DEC from Irene ---- Cats and Dogs

This lovely envelope from Irene arrived in the middle of January. The postmark is clearly 2024, but the month and day is hidden behind the star on the top of the tree. It seems easy to read - to me - although it's in the red-family and we suspect that the scanners do not read red very well and gold might also be tricky. I'm just happy it arrived - along with the gorgeous card on the inside. I know Irene does a ton of cards and envelopes and hope she knows how much we appreciate her work.

 

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Add-on today - something for the pet people - but only the cats and dogs. I'm still in Chicago and my grandson's third grade class had a snail living in the classroom. Apparently, some snails can just spontaneously reproduce asexually - and provide a baby snail for every kid in the class. So, I met Gary, Jr when I was here for Christmas and now it is Jan 19 and Gary, Jr has grown so much. A boy and his snail. Lucky for Ben, Nanna had the foresight to research whether or not snails carried any parasites or other bugs. Oh.My.Gosh.... don't touch snails.

Here are some Smithsonian articles about dogs and cats if you need to fill some time.

LINK to dog article

LINK to cat article

WOW!!  I just did a search for [Snails] and there are enough articles to keep us occupied for the whole day...which we might need because it is 0° outside and feels like -9°

P.S. There is a connection with the USPS and cats - and there might be one for dogs - that I have not yet found. 

Not long after the American Revolution, the U.S. became the first country to set aside money for cats in its budget. Approximately $1,000 per year was apportioned out for postal cats, which were employed to keep mouse populations in check. Funds were doled out to cities according to the volume of mail each place handled.