A farmer told me once that his barn cats – he had about 20 – slept most of the time and killed things the rest of the time. It seemed a bit harsh to me, but he had a point.

Today is a beautiful summer day, the sun is bright, there is a cool breeze, little humidity. We put out this old crate with some cushions a few months ago and the cats took it over, Flo favors the top, and the sofa there, Minnie likes to stick her one rear leg out of the bottom and scrunch up against the side.

They are the perfect picture of acceptance and relaxation. Cats know how to do it.