Our House of Mirth: Letter From Coconut

Dear Mommie,

I am so proud of you for serving our country. I know you are incredibly brave and strong and America needs you, but I miss you like crazy! Uncle John and Aunt Patty are taking very good care of me while you are so far away. I feel very comfortable and at home here. I even have my own little routine now: in the morning, I listen for Uncle John to start walking upstairs to his office, then I bolt in front of him on the steps before he even has a chance to open the door! We put in a full day together with me making certain that he earns that paycheck. I love the big, comfy chair he has in there!! I always fall asleep to the sound of the clicking keyboard.....

...and sometimes, Uncle John practices his sermons on me and that puts me right out too....

I always have plenty of food to eat (and lots of treats too!). I think I may have even put on a few l-b's since you last saw me. This is me and Little Joe. He's old and sleeps a lot, but he's a pretty cool dude; he's showing me all the ropes, such as the best windows for bird watching and the premiere sun-drenched napping places.

I also have come to an understanding with Ben, The Big Yellow Dog--he keeps his distance and I won't administer a savage clawing!! You will be proud to know that his big yellow head is the only place I've ever used my claws. I am respectful of J&P's furniture. Like I always tell them "My Mama raised me right!".

I have nicknames now! Uncle John calls me "Banjo" because he says it looks like I am playing the banjo when I scratch at my itches. Aunt Patty calls me "Leadfoot" because I have such a heavy walk that I shake everything in the house when I run through the rooms.

I am learning lots of new things! I know how to open all the closet doors! One time I even got in the laundry room cupboard and ripped open a brand-new bag of dog food for Ben...I mean, sure, I don't like the guy....but he looked hungry! My newest thing is to pull up the window shades. I figured out how to pull down on them and let go so they open....pretty cool, right? There is also the story about me getting stuck on a glue trap, but that memory is still a little painful...

I get lots of tummy rubbins' and head scratchins'. My beautiful fur is brushed out really nice and there is always a warm cozy lap to crawl onto if I want...