Failte,

Since it’s close to St. Patrick’s Day, my secretary suggested that I use that as my greeting. She told me that “Failte” means “welcome” in Irish! I hope that sometime I can welcome you in person. I hope you’ve been happy, healthy and are enjoying life.

This past month for me has been, according to my medical update, “healthy and (relatively) calm” for me. Recent bloodwork did show that one enzyme was elevated, but that’s probably a side effect of my seizure medication. Since I need the medication and the elevation wasn’t serious, no action was taken. As usual, they are keeping a close watch on my health. The medical staff takes excellent care of me!

During the day when I’m in my crate, I have a chance to observe Sally. She really adores Karina, but she frequently claims Karina’s chair when Karina’s out of the office! Sally has no respect for personal property! If the door has been left open, however, Sally usually sits at the gate, waiting for Karina to return. I wonder if Karina knows that Sally takes charge when she’s gone. I’ll never tell!

There have been times when I, too, have stood at the gate. I frequently wait for my dinner to be served, and I always hope that some kind, sweet, wonderful person will let me out to explore the halls. Alas, that has never happened. One time, I did manage to escape, but I was quickly caught and returned to the office! When he was the governor of Illinois, Adlai Stevenson believed that cats, by nature, should be allowed to roam unescorted. I think he would have understood me. I just would like to take a short walk in the halls by myself. Where could I go? I certainly don’t think I could get into any trouble! Oh, well! A cat can always hope!

When Lynn visits, I usually greet her by doing a little jump. She calls this a “Hootzie,” and it always pleases her. She finally told me that she calls it that in honor of Hootz, a former resident of Tabby’s Place who did this kind of little jump in greeting people.

On a recent visit, Lynn placed a large opened Hefty storage bag on the floor. It was filled with toys. I didn’t know what I was supposed to do. I looked at it, sniffed it, and then looked up at Lynn. She then started taking out the toys, one by one, and showing them to me. She let me sniff several catnip toys, but none of them interested me. When she brought out a cute, little furry mouse, my interest was piqued! I sniffed it and pushed it around with my nose. I guess Lynn realized that I liked this toy because she left it for me. I guess I was supposed to pick out my own toy. Next time, I might do just that!

After playing with my new toy, I went over to see Sally. I really wish we could be friends, but I think Sally like things just the way they are! I think she pretends that I don’t exist. When I sat down by her crate, she didn’t even look at me. She swished her tail but would not look at me. I guess I have to be satisfied with a peaceful coexistence!

I’m always nice and warm here in Karina’s office, but the feline grapevine has reported that miserable, cold, snowy weather has closed all the solaria on several occasions. For the sake of all my fellow felines with access to solaria, I hope that warmer weather comes when spring arrives on March 20th.

I again want to thank you, dear friend, for sponsoring me. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I’d like to share this Irish blessing with you:

May joy and peace surround you,
Contentment latch your door,
And happiness be with you now
And bless you evermore.

Love,

Bacon