Anyway, if Emmy is less freaky, then that's good. If I'm less freaky and noticing it in my cat, than that's good too. Less freaky is most always better in cats and their humans. Here in Oakland.

Is Emmy really an "Emmy"? I've discussed this with a knowledgeable cat herding friend. I'm not sure. Her original name of "Brain" given by a newly minted teenager was too weird, too fingernails on a blackboard to suit. Emmy is probably too soft. Something along the lines of Ms. Cranky or Ms. Needy or Ms. Piss 'n Boots maybe, but with a better sound. T. Emmy? Tyrannosaurus Emmy? T. Cranky? She's a little jumpy. You'd be jumpy too with her history, but she's settling out. Something descriptive, but respectful. Something she can grow into. I'd use "Mothra", but that's already been taken. "Mothra" would be a nice moniker for her declining years.

How about Buffy?.

Hmmm, I don't know. Buffy is unknown territory. I watch Buffy now and again and I know of other journalers who've been infected by the virus, but I'm not quite certain "Buffy" would work. Too blond. Or something. Maybe one of the characters from the other side of the fence. A nice reasonably domesticated vampire. What are the names of the "reasonably domesticated vampire" characters populating Buffy? Female vampire characters with (hidden) hearts of gold. That aren't too icky. Or am I hallucinating?

Nefertiti?

That has the right feel, although I can't see saying it out loud. "Hello, your highness, how bout a nice bowl of rendered fish product or some of this especially tender salmon swill?"

Meow!

Yes, well, maybe we've done enough Emmy.

This is the first official day of the two week vacation, the first work day off. Breakfast down at the usual cafe, not the usual weekend crowd, but one or two familiar faces. Are they on vacation? Are they out of work? Out of work eating breakfast every morning and reading the paper? Do they know something I don't?

Undoubtedly.