As much as I loved the zen of sourdough maintenance and loved the resulting loaves, I gave up my weekly baking sessions because of the "tyranny of the dough." Honest to God, it was like having another pet—worse, in some ways. Huck and Bagheera are cute enough that we can get cat-sitters when we travel. Ever tried to get anybody to feed your sourdough starter?

Bagheera makes sure I get her good side.

Huckleberry signals for more canned mice.

Daniela Edburg chronicles death by Oreos, M&Ms, and all our little binges.

I suppose it was about five years ago. Erica was explaining that some dude had accidentally erased all of the music on her "iPod." This, apparently, was some sort of tragedy. I tried to sympathize. "I can't believe that jerk! Are you alright?" I consoled.

Fifty things you ought to know by age 50.