Our neighborhood is approximately 40 years old. Not all of the houses are that old, but there have been houses on the site for at least 40 years, in varying density. The neighborhood sits on the east benches of our city, and I am happy to report that we are, apparently, living in complete harmony with the native fauna. They don't mind that we are there, in fact, I'm guessing that we have made life alot easier for them (I know, arrogant presumption!). Consider the tracks I found in my snow yesterday morning:
You can see below that whatever little critter ambled up from the street was under no pressure to hurry or hide. There were two sets of tracks like this in my front yard--one coming up, and one going down. I think it was a racoon, they are known to hang around. Just a note, our garbage bins are in the driveway, at least 50 yards from this area. What was that racoon doing in my empty flower beds? There was a melted spot of snow (a circle) in the corner of one flower bed just under the overhang of a window. Maybe he needed a warm corner to sleep?
Last summer Mike stuck his head in the house from the garage and yelled "C'mere and check this out!" I popped outside and he pointed the neighbor's driveway. Under their full-size van there was a big, fat, cat-sized creature stretched out. "What is THAT?," I wondered out loud. Mike grinned, and filled me in. It was a rock chuck, the kind they used to have to shoot with bb guns as kids on his dad's property in Idaho. They like to lay out in the sun on the rocks. Apparently this one was enjoying the warm concrete under the van. We tried to get close but it made for the neighbor's bushes, where it escaped both my kids and the neighbor kids. I found out later that it is called a yell0w-bellied marmot, rock chuck, or WHISTLE PIG (they whistle when there is danger to warn other rock chucks in the area). This is not OUR whistle pig, I found this pic online. But it looks just like him.
About a month ago I was coming home from work late, it was dark (not THAT late, it gets dark early here) and I saw something dart across the street we live on as I came up the hill. It looked like a dog with huge pointy ears and a long, pointy tail. It wasn't. It ran across the road and sat in a neighbor's yard, looking at me as I slowed and shined it with my head lights. It was a fox!! Holy Cow! Just sitting in the snow staring at me, unaccountably calm. WHAT? Again, didn't have my camera, but below is photo of the little guy. Mine had a VERY triangular face. Impossible to mistake for anything other than a fox.
And, of course, it would be impossible to forget the deer, who act like the asphalt streets are their own roadways. They are everywhere. My favorite deer experience was earlier this year. I was driving up the street and along side me pranced a 5-point buck, bouncing along ahead of me as I slammed on my brakes in astonishment. WHAT? This isn't YOUR road, buddy! He almost ran into a car backing out of a driveway. I guess that guy forgot to check his rearview mirror.
And finally, there are several other animals that I personally (and thankfully) have not seen near our house, although I know they are out an about in the neighborhood: RATS (its COLD up there on the mountain!), cougars, and others. We may not have much ethnic diversity in town, but there are certainly lots of species to mingle with.
Auntie Becky enjoying HER treat. And quit pointing that camera at me, PLEASE!!
The boys partying like rock stars...
Uncle Alan with his Webkinz. (Back off, son, birthday or no, that's daddy's WEBKINZ) 
Popcorn was the other request for the kid party,
and a DEATH STAR cake. Like I said, it was only SEMI-themed.
And here is the Man of the Hour, my sweet baby Dylan!
Auntie Becky enjoying HER treat. And quit pointing that camera at me, PLEASE!!
The boys partying like rock stars...
Uncle Alan with his Webkinz. (Back off, son, birthday or no, that's daddy's WEBKINZ)
Popcorn was the other request for the kid party,
and a DEATH STAR cake. Like I said, it was only SEMI-themed.
And here is the Man of the Hour, my sweet baby Dylan!
