ABSTRACT
It took me very little time to grow used to José being recognized everywhere we went in San Francisco. Accompanying José to dinner or to the corner store is not an activity for the sensitive ego. He is, after all, the Empress, and he becomes the center of attention easily. More than once my own diva-wannabe nature grumbled at being just the other person in the room. (“What was your name again?”) He does not always choose the lead role. At times in the past, his notoriety even frustrated him. No matter. People will stop to do him honor. These days, he seems content with his lot.
