Ever since I remember, my family never took less than a hundred photos during the holidays (well, usually it was the 200+ range). I seem to have this urge in my blood, too: capture the day, or rather capture the moment on the film. There's nothing better than an evening session of browsing through the past events. Only you, your memories ... and a cup of tea.

And then, there's the taking of the photos. It's a lot of fun and you never know what you might capture - especially when you're facing the task of photographing Ms. Norton's awards. Believe me, with all the awards the Lady received, that's a lot of work.

The photographic session started early in the morning (well, "early" really depends on standards - it was round 9 am). Since Miss Norton's study room, where all the awards are proudly occupying a three-metre shelf that hangs on the wall, is facing east, this was really the only suitable time of the day. Apart from that, I didn't want to disturb anyone.

About two hours later, the Lady came back from High Hallack, where she was busy catalogueing books, to rest for a while from this arduous task. Now, would you lose a chance like this?

Well, my lack of self-control led to the creation of those three sneak photos of Ms. Norton sitting on the sofa, surrounded by the "give-away" copies of the books she wrote.

As you know, Miss Norton and Rose Wolf share the house with six (since the time these photos were taken, two more joined the household) cats, which are free to roam wherever they want. One of them, Tippy - a small, slender and above all curious feline - took interest in my activities.

Hmmm ... Wouldn't it be nice to have a beauty like him in the background? Some cat food would serve as bait. Have you seen a cat who'd reject a free snack?

But neither Caroline Fike, whose idea it was, nor I expected this! Apparently Tippy decided that the little man on top looked like being edible and stood on his hind legs to reach it. Now, you don't get a photo like that very often!

Here's another photo of Tippy, sitting in a dragon-like position behind one of the Lady's awards. I think no further comment is required.