Racoons

On By CarynIn Wildlife

I pulled trail cam footage and there were baby raccoons! There look to be five young ones, and that there are two mother raccoons, or there are ten babies and three mothers. Hm. I saw photos of a mom with three, a mom with two, and a mom with five. Raccoons will communally raise young, I’ve read, so I’m hoping there are only five.

Photo description: mother raccoon bottom left, five (six?) young raccoons bottom right

I did a video by recording my computer screen as I flipped through photos. The cutest one is where the kits are climbing the tree.

I noticed a pattern in the trail cam photos. When I would feed the meadow cats, within minutes a raccoon would come out and get food too. Then when I was in the coop looking for eggs, I heard a strange hiss outside the door, and sure enough, momma raccoon was getting dinner. She didn’t know I was in the coop, so I recorded video on my phone. I was probably three feet away, but she was used to chicken noise and didn’t consider the door direction a threat, so didn’t see me. I could see that she is definitely a momma with nursing young, which explains the high calorie need.

Magic braid

On By CarynIn Craft

I’ve been fascinated for years with the magic braid done with leather where both ends of the braid are uncut. I found a good tutorial that uses reclaimed leather, and I had to try it.

Photo description: two pieces of leather reclaimed from an old recliner and cut with a laser cutter, the one on the left has been braided, the one on the right has not

I did not make these into bracelets as in the tutorial, but into key chain fobs, by folding them in half and adding a clip.

Photo description: magic braid leather key fob

Another square

On By CarynIn Craft

I forgot about this project. I started making every square in the book Granny Square Flair with fine alpaca yarn from Peru back in March. I was hoping it would be a travel project, but it requires way too much concentration as every row is different and I need to refer back to the pattern frequently. So I designated it a home project and it has sat next to my chair for a few months.

Photo description: completed “Ianthe” square made with teal alpaca yarn, laying on a calico cat

This is another forever project that will sneak in the gaps of other projects. I have no problem telling people my age, but asking how many open projects I have going will get you a flippant answer.

Happy Father’s Day

On By CarynIn Garden

Happy Father’s Day to all those that have cared for, taught, and protected young beings!

Today I have a picture of my garden, where I have planted pumpkin, onions, and basil.

Photo description: garden with three stalks of corn growing in the foreground

I did not plant the corn. I think the squirrels have been helping.

No sign of pumpkin fruit yet, but the vines seem happy.

Doorbell

On By CarynIn Cats, repair

I purchased a Wyze door bell camera because it gets a camera at the front door, the old door bell doesn’t work, and I already have other Wyze systems.

Photo description: Wyze camera door bell installed in place of the old door bell

I’m pleased with the installation, for I was able to hard wire it with the old door bell wires, following the instructions. The hardest part was finding which breaker turned off the electricity to the doorbell. With it hardwired, and an SD card installed, I have continuous footage without a subscription, so I can see which neighborhood critter keeps marking the front door. I can also check and see if the sound I just heard is Sophie the cat wanting to come back inside (she is not the one marking).

Photo description: the real reason for having a camera, to check on Sophie the cat

The doorbell now makes a doorbell sound, which has been absent at our house for a number of years. The best part is that I did not buy an inside chime, so the noise is just for visitors to feel like they’ve accomplished something. Yes, I’m that kind of introvert. The dog tells us there is someone at the door, and I don’t answer the door unless I know who is there and I knew they were coming over.