"That which does not kill you makes you stronger" Freidrich Nietzsche

The past two days I have been working on re-building the chicken pen.  Mr. Bear didn't exactly create this project... I was planning to do it anyway (and already had the wire) He just bumped it up on the list of things to do.

I am used to working by myself on such projects.  Twenty years of being married to a man with whom I could not work (we always disagreed on how to proceed) and who did not see why on earth he should help with MY "hobbies" meant that if it had anything to do with animals, he wouldn't help.  So, I am pretty good at doing things by myself.

But ever since I have been with Alan, I find I miss working with someone.  That's kinda weird for me (in a good way)  I have always enjoyed my time alone, and my solitary projects.  But Alan has spoiled me *grin*

And I must say, wrestling with layers of wire in a smallish space is a bitch! 

The pen is looking damn good though.  And Darby told me last night that she'll help me this evening when she comes home from work.

I had a visit from the local Fish and Woldlife officer yesterday.  He had stopped by the school to let them know about the bear in the nieghborhood, and said that they were keeping the kids in at recess for the remaining three days of school.  I think that's a bit extreme, but whatever.  The Officer did say that the principal is cool... spent five years in Alaska, so he isn't freaking out about a half-grown black bear.

The Officer also commended me on the work I've done on the pen, and expressed his appreciation for the fact that I wasn't in a panic over the bear.  He said many people call up and demand the bear be removed immediately. *sigh*  I told him I really don't mind having him around at all, and if we lived further out (and not next door to a school) I wouldn't have called at all.  I am far more concerned for the bear's saftey than anyone else's.

And so far, Mr. Bear hasn't been back.  Hopefully he's moved on. But damn! I wish I'd gotten a picture of him!

It's absolutely gorgeous outside today.  I plan on enjoying it.  We've got an intensely busy weekend planned with planting the garden, and I need to get everything ready for that.  I'm hoping to go riding today as well.

See you Monday!