As we rush headlong towards the shortest day of the year, followed by Christmas, summer is now just a distant memory. The cats behaving like tourists, gobbling down their breakfasts and then rushing outside to grab the best spot for sunbathing before “that pair from next door get out there”.

More recently, with snow coming early to these parts, I observed with a smile, as Chloe stood waiting impatiently by the back door, only to turn around with a look of disgust as the flakes fluttered onto her nose as I opened said door to let her out. She then marched purposefully through the house to the patio doors where she couldn’t believe that the weather was just the same! So, it was breakfast and then straight back up to bed! Well, she is fifteen and a half now, so she deserves her comforts.

Phoebe, meanwhile, has no such dilemma! Also fifteen and a half, she’s not bothered by the seasons and has no intention of going outside; she just wants me to know that SHE’S HUNGRY!!