That was pretty funny.
I was unwilling to climb up to her because then what? Picking up a panicky cat is going to end up in bloodshed and a good chance of her jumping. Besides, you never see kitty skeletons in trees; they complain a lot but they can always get down when they really want to. Finally, I didn't actually know if she was really distressed, or was merely broadcasting her version of "Hey! Look at Me!"
I started talking to her at the bottom of the tree. Of course she does not understand the intellectual content of my words, but she seems to have a pretty good emotional understanding. I took a few pictures, and a squirrel ran up an adjoining tree. Then Imp decided she was ready. I didn't actually remember seeing a cat climb down a tree before, and so took video - it was a pretty interesting process!
My favorite part was right at the end, where she gave my foot a "High-Five!" with her paw.
When a cat has got herself high in a tree, you can't rescue her; you can only help her to rescue herself. And if you do, she will.
That's a metaphor.
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I found a bookmark momento from my high school - it was for the graduation of an earlier class. I remember so many names, and wonder where they are now.
June 16: 
