"noisy bundles of fluff dashing round her ageing paws."
The cat has not been well. She has a thyroid problem, arthritis and a urine infection.
I suspect the underlying problem is her age. She's going on 17, a fine age for a cat.
While being very fond of the cat, my boys aren't quite as sympathetic to her plight as I had expected.
They are aware that when the inevitable happens, Momo the cat will be replaced by two kittens.
This prospect excites the boys and they have been trying to persuade us to get the kittens now.
We've told them we'd prefer to wait so Momo doesn't have to contend with noisy bundles of fluff dashing round her ageing paws.
So of course any sign of weakness and Gabriel and Isaac are claiming its time to start looking for kittens.
They've even chosen the type of feline they want and considered names.
Although the discussions have not taken place in front of the cat, obviously.
I don't think she's that popular with the vet, either, thanks to the "gift" she left on the vet's white coat last Friday night.
The dark nights do not bother Gabriel one jot.
He spends most of his time when at home in his room, and I don't think takes much notice if it's night or day.
Isaac, on the other hand, is like a caged tiger, the black winter nights keeping him captive inside our house.
During the summer months he was out every night. On his bike, at the beach, at the golfing range, or down at the park.
Now the doorbell doesn't ring and he traipses and drags his feet round the house complaining of being bored.
Any suggestions of what he might do with his time are "lame" or "dull".
We didn't have all the fancy games and gadgets they have now when we were young, but we did have the use of our imaginations.
Hallowe'en brought back happy memories of making lanterns for the boys and attending Hallowe'en parties.
At the grand old ages of 11 and 14, my boys showed no interest whatsoever this year.
Not even when Isaac's mates came calling, complete with sheets and torches.
Gabriel didn't even make the effort to come downstairs and admire their "costumes".
The calendar year shrinks to a degree, the older they get, but they are both desperate to see tonight's fireworks.
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Weather for Sunderland
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
