Love the blog BECAUSE yesterday I drove to a Tucson wildlife rehab home and gave them one orphaned Gambel's quail chick. I had it for one day and then was told by the feed store that is was illegal to raise it. "Pipsqueek" showed up first in my garden compound and then, six hours later in my garage at which time I caught it and brought it inside to rest on a low temp heating pad. I was thrilled to read comments on how it is possible for numerous eggs to hatch at once when only one a day is laid. Thanks for that. Here is a suggestion to discourage any birds from laying eggs in pots or other containers you want to be off limits: Partially crush aluminum cans and lay around the plants, totally covering the possible nesting site. The birds can't fit in there now and should find a more suitable site. I have used this for years, even placing cans on top of the patio fan where some dumbbells want to roost! It is unsightly but very effective. Replace when a strong wind blows the can(s) off. Here are 2 photos of "Pipsqueek" I took yesterday. I placed a toy Hush Puppy dog in the box because it had droopy ears like a bird's wing and that did the trick to comfort the baby quail. The mirror initially helped, too. I don't know how to include a video I took.

Hello, Can anyone suggest a Indian type mango variety that may grow well in inland Los Angles area with planting zone 10b: 35 to 40 F? Is it true that either Kent or Golden Nugget are Indian type variety? Are they compact in size? Thanks!

We used to live near that areaa and just in the last 10-15 years the area growth has gotten completly out of control. Big big houses, stores, car dealers light industry, but with major problems Water, and lack of high tech jobs had many driving long distances and leaving lots of kids without parental control. Very poor public transportation, lots of people have 3-5 cars, plus RV's, boats etc and no place to go. Very hot windy weather,but cold in winter. Lots of gangs and racial tensions. Being 3rd generation CA we have seen the state really suffer and sorry to say, the average person does not care. Just got back from a trip and oh we are so glad to have moved. But then Northern Calif has not changed much at all. Just like two different countries. I do miss the veggies and fruit, but most of that is gone now. We did stop at a bank and I was amazed to see 2 guards with guns on duty, and high bullet proof glass all over--yep right off the freeway in Victorville.

I have some ideas that help me keep in touch with kids that were close to my little girl. Always take alot of pictures when together. Take professional & alot yourself. Those will be fun memories for her to look at. Make scrapbooks of your family & send her some fun scrapbooking material like stickers, stamps, fun scissors, & paper. I have my boys hold up signs & take pictures. Can you & DH hold up an "I love you" sign & mail to her? Do you have a webcam? Sometimes Webcams can be fun. Do you know her interests? Some girls love to receive flowers at school. I just sent one girl flowers(favorite color) & balloons. I think it makes them feel special. Find out if her school has a memory book. Parents can write a poem for their kids. Does she have email or myspace? Does she like Neopets or anything like that. You can get her an account & you both get pets & take care of them. Find something of interest for the both of you & mention it to her. That might give you something to talk about on the phone. Try emailing first & finding her interests. Oh yeah...kids love things that are in & Hannah Montana is in for little girls. How about a pillowcase with Dads picture on it, & an "I Love You". A Build a Bear with a special message you both have recorded. Also, if you ever get the opportunity, say real nice things about the BM. Even if you can't stand her. Think of anything positive to say, and say it. "Oh your mom is pretty & you got her...hair, eyes etc. If I were you, I would try real hard to help the relationship DH has with her. I think that was my job as the SM & my obligation as the BM to do that for my children. I think many moms are very special and talented that way(some aren't). I feel for you being long distance & for her. It's a tough situation to be in & it's not fair to the little girl, BM, you, or BF. I think the custodial parent has alot of influence in those situations. If she's not selfish she will nurture a good relationship between her little girl & you & Dad. If she's selfish & doesn't like you, good luck...as the little girl will probably not like you either. My little girl was young so I definetly influenced the relationship the best I could. I gave my daughter $50.00 of the child support each month saying it was from her Dad & she could spend it on herself, donate, or relatives. We chose Dad cards on holidays. Called several times during week(slow times). She had his picture hanging up in the bedroom which I framed. I really believe in the long distance situation the custodial parent can make it work or break it & the noncustodial deals with the outcome of the circumstances.