We have been in Vancouver now a couple of months since we returned from our trip to Italy.

I have since experienced  malaise/weltschmerz/ennui/ with a generous touch of melancholy with a desire to do nothing and stare at the ceiling or at our two cats Niño and Niña.

My sister-in-law Ruth is arriving tomorrow via train from Ontario. Rosemary and I have been busy with a double spring cleaning in preparation for her one week stay.

In the middle of this pleasantly gentle turmoil, I have found comfort in the “I-am-here” stability of an Ikea solar lamp. Every evening it is a beacon in our garden that makes me smile. And consider that I spent $9. The other calming factor is Niño.

I am sure he would make an excellent hospital cat. I look at him and my stress dissipates. Both he and Niña must have never been faced with turmoil, fear or aggression. They don’t scratch, except the leather sofa that is now protected by a Hudson’s Bay wool blanket. They just stare.

They are not mal ojo but buen ojo. Could they be in cahoots with my Ikea lamp?