there is a neighborhood cat we've named aang - he loves being scratched behind the ears and makes liberal use of his paws and claws when you stop too abruptly. it used to be that i would only see him every once in awhile, and even then, he would more likely run away than let me say hello. lately though, hes been at the backporch, mewing plaintively to come inside or to have a snack or to be rubbed - or all of those things at once. i think hes gotten into a rough spot lately; his eye is swollen and scratched and then the next day he shows up with a bit of fur missing from behind his left ear. now his meow has left him, or perhaps he just has a sore throat.

bear in particular loves to watch him through the backdoor. i tell bear that aang is our "outdoor kitty" and cant come in.. and then when aang drinks from the water garden instead of the dish i left for him, i explain that he must prefer the pond water to tap water. bear only moves to the window sill to get a better look.