Where we lived, there was a drainage ditch, generally ankle-deep and free-flowing, with a few minnows – and a family of raccoons. One Friday evening, summer, watching the late show in the living room, I heard a soft commotion from the kitchen. The lights were still off, so it wasn’t any of the boys. I have three sons and they would have been just hitting their teens then.

I stepped into the kitchen doorway a flicked on the light. Three hairy little faced looked at me, each appearing impressively embarrassed. I stepped back and motioned to the sliding patio door that I had left open for a breeze. They took their time, but eventually left together. I laughed, closing and latching the door.

I put a chain fastener on the sliding door after that, so it could be opened a few inches for evening breezes.