Today I managed to glimpse our local bald eagle. Big Bear Bald Eagle or the Big Bear Bald Bird. Anyway, the juvenile, who has decided to reside here permanently, is maturing nicely. He still looks a little ratty but the white of the mature bird is coming in nicely. Younger Bald Eagles resemble Golden Eagles until they begin to mottle and then the white begins to fill in on their heads and tails.

BBBB
Speaking of better Big Bear business practices, it always amazes me how profusely people thank me when I call them back. Hmm, I am in business so calling potential clients back is a good idea and it always amazes me that many businesses don’t call people back and don’t show up for appointments. Good business habits don’t seem to be common throughout the valley.

I’ve experienced non-responses myself and heard complaints from those attempting to contact key commerce representative groups, too. Today I heard that one of the local businesses decided not to open as scheduled yesterday. The scuttlebutt is rampant and hits the cord in locals who don’t appreciate lax business practices. Most people understand emergencies and other such challenges but just deciding to open late, close early, or not open at all creates aversion to conducting business with many local entities.

I remember one such business (now defunct) I attempted to support. They made it difficult to do business. First, they never had what I wanted nor were they excited about bringing it in. They also never had change in their cash register or the capacity to accept particular credit cards.

Finally, on my fourth attempt (usually I bail at the second, and if they are lucky, the third try) I informed the clerk that I would no longer attempt to do business with them because they made it a chore and an unpleasant experience. Others must have experienced the same challenges because the establishment went under within six months after. Locals tend to bail on bad news businesses.

Which brings me to my experience last night and an example of a savvy establishment. I went out to dinner with a few pals to a local haunt. Two of our meals were served up incorrectly, and then once past that hurdle, the fish was not completely cooked.

We took it in stride and the restaurant offered to redo our meals—which we really didn’t want by this time. The end result is that they gave us coupons for another meal. The shift manager said that she appreciated that we weren’t rude and explained that they really wanted us to come back.

In all the times we have eaten there, this is the first mistake the place has made BUT they completely understand the concept of good business practices. The gesture and genuine concern over us, stating that they wanted us to come back, and expressing that we were important to them washed the incident clear immediately. To me that is good business sense but many seem to forget about that.

Anyway, my ultimate point is that good buzz or bad buzz makes its way through the valley quickly. Strive for the good.

Give Me Some Sugar
Some of you saw me walking my pit bull pal “Sugar” this morning. Karin has to go in for a surgical procedure today so I’ll be tormenting her dog for her until I fly out on Sunday. I probably will be out with Sugar again next week when I return. If you live close by, give Karin a jingle to see if she needs anything.

Leaving on a Jet Plane
I’ll be in Cincinnati for a couple of days on animal related business. Iams and the Cincinnati Zoo will comprise two of my stops. Stay tuned, rumor has it that I may have the opportunity to be on NPR (National Public Radio), too.

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Locals gathered around this morning in response to the news that the drain for the ice machine at the NS Café was clogged. Chef Richard used his ingenuity to address the drama and soon had everything back in working order. Witnesses uttered a sigh of relief and withdrew to enjoy hot coffee. The morning coffee group bantered over less dramatic topics the rest of the morning.

In other news, NS Café reports a record summer despite the fact that they are no longer offering dinners. Merchants throughout the valley have mixed comments on the summer commerce. Some speculate higher spending with fewer visitors while others report that numbers are up over all. A few lament over dismal numbers but this seems to be the minority.

Veteran walker, Howard is still suffering from a pulled ligament but refuses to stop his morning ambles. He may hold the record for being the oldest ambler in the valley. Fellow morning walkers have been lamenting over the trash along the lakeside. I took a look today and spied used batteries and “to go” litter along the highway. If you decide to venture out take a trash bag and pick up a few items.

The lighting and shelving in the Fawnskin Market is now in. Product fills the aisles and it is speculated that it will be unloaded throughout the facility later this week. No call back from Mark who has been nicknamed by locals as “Mr. Mini Mart.”

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I hope you had a good holiday. I’ve been exhausted and was happy to spend most of the 4th at home immersed in some marketing tasks and catching up on those chores I haven’t had the time to get to.

I did venture out after 5pm and braved the crowds setting up around the lake in anticipation of the fireworks to get to Bear City for an annual BBQ–and the wedding of Chuck and Cheryl.

Chuck is well known around town since he has been in business up here for about 30 years or so. Cheryl is a recent transplant…golf aficionado and event planner extraordinaire. In between working on their businesses and the Big Bear Beauty Pageant, they somehow planned an event that went on without a hitch.

They had a strong tent, which was a good idea since a storm seemed eminent, a big bounce for the kids, and lots of snacks. The crowd was very well behaved and helpful. All kinds of locals spent time visiting while new acquaintances introduced each other.

After dinner, everyone got up and began moving their chairs over to the area set up for the wedding. As the light disappeared we all seemed to realized that there wouldn’t be any light and so some of us moved to get the luminaries onto the wedding platform. Two astute locals grabbed their vehicles and turned on their headlights to provide ample light for the ceremony.

Soon the processional appeared—in time to “Love will build a bridge.” Cheryl wore a glittering red gown while Chuck sported a white shirt and stunning black shorts. Family shook bells strategically placed on red, white and blue starred wands. When the Pastor Bill asked Chuck if he would take Cheryl as his wife, Chuck answered, “You betcha.”

Anyway, the heartfelt and joyful ceremony ended as the fireworks began in the distance. It was a lovely time for all those who attended and will certainly be one of my more memorable 4th of July celebrations.

During the trip back, I realized why I rarely venture out during the holidays and thankful that I lived on the West end in Fawnskin. Bumper to bumper traffic headed to the East side of the valley. My worst challenge was the boat being towed in front of me—which fortunately turned off the main road near Serrano Campground.

Anyway, I’ll be glad to venture out tomorrow without having to face the multitudes of visitors and am sure you will be too!

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