The Night A Raccoon Came A-Callin'

Late one night this past week I was curled up in my comfortable armchair beside the patio door with a favorite magazine while my husband was on the computer. A scratching noise came that didn't have the noise of the usual sound the colony cats make when they want in or to request a late night snack. 

I opened the door a crack and peered out into the darkness of the patio - no, there was not a cat in sight, I went back to my book. A short time later and the sound came again, this time more urgent and my husband heard it as well. We both gazed out the screen of the patio door, still not a cat to be seen. We looked down and low and behold:

This little guy was glazing up at us! Please, do you have something you can spare for me?

Opening the door a crack,

He thought he'd politely inquire as to whether we could part with a morsel or two...

It took not a moment and I was rummaging through the fridge! He gratefully accepted a wiener (maple leaf, no less) from my hand, tugging it free and...

making his way towards the back of the patio to devour it in relative privacy and

 





away from the colony cats who were taking a decided interest in his wiener!

Ultimately, he weaseled me free of three wieners before heading out on his way.

The colony cats that took an interest figured it was better for all to leave his wiener alone. 


Catspaw

There's A Coon At The Door!

One night while we watched a DVD Merrill heard a strange noise out the patio door. Figuring it was just another of the barn cats, we ignored it. Then it happened again. At first glance he could see nothing, then something moved and a large raccoon shambled into view. The visiting coon was a fully grown one coming to feast from an almost empty bag of old cat food. 

I managed to get pictures but it was through the patio door so they aren't exactly clear but the coon didn't seen to mind posing.
This is an adult raccoon visiting our house one night looking for a meal and he (or she) found one, of course. Hey, come to my house and any critter will find food, shelter and comfort!! 
 

He ambled around the darkened patio for awhile, peering through the glass at the cats who were peering through the same glass at him...


Guessing they were as curious about him as...

I gave him some crackers; the first of which he came over and gingerly took from my hand through the crack in the doorway I had opened so my cats wouldn't get out.

His eyes really shine in this picture! He was looking straight at me when the flash went off. Hubby offered him a piece of banana on the patio, after we left the patio for a few minutes, the banana disappeared! Guess he liked it. 


Catspaw