When I first got my Gracie Tiel (my very first personal bird), I was working night shift and every morning when I came home, I had supper food and then spent time with Grace and did a little housework with her on my shoulder and went to bed. Once Gracie relaxed and tasted the food I was eating, it was almost impossible to keep her out of my food! I spoiled her terribly and it got me some really unpleasant behavior I had to train out of her. But Gracie was a loving and devoted pet bird and soon learned not to run through my pasta or try and swim in my soup. I was able to teach her to perch on her side of the plate or bowl and eat out of a certain area next to her perch area.
The only unpleasant memory I have of Gracie and her mate, Chip, and I having breakfast/supper in the morning is the day 9/11 happened. We were having Beefaroni and garlic bread (they got plain bread) with a nice cup of hot coffee. Then I saw the first plane hit the WTC... The birds were surprised when I suddenly started crying and they both cuddled against my neck, making little supportive chirping sounds.
