Yeah my mum was like the bird woman of Rising Bridge, they were definately her heart and soul, I remember once when I was about 9 or 10 i thought it would be as good idea to put one on my shoulder and take it outside (a pet one she's been teaching to talk)
and needless to say it flew away :/
Also I remember them Bootees, and sequineed eggs, she always had her little schemes up her sleeves kept her happy though
And Mitzy yes Isobel is still in Australia she was over last year with her daughter Angie