Last night, the Nieces of the North came by for one final farewell before setting off on the very long day ahead of them.

Naturally, I supervised the proceedings.

Farewells are delicate household matters. They require warmth, suitable attention and, ideally, a cat positioned somewhere nearby to ensure that emotions do not become entirely unregulated. I therefore remained available in my official capacity as Senior Farewell Inspector.

Today, the Nieces have a long day before them. I trust they have packed everything necessary, although humans do have a remarkable talent for remembering important items approximately ten minutes after leaving the house.

There is also significant news from their own household.

Their feline supervisor is being collected from the temporary summer residence today and will be returning home to take up the reins once again.

Quite right too.

A household may survive for a short while without direct feline leadership, but standards inevitably begin to slip. Cushions are placed incorrectly. Mealtimes become approximate. Doors remain closed for no sensible reason. Humans start making independent decisions.

It is therefore essential that their supervisor returns promptly to restore order, review current procedures and remind everyone exactly who is in charge.

I wish the Nieces a safe journey and their feline manager a successful return to office.

No doubt the household will be back under firm and fair paw before bedtime.

Yours, Mrs. Cotton 🐱🐟