Hi, I had a couple of funny stories to pass on as well as a question: About climbing clothing, I wear a full length flannel nightgown during the winter and if I am in the kitchen wearing it, Sarah will climb all the way to my shoulder. She also used to climb the full length curtains in my old apartment. About soda, Sarah is not particularly fond of soda; however, she feels compelled to stick her nose in any glass that is within her reach. A couple nights ago I was drinking a glass of gingerale and she stuck her face in it and jumped back really fast because gingerale is so carbonated the bubbles went up her nose. Nevertheless, after sneezing a few times she stuck her head right back in. This continued until I drank the gingerale down to where she could get to it. My question: Sarah is a silver mitt, I think. She has both black and white guard hairs and white feet. For the past three winters, she has turned white with almost no mask. In the spring, she turns back to the normal darker color. Has anyone else experienced this? Is this normal behavior? Our utilities are part of our rent, so we keep the house at a comfortable temperature. This year she didn't get as white as before, but it's also been a milder winter. Just instinct? Thanks, Caroline (Sarah's well-trained pet) [Posted in FML issue 1106]