A lost loved one

Summer solstice--first day of summer. Temperatures are hot, in the high 80's and low 90's. Looking at my journal from last year (2011), I see that we had already experienced many 100+ degree temperatures by this time last year. Unfortunately, the grasshoppers are just as bad this year. They are eating everything, well almost everything. It is interesting to see what they eat and what they leave alone. They strip the mint leaves but leave the oregano. They devour monkey grass but leave bermuda uneaten. They live in clusters of vinca but don't munch on the leaves. Killer Kat passed away yesterday, suddenly. On Monday he was out running with Skeeter, came in that night and was fine, and on Tuesday morning he acted like he had been hit by a car (but hadn't)--he was lethargic and acted like he was sore, didn't want to be touched. He didn't eat but did want to go back outside. He laid around outside in the shade and by evening he was gone. Andy buried him in the woods, where he loved to roam and hunt. He was a great pet--unusual for a cat. We loved him and will miss him. Hopefully our next cat will be as friendly and get along with the dogs.