Savage Behavior

Professor Mondo shared an article today from the National Review on the slow destruction of rural property in central California--a disturbing account of the perils of turning a blind eye to illegal immigration. 
http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/286354/vandalized-valley-victor-davis-hanson?pg=1

Tia -- 1993-2011 -- RIP

Our beloved Tia died today.  A long-haired gray calico, she was the grande dame of our feline household who bopped young whippersnappers on the head whenever she thought they needed to mind.  As described by a dear friend, Tia was "a cool old soul."  That she was, indeed.  She started life as a shy, retiring cat, but after eighteen and a half years, she was the one waiting on the landing when you opened the front door.  And boy, could she vocalize.  How that much sound came out of a five-pound cat, I can't fathom.  But it let us know loud and clear what she wanted, and as the grande dame, of course she was granted her wishes.  Who could deny her?  She was one pampered and loved cat--and we'll miss her so.

Sipping Coffee at Starbucks

Thanks to a gift card, I'm eating breakfast at a Starbucks and drinking the Christmas Blend coffee they're serving up weeks before the holiday.  I just dropped off my geriatric cat, Tia, at the vet.  She's being hydrated at the moment because she's not drinking enough water, while all I want to do is drink even more coffee.  Odd, that twist.  Here's hoping she'll be back to her old self soon.