IN Which Bear Gets Ready for Town Meeting

"Well," sighed Bear. "That's that."

Bear had been working very hard. He found his tent, and brought it into town. He found his food supply (carefully stashed in a near-by mountain cave), but left it there until he could get set up in town.

Then he realized that, living in town, and town Humans having cupboards and shelves, he needed some cupboards and shelves. They could go beside his tent.

So he wandered back to one of his previous homes, and found his old friend Beaver. It was a very, very long trek. Having rejoiced at Bear's return, and having heard what Bear wanted, Beaver got busy and built some cupboards, with shelves on top. They worked by day, and partied at night — mostly telling stories of their adventures since Bear had moved on. What a time it was!

Getting the shelves made was the easy part. Getting them "from there to here" was a totally different matter.

But Bear, fortunately indefatigable, had persevered. First, he had found some saplings, which made runners on a sled. Then he hauled his cupboards and shelves across fields, through swamps, around towns, up hills and down, finally arriving at Blogland Lane.

So, with a little more work the tent was pitched in a favourable spot, the cupboard and shelves were safely located (with top and front covered with a tarp). Then, after all his travelling, Bear made one more trip. To the big cave, to retrieve his provision. Finally, his temporary home was ready. He was so excited! He was ready for whatever happened at Blogland Lane. He felt that he had been Humanized quite enough. Walking across the road to the lake, to enjoy a swim and maybe a fish, Bear saw the poster.

Blogland Lane Annual Town Meeting — beginning November 4, 2011.

Bear was thrilled! Then terrified. Finally a chance to meet the neighbours, if there are any. But would they feel comfortable with him? He hurried home after his swim (and fish lunch). He tidied up his shelves, his tent, his fire (putting on extra wood) and himself. He found some coffee, some tea, and some honey. "Tea with honey should be so inviting for any Humans around here," he thought. The preparations complete, Bear sat down on a log, to wait for visitors coming and going to the Town Meeting.

In Which Bear Decides to Pitch His Tent

Bear was disappointed by his experience at the Municipal Office.

"It's too bad she ran off," Bear thought. "We could have had such a delightful conversation."

But would have to wait for another time. Perhaps.

Having tramped around most of Blogland Lane, and feeling somewhat accustomed to the community, Bear decided to pitch his tent.

But where is the tent, and his meagre supplies?

"Oh, yes," thought Bear, "I had stashed all that in the bush before I came into town."

"So it's time for Bear to head back to the bush."

"Let's see," said Bear. "Probably I'll make a couple of trips. One for the tent; one for the provisions."

"I do understand," Bear thought, "that Humans like some short of shelter. I don't suppose I really need it, but it would make me seem more community-friendly if I have something for Humans to have over their heads when they come to visit." Bear was confident some would come. He had already met a couple; he knew there must be others.

So, off to the bush, to retrieve his belongings. He could have brought everything at one time, but decided to be more relaxed about it.

"Humans like creatures who seem more relaxed," he thought.

"Blogland Lane is a peculiar place," Bear said to himself. "An ideal place for a peculiar Bear." Bear, while not the brightest creature in the bush, at least understood peoples' impression of him.

And so he trundled off.