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A grandmother with a pencil works a crossword at the breakfast table while a large tabby Maine Coon sits and watches. 7 / 36

Nora Was Stuck on One Clue and Maple Looked Very Confident

AI imagemaine cooncrosswordbreakfast table

The pencil hovers over a half-filled grid, and the tabby sitting next to it looks just as thoughtful as Nora does. Maple has climbed onto the breakfast table chair with her chest out and her long fur fluffed, gazing up at something past the frame, perhaps a bird, perhaps a clue. Grandma Nora, in her cable-knit cardigan, writes carefully, a mug of coffee at her elbow and a glass of water nearby. Morning light pours through the window onto the kitchen cabinets and a folded dish towel.

Word puzzles are a well-loved morning habit, and keeping the mind busy with crosswords, reading or games is a pleasant way for older adults to stay engaged. Cats can enrich a quiet routine, too, simply by keeping you company. Maine Coons have a reputation for being smart and curious, and many like to follow their people through the day. If your cat likes the kitchen table, though, keep an eye on hot drinks, since spills can burn her and some beverages are unsafe. Pencils and erasers can be a choking hazard if chewed. A quiet perch beside you and a window view are good ways to include her without mess.

Whether Maple is actually working on seven across is anyone's guess. Her expression suggests deep concentration. Nora taps the pencil on the paper, then smiles at an answer that suddenly fits. Perhaps the cat helped, perhaps not, but the breakfast table is a more satisfying place when the whole household takes an interest in the puzzle.

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