finally let the cats out before sunrise for an extended period, again. it's been a long winter's wait for them. did my usual clapping of hands outside w/ a searchlight to scare off any predators, as the cats scattered around the house. after about an hour 2 came in. Vic, the straggler, the 1 that makes friends w/ foxes needed some coaxing. got out the searchlight, did some whistling & saw 1 shiny eyeball, a considerable distance in the woods. did a little scolding & gave her some more time. when I had enough, I went out in the light rain, w/ the searchlight, to get her in. she was no longer in that spot, but as I walked back I could she her at the back door. my winter vacation is over