Today at the vets (I live there now), Jazzi was diagnosed with Inverted Sneeze. That's what the "cough" is, Jazzi beats all, poor thing.

The vet and her tech were great, we had fun comparing notes about pets. The tech has 6 cats (recently I talked to someone who had 10 cats, but it slips me who). Robby goes in tomorrow for a round of shots. The vet had actually called several times wanting to know how Robby was doing after being so sick. So, we talked about Robby and I described his personality, Mr. Wild Man. The tech said it's the trait of the black and white cats, the Tuxedo cat, to have tons of energy, inquisitiveness, affection and your basic naughtiness. Her Tuxedo is the only one of her six cats that she hasn't been able to train to stay off the kitchen counter. If she nudges him, he nudges her right back. Robby shredded the edges of the napkins in the bowl on the table today. It's like messy kids, they can do a lot of damage in the proverbial split second.

Also, the tech's cat shows his love by touching her face lightly with his paw every morning (while she's sitting on the pot, no less). He loves people and visitors to the house. The vet, on the other hand, once had a cat she herself never even saw. That cat must have been born depressed, poor thing, he just hid all the time. I had a cat once that was very talented at disappearing acts. He'd be gone for days, and I always worried he had escaped out of the house. And then, he'd silently appear, like a rabbit out of a hat. Weird. Never figured out where he hid, we lived in an old bungalow, maybe there was a secret compartment somewhere up in a closet.

So, leave it to old KEM to choose a kitty that's genetically disposed to wildness. I was also surprised to learn that black and white kittens are usually the last to go from stray organizations. Sometimes they even hold a Black Kitten Sale. Really! How insulting. The reason is because black kitties are in abundance. Orange kitties and kitties with blue or green eyes go first, I think they said. Well, this is why God makes variety. Different kitties appeal to different people. I'm happy to report that I couldn't be happier with Robby. There was a cute poster of a kitty at the vets, it had a gray and white fluffy face, very attractive features, adorable. I think I would like a little gray and white brother or sister for Robby. Maybe.

I'm looking forward to taking Robby to the vet, to show him off again, everyone was so taken with him last time. Wonder how much he will weigh, he has a marvelous appetite.

Robby loves to scratch his way up the side of my mattress. Wonder when he will be big enough to just hop on up there in one bold leap. Meanwhile, I hope my sheets survive. It's a good thing I'm mellowing with age. I figure at my age, who cares about keeping stuff THAT nice. I mean, really, it'll last the rest of my life, I'm sure.

Forgot to mention this very nice man last night. I had picked up a case of water bottles at Staples while I was buying chubby accordion file jackets, yes, I succumbed. I realized that my stray recipes alone would never fit in the flat jackets, nor would coupons or a million other things. No virtue in not admitting one's mistakes. Well, I parked my cart in front of my car and this nice man asked, Do you need help with the water? So he loaded it in my car. I just wanted to say that as a tribute to him and gentlemen everywhere. THANK YOU! You may never read this, but just the same, there are women out there who notice and appreciate your chivalry. Good manners are like a gentle breeze wafting out of nowhere, these days anyway. They certainly don't seem to be the norm in society at large.

Right now, I may go use my Label Maker. I have these self-laminating luggage tags in my kitchen junk drawer. See, I saw some self-laminating labels in Target recently. The name itself, S-LLs, really captivated me. But I didn't get them, because they rang a distant bell. Maybe I subconsciously knew I had a similar thing at home, which, of course, I did. So, I am going to make little water proof (I hope) signs for my entry doors, Don't let the little black cat out, PLEASE! I'm kinda worried about it, he is curious. When I take Jazzi out back to do her thing, Robby is peering through the French door, every time. I will offer lots of prayers on this subject. If Robby got out he would be the type to tear all over the neighborhood. How would I ever find him? On walks I have seen desperate homeowners motoring about asking anyone and everyone if they've seen their missing pet. It's really NOT A GOOD FEELING.

Speaking of finding a pet, I HAVE to tell you my niece's lost hamster story. But all real stories may have to wait until after the Big One, as I am going to be pressed for time, starting now. Time for a season of Blogettes.

Well, I'm getting excited about the Big One coming up. I thought I would dread turning such a distinguished age, but my sister is going to make it fun for me. I think it will be the best birthday of my whole life. It already is. Meanwhile, my hair needs HELP! All of a sudden, it's a big ZERO. As one hairdresser put it years ago, when my hair refused to do what it used to do, which was curl naturally, Your hair is more experienced now (experience in what, pray tell?). And that was a good 10 years ago. I guess now she would say, Your hair is soon set to expire.

That highlight stuff my hairdresser talked me into, hogwash, I knew I wouldn't like it, and I don't. I must listen to my inner self from now on. It's just NOT ME. Nothing like inauthenticity (word?) to make you feel ridiculous. Plus it dried my hair like an old bone. Going platinum is not my thing. Can't someone do me over, someone who really "GETS" it?? Well, I'm probably asking for too much. I adore my hairdresser, she is darling, I will just rehearse with her one more time what the end result must be.

Time for hot chocolate, since the BCP is finally gone, thank goodness. Oh yeah, I could put whipping cream in the milk for hot chocolate. Then it's beddy-bye. Staying up until 5, 5:30 AM is taking tolls of every sort.

Dreamin' Sweet KEM