Quaker parakeet and monk parakeet are names for the same bird. They are common in Miami and I had them in my garden when I lived there. I have to admit that I enjoyed them but I worry about the longterm effects of any exotic species. We taxpayers spend millions of dollars on the control of exotic pest plants and animals every year.

Bluebirds are much more common today than they ever been. Back in 1990 we had numerous mild winters so that help the birds to recover. They have had there share of set backs due to weather. But they are doing excellent. Some people have a desire and rare passion for saving our native birds. The bluebird was probably the poster child of conservation movement in the 1970's Everyone who has ever helped them deserve alot of credit. And a great pat on the back for a job well done. My work was a little diverse with Martins who kind of took a back seat while the bluebird effort took off. Martins suffer greatly from lack of nesting units and the correct ones at that. I gotten great support for them and they will have five nesting colony's in the town where I live for generations. I have no regret for the work I have done. My biggest thank you is when i see the birds in late fall. I use to tell my best friend in the mid 1990's this is the last year no more work and here i am 24 years later and I am still at it. Just as if it were the first year.-------Ray

Looks like Spam. Eddy63 just joined the forum on 10-9-07.

"desertsteph, you know what they say about death and taxes, so I would keep those funeral suits! " I know! that is why I keep of few of my 'old' things - tho they are banished to a back bdroom. I'd love to just get rid of them but then I'd be in a pickle if I needed them. keeping them is easier than even the thought of going shopping for decent 'public' wear. I live in sweats and shorts - very tacky for a funeral (or even a wedding!). I've also kept a pr or 2 of 'good' dress shoes in case needed. IRL I always wear birks slip ons. thx for the info on weight of shirts etc. I don't have any suit jackets to worry about - just mostly my casual stuff. My stuff is mostly light weight. The flannel shirts being probably the heaviest of my normal wear. For the few heavier jackets I have I can continue to use the 'ol thick plastic hangers. They live in that back closet also - only needed a few times a yr - maybe. I don't watch HSN much so I'll try to 'check in' on it thru out the day/evening until I see them on sale.