Cats are catching up with dogs. A while ago I observed that titling was all important for attracting visitors to a particular piece. There was a poem, Villanelle to Catch a Rat that was attracting very few views, whereas Villanel for a Dog Uncut was romping along, clickswise. Just to see if the title could be putting people off, I changed its title to Villanelle for a Cat that Sat. Although slow at first, the views increased and have now almost caught up with the dog.

This is a brief blog, since it is past midnight here and I'd like to get to bed. I just thought I'd mention that I remembered the surprise that had slipped my mind on the last blog. It was mouthwash. I've been looking for a mouthwash for some time that would be safe for me to use. I'm severely allergic to peppermint and this poses quite a problem with life, living and moving around other people. If someone is sucking on a mint, or chewing a stick of gum in my vicinity, I have to get away very quickly and keep my allergy meds to hand at all times. Normal mint toothpaste is not allowed in the house. Everyone has to use herbal or fruit flavoured and even that is too risky for me, since the manufacturers tend to use the same machines for all flavours. Even the slightest trace of peppermint will set off a reaction, so I leave it all well alone.

So, here I am, scrubbing my teeth with bicarb or lemon juice or plain water and wishing I could rinse my mouth with something effective, but not finding anyting suitable. Then one day my mother asks me to get her some Corsodyl (that's a mouthwash too). To get it, I have to brave the toothpaste aisle at the supermarket, a place I tend to avoid. I've taken extra meds to be safe and am reading labels of other products on the shelf, when I come across one that is unflavoured. The makers have put the peppermint in a sachet that can be added if desired.

Not sure if aroma of  the sachet's contents will have permeated, I decide to take a chance and buy it. The wonderful stuff is completely tasteless. I got my husband to remove the sachet and dispose of it and now I can swish and swoosh to my heart's content. My heart is currently very content.

If I remember tomorrow, I'll tell you all about the party we were at tonight and the decision it brought me to.