The Early Years
2001 – 2004
Mabel arrived in a cardboard travel box on a wet Saturday afternoon. For the first few days she watched us all from the top of her cage, deciding whether we could be trusted. Then one morning she greeted Mum with a very clear "Hello" and that was that.
Her first week at home Life at Home
2004 – 2012
You didn't eat an apple without offering her a piece. You didn't leave the room without saying goodbye. And you certainly didn't try to have a telephone conversation without her joining in.
Her favourite window seat Summers in the Garden
2012 – 2019
She loved the garden in summer, chattering to the wild birds who never quite understood what she was saying.
Watching the street go by The Things We'll Always Remember
2019 – 2025
We have so many recordings of Mabel talking that it's difficult to believe she's gone — singing badly to the radio, laughing at her own jokes, calling the dog in exactly Dad's voice.
Singing along to the radio Forever Part of the Family
2025
The house is considerably quieter without her. We never thought we'd miss being told to "shut that door" quite so much.
Our beautiful girl