Feb 2014 – Mar 2014

Yes we did.  My best bear bud and I spontaneously decided to pack our bags, get in the car, and drive the heck out of Eugene. South.

And now we are in San Diego.

Finally got my hot cocoa after this incident, and I even pulled up a chair and sat in front of the fireplace.

You bet I enjoyed it.

Today we went climbing at Smith Rock National Park.

Chris set up the top rope and did the belaying.

Julia cleaned.

I also got involved.  I climbed.

In fact I on-sight climbed my routes just like that.  Because I’m awesome.

Chalk it off as another bonding activity between my bear bud and I.

The whole reason we were up in Bend was to celebrate Julia’s birthday.

I decided as a gift that I’d give a little luck.  Even though I’m a lucky bear I wasn’t about to do all the hard work so I outsourced it.

I got her a fortune cat.  From Asia.

How can you not feel lucky with a gift like that?

All I expected of my day was a little hiking action with my best bear bud.  We were heading out to these lava tube caves near Bend Oregon to have a little look-see, and then we were supposed to head back to the hotel for some hot cocoa and relaxation.

First sign that things weren’t going down the way I envisioned might have been the sound of gunshots reverberating through the area as we stepped out of the car.

For normal sane beings, “sound of gunshots” might have precipitated action to evacuate said  area.

Instead we walked towards the sound of guns.

Let me say that again, we walked towards the sound of guns.

We eventually ended up in front of this spot.  And since the sound seemed to come from the other side of the big hole of course we went down to investigate.

On the far end of this giant pothole was a small hole.  Apparently it was the entrance to a large cave.  As we scrambled towards the hole we were hit in the face with a cloud of smoke.  And two kids popped out of that hole (left of the picture.)

It smelled a little funky.  I didn’t recognize the smell but I started feeling a little funny.  My bear bud explained it was 4-2-0.  Like I know what that is.  It sounds like a brand of cleaner.

Anyway, the kids assured us that guns weren’t being fired in our direction, and actually it was a bunch more kids shooting from the cave out into the other side.

Finding that response satisfactory, we decided to take their word for it and crawl through the hole.  Maybe it was all our commotion, or maybe it was this 4-2-0 stuff, but we got through the cave to find the gun-wielders packing up and leaving.

Next thing I know we’re driving to some new location with a waterfall and we’re hanging over the precipice.

And then I don’t remember what else.  Just that I didn’t get my hot cocoa.

I am Commander Sumi Shepherd, and I’m here to save the universe.  In style.  I’m also here to say this is my favourite jacket in the Citadel.

My sewing machine arrives!

I was so excited I waited by the window.

And then it was here.

We unboxed it right away and put it to work.

Time to get measured and get an outfit made!

There is a rustle in the woods.  Or was it just the wind?

He bides his time,  knowing his patience will pay off.

Suddenly, he knows.  There is another sound.  He turns, he fires with calmness and precision.  CuddlePup yelps in excitement as he runs to chase down the ball arrow.

He sits back down, confident of success, given his prowess as a hunter and archer.

We’ve been playing Tomb Raider and Nicholas made me a bow so we could go hunting.

And since Nicholas got a bow for Christmas we can both go together!  This Osito turned Bow-sito is a spirit bear to be reckoned with in all forests big and small!

As I wait for the arrival of my sewing machine I wanted to go back to the making of my first outfit.

I’ve always been good at being stealthy, but I finally got the outfit to go with it.  All thanks to my best bud Nicholas. He’s the best bear bud a bear could want.

Here I am overseeing the making of my outfit.

Making sure every seam is stitched with precision.

Taking a close look at the results.

And waiting impatiently for its completion before giving my paw of approval.

This is the role I’m born to be in.  I’m such a good bear-aucracy free bear boss!

I just used Nicholas’ credit card and ordered a sewing machine.

I got the Brother SE400.  SE for Super Extra awesome.  x400.

I can’t wait for it to arrive so Nicholas can start making me outfits.