I love when the Country Cousin’s eyes pop through the City Cousin’s hand and then the City Cousin puts his finger in the Country Cousin’s mouth to stop a whistle. But the whistle goes through his arm and out the City Cousin’s mouth.

I knew we had more in common. If you’re a Chuck Jones connoisseur wouldst thou be a fan of Mr. Tex Avery?

I did love Bingo and I’m telling you he loved me as well. He would sit in my lap and let me pet his ears, back and legs. I do remember lightly petting his legs and being surprised that he some muscle up there. He was a great pet and it was devastating. Though based on what I wrote I was really emoting that love.

I never thought to try to teach him to speak. I didn’t know a parakeet/budgie could speak.

That Bingo story broke my heart. I’ve had several budgies in my lifetime. The first one flew away when I was a kid, and I remember my mother sprawled on the bed, sobbing about it. When I worked at a pet store later, I brought a couple of babies home and raised them with a dropper and mushed up food.

After that I had one who could speak, too. He said, “Pretty boy,” “good bird,” and then every now and then he’d mix it up and say, “Pretty good bird!” Hilarious!

I’ve been wanting one again for a while now, but I’m afraid he wouldn’t get the attention he deserves and needs. We could get two, though…

Hmmm. I wonder how the dog would take it.

(My dad hunts.)