This enormous raccoon is responsible for the disappearance of a bowl of bird seed that we placed on a porch rail by our window. Since spotting the raccoons, we've ceased to leave the bowl out, but he still comes by after dark each night, to peek in at us through the window, and double-check. He is completely unconcerned with us unless the door is actually opened, and apparently knows that glass is a barrier that protects him, lol.

A late afternoon walk revealed a veritable carpet of Virginia waterleaf growing vigorously within the still-bare forest. One of the first green plants to fully emerge, amid the shoots and sprouts of many others.