Cuddles is Abe's Co-Pilot

February 11th – Huntsville, AL

The folks and I slept in this morning. It was well after 8:00 a.m. that we stumbled downstairs to Janet's hugs, Abe's coffee, Mahwin's supplicatory dervish dance, and Cuddles' clucking exhortations for a new shoulder on which to perch.

Okay, let's be straight-up about this: my Aunt Janet is not shy, not a Bashful Betty, a Subtle Sue. That's what makes her such a treat. In lieu of singing for my supper, a couple of honey-dos were on order. After breakfast, out came the box she had mentioned the day before. Inside? Six pleated venetian blinds for her kitchen. I installed three by the time Abe announced that the men need to go out for awhile.

Abe may only have lived in Huntsville for a few years, but he is already widely known as the Birdman: Cuddles is on his shoulder wherever he goes, restaurants and grocery stores excepted. As I took a few pictures of Abe's co-pilot, she made it very clear that she wanted to join me in the back seat.

As I held out my hand, Cuddles latched onto my sleeve with her beak and hauled herself aboard my arm. After a few tentative minutes I started enjoying enjoying the feeling of being Barnacle Bill, the Sailor. Cuddles is a relatively sedate parrot, and very affectionate into the bargain. Abe has a fine companion.

As it was almost noon, we turned into Rosie's Mexican Cantina. Great food and service. Our destination after lunch was Harbor Freight, the Army Surplus equivalent of tool stores. An hour or so of wandering garnered no must-buys for any of us, but we departed with our scavenging instincts satiated.

On arriving back at the house, we had our ears thoroughly cudgeled for not having taken Mom and Janet to Rosie's. "Hi Honey, I'm wrong." I hung the remaining blinds to atone and earn my bed for the night.

For those of you who are not familiar with Mennonite ways, food is central to all socializing, and much discussion must be made regarding its selection and enjoyment. Dad hadn't yet had Chinese, so we headed to the China Buffet, a favorite of our hosts. I'm glad to report that none of us escaped the sin of gluttony this night. Even Janet piled it on (sorry, Aunty), and I more than most. Sushi – lots of it – with wasabi and ginger, egg drop soup, hot and sour soup, and samplings of virtually every dish on offer. Hmmmm, thanks for the lovely meal M&D.

Off to bed, with Alka Seltzer on the side.