Very many thanks for input re Ginger Rosy!   I'm a bit long in the tooth to
take on a young cat or kitten as a companion for her - I want to outlive my
feline friends!   However, she does seem to be paying me more attention now
which is good, as it was five years before she would let me even touch her.
Now she is happy to sleep on my bed, tread all over me,  and even got as far
as getting all four legs onto my knee - first time ever!   Not that it
lasted for long - I moved a muscle and off she went.    And yes, eating
anything that  comes from my plate is much favoured, so we are getting
there.

Thanks again for your int erest.

Helen.