Seen & Heard
By Duddessa

     * What do you do with a Moluccan Cockatoo, a "terrible teen" who loves you and wants to go to Mexico just because you are going there? The bird is banded and has all the required health certificates. You call USA and Mexican authorities… they say "No."
     The bird belonged to Ana and Jerry Ward, now Ajijic residents. Jasmine is her name. Ana calls her "My Girl." How many birds do you know who trust you enough to lie on your arm with its head on your shoulder and go to sleep? One problem, though: Jerry was not delighted with Jasmine. Understandable. This bird liked to bite his legs.
     Moluccans are found in Indonesia and they can live 80 years. Jasmine’s favorite happening was being taken for walks. They kept a leash on her to keep her from getting away if frightened. She still loves to play ball or ride on a lawnmower. She was beginning to talk and she loved opera, especially sopranos.
     So Jasmine now lives with a happy Maryland family. When Ana soon calls to wish Jasmine a happy birthday, I asked her to give her a hello from Ajijic. I thought "My Girl" deserved something special from us!