The new boss's first "all employees" meeting...

Went well enough, but he saved the stunner until the very end. Doesn't affect me a whit, but there were a few dismayed faces at the end. Maybe not the greatest way of breaking unpleasant news. We'll see...

Retired boss joined the crew for lunch. Maybe not all a coincidence. Is he missing us already?

We are apparently not the only ones having difficulty with the new digital radio system imposed by Homeland Security. But there may be other problems besides the system. Regarding his difficulties with the new portable radios, one warden asks, "Does it take batteries?"

He was only half facetious.

The meeting room was designed for public presentations, with carpeted walls for adhering velcro-fastened displays. A design feature one warden was reminded of when he leaned back and found his cap, and enclosed head, velcroed to the wall.

Considerable time was spent discussing grizzlies. We're looking at a record year for bear problems already, and we haven't even gotten to Fall, yet. When discussing the ineffectiveness of electric camp fences, one backwoodsman stated grizzlies went through them "like crap through a tin horn."

Not your typical visual imagery. Nor the first time the speaker has mixed his analogies. Stated the warden sitting next to me, "Someone should be writing these down."

So consider it written.