I found a young man about 8 months ago going through a rough time with his family. He'd grown up w/ a grandmother in a rural area. She passed away and he was thrown into his mother's household in suburbia. His mother never understood or accepted who he was and never supported his emotional needs. His stepfather was physically abusive or ignored him. School was like a prison to him. His only support at home was his sister. Teddy finally decided he had to get out. After trying to find a place everywhere else, he finally asked me if he could move in here. I can't turn down a kid in trouble. Teddy has been here almost 2 months and has been a joy every second. He has found peace, happiness and new adventure he had sorely missed. We're gonna have a great time.

Little Bear has been living here for about 3 months now. Rarely does a day pass when my little brother fails to amaze me (or at least amuse me!). Little Bear has been my "organic entertainment center" since the 1st day here. He's really taken a shine to my new digital camera. It's been getting much more of a workout here lately.

This morning he was still awake as the sun began to rise. Hearing me rustling around below he bounded down the stairs wearing nothing ut a thin sheet around his waist. The sky was as red as fire as the sun rose. and he grabbed the camera to get some photos.

Out the back door he leaped bare-footed still clad only in the thin sheet, scaring the dogs as much as they scared him. A bit later he returned with his collection of images and the story of his short adventure.

Evidently the dogs were curious about his choice of wardrobe this morning. If you knew these idiot dogs the story would be even funnier. They only left him alone after he triggered the flash in their direction. My big male dog attempted to remove the sheet as he was taking pictures. Oh what a sight that had to be. I could just imagine him chasing the dogs bare naked with the camea in hand. I only wish I'd had the other camera ready! Thankfully nature is so close around the house that the neighbors can't see much of what goes on!

Moving out of the city here where nature is a LOT closer has done wonders for the kid (and for me, too). He makes new discoveries every day, and always has a story to tell me when I get home.