Even my outdoor critters know that I needed some love today.
During one of my many squirrel/bird food refills today, a certain adorable squirrel who has very little fear of me (until I stand up) actually sat and ate food only a foot away from me, with its back to me, and me staring at it the whole time. I could talk to it, look it right in the eyes, and make very slow movements and it wouldn't even flinch. If I happen to have startled it, it would only run to the edge of the deck and just sit, waiting for my next move. If I stood still, it would come back regardless of where I was or how close I was standing/squatting next to its food source.
Then, later on in the afternoon, I looked out of the kitchen window to see who was out in the yard and guess who I saw sitting next to the shed? Callie! I immediately retrieved an opened can of food from the fridge and a spoon and went outside. I walked to the top of the steps and waved and said hello to her, at which time she immediately stood up, but didn't depart from her post just yet; she had to look at the shed a couple more times just to be sure that no mouse was going to run out. After she was finally sure that no mouse was going to suddenly sneak out, she did a big stretch and started walking across the yard. I honestly didn't think that she'd make it all the way to the deck, much less up the steps and to me, but she did. She also let out her very soft meows whenever I talked to her. She somehow knew that the can of food was on the railing, because she kept looking up and sniffing. I finally asked her if she was hungry and wanted some food, and that was when she meowed a little louder (but still soft) and walked to the middle of the deck, where we always go to eat. I spoon fed her about a quarter of a can and she gobbled up every morsel, even huge chunks which she never liked. When her tummy was full, she walked to the side steps and sat and surveyed 'her' yard, where a very loud bird was cackling. After a minute or so, she walked down the steps, did a stretch, then headed towards the woods. Right before entering, she looked back almost as if she was saying good night, then she disappeared among the brush and trees.