Went to the farm yesterday; a brilliant cloudless blue sky warm with a gentle breeze. Went to see Ma. And discover the mystery of the endless container of thyroid powder that never seems to run out; it turns out Howie was out there just a month ago with a new plastic container and didn't tell me this. That is why Josephine never seems to run out of powder for Ma. The plan was to release the pigeon who has been living helter skelter in the bathroom since late November last year. He still can't fly long distances and spends most of his days sitting looking out of the bathroom window. So we released him. And he wondered a bit confused around in the doorway of the middle barn where the feed is kept; the only really clean barn because it is completely devoid of Josephine's ducks, turkeys and geese. There was some feed there for him to snack on and no animals in sight so hopefully he'll get some flying skills back quickly enough. I hope he'll be okay. While there I scooped one of the feathers dropped by Josephine's peacocks; a long incredibly gorgeous feather probably 2 1/2 feet long with all the iridescent colours you could imagine in the fronds. When I showed it to my mother the first words out of her mouth were; (not wow what a beautiful feather) "I had a peacock feather once, I threw it out because someone told me it was bad luck". and with that she turned back to the sink. My mother is one of the living dead. I said "you threw it out??" incredulous "A peacock feather? Well your friend was stupid. You listened to your friend" There are very few words to describe my reaction. There is very little I can say. I think my mother is one of the most profoundly obtuse and stupid people that walks the planet. I feel no love for her only pity.