Tom is my cat. He goes by Tom, Tomasita, Tom Tom Kitty, Tommy Tune the Show Kitty and Tommy Tom Tom. I know. You NEVER talk baby talk and this is probably making you squirm. What is it about kittys and puppies and babies that melt our brains and hearts?

Clarification - I am no longer a mommy. I am a mom, because my son is now 11 years old (and going on 16). Mommy is a ghost from the past who is only called into present conciousness when sould-threatening events occur. 'Tanks Gott' THAT hasn't happened to us yet. To quote the late and most great Hank Williams, "We'll Never Get Out of This World Alive."

On a lighter note, when the subject of death, plague, illness and general darkness crosses our minds, we have a gesture in our household to ward it all off. Hand over your head now, raise your pinky and forefinger like bull horns. I understand this is an Italian superstition. So far it works around here. I am wiggling those fingers as I type. And Tom is swatting at them.