Minnie and Flo have both won their long and patient campaign to get into the farmhouse on cold nights. It’s not that hard if Maria is the person opening the door, I suppose, but we did hold the line, until Minnie got her leg amputated and then Flo began her year-long campaign to charm me and win me over. It was successful.

The barn cats are still barn cats, which makes me happy. I love the mysticism and independence of the barn cat. But on nasty days like today – cold, driving rain- we let them in. For the longest time, Minnie and Flo had little to do with one another. Flo hissed at Minnie and swatted at her when she got close.

That has changed. Minnie and Flo are often seen touching noses, sunning on the porch together, and sharing one of the living room chairs. It is pretty sweet to see. Cats know how to get comfortable.