R is for...

We've reached another fun Friday! Where to begin? Let's start off with our R of a doodle for the A to Z Challenge. There were quite a few critters to choose from with this letter. I picked one of my favorites.

A raccoon! Though I rarely see them in real life (I see more foxes in my yard at night than raccoons, and far more possums than either of those, but such is life), I still love these ring-tailed cuties.


Now, on to our next Friday favorite. That is, of course, the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge, hosted by 15andmeowing and McGuffy's Reader!

Here are this week's fantastic fill-ins:

1. The most interesting museum I've been to is _________.
2. The most interesting historical place I have been to is _________.
3. _________ is back!
4. I was surprised _________.

And here are my best attempts at answering them:

1. The most interesting museum I've been to is the Super Museum in Metropolis, Illinois.
(I live in Illinois, and while on a statewide road trip a little over a year ago, my family stopped at this Superman-inspired museum. I posted a couple of pictures of it back then, like the one below of Astrid gazing out of the car at the superhero haven. Outside of the museum is a giant statue of Superman, also seen below. I've never been a huge fan of Superman, or any particular superhero franchise for that matter, but this museum was certainly interesting nonetheless.)

2. The most interesting historical place I have been to is Ford's Theater, and Petersen House.
(I visited these back in 8th grade, when my class took a week-long trip to Washington, D.C. On one of the days, we visited Ford's Theater, where Abraham Lincoln was shot. After being wounded, he was taken across the street to Petersen House, and he died in one of the rooms there. We visited that very room as well. Hailing from the state where Lincoln began his political career, I have always been intrigued by him and his story.)

3. Hicks is back!
(For those who don't know or don't remember, there is a feral cat who has lived in my neighborhood for years. He is a handsome, clearly unneutered male, and I call him Hicks. Hicks will not allow me to touch him, but over time he has let me get closer and closer to him. I feed him every day, and I love hanging out in the backyard near him, in hopes that I can gain his trust. Over the winter, though, Hicks disappeared. He has disappeared for spells in the past, but this one lasted months, from January until just about 2 weeks ago. I was ecstatic when I went outside that morning to find him waiting in his usual spot, eager for me to fill the food bowls. Below is a shot of Hicks I've shared before, showing him curled up in the kiddie playhouse I have set up for him.)

4. I was surprised to learn that Eddy likes strawberries.
(My active lady cat Eddy loves her dry food, and that's it. No moist food, no treats, no human food. Except, apparently, strawberries. Housemate Toby has always shown an affinity for strawberries as well, but just recently Eddy suddenly started going crazy for them as well.)

Speaking of Eddy, who's ready for their weekly fix of this little lady?

Look at her! She's sitting still! That's what window whiffies will do to a girl.

*sniff sniff sniff* Window whiffies for the win!

A happy Friday to all!

***

Our Tip of the Day:

Always keep in mind the type of wildlife in your area, and how it might affect your furbabies. While wildlife often has much beauty and many benefits to offer, it can also pose a threat to our furbabies. Some species of wildlife, even those such as rabbits, can pass diseases on to our kitties or pups. What's more, there is also the risk of wildlife physically harming our furbabies if confronted. Do you live in the country, where coyotes often roam and seek prey? Are you located in an area with mountain lions and the like? These such animals can harm or even kill cats or dogs they find outdoors. Even if you live in the city, there is wildlife that could do serious harm to your furbabies. Raccoons, for example, may very well attack if threatened or cornered, and a full-grown raccoon can even potentially kill a small dog or cat. Even large birds of prey can make off with a small pet. It is important to keep these such factors in mind when leaving your furbaby outside, when letting them out to use the restroom, or even when walking with them, especially if in the dark. Always be aware of your area and what it has to offer, therefore, and keep an eye on your furbaby and take all precautions possible.