Carlos (that was his name) flew off and Sylvia reached into the cabinet for a measuring cup. She filled it with sugar and hot water in a 1:4 ratio then popped in a couple ice cubes.

"You know, sugar's expensive," said her husband who had just walked in the door.

"George, you enjoy them as much as I do," she said.

"Yeah, but I don't talk to them."

"And I'm sure they wouldn't be caught dead talking to you."

He laughed. Sylvia refilled the feeder.