This has nothing to do with Oregon State football, though I do happen to know a little bit about how the Beavers are doing this year, thanks to Barb. Welcome to Beaver, Oregon. Home of Fox Grocery and Firearms. We have spent most of the last week and a half with friends in this little community, on the Nestucca River. It's a great place to hang your hat, or your rifle, or both. Bears have been damaging the apple trees at some of our friends homes, so they were very glad to get this big black bear the other night. Steve was not only brave enough to face that big black bear, but more than that--brave enough to come into Stella's house (his mother-in-law) after 11:00 PM, as Stella, Barb and I were all sawing logs...and start knocking on doors asking if we wanted to see the bear (which was now in the back of his pickup with a bloody nose). We were so glad we didn't miss out on seeing him! They figured he was at least 400 pounds. Beware, some mildly bloody photos follow.
Be sure there is a place for refinement in this community too. The ladies we've been with love to have tea, and took us out to La Tea Da while we were with them. Barb, Julie and Stella are having their palate-cleansing bite of sorbet in the following picture.
Steve and Julie have a regular deer reserve on their property. The deer don't even think about moving when you walk into the yard. Unfortunately some hunters ventured past the "No Trespassing" signs the other morning, right onto their property. When three shots rang out Steve darted out the door to find the source. The hunters took the big buck that has been hanging out in their orchard. Steve could have called the cops, but let them off with a warning this time. I was glad I had postponed my pre-breakfast walk that day. Since then I invested in a reflective vest for my pre-dawn walks, like construction workers wear. Hunting season is almost over, but it just seems like a good idea. 
These cats/kittens will only think about coming close if you offer food. I tried to tame the little white one in front....he's SO CUTE! But if he treated my fingers like he treats any scraps I offered--OUCH! I didn't get a chance to find out, because he never came close enough to touch. Steve and Julie's two youngest daughters, Emily and Shannon, play for the Nestucca girls' volleyball team. They are undefeated and go to Forest Grove for the State Championships this Friday and Saturday. Go Bobcats!!!
