A parent's love

Jinxxx alerted me to the fact that another dove had babies on the windowsill (I do believe this is a different parent dove this time). It's an endless source of fascination for her. They are very prolific creatures, which is good, because cat entertainment is difficult to come by these days. They're so jaded.

I guess this post is a bit overdue, but the sight of this adult (gender unknown) bird going through such great physical exertion to feed its babies was an amazing sight to behold. It's hard work, feeding the fledgelings.
I just wanted to thank my own parents for helping me out while I've been laid up: my mom brought a homemade birthday meal with all the trimmings, my preferred cake (ok, I REALLY wanted the one from Little Anna's Mama has a Birthday, one of my favorite books as a child [I still have it!]) but she made my second-favorite, and it was amazing: the chocolate Bundt cake mentioned in my birthday post. I got some wonderful and useful gifts- a key holder for my wrist, for one (practical!) and also the Lustron DVD I so wanted (wahoo!!!). And my brother gave me a really cute Buffalo t-shirt that I promise to wear often, and not hoard for "special occasions" that, you know, never arrive.
I think I may make the Little Anna cake for her birthday, but don't tell her. I want it to be a surprise. Unless she wants something else: it's her birthday. Just like how I (usually) love my birthday, I want everyone to "have it their way" too. Mom, just let me know your cake preference. I promise not to wreck it.

Also, the next day, my dad brought over Kopps burgers for both Brain and me- and a decadent chocolate malt, which I didn't ask for- but he thought it would make me feel better. It worked! I sat up, ate, had a good conversation, and when I told him what I would buy with the gift card he gave me, he said, "Oh, I have one of those. I'll give it to you." Perfect!

So yes, this baby bird flew the nest long ago, but it's so good to know that when it comes down to it, my parents are there when I need them.