BEAR'S OTHER BLOGS AND INFO.
Up Way Too Early!
This has not been a good winter for Bears. Much too short and much too mild. We were coming out of hibernation in mid-March — as much as two months early! (While some are still in the dead of winter, like the Black Bears in the eastern part of Canada, I believe they are the exceptions.)
I have no idea what this event might mean for food production this year, but I'm watching for signs. Meantime, as in many springs, I've been reduced to eating grass. Fortunately, the supply isn't too bad. (Despite what you may have heard, we Bears actually eat anything and everything, depending on what we find. We may prefer meat, but nuts, honey, and grass are all fine, if that's all we have around us.)
Doing Drugs
A while ago, when I first crawled out, a friend asked how I was doing. And, well, the best I can say is that I'm still here.
Most of your know I have two chronic problems: depression and pain.
Depression
There is really good news here. I am doing much better! Thanks, God, and friends who have stood by me!
The human side of me has found a really interesting book called Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life. It has been written by psychologist named Martin Seligman, and it leads to a real breakthrough.
I've had no change in my drug regimen, but I may be able to decrease one of them. Perhaps sooner than later.
Pain
The not-so-good part of the story is my continuing experience with chronic pain. It is showing up in different ways; ways I had not expected. So, I'm living with something called Hydromorphone; it is a new challenge. "Steady as she goes."
Thanks for all your visits; I hope to be back next week.
Blessings and Bear hugs, everyone!
Today's Weather Report
It is 10°C in the land of the Bear (but it only feels like about 7°C). But 10 C is one of those "benchmark" numbers to hold for mental reference; 10C is 50°F.
Tomorrow, the day will start at about the freezing point, before rising to 17C (in the mid-60s F) under mostly sunny skies.
Yes, it is that time of year.
It's -20°C (which is fresh), but it feels like -29C (which is starting to get a bit cool, but nothing serious). It's not until about -60C that we start worrying about anything. As long as we've got bacon, maple syrup, and each other, well be just fine!
As I've said before (I think), there are three things you can do about that kind of weather.
1. You can leave.
2. You can die (which, I suppose, is another way to leave).
3. You can get accustomed to it. Which is what we decided to do a long time ago, so we're still here. Hard to believe we've been living in the west for 45 years.
Normally, no self-respecting
Bear would still be up at this time of year. Normally, a Bear would be "out of it" by now. But I have a very good reason for still being up.
The latest Star Wars movie (number VII) has arrived in time for Christmas season. Our son and his family, including the
kids, had decided we would all go to see it, together. (Well not all of us; J is not interested in the least, and daughter M really isn't drawn to this sort of move. They are such romantics.)
So, off we go into a new adventure, sometime after supper. We've already got our tickets, so we're set that way. And to get ready for the big event, we've watched adventures I to VI of Star Wars over the last three days.
Who, us? Die-hard "Warriors"? What would make you think that?
So, movie tonight, followed by the start of hibernation. The world looks just so beautiful, thought it is a bit cloudy (as you can see from the pictures). But to tell you the truth, I'm really over-tired. So by time I'm into my den, I'll be gone in about two breaths. Hopefully, seeing you in the spring. (BTW, mother Fox left the place in excellent shape after she raised her Kits over the summer; I'll just move in and fall asleep.)
So many things have happened this year. Most of them bad. So I'll not review them. We changed government here in Canada; by spring, when I come out, we'll know if things have actually changed, or if we've simply gone from tweedle-dum to tweedle-dee. I have this feeling, you see, but I don't want to prejudice the potential events.
I am happy to report that we're all doing well. Except for M, whose SUV was hit in the back end and crunched into a light pole at the front. Total write-off. And she wasn't finished paying for it. NOT a good way to end the year. It was parked by the curb in front of her house. It was about 3:30 a.m. a few days ago. By time she heard the noise, woke up, and figured out what had happened, she saw somebody running away. Anyhow, the police came, etc., etc. Clearly, not her fault.
We're a bit late getting to year end greetings, but Merry Christmas, Happy Hunakkh, Joyous Yuletide, Happy Kwanza, and a delightful New Year. Oh, and for Seinfeld fans, Happy Festivus. I think I've got things covered. If I've forgotten your celebration, I'm sorry, and I hope you enjoyed it. (At this time of year, my brain is pretty foggy, so I don't remember all the things I should. In fact, I don't remember much at all.)
So, blessings and Bear hugs! See you in the spring.
Today's Weather Report
I'm reliably informed that it will be -14C this afternoon, and -13C overnight, with a chance of some flow snurries (to add to our whiteness). Tomorrow — is another day.
