I'm leaving early Friday morning for Florida. We are having a very nice woman (patient of my father's) stay at our house and take care of the dogs and birds. I feel SO much better about this situation than the alternative (boarding them). She will be staying at our house, full time, another very reassuring thought.

Well, I need to make a bunch of food for her to feed Harley and Echo. Of course I will be making things like muffins, birdie bread, waffles, beans and rice, quinoa, etc, but what about their fresh? They really need it and unless there is no other option, I will give it to them. My problem is, we will be gone for about 10 days. How am I supposed to keep the food fresh? Once its chopped, it doesn't usually last longer than 3-4 days. I can freeze it, ut them she has to dethaw it and its going to be all watery, etc...Any ideas? Thanks!

Could you leave the woman some money to buy fresh stuff as needed?

You should have no problem freezing the rice and beans, quinoa, bread and muffins (try pasta, also). As to the fresh produce, just leave enough for five days (already washed properly) with specific instructions as to what to give them which day and how to cut it and a market list and money for the other five days. She should be able to manage that much.

That sounds good...I just hate having to leave that up to someone. I am really, REALLY picky about the birds. Certain things have to be cut one way for Harley, another for Echo, etc...Maybe I can have a bunch of stuff precut? But that just leaves me ack at square one...Hmmm, I will figure this out!

Blanched fresh food does not come up watery, if all air is removed from the bags. I always make food for 7-10 days and freeze the parrot mix. Birds that like to eat ice blocks can even have the fresh served frozen. You need to ask the birds first if they eat frozen apples and carrots. I know about the different sizes some like in chunks and some like it served bigger foot size food.

Are you coming to Naples??????

I WISH!!! We're going straight to Melborne and then to St Augustein. I want to go to Naples!!!!!!