Caution: Flying Kitties

We don't entertain often, which is a good thing. We need first to post a notice beside the kitchen: "Caution! Flying Kitties"

Our little darling kittens have learned not to climb or jump onto counters or tables, thanks to certain tools for behavior modification, which claim to be -- and are -- effective at discouraging cats from climbing onto or jumping onto counters and tables. These little aerosol cans, attached to motion sensors, respond to kitty encroachment in disallowed areas by spraying a mist. I'm not sure whether it's the mist or the hissing that works -- in any event, these devices are quite effective at eliminating two potential sources of kitchen contamination: kitty fur and unwashed paws.

Our intelligent twins quickly deduced that there are two kitchen surfaces they are allowed to use: "their" kitchen stool and -- although I must say I hadn't really considered this -- our bodies.

The cute little kittens aren't actually so little anymore.

One recent evening, I was standing at the kitchen stove, engrossed in the task of creating a smooth bechamel, carefully balancing the temperatures and flavors while daydreaming about traveling to far-distant lands to use the languages my homeschooling daughter and I are now studying -- idly wondering if we might put together a single, complete, and useful language from several smaller bits of French, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Latin, German, Arabic, and the fourteen words of Urdu I once memorized -- when the kitchen lurched with an unexpected impact.

Suddenly and inexplicably, my sweater seemed thicker, heavier, and much pointier. Ouch! The deafening buzz-saw in my left ear gradually resolved into a familiar sensation -- the friendly, nuzzling bite of a proud little kitty -- all 15 pounds of her. She had evidently leaped high and soared far from her original perch to land sweetly spread-eagled across my back, claws considerately extended in order to ensure a stable landing.

Since the initial assault, the art of cooking has grown ever more challenging as during the intervening days Kitty Number Two -- heavier and far more solid -- has adopted this friendly and charming behavior.

Our once quiet kitchen has become a veritable playground for kitty aerobatics. Frankly, we're now afraid to turn our backs. My husband and I now routinely face each other for protection. ("Watch out!" -- WHUMP! Purr-rr-rr.)

Oh, but do visit us! You're welcome, any time! ... And if you happen to wander toward the kitchen, hmm, just be sure to travel in pairs.

Atlanta Whether

Last week when it was so hot outside, we discovered that our air conditioning compressor was malfunctioning. No hurry -- we scheduled an appointment for a convenient afternoon.

This afternoon, we're home waiting for the air conditioning repairman.

He's a little late, because it's snowing.

. . . Ah, Atlanta!