Parrot Mountain

Posted on June 9, 2014June 9, 2014 by Dusty Roads

It’s my last full day in Tennessee. Tomorrow afternoon I’ll be flying the friendly skies back to Providence RI. So what to do? Dollywood was still on my list and I was still dragging my feet. Admission is $60.00 for the day and I’m only luke-warm about it.

I’d heard about a place called Parrot Mountain but no one seemed to have much information. I couldn’t find any brochures but the web site looked interesting. Yes I think I’ll explore that. If I hate it or it’s a rip-off I’ll be right down the street from Dollywood.

Since I was headed to Parrot Mountain I decided to drive instead of taking the trolley. I’m glad I did. I spotted the big billboard sign on the side of a mountain so I headed for the sign. I passed Dollywood and the signs kept pointing ahead. Finally I started up a very steep driveway. At the top was a big sign telling me I had arrived at Parrot Mountain.

If first appearances count for anything I was already happy. The entrance was so pretty and quaint. Birds sat perched along the retaining wall.

The entrance was like a little cottage. A large stairway replicated Thomas Kincade’s Stairway to Paradise.

The entrance fee was only $16.95. The very first pace I entered was the Bird garden. There were perches everywhere and each had a bird or two. Each perch was labeled so you knew which birds were safe to feed or touch ad which should just be admired. There were seed dispensers located through out. I could spend all day right here.

Even the squirrels agree!

A bit more expensive is the opportunity to have a picture taken with the birds. Handlers bring over the most docile birds and pile them on for your photo op.

There’s also a meditation garden with caged birds and religious stations of the cross. Religious or not is peaceful and beautiful along that path.

I entered the lory aviary with a cup of nectar and before I could say come and get it I was loaded with those colorful little birds. They landed on my arms, my hands ,even my head. There wasn’t anyone to take a picture which was too bad. It was such fun.

No matter which path you followed there were birds, butterflies, flowers and colors.

A truly wonderful experience!

Photo of the Week ~ 22

Posted on June 4, 2014June 4, 2014 by Dusty Roads

This week was very close. I have to admit I was torn too. The winner is Majestic Elk with 31 points but Thumbelina was right behind with 26 points. I’m glad it wasn’t a tie. The Elk photo represents a lot of work searching 3 states for the elusive animals but how many times do you see a 6 inch 4 lb goat. A miniature bundle of cuteness.

I Just Know This is Going to End Badly

Posted on May 10, 2014May 10, 2014 by Dusty Roads

Speaking of Rocky, he isn’t exactly mourning quietly. He is into everything these days… except my suitcase. He’s jumping on counters, leaping over Buddy, even climbing to the top of the china cabinet. And meow! That cat hasn’t stopped with the meows. He was always vocal but he’s been twice as talkative this week. Most annoying is when he sits in front of the door and talks.

Talking is a series of meows and chirps and other sounds, like he’s talking to someone or himself. He starts this around 9 pm and it just goes on and on unless I can distract him.

And as for distractions, a helium balloon works well as long as it stays away from desks and shelves..Oh Oh… this doesn’t look good!

There’s Something Missing

Posted on May 9, 2014May 9, 2014 by Dusty Roads

So you probably gathered from my last post that I’m preparing my belongings for my vacation. Monday morning I’ll be heading off to Tennessee for a week of fun and exploration. So what’s missing?

My helper, my always in the luggage kitty cat (and not Smokey). It’s Rocky. He hasn’t paid one bit of attention to my suitcase, even when it was open on the bed. That’s always been his invitation (in his mind) to hop in and stretch out making packing impossible.

Once I do manage to get packed his normal response is to sit guard duty on top of the suitcase, as if that will stop me from leaving.

This time he walked by, looked at it and went back to the living room. Packing was completed in no time since I had no interruptions. I’m not sure if I’m happy about this turn of events or sad. It’s been such a routine for almost 14 years that I miss him getting in my way.

I wonder if it has anything to do with our recent loss? I do believe animals mourn so maybe Rocky’s just missing Smokey and doesn’t care what I’m doing at the moment. I know Diane (my pet sitter) will take good care of Rocky and Buddy while I’m gone. I just wish Rocky had been his usual endearing but annoying self when I packed.

Photo of The Week ~ 18

Posted on May 7, 2014May 7, 2014 by Dusty Roads

The week 18 tallies are in. The Photo of the Week with the most hits, likes, shares and/or comments is And The Feather Wand Is Mine with a total of 30 points.