Last year, the mother of Ferris and Simone’s mother sent us pictures of the kittens. They were tiny. As in, just born, eyes barely open. Neal and I wanted two, and my mom was going to take two.

Simone just stuck out at me. I remember calling my mom and saying, take your pic, but I know I want the one that has the most white. I loved her markings. I still love how the black fur ebbs at the white in a line on her back, kind of like a stream lapping at the banks.

I’m fascinated at her markings. I know there are many cats that look like her, but I don’t care. To me, her markings are unique and beautiful. She’s my girl.

Ferris has been crazy affectionate lately. Neal and I can’t sit down anywhere without him meowing and then jumping up to curl up in our laps. It’s nice to feel wanted, though.

He’s also getting this really adorable pooch in his lower stomach. We asked the vet about it and he said male cats often develop that. It doesn’t mean he’s overweight or anything (because we were concerned about it). It’s sort of just extra skin, and it cracks me up.

So, this weekend will involve a fair amount of cooking, which is always fun for me.

For Neal’s family picnic, I’m bringing a cheese and cracker platter and tomato bruschetta with french bread. Then on Monday, we’re having some friends over. We’re going to have barbecue chicken and then I’m making a sour cream pound cake with fresh fruit topping. Yum! I’ll be sure to post plenty of pics, at the dismay of my family and friends. Whatever. They’ll deal.