Last night I let Bruce {our dog} out for last call and stood on our small back deck enjoying the gorgeous fall weather. Out of the corner of my eye I saw some movement on our next door neighbor’s back deck. A furry creature wearing an eye mask was staring back at me.

I’ll be honest; at first I was a little freaked out. The little bugger was all of about 14′ away at me very much aware of my presence. I reflected our back porch light in his general direction & tried to take a picture of him. He climbed up the vines & window grates next door.

After staring at each other for a few minutes {& putting Bruce back inside}, we mutually decided neither was threat.

Naturally I ran inside to get my camera. When I reemerged from the house, I found the culprit had curled up in the corner of the 2nd story fire escape

Meet our fuzzy new friend.

While he laid curled up in the corner of their fire escape,

I climbed out on ours and took pictures of him.

I think he found the flash rather bothersome but, instead of being aggressive, he curled into a tighter little ball.

I’ve WE’VE named him Rusty. I wonder if he’ll be a regular or is just passing through. As cute as I think he is, I’d just as soon he move along. I don’t need him & Bruce tangoing in the yard anytime soon.

Is your place filled with wildlife? Or are squirrels the wildest it gets?