Here we are at the beginning of a new year...a time to begin anew...I am always reminded of a new school year with fresh white paper, brand new (Whole) crayons, a new pencil pouch with an intact working zipper etc., but mostly a desire to do better, be better and not to make the same mistakes as before. Of course there is also a burning desire to wear a size four, have long, flowing blond hair, plump lips, doe shaped eyes, a million in the bank and no wrinkles....sigh.... I promise to try much harder to keep up with these monthly blogs....sometimes I get so overwhelmed with the Shoppe, home and just day to day living, I get remiss in this area....I will try to make sure I am here each an every month with you alll....

The weather is cold and cleaning cages isn't quite as easy as in the warmer months but still is a necessity. Using a solution of bleach water kills bacteria and other yuck....when the cage is dry and the bleach water has evaporated, it is non-toxic to the birds. Make sure that you are in a well ventilated area and the bird is in some other room....the smell can get kind of overpowering.

This is also a good time to take inventory of toys....pitch the ones that have seen better days, wash and repair the ones that are salvageable and possibly plan to purchase a few new ones.

Another New Year goal could be making sure nutritional needs are being met....sometimes we slack off on fruits and veggies....making sure vitamins are given regularly and your babe's nutrition is right where it should be.

Have a wonderful 2010....We will survive this one and many, many more!

anne