I’ve spent some time in the last couple of weeks enjoying my own back yard. It’s amazing how much of nature and wildlife you can actually observe in a city back yard.

Our four-legged furry best friend, Jack, passed away two weeks ago today very unexpectedly. So without his “ferocious” bark and “get out of my yard” attitude, the wild critters have been showing up a bit more.

There is now a “resident” rabbit that sneaks through the gate into the back yard and nibbles away at those pesky weeds I have not gotten to yet. He’s getting quite brave too – he’s been within two feet of me on several occasions.

Then there’s the squirrels that play tag up and down the trees and run across the electric wires that run through the lot lines. Butterflies flutter about here and there, and a frog that likes to sit on the metal plate under the grill – I always check for him before lighting it!

I enjoy sitting quietly by the pool (or floating in it) while watching to see who shows up. Though, hopefully, there will be a new four-legged furry friend “guarding” the back yard one day soon, for now it’s just me and the critters . . .

We miss you Jack . . .