DANTE: BACK IN THE OUTBACK

It's been a couple of months since Dante has been able to roam about freely in the back yard.  Up until recently, the deck and its benches were completely covered in snow.  Now there has been some melting, and Dante and his furblings can walk around the edges of the deck and sit on the benches without risking a cold butt.

This has also spurred Dante on to get right back out there and explore the entire outback.  After all, who knows what might have changed since he last did his rounds.

So here's King Dante on his venture to reclaim his domain.

First, Dante must test out the benches to make sure they have withstood the ravages of winter.

Then he bravely goes where no cat has gone since last November.

Got to check out the patio set.  It looks like some of the chairs were overturned by those wild wintery blasts!  (Good thing the set is weatherproof!) 

"Hello tree --  I've missed you so!"

"Mom, get a good shot of me with my tree -- it's been long time, no see!"

"Must check for any possible damage -- nope, it seems fine.  It was just taken aback, that's all.  It's going to need a little recovery time, though."

Dante must walk with care because the snow could collapse at any moment.

"Hey you!  Ya, I'm talkin' to you!  Make it another good one, OK?  My reputation is on the line, here."

Mission accomplished.  It's just a short trek back.

And here he is -- back where he started, but now Mom has sprinkled some peanuts for those pesky squirrels.  No wonder they keep coming back for more!

Everything has checked out A-OK, except for the traumatized chair.  And Spring will soon take care of that!