After my 0'dark thirty conference call this morning I went out for a spin on my bike.  Rather than ride east, I went west.  Up, up and up.  I decided there was no time like the present to give Olde Stage Road, a notorious climb in Boulder, a try.  It's especially prudent given I've signed up for the Boulder Peak triathlon this summer.

Initially I spent a great deal of time gasping for air, but that quickly changed to gasping in awe at the beauty of the day.  All of my senses were engaged.  The lightest cool breeze was tickling my skin.  My eyes were treated to the rolling green mesa in the plains, an unusual treat in semi-arid Colorado.  Young aspen leaves twinkled against the bright blue backdrop of the clear Colorado sky.  The perfume of the pines was subtle, while the trill of the hummingbirds competed with the crickets, all with the backdrop of the river roaring down the canyon.  A brief stop at the friendly Jamestown Mercantile for a fresh backed muffin and cup of coffee was just one more special treat the day offered.

I don't believe I have ever had a more amazing day on my bike.  In many ways it took me back to the summers of my childhood.  Everything was so green, so beautiful, so new.  I think the glow of this mornings unexpected sensory experience will stay with me for a long, long time....

(Not that these pictures even due the ride justice...but since I took them here they are!)

View from Olde Stage across the plains, Boulder Rez in the background: 

 While many of Boulder's uber athletes charge up to Ward,  I did the smart thing for me:

 This picture would be sooo much better with sound:

Check out that blue-blue of the sky.   The aspen leaves were just dancing in the breeze.  

....you go to 7 am Mass, then ski in a crazy spring blizzard which includes noisy and stinging snow pellets and fog, followed by a yummy Easter dinner with the Niece and Newphew-ette!  

Happy Easter to you all....

 Tomorrow all the winter toys go into storage until the fall.       It's time to tune up the bike!    

I am thrilled with the snow we got in Boulder....somewhere around 18" since yesterday.  This morning is beautiful...the sun hitting the fresh snow and glimmering like diamonds, or glitter glue the kids enjoy.   

I know many of you out there are thinking, big deal, snow.  You've seen so much already this winter, and a March blizzard is more of a nightmare for you, than a thing of joy.  But, we in Colorado are different....this is a semi-arid climate and most of our moisture for the year comes from these snowfalls.  If we don't get some big dumps our reservoirs dry up and our mountains catch fire and burn, burn, burn. 

And, when we do get snow in Boulder it isn't a long term commitment....it is usually gone within a day or so... most of what we got yesterday will be gone tomorrow....turning everything green and moist!  

Here's some shots from just now:

Not a good day to sit under the plum tree and read!

 And the trash cans...looking more like trash gnomes

Yes, finally.  After waiting, false promises and more waiting, our first "real" blizzard of the season arrived!  We have over a foot of beautiful white stuff, and it's still coming down.  It's a wet snow too, which isn't typical.  And, that is good.  We are DESPERATE for the moisture!  

A half day off up at Eldo would have been lovely, but responsibilities called.  Sometimes the weather cooperates with the schedule, and sometimes it doesn't....at least there will be fresh snow at Copper this weekend for one of my favorite events - the State Special Olympic games!  More to come for certain on that...

Gotta go shovel!!! 

I am so proud of some of my little seeds.  Just 48 hours after they were stuck in the dirt some have actually germinated!  What little over-achievers they are...didn't they know it was supposed to take them 5 days??? 

 I would post a picture but I'm afraid that I don't have a camera that can capture such itsy bitsy tiny things....so, you'll just have to trust me on this one!

On another note I'm waiting, not so patiently for the big spring storm that is supposed to just dump snow in the mountains and in town.  Hello weather, where are you????   

Even though I'm heading to the mountains tomorrow to ski and continuing my snow dance for big powder, spring fever struck me hard today.  Temps in the low 70s, shorts and sandals and time in my community garden plot pushed me over the edge. 

The kids mom Marianne and I decided last fall we wanted to put a garden in and see if we had what it took to be successful gardeners.  Following a few nail biting weeks on the wait list we got a plot at one of Boulder's community gardens.  This program is really cool.  For $52.00 a season we get out own piece of land to take care of....our plot is 13 x 22 and the previous gardener built a really beautiful trellis.  It is partially fenced as well.  The program provides water taps and a locked tool shed (with tools) for our use.  Thursday night we had orientation and leaned alot....like if we don't keep it weeded the community will take our plot away.  (Lots of pressure here...)  Regardless we are moving forward.  

Over the next few weeks we'll spend some time deciding how to lay out our garden, getting it tilled, adding compost, picking rocks and getting dirty.

I grew up around gardening.  My grandmother had a massive garden that Michigan Sis and I spent hours and hours slaving in as children.  At least is what it felt like at the time.  As grown ups we are pretty certain we were not put into servitude as child labor, and probably spent no more than 15 minutes a day maximum helping Grandma pick strawberries and the like.....of which most went right in our mouths.  Michigan Mom and Dad also planted a garden.  My biggest memory with my folks' garden is of harvesting the potatoes.  Not sure why that sticks in my head, but it does.  Maybe because it was fun rummaging in the soil as dad dug around the plants and turned over the ground to bring up the spuds?  

All this gardening reminiscing and planning drove me to head to the store and get some seeds.  I felt absolutely compelled to start TODAY.   I planted 4 varieties of peppers, 1 early tomato hybrid, basil, cilantro and parsley.  If all goes will in a couple of months I'll have the makings of some awesome salsa and pico de gallo!  

I splurged on some little green house containers to launch my seeds.  The greenhouses come with this little pressed packs of Mulch about 1/8" thick.  All you do is add warm water and they explode into little beds for the seeds.  Then you carefully drop the seeds in, cover with dirt and cross your fingers!  

Here's what it looked like at the start:

Now, after the water:

Finally the finished greenhouse with seeds:

Container gardening here I come!!!  (Hopefully.....) 

As many of you may remember, I lost my very beloved dog Bear to a mountain lion in September last year.  I still miss him terribly and feel very responsible for his death.   Since his loss I've moved back to town and breathed a sigh of relief that rest of my pups are safe.  But, I am definitely rethinking this the last few days. 

Over the last three weeks two dogs in North Boulder have been snatched by a mountain lion.  While these haven't been in my immediate neighborhood I'm still impacted.  It brings back memories of that night Bear died.  It makes me concerned for all the kids in the area.  Kids playing outside, waiting for the bus, just being kids.  

Apparently the powers that be are planning to trap the cat.  I don't blame the cat for hunting to eat...but I wish this predator would focus on the plentiful wildlife in the area.  I will no longer be leaving the doggies out in my fenced yard unsupervised.   

RIP my sweet doggie Bear.   

Well they did it again....the Boulder Fire Department (and tons of other agencies called in to help) kept the terrible fire burning last night at bay from our homes.   Really, these men and women are really rock stars.  They set backfires, traversed rocky and very uneven terrain in the dark, guarded homes, worked through the night, all while facing a raging fire.  Oonly a couple of homes were lost, while hundreds were threatened.  And, thankfully only minor injuries.  

I headed over to look at the fire line today.  It is all charred and the area smells like a giant campfire.  While the foothills are blackened now, in a short time they will be green again as the fire is actually a healthy thing for the mountain...kind of hard to believe, but I know it will happen. 

Really, it is.  My neighborhood.

Jeepers......Creepers..... 

As I posted earlier we've been having horrific winds.  Well, these winds have knocked down power lines and sparked wild fires.  The niece and nephew, along with their parents, have been evacuated.  I can stand in my street and watch Hogback Ridge burn.  This is an area I love to hike....and right now this area you'll see below is engulfed in flames..... 

 Take a moment and pray that no one is injured....Click here for more info....

It's happening again.  The lights are swinging, the window's are rattling, and the water in the toilet is sloshing....

No, we aren't having an earthquake...It's just wind.  

Last week we had wind gusts up to 90 MPH here in town.  I made the mistake of putting my trash and recyclables out early....needless to say things were strewn a bit around.  I had alot of clean up to do in my yard...not my stuff, but my neighbors.  I think mine ended up a few blocks away.

I don't know how fast the winds are howling tonight, but it might be another tough night to sleep.  At least I learned....the trash bins won't go out until the morning....I hope my neighbors do the same!  

....Eldora Mountain is my favorite place to play in the snow.  Over the last 4 years I've spent hours and hours on the mountain as part of the disabled ski program.  It's a friendly, family oriented place, with great energy and unfortunately somedays have really high, nasty winds.  But I love the place.  I planned on blogging about my experiences yesterday at Eldo....how the snow was great, the temps were warm, and how my brand new boots helped me ski even better.  

Instead I'm shocked and saddened by a shooting at the resort.  Apparently an employee shot and killed the General Manager (in a random incident according to the news) and the sped off.  He was chased by a Sheriff who was en-route to the resort after the 911 call came in....the employee pulled his car off the road and shot at the Sheriff, who returned fire and killed the man.   

It's just so sad, and so shocking.  I wonder if the man who did the killing was someone I spoke to yesterday?  What went on in his head that sparked such an incident?  How do these things happen??? And, my heart and prayers go out the the GM's family, and all those at those employees who witnessed this event and are surely traumatized.  

In honor of this, I'm posting some pictures of my day yesterday, when all was good at the mountain, so you can see what a truly magical and beautiful place this is.... 

 (View from La Belle run into the town on Nederland and way way past on to the plains)

(Me and my snowboard pal at the top of Challenger lift - check out that view behind us!)

 (Me cruising down a run in the red jacket) 

Merry, Merry Christmas to you all!  This has been a very nice holiday for me....relaxing, enjoying friends and my family (virtually)....

Yesterday was a beautiful day in Boulder.  Mack and I took the pooches for a nice walk around the lake, enjoying the beauty of the foothills.  The lake was frozen solid, a rarity in Boulder.   Kids, grown ups and dogs were out skating, doing laps, playing hockey, trying to walk.  It was special. 

I know many of us faced very challenging years....the economy, health issues, loosing loved ones, divorce, layoffs, and a plethora of other very difficult things to face.  My Christmas gift to you all is:  I pray that somehow you haven't lost faith that God is with you.  I pray that your challenges have been softened by love from family and friends.  And, if your year was free of major drama, I pray you know what a blessing has been bestowed on you!   

Merry Christmas from Moutain Girl, Andy, Mikey and Emma!  

Oh my....it seems only a short time ago that I was lamenting the heat wave in Colorado....and now I'm shivering!

 Before I crawled out of my cozy bed this morning I grabbed my handy iPhone and checked the temperature.  Guess what I saw?  -11 degrees (F).  I shook the sleep out of my head and rubbed my eyes....for certain my iPhone was wrong.  We don't get that cold in Boulder.  

I shrugged it off and climbed out of bed, came downstairs and checked out my thermometer and zowie batman, it was well well well below zero!!!  On days like this I'm thankful I have the option to work from home and that I don't need to brave those temps....with windchill it's -36.  I'm not a penguin, thank you very much!!

Hope you are all cozy and warm, or cool and not sweating, depending on where you live !!   

In lieu of a neti pot picture as requested by Christin (which I'll get next time someone stops by.....I'm not sure of how to do this as a self portrait) I'll post this lovely shot from Thanksgiving Dinner at E's house....just looking at this picture makes me feel full!!!

(Note:  I just stepped off a plane so I didn't have time to fluff and look all fancy)

Ok, so what is out of place here? 

1.  Hiking with my dogs early in the morning wearing a t-shirt

2.  Riding my bike at lunch

3.  The calendar says it's Tuesday, December 2

4.  Riding in the car with the window's down

 Well, if you picked item #3 that would be logical, but they all "fit" today.....How in the heck are we going to have any kind of good skiing if the weather in Boulder allows me to do all those things in early December?  

 Gorgeous out, but heck, it's winter!  Bring on the Snow!!!!! 

This weekend I headed West....my friend K was competing in the Colorado Relay....a crazy event where teams of 10 or 5 run just under 180 miles (yes, that would be one hundred and eighty miles in case you think I added a zero by accident) from Georgetown  to Carbondale, via a number of very high mountain passes.  The team went off at 6.15 am on Friday, and their expected arrival in Carbondale was sometime Saturday morning.....I wanted to see part of the event and be there at the finish to cheer (see previous posts.....pom-pom's and cowbells are totally in with me...).  

Friday morning it was raining and raining...but that was on the Front Range....it was SNOWING at the higher elevations.  NUTS!  This team has been training all summer, and although foul weather gear was packed it didn't seem like much of a reality in our 25+ days of temps over 90 degrees just a bit ago.  Regardless, it was reality.   As I headed West I watched the sky, and it did look ominous.  Yikes...there were something like 280 teams out there....all trying to have a good time, accomplish something cool, and stay injury free, and now a blizzard?? 

When I got to Frisco I finally received word from K that the race had been delayed and things were running behind.  The teams were all without cell coverage for almost the first half of the event given the terrain they were covering.  I did my best to keep myself occupied, which included a trip to two different coffee shops, and some shopping.  Given the delays I was getting concerned that I would miss my previously scheduled spa treatments in Glenwood Springs.....so I finally decided to head to the start of K's leg. 

It all worked out....I managed to see K before the start of his leg, and then I continued my journey West, where I visited the Yampah Vapor Caves, indulged in a salt scrub, followed by a massage.  Once I was totally relaxed I crawled into bed, only to have the best night of sleep I've had in years, and to sleep past the relay's team arrival in Carbondale!  What kind of cheerleader and support staff am I?  Snoozing soundly through the night while these folks are running throughout the night?  (Some might call me wise...).  Anyway, I was only a few minutes late...and who was to know they would actually run much faster than projected? 

That afternoon I got my own version of exercise...while K crashed I did my own triathlon...I biked 20 miles along the Colorado, followed that with a 3 mile run, and then went to the hot springs pool for a 3/4 mile swim, with a quick visit to the miraculous vapor caves for a final visit. 

All in all it was a super weekend....my favorite kind.  Great company, weather extremes, wonderful exercise, good fun and just NO stress.  How can I not love Colorado???

...but not the mountain our of the terrier.

On Sunday Mountain Mikey got me a present.  I know, how sweet.  Kind of like when your kid gives you a macaroni necklace....nothing you really need, but it's the thought that counts, and they made it just for you.

Somehow my little hunter managed to get me a prairie dog....deceased.  Yup, dead, or course.  Terriers do not just play with rodents, they hunt them.

I got home after a long day and open the back door to let the furry guys in....and I see Mikey has a rodent.  It think to myself "finally that annoying squirrel got to close, and learned his lesson the hard way".  Then I look closer....it has a little tail, and little ears, and looks just like a prairie dog.  I see them frequently when I mountain bike, some are suicidal and run right in front of the bike...

Mikey was very proud.  Andy was miffed....wondering why he didn't get to carry around the potentially plague infested critter. 

I quickly got my big yellow Playtex kitchen gloves.  Got Andy inside, while trying to keep Mikey and his prize outside.  This did not make him happy...he wanted to bring it inside.  I gently coaxed him.....saying things like "drop it, good boy, GIVE ME THE DIRTY RODENT, nice puppy".... Well, Mikey wasn't buying it.  No way. 

He sashayed into his dog house and proceeded to hide it in the clean blankets I just gave the boys.  He came out looking smug.

Some days I am as smart as my terriers....I got him inside, then proceed to get on my hands and knees, half inside the dog house, with my big yellow gloves on of course, to remove the vermin. 

I have no idea how Mikey go the prairie dog, but it's now in the trash, along with my kitchen gloves.   

We all know that change is challenging.  Even those of us that can roll with most punches need a break sometimes when dealing with tumultuous times...which is why I'm taking tomorrow off and getting away. 

Yup,  I haven't spent much, if any time, blogging about this.  It's a tough time, but in the end it will all be good.

Bottom line:  Ski season for the most part is over now, and it's time to move onto warm weather activities such as Mountain Biking.  And, while I love a good ride, I sure do miss skiing.  And, 6 months from now I'll be transitioning again...back and forth, back and forth. Even the most laid back Mountain Girl can get a bit blue about all this.  So, something must be done.....

This level of change absolutely requires a girls weekend away at a Hot Springs Spa.  (woo hoo for me!!!)

Sooo, tomorrow my friend E and I will head to Glenwood Spring, about 3 hours west of Boulder.  We've booked rooms at the Hotel Colorado, a really gorgeous historical hotel right at the hot springs pools.  We plan on hiking, biking, getting spa treatments and dining well.  I'm sure there will be hours and hours of girl talk, soup to nuts.  Lots of laughing, being silly and hopefully turning ourselves into limp noodleettes.....so relaxed and so mellow we can't barely lift a finger.  Except to signal our waiter for a glass of Chardonnay. 

Don't feel bad for me, just be thankful that you aren't facing such a challenging time (this is a JOKE people...I'm not being serious.).....

This week Mountain House was turned over to it's new owners.  As much as I enjoyed living in my own rocky mountain park setting, it was time to move on. 

Needless to say this week was a bit hectic.  I did take the "easy" way out and hire professional packers, movers, and a cleaning crew.   Things could not have went any better.  The weather was perfect, the crews were polite, careful and speedy.  No drama, not even a little bit.  Unless you count cleaning supplies.  I knew, and forgot, that movers will not pack or move anything that could start or feed a fire, this includes cleaning supplies, candles, fire extinguishers, matches, shampoo, soft soap, etc.  Do a quick survey of your house, do you have any idea how much of this stuff you actually own?   Way way more than you might imagine.

This means I had to pack and load all this into my car, and drive to my house,  rolling along,  wondering if I have the makings of a homemade bomb in my car.  Who knows what happens if my face cream interacts with Mr. Clean and a candle?

Most of my stuff is in a locked long term storage vault until it's time to be somewhere more permanent.  The dogs and I are settled nicely into the miniature rental house in Boulder so there wasn't room for the Mountain House stuff.  I think I managed to pull all my gear out so I should be in good shape for hiking, backpacking, and triathlons until I get settled.

 Moving on, and it feels great!
 

I've been fortunate enough to be included in a monthly scrabble game with some really cool chicks.  The ladies are all experienced and skilled at this game.....while I, on the other hand, am not.....

The ladies take turns hosting, and everyone brings part of the meal.  Pre-scrabble nutrition is important.  This usually includes a healthy main course, a big colorful salad, chased down with some vino and finished off with something sinful and from what I can tell always chocolate.  Last night was no exception. 

Last night was fun, and I am improving, which is a relief to me, and probably the ladies.....I lost, but not by a factor of double like last week!    Here's a cute picture of Dora and Jane....both relishing the thought of winning!!!

Talk about mixed messages!

To make it worse, there weren't even any Eldora Ski Patrol members out for a run this morning....again, what's a girl to do???

Both Melanie and Christin requested pictures of the  HOT Eldora Ski Patrol.  I understand the desire for a little eye candy on occasion so I spent some time searching for pictures that would provide the ladies a representative sample of what life might look like if you ever find yourself a the Eldora Mountain Aid station. 

I know, how very shortsighted of me not to take my camera with me when one of our student was injured.  And, how thoughtless of me to blog about the attractive nature of the attendants, with no pictures to share.  I hope this helps provide a slightly better picture of the mountain scenery

...if you are a penguin or a polar bear!

Yesterday a small crew of my girlfriends and I braved Keystone for our somewhat annual ski outing.  It started out sunny, the kind of day that requires frequent application of sun screen, but quickly changed to one of those days where you don't want a centimeter of exposed skin.  None the less, in spite of some serious wind in the more exposed areas, flat light and the onslaught of snow, we got out and rocked the mountain. 

One of the best thing about skiing with your girlfriends, especially those you've known for years is you have history.  Lift and gondola rides provide ample time to catch up, reminisce, and just be girls again.  There is no ego involved....no competition of who skies or rides faster, better, or with more style. 

So, we skied, at lunch, skied again, warmed up for a beverage break, skied some more, then had a nice dinner with nice wine.  Zero complaints, we even forgot about being cold!  And, no trips with ski patrol!! 

Today I spent more time that I would have preferred at Eldora's ski patrol building.  One of our students had an injury, fortunately not serious, and as the supervisor for the day I needed to be present to sign loads of paperwork.  While I was there I could not help notice that every man (and the few women on patrol) that came in were hot, hot, hot.  I started wondering if it was just the red jacket with the big white cross?  Or did Eldora possible have some hiring requirement that only accepted former outdoor mountain gear models into the ski patrol program?  What ever it is, it sure is very easy on the eyes. 

Regardless, it's good to know if you ever sustain an injury while skiing at Eldora you will not only be attended to by a gorgeous human being, but from what I observed a very compassionate, kind and competent personnel.  These folks were just amazing with not only my student, but the other patients that were under their care. 

Guys and Gals at Eldora Ski Patrol, keep up the great work!!  We at ESRP appreciate you!

As I said before there are some HUGE squirrels that live in the new neighborhood.  These citified squirrels are very confrontational...the other day one was looking in the window flicking his tail at me in a very confrontational way.  Just hoping he might get some kind of crazy reaction out of me....but no dice.  I might be crazy, but not nuts. 

Yesterday Emma (the bichon) was in the yard taking care of business.  Two (not just one) of these neighborhood bullies spotted her and decided to tag team her with taunts and jeers....or maybe more like chattering and tail flicks. 

Emma, being a very self possessed and confident little dog, just really had no use for these ruffians.  While these two squirrels continued to carry on, and work there way down the telephone pole and across the fence getting more and more rilled up, she just continued to sniff the ground and enjoy the fresh air.  She didn't even glance at them.  I so enjoyed watching this display....at the end of all this it was the squirrels that were all worked up given they had the cold shoulder, and my little buddy continued her graceful presence.  Love it! 
 

Over the New Year I moved back down to Boulder, along with the Mountain Terriers and Emma.  While I no longer reside "directly in the mountains" I now live just steps from the foothills and the Boulder Flatirons are viewable from my windows.  I've been so busy getting settled that I haven't had a chance to get any pictures of these stunning formations, but it is on my to-do list for when I return.  Stay tuned for some pictures. 

Boulder has lots of wildlife, right in the city.  A small heard of deer were just a few doors down the other day.  Bear and mountain lions frequently make the news as they hang out in peoples trees, end up getting tranquilized and relocated.  Brazen squirrels have been dancing along the top of the fence.  I know I'll have lots of birds as soon as I hang the feeders. 

While change is challenging, it is also good.  I'm enjoying being just blocks from a grocery store, and I have a smorgasbord of restaurants to select from should I want take out.  Of course, this being Boulder, I have miles and miles of running and biking trails.  I am blessed with wonderful friends in town, and now they are just a hop, skip and jump from my front door. 

All in all I'm happy with the move.  Lots of adjustment, but it is all good! 

I landed back in Colorado late Friday night from North Carolina.  The air is crisp, clean and clear.  Fall is definitely here, winter just peaking around the corner.  The elevation is definitely getting to me (again) as I was in North Carolina for a couple of weeks.

I spent the weekend trying to get caught up on errands, sleep and being hopeful for the Rockies.  I had a ticket for Game 5 tonight, but since there will be no game 5 I guess I'll stay home. 

And, as it turns out I'll be heading back to Puerto Rico on Wednesday.  More stuff to do there.  I'm actually really looking forward to returning to the island, but I know that when I get back, when ever that actually turns out to be, it may be W I N T E R ! ! !  Good news on that is it's almost time to ski! I need to drop my skis off for a tuning before I head out of town - yipee!!!

Yesterday, Friday morning about 1 am, the Mountain Lion that has been stalking local domesticated animals was shot by a neighbor.  The neighbor woke to a commotion and found the cat trying to drag off one of his dogs.  When the lion saw the neighbor he began advancing on him.  This guy raised his 308 and the cat is no more.   In addition to our dog Bear, we know he took a Shetland Pony, and a German Shepard on Tuesday of this week.  

When I heard this news I burst in to tears.  I had such mixed emotions.  While I essentially forgave the cat for doing what big cats do I didn't believe he was a "good cat".  He was either old, sick or had completely lost his fear of people.  This made him dangerous.  They guy who shot the cat has two little kids that he wouldn't let play outside anymore.  Lots of kids walk to the bus stop in our rural community. 

The other neighbor who had his 110 lb dog attacked the same night Bear died sent me pictures last night.  Again, more mixed emotions.  Things are definitely not black and white. 

The guy who shot the cat may be in big trouble with the Department of Wildlife.  In Colorado we have a law called the "make my day law" which essentially allows you to protect yourself if your are being threatened on your own property.  Maybe that only applies if a person is threatening you?  Again, I know we live with the wildlife, but where is the line?  These are all things I DO NOT know the answer to..... 

I've been an absent from my blog.  It's been hard to write while I'm feeling sad about my dog Bear. The biggest comfort I have is that I am sure he didn't suffer - that he didn't even know what happened.  Mountain Lions are incredibly efficient hunters, and move in stealth mode.  Based on the site of the attack you don't have to be a CSI expert to tell that there was absolutely no struggle.  So, that brings me some peace. Doesn't fix the guilt that I didn't protect my doggie, but that will last a long while.

I received a call from some other mountain neighbors about 2 miles away.  The night of Bear's attack they had a lion in their 6 foot high dog pen at 1 am.  The neighbors were still awake and were able to scare the cat off.  The cat came close to killing one of their 110 lb dogs.  The couple got the dogs in the house, and about 10 minutes later the cat came back.  The neighbor chased him off a second time. 

Then about 2.30 am that same morning some neighbors a mile from my house, and in almost direct line from the first attack and my house, had a major disturbance.  Their dogs went absolutely crazy, but those neighbors didn't see anything.  I believe the cat then made his way to our house. 

The other dogs have been freaked out.  Andy and Mikey the terriers are on high alert.  And, they have become inside dogs at night, which they loathe.  Maggie the bichon is clueless, but Emma her sister gets it.  She is actually my best watch dog.  She cowered and was shaking on the upper deck where the cat was, and where Bear died.  She got what happened. 

Regardless, I still love the mountains and nature.  Life is a cycle.  It is more important to live each day, not just to be alive.  Not to just exist.  LIVE and PURSUE LIFE!

About 4:15 am this morning a very large mountain lion came on our deck and took my beloved dog Bear, an Australian Shephard.  Bear was sleeping in his favorite spot against the house under the full moon. Mountain Guy was in his office, heard the other dogs barking, and actually witnessed the cat taking Bear over the deck railing in his jaws.  We know he didn't suffer - it was over in less than a second.

I know we live in the cat's neighborhood, so I am not upset with the cat for doing what it does, however I did report this to the Department of Wildlife.  There have been a number of recent aggressive cat incidents in our area of late.  A mountain lion recently took a Shetland pony.

I adopted Bear in March 2000 from the humane society.  We bonded quickly and he became my hiking companion.  We did 14ers and other spectacular hikes together in all seasons.  He had an exceptional temperament such that for a while he was a certified pet therapy dog at the Boulder County Hospital.  He was a pacifist.  If he had been a person he would have worked tirelessly for world peace.  He had the most expressive eyes, he actually smiled and sneezed when he was happy to see you, he loved the mountains and his people. Lately the signs of age were beginning to show.  I was concerned how he would do this winter.  He was somewhere between 12 and 13 years old.  He was a very good boy. 

I am going to miss my friend.  He had a good last day on this earth....we went for a long run, and he found a big elk bone which made him very happy.