Neighborhood Animals, Phobias & Fears

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Over the weekend I was walking around my neighborhood and saw some animals…

A black cat just chilling.

Black cat laying on side walk

I think the cat is well fed. What do you think?

And then I was walking past one of the dozens of restaurants within a block of my home, all which have outdoor patio areas, and noticed a man studying.  With his two “un-leashed” birds just standing on the railing that bordered the outdoor eating/patio areas.

The white bird was more stand-offish and just stood on the railing.

Large white bird on fence

Large white bird on black fence

But this smaller and more colorful bird was scampering up and down the railings.

Yellow, green and white bird on fence

Walking back and forth, shuffling it’s little feet

Colorful bird on fence

Moving side to side on the railing

Side of colorful bird on fence

I was pretty surprised the birds didn’t try to fly away and that the man was so chill about not having them somehow “leashed”.  I am obviously not a bird person because I guess I assume that birds will always fly away, or try. Clearly these were his pets and they just stayed on the railings next to him.   Maybe their wings were clipped?  I have no idea.

As as aside, it would have freaked me out if I was trying to dine next to birds. 

Back of colorful bird on fenceI have a semi-phobia of flying birds and their, ahem, waste. It stems from childhood memories and Florida family vacations and tourists feeding the seagulls massive amounts of human food.  Do the math.

Ever since childhood, I really don’t like birds too much.  I am not scared of them, but I just don’t really like them too close to me.  I fear that they will, well, you know…all over me.

Not to mention, it seems like it would be a health code violation to have birds that close to food.  Then again, people bring their dogs all the time into restaurants, grocery stores, and malls here so I guess it’s not much different.

After my walk was over, I followed up my animal sightings with some plant eating.

A crunchy, fresh salad + Vegan Slaw Dressing

Green salad with vegetables white plate with fork

Jar of Vegan Slaw Dressing

And some Mango Ginger Maple Tofu

Stacked Mango Ginger Maple TofuI just mentioned how much I love mango things and recipes

From my last post about Granola and Granola Bars, many of you said you do make your own granola at home and told me your fave recipes.  For anyone who is still buying granola, try making it at home.   It’s so easy and you’ll save so much money!

I’m glad you enjoyed my granola and granola bar recipes as jumping off points.  Thanks for all the great comments on that post!

Sliced Granola bar on plastic wrap

 

Dessert: Peanut Butter Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies (Vegan, GF)

Hand holding one Peanut Butter Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie
Back of Peanut Butter Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie

 

Questions:

1. Do you have any phobias or fears?  Either of animals or otherwise?

I would not really call my dislike of flying birds a phobia.  I just don’t really like birds.   Just like I don’t like onions but I am not phobic or fearful of them.

I also hate ants!  They skeeve me, make me shudder, and where there is one, there are 25 behind it.  I would say they definitely creep me out.  

And snakes, yes.  Fear and phobia.  As well as most other reptiles.  Ick!  Not for me!

Also, big dogs (un-leashed), yes, I tread lightly around them.

Gosh answering this question made me realize a few things.

However, I am not afraid of elevators, small spaces, I’m not claustrophobic, I am not afraid of clowns, or losing my teeth or some things I’ve read are “common” fears or phobias.

2. Is it common for people where you live to bring their pets out in public places like stores or restaurants?

When I first moved to California, I will never forget the day I was in Nordstrom trying on $200 jeans when a lady’s toy chihuahua walked into my dressing room.

Ever since then, when I go to the mall, I see dozens and dozens of tiny, purse-sized dogs along for some shopping in stores like Neiman Marcus to Victoria’s Secret to hanging out at their owner’s feet in open-air cafes. 

Or just hanging out in their owner’s purses being pampered with doggie nail polish and hair barrettes on.  And I’m not kidding.

In my neighborhood, there are lots of young, childless, fabulous people who treat their dogs (and apparently birds) as their children and bring them everywhere.  Many times I wish I came back in my next lifetime as a toy poodle in this zip code because oh boy, it would be a very pampered existence!

3. Best thing you ate or did over the weekend?

I hung out with Skylar and enjoyed our 78F and sunny weather on Saturday.  Sunday it was rainy, cold, and nasty.

Young girl sitting on couch with arm up smiling

P.S. If you’re just catching up on posts from the weekend, here are mine since Friday:

 

 

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Welcome to AverieCooks! Here you’ll find fast and easy recipes that taste amazing and are geared for real life. Nothing fussy or complicated, just awesome tasting dishes everyone loves!

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Comments

  1. I hate spiders, mostly Daddy Long Legs cos their legs look so creepy to me.

    I absolutely LOVE birds. I think they’re so cute! It’s not a phobia but I don’t like other people’s dogs. I hate it how dog owners assume you will love their dog and will let the dog fuss over you. I think dogs smell and I hate them licking me!!!

  2. I believe some birds return home by themselves if you had them for some time. Though i never tested the theory because i don’t like birds or pets of any kind. Some might get upset when i say this, but i believe pets are for old and lonely people to keep them company. Since i have enough friends and an active social life, what would i need a pet for?
    I’m also not a very reliable person :D

  3. That is one gorgeous cat. And he just looks like he *knows* he’s boss! LOL The only thing that freaks me out 100% is spiders. Just the thought of them wakens up my fight or flight response. Well, maybe just my flight, b/c I’d never get close enough to “fight” one. *shiver*!!!!!!!!! I don’t often notice folks around here bringing their pet places with them. Those birds are stunning, but I wouldn’t want to eat next to one, either…

  4. I made your no bake oatmeal raisin carrot cake bites over the weekend with a raw cashew icing to dip them in. Yum!

  5. Sienna wants to come down there and give you a BIG lick on the face. And Ellie wants to give you a big hug. :-)

    They are only 40 pound dogs though, hope that size is ok. Medium dogs are my favorite because I’m always afraid I am going to squish the littler ones.

    I am afraid of snakes too. Yikes!