For a while, we let the cable go. We had customer service issues with our
local provider (that is to say, we got three days of rudeness and no help
when trying to make payment) so we decided to go tubeless a while. Louie and
I listened to a lot of CD's and NPR, played with the kids, and I
rediscovered the fact that I like to crochet.

We also practiced a lot for karaoke, one of our main diversions. Louie has
had extensive musical training and has a handsome, rich voice that projects
well. Singing one night, Roxie decided to turn it into a duet, and twirled
herself in figure 8's around Louie's ankles, meowing in her little squeaking
soprano.

We also discovered that she's an Iron Chef fan. We make up Kitty-Ditties,
improvising verses about the cats to the tune of something or other, and
Louie was singing to the Iron Chef theme, otherwise known as the Backdraft
soundtrack, "Roxie... Roxie... Roxie, she's our pretty girl," and she went
running for the TV, meowing and scratching at the screen. It occurred to us
that late at night when Iron Chef's on, she gets much of her petting time.

We called the cable company the next day. Now, it's a hair after eleven and
Iron Chef's started. Roxie's just run downstairs where she'll sit with her
head turned toward the boob-tube, gettin' her pettin'. I think she knows she
was originally named for one of the chefs. Either that, or she's got a
serious thing for Backdraft!

Blessed be,
Baha

--

Three thousand years ago,
cats were deified in ancient Egypt.
To this day, they have not forgotten.