The birds have brought us so much joy over the months that a lot of our friends have begun to bring their friends to see them – people of all ages. Even a couple of the breeders I bought from have been curious to see how tame these birds have become and how happy they are.
So as the word got around about our birds, I was struck with a brilliant idea, half entrepeunerial and half philanthropic. I would invite groups of primary school children and groups of nursing home residents for a fee. Not only would this bring the young and old together, I might even get rich!
As the plan unfolded I set up some picnic tables, enquired as to the cost of portable toilets, and decided to make it a BYO arrangement so as not to have to serve food or drinks. I envisioned this as a weekly event, very casual and layback. Even Husband and Son both approved (highly unusual to get ‘permission’ from both of them for a new idea!)
I only had one thing left to check and that was the ‘just-in-case-something-happens’ insurance – indemnity insturance. Initially, I was told that we were already covered for this, so I started planning flyers and invitations, making lists and contacting teachers and registrars who I already knew.
I was so excited! Then, just as I was about to plan the first of these occasions, the phone rang and it was our insurers who broke the news that due to the presence of children and of the elderly, all sorts of terrible things might happen so the insurance would cost at least $4,000AUS per year.
Oh well I’ll just have to go back to what we were already doing, which was to welcome visitors and friends any time but I think I’ll start charging from now on – one lettuce per person.
jmgoyder 
That is a great idea, the lettuce I mean. However, another thought, how about if you didn’t charge, but said that donations were welcome. You could even set out a “tip jar”, for donations. Just tape a sign on it that said “donations”. You wouldn’t be responsible if someone just accidently on purpose dropped a few bills in the jar, or bowl, or what ever you use. It would help you cover expenses.
Aha! Wise suggestion – thanks, Bob.
I’m really sorry to hear about that exhorbitant insurance cost – it was a lovely idea and I’m sure children and the elderly would have benefited from the visits. But it’s not the first time I have heard of this situation when people want to set up a small business in Aust..
Yes, I wonder if it’s this bad elsewhere. I mean I wasn’t going to let Godfrey winghit anyone!
Yes, I think the donation jar is a good idea. I hope it works. 🙂
On the other hands those birds eat a hell of a lot of lettuce!
What a shame! So many of life’s simple pleasures are spoiled by officialdom.
Yes!