Well, I just had my chance to have my very own tame bear- and I blew it. A few minutes ago I was here at the computer with the door behind me wide open - it's gorgeous out - when a shadow fell within. I looked up and my first thought was that a black dog had entered my apartment.

It was a bear- maybe three years old- looking scruffy and hungry. I stood up and reached for my walking stick just as my Cairn dashed forward outraged beyond belief. The bear took a swipe at her so I swung the stick and rattled on the furniture as I advanced. He backed out and my dog chased him. He went over the fence and up a tree.

A moment later I went outside again because Meggie was getting hoarse with her carryings on. The bear had descended and was standing on the other side of the board fence as though undecided as to where to go or what to do. I felt like bringing him some food - which I would NEVER do - he looked so lost and poorly.

Then a police officer came on the deck above the back yard - he said the bear had gotten in a garage down the hill and someone had called the PD.

Anyway, he is gone and I wish him well- just not in my house.