BEING A GREAT "GODMOTHER"

My beautiful godchild, Allegra, and her partner, Florian, had their first baby on January 24. His name is Adrian Francisco Dussler. Allegra and Florian live in Germany, and you can only wonder in awe at the entitlements and benefits a new mother receives in this country.

She gets a year's leave, with pay, and home care three times a week for six weeks following the birth. Talk about "family values."

Anyway, the baby was 22 inches long and 8.4 pounds at birth. Here are a couple of pix of the new arrival.

New York Visits Tampa

Dearest friend Debbie visited me for my birthday. It was great hanging out talking, walking, eating and just enjoying a simpatico four days. I wish it didn't end so soon. NOW I really feel the holidays are over, and I'm ready to snuggle down to some cold weather and hearthside reading (Hah, in my wildest dreams).

CAT CURIOSITY

Cat curiosity did not kill Otis, but it used up one of his nine lives. Despite many warnings, poor Otis fell in the pool this morning. I was able to fish him out, but it was scary for him and for me. If I hadn't gotten to him, he likely would have drowned. He cannot be out alone on the patio. Someone must always be there to watch. He was quite upset, but he did recover quickly, spunky little fellow.

The top picture shows him fully recovered and at rest.