My daughter and granddaughter (five-year old Nola) are visiting right now, and the sun has triumphed over the clouds, so the temperature and conditions are perfect for swimming. You remember that first summer a child can really swim? Yep, That. It’s pretty amazing from a grandmother’s perspective, so I’ll be distracted this week. . . .
But I have a few posts tucked away, so I will show up a few times. For example, today I thought I’d let these guys entertain you. Because Cute? Three raccoon kits stuck up a tree while their mother scolds them down? These guys could be in the dictionary right next to the word “cute,” and we’d all nod, widen our eyes, smile, and say “Oh, I see”. . . (Mom was, between coaching and scolding these three, smacking one more sibling around the ears, presumably for egging the others on. Unless I misread the whole thing and this was a lesson in tree climbing and the other guy was stubbornly defending his fear of heights.)
My apologies for the muddy quality of the photos, but these were all taken from my (home) office, through the screen window. The action is happening about twelve feet from my computer monitor, just across our fence, in the neighbour’s yard. There’s too good a chance they’re scouting for a home — pick their house, not ours, ‘kay little kits?
I’m sure Momma’s right, and she’s done this before, but I get why the little guys are skeptical. I mean that’s a sheer vertical drop! and no harness. Nor crampons.
No wonder one guy’s facing up while the others are down
And the other is convinced there might be a better route, just around this bend. . .
Finally, though, the gap closes and it’s time to jump . . .
Baby One scoots along the woodshed roof. . .
while his Sib makes the big Mother and Child Reunion (y’know, it’s only a motion away, thank you Mr. Simon. . .)
And off they go, Mother and Kit, to join the rest of the family for further adventures. That poor Momma. Looks like a bunch of trouble-makers to me. . . .
As for me, I’ll be at the beach. Hope you enjoyed the show. . . . and that you have a lovely Sunday!
Thank you for capturing and sharing so much cuteness.
I love watching the antics of our local raccoons…they are so animated.
Enjoy your day at the beach with your girls.
They're so cute, aren't they?! Although I'm never impressed when they try to steal the cat's dinner from the deck. . .
Totally adorable.
Gonna make for some REALLY loud nights if they settle nearby:).
There's already a family or two living somewhere very close. Thieving I've noticed, but noise hasn't been too bad except for a few nights here and there (mating season!)
Very cute! The water should be nice and warm for swimming. Have fun with the little girls!
The water's been a great temperature this year!
What a fun show they put on! Have fun swimming with Nola.
Thanks!
The raccoon family's activities made for a fun photo sequence. Enjoy the warm-er water – does the water here ever really get warm?
I suppose by most standards it really isn't warm. But I think ours is probably a bit warmer than where you are . . . and our beach has a large rock surface, and after a day in the sun, the rocks have stored enough heat to make the water in our small bay very pleasant. It's been good swimming this year.