He may be cute, but he's trouble. The respiratory inflection is coming back. Phoebe has an infected eye. Since he's moved in, I've made three vet trips in two months. My pocketbook is empty. But how, may I ask, can you resist that face?

This is Oreo. He came to us via a wonderful local rescue group, HARP. He is adjusting to life in the Maupin household, and he is one serious love bug. He gets so relaxed when you pet him that he'll actually fall over, but look out when the feather wand is near! He was very curious about the camera, and wasn't too interested in holding still for a nice, posed shot. This was one of the few non-blurry pictures. He is really bonding with Madeline, and runs up to greet her when she gets home from school. That's exactly what we had hoped for. Now if he'll just stop walking over my keyboard...


Yes, I have finally finished a painting. I started this in May, I think. The background sat around forever. Yet another heart, I know, but what can I say? I'm obsessed.  Let's just call it a series. That doesn't sound so crazy.