A few memories about my father that surface when I'm being weird about my cats, like accidentally training them to expect instant towel drying when they come in wet.

If it was raining, Dad would pick up Quarter, tuck her under his flannel, carry her to the garage, then set her gently down on the warm cushy chair by the woodstove because he didn't want her precious little paws getting cold and wet.

When Jack was too old and arthritic to properly enjoy their daily walkabout anymore, Dad carried him and set him down every few yards to look at stuff and sniff things. I swear it looked like Oscar the Grouch and that guy who carried the trash can around.

When Pigeon's asthma flared up, Dad went without his oxygen to strap his mask on his cat for a few minutes, and cover her with a tea towel to keep her warm.

THAT'S LOVE. And if you're not prepared to love a cat like that, why bother? Mine are so spoiled, they're growing mold.

Sandy Filters is looking pretty drab.

We're working on a new wardrobe

My family had a few fun traditions including birthday meals of choice. One year, I wanted to stay in for grilled steaks and banana cream pie. Dad couldn't figure out why the steaks were so funny looking until he realized that Mom gave him pork chops. It's ok, she says. At least there's still cake!

We made fun of her for years. God, I miss them.

Dad will always be with me, as long as I remember the things he taught me.

It's been 5 years and 2 weeks since he died in my arms and I'll never truly get over it. I miss him more than I can say, but his memory has become sweeter as time passes.

Every time I smell the flowers, or smile at the cats, or talk to the bees, I know Merlin's here. He would have been 85 today.

It's poetic that Merlin's grave memorial tree blooms around his birthday and favorite time of year. He loved flowers... and cats.