Status quo is status quo and the odds of returning to the status quo ante are slim, however much we might wish otherwise. Should the unlikely occur, we shall celebrate with quiet cheers, a few discreet dance steps, and copious photographs.

Until that day, however, let us resume our survey of the local toe bean population.

Kokoro is a lady of simple needs and refined tastes.

A patch of sunlight or a trusted human’s lap.

An elegant sufficiency of food.

Acknowledgment of her role as supreme ruler of the universe.

Do I even need to point out that taking pictures of the soles of her feet does not fall within the bounds of any of her requirements?

In other words, pardon the blur. This is the best of far more attempts than she or we felt comfortable with.

Given her tastes and her fur tones, one might expect her to belong to the one-toned school of toe beanery. But no. Pink predominates, but a few streaks of darker shades–no doubt borrowed from her points–sneak in.

Not, I must admit in all honesty, the most elegant of feet. But then, anyone who’s seen Kokoro contort herself into a pretzel shape to get maximum sunlight on her stomach knows that even the most refined lady lets her guard down occasionally and indulges in pure silliness.