I ran into a neighbor on the South Shore last week and he mentioned that a group of Fawnskin residents have been wondering and asking where I have been. Basically, I’ve been MIA on the North Shore. There are a few reasons for this.

My animal training business has been keeping me busy along with temporary work for other two valley businesses. I also sneak time in to work on my book, articles and other projects. To top it off, I have been spending time with a new man in an attempt to establish some sort of a social life. Sometimes I think I have forgotten how to do this.

For instance, last night I was completely knackered. However since we had made arrangements for a social evening I did not head home. I probably should have cancelled. Instead I ignored my intuition and attempted to redirect my energy through working with my favorite student, a little cattle dog named Cheyenne.

Cheyenne adores me and most always leaps joyfully into my arms when I arrive. Isn’t that a great reception? If people greeted each other like that we would have a happier world! Her owner tells me that when Cheyenne hears my truck she gets all excited and waits at the door in anticipation.

I used to go visit Cheyenne to play ball and enjoy myself between appointments and errands. Then one day I decided to put her into school. Go figure. Animal trainers are addicted to training and I am no exception. To say that this little creature loves school is an understatement.

Unfortunately she now declines to play fetch with me as she once did. She would rather learn. I play train and use behavior modification and conditioning techniques that are fun and challenging so most animals are excited to see me arrive. Cheyenne’s mom says that it is like watching Animal Planet™ when I am on the property play training her precious pooch. Both the canine and I enjoy the time and it is not often that I just goof around with trick behaviors and other fun stuff–so it is really fun for me.

Anyway, my attempts to get my energy up and shifted were only slightly successful. I was looking forward to the evening arrangements and was disappointed at a change in plans. Then by the end of the night I was so fatigued I couldn’t even focus on the simplest of topics.

I am sure the cessation of brain function was complicated by low blood sugar on top of the repercussions from the insane amount of adrenaline that dumped through my system from one of the most stressful days I have experienced in a long while. Boy could I have used a Jacuzzi!

When I arrived home I discovered several messages—including one from the colleague I spent the day with. She worked alongside me and recognized how heinous the day had been so she called to leave me an appreciative message. Nice to have confirmation that it was not my imagination. It was even nicer to get a message filled with appreciation. If I drank I would have taken a belt of whiskey right after work. Anyway, I have a very busy weekend scheduled and am looking forward to a day off sometime mid-week.

In the meantime, my naughty neighbor is at it again. What happened to consideration of your neighbors? They must have a new record going—a year and a half of nasty behavior. I guess I should be happy I am not fighting the blaring music or piles of debris and trespassing anymore. However, his new construction crew has been working on the premises and banging as late as 10:30pm at night—another violation of country ordinances.

Now the construction guys have been living in the empty shell of a house and have been dumping their trash and plaster on the property I am on. I finally got the outhouse moved off our parcel. I have not enjoyed my deck since construction started but smelling the outhouse while attempting to barbeque really topped everything—not to mention squashing the appetite. The one thing I can say is that they continue to be consistently inconsiderate and they are really good at it.

On the South Shore things have been entertaining. Many of my pals that I used to meet with have relocated to other haunts on this side. This am I ran into Jeff from the solar observatory. BTW, how do you like the new dome?

He filled me in on his latest activities and let me know that Alex (our German scientist pal) was up visiting. She is working in a small town out of state where there are only 50 people. Sheesh! Anyway, she came up for political banter and other mental stimulation not too long ago. I do miss seeing her.

Early this am there was a fuel tanker accident in the Boulder Bay area. It is the second incident in a couple of weeks. The dam area has been closed for a while but keep your ears out and check KBHR as they usually have the lastest news or check the scanner via the link to your right.

Don’t forget that the Moose Lodge is celebrating with a Valentine’s dinner tonight (by reservations only). I hope you are all celebrating your sweeties this week.

Okay, I have to work on some other projects now. Have a great weekend and I’ll be blogging again shortly.

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Just a note: Anyone want to do house cleaning two days a month for $10 an hour? See Betty at the Moose and ask to contact Tommy regarding the work at the small cabin.

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Another warm morning on the mountain top! This morning discussions ranged from politics and who will run for president next term to some of the unusual culinary curiosities that will coincide with the game today.

I’m over on the other side of the lake again wondering at the entertainment due to the oxygen deprivation being experienced by many of today’s visitors. *sigh* I must be tired!

Don’t forget about the Superbowl Party at the Moose Lodge today. You’ll love the big screen and be sure to take some snacks! I may pop over after I am done over here.

Questions regarding the Fawnskin Market have surfaced. At the moment, everything is speculation–as the escrow is not final. BUT I’ve been informed that the new owner plans to get a liquor license and will update and rearrange the refrigeration.

The buzz about the change has many residents excited. There have been discussions over whether or not the new place will cater to the local crowd with a deli and produce for last minute needs.

I certainly hope he plans to keep the general store feel along the lines of the lovely market in Angeles Oaks and other small towns across the country–but time will tell.

We made it to the artist’s reception last night but didn’t stay long. I happened to miss Gail (sponsor of the event) and enjoyed the impressionist flair of Mr. Zook while I caught up with a couple of other local artisans. Three of our home folk are going to be featured at the Discovery Center in conjunction with a national non-profit group. I’ll give you more details when I get them.

We headed out to have dinner fairly early. I don’t often dine out since I am a pretty good cook and find it futile to munch at many establishments. A couple of nights ago I had an absolutely FABulous meal at the Peppercorn Grill in the village.

Last night I thought I’d be adventurous and suggest a restaurant I have not eaten at before. Town center was swamped with visitors waiting in line for dinner and I had been told the place was pretty good. I am sad to report it but we should have gone to the Moose Lodge for some home cooking instead. The dinner was merely adequate and not worth the price tag (IMHO) and at least the Moose Lodge meals benefit the lodge and their charities.

However, I must say that I am now addicted to the sipping chocolate known as Chantico. All I can say is, “Oh, my, God…” What a fabulous drink. No, I don’t care that it has mega calories a serving. It is heaven on earth.

Locally you can also get a sipping chocolate across town at Eastside Book Café so you really have no excuse for not trying it. For those of us with dark chocolate and coffee addictions—there is nothing better!

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