far away and not so long ago

Here is a picture of my foot next to a grizzly bear foot print on the beach in Naknek, Alaska last summer. Seem like it was another life on another planet. A series of unfortunate events, now running into it's second week has made me wish I was anywhere but here. Well, let me put that in perspective...that doesn't include Bahgdad, Darfur or many other places actually. Compared to 90% of the folks in the world, I have it made in the shade. Compared to the neighborhood, it's a different story. Angry neighbors who hate my lifestyle and my dogs.. calling the sheriff to cause me trouble, rattlesnake bite to one dog, two children in the ER on two consecutive days, one needing emergency surgery, four blown over trees.. one on my chicken yard, major anger issues erupting into violence requiring more medication and enclosing a porch for the offender to move into, a very expensive car repair...let's see...there is more. It could be worse and there have been some big blessings thrown in there. I just need a vacation..even a 20 minute one...which I might get right now. Finally the porch is now a quite nice bedroom with the occupant settled in, the trash is at the dump, the dogs are safely penned up, everyone is actually in bed at 11 pm and quiet. I am going to enjoy the peace for a few minutes because who knows what might happen tomorrow.