I’m not sure when the takeover began, it think it was when Minnie lost her leg and had to be brought inside. We insist that the barn cats go outside during the day, even when it is cold – they used to be outside all the time, and they did fine. I see that cats have a gift for insinuating themselves and taken over. Flo likes to sit on my chair, Minnie likes the footstool by the wood stove. Flo has terrorized the dogs, all three avoid her. They have a genius for sneaking in when I don’t see them, and I am often startled to look up and see that they are in their spots, soaking up the sun.

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Tonight, 6 p.m. Talk and signing, Northshire Bookstore, Saratoga Springs.