Is it morning again?

I have always been an early riser. Used to be a nicotine fix necessitated an early rise. However since I quit smoking many years ago and I continue to wake up at some godforsaken times, it must be the critters fault. Mostly, I awaken to Toba, the dog, and Dahg, a cat, vying for space on the bed. It is a large bed, but they must feel an undeniable need to squish up as close to my head and legs as possible.

When they demand more attention they create enough of a disturbance that the queen of the household, Pokey, a 9 pound calico, jumps up on the bed. Now there are two cats, a dog and one tired old man on the bed and no one is happy. Further compounding the matter, Dahg really does not like Pokey and vice versa. So when Pokey jumps up the growling begins.

Two cats meowing, chirping, growling. One dog whining. A tired oldish man. And, It's only FIVE am.

Get up. Where to begin. First thing is Toba goes out to do her business. It's cooler outside and frost last night leaves the grass quite damp. She piddles right away and I am pleased. Inside I wipe her feet and let her loose.

Next, to the computer. My morning ritual includes checking emails and reading one of the local newspapers on-line. Not as easy as you'd think. Toba has energy to burn before doggy daycare. And there are so many interesting things to do toys to play with. If it was only Toba perhaps I could get through it relatively easily.

Not so, as Dahg requires my undivided attention. Without fail Dahg arrives in a flash on the top of my desk, meow-purring for my undivided attention. She is an 18 pound cat that MUST be held. There is no avoiding this. She also drinks water by dipping her paw in her water dish and licking her paw. I get the added pleasure of her soggy paws and paw prints on the desktop. It's glass.

Gumby used to be at my feet. Amazingly, with Gumby gone Pokey has actually taken up this activity. This is my clue that it is time to feed the cats, clean the litter bin, drive Toba to doggy daycare and get myself off to work.

I wouldn't have it any other way.