Some things are worth saying - or showing - twice, so, despite the fact that he has already talked about this on one of his other blogs, the PO cordially invites you to take a peek at this picture, and this one, and this one, of the luxurious suite in which Missy and the Surfer Dude will be spending their wedding night.
The PO very much enjoyed his visit to Blake's Hotel, the exclusive Anoushka Hempel-designed Kensington establishment in which the aforementioned suite is to be found. Not only did he get the chance to visit two or three of the other gorgeous rooms (any one of which he would be only too thrilled to take a Mrs PO to, if only there were a Mrs PO), but he also partook of an excellent luncheon.
Perhaps the best moment of his visit, however, came as he was standing in reception, finalising the booking. Behind him, he suddenly heard a tremendous twittering and flapping of wings. Turning round, he saw too tiny, but very beautiful birds in a splendid old-fashioned cage.
"Those aren't what I think they are ?" he asked the charming New Zealander who had been helping him.
"That depends what you think they are," she replied, demonstrating a wisdom beyond her years.
"Lovebirds ?" the PO ventured.
"That's right," our Kiwi friend confirmed, "Peach-faced lovebirds."
The PO subsequently did a little research into this feisty little member of the Agapornis family, in the course of which he came across the following, which, as anyone who knows them will doubtless agree, describes perfectly the Missy and Surfer Dude :
[Lovebirds] are full of energy, and can be quite noisy with their endless chattering and shrill scream. [...] Lovebirds are extremely playful and a joy to watch. With their boundless energy they will swing from toy to toy, hop from perch to perch, never seeming to tire. There is nothing more comical than watching a lovebird do the "birdie splits", or playing in their water dish.
Affectionate and intelligent, Lovebirds can be taught to give kisses, step-up, wave a foot, and many other tricks.
Lovebirds also have the ability to learn to whistle and talk. They can speak with clarity and will respond to your voice with eager enthusiasm.
Don't let their diminutive size fool you. You get all of the big bird personality in a tiny parrot.
Some pairs will build elaborate nests.
Beware, Peach-Face Lovebirds can become nippy if they are not treated with consistency and gentle guidance. Take proper care of your lovebird and you will be rewarded with many years of companionship. [But] Lovebirds may become unfriendly if allowed to go extended periods without attention.
The PO, for one, certainly can't wait until the next time he gets to see Missy do the "birdie splits", or marvel as the Surfer Dude responds with eager enthusiasm to his voice.
There is one other piece of information, incidentally, which we may need to bear in mind :
Peach Face lovebirds are quite prolific breeders. [...] Pairs will often go back to nest as soon as the last clutch is pulled.
We have been warned...
Oh dear, I think we've been rumbled! It's true, we're besotted with each other, but what can you do? I guess we should at least try to feign a little indifference in public. After all, as one film star once advised another: "Stop telling the public you're in love and happy. They're not in love. They're not happy. They don't want to know."
Posted by: Surfer Dude | June 03, 2005 at 11:23 PM