Day Six -- Coon Dog Meets 'Coon!

So here we all are -- Ruby, Mary and Joel -- having risen to witness a brand new Tuesday (double-punch day at Alterra!), eyelids still half-mired in the sands of peaceful sleep at 7:15 AM, walking contentedly north along Marietta Avenue...  

Holy Jumpin' Wild Critters!!  Mary lifts the lid on a City of Milwaukee green refuse receptacle to make a deposit, jumps like a frightened cartoon character (emulating Ruby!), and announces, "There's something alive in that garbage can!!"  And then she commands Joel, "Let it out."  Joel raises the lid to discover a large and very handsome raccoon, apparently trapped inside after gaining entry on an exploratory food raid.  Joel raises the lid again and lets it drop to the rear of the receptacle, now rendered wide open and enabling its occupant to escape, or so we thought.  We go on our way.

Nearing the end of our two-mile trek (we actually completed three today, so far!), we approach the aforementioned refuse container, only to discover that the 'coon had not departed.  The sides of the container, as it happens, are too high and slippery for the animal to gain purchase in order to make its escape.  We tip the container to its front and the grateful creature ambles out and across the street -- exhibiting no apparent panic or distress -- looking back at least twice, probably its way of extending a mute thank you!!  

"C'mon guys!  I'm ready.  c'mon, let's go!  Uh...  Guys, I'm ready now!!  I smell raccoon steak.  Um...  Guys??!!  I'm here, at the back door.  I got my coat on...  Guys!!  (Sheesh...  What are they doin' ?)"


And all the while -- on the north-bound and return trips -- Ruby is completely unaware of her natural quarry!!  Gosh!  That was exciting, an adventure worth chronicling for the ages, within and for the annals of human / beast pack-dom everywhere!  Extraordinary!

It is now 2:45 PM.  Mary is off walking with Ruby, as Joel drones on, boring the shoelaces off of anyone foolish enough to continue reading this fascinating yarn.  Upon her return (because Sophie is sleeping, and thus we cannot leave together!),  Joel will take to the streets to complete his remaining trek.