Don't get me wrong, I don't actively dislike them

I'd just rather have a cat

Less work

Ok, cats are OK too. So are Guinea Pigs for that matter (they "talk" and can actually seem affectionate if you squint right)

No question cats (and Guinea Pigs) are easier than dogs.

I find dogs most rewarding, but that's just me. Obviously the effort is an issue even to me, since I am currently (sadly) dogless.

I don't know if you were in on this conversation I had with SAJ, but, If I win the Mezzetta competition, I'm buying a baby African Grey Parrot.

She/he will have a little vest and will be legally able to accompany me anywhere.

Oooook

You realise you will look quite, quite mad?

Or at least eccentric

And that will be new??

I don't know. I wasn't aware you appeared as crazy outwardly as I know you to be inwardly, as it were ;)

I'm 47 now... I'm of an age that I don't give a shit :)

Something tells me you never have

:)

Yep, you're probably right.

I've never been stricken with excess normality.

A maverick, living on the edge, refusing to play by society's rules

(this is where you put your shades on and ride off on your Harley)

The last person to call me a maverick was SAJ.

I made refried beans with bacon grease instead of lard.

Rebel without a clue

:)

So...

Have you won yet?

16 more days.

Oh I should have said!

They've employed you as master sandwich designer?

The very first thing I will teach my new bird??

Is the entire libretto of Les Miserables.

That and to pace his perch repeating, "I'm a duck."

Teach it to bark like a rottweiler

"Jesus?"

That too :)

Teach it to say 'Acid doesn't stop avocados browning'

HA!

Guess what just came in the mail?!?!

I am SO excited!

YAY!!