Backyard Critters

Living in Florida, one must get used to being surrounded by all different kinds of wildlife. For some, this may be a reason to leave the state altogether, especially if you have an aversion to things that fly, slither, and jump. Imagine our poor Raquel, with her fear of frogs, surrounded by tree frogs through all the warm months. You obviously know by now that I love the ribbits, and have had nothing but good experiences with them. Well, if you consider having them jump on my head, or even one time my boob, while sitting outside a good experience. Or the time I opened the mailbox and one came flying out at me, only to land on my shoulder. The night of our neighborhood's Christmas party, Jimmy had one sitting on his jacket, looking just like a cute slimy lapel pin. He fairly freaked out and made me remove the little booger, which I did, laughing the entire time. He wouldn't even let me get a picture first. Baby!

But, this post is not really about froggies. Nope, it's just about some of the critters that often come to visit me while I'm sitting out here blogging, or reading emails. We rent this house and the back porch is not screened-in. Not good when living in a state that has mosquitoes bigger than your fist, but that's neither here nor there. I've had any number of animals come to say hello to me while sitting here. Frogs, toads, lizards, mice, possum, armadillo, and one time I even had a bat fly through my hair, hit the door behind me, and fly back the way it came.

I've always had an affinity for animals, but it has gotten stronger the older I get. My friend, Sinead, even went so far as to say that I exude some kind of aura to the universe (yeah, she's a bit quirky) that brings the animals to me. I don't think it has anything to do with my aura, but more that God just knows how I love the critters, and sends them my way so I can enjoy His creations.

My favorite furry critter that came to visit has got to be the one that found me sitting here just last week.

I was typing away, minding my own business, when I saw a shadow over my shoulder. I looked and there was nothing there. Then I saw it over my other shoulder. Looked, and awwwwwwwwwwww... there he was, the cutest raccoon ever. And standing not 5 feet away from me, near my grill! Luckily, I had my camera right next to me and was able to capture my new friend as he became familiar with his surroundings and this enamored human.







I did wind up throwing some crackers in the grass for him and he gobbled them up. I even had pictures of him holding a Ritz, but I accidentally deleted them off the camera. Sigh. I know what y'all are thinking. DON'T FEED WILD ANIMALS!!!!! Well yeah, I get that in theory, but put a fuzzy face like that in front of me and I just can't resist. So what's the worst that's going to happen? He's going to keep visiting me and expecting food. I can deal with that. He's already had plenty of chances to take a bite out of me, and hasn't done it yet. If he does, well, I'll deal with that too, because the experience of having him up close is worth it to me. He might bother my neighbors for food. I can certainly deal with that, as I don't really give a crap. Heeheehee.

He actually did come back and visit me last night, but I had no crackers for him. But this time he came right up to me. I'm talking 6" from my foot, he just sat there looking all cute and lovable. I realize I should have thoughts of rabies going through my head but well, I don't. I'm too busy taking pictures of him!





Now don't get me wrong. I do have some normal animal encounters in this backyard of mine. It's kinda weird though, how all that visit me have the gift of speech.