Happy Birthday, Mary!

Dear Diary,

Today is my cousin Mary's 75th birthday.  She just spent three days with me this past week.  Seriously, she is much more a sister than a cousin.  She is the daughter of my dearest Aunt and I have so very many wonderful memories of her and her family growing up.  Visiting their home in Brighton, Massachusetts was like going to the big city for this country mouse.  It was always an adventure.

Here she is, probably age 4 or 5, holding Tabby as a kitten.  I have fond memories of Tabby too who live to a ripe old age.  We were all animal lovers from an early age.  I've always felt badly for children who grow up without pets.  They teach us so many things and I must admit I am always a wee bit suspicious of people who say they don't like animals. Caring for something weaker and smaller than yourself is a valuable lesson and fosters compassion I think, something this world could use a whole lot more of.