It's hard to be responsible, adult and sensible all the time. How good it is to have a sister whose heart is as young as your own.

Cats can work out mathematically the exact place to sit that will cause most inconvenience.

If you've only one breath left, use it to say thank you.

Human beings are drawn to cats because they are all we are not — self-contained, elegant in everything they do, relaxed, assured, glad of company, yet still possessing secret lives.

Sisters annoy, interfere, criticize. Indulge in monumental sulks, in huffs, in snide remarks. Borrow. Break. Monopolize the bathroom. Are always underfoot. But if catastrophe should strike, sisters are there. Defending you against all comers.

The child who ran weeping to you with a cut finger is now brought home, smiling gamely, with a broken collarbone and incredible contusions- 'it wasn't Jezebels fault, Dad.'

Integrity rings like fine glass. True, clear, and reassuring.