Oh, poor sweet Jeeves. Much love to him and you, Anne.

I'm so sorry, Cass.

Poor kitty. I hope the vet's advice helps. And poor Anne, that's really hard, to see them struggling and not be able to fix it.

The mockingbirds do all those calls to intimidate All The Birds, so it makes sense they'd throw in a couple cat sounds as well. It must be exhausting to be one, the one in my neighborhood calls all day and I've certainly heard it in the night, too.

There's one that sits on the telephone pole at the corner of my backyard and sings and sings and sings until he fills up with music and just has to leap into the air, wings spread, not to fly away, just a short hop up and glide down, still singing all the while. It is a joy to see.

It does not, afaict, keep other birds away. But it's dang impressive.

Timelies all!

I'm sorry, Cass.

I'm sorry, Anne.

Elevating the food and making it easier to grab seems to have helped. He tucked right in when I put the food dish on its box, and now he's come back into the living room and is curled up on my lap, quite content.

I'm glad the vet's suggestion was helpful, Anne.

Hooray for a good meal and a contented Jeeves.

That's so good to hear, Anne.

Cass, I'm so sorry.

I cannot believe how exhausted I am from this week. Slept a million hours last night, am unclear if I'll do anything before dinner plans.

Oh, good, Anne. I'm glad something so simple has a marked positive improvement.

Cass, time is horrible that way, and it's been pretty horrible to you over the past little while. Breaks, world! We need, at least, breaks.

That lyrebird was amazing. For some reason the second camera sound was more impressive.

I have a jar (of pasta sauce) that I can't open. My hands are always moisturised to this side of slick, so not much grip there, but normally I can fend for myself. I've tried heat, popping the bottom of the bottle, as well as my make-do friction addition--using my version of the LiveStrong band (it says Apathy) to improve friction. But nothing. Any in-home trick suggestions? I would also consider buying a simple thingy to do it when I finally leave the house for errands today.

It must be exhausting to be one, the one in my neighborhood calls all day and I've certainly heard it in the night, too.

I think it must be a pleasure to them; like singing karaoke at the gas pump.

For no particular reason at all, I've recently decided that bees are probably blissed out when they're collecting nectar and rolling in pollen and tripping out on wildflower fields. Rather like a Doors after party but with flight.

Hit the side of the jar lid with the side of a knife -- the idea is to make little dents, which I think helps pop the seal.