Yes, I'd be flattered too. I've read the Conrad one was given to read in one course in American literature at the time I was getting my degree, but I haven't read that one -- and such a great title, too.

We once had some kind of construction down the block that jarred the house so much that spiders fell from their webs (probably still better than jackhammers, because largely vibratory and bass-like), but mostly I doubt that insects mind one way or the other. Our cats also hunt them, whether inside or out. It's June bug season and I fear for the screens.

Thank you, my mother's cats did recover from their ordeal and after a few days of sulking regained their sunny demeanor.

The human parts of the trip will think long and hard about ever driving cats anywhere again, however.

P.