I was on the sofa reading with Persia curled up on me.  Suddenly I heard
this scratching sound at the patio window.  Persia sat up and growled like
the little grey panther she is :)  She went over and peered out the window.

I got my big flashlight and went into my bedroom where I can see through the
sliding doors onto the patio.  Flipped on the patio light (which is none too
bright - gotta remedy that!) and shined the flashlight out by the window.  I
didn't see anything but then again the monkey-grass is overgrowing by the
window.  I figured it was the neighbor's cat again, although Persia didn't
react as she normally would (puffed tail, hisspitting).  I figured whatever
it was got scared by the light.

Back to reading.  A short while later I heard *another* sound.  Not
scratching this time, more like... rummaging.  Again I did the patio light
and flashlight routine but saw nothing.  After making sure there was nothing
(read *no one*) on the patio, I unlocked the door and went out with the
flashlight.  Nothing but... what's this?  The patio has a small enclosed
area for my trash bin; the outside is cut low so the trash collectors can
pull out and empty the bin; on my side there's a gate so I can get to it.
There's some litter in front of the gate.

I go over and sure enough, the lid is off.  The previously sealed bag of
rubbish is torn to pieces.  Looks like I've got myself a raccoon! (hope he
likes paper and beer cans LOL)  I put the lid back on the can, as tight as I
could for a plastic bin, chuckling.  Came back inside.  A while later I hear
the scratching again.  I did the routine once more, then made sure the lid
is still on the can.

Persia, the guard-cat, is maintaining her watchful stance at the window.
I've heard the scratching twice since then.  It's a bit unnerving, to say
the least.  But Persia will protect me! :)

Jill