A younger sister is someone to use as a guinea-pig in trying sledges and experimental go-carts. Someone to send on messages to Mum. But someone who needs you - who comes to you with bumped heads, grazed knees, tales of persecution. Someone who trusts you to defend her. Someone who thinks you know the answers to almost everything.

You took me to adventure and to love. We two have shared great joy and great sorrow. And now I stand at the gate of the paddock watching you run in an ecstasy of freedom, knowing you will return to stand quietly, loyally, beside me.

Many a cat can only be lured in by switching off all the lights and keeping very still. Until the indignant cry of a cat-locked-out comes at the door.

When sisters stand shoulder to shoulder, who stands a chance against us?

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

The trouble with sharing one's bed with cats is that they'd rather sleep on you than beside you.

The first step to wisdom is to be sure one says and does what one believes.