The Best Friends in My Life Vol 2

By Reader John

John Young whom we now know is renamed Adam the Lonely joins his extended Family. After a few silent moments, Panther calls out and asks Adam a question. “What does immortal mean?” I answer, “living forever, incorruptible, I suppose.” Hamish calls out, “What’s that actually mean though.” “well, it means our bodies don’t decay or rot, we live forever like we do today in eternity.” “Then Adam, tell us why down on earth do earthlings bother about all the preaching associated with Gods and Deities? Creating fear over sin and all that other stuff like devils and hell, Purgatory, Limbo and the garbage about Angels and Heaven?” I give a big sigh and say, “Gee you guys the questions seem really dark this morning, what’s brought this on?” Panther stares directly into my eyes and says, “We just want to know the truth. You know down on earth animals were not able to talk with an earthling but up here we all speak to each other now that’s weird don’t you think?” I nod in agreement and say, “You know guys when humans first were established on the earth they had no language to communicate with each other and it was the various sounds made by animals that were taken on board with humans and they with a more balanced mind were able to take animal sounds and make words from them. So you see all animals gave to earthling the gift of the gab. It didn’t take long for earthlings to realise that cats and dogs could manipulate earthlings to be their nanny and that hasn’t changed since we came to “The Wilderness Park” we are still your nanny.” “Well then pipes up Panther, we can’t be that thick after all if it is animals who started off language to help earthlings exist.” I nod in agreement.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press AU
• Release date: May 28, 2019
• ISBN: 9781504318112

Reader John

Reader John enjoyed the tales his Scottish grandfather told him when he was a wee lad. He has had many pets in his lifetime that include Panther, a Burmese Mandalay. Reader John currently resides in Bayswater, Auckland, New Zealand. This is his second book.

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Copyright © 2016 Reader John.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

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ISBN: 978-1-5043-1806-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5043-1811-2 (e)

Balboa Press rev. date:   05/24/2019

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter-Thirty Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-One

Chapter Forty-Two

Chapter Forty-Three

Chapter Forty-Four

Chapter Forty-Five

Glossary Of Names

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A special thank you to my Friend Sue Skelly who spent many hour’s editing this book. Thank you, must go to my friends that have supported me during my journey while writing Volume two. Lastly to The Best Friend’s in my Life who made this all possible.

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CHAPTER ONE

WE HAVE BEEN BORN TO UNITE WITH OUR FELLOW-MEN, AND TO JOIN IN COMMUNITY WITH THE HUMAN RACE.

(de.Finibus 4.2.)

W e had settled into our new home, Cherubs arrived, and in no time they had built a stable for Dolly and Hippo, Dats cleaned their stable out daily, as well as providing fresh hay and oats. Buck and Gustus who had their quarters a hundred yards away let it be known to Fats and me how happy they were with just ordinary folk around and not been bowed to all the time.

We had decided long ago to meet on the first day of the week and create a platform for our extended family to discuss any problems they may have, Fats would present the weekly menus. Mary thought it would be a good idea to record the minute’s of our meetings, we, all agreed it was a splendid idea. Dolly expressed that later they could be placed in the archives as a future reference. Out of nowhere, Panther called out. Adam, what does immortal mean? Living forever, incorruptible, I suppose. What’s that mean? Hamish asked. It means our bodies don’t decay or rot, we live forever like we do today in eternity. Then tell us, Adam, why down on earth do earthlings bother about Gods and Deities? Creating fear over sin and all that other stuff like the devil, Hell, Purgatory, Limbo, and all that other garbage about angels and heaven? Hamish asks. Gee you guys the questions seem really dark this morning, what’s brought this on? I ask. Hamish looks directly into my eyes and states. We just want to know the truth, I suppose. Down on earth, we weren’t able to communicate with earthlings as we can up here, all we could do was meow, neigh, bark, he-haw. Or moo, piped up Gustus. That’s right, says Hamish. I give a big sigh and ask. Who knows how the earthlings first started to speak to each other? Over time Earthlings learned to develop a language that allowed everyone to understand. There was a significant silence as everyone looked at each other, at the same time shrugging their shoulders, not knowing the answer. Smiling at them I informed them that it was animals who showed the way for communication. Earthlings had a higher intelligence than animals; earthlings caught on by the sounds that the animals used when talking to each other. We couldn’t be that thick if animals showed them the way, I would have thought," pipes up Panther. I nod in agreement. Suddenly a voice at the window brings us all back to the present. I Looked over to the window to see Mr. Jeremy Fisher who poked his head through the window, enquiring if anyone wanted to go fishing with him. Immediately Panther stands and stretches, followed by Aurora who was already jumping out the window Hamish follows her. Panther, always the gentleman strides out through the main door and walks down the stairs then gallops after the two disappearing figures heading for the edge of the water.

Suddenly a loud scream enveloped the whole area. I quickly went to the window to see Mr. Jeremy Fisher waving his arms above his head along with Panther who was standing on his hind legs. Panther where is Aurora I called. Suddenly Ronnie flew across my sight, without further ado we all scampered to the edge of the Nile River. Dog Face plunged into the river, shortly to surface with a screaming Aurora, who was attempting to scratch one of Dog Face’s giant eyeballs. Dog Face dumped her on dry land; she scampered into the distance racing up one of the many large oak trees. What happened? I asked, turning towards Mr. Jeremy Fisher, who stood shaking his head and said, I have no idea all I saw and heard was the splash and scream, my back was facing the shore when I jumped onto the petal and started moving away from the edge. I saw it happen right in front of my eyes. Hamish pipes up. She galloped past me and jumped onto a petal and started to sink, stupid girl with her weight and all. Okay, let’s go to the oak tree and see how she is, and see if we can entice her down, Panther and Ronnie may be able to assist, you to Dog Face, I said, as the three of them scampered off ahead, Sarah Jane was leading the charge. I stood admiring them, they were unusual species. It was some hours before Aurora slowly descended the tree, allowing me to pick her up. She was still soaking wet, Mary suggested we get her inside and get her dried off. Otherwise, her fur will get knotted. Fats turned up with a hair drier, and she lay on my lap slowly taking notice of her surroundings. She looked up into my face and in her quiet voice thanked me. I patted her brow and informed her, Dog Face was the one who went into the Nile and saved you. Everyone cheered and clapped Dog Face who appeared somewhat embarrassed and stated. It was nothing I know every inch of the Nile, may I suggest that in future don’t try what Aurora did, it takes a lot of experience to be able to ride on the petals I can’t do it, as I am too big. You can say that again, chirps Ronnie, to cheers all around. Hey Aurora, how long are you going to stay on Adam’s lap? He’s my Daddy don’t forget, Panther states. I like lying here, I am cold, and he is keeping me all warmed up, Aurora says. Okay, just remember he’s my Daddy too, states Panther, as he stands and stalks off, his tail held high letting us all know he is King Pin where I am concerned. I awoke early and lay thinking of the dream I had. Why not build a canoe similar to the one I had made years ago on earth. Over breakfast, I suggested to everyone my idea. There were great cheers, Hamish and Freddy wanted to know when we could start. I suggested we could ask Fats to organize the timber and tools, and once hat was put in place, we could then start.

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CHAPTER TWO

THERE ARE INNUMERABLE ROADS ON ALL SIDES TO THE GRAVE.

(Tusulanae. 1.43.)

A few days went by, and early in the morning a cart turned up with all the materials required for boat building, so without further ado, I set about constructing a dingy. My Brother- In- Law Thomas was a boat builder he had done his apprenticeship in a shipyard. I spent many an hour watching and holding different tools for him. The simplicity of the design and construction were no obstacle to the willing hands who were assisting me. There were many corrections to my plans. We all agreed that we would name the dingy Dog Face for his bravely, rescuing Aurora. Everyone assisted in launching the craft, and it withstood the northerly winds, and surprisingly it didn’t sink, far beyond my expectations.

The next morning we went fishing, Panther, Hamish, Freddy, and Mary, with the chatterbox perched on her shoulder. Mr. Jeremy Fisher offered to escort us to where there was good fishing. Fats promised to put on a hamper, and he would take the cart along with Dolly and Hippo and Aurora, who was still feeling the effects of her escapade, along with Dog Face and the little Pixie. Mr. Jeremy Fisher was waiting for us, bobbing up and down on his favorite leaf. We loaded our lines and sinkers with heaps of bait into the dingy and set off upstream. The river was now running through the sparsely rough countryside with overhanging branches of huge leafed trees. An abundance of thrushes, skylarks, even Bush Hawkes and beautiful parrots all calling and wishing us well. Later as we came around a full bend, some big billy goats, stopped chewing their cud, to wish us well. We waved our appreciation. There appeared to be heaps of eels ranging in various sizes. Mudstone strata lying almost flat, pumice and volcanic boulders litter the river banks. The day was beautiful with little wind, and the dinghy moved swiftly along. Mary pointed out the trees along the banks, densely covered in willows, much like where she was born in Ireland. Mr. Jeremy Fisher put up his hand informing me to drop the anchor. This is the place, you guys, cries out Mr. Jeremy Fisher, watch out for the eels they will try to steal your bait. How do we stop them from doing that? Panther demands. Bang on the side of the dingy, and it will send vibrations down through the river, and they will race away, Mr. Jeremy Fisher explains. We had only been fishing for five minutes when Panther’s line started to wobble. I showed him how to wind in the line. Mary was the first to see the fish on his line and cried out. Look, Panther, it’s coming closer to the boat. Sure enough, it was a large orange trout. I lifted the line out of the water and nearly lost the trout. Fortunately, Mr. Jeremy Fisher who had maneuvered is leaf alongside the dingy grabbed the line swinging it into the dingy Well that’s going to make for excellent eating, Mary exclaimed. Well aren’t you a great fisherman. I know that anyone can fish it’s easy. All about timing, and outwitting the fish that’s all, Panther explains as he turns with a smug grin on his face. Yeah right, Hamish says, you’ve always got to be number one. Of course, Panther replies pushing his massive chest out. He is a show off Adam; you know that? Mary says as she grins from ear to ear. I nod in full agreement but feel so proud of my wee boy.

Over the next hour or so we had all caught a fish, and Mr. Jeremy Fisher had hooked two large eels for Fats to smoke. Yum, they will be sweet and tender, I thought to myself. There’s nothing like a beautifully smoked eel. Suddenly the boat started to bob up and down and move sideways. Mary looks at me with a frightening look on her face. What’s happening Adam? She cries out. Bang on the boat you guys, the eels are gathering, they will tip you into the river. Mr. Jeremy Fisher yells out. Immediately we all started banging on the sides of the dinghy, and within seconds there was a scurry of eels in all directions. It was incredible to watch. From the side of the river bank, a voice called Hey you guys, you okay? Yells Dolly. We rowed over to the bank as Fats, and the cart rounded a bend. Mr. Jeremy Fisher had moved further down the bank looking for somewhere to land. We followed while Dolly trotted ahead to find a landing. Before long Dolly called out that there was a landing barge around the next bend. Mr. Jeremy Fisher followed her as she ran beside the river bank. As we rounded the river bend, Dolly called out that we were only a few yards from the barge. Fats had arrived and threw me a line, and we were soon standing on a grass mat surrounded by a quaint flowering garden full of beautiful scents. Wow, isn’t this a beautiful scene. Mary gasps. We all agree and form a circle dancing and jumping up and down while Fats organizes the hamper. Fats how far are we from the house? I ask. Around three miles I guess. He says scratching his ear, which he does a lot when he isn’t sure. Everyone admired our catch and Fats admired the eels we had captured, promising they would be cleaned, gutted, and placed into the smoker.

After lunch, we decided to return home with the catch which we helped put in the empty hamper basket. Aurora asked if she could come on the boat and promised not to be scared. You will be alright, darling, Mary said, you can sit on my lap. Thank you. She said with her cute smile and dazzling golden eyes.

There were no problems on the water by the time we reached the mansion and tied up the craft. Aurora jumped off the boat and danced around Panther. See I wasn’t scared, I am over scared. Can I come on the dinghy next time, Adam? Sure can Aurora, I said at the same time giving her a big smile and hug. Mr. Jeremy Fisher, Mary and I carried the big catch up to the central kitchen where we were met by Fats and Dats with smiles and gestures to place the fish on the main table. Later that evening we all enjoyed a variety of seafood. Mr. Jeremy Fisher arrived with bags of scallops, oysters, as well, a particular type of watercress, collected from the floor of the Nile. Mary had been down to her herb garden and picked an array of various herbs that the cherubs were able to introduce into the evening meal. After dinner, we lounged around, chattering well on into the night. Mr. Jeremy Fisher promised he would take us further up the Nile to other great fishing spots. I suggested that everyone could come and Fats could organize camping gear, and we then would be able to set up camp. What a great idea. Fats said with a smile all over his face.

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CHAPTER THREE

THERE IS NO GRIEF WHICH TIME DOES NOT LESSEN AND SOFTEN.

(Epistularum 4.5.)

T he rain woke me, and I found it difficult to go back to sleep. For some unknown reason, thoughts of my Mother kept going around my head. She was a buffoon, extravagant and somewhat a romantic, and was never wholly taken seriously. Within her, she nourished a delicacy of taste, a sensibility, a brightness of spirit, which though continuously bludgeoned by the cruelties of her luck remained uncrushed to her last breath. Wherever she got it from, only God knows, or how she managed to preserve it. However, she loved the earth and saw it fresh with hopes that never clouded. She was an artist, a light giver and an original, she never for a moment knew it. My first image of my Mother was a beautiful woman, strong, bounteous, but with a gravity of breeding that was always visible beneath her nervous chatter. In her later years, she became bent and worn out, her healthy opulence quickly gnawed away by her later trials. It is the later years of her life I remember her best. I can see her prowling about the kitchen, dipping a crust into a cup of tea, with her hair dangling and shedding hair clips, clothes shamelessly humped around her, eyes peering sharply at some revelation of the light. Talking of some poet or other demanding my understanding. These were the times I felt a lesser love for her. Her love of refinery, her unmade beds, heaps of unfinished scrapbooks, her taboos, superstitions and prudishness, her remarkable dignity, her pity of the persecuted, her awe of the gentry, and her detailed knowledge of the Family trees, associated with the Royal Homes of Europe.

She was a confused mass of unreconciled denials, a servant girl born to silk. In spite of all of this, she fed the minds around her with constant, imperceptible shocks of beauty. Though she tortured our patience and exhausted our nerves, an interpretation of man and the natural world so unpretentious and straightforward that we never recognized, yet so right, I never forgot it. Living in The Wilderness Park with my new family, I never saw anything on earth that has the edge of gold around it. Changing seasons, a jeweled bird amongst the bushes, the eyes of orchids, water in the evening, a loan thistle, pictures of poems surround us all the hours of each day. There is no reason while I live out my eternity, nor need to pay my Mother acknowledgment. She was an obsessive collector and hoarder, stuffing the crannies of her life with the ballast of wayward object. Collecting anything that came to hand, she threw nothing away, rags, buttons, were carefully hoarded as though to lose them would upset her. Three decades of newspapers, aged turned yellow as shrouds, was the dead past she clung to. Other crackpot symbols, littered the large six bedroom house, chair springs, boot lasts, sheets of all sizes as well as piles of blankets, antique picture frames along with statues without limbs and heads. Goodness only knows why she wished to keep this junk, loads of china stacked all around one of the bedrooms. She thought she was a collector and therefore saw herself as an expert. Much of what was in the house was junk, bone china to Mother was gambling, the bottle, illicit love, all stirred up together, the sensuality of touch and the ornament of taste she was born to, but could never afford. She hunted old china like a gold miner, spending hours panning in a river.

Though she had little money, in fact, more often none at all. With a wistful passion, and by wheedling, guile and occasional freaks of chance several pieces found their way into the house. Once when I was around fifteen there was a large auction, Mother couldn’t sleep for the thought of its treasures. She kept repeating to herself and to anyone who would listen. On the day, Mother dressed in her auction clothes caught edging herself sideways out through the front door, at the same time informing me that her intentions weren’t in buying anything, just looking at the amazing collection. She gave me a guilty look as our eyes met. Later that evening I heard her return all excited much strained, flushed and just a little shifty. Thrusting out her right arm in her hand a bone cup and saucer, paper thin, exquisite and priceless, informing me that it only cost a couple of shillings. Suddenly a loud bang at the door, she giggled and went outside. Shortly she called me, and I came out to find a crate and no sign of Mother. I was about to call her when she appeared with an axe and with one swing she broke open the container. Inside was a ball-cock, a bundle of stair rods, the head of a spade, some broken clay pipes, a box of sheep’s teeth, and a framed photograph of goodness knows who. One other time she brought home a crate that had some beautiful china, a unique wall clock with crushed pink angels, and a set of Crown Derby in gold, and some airy figures from Dresden or somewhere that were pieces of the bubble blown sunlight. She dusted and stroked them, smiling to herself placing them in different lights, or just gazed at them. They were magic to her, each opening out to the secret world she knew so intuitively but could never visit. She wouldn’t keep any of them long. However, she would research the items at the library to absorb their individual shapes and histories. Guilt and necessity sent her off to the city to sell them back to a dealer or other. Sometimes, rarely, she made the odd shilling profit.

Adam wake up its breakfast time. I opened my eyes as Pixie was about to jump onto my chest and Panther put his paw out to redirect her. Okay, you guys, let me throw some water on my face, and I’ll join you at the table. Later as we enjoyed a plate of fresh fruit along with a cup of green tea. Mary asked if I could help her in the garden, she needed my advice about resetting some new garden areas. It was raining earlier, I said, actually it was hefty rain, and it kept me awake for a while. It hasn’t rained since around six o’clock Adam, Fats offers, now the sun is shining. Dats and I are going to do the washing, the wind has got up so we should get everything dry by this afternoon, so if you need any washing done let me have it please.

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CHAPTER FOUR

IN FRIENDSHIP WE FIND NOTHING FALSE OR INSINCERE; EVERYTHING IS STRAIGHT-FORWARD AND SPRINGS FROM THE HEART.

(de Amicitia.8.)

B reakfast over, we decided to get down to the herbal garden and attack a rather vast area that was affecting the overall appearance of the fantastic work Mary had done in re-establishing the old herbal area. Fats has arranged to bring the cart later in the morning. Hippo stayed behind chewing on a corn cob his favorite food. Dolly trotted along with Ronnie perched on her forehead flapping his wings which looked funny since Mary had shortened his left wing so he couldn’t fly too far, squawking at anything that came too close such as a bee. Dolly cheeky as always went under a small branch sending Ronnie flying up through the branches screeching his head off telling Dolly what a stupid thing she was. We all stood laughing our heads off much to the discontent of Ronnie who continued to blaspheme at Dolly, who just stood and grinned up at him. Okay you guys we have work to do, let’s go.

Dog Face was the first to arrive when Mary and I reached him, he wanted to know what I had in mind. Mary suggested that we start clearing the ground that was completely overgrown and apparently the area had been used for throwing piles of rubbish. Dog Face took over and organized everyone including Mary and myself. By midmorning, we had cleared much of the area and decided to await the arrival of the cart. No sooner had we enjoyed the tea from the thermos flask that Fats had organized. Ronnie called out for Dolly, and around the bend at a good trot appeared the cart. Sitting on Fats’ shoulder was the naughty Ronnie informing all who were in ear range, that he was a good boy. O yea, and who told you that? Panther asks. Me, of course, no one else does these days. Mary’s Father used to one time, sometimes Mary does. Come over here, and say you’re sorry for all the rude things you said to Dolly earlier, then I will agree that you are a good boy. I’ll think about it, Ronnie says with a smirk on his face.

In the meantime, Dog Face had directed Fats to get closer to make it easier to throw the rubbish onto the cart. Fats turns to Mary and asks. Where are we going to dump this muck? Mary turns to me, and I shrug my shoulders as I have no idea. She bursts out with laughter. I don’t know; I thought you were the one with all the knowledge. A voice from behind me suggested that there was an official place to dump that sort of stuff about a mile from the front gate if you like I’ll get Gustus, and we will meet you at the front gate. Fats along with the crew set off shortly after. Hopefully, the two brothers had reached the front gate before the cart arrived, they regularly wandered at an extremely slow walk. While they were off on their small venture, Mary and I started to dig the cleared area with the intention of putting in small beds of various herbs.

We sat back and admired our creation; we decided to develop eight by six-foot rectangular areas with walkways around two feet between the beds. Mary wanted to use this area with culinary herbs along with some rare herbs. What are culinary herbs? I asked as I had no idea. Well, Things like creeping cranberry can be used for jellies, sauces, and pies. Juniper, for example, is sometimes ideal for smoking quale, fish, seasoning, and stuffing for the game, also for poultry and ham. And then there are others such as coriander when cooking curry dishes and spiced meat dishes gives the meat a real flavor. She turns and looks into my eyes and informs me that my eyes look blue, smiling she continues. Now what I want to add to these areas are rays of real sunshine with the likes of Geum for scenting linen and Fats suggested he could make mulled ale for the winter if I grew Geum as it gives it a lovely flavor. Then other exotic herbs such as sweet and lemon balm for use in cups and cordials, then another one that would be lovely, lovage rather like celery or parsley stalks but sweet. Fats suggested it would be great when winter comes and he cooks lots of casseroles. And lastly, Rue, my Father grew this particular herb back in Ireland, and my Mother made up a concoction for colic and indigestion. Mary looks at me and smiles. I take her hand and tell her something I had known for many years down on earth. Mary, the Great Grimod de la Reyniere suggested that herbs are The Hidden Souls of Cooking. Some herbs are more flavored cooked when dried, others fresh. Out of the stillness, we heard the clatter of hooves as Fats, and the gang came around the corner. Well, you have been busy, Fats says as he takes in the rows of square patches nearly ready for planting. I am going into the Chamber after lunch, and I will bring back the plants if you like Mary. You can come with me if you wish. Fats says. Mary smiles gracefully and says. What a good idea, there might be other herbal plants that we could use. Fats nods in agreement. And suggests we all return to the mansion for a well-earnt lunch. Panther and his cohorts race off to the house at the mention of food.

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CHAPTER FIVE

Through ignorance of what is good and what is bad, the life of man is greatly perplexed.

(de. Finibus. 1.13.)

W e enjoy an excellent lunch and wave Fats and Mary farewell a short while later. As it was a lovely afternoon, everyone wanted to spend time outdoors. No sooner had we settled down when a loud squawk erupted high above the large oak trees surrounding the boundaries. What’s that noise? Sarah Jane said as she looks over to the trees. Suddenly, there came more squawks from overhead. There must have been twenty or more birds flying closer to the mansion. Let’s all head indoors. Quickly now, and inform Dats to shut all the windows and doors. Dog Face grinned at me. Why are you grinning at me like that? I ask. It’s all right Adam, those things squawking all around us are harmless Galahs. They come here, this time, every year, eat all the berries and go off, God knows where they go. I see, I thought they must have come from over the boundary fences to give us a big scare. With that, we all ventured outside again. Much of the squawking had stopped. However, there were some still arriving, and on their approach, they would start up with loud squawks checking that they had come to the right venue.

Later, as Dats enquired if we would like any drinks and crackers, two of the Galah’s approached and asked if they could speak with us. I nodded, and they settled on the back of one of the chairs. They just perched and looked at us silently. Panther piped up and demanded to know where they had come from and what sort of birds went around with pink coats. They turned and looked at my boy. One of the birds spoke. Hello, I am Max, and this is my wife Maggie, we come here every year at this time, there are heaps of berries and things that we eat. Then his wife asks. Where are all those funny people that have been here for ages, have they gone? They were a lot of toffs if you ask me. Careful bird. Dog Face states. I was part of that group, but decided to stay here, the new owner is Adam here, as he points me out to the two birds and his beautiful family. There’s even a cockatoo with yellow feathers on top of his head; he lives here with his Mother. They will be back soon. Hey! You still haven’t answered my questions. Panther says. What were the questions again? Maggie asks. I want to know where you come from and what sort of birds are you? Panther stands up on his hind quarters eyeballing the two of them. Stop being so stupid Panther, leave them alone. If they want to tell us, they will. Dolly declares.

Well we are called Galah’s, states Max, and we originated somewhere in Europe, and somehow we ended up in a place called Australia. My Great Great Grandparents have been here for ages, around 500 years. We are also known as the Rose-Breasted Cockatoo. The cockatoo who lives here is a lot bigger than our breed we are only half the size of that particular type. I bet you aren’t as cheeky as our Ronnie is, suggests Dolly. We all laughed, even Maggie gave a slight giggle. Max continues. We have distinct coloring marks, for instance, our backs are of a pale silver moving to a colored light gray. You will notice that our faces are pink, as is our chest, we have a light pink mobile chest, and our legs are pale gray. You will notice that our beaks are of bone coloring. Our life span on earth is around fifty to sixty years. When some earthlings shot us just for fun, we woke up here with all of our family. Some of our families are up in the trees over there; others don’t come this far away from our other place. There’s a bird sanctuary around here, and we have some family members living there. Maggie and I like this spot, and the berries around these parts are scrumptious and juicy. Yes, we are looking forward to gathering some of those for Fats he looks after us all. I am sure he will give you all the leftovers if you like, I say to them both. Incidentally we are not like the tenants before us. We are one happy family, and we love each other deeply, and you and your family are most welcome to share our time while you are visiting here. Yeah-Yeah, chorused everyone. Maggie turned to her husband, and they both gave us all a beautiful smile. They rose into the air and flew back to the oak trees. A few moments went by; there was a strange silence all around. Suddenly atop of the tree all one could see was a blaze of various shades of color slowly moving closer to us at the same time Fats and Mary arrived on the cart with Hippo who seemed startled, Fats steadied him, and they stayed where they were watching this incredible performance. The Galahs formed a large circle above us there felt an enormous wave of peace been bestowed upon us as we sat fixated to this miracle. During this whole enactment, their presence gently gave off sounds of an orchestra playing. Slowly they peeled away until there were only two left and with a big thank you for your kindness, they flew high up into the clear sky and returned to their tree. It had to be Maggie and Max, Panther stated in a loud voice. I agreed with him. Naturally, he is my wee boy.

The cart pulled up alongside, and for the next little while we all related the experience we had encountered from the squawking to meeting two of them, and then along with us was the fly over. Extraordinary, Fats States shaking his head, in all my years here in The Wilderness Park. There has never been such a display of so many birds at one time.

What did you guys think of it? Awesome, Dolly says. While Ronnie showed indignation at the performance. Why? Freddy inquires. Aren’t they birds just like you? I have to admit you are a lot more handsome than your counterparts. He’s jealous, squeals Dolly. Mary stands up for the indignant Ronnie, who has his head bowed in the defeat of the performance produced by the Galahs. I tickle him under his chin letting him know that it doesn’t matter what others think. It’s the Galahs way of saying thank you, to us all, allowing them to nest in the trees. And if the rest of the group are as friendly as Maggie and Max, then I am sure we will have other experiences. Ronnie hopped up onto Mary’s shoulder snuggling into her long hair muttering that the Mummy who bore him loved him, that’s all that mattered to him. Mary ran her fingers down his back whispering that He was a good boy. I know, Ronnie’s a good boy. We all burst