Kittens are wide-eyed, soft and sweet. With needles in their jaws and feet.

Becoming a grandmother is wonderful. One moment you're just a mother. The next you are all-wise and prehistoric.

Thank you for being interested. Doesn't sound much but it meant just about everything.

For the sake of the sons - and even for the son's future wives - a woman must keep a part of her mind and heart entirely for herself. Every family is better off with a wife and mother who can astonish and occasionally dewilder.

The baby rises to its feet, takes a step, is overcome with triumph and joy - and falls flat on its face. It is a pattern for all that is to come! But learn from the bewildered baby. Lurch to your feet again. You'll make the sofa in the end.

You are asleep. Deep, deep asleep - and then the world caves in. The cat has leapt from the top window onto your stomach. He is saturated. He is hungry. He taps you into full wakefulness with a sodden paw "Could you open a can?"

Sisters never quite forgive each other for what happened when they were five.