December, 2000: She's a full member of our family. She's still mostly bare, except for her "PJ's". She's just spent her first Christmas with us and we hope there will be many more. She doesn't bite, anymore, except when she misjudges a distance or we mistake her intentions. She is loved and cared for by all the family members and enjoys interacting with everyone. She has learned "Colonel Bogey's March", and several words and whistles. She sounds just like the phone and the microwave, and does a mean rendition of a cat's meow. If she can't see anyone, she'll call to make sure they're still there, gives kisses, holds hands, and loves to have her eye ridges scratched. She's gained about 50 grams, giving her a total of 410, which is light, but not too light, and is growing back her flight, body, and tail feathers. She has flown twice and, even though they were short flights, they were controlled. She has discovered the joys of toy destruction and sibling baiting---playing with the dog, cats, the birds, and child, equally well, although the cats sometimes don't appreciate getting beaned on the rear with a flying nut or glop of sweet potatos. Her biggest improvement, though, is that she laughs.
Update: 3-28-01 It's been almost a year since Leena first joined her new family. There have been trials, but she has come through with flying colors (as long as it isn't red!). She's grown confident and is starting to fly a little. She still won't let her tail grow in fully, but then, it IS that color, isn't it? She has past through her first major molt and is well on her way to becoming fully feathered. I though it would take at least two years, but she had different plans. She has traded in her "jammies" for a nice, understated grey formal look that is very striking! We're now getting ready for the "terrible twos"and her first hormonal madness. Please, pray for my fingers. Oh, by the way, the wing clip was NOT my idea, it was hers. That's the way they've grown in.
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