a couple nights ago I was sitting outside getting a fresh of breath air (ahem...taking a puff, sorry Mom) when I noticed out of the corner of my eye movement of the furry kind. I couldn't see much in the dark, but it was enough to know it was big, and not a cat. so I froze.

that little critter ambled right by me and walked over to investigate the barbeque pit not two feet away from me. then he turned. he looked at me, I looked at him...and waited. and waited. and waited for him to notice me. when I realized he wasn't reacting and that there was a real possibility he had no idea I was a people, I shuffled my feet a little and watched him take off like a rocket.

I ran over to the house to find the nearest open window and bellowed "Doug ....GET OUT HERE!!" (*giggle* I think I scared the poor boy, because he looked a little panicked when he bolted out the back door.)

"look!!! it's a RACOON!! I didn't want you to miss it!!" Doug wasn't nearly as impressed as I was (I think he was more annoyed at the heart attack I just gave him than anything else), but damnit. enjoying a coon from two feet away was a new experience for me.

that little guy ambled from tree to tree to tree both in our back yard and the neighbors', climbing up, investigating, and climbing back down. watching him was the coolest thing evar, and I know you're jealous. don't even TRY to tell me you're not. but next time? next time he visits I would like to be a little more prepared, because as nonchalant as I tried to act in front of Doug, having a BIG wild critter that close scared THE.SHIT. out of me.