#“not scratched? how?” simple. i had to change the glass on this slab of rare earths and silicon like 2/3 times. dust sOMEHOW got in the lens

[rainbowgod666]

Oh

This is one of the kitties that likes to hang out in my yard (sitting behind the plank of wood in the middle). Most of them have owners but I suspect this one might be feral; he's terrified of humans. Normally I'd only be able to see him through the window; if I open the door and come outside, he bolts.

Recently, he discovered that he can break into my house at night and eat Diesel's leftover dry food. Since this involves sneaking into a room where I'm sleeping, I figure he must be desperately hungry to risk it. At first he'd bolt as soon as he realised I was awake, but now he stays and eats even if I'm watching, so long as I don't stand up or make any sudden movements.

I went outside to mow the lawn and found him hanging out here, perfectly relaxed. He kept an eye on me but didn't bolt, and let me take this picture from the door. I'm not sure if he would've let me get any closer, I didn't try (it's a terrible idea to push boundaries with an adult cat when you're trying to earn its trust) but this is amazing progress. Previously, me looking at him from this distance would set him running.

Someday in the distant future, I want to be allowed to touch him.