Hi @owasco,
What a great post. Freddie is delightful. We had our own "Freddie". He was Tony, and was more assertive than your little friend. Tony came up to the edge of the front shrubs and waited. A can of tuna was the lure that insured he would return.
He eventually took up residence under our front bush, first with a modest hut and eventually with an igloo.
Tony brought his friends. We spayed and neutered and made accommodations for all, eventually ordering a cedar house, than another, then heated water dishes and heating pads for each abode. My neighbor fell in love with the cats as did a neighbor down the street. We all cooperated. Many of those cats have gone on to the hereafter. Tony got old and eventually came inside. He's no longer with us.
Love this post. Love your pets. Really respect and admire you. Those animals are lucky.
Regards and respect,
AG