When I came in the house this afternoon lugging bags of groceries, all three of my pets tried to squeeze themselves into our tiny kitchen to investigate. Not only do they nose around in my bags, they tend to get in the way when I’m trying to cram things into the refrigerator and cupboards. If you count the five bags of groceries, the three pets and myself in that very small area today, you can imagine how crowded it might have been.

And once I had all five grocery bags folded up, Lucy plopped her kitty but right on top of them.

Because, honestly, the two Ds hardly ever leave her or Juliette alone. It’s like they have little magnets under their fur and the boys are just drawn to them. Still, she can only handle so much attention before she gets a bit perturbed. Once she’s had enough, Lucy jumps down and finds a spot where they can’t reach her. And I’m left to pick up all the fur that’s left behind!

We didn’t stay long, though. Crazy dog. She just couldn’t sit still. Scott always tells me I need to relax, but I think Juli’s the one who could use some meditation therapy. Still, we lasted for a few songs and she got a walk. It wasn’t a total bust.


The setting sun was streaming through the window of the back door. Maggie was waiting as patiently as possible for me to refresh the water bowl. (I made her wait until after I snapped the pics. Mean.) Lucy just loves wending her way among the table legs. No matter what they’re doing, they usually make lovely little models.

Wherever I go, there’s usually a cat.

I like that.

I bought this cactus to foil my cat. Not the one in the photo, who surprised me by trying to eat it too. But the naughtier one who takes great pleasure in devouring any plant that steps foot — or pot — inside our door. I haven’t had fresh flowers in many, many years. And, yes, I’m slightly bitter about that.

So today Dev and I were strolling through the garden center and we came across the cacti. I chose the one with the longest spikes. (Hey, the plant needs some strong defenses against those feline choppers.)

When we got home, I put the cactus on the floor and invited Lucy over to investigate it. Figured they may as well get to know each other right away. She made several attempts to chew the spikes, but the plant and I prevailed. She got a little prick on the nose and wasn’t too happy about it. She backed up several paces and looked at me with some curiosity.

I know it sounds a bit mean, but all I’m asking for here is a small spot of greenery in my home. Why can’t she just stick with her cat food, I’d like to know.