So, GG is currently getting press releases from a few sources–which is amusing to me.

Most get tossed since they are not relevant to Fawnskin but Sara Russ of the Big Bear Chamber sent me something you needed to see.

Caltrans held a press conference yesterday and released a White Paper that highlights how the budget delay will impact transportation projects statewide.

Funding for transportation projects worth over $2.1 billion are contingent on the approval of the state budget and may either be deferred or delayed–so the Big Bear dam bridge completion may be impacted.

In our district (District 8 ) the $33 Million dollar Big Bear Bridge is currently 50% complete with progress that has been very fast and quicker than expected.

Their notes indicate that it is “very visible, political, and there is a need to avoid delays into winter shutdown.”

I did not get the release in time to call in to listen but the Big Bear Chamber sent this response:

Caltrans announced yesterday that due to the state budget crisis they could be forced to delay over $3 billion in transportation projects across the state, including the Big Bear Bridge. Though previously guaranteed that the funds were set aside and untouchable by the state legislature and its crumbling budget, the announcement by Caltrans contradicts prior commitments.

This comes just weeks after the announcement that the Big Bear Bridge contractor, Flat Iron Construction, was on target to finish the Bridge almost a year early, saving the state millions of dollars. However, if this delay is realized, it will add millions to the overall cost of the project, in addition to creating a potentially dangerous situation since the current bridge across the historic Big Bear dam has been condemned for many years. Caltrans has confirmed that the current bridge has “out-lived” its lifespan and could easily collapse or have irreparable damage if a high magnitude earthquake should hit Big Bear.

On behalf of the Big Bear business community, we are frustrated that our current legislature is unable to solve the state’s budget crisis which has caused this unfortunate and potentially dangerous situation. Halting this project would cause the state to not only spend additional and unnecessary funds, but would also put potential lives at risk.

We would like to assure our business community that the Chamber is expending time and resources to fight this possible delay and will keep them informed of the situation.

“We applaud the efforts of Caltrans to complete the bridge ahead of schedule, saving the state millions of dollars, and we will do all that we can to support them in completing this critical project for Big Bear,” said Marlene Cain, Chairman of the Board, Big Bear Chamber of Commerce.

This community is in serious need of the bridge–a matter of safety in the event of a disaster.

The current financial disaster has resulted in several more businesses closing–including Bear Mountain Trading Company on Moonridge Road.

Fee Free Weekend
This weekend, August 14-15, 2010 is a fee-free weekend. A National Forest Adventure Pass will not be required for visitors recreating in areas of the national forests that typically require one.

The fee-free days support the goals of President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors Conference and First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative by actively supporting and promoting programs, projects, and initiatives that encourage the use of the outdoors by the American public.

GG will be on in the hills this weekend if all goes as expected!

Fun Run
Lots of locals have been waiting for the 21st Annual Big Bear Lake Antique Car Club Fun Run–and it is this weekend from August 13-15,2010.

The first vehicles will be arriving at the Bartlett Street parking lot early on Friday.

On Saturday, the “Show and Shine” will allow the classic car viewing until 3:45 p.m. when the Fun Run drive around Big Bear Lake takes place.

Ren Faire
Once again it is time for the Big Bear Renaissance Faire which will be held in Fawnskin from August 14-15 and 21-22, 2010.

Locals are groaning but the reenactment is popular with some and a re-creation of an English Summer Faire–and in it’s 16th year.

The local Ren Faire features Queen Elizabeth’s Royal Court, Knights Jousting on Horseback, Archery Tournament, Live Steel Battle, Living History Encampments & Demonstrations, Ethnic Food & Drink, Belly Dancers, Jugglers, Musicians & Singers, and a Midsummer Fairy Forest Children’s Area.

Fawnskin Luau

Moose Lodge Members will be heading over for the annual luau at Moose Lodge 2085 on Saturday at 5pm. Only $8 so bring a guest–like music too!

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So, I forgot to tell you that Paul McCartney was here recording not too long ago.

It seems that we have a professional recording studio over on the East side of Fawnskin.

Go figure.

But, like many things these days–I forgot to mention it.

*sigh*

Just like North Shore Trading Company forgot to mention that they were holding the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce Mixer over here last night.

It was amusing watching everyone gear up for the business and social event but I had been working all day and had an early morning scheduled so I opted to just head home instead of joining in the fun.

Missed Monday night’s potluck too–what is the world coming to when GG opts out?!

I’ll be heading out early to meet up with a pal in Running Springs and find it hard to believe that I have not visited down there since November of last year!

Eesh!

Anyway, some people wanted to have the Literary Blues Pie recipe so here it is:

One crust pie shell (Use pate brisee if feeling ambitious or if you have a particularly demanding muse.)
3/4 cup plus 2 tsp sugar
1/4 cup tapioca starch
1/8 tsp salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
4 cups blueberries, rinsed
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 cup well chilled heavy cream
1/4 tsp vanilla

Roll out the dough. Line with foil and fill the foil with rice. Bake in the lower third of a preheated 425 degree oven for 10 minutes. Remove foil and rice and bake 10 – 15 minutes more. Cool on rack.

In saucepan combine 3/4 c. sugar, tapioca, salt, lemon juice and 1 1/2 c. berries. Cook over moderate heat, stirring for 4 -5 minutes. until it is thickened. Remove the pan from heat, stir in butter and the remaining 2 1/2 c. blueberries. Let mix cool to room temperature. Chill for 15 minutes and stir gently.

Whip the cream until it holds soft peaks, add remaining 2 tsp. sugar and vanilla. Beat until it holds stiff peak. Spread whipped cream in pie shell with a spatula. top it with the blueberry mixture. Chll the pie for 1 -12 hours.

And oh yes, don’t forget the most important ingredients of all: Eat it with good company and make sure you discuss something literary while you’re enjoying your pie. Then sit back and wait for the magic.

Update 12:45pm

I forgot to mention:

Betty Sunseri, one of my favorite Fawnskin Folks passed away last Thursday.  Betty lived in the valley twenty four years and moved to Valencia, California in early 2007.  She was one of the sweetest and most active residents in the Big Bear Valley and we’ve all missed her terribly. If I get any more details I’ll share them.

Also, for those of you grumbling about the bright yellow house on Mohawk…

GG was accosted yesterday evening and told that they color will be changed–despite the additional expense.

The discussion apparently was a hot topic after the home owners saw me walk by and gaze upon the paint job.

Gasps of, “Oh God–did she have her camera?” and other such bantering took place.

LOL thanks for the update Dave and I am sure this mention is worth some beer…does this mean GG has some actual influence?

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Above: Local writer’s feed their muses and celebrate success!

So, GG took a few days off. One day turned to two and two days turned to two and a half…should have been three but I gotta keep up!

Eesh, who could have predicted that?

First, things started off with the annual author’s lunch that is really an excuse to get a piece of the literary pie…blueberry to be specific.

The tradition first began after former waitress, Patry Francis wrote about feeding her muse with a literary pie.

It worked really well because her Liar’s Diary was sold and she hung up her waitressing shoes to become a full-time writer.

Alas, GG misses her witty commentary from the blog where she spied on her but was so happy to hear the news that she decided to bring the literary pie tradition to Fawnskin.

Today, local author’s find their muses more and more demanding…and so we are expecting some great things.

You know demanding muses belong to demanding authors.

To begin with, Katherine Blanc’s new book, The Boy Who Conquered Everest has been doing very well with very synchronistic and wonderful things surrounding the release.

Jordan has Fawnskin roots even though everyone seems to ignore that in order to promote the valley instead.

*sigh*

Ever notice how Fawnskin is always making national news?

Go figure.

So, I didn’t really mind too much that the blueberries were expensive–just figured it was part of the price of success and that is is more important to keep our muses happy so we have more book sales and other exciting projects.

Which seems to have paid off–Rita Robinson is busy teaching for Writer’s Digest online and has other projects that keeps her busy and I’ve been feeling well enough to start writing again.

At any rate, it is nice to get together and visit.

Now we don’t always talk about writing–but this time we went into how publishing is changing quickly–in between munching on great food.

Now, you would think that would be enough–a marathon day that lasted from 10am until 4:30pm.

No–not for GG. Once I get on a roll, I keep rolling.

Perhaps it is all the weight I gained…LOL

When I got home I discovered that my neighbors had arrived and I have not seen Lana in ages.

So I popped in to visit and finally crawled home and into bed after a very long social day.

The next day I was going to read and catch up on a few things but noticed my other favorite neighbors were here.

So, down the hill and up onto their deck I went!

Above: Sharon & June

Now I was amused to find out that our neighbor Bob had informed them that I have not been on the mountain in some time and was traveling.

In fact, he isn’t the only one spread this stupid rumor as I found out yesterday via a phone call from another resident.

People, I have not left the mountain since my visit to Northern California in late December and early January!

One of the reasons I began writing the Fawnskin Flyer is just because of such idiotic rumors that people love to circulate around town.

If you don’t know–don’t make it up!

Needless to say, I was happy that I did pop over to their cabin and ended up not doing a darn thing except having a great time with June and her pal Sharon–the two have been friends for over 30 years.

We managed to catch Abbott Ajhan Sombat at the Wat Dhammasujitto Buddhist Meditation Center and got a tour and a nice visit out of it.

I am there frequently because they are some of my favorite neighbors–plus I love home cooked Thai food–but June had never been there.

When we finally arrived back to the home territory–I had to head into my house because I needed to rest from all the visiting!

Sunday morning I headed over to see the two off and just as I thought I would be getting down to work–I discovered my pal Carol was actually in town.

During my walk I stopped by and in the end we ambled over to Amangela’s for a couple hours on the deck.

Angela and Amanda had a big party this am and have been super busy but we had a great lunch since we missed the rush and I was happy to be able to get caught up after a three week absence from my energetic pal.

A very friendly local cat has been trying to adopt Carol but we think she should go home.

The cat is so friendly and sweet (you can see her photo in the previous post) that we are sure she has a good local home and just got out.

So, the bottom line is that what I am really saying is that I was too busy having a great time to find out anything new to report.

If you are an NSIA fan, the monthly pot luck is tonight at Captain John’s Marina. The pot luck starts at 6:00 pm but you can arrive earlier to chat with your neighbors and friends.

Rob Richardson, project manager for Flatiron, will talk about the new Caltrans bridge progress.

But if you have something be sure to leave a comment below!

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