Of course Jasper struts around like he owns the place - he does! This must be a bit hard on Queen Josephine, however, for I am certain she has in no way divested her own ownership. Well, they will just have to work it out, I guess.

As for Molly, well, she obviously accepts the fact and is undoubtedly honored that the new owner would choose her as a playmate.

I just hope Jasper doesn't get bit by any of those spiders - of course, I am quite fond of spiders as well and I suppose that if Jasper bites them, they will suffer worse than Jasper will if they bite him - unless they are black widows, of course.

That is another good thing about living here in Alaska - there are no black widows. The black cat can eat all the spiders that he wants (and boy, does he want!) without worry, although I, personally, would prefer that he concentrate on mosquitoes and leave the good spiders alone.

Of course, it is winter now and there are neither spiders nor mosquitoes about.

I don't know about Maryland. I understand it has been unusally cold down there. Are there any spiders, mosquitoes or other bugs out now for Jasper to dine on? Or must he wait until spring?

Just what kind of spiders make those cobwebs he so proudly wears?

There is a fish staring at me. He eats nothing but fish food, which, of course, is made of fish. He is a good fish and I like him. The black cat likes him, too, but not as much as he would like to like him.