Slim Grows Up

Last June I met an adorable little orphaned raccoon. Some of you may recall my post on this masked sweetie.

Well, over the weekend I attended a spectacular bonfire and feast. Can you imagine who showed up? I promise there hasn't been a more popular guest at any party since Cinderella arrived at the ball.

Slim stole the show. He's now five months old and curious as a cat. I'm pretty sure more photos and videos were taken yesterday than would have been shot if Madonna appeared in her metallic bra.

A little spooked by all the fanfare, Slim scooted up the tallest tree to observe the star-struck crowd. He refused to come back down, despite increasingly frantic calls from his foster "Dad". It took more than 3 hours before Slim finally decided to descend. "Dad" took the unruly adolescent home where he presumably was grounded.

There will soon come a time when Slim will hear the call of the wild, and leave home to find a wife and start a family of his own. I think his "Dad" is going to have a tough time letting him go.

With plenty of food, a warm drink, and wonderful friends, who could ask for more on a crisp October night?

I Detour for Cuteness

Last week on my way home from work, I got a phone call telling me I absolutely had to stop by a local pub. Further, I was told I wouldn't be sorry.

It had been a long day and the last thing I wanted to do was become a social butterfly. Grumbling to myself, I changed course as directed, wondering what the attraction could possibly be. Surprise visit from an out-of-towner? Friends who simply wanted me to show up for a cocktail? An annoying practical joke?

I hadn't a clue what awaited me. But when I walked in the door...

Yep. A baby raccoon. He's an orphan being raised by a nature-loving friend. Those bright eyes had just opened a few days prior to the taking of these photos. I held the little cutie and he snuggled against me like a baby, which, of course, he is. Aren't his tiny fingers darling? He can already grab like a champ and gosh, does he ever love his bottle.

Please don't tell the Health Department, but this was one detour I thoroughly enjoyed.