Residents of the Big Bear Valley have probably seen the big plumes of smoke heading into the valley. The fire broke out near Hwy 38 just west of Barton Flats and full response was called about 4:20pm—you probably noticed all our pals rushing by in the emergency vehicles.

For the best information without the hype, visit:
KBHR 93.3 FM Radio (tune-in if you live in the valley) or visit
Big Bear Scanneronline.

I hiked up to one of my neighbors for a BBQ & social event to watch the fireworks last night. In the past, I’ve been in the park, at the Rotary BBQ and other locations around the valley—except in a boat. I hate the traffic and the crowds and am getting more and more reluctant to leave Fawnskin. I also would be leery of going out on the lake with tons of drunken boaters…not to mention the mosquitoes who seem to hunt out my tender flesh no matter where I go.

Anyway, someone said that Big Bear was named as one of the top California shows. Hmmm. Wonder where that started ‘cuz I have not heard or seen that one. Here is the top national list from MSNBC and there seems to be a bunch of “top show” claims around the nation but it would be interesting to see how that is determined. Anyone have any verification of this rumor?

Speaking of rumors…
Sometimes things just get a bit out-of-hand and malicious. Slander is a big no-no and one of the existing rumors that surfaces around town frequently is that someone in town is a pedophile. I have heard this off and on since I moved to town and went online to check last year. So, before you go spreading that one any further you should go look at the registered sex offenders site where you’ll find that the Big Bear Valley has a few (Bear Lake 10: Bear City 14; Sugarloaf 4; You can see their pictures and addresses, too.) but our town local is NOT one of them. Fawnskin does not have that claim to fame. So stop it.

Phone line…
Remember that ol’ game where you told someone something and then passed it around to see how it changed? That happens a lot around here. The most recent one involved Andy going down the hill for surgery. He didn’t. Instead, it was Paul—but Paul was not going down the mountain for shoulder surgery—just a check up. We were amazed by his mobility the following day until we found out that the whole thing was the telephone game out of whack.

Ouch!
Oh my, Robert’s truck got a scratch. What amazed me about the whole thing is that all the guys seem to spot the small scrape immediately!

Last week I happened to catch the action down at the post office. Most people check in around 11:00am when the mail is up. I usually am working at that time and tend to take my break in the early afternoon. The amble down into town usually includes a stop by the market and sometimes a short stint down to my private box here in Fawnskin.

Last Tuesday I was amused to find our Postmistress Cynthia on her lunch break attempting to get back inside the post office. She sometimes tosses her personal keys back into the place when she heads out—only this time the 92333 keys were also in her hand. The realization hit her as the door closed and locked–with her standing outside keyless.

Anyway, mountain folk are always innovative and (mostly) on good terms with the neighbors so she managed to get some local help to get back in. Just a reminder to us all to have a spare set hidden or housed with a neighbor. It doesn’t hurt to have a contingency plan in the event of an emergency either. Have Cynthia give you the total scoop when you stop by and pick up your mail. I found it amusing to watch the story unfold.

The Moose Lodge yard sale closes at Noon today. I worked all three days, with a short stint this am. Great deals and a great fundraiser for the charities they support. Stop by if you haven’t yet done so…and keep it in mind for next year. They will begin collecting stuff in June and you can clear out your “junk” and help a charity at the same time.

BTW: Happy Fourth of July!