Recently there has been talk about Black Bear in the state of Illinois.  I have heard for years that there are sightings of what is known as the “honey bear” in Southern Illinois.  Then a couple of years a bear was captured in Bureau County in Northern Illinois.

Links to various articles pertaining to Black Bears in Illinois.
Bears In Illinois? Sighting Means It’s Possible

Bears Sighted In Illinois?

Black Bear And Cub Spotted Near Tiskilwa

Black Bears In Illinois

Black Bear Out There?

Black Bear Resurfaces Again East Of Neponset

Neponset Bear Captured; May Be First Ever Caught In Illinois

Southern Illinois Bear

Grandma holding our new grandson Ethan, born on Thanksgiving Day, with  his stocking that my wife cross-stitched.

Let us all remember the Savior born in a manger, and celebrated on this Christmas Day.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

When our youngest son Eli, was 14 years old he begged to have a dog of his own.  We found this “fluffy” Welsh Pembroke Corgi at the local “no kill” shelter.  She was about 4 months old and we knew nothing about her other than she did not like little boys wearing ball caps.  Although she liked to “grumble” a lot at strangers she quickly became a part of our lives.

She was a happy dog most of her life and spent one whole morning last week in Colorado doing what she liked best, digging for moles (pictured above). Because of  renal failure we reluctantly agreed that she would have to be put to sleep. We buried her outside our bedroom window at our new home here in Central Illinois. She will be fondly remembered.

Click here to listen to a recording of Sepi barking in the house, while Belle goes outside to bark: Sepi & Belle barking

Back in May of 2006 Belle, my Karelian Bear Dog, had a brief but eventful encounter with a skunk. Having heard that tomato juice was a sure cure Belle got a much deserved but unappreciated tomato bath.

I ran across this old video filmed by my son Eli and thought folks would get a kick out it.  Belle did not!

For video click here -   Belle Gets Skunked

From my son’s website at EvanCourtney.com comes this new entry –

I’m going to be a dad

We’ll actually am already, it just hasn’t been birthed yet.Katie and I are expecting our first child this November.  She is already 13 weeks along.

This will be our first grandchild. Katie & Evan gave my wife a gift for Mother’s Day. When she opened the gift it was a framed picture of the ultrasound. I have never seen my wife show so much joy in my life. She told me “I have been waiting so long!”

All the Courtney’s have been celebrating and are looking forward to one of “God’s Great & Precious Gifts” and I am just thrilled and also looking forward to someone to go squatchin’ with.