Forget about bats in the belfry. We have raccoons in our window well. A sunken hole that opens out from our basement window, to a dark, bleak space under the deck. A bad design on the part of the builder. Indeed, the window well is adjacent to, if not very nearly directly under, the sliding glass door that opens out to the back yard from the dining room. A very bad design on the part of the builder. No matter. A very large, very nice deck was built overtop, so one walks out those sliding glass doors to a humungous wooden area, complete with lovely pergola. There are two sets of steps down to the garden. And several areas where various animals are able to make their way under the deck to shelter from the weather. We have seen bunnies go under there. And now raccoons. And somehow, the raccoons have seen fit to occupy our window well, leaning their massive furry bodies up against the glass, muddying it with their huge paws. They have already made light work
If anyone has ever watched a cat for more than three seconds, you will know they are experts, nay, masters, at self care. A term that has become a watchword for humans lately in that we all need more of it. Well, I say, just watch a cat for awhile. They nap when they need to nap - and there is no explanation or excuse. Where there is a sunbeam - there is a perfect spot for a cat nap. If there is a soft throw on the sofa or bed, thank you very much! They do seem to need a lot of sleep. I read somewhere about 18 hours a day is needed in order that they can expend the energy to capture their dinner. Not that they have to do that in these days of high domestication. No, dinner is served - as is breakfast, lunch and snacks in between. Only the highest quality of deliciously crafted meaty bits in a savoury gravy sauce. And the most delicious dry bits offered as a constant throughout the day so they can eat when they wish. Grooming is another area where cats take