I carefully considered the pro's and con's of buying Frances and decided to take the plunge.  As she and  her cage were expensive, I put her on layaway.  That was perfect because it gave me the opportunity to visit her every day so we could get to know each other.

I also set up the task of learning all there is to know about cockatoos.
"A Guide to a Well Behaved Parrot" and "My Parrot,, My Friend" being 2 that I highly recommend.

Not to mention the wonderful world of internet.  Although I have to pause here to wonder how on earth I ended up with "Naughty Natalie's House of Pleasure" after doing a search on "cockatoos".  One of the great mysteries of the internet, I guess.

Finally after much reading and bonding, and a complete and total assault on my bank account, I took my bouncing bundle of demanding, opinionated joy home.