And Now I Lay me Down to Sleep ...

Well, it looks like it must be winter, because I see Orion high in the sky outside my window.  I don't know how it is, but there is something comforting about the onset of this season, and those early nights when the great Hunter rises to watch over those of us that dwell in the northern hemisphere.  I can almost feel his presence.

The fire in the grate dims, and even Tess has stopped purring and is huddling close for warmth.  I ask myself, What have I done for her lately?  Dished out a can of wet food, cleaned the litter pan, washed the water fountain.  And what has she done for me?  Only offered me the simple, unconditional, absolute affection of one of nature's most perfect animals.  I feel that I have got the better part of this exchange.