The bath water was very warm as I eased myself into it.  Once settled, I closed my eyes, submerged myself up to my chin, and prepared for a long soak.  It was the only thing relieving the horrible pains in my right leg, and I was taking two or three baths daily.  I couldn’t get … Continue reading 54. IN THE BATH →

Ready for patrol, Annabelle?  I opened the door to the apartment. I am!  She headed for the door, and Stella darted ahead of her into the hall. Stella! Get back here, Missy! I ran after her as Annabelle sauntered into the hall, where I stood watching two cats roam about.  I cannot open the door … Continue reading 53. ANNABELLE AND THE VET →

I liked taking the 104 bus to 68th Street and Broadway on Saturday mornings.  From there I could check out the latest movies at the cinemax, hit the post office on Columbus Avenue, stop at my pharmacy on Amsterdam if I wished, and then browse at the Juilliard book store before I ended up at … Continue reading 52. THE KITTY OLYMPICS →

I’m so mad I could spit! Annabelle! Are you and Thatch teaching Stella about The Golden Apple? I asked her. No.  Musicals don’t interest her.  All she wants to do is wrestle and play games.  She’s impossible. I think she’s going to be our little jock, I said.  I caught her climbing the steam pipe … Continue reading 51. WHEN YOU NEED A LAWYER →

In the past thirty years that I’ve lived in this apartment, it was a rare occasion that, when I ran into Judy, my neighbor in 3D, she did not ask, Are you sure you don’t want a cat?  I have a friend who’s looking for homes.  I always turned her offers down, although I had … Continue reading 50. WHAT’S PAST IS PROLOGUE →

Are you drinking again? Annabelle asked me. I only drink occasionally, I responded rather haughtily.  Somedays I need a little zip to help me survive your shenanigans. I set the empty glass in the kitchen sink and sat down at the computer.  Annabelle followed me. Moi?  What did I do? Oh, Annabelle, my little firecracker, … Continue reading 49. ONE FOR MY BABY →

I’m home! I called as I walked into the apartment.  Annabelle and Thatch never come to greet me, but I think it’s better for my peace of mind - and theirs - to give them time to extricate themselves from whatever mischief they’ve been up to.  I let the door swing shut behind me, giving … Continue reading 48. SHE FOLLOWED US HOME →

Stop that! Annabelle snapped at Thatch. He immediately let go of her tail; he had been playing with it while she looked out the window onto 82nd Street.  He had been sitting on the radiator under the window and trying to catch her tail as it swung over the sill.  As soon as Annabelle spoke, … Continue reading 47. WHAT’S IN A NAME? →

It was the first beautiful day of early April after a period of chilly weather and rain.  Annabelle, Thatch, and I sat on the steps into the lobby of the building.  We were watching the parade of nannies, delivery men, dog-walkers, and casual strollers passing the huge windows of the lobby.  Occasionally a brave pigeon … Continue reading 46. WINDOW WISHING →

Annabelle! Let me sleep, Missy.  Please?  I moaned and rolled over, facing the wall. Get up, slug! Annabelle yelled, as she climbed onto my side.  Get out of that bed. Daddy’s tired, I croaked.  It’s been a hard week. There had been two long days in a recording studio, and I was tired.  On Monday, … Continue reading 45. A GOLD STAR FOR ANNABELLE →