Young Children vs. Young Pets

March 1st a year ago, my granddaughter was born. I recall my helpless experience holding this tiny baby -- a feeling for me of inability.

A year and 2 days later, a baby kitten, all gray except for highlights of lighter grey bands in the light, was born. He was one of four. His previous owner was conscientious. My coming into his world was at around 9 weeks. He is adorable. He is ever so curious, as is my lovely granddaughter.

Now -- the variations in life times for me: At 22 - 28 my lifetime was built around the three boys I gave birth to. Once, two of them,only 18months apart. Their older brother born when I was 22. How did I manage? I believe, through my ignorance and reliance on instinct. Dr. Spock was a reference book after their birth. He taught me not to cuddle or hold my baby if I was in an upset state. I followed but now, at 66, that is all I recall.

Am not secure in the reason to comment above. However, now I am raising a baby kitten who I have named Baby, after the movie with Katherine Hepburn of Bringing Up Baby. He means to be cuddly except when he becomes a miniature ferocious cat to bite and use his claws to climb up your clothing or bite your arms, toes, etc.

So far we have learned not to claw but to just paw in many circumstances. While I began to say "gentle, baby" I now use STOP or AWWWL loudly to manage baby. He did learn (mostly) not to use claws.

Using not to expand claws, he substituted his teeth. Oouch! Blood!

We, baby and I, really are in love with one another. Baby sleeps by my side every night. He purrs happily when given affection. I just am crazy about his company, naughty as he seems to be----- like a kitten.

So-o-o recently he decided to tear my personal phone directory into segments, uncurl my roll of toilet paper down and spread it out across the living area and enjoy my plants fully to point of dumping them onto the floor for a better look and for much more enjoyment.

My feeling at this point about babies vs. kittens: babies are ever so lovely. Baby kittens who get stuck in kitchen drawers, unroll toilet paper, look like they want to hop onto the stove, -- dump out and even wish to sleep in a large plant -- require a different but similar mode of work than motherhood.

Sunday of day before solstice - feel topsy turvy

Yesterday, an administrator for one of the Mcmannis establishments greeted me warmly while I was in a booth. This 20th of June was the 26th Anniversary for my next door neighbor, the Barley Mill. It is not unusual for Steve to share a warm greeting when I am there. He is not a regular hire but someone with duties of the parent administration.

What pleased me surely was when, turning down an offer for cake, he said: Oh, I know just what to give you. Shortly he returned with a perfect long stem rose (no thorns). My stay needed to be short that day yet he happened to be near the door as I was leaving and commented we would see each other at other times.

I met Steve months and months ago while next door. I did not know his role, so was taken aback a little when he came to my seat told me he understood I was a favorite of the staff. Then, even more surprised when he sat at the booth for brief conversation. Quickly I felt certain the sitting with me was purely neighbor to neighbor.

Now you may ask "why do you feel topsy turvy?" Because since the first time meeting with Steve I realized that I really liked him a lot. Several meetings followed before the Barley Mill Anniversary -- all cordial and short. Not long ago when he sat at the bar for some reason, I observed him enough to notice? (maybe) a wedding ring? My first thought was "of course he is married."

My reaction told me I liked him more than I admitted to myself on any level. I felt it was too bad yet rationalized any feelings I had were unreal, illusionary.

The rose is on display in a wine bottle. For some reason I take it wherever I take a seat in my apt. -- and to window sill in my bedroom.

Lesson? Even though a senior, the gesture of such a sweet and thoughtful exchange gives a wonderful light, as reflected that a candle or shadows crossing a sunny room to a lovely woman - me.