Bend Enigma ...

 ... there's been a situation with some beams in Bend, OR, that has been, in the words of my dad, an `enigma'.  And so I borrow his choice of word.

It was a trip of much contemplation, and searching.  I thought at one point that, if given the opp to do it over again - I would not have children.  Not because of them, but because of me.  I'm not a very good dad, it seems, and parenting has been hard.  (Much harder than I would have ever imagined.) But as I have gone through this thing - yeah, I can't do it on my own.  But I have some help. Besides, I don't have any choice - so I need to fear God - and step up to the plate - `and do this thing'. Actually - I have awesome children - true treasures. God help me send them well into their destinies.

I went out to my vehicle early - and while yet mostly dark - I saw the movement.  I immediately knew I was to see something magical - and indeed I also that it was arranged of God to remind me ...

I moved forward, smoothly, but not too slowly.  I didn't want to miss it - and indeed wouldn't.  Mule deer - perhaps my favorite big game animal.  They were moving through the trees beyond the parking lot - perhaps some having just crossed the highway.  While most people are still asleep - this is their time.

I was able to use a dumpster to get closer ...

Yes, beautiful, fun ... a herd of deer.  As it would turn out - Blacktail and Mule Deer mix ... literally. 

One buck still had horns.  A larger buck had lost them.

They queued at the fenceline, and before long the Motor Inn manager came and fed them.

Eventually sixteen of them.

One the drive to ... saw three bunches of Bighorn Sheep, one with a couple nice rams.

On the drive home ... nothin'.

But the trip also took me to Portland, or, should I say, I, took me to Portland.  It was Michele's birthday - so I dropped by, in perfect timing - and we went out for dinner.

As I came into Portland, and neared the Univ of P ... I got stuck in traffic.  Amazing.  I-5 ... stopped, no lights, no accidents - just traffic ... it took it seemed thirty minutes to go a mile.

I spent the night at Greg and Eileen's, across the riv in Vancouver.  Greg and I had a great chat.

The next morning - someone slipped out (of the house) about 7.  I was curious.  Greg said, "Yeah, for Eileen to be at work at 8 she has to leave at 7." 

It took me literally HOURS to take it in.  Surely to be at work at 8 you leave at 8, or maybe a bit before. 

Maybe Moscow `not that bad of a place to live after all.

Enigma.