- AU REVOIR CASPER -

At the beginning of December last year, I somewhat ambitiously set myself 24 tasks to complete before turning 24 (on the 24th February). Everything got off to a good start, began watching Heston's Feasts and made some ice-cream. Then there was the madness of Christmas, New Year's and returning to work, which would have all been manageable, apart from during this time I had to put down my utterly lovely cat called Casper. Two days before Christmas.

He was the first pet I've ever lost and I was completely devastated. My Mum tried to convince me to wait til after Christmas, but I knew he was unhappy. This cat had purred for 13 years straight. Not just when he was happy, but when he was grumpy, angry and all the other dwarves as well. Then he stopped.

Just liked everyone reassured me, it has gotten easier with time. While I miss him sleeping on my bed (left hand, bottom corner only), the things that make me remember him the most are things that we no longer have to do because of him. Like hide freshly cooked muffins (he's been known to sample up to six at a time and leave them on the floor) and any type of meat and the fact that our house doesn't constantly smell of disinfectant (he loved to eat lots biscuits and then drink water - causing them to swell, which then lead to him throwing up. So charming). Luckily I have another cat, who is putting up with 'two cats worth of love' quite well, which is remarkable considering he is the cat verison of a grumpy old man who pokes people with his walking stick.

I imagine Casper is now spending his days lying on freshly washed clothes and occasionally getting up for a sneaky blueberry muffin and roast chicken. And not throwing up.