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Funny article the other day about the Michigan Humane Society and their new ad campaign for adopting cats. (Both of our cats come from family and in one shape or form go back to the cat of one of Joelle's cousins who was killed by a drunk driver a few decades ago.) When we come down to the coast for summer vacation we use "the walk" as a test to see how well or not that we're doing. Not including the steps inside the flat (an additional 13 from the street, if one is counting) we have the pleasure of walking 672 steps and roughly 1,000 feet to get to the beach sitting below the old village. In bad years we cave in and drive the car down but thanks to my bike riding, the steps this year are still noticeable but no wobbly knees, sore muscles or anything like that.

Every year we enjoy what we call "cat alley" which is along our path to and from the beach. We finally met the man who takes care of the cats this year and discovered that all of them - we've counted at least 7 - are from the local humane society. A few of the bunch (such as the cute little gray guy and the black and brown girl above) crave back scratches and it's tough prying yourself away from them as they meow and walk alongside. Sometimes one even pulls the trick that Sushi does which is to meow and walk right in front of you, almost tripping you. Each cat has his or her patch along the route so as you make your way along the path one stops and another pops up. We add our treats to their food bowl coming down and surprise, surprise, they love fish.