It's been some months since Patsy, the softest and sweetest kitty that ever hijacked the middle of a bed, has appeared on the blog. The sad news is that she has left us. She was 18 years old and apparently, her body had decided that was plenty of time on this earthly plane.

A number of you have written to ask about her and, now that some time has passed, sharing the news isn't quite the wrench it once was. She was a funny and lovely and elegant cat and we sure do miss her.