I've mentioned previously that, although I have nothing against dogs, I am mostly a cat person, with only four of them at home right now (#5 is the perfect apartment cat and so she's off in Seattle with our son to keep him company).

This is Agate -- she's from the "rock" litter -- who came to us from the shelter in Moscow about three and one-half years ago, along with her brother Obsidian (you've guessed it, there'll be more cat pictures!).  She's a sort-of-seal-point (note the white feet).  Aggie, as we more commonly know her, is my constant little helper, always around when I'm reading, cooking, or hanging out in the den at home.  The printer is warm, I guess, making it an ideal napping spot for her in the winter.

(thanks to daughter Sarah for providing the pictures) 

  **********

A comment about the picture behind her on the wall in the first picture:  This is a cover of Rolling Stone from nearly 4 years ago that my wife and I found particularly amusing.  It is a picture of an obviously aging Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Mick Jagger, and Ron Woods; the story is titled "England's Newest Hitmakers; The Rolling Stones" (those of you old enough will get the reference to an earlier time).  The caption goes on to note that "Charlie just beat cancer, Ronnie's out of rehab, and the twins are always fighting. Just like your family."  For some reason I always chuckle when I read that.