In answer to Cyberian Tygre: New roommate. Not at the expense of Old Roommate, of course; Blue Monkey doesn't contribute his share of the rent. Indeed, it cost me money to have Blue Monkey move in. But then again, he doesn't take up much space. And he has yet to leave dirty dishes piled in the kitchen, unlike yours truly.


Here is Blue Monkey with new comrade, Clive the Friendly Turtle. Clive was originally just "Friendly Turtle," but after living with me for a while, he told me his real name. (Yes, inanimate objects speak to me. I never claimed sanity, did I?) Anybody want to help me find the real name of Blue Monkey? Suggestions welcome.

I think part of why Blue Monkey wanted to come and live with me was that I assumed the assignment of finding a toy monkey to use in the decorations for my brother and sister-in-law's wedding reception. I thought this would be a simple task. It wasn't. But I did finally succeed. So when, a week or so later, Blue Monkey cheerfully greeted me from the clearance bin at the Goodwill, I recognized him for what he was: not a discarded toy, but a rare and meaningful find. He had me from "Hello."

Actually, it was just "Hi."