Masked Visitor

We were up and dressed earlier than usual this morning expecting the arrival of a couple of landscapers to mulch the flower beds around the property. We appreciate their help and truthfully they do a much better job of it • While the coffee brewed and the cats were eating I stepped outside to set out a few peanuts and realized I was feeling generous and needed more. On my return trip with another container of nuts I scanned the patio and lilac trees before opening the door, it’s something I do habitually without even noticing it. But today I did notice! In the two minutes I was inside this masked bandit had climbed the lilac tree, checked out two (almost empty) suet feeders, then turned to face me! He must have seen me as clearly as I could see him! I’m actually wondering if it was a female feeding herself or little ones. Anyway the hungry raccoon climbed down and ran across our driveway into the woods • Now you know why I look first, then open the door. Occasionally I’m surprised :) • The flower beds look so nice with fresh dark mulch. By morning they’ll be messed up by the menagerie of curious wildlife (including our cat)!