sun shone! Poured in through the windows, in spite of a chill to the air. (The “high” for today was a mere 18 ° but tonight, again... down to 4°!). So, between sand and the little trees in her house, all was as well as could possibly be.
The “Song-bird Play-list” on the iPod has 22 new “tunes” on it. Mourning doves, warblers, finches, robins, blue-jays... so we listened to that “hit parade” through the day. It makes quite the obvious difference in Yonah's general mood when that plays. And the variations must seem more “normal” to her. (Not to mention, it's rather relaxing for me too.) Windows open, fresh air (though not so much today, to be honest, with the chill), sun-shine and the many different sounds of more birds. I thought of how I should have gotten the collection during our months of Winter, it might have made her more comfortable, if anything really could have done that, considering the general strangeness she had to adjust to other-wise. But then too, at that time, I wasn't thinking of any “long-term accommodations” and, as I recall today, I didn't want to interfere with her “natural instinct” of NOT trusting “people”. So, “at that time”, making this house feel too “normal” was one of the farthest thoughts in mind and intention. Ah... “if I knew then, what I know today”. But as I say, repeatedly, this is ALL, “trial and error”, “live and learn”... and, it's ALL been a pure delight, BLESSING, HONOUR, PRIVILEGE. And today, these days, I look at that little face, that BEAUTIFUL little face... my only REAL COMPANION all through the Winter months, I'm in shock, AWE. WE MADE IT, TOGETHER, through the dreary grey days, the cold, often bitter-cold nights. But, ABOVE ALL ELSE... SHE made it... from injuries and being in a world that, other-wise could have been so hostile.“BLESSINGS”... IN GREAT ABUNDANCE!
Tonight, radiator at the ready and set against the 4° Nature threatens to throw at us. Yonah is all tucked-in. The new “back-board” should help keep quite a bit of the chill out of her house and away from her. And with the “new house” and the wheels on the shelving, I can move her away from the windows at night, and come the morning, closer and into the sun-shine. Yeah... we're doing quite well, all things considered. She's safe... she's well... that's ALL I truly care about. We're doing quite well... we'll be just fine... no matter what our “tomorrows” might hold in store for us.

Friday 28 May:
Hummies in the yard this morning... fresh food and clean waters for Yonah and another week passes, a new day commenced. (And a “warm” of only 9° for the day!)
it was more a “Winter” sort of day than a pre-June day. But Yonah passed quite a bit of it “on her roof” where she seems to REALLY enjoy spending time.
What bothers me though is that she still “attacks”, in her way, when I go into her house to change waters and food. And she “wing-snaps” and seems to try to peck at me when I talk with her. At one point, today, I had my head in her house as I was working and she literally “slapped” me with one wing! I don't understand it; she comes to the “door” of her house and will stay there, nestled all the while I'm in the room with her. But the very moment I get “near”, she seems to get angry. She doesn't “panic” or make any appearance of trying to “escape” or “avoid” me. She stands her ground quite firmly. It doesn't appear to be “fright”. She doesn't become “frantic”, flying all over. I just have NO idea WHAT she's doing, or trying to say to me. More of those “inferior” moments when I become more disgusted with me than much else.
I HAVE to believe that if she's truly horrified being here, she'd be MUCH more “animated”, banging about in her house and, now, more-so than ever, with the door open all day, instead of heading to her “roof”. she'd be making attempts at flying for doors... and windows... and she's NOT doing either. So, I'll have to see where this all goes. Season? Mood swing? I don't know... I just don't know. Patience... Time... LOVE!
Meanwhile, and other-wise, we're moving closer to June. The humming-birds are back, and buzzing about. This morning, they just barely missed my head and leg with their antics. A smile on a dark heart, a “HOPE” for better, warmer days to come. And whether or not Yonah and I will remain together is to be seen. I don't know if I should “take the chance” and give her the opportunity to leave, allow her and “Nature” to do what they will, or, as I say, have patience, roll with her moods. It would be a living Hell, for me, always wondering, worrying whether she's safe, warm, protected, in good health, “out there”. But if she's truly miserable being in this house, that would be heartless of me.
Well, tonight's another “cold one” coming. For tonight, she's got the protection of her own place, warm, safe from any and all who might harm her. We'll just have to see what tomorrow brings us. There's SO MUCH I JUST DON'T KNOW... SO MUCH I NEED TO LEARN... and at times like this, I just don't seem to know HOW to learn what I need. She's my HEART and SOUL! She's NOT a “possession”... she's a little LIFE! A little LIFE that has another day and night of safety... and as many more of the same as she wants... and needs. I feel UTTERLY INFERIOR, USELESS. “Tomorrow”... we'll see what “tomorrow” brings.

Saturday 29 May:
Last night closed as I went to bed, and, as I do nightly, I stood in the door-way of Yonah's room, and whispered “Good night my Heart. I LOVE YOU.”
This morning opened with the “morning call” of “woo-WOO-hoo-hoo”, and I jumped out of bed to check on her. There she was, on her perch, where she'd slept through the night. When I went in to “open” her house and get to the “morning routine” of changing water, food and tidying, I notice her “poops”, quite dark green and rather watery again. I was EXTREMELY CONCERNED, especially since she didn't have breakfast until after 9.00. It makes me feel as though I'm being pulled into the clutches of some dark Death when I see that she's not well! OK, she's entitled to “off days”, considering she's technically “alone” and has been for these 7 months. She's been away from her “folks”, her flocks., the environment she was born into and ought to be in now. And I've no doubt that this change of season, her instincts are telling her that she ought to be out, either finding or being with a mate, establishing a “nest”, thinking of raising some little ones of her own. I'm pretty sure that this environment troubles her and I don't doubt, even for a moment, that she's VERY much aware of her relative solitude. And again, AGAIN, I battle between just almost blindly setting her up out-side... and continuing to wait. Yes, I remember: she has a “50/50” on flight and survival. It's the one “50” that literally gnaws at my heart, thoughts of bitter cold nights, another attack. Looks like we BOTH have our “stresses”... BUT as the day progressed... little Yonah took another dip in her pool! (Of course, I grabbed 2 videos of it! I LOVE it when she splashes about in her pool! It just seems “natural”, normal... one semblance of “normalcy” in this other-wise “strange” environment she's in now.) And I still wonder, I don't know what-ever made me think of it, putting a “pool” into her little house. As far as I know and have ever seen, “domestic” birds don't have “baths” in their houses. And Yonah has MOVING WATER in hers. I suppose she's indeed, living “DEE LOOX” (and to be absolutely sure, SHE'S WORTH IT... AND SO MUCH MORE). I do the VERY BEST I can, making sure she has healthy food... broccoli, egg, special mixes, ALWAYS fresh drinking water AND bathing water, refreshed not less than twice daily, and often, THREE TIMES. Then too, there's the sand... another batch of which has been put through the 400°F oven for about 2 hours. Clean house, clean “furnishings”, fresh food and water... and I do my utmost to make sure she KNOWS that she's not really “alone”... we chat, we “play” a bit, as much as she'll allow with-out “attacking”.
And today, when I had my usual “snoozes”, I now get to have a “lie-down” in her room, with her, and she SEEMS to appreciate it when I'm there because she's ever-so calm. Not to mention, as I work on her web-site, I do so at the work table in her room, to keep her company. I'm probably not “prime” company, I'm not another dove... I'm not another bird. But I'm a “presence” who looks at her, talks with her, I even “coo” as best I can. I TRY. And... I worry... and I LOVE her! I TRY!
So yes, we DID get SUN-SHINE for most of the day. The “air” was warmed, in spite of the chill in the “air currents”. Yonah's room reached a toasty 25° and the weather reported a mere 15° out-side. (Tonight's low... 6°! My nerves are almost SHOT and frazzled at this point. So tonight, it's “radiator on”, to be sure.)
AND BY THIS EVENING... THIS EVENING... YONAH IS BACK TO HER USUAL “FEISTY” SELF!!! AND SHE'S BACK TO “JOUSTING” WITH ME!!! I'M STILL “CONCERNED”, STILL “WORRIED”, STILL WONDERING WHAT WAS WRONG, WHAT MIGHT BE WRONG AGAIN. BUT POOPS ARE SOLID AGAIN, “NORMAL” COLOURATIONS.
I suppose SOME of this could be the too many months of too little sun-shine. Doves NEED sun-shine... they NEED the vitamin D... they NEED the warmth, the light. And so I think: I ought to get the fencing of the back garden up, figure out how to get Yonah's old house back there for her... even for a while. It'll have to be raised, some-how, high enough to be out of reach of what-ever, high enough to be in the sun-shine. I have the fencing from last year, perfect for keeping “predatory critters” out. Another “project”. I HAVE TO GET YONAH IN GOOD CONDITION, PERFECT HEALTH! Whether she's to stay here or not... WE DIDN'T COME THIS FAR TO GIVE-UP NOW!
So the day closed with GOOD news, Yonah's tucked-in, radiator on to keep tonight's chills away. WE MADE IT THROUGH ANOTHER DAY... and there's another one to come... WHEN we make it through another night... and we closed with the “nightly routine”... fresh waters, back-board on, radiator set, lights out and... me, at the door... “I LOVE YOU!” (I wonder if she understands that... some-how... I wonder...)

Sunday 30 May:
Oh, but 'twas yet another rainy day today. AH... BUT... YONAH IS BACK! “FEISTY” AND “ANIMATED” AGAIN! PRECIOUS LITTLE LOVE!!! She's been an absolute LOVE-ITSELF ALL DAY! I sat at the work table and she sat, in her house, on the moss, directly inside the OPEN door of he house as if she “wanted to be close”. But she still went all “skittish” when I put my hand in. I guess she doesn't mind being “Loved”... just doesn't want “contact”. Hey! At least she doesn't PANIC like she used to. I mean, she comes out of the cage, sits “on the roof” and I can talk with her and all when she's out and about. So... so... - This evening, she got quite “animated” and the other night, when the room started to darken, she decided to head for her spot on the roof! It was too dark for her to see properly so.... sadly, I had to make sure she didn't “take a tour” of the place. It's not that I don't want her exploring, just not in the dark. After the past few days of her being so relatively lethargic, it pained me to have to get her “tucked-in” just when she seemed ready to FLY, but it would seriously PAIN me even more if she collided with anything. Still and yet and over all else, THIS was a GLORIOUS day, seeing her looking well again! I'd still like, very much, to know what was ailing her, and I'd REALLY appreciate being able to find a veterinarian, locally, who I could trust, but she and I are in a similar position: I can't find a doctor for her, and I won't go to one for myself. We're “letting Nature take its course” for the most part. (I'd MUCH prefer being able to know how HER health is though, above and beyond mine... Well, one of these days, perhaps, I WILL find “proper health care for her”... one of these days... perhaps.
It's been a joy being with her all day today and tomorrow... more of the same as we “work” together”. I just wish I knew why she doesn't have any interest in the rest of the house. She's so content being in her room, in or on her cage. She used to head for the living-room. I have photos posted of when she did. I wonder what happened that stopped that. Maybe one day, again. Meanwhile, I can't wait until this cold and damp is gone! I'm looking forward to opening her windows, wide, again, and the fresh breezes blowing in for her. And I have to figure out how to get her into the “actual” sun-shine, not filtred through screens and windows. I'm sure she'd LOVE that! (Though, I often wonder if being out-side would be “torturous” for her... since she really shouldn't be out “free” in it. She might be able to fly “high” enough to get to a tree limb, but come the evening and night... she's prime prey for a “meal”... or worse... some “play-thing” for ... I don't even want to think about it. I'll have to figure something... and I WILL... to be sure. But for now, she's safe, protected, food and water at her wont, a little pool to swim and bathe in... and soon, I'll find little trees or the likes for her as well. And always, the door to her cage is open... until night of course... so she' certainly NOT trapped.)
And today, working in her room, I've managed to complete the transcription of her Journal for October! And got it up on the server, running “live”, on-line! 6 more months to “catch-up” with. But we're moving right along and the time spent transcribing is time spent in her room, WITH HER! So... it's all a joy, in and of itself.
AND... I have the “pallet futon” completed too! SHE HAS A FUTON IN HER ROOM! I CAN SNOOZE WITH HER, AND, SHOULD THE OPPORTUNITY PRESENT, CAN SLEEP OVER-NIGHT IN HER ROOM WITH HER! For MONTHS now, I've wanted even a cot in her room, just a place to stretch-out on during the day. THIS is even better... “more betterer”! And I actually doesn't look like “pallets”... it LOOKS LIKE A FUTON! A little “sofa”! NOW... to get a mattress/futon or some cushions for it! Oh, but things are moving along and now, with Yonah being “better”, I'm in a bit of a “manic” mode! She's my soul and my heart's inspiration... as goes the lyrics of a grand old song!
Oh, and yes, of course, accomplishments were accomplished with breaks, several... perhaps many... to sit and “visit”... “chat” with her. OF COURSE! We're still not at a “touchy-feely” state, but, she IS back to standing her ground (her perch, more), and she DOES look at me as I talk. So what if she doesn't want “contact”... SHE'S BETTER AND THAT'S ALL I CARE ABOUT!
At day's close, she's tucked-in for the night, the back-board is up and the radiator in her room is set... there's a rainy 6° night ahead... but she doesn't have to even be aware of that. She's safe, warm, dry... there's food and water right there for her... and we're here, together... WHAT A LOVE! WHAT A PRECIOUS, CHERISHED LOVE!!!

Monday 31 May:
“May” comes to an end... the month of “June” begins tomorrow, half of this 2021 is all but gone already! It's gone by TOO QUICKLY! And today's weather? Well, hardly what one might expect of this date: chilly, wet, grey. BUT NOT FREEZING!
Yonah was most vociferous this morning and through the day. She's now taking the strangest “stance”: tail raised, quite firmly. And she's NOT in the “kindest” of moods, taking that “battle stand” when I approach her, especially when she's already taken “position” a-top her house. “Mating”? 'tis the season. Poor sweet-heart. I keep thinking of the accounts of “blocking”, when eggs won't pass. I have to check into this too, this morning. Info on “domestic” birds doesn't apply here and so, there's more “research and education” to be acquired now (and, should I find any, which I doubt, to add to Yonah's site). Every moment has been and continues to be a learning experience, an education... compliments of the GREATEST PROFESSOR on the subject matter.
It's just such a relief though, to see her back in her “feisty” mood again. And TODAY I decided to try to “give her a run for her money”...
She didn't have her breakfast until rather late... “Brunch”, was more like it. But she DID go to her”roof-top retreat” so, when I thought it might be time for her to “take a little nourishment”, I tried a little “play-time”... got me hands up there are started making movements and motions with fingers up and out and as she “wings-snapped” I made the same motions with my fingers. SHE PLAYED... or, maybe she was fighting. Either way, she didn't seem to mind it at all! So we “sparred” a little that way until she'd obviously had enough and headed into her house... where she stood, on her perch, looking at me, either confused or “defiant”. But, no matter what, she got a playful bit of time this morning and we'll see WHAT sort of “attitude” it brings. Hey! She's made it obvious that she knows how to get out of her house, as has been witnessed, and she knows how to get back in, when she's hungry or thirsty and now it's obvious that she knows that that's her house and it's obvious, now, that she knows it's her place of refuge! Not to mention, it was such FUN to see her, taking her stand in defiance... obviously understanding that I meant her no harm. She didn't actually try to avoid me, nor did she try to “escape”. SO... once again... “Sentient”? You're damned RIGHT! SHE'S BRILLIANT!
I did look on-line for “ring-neck doves”... They're only just slightly smaller than mourning doves and close in colouration. 75$ plus the “shipping” and such particulars. But I just can't see this “shipping” the poor little ones... and “USPS”!?!? of ALL the methods! Bad enough how I used to HATE seeing those “shipments” of baby chickens... 50, 100 to a card-board crate, knowing what Hell they'd gone through before they got to me. NO! I will NOT be a participant in such horrific abuse of a DOVE! Sure, I think of how, if I don't “purchase” one, somebody else will... Hopefully somebody with a clear head and good heart who will LOVE and RESPECT the little one. But there's the chance than somebody who has little-to-no idea of the responsibility and even less compassion and sense will “send the money” and “get the bird” only to abuse and mistreat it. What I'd TRULY like to see is a complete end to all of this “selling” these little ones. “Adopt”! Sure, charge a fee. But CHECK the make SURE that where they're going, they'll be as safe as a human child... if not even SAFER! Yes, OK, I'd like Yonah to have a companion. I suppose I could “rescue” a “solo” finch or some such from the local “pet store”... a “SOLO”... a poor little one whose “mate” was ripped, thoughtlessly from it, as happens when a thoughtless, uncaring individual “buys” only one. BUT again... I do NOT want to support that horrible “business”... and, in careful thought, a finch is much smaller than Yonah... a canary or parakeet... “chirpy” birds. I'm not so sure Yonah would appreciate that sort of “companion”. Then too... a smaller one? In Yonah's house? I'd have to bring in her old place and see about putting it beside her current house. Defeats the purpose. Oh... we'll see how this all works out. I'll continue to consider the ring-neck... I'll have to check around... see if there's any “adoption” potential out there. Meanwhile... dear Yonah has me... and I'll do ALL I can to be the sort of COMPANION she is to me... though I know I can't come to THAT level of PERFECTION!
I DID get the kitchen garden fenced today! It now looks more “intentional”. And I've put a section of terracotta chimney pipe in the centre, a ceramic plate a-top and put some “Wild Song-bird” seed in that. I sprinkled a bit of seed on the ground. The chipmunks are enjoying the seed on the ground... it didn't take them long to figure how to get through the fencing... but A MOURNING DOVE has come to snack! Mourning doves are my primary reason for putting food out there! (What REALLY “inspired” me to get out there put the fence up was the appearance of a “gnarly-looking” cat!) SO... the birds can now eat in peace!
Oh, and so too, I sanded the “arms” for Yonah's futon (as I think of the one in her room now). So, once I get them attached... FUTON! Things for Yonah, about Yonah, are SO coming together. If we're to be together from now on... she'll be attended WAY ABOVE AND BEFORE ALL ELSE! Indeed... THAT'S MY HEART, SOUL, BREATH AND BEING!
So tonight, “'tuck-in” rolled along, “back-board” up, fresh waters, fresh food for “night snacks”... and OH... after today's “play-time”... Yonah and I have come even closer... SHE DOESN'T dislike me! She DOESN'T hate me! She DOESN'T fear me! (So what it she just “tolerates” me? I LOVE HER! (And her radiator is on. 7° is tonight's threat. She won't know... she's safe, sound, warm, comfy, cozy... LOVED! CHERISHED!)