Ten Unexpected Life Hacks + Five Facts About #Cockatiels You Probably Didn't Know (unless you have them)

Ten Unexpected Life Hacks For Raising Cockatiels
By Laurel A. Rockefeller

1.      Seed only diets are NOT for the birds.

Remember reading all those really old parrot guide books advocating for all seed-diets for budgerigars and cockatiels?  Throw them out! Though it is true that cockatiels are granivores (meaning they eat primarily seeds in the wild), an all seed diet is a fast track to early death.  Instead offer your bird a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and raw nuts along with some quality pellets mixed in with the seed. Just skip the guacamole; avocado pits contain an especially deadly poison that tends to leech into the fruit, sometimes all the way to the skin. When it comes to avocados, play it safe and keep them away from your birds.

2.      When calcium blocks fail, offer your birds dairy.

Traditionally we offer cuttlebones and mineral blocks to our birds at all times so they can ingest what they need in terms of calcium and other essential minerals as they need it. But as with food, birds can be picky and not like what is offered.  When mineral blocks, calcium blocks, cuttlebones, and other traditional offerings fail serve milk, cheese, and other dairy foods. Though these will cause digestive issues from lactose intolerance that should be monitored carefully, dairy works in infusing your bird’s blood and bones with the calcium they need to stay strong and healthy. Plus, many cockatiels enjoy eating cheese and drinking milk. So, say yes next time your cockatiel wants some cheese or a sip of your (plain) milk! Dairy does a birdy good!

3.      Use pet mats to contain the mess.

Birds, like children, make messes. A lot of them. Whether it’s throwing the contents of their food dishes onto the floors, chewing up toys (and precious objects in your house they decide are their toys), or simply pooping wherever they happen to be, your cockatiel will make quite a few messes. Over the decades I’ve had birds I’ve tried dozens of different options for trying to sweep up and clean up the mess. And while these worked with food messes, they didn’t on the bird poop – until I discovered pet mats while browsing online pet retailer Doctors Foster and Smith. These mats are supposed to be used right side up which is absorbent to liquid messes, but I found that flipping them over works perfect for bird poop! The backsides of these mats are liquid repellent. When you are ready to clean simply pick up and wipe the poop away with a cleanser-infused sponge. Air dry until you are ready to put them back in place. Find them in three sizes at https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=29946

4.      When your birds won’t eat fruits and vegetables, try offering them prepared different ways.

Birds are picky eaters, especially cockatiels. They may love one fruit or veggie when prepared one way but hate it prepared a different way.  Experiment until you find what your birds prefer.

5.      Provide a nest box even if you don’t plan on breeding your birds.

Cockatiels LOVE to nest. Even when you have a single bird, odds are very good you will experience nesting behaviours which can be very destructive to your home. The solution: offer a nest box your bird can customize to her/his/their liking through chewing the nest box, cardboard boxes, and shreddable toys. Nest boxes offer privacy for your birds for when they feel like hiding and a safe place for your hens to lay their eggs.

6.      When the pre-drilled hole doesn’t work, open the lid to your nest boxes.

Some birds don’t like the pre-drilled holes provided for them in commercially made nest boxes. With the lid closed tight, the sudden plunge into blackness can be a rather terrifying prospect. Opening the top alleviates this stress while also providing an alternative route into the box your birds may find they prefer.

7.      Prevent illness with regular trips outside.

Unfiltered UV light is essential to your birds’ health. Without it your bird cannot manufacture essential key nutrients she needs, especially as she ages. Cockatiels in particular are vulnerable to sight loss and blindness as they age, especially if they do not receive regular doses of unfiltered sunlight. While full spectrum light bulbs are available for lighting around your home and cages, nothing does a body good quite as well as fresh air and family time inside the protection of a quality travel cage. So, take a trip, a picnic, an afternoon of fun in the sun. Your bird will reward you not only with the happy chirps of the moment, but with a longer life too!

8.      Offer play spaces in every room of your home.

Your cockatiel is extremely social and needs constant interaction with you and other birds in your home (preferably other cockatiels). Make those interactions safer while controlling your bird’s mess and destructive habits by providing at least one play space such as a natural wood perch stand in every room and placed near where you and the family spend the most time.

Floor length java tree/play stand.

Java trees (aka Borneo or coffee wood) offer a natural climbing surface that is durable enough to naturally wear your birds’ nails while being smooth and comfortable enough to be easy on the feet.  If you need something small and portable that sits on your desk, try the medium size perch stand by Penn Plax just like Arwen’s.

Arwen on the portable perch stand by Penn-Plax. Photo taken with my kindle fire. What’s great about this perch stand is the way it easily assembles and disassembles and fits into a carry-on suitcase for out of town trips. Very hotel friendly!  I bought mine at https://www.amazon.com/Penn-Plax-Perch-Stainless-Feeding/dp/B00OE3C1K6.

9.      Grapevine perches make healthy feet.

In addition to java/coffee wood/Borneo perches and play spaces, grapevine exercises your birds’ feet while helping to wear down toenails safely and effectively. Choose twisted, gnarly perches over straighter options if you can. The less straight and smooth the better. I found my favourite grapevine perches at my local Petco (also available online) where I was able to choose the least straight and most twisted perches the store had in stock. If your local pet store doesn’t offer grapevine, ask if they can order some perches for you.  It’s well worth the extra effort!

10.  Sundecks and platform perches open up relaxing possibilities.

Imagine always having to keep your hands curled around an object 24/7/365.  After a while your hands would get really tired – which is exactly what your birds experience when their only perches are round. Platform perches made of wood and sun decks made of plastic-covered metal give your birds a flat surface to rest on that are also perfect for placing small treat bowls and fresh fruit/veggies upon. Another option for opening up those feet? Clam style mineral blocks positioned horizontally.

This popular clam style mineral block doubles as a flat perch.

Cockatiels enrich our lives. But by following these tips and tricks, you can make your life with your birds healthy and happy for many years to come!

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Want some more facts about Cockatiels? Then watch this informative video:






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Learn more about caring for your Cockatiel by purchasing a copy of Laurel's book "Preparing For My First Cockatiel" today!

The book is available in both English and Spanish.

Here are the purchase links:
English: Amazon.Com or Amazon UK.
Spanish: Amazon.Com or Amazon UK.

"The Gemini Connection" by Teri Polen - #SciFi #Thriller #YA - #Book Release And Launch Party

Teen twin brothers Evan and Simon Resnik are fiercely loyal to each other and share an unusual bond—they experience each other’s emotions as their own and can sense where the other is.

On their dying planet of Tage, scientists work tirelessly on its survival. Like the twins’ parents, Simon is a science prodigy, recruited at a young age to work with the brilliant creator of Scientific Innovations. To the bitter disappointment of their parents, Evan shows no aptitude or interest in science. As a Mindbender, he travels into the minds of scientists to locate buried memories, connect ideas and concepts, and battle recurring nightmares.

When Simon mysteriously disappears, Evan is plunged into a world of loss and unbearable guilt. For the first time, he can’t ‘feel’ Simon—it’s like he no longer exists. Evan blames himself. No one knows that he ignored his brother’s pleas for help on the night he went missing.

A year later, Simon is still gone. Evan lost his twin, but Tage might have lost its last hope of survival when it’s discovered that Simon’s unfinished project could be its salvation. Evan is determined to find him—somewhere—and bring Simon home. Their unusual connection might be more extraordinary than they know, and the key to locating Simon.

Join the Facebook virtual book launch party - tonight!
7 June at 17:00–19:00 CDT
https://www.facebook.com/events/410091202806092/

Buy your copy today from  
Amazon.Com, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, or Black Rose Writing.

#Ocean Themed #Poetry #Book - The Ocean’s Lullaby And Other Poems Now In #Audio!

A collection of more than 40 poems of various styles and lengths, many of which have an ocean theme to them.

As well as having an ocean theme in many cases, the poems in this collection explore a variety of other themes, using a variety of different tones; some funny, and others of a more serious nature. Themes include holidays, animals, imagination and creativity, depression and grief, among others; often overlapping with the ocean theme.

Previously only made available in eBook and paperback, "The Ocean’s Lullaby And Other Poems" is now available as an audiobook, read for you by Carol Weakland.

Regardless of the format you'd prefer, here's where you can buy the book:

Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, iTunes, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, and The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

#Music Monday: Jim Reeves - Bimbo

I'm a big fan of country music, as many people who know me well can tell you, and among the artists I love are ones like Jim Reeves. My Grandma's a big fan of Jim Reeves too, and it's her birthday in a few days time, so I thought I'd share one of his songs I know she's especially fond of. So, here's "Bimbo" for your listening pleasure. Enjoy!







Oh, and... Happy birthday, Grandma!

Tori's May 2018 #Book #Reviews - #AmReading

It's time to take a look at what I read in May.

But first...

If you have physical books you want bookends for, and happen to be a Star Wars fan, you should totally check out this Yoda bookend.

Anyway...

As with the previous posts like this one, if you want to know more about the book, or the author, click on whichever it is you want to learn more about, and it will take you to the appropriate page on Goodreads. Clicking on my rating should take you to my actual Goodreads review for the book in question.

Don't forget: the format I've reviewed may not be the format I read. Also, please remember that I read across multiple genres and age ranges, so you should always check if a book is suitable for the intended reader, especially when children are involved. Sometimes reading the book's description on its Goodreads page will be enough for this, but other times you may need to check elsewhere to figure out the genre and/or recommended reading level.

OK... On to the reviews!

A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a great addition to the series. I wish things hadn't been left the way they were by the end of this book with certain characters though.

The Queen's Nose by Dick King-Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I remember watching - and enjoying - the TV series based on this book when I was younger. The book is just as good.

Mythos: A Retelling of the Myths of Ancient Greece by Stephen Fry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an interesting and entertaining read - or listen, if you do what I did and grab the audio version read by the author - which will appeal to all who enjoy the old myths, especially those based around the Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses.

Morgen of Avalon: Dreamspell 1 by Carol Weakland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a captivating and beutifully written story, which will appeal to anyone who loves to read stories based around the legend of King Arthur. Additionally, I have the audio version, read by the author herself, and she has a wonderful voice for audio book narration, which makes for a fantastic listening experience.

Witch's Legacy by Katrina Cope
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an extremely enjoyable read. The characters are well-rounded and relatable, and the plot is interesting. Add some wonderful writing by the author, and you have the recipe for a great read, which you won't want to put down until you've read the very last word... Even if it means you're up half the night to finish it, like I was.
*NOTE: I was gifted a copy of this book. This has in no way influenced my opinion of the book, nor the contents of my review.

Rescuing the Prince by Victoria Leybourne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A wonderful and beautifully written story, with some sweet moments, some entertaining moments, an interesting plot, and a great cast of characters.

Waylaid by Kim Harrison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A fun quick read for fans of both the Rachel Morgan and Peri Reed books.

The Operator by Kim Harrison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a great second book for this series. The worldbuilding and futuristic devices are creative, there's a great cast of characters that are complex enough to keep you on your toes, and the plot is interesting and moves at a nice pace.

#FurkidFriday: A Lilie The #Westie Medical Update - June 1st 2018

Hi everyone. This is Lilie the Westie again.

I meant to tell you this last week, but didn't have time. Anyway, that cream stuff the vet gave us is working, but slowly.

The vet says the reason it's working so slowly is because I keep scratching. He's pretty sure it's dust mites in the carpet that's making me scratch a lot, because I don't have fleas or anything, and the fact no new sores have shown up anywhere means it's unlikely I have skin disease, which is what they first feared would be the case.

The humans are trying to keep the carpet as dust mite free as possible with the hoover creature, but really it's an old carpet that could do with being replaced, so they aren't sure how well they're doing. They're doing their best though.

The sore near my neck is healing slowest. The vet says it's because of my collar. He suggested they take it off - at least until the sore heals up - but that can't happen. There are two reasons for this:

1. I have a bell on my collar. Well, two of them, actualy, in case one falls off and the humans don't realize. This is because Mummy has broken eyes, and the bell helps her know where I am. Without it, she steps on me and falls over me.
2. I hate being without my collar. I've worn it every day since I came to live with these humans, and get distressed without it on. My collar is my clothes, and I don't like to not be dressed. It's like how you humans are with those t-shirts and things you wear... You wouldn't want to wander around without clothes like that, would you? Well, neither do I!

Mummy loosened my collar a little, so it's not always resting on the sore area. The humans figured that was a good way to stop it rubbing on the sore as much, while leaving the collar on me. It seems to have helped. Healing is still going slowly, but it's obviously happening.

Lots of licks,
Lilie

#WriterWednesday - #Quotes About #Writing And Creativity

I think of writing with all of these quotes, but most of them could just as easily apply to art, or to any other kind of craft or form of creativity you prefer.

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You do not have to write everyday. I'm giving you permission to take a day off. Marinating the mind is important--at least for my process. LEARN *YOUR* PROCESS.
~Tara Lazar

Ideas are easy. It’s the execution of ideas that really separates the sheep from the goats.
~Sue Grafton

Inspiration comes and goes, creativity is the result of practice.
~Phil Cousineau

Technique alone is never enough. You have to have passion. Technique alone is just an embroidered potholder.
~Raymond Chandler

I spent too many years neglecting my muse. I believed creativity was finite, that when I gave my creativity to my employer, there was none left for my art. But creativity is not a fossil fuel of finite supply that must be transported in pipelines and on ships and driven around in automobile tanks. Creative thinking, I’ve learned, begets more creative thinking.
~Patrick Ross

Creativity Is Intelligence Having Fun.
~Albert Einstein

#MondayMotivation And #Inspiration - May 2018 Edition

It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.
~André Gide

Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.
~Allen Saunders

Everything you can imagine is real.
~Pablo Picasso

Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.
~Marilyn Monroe

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
~Ancient Chinese proverb

In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.
~Robert Frost

May 2018 #TV Talk And #Movie Mutterings: A Movie And TV Quiz - #AmWatching

I did this book quiz back in February, after seeing it on Jeanie's blog (as I mention in the post I just linked to). I thought at the time that many of the questions could easily be applied to movies or TV shows... With a bit of tweaking of words, of course.

So, since my DVD time has been much less than I hoped it would be, which means I'm not having many movies and TV shows to review, I thought I'd have some fun and tweak the questions so they could apply to movies and TV shows, and then answer them for this month's post. Feel free to play along. Oh, and let me know if you do, because I'd love to read your answers.

Anyway, here are the questions, along with my answers.

*What DVDs are on your coffee table?

There's a whole stack of them I'm waiting to find time to catch up on watching. I don't even remember half of what's there any more. I know there's a box set of "The Big Bang Theory" and some old Disney movies, as well as the "NCIS" DVDs I'm still trying to finish watching, but couldn't tell you beyond that.

*What TV series are you watching right now?

I'm still trying to catch up with watching episodes of "NCIS" - slowly but surely. It's taking longer than it should due to me ending up having less TV time than I'd hoped to have, and taking breaks after every couple of disks to watch some of the movies I want to see.

*What is the last great movie you watched?

This might change between when I'm writing this post and when it goes live, depending on what I watch in the meantime. However, at the time I'm writing this, "Moana" is the last movie I watched that I would really call a great movie. I've watched others that were really good... Even ones I'd give five stars to... But "Moana" stands out in my mind.

*What do you watch for solace? For escape? For sheer pleasure?

I watch whatever I happen to be in the mood for at the time. Mostly what I watch falls in to the catagory of either cartoons, kids movies, crime shows, nature shows, or documentaries, but I don't watch those things exclusively.

*What's your favorite movie?

Like with my favourite books, this has changed on and off, and probably will again. My favourite movie was a tie between "Practical Magic" and "The Craft" for a long time. But then I saw "Frozen" and I can't get enough of that movie, so would say that's probably currently my favourite. Although, "Santa Clause - The Movie" is still my favourite holiday movie, and has been since I was a child, with "Prancer" a close second on my favourite holiday movie list.

*What's your favorite TV series?

Like with my favourite books and movies, this can - and does - change. But my favourite TV series is a tie between "NCIS" and "The Big Bang Theory" these days.

*What movie or TV show did you think was overrated or just didn't like?

"A Game Of Thrones" springs to mind. The books were great, but I found the TV series confusing, and lost interest in watching it quickly. I couldn't understand what all the fuss was about it. I still can't really. Although, as I said, I did enjoy the books.

*How do you like to watch your shows? DVD or Netflix? Morning or Night? In bed or on the sofa?

I generally watch my movies and TV shows on DVD, though I sometimes watch something using my Sky box. I don't even have Netflix yet, but might get it at some point.

When I watch things depends on when I know I can clear a good chunk of time to be able to watch a whole DVD in peace, which is why I don't get as much time to watch as I'd like, because that's not always easy to do. As for where: mostly on the sofa in the livingroom. Though I will sometimes stick a disk in my computer and watch it from bed.

*What's the best movie or TV show you ever received as a gift?

"Practical Magic" immediately springs to mind. It was a gift from an online friend named Melody. I unfortunately no longer speak to Melody, or even know what happened to her... We sort of drifted apart, as often happens. But I loved the movie from the first time I watched it. I don't have the video she sent me any more, but I've got a DVD copy to replace it. As I mentioned above, it was one of my top two favourite movies for a very long time. It's still in the top three.

*What kind of things did you watch as a child? Which childhood movies and TV shows stick with you most?

My favourite things to watch as a young child - other than the Disney movies many people my age were raised on, I mean - was anything involving "Care Bears" or "My Little Pony" (movies and TV shows alike). I also loved "Lambchop's Play Along" and "Mrs. Pepperpot" which I watched before school every single morning. Nature shows and documentaries have interested me since childhood too. I also loved "Ivor The Engine" and "Bagpus" very much. Plus, I enjoyed watching "Thomas The Tank Engine" and a few other shows my brothers loved. But don't tell them I said that.

When I got a bit older, I still loved these shows, but "Rugrats" and "Full House" joined the list, along with "The Simpsons" and several other shows it would take me forever to list. Later, "Pokemon" and "Yu-Gi-Oh!" became favourites of mine as well.

I still love all of them now, and would happily sit and watch any of them again and again.

*You're organizing a dinner party for the stars. Which three actors or actresses, dead or alive, do you invite?

Rupert Grint who played Ron Weasley in the "Harry Potter" movies, Brian Krause who played Leo in the "Charmed" TV series, and Emma Thompson who wrote and starred in the "Nanny McPhee" movies. Why? Because I love them in the shows and movies I just mentioned, and would like to see if they're as nice in person. Plus, they're the first three who sprung to mind.

#FurkidFriday: Lilie The #Westie Visit's The #Vet - May 2018 Edition (FD)

Hi everyone. This is Lilie the Westie.

I got to go visit that vet place again twice this month. I love going there! Everyone always gives me lots of attention, and tells me how cute I am, which I like to be told, even though I know already. There are usually treats too. It's great!

The first time was because I've got some sores on me. The humans and the vet are hoping it's not going to be the start of the skin problems that a lot of Westies get. It could be, or it could be that I cut myself when I was having a scratch. Since I scratch so much, either is possible, though the very fact I scratch so much means I have a high chance of having skin problems. Either way, the vet gave the humans some wet stuff in a tube to put on my sores. They call it cream, but it doesn't smell anything like the cream the Mummy human has on her strawberries sometimes, and the humans say I shouldn't try to lick it. I'm not sure why. Anyway, it's meant to make the sores better, but if it doesn't they say I'll have to go back there for the vet to look at my sores again, and they'll have to try something else.

The other time was because I had to go back to the vet again yesterday to get something sharp stuck in me. The humans said it was so I can try not to get some of the doggy illnesses that we dogs can get. I hope it turns out to be worth it.

I really like visiting the vet, because I love going places, especially when I'll get attention. They usually have great treats too. But I do wish the humans would quit with the wet things in bottles and tubes they keep squirting all over me. I could do without sharp things getting stuck in me too. Well, you have to take the good with the bad, I suppose.

Lots of licks,
Lilie

#WriterWednesday - May 23rd 2018

IMPORTANT: the new European Union privacy legislation known as "GDPR" (General Data Protection Regulation) comes into effect on May 25, 2018. This regulation initially impacts European Union member countries and aims to protect people from companies selling personal data. For more information - including what you need to know if you're an author - you may wish to check out this post.

I think Google/Blogger puts up a notice about cookies when you first visit my blog. However, I thought I'd make sure I'm completely covered, so I have added the following mesage to my sidebar, below the thing about copyright:

Please note: any cookies on my website are used to ensure normal website functions (for instance, Youtube videos won’t work without their own identifiers). These cookies cannot be switched off because the website wouldn’t work properly anymore. However, these identifiers do not store any personal data.

I have also added the following message to our "contact us and find us elsewhere" page:

Please note: by contacting either one of us via any of the following options, you are agreeing to be contacted in return. However, any information you share with us will not be shared with others, or used in any way we do not first obtain your permission for.

I will arrange for something to be put on my actual website about that last one too. Maybe I should also mention the cookie thing on there. I don't think my website does that, but just in case...

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In case you missed last week's post: "Vinnie The Vegetarian Zombie" is now available in audio, narrated by Jenny Bacon. The audio book can be purchased via Audible, Amazon, and iTunes; click on the post I linked to just now for links, as well as full details of where you can buy the book in all available formats, including eBook and paperback. I only realized afterwards that it turned out I was announcing that one being available during National Vegetarian Week, which I thought was kind of cool.

That's all the news I have for you on my books and writing right now, because none of the other audio books are released at the cut-off time for this post - though some will be soon - and I'm still struggling to get any writing time in (other than the time I used to get ahead on blog posts where possible) so I don't even have any updates for you on that. If you're dealing with issues yourself right now, here's a post that gives some advice on how to deal with the real life "plot twists" that keep you from writing.

On the other hand, if you're dealing with writers' block, or struggling to get your muse to show up at the times you actually have a chance for a good writing session, you may like to check out these ideas for writing practice. In theory, they'll help you get started. Of course, after that it will be up to you to keep it going. With that in mind, here's a trick to help you start writing when you don't know what to write about.

So... What hinders your creativity? Also, how do you find time to write, and do you really not have time for that? Only you know the answers, but perhaps the posts I just linked to will help you figure things out.

While you're thinking about it, bear in mind the parts of writing no one talks about, because they'll be your reality if you want to take this writing thing seriously. Oh, and here's a fun trick to make your writing time more fulfilling (and more productive).

No matter what you find works for you, when it comes to your writing, don't forget the plants and payoffs in your story.

Also, if you're writing a prequel to whatever story or series you've written before, you might want to check out these tips to writing prequels and not hurting the originals, so you don't end up disappointing your readers.

On the other hand, if it's your book blurb you could do with some help with, check out this post on writing the dreaded book blurb.

By the way, do you write mysteries? Or, would you like to? If you answered, "yes," to either of those, check out Rachel's blog where she's been doing her anual mystery month posts, such as this one on writing the mystery novel. In fact, since mystery authors and mystery themed "short story Sundays" are involved, some of the posts may appeal to you if you're a mystery reader who doesn't write in that genre, so you might want to go check them out either way.

Regardless of the genre you write for, if you write middle grade books, you'll want to check out these six golden rules of writing middle grade. You can generally apply those rules to writing for children of any age, not just the 12 year olds the article mentions.

No matter what you read or write though, always remember: everyone is good at something - including you!

#Music Monday: Sonny & Cher - I Got You Babe

Tomorrow is our 15th wedding anniversary.

A few weeks ago, I asked Kelly why he'd put up with me for so long, and informed him that he could do better.

His response was to say, "I've got you."

He then attempted to sing part of "I Got You Babe" to me. It was clear from his attempt that my hubby's no singer, but I still thought it was sweet.

With that in mind, and considering the fact tomorrow's our anniversary, I can't think of a better topic for today's post than that very song, sung by the talented duo, Sonny and Cher. So... Enjoy!

Guest Post: 10 Tips How to Make Your #Child's #Education More Interesting

10 Tips How to Make Your Child's Education More Interesting

By Emily Watts

By nature kids are very playful and free-spirited beings. They fancy many things, including colors, animals and everything that catches their attention. As parents, we always desire the best for our children. Thus, some of our greatest sense of fulfillment comes from providing them with the best, and education is not an exception. Watching our kids learning new things every day and getting worthy grades puts a smile on the face of every parent.

But sometimes, we may find out that our kids are not catching up with their school tasks. Or they are finding them boring, and just go with the motions without enjoying the process, due to their age or other factors. What to do in this case and how you can help? Here are a few tips that will aid us in spicing up studying process for them:

1.       Little rewards

A little pat on the back for having pristine grades can be a huge source of inspiration to some kids. Usually they work harder when they realize that their efforts will be rewarded. Applaud their efforts and encourage them to do better can make your child become a solid person.

2.       Music

If your daughter, for instance, has a hard time learning by heart her multiplication tables or current affairs info, you can facilitate this process by creating a song together. Children get easily captivated by the music and could learn the required information while singing it. Such way is especially helpful for toddlers, pre-schoolers and most kids before they turn twelve. A good number of education-themed songs have helped children learning various subjects. It’s worth the try.

3.       Videos

There are educational websites for students that offer tons of videos covering subjects found in the school’s program for your kids. For subjects with tons of new words like the Sciences, History and others. Videos can be a good option.

4.       Games

Just like music and videos, there are also games specifically designed to help kids with learning the basics of the certain subjects. Children love playing and having fun. Some of these games can be found on various educational websites. “educational games” might be the exact thing your child needs to assimilate better.

5.       Excursions

Excursions are very vital tools in child education. It helps when the child gets a glimpse of what he is taught within class walls. Of course, you cannot take your child to a laboratory; but you can visit a museum together and see some things described in history books. Or you could take them to a science-themed amusement park with fun rides describing planets or body system. Either way, it’s a win-win for everyone – education coupled with a good time out.

6.       Storybooks

No, not the school ones. Get your children interesting novels written based on a particular subject e.g. Chemistry, Biology, Physics. Depending on the age, there are a good number of children’s novels that can help them understand different subjects while challenging their imaginations.

7.       Other things aside from the books

Anyone could get bored with excessive reading or studying. This is why parents get advised to search out the other things that interest their children. Things like soccer, ballet classes, martial arts, etc. Children who take part in their favorite activities tend to be more relaxed, as well as have a sense of satisfaction. This puts them in a perfect spot for assimilating their school tasks.

8.      Nutrition

Breakfast is seen as the most important meal of the day because it provides glucose boost, which your brain needs to function. Proper nutrition is very essential; kids education and nutrition experts would tell you that certain food affects the brain’s ability to store information. Fruit and vegetables could help increase your child’s focus levels in the class. Water intake should also be implemented.

9.       Talking with the teacher

While at school, each teacher’s duty is to observe kid’s behavior. Talking with your child’s instructor clarify the challenges he/she might be facing while studying. This gives you both the chance to agree on strategies that can improve performance, and can easily be applied both at home and in school.

10.   Get involved

As guardians, we can make sure our kids eat and exercise good – but to the kids it might not make so much impact until we get involved. Have your child told you about his day, show interest in helping out with homework? Even if it takes time to help your child with homework, the effort will be worth it. Children flourish when they have a solid backup. Thus, is there a better backup they  can get than their parents?

#FurkidFriday: Maizie The #Chinchilla Checks In

Hi everyone. This is Maizie the chinchilla.

To be honest, I don't really have much to say. Mostly all I've been doing is hanging out watching NCIS, and a few other shows that keep ending up on between episodes of NCIS. Personally, I'd be happy with NCIS 24 hours a day, but the human caretakers say I have to put up with waiting until the TV puts it on. I wish they'd give me that thing they call a "TV remote" so I could pick my shows myself. Maybe then I could find NCIS all the time?

Anyway, I just wanted to check in, let you know I'm doing OK, and that kind of thing. So I'll let this do for today.

Squeak soon,
Maizie

#KidLit #Book - Vinnie The Vegetarian Zombie Now In #Audio! #Zombies #Vegetarian

When Vinnie the zombie smashes his way in to the fruit and vegetable shop where six year old Annie is waiting in hiding for her Mother to come back for her, Annie isn’t sure what to do. But Vinnie isn’t like other zombies. A vegetarian in life, it looks like Vinnie may also be one in death, and it may not be Annie who’s in danger after all.

Previously only available as an eBook or paperback, "Vinnie The Vegetarian Zombie" is now also available as an audiobook, read for you by Jenny Bacon.

Regardless of the format you'd prefer, here are the main places where you can buy the book:

Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, iTunes, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, and The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

Random Ramblings - May 14th 2018 (FD)

There's not much to say beyond what I wrote in yesterday's post, but here's a post to say it anyhow.

I've taken advantage of a bit of time I had when I didn't feel like I was going to pass out to schedule several posts to go up on Sundays and Mondays over the next couple of months, just in case I'm not around to sort them, or not feeling well enough, or whatever. Well, my book review and movie review posts are sort of work in progress type things, but they'll go up with whatever reviews are in them at the time they're due to go live. I've scheduled some Friday posts too, though those are hard to do, since they're supposed to be pet related updates. Wednesdays are harder still, because those posts are generally links I've collected throughout the week, apart from when I've used those posts for book announcements. So I'm sorry if I end up missing posting on a Wednesday or Friday at any point.

I did this because I didn't want you to have to miss out on posts if - or when - I end up back inhospital. When I'm around to do update posts, I can reschedule something to clear a slot. In the meantime, I feel better knowing you'll have things to read during my promised regular posting slots, even if I'm dealing with doctors on those days.

Like I said though, sorry if I miss a slot. Also, sorry if I get behind on anything else too. I'm doing my best.

***~~~***

The weather's been all over the place in this past month.

Some days it's been rainy, with temperatures only a few degrees above freezing, while other days it's been warm and sunny.

One time it even got up to about 27 degrees C (88 F). But that was only once. Mostly it's been 20 degrees C (72 F) or lower. In fact, until this past week, the most common temperatures had been between 12 degrees C (56 F) and 16 degrees C (64 F). We started seeing temperatures of 19 degrees C (70 F) and higher more often during this past week though. This time last week, for example, it was 21 degrees C (74 F) and got hotter as the day wore on. I think it got up to 25 degrees C (82 F) for a while at one point... Not for long though, thankfully.

Not too hot as a rule, but warmer than I like sometimes, and much warmer than it was just a couple of months ago. I wonder if we'll get a really hot Summer, like we did last year? I kind of hope not. Sunny weather is fine, but I don't like when it gets too hot. If things continue as they've been going though, we'll be dealing with those hot temperatures for sure. I hope I'm not in hospital when we do... It's always much too hot for my liking in hospitals as it is.

Anyway, in the meantime, some of the rainy days have come with strong winds too, so we've had a few mild storms. No big ones though. At least, not unless I slept through them, and didn't hear about them afterwards, which is possible with how much I've been sleeping lately, and how poorly I've been doing at keeping up with what's going on outside my own home.

***~~~***

I've now finished reading the five "Game Of Thrones" books that are out. As I've said in my reviews - the last of which will be in my May reviews post - I think they're better than the TV series. Much easier to follow, which helps in itself.

I did have one issue I didn't mention in my reviews though: the author is much too free with his use of a certain four lettered "C" word for my liking.

Actually, it bothers me that authors swear so much in books these days in general. But that particular word is my least favourite word, and it really bothers me how often it was used. It bothers me even more than how often the four lettered "F" word was used. I'd rather the "F" word than the "C" word any time.

I didn't mention it in my reviews though, because I know this is just my issue, and those who follow my reviews on Goodreads are probably sick of me complaining about the over-use of curse words in books. I felt the need to mention it somewhere though, and this post on my blog seems as good a place as any.

I'm still going to finish the series when - or if - the books for it get finished and published though.

***~~~***

I wanted to try Thai food. No reason other than that I haven't done so to my knowledge, and there are a couple of Thai places near here that deliver. So, we placed an order via one of them recently.

I ordered some jasmine rice with Pad Khing Tao Hoo (stir fried tofu with mushrooms, onions, ginger & spring onions).

I ordered that partially because it sounded good, and partially because it was a vegetarian dish that was mild on spices, and I didn't want anything too spicy. I like some spice, but have learned through ordering Chinese and Indian food to be cautious of the hotter foods... They're not usually for me. That's part of why it's taken me so long to try Thai food.

I really enjoyed it, though perhaps not as much as I usually enjoy Chinese or Indian food. Still, it was good, and I'd eat it again. Plus, I feel good being able to honestly say I've tried some kind of Thai food. I think I was right to be cautious on the spices though, so don't plan to try the hotter stuff they do.

Medical Mutterings - May 2018 Edition (PTMI & LBE)

WARNING: this post carries a PTMI (possibly too much information) warning. This especially applies to male readers, and those who are squeemish about blood. Feel free to read on, but don't say I didn't warn you.

Firstly, here's an update on everyone else:

My Mam's leg was healing well, but then it got infected again. She'd gotten to the stage where she could be without bandages, but now she's back to bandages and strong antibiotics again. At least she gets to stay home though. They've told her this could keep happening, and that even when it calms down, she'll probably always need a walking aid of some kind (such as a frame, crutches, etc). Even if she gets to the point where she can hobble around the house without using any kind of walking aid, she'll need one when she goes out. This isn't the best news, but it's better than the potentially losing her leg they were talking about not long ago. Now we're crossing our fingers that the new antibiotics clear up the infection again quickly, and she doesn't get another infection any time soon.

Kelly's lump is going to be drained, which is what he was hoping for. He's waiting for an appointment, which should come in the next few weeks. The procedure itself should only take about half an hour, so he'll just be spending a few hours with the doctors while they cut it open, drain it, make sure it's not going to bleed too much, and then stitch his head back up. He'll be allowed back home after that, to return about a week later for his stitches to come out. All being well, that will be the end of it for him for doctor visits for a while.

Also, my Grandma's doing OK, but had a "funny turn" that meant a doctor visiting her at home to give her a lecture about doing too much, since that was what likely caused it. When she remembers she's almost 80 (she'll be 80 in June) and doesn't try and do too much, she's doing OK though.

As for me...

So far, there's hope for my new asthma nurse, who I saw on April 25th.

First of all, she was annoyed to learn that my inhalers ever got taken away, especially when she learned the reason the doctor had given for doing so. She's assured me she wouldn't ever advise that - especially given my medical history - though she would like to have me needing to have them less often. Like maybe once or twice a day, instead of the four times a day I've been needing them. Obviously, those numbers aren't including asthma attacks, but refer to the preventative doses, if that makes sense. Cutting down I don't mind, since I'd still have them on hand in case of asthma attacks, and be having regular doses of the steroid medication they contain. So I'm fine with that plan.

She also realised that - due to the dizziness from the anemia and bleeding - I'm not taking deep enough breaths to get the full dose in, which is part of why I need the inhalers so frequently, get out of breath so easily, and am struggling to get asthma attacks under control as easily as I used to be able to. When she asked me about it, I explained about the anemia, and how I can't get it under control because of the bleeding, and told her how it makes the dizziness worse to take really deep breaths, so she's given me a spacer thing to help with that.

For those who don't know: a spacer is a plastic thing that goes between the inhaler and your mouth. As long as you keep it in your mouth, the steroids squirted from the inhaler stay inside it, so you can take it in over a few shallower breaths, rather than not getting it all because you didn't take a big enough breath. I even have one of the newer ones, which makes a noise if your breaths are coming too quick to give you a good chance of getting all the medication.

I have to go back to see her on June 6th to see how I'm getting on with that. Personally, I think it might be helping. I've had no asthma attacks since I started using the new inhaler and the spacer thing anyhow, which I know is a good thing.

Anyway, I was weighed while I was at the medical centre, and was delighted to learn that I'm lighter than I thought I was. Still heavier than I should really be, but that's still a good thing, since I was basing my weight on the last time I was weighed. I was also pleased that she didn't lecture me on my weight, and thought the idea of blaming my weight for my asthma was ridiculous, especially considering I've had asthma since childhood.

Like I said: so far, there's hope for my new asthma nurse. Now I just have to hope I get to keep her.

Unfortunately, things aren't going quite so smoothly with sorting out the issues that are aggrivating my anemia. Although, there is some potential progress in that area, even if the road I'm travelling is rather more bumpy, if you know what I mean.

I ended up making another trip in to A and E in the early hours of April 28th. I went because of what happened with the bleeding.

For those who don't know: my bleeding has been bad since I first started my periods, but I used to have breaks in between. Even then it was an issue, so I've been seeing doctors about it since I was still in primary school, and having to take time off school during my heavier days. But these days it's worse, because I'm always bleeding. As in, have a non-stop period. Sometimes it's heavy, sometimes it's light. The point is, there's always blood.

Lately, my bleeding's been really bad. Even worse than it used to be, I mean. Bad enough that I'm getting circulation issues that are causing me to lose feeling in my feet. At first it only happened when I sat in certain positions for too long, but now it happens at random times. It happened as I was getting out of the bath a couple of times, for example. I also keep getting so dizzy that some days I can't even sit up for long because of it. After I nearly fell because of the, "Can't feel my feet," issue a few times, I decided I should make a trip back to A and E, which is what I did in the early hours of the morning of April 28th.

Of course, the moment I got there, the bleeding slackened off. That keeps happening, so they keep missing out on seeing the bleeding at its worse. It's really frustrating. Still, it was heavy enough that when they went to try and send me home with pills again without doing anything more (since my iron level was high enough that I didn't need a blood transfusion during that visit, even if it was only just) showing them what light bleeding for me is like was enough to get them to accept it might be an idea to do more. They still weren't as helpful as I'd have liked, but it was progress.

Despite the fact they agreed to do more in the long-term, they still sent me home with some of the pills I've had a hundred times before, and the pills still did nothing, as I'd expected would be the case. But they also gave me an appointment for an emergency scan, which I had on May 2nd, and while I was there for that they got a better demonstration of my bleeding. It still wasn't my heaviest bleeding, but it was enough to have the nurses needing to mop up a lot of blood, and show them I wasn't kidding when I said what I call light bleeding and what they do are two different things.

Anyway, I didn't expect the scan to show anything, because I've had several scans over the years, and my scans are usually clear. So I was expecting to have to fight to get them to do anything. But this time it looks like I'm having issues with polyps and possible fibroids, so they want me seen by a new gynecologist as soon as possible.

Fair play to them, they tried to actually make me an appointment while I was there, but the clinic refused to let them without my doctor referring me. So I had to call my doctor and ask for an emergency referral. They wrote to him too, because they wanted to make sure he knew it was an emergency case. I was pleased about that, since it helps my case.

Kelly's seen our new doctor, and says he's a nice guy who listens to you. I ended up talking to one of the other doctors from the surgery instead of my own new doctor though, because I couldn't get to talk to my own. They'd told me the first day I called that I could if I called first thing in the morning, but when I did they said he was already booked up. Bearing in mind, I called as soon as they opened. I was a bit annoyed about that... Why tell me I can get to talk to him if I can't? But at least I could get to speak to a doctor, I suppose. Plus, the doctor actually listened to me when I explained the situation, which makes a nice change. Looks like my surgery got some better doctors.

If you're wondering: the reason I didn't make an appointment for a future day instead is that our doctor is booked up for the next couple of weeks apart from potential call slots if you call early enough in the morning. Plus, I wanted to just do a phonecall, since the bleeding makes going out a lot of hastle and stress for me. Made worse by the fact I'm blind, and have to rely on others to take me places, make sure I'm not covered in blood, etc. So, I decided to just accept a call from one of the other doctors, since it would get things done more quickly, and there wasn't really a valid reason why I couldn't talk to one of them instead. So, since I'd be dealing with another doctor anyhow, it was easier for me to just accept a call from one, which is what I did on May 4th.

I've told them I've had enough and want a hysterectomy.

I said it to the doctors and nurses when I was at the hospital (both on April 28th, and on May 2nd) and I said it again to the doctor on the phone too.

I've told them this before, but I'm now five years older, and have the issues with polyps and fibroids to add to the hormonal issues I was already dealing with. Their arguments before were about the risks of surgery (especially on someone overweight and asthmatic) and me still being young enough to have children. But those arguments no longer carry as much weight now that I'm almost in to my mid 30s, my scan is no longer clear, and my quality of life is starting to suffer enough that I'm at risk if left as I am. I also pointed out that I'm essentially needing constant babysitting because I can't see to be sure I've cleaned up all the blood. Not to mention, I'm in constant pain from stomach cramps, and the dehydration caused by the amount of blood loss can't be good for my kidneys (which are already not as good as they should be). So I'm hoping I'll have better luck this time around. I feel like I was having better luck with the doctor this time, so I'm crossing my fingers the same holds true when I see the gynecologist.

Considering I once longed for children, it probably seems strange for me to be pushing for something like this. But we tried for children, and failed to get any. The hormonal issues made the chances I'd have any so slim I'd resigned myself to not having any a little over five years ago, and the presence of polyps and fibroids decreases the already low chances even more. So, as far as I'm concerned, the ship has sailed on that particular potential future. Now the main thing is to make the bleeding go away, try and get my anemia under control before something really bad happens - which will be easier without the bleeding - and give myself a chance at improving my quality of life while I'm still young enough to appreciate and enjoy it.

Anyway, the doctor said he would organize my referral letter. In fact, it should have been sorted last week. I'm just waiting for my appointment, which should be happening some time between now and the end of the month, but I don't know when it will be at the time I'm writing this post. I should hear when it is any day now though. Once I know for sure what's going to happen, I'll let you know. As I said, I'm crossing my fingers for a result that will finally let me see an end to this issue, even if it means a guaranteed end to the chances of me being a Mother.

#FurkidFriday: Mollie The #Chinchilla Decides The Daddy Human's Not So Bad

Hi everyone. This is Mollie the chinchilla.

I've decided the Daddy human might not be so bad after all.

I mean, he does feed us when the Mummy human keeps doing those disappearing acts she's been doing. Him doing it isn't the same as the Mummy human doing it, but he does OK.

I still prefer the Mummy human, but I've decided I like the Daddy human too.

I even let him pick me up and give me some cuddle time the other day. He liked that. I kinda did too.

Squeak soon,
Mollie

#WriterWednesday - May 9th 2018

If you're a writer, I hope your writing projects are going well.

There's not much progress with my own writing projects. Audio book production is still moving along nicely, but my hopes for catching up with writing in May have so far come to nothing, and I'm not sure how successful I'll be at getting in my writing time over the next few months. I won't go in to details in this post, but I'm sure you'll understand when you read the post I have scheduled to go up this coming Sunday. In the meantime, since I don't have anything much to say, on to those links...

Firstly, are there birds in your book? If so, you might want to go check out the post I just linked to. Actually, you might want to if you just like birds too.

Whether your book contains birds or not, here's a post you might like to read if you want to know more about the basic plot of a comedy. Useful to know regardless, but especially useful if you're actually writing a comedy.

Regardless of your book's plot though, remember that getting published is not a race to the finish line. No matter what you write, or which method of publication you plan to look in to, there's no rush. It will happen when it's time. Oh, and here are some self-publishing myths that need to die... If you're thinking self-publishing is not for you, read the post before you decide for sure, because not everything you hear about it is true.

Right. I'll end today's post with a piece about how writing helps us make sense of the things we otherwise can't - something many writers will understand - and another that talks about the right way to write.

#Music Monday: Rocket Girl - Doc Walker

I first heard Doc Walker's "Rocket Girl" in the days when I was listening to - and later doing - streams. That's a sort of online radio, for the benifit of anyone who doesn't know. I fell in love with the song from the first time I heard it, and since it mentions Alberta, I thought this month would be an appropriate month to share it in. Why? Because Kelly's birthday and our wedding anniversary are both celebrated this month, and both his birth and our marriage took place in Alberta, Canada. Like I said, it's appropriate. So, here it is... Enjoy!