Smokey's Webcam!
Wondering what our five little bear cubs are up to? Check out the webcam!
PLEASE help keep the webcam going! Please make a donation with the button below. This is not cheap and we are allowing access to the webcam -- at no charge -- rather than making a minimum charge for 15 minutes or something similar. Please, if you like the camera, we would ask that you make a nominal donation which will allow us to keep it going. Thank you!
Good morning everyone! I think that I finally saw all 5 cubbies in the playroom! Big case of "slap the bear" going on - and our little tire cubbie - sure loves that tire! So cute and great way to start the day!
Getting excited - 10 days, 23 hrs, 10 mins for LS Day! Wahoo! Can't wait to meet everyone!
Posted by: Vicki E - Tucson, AZ | July 06, 2009 at 09:51 AM
Lencho,
I'm very sorry for loss. Be comforted in knowing that he will be kept alive in the memories and thoughts that you have of him. May friends and family be of great comfort to you.
Dana
Posted by: Dana | July 06, 2009 at 07:54 AM
Good morning,
Just a couple of items this morning: first, we're keeping the new blog design through the end of July, due to popular demand. :)
Second, Adam and Celeste let us know that Saving Li'l Smokey is now available for purchase! Visit the home page of the blog for the link to buy your copy ($11.99).
Have a wonderful day, everyone!
Karen
Posted by: Karen | July 06, 2009 at 07:23 AM
Sandy.....what did you decide about Li'l Smokey Day?
Posted by: Linda, Redding, CA | July 06, 2009 at 07:14 AM
Awwwww..silly little bear playing on top of the tire swing, how cute. They are all so adorable.
Posted by: Sandy,Plumas County, Ca. | July 06, 2009 at 07:08 AM
Good morning everyone, and good morning to the little cubs.
Posted by: Sandy,Plumas County, Ca. | July 06, 2009 at 06:58 AM
10 days and 8 hours until we are in SLT......=))))) Not that I'm counting often or getting excited!!!!!!!!!!!! HA!!!!!!!! At one time, Li'l Smokey Day seemed so FAR away...now, its closer and closer! WooooHoooo....can't wait!
Cubs are in the playroom....still a little dark! LOL
Posted by: Linda, Redding, CA | July 06, 2009 at 05:21 AM
Lencho....
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your familyâ¥
Posted by: Denise Brown | July 05, 2009 at 07:28 PM
Lencho,
Please accept my sincere sympathy with the passing of your father.
May his spirit and his love for you, and yours for him, dwell in your heart forever.
Posted by: Sue from Redding | July 05, 2009 at 04:40 PM
Lencho, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You knew at the end how much you were loved and your Dad knew that that loved was returned by you even though you had turned from the intensity. He might have been making up for times in the past when he might not have told you how much you were loved, but he knew that it needed to be said now. It almost sounds like he choose the time to say goodbye. At least you were there for him while he was here. Remember all the good times. You were proud of him and you have done him proud - and this he knew also. At least he is at peace and without pain now. He sounds like a wonderful man who had raised a wonderful son.
Remember your Lil Smokey family will keep you and your family in our hearts and prayers at this time. Our sympathies are with you all.
God bless you all and give you strength.
Thank you for letting us know so we can keep you in our prayers. When you are feeling up to keep, please come back to us. We miss your missives.
Lots of ♥ love ♥ and (((hugs))) are coming your way from your Blog family. Be strong. Be proud.
Posted by: Vicki E - Tucson AZ | July 05, 2009 at 04:01 PM
Lencho,
Lonny and I send our sympathy and prayers to you in the loss of your Dad. Be thankful for the memories you have made, by being there...so close to him. These will stay alive in your heart forever...that can't be taken away! Remember his "look" of love when he looked at you! Blessings!
Lonny and Linda
Posted by: Linda, Redding, CA | July 05, 2009 at 03:20 PM
Lencho-
I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad. You were with him when it counted-the last steps of his journey here, preparing him for another journey. Many of us can't say that we were there at the end/beginning. I have alot of I wish I would have... You got to say & do everything you wanted to. That is a true gift. Your Dad & your family are in my prayers.
Willow Allie
Tracy, Ca
Posted by: Willow | July 05, 2009 at 01:29 PM
Lencho, So sorry for your loss. Your dad was very lucky to have you by his side at this time. He was obviously a very wonderful man, to have raised a fine son like you. Please know that all of us here on Lil SMokey's blog have you in our thoughts. When you are feeling better, please come back and write some of your wonderful poems and insights about the animal world; especially the bears. God Bless! Carolyn ((((:::))))))
Posted by: carolyn ford | July 05, 2009 at 01:08 PM
Lencho - My heart goes out to you and your family. From your previous posts about your father, it is clear that he was a good man who lead a good and honorable life. He also raised a good man. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Posted by: eCarolw in Sacramento | July 05, 2009 at 12:22 PM
Sorry to hear of your Dad's death. We have been blessed to have them for as long as we have. Love and memories will keep alive in your heart. Thoughts and prayers to you and yours.
Posted by: Marsha OH | July 05, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Lencho, I am sending you and your family love and prayers, too.
Posted by: Mimi Routh - Mount Shasta, CA | July 05, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Lencho,
On behalf of all of the volunteers and staff here at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, I would also like to send along my condolences. It is never easy to lose a loved one, especially when you know the end is near and nothing can be done except to offer your love. Your 'other' family, here on the blog, is here to keep you strong, so you must feel the love being sent your way. Don't think of this as an end, rather to a new chapter in YOUR book of life.
All our best to you and your family.
Tom
Posted by: Tom @ Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care | July 05, 2009 at 09:56 AM
Lencho, my deepest sympathy to you and your family during this difficult time. Dad fought a long hard battle and is out of pain and at peace. I know he shared your joy in all the time you have spent together making more memories and those are the ones you want to keep in your heart.
Posted by: Bobbie D (Central Valley CA) | July 05, 2009 at 09:28 AM
Lencho, our sincerest sympathies to you and your family. Remember the love and the good times, and know he is at peace. God bless you all.
Posted by: Kat and Colin | July 05, 2009 at 09:27 AM
Lencho...Im so sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to you and your family. My deepest sympathy. Always keep him in your heart.
Posted by: Sandy,Plumas County, Ca. | July 05, 2009 at 09:24 AM
I am so sorry Lencho. My thoughts are with you at a very difficult time. Know that you are loved.
Posted by: Pam | July 05, 2009 at 09:14 AM
Carolyn,
Thank You for answering my question about the cinder block area. I thought it was probably something like that
Posted by: calkid | July 05, 2009 at 09:08 AM
my deepest sympathy to you and your family lencho....
Posted by: sharon from sacramento | July 05, 2009 at 09:03 AM
Lencho
My heart goes out to you in your Dad's passing. (((HUGS)))
Posted by: Dee from Woodland, CA | July 05, 2009 at 08:58 AM
My Father died in his sleep about two hours ago. We last talked to him about 4:30 am and woke up about 8;00 am to find him gone. The EMTs are here and we are waiting for the police to come. I got him his last morning paper and tucked it under his arm. I love him so much.
Jack Lawrence Waters 1926-2009
Posted by: Lencho | July 05, 2009 at 08:53 AM
smile tom !!!!! see ya soon
Posted by: sharon from sacramento | July 05, 2009 at 08:44 AM
Lencho.....you will hold that memory forever. Next time, please don't turn away from the intensity. We are never ready to let our parents go. I was with my Dad when he passed and it was so loving and peaceful. Don't leave anything unsaid...tell him how much you love him, share some favorite memories with him, bear hugs are wonderful and speak volumes without saying anything (gentle bear hugs!). "May mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you." Jude 2
Bear hugs!
Linda
Posted by: Linda, Redding, CA | July 05, 2009 at 07:21 AM
Lencho, I am so glad you are getting to spend this time with your father. Mine died in the hospital early one morning last November, unexpectedly, with only a nurse nearby. My prayers are with you and your family as I know no matter how much time you have to prepare it is never easy to lose a loved one.
Please try to remember that when he is gone, he is out of pain and in a happier place. And he'll want you to hold on to the good memories and be happy. He'll never really be gone, as he lives on in your heart. *Hugs*
Posted by: Kat, NC | July 05, 2009 at 07:13 AM
Dad will soon go to hospice. He has always loved me more than he could say & now it is nearly impossible as he can barely talk, but today he looked at me & I saw his eyes slowly fill w/ a lifetime of love for me & I turned away from its intensity. Here at the end the walls came down & I was not ready. Now I stand w/ the afterimage burning in my brain, wishing I could have held that moment forever.
Posted by: Lencho | July 05, 2009 at 12:55 AM
Tom.......what's the difference between the cam you have and a cam with sound? Just curious!
12 days and counting!!!! Can not wait until I get to meet more Li'l Smokey Family...and see the ones I've already met! What a great time this one year anniversary will be! =)
Posted by: Linda, Redding, CA | July 04, 2009 at 08:03 PM
Quite a drama just now with girl-bear and boy in and around the pool, completely submerged. Hard to tell if they're tusseling with each other or the fish or the tire. Looks funny when the whole bear is in the pool except the tush! For a second it looked like a polka. Then they took the argument off-camera. Their attention span seems very short, but that's probably what they need in the wild.
Posted by: Mimi Routh - Mount Shasta, CA | July 04, 2009 at 05:40 PM
It was my pleasure to wear my Lil Smokey T-shirt today. A couple of folks noticed and asked about it. And I was only too happy to tell the story of our rescued, rehabbed and released cub.
I wish I could make the reunion event, but I live too far away. I'll be thinking of you.
Posted by: SC | July 04, 2009 at 05:06 PM
Hi Dee in Woodland, Someone will probably answer this before I do, but the cinder block area is a swimming and eating fish area for when the cubbies are bigger. It holds a lot of water and makes a great learning area for them. I know this because I got to clean it once last year. They did a great job building it; even has a drain for the water to go out. The bigger bears loved it, and yes, it gets really messy!!!Great for hot days though. It is hot here again today, the cubbies must be napping right now. Still counting the days until we all get to meet. It is going to be so much fun! Everyone have a happy and safe day today!
Posted by: Carolyn Ford | July 04, 2009 at 01:13 PM
Happy July 4th Li'l Smokey Family! May your day be blessed in a special way.
Karen.....like the festive layout! Good work!
Linda~~
Posted by: Linda, Redding, CA | July 04, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Those little tykes remind me of the "terrible two year olds". They really move and get into everything. What a joy it must be to take care of them. LTWC does a great job. Thanks.
Posted by: Marsha | July 04, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Everyone enjoy the holiday.
Love the web page change Karen.
I am really looking forward to meeting all of you.
Don't forget to say a prayer for our military and their families.
Posted by: Sue from Redding | July 04, 2009 at 11:42 AM
Happy 4th of July to all. Karen - Love the new look, maybe we should keep it for the month of July, as we are celebrating the Li'l Smokey Re-union all this month!!
Posted by: Pam | July 04, 2009 at 10:34 AM
Good morning Family! Happy 4th of July to you all! Karen - love the new look! I see that Tom is cleaning up after the kids this morning. They DO make a mess, don't they?
Have a safe wonderful day everyone!
Posted by: Vicki E - Tucson AZ | July 04, 2009 at 09:29 AM
Looks great Karen. Hope you have a great 4th too.
Oh, you may want to change the heading when you change it back to 5 cubs instead of 7.
Take care!
Posted by: Kathy | July 04, 2009 at 09:05 AM
Karen,
I love the 4th of Jul blog design.
Everyone have a safe and happy 4th and remember all of the animals wild and domestic to keep them happy and safe while you enjoy your fireworks too.
Posted by: Dee from Woodland, CA | July 04, 2009 at 09:00 AM
Karen...I love the blog design. That's really neat...Happy 4th to all at LTWC
Posted by: Denise Brown | July 04, 2009 at 08:57 AM
Happy 4th everyone! I've changed the blog design just for the weekend.
Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!
Posted by: Karen | July 04, 2009 at 08:20 AM
It's 7 a.m. and I have been watching the pack for about 30 minutes. They are very active and playing "king of the tire". They checked to see if breakfast had arrived yet. They are very busy this morning. Happy 4th of July to all.
Posted by: Peggy, Pittsburgh,Pa | July 04, 2009 at 06:57 AM
Morning babies. I see you're up bright and early! Everyone - have a great 4th.
Posted by: Dana | July 04, 2009 at 06:36 AM
Tom and Cheryl - thank you so much for the email. I am getting SO excited! 13 long days away! Since hubby and I will flying in, where can we find uncleaned fish for you and the best place for fruit and veggies? (and kleenex - thanks Linda from Redding for the reminder!) LOL!!
Can't wait to meet you all! ♥ ♥ ♥ Have a very wonderful 4th Holiday!
Posted by: Vicki E - Tucson AZ | July 03, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Have had a good time watching the bear cubs fishing and eating watermelon with the sun shining in. It must be beautiful there. Thank you LTWC!
Posted by: Linda SF | July 03, 2009 at 10:10 AM
I know this has been answered probably many times, but what is the cinder block inclosure in the bottom left corner? thanks.
Posted by: calkid | July 03, 2009 at 10:04 AM
Good Morning!
Gee. I am not one of those who are counting that they have 14 days, 3 hours and 5 mins until reunion.
Posted by: Dee from Woodland, CA | July 03, 2009 at 08:56 AM
I just adore these little bears! :) Their playroom is soooooooo cool!!! :)
LOL
Posted by: Rae | July 03, 2009 at 08:16 AM
13
Posted by: Linda, Redding, CA. | July 03, 2009 at 07:23 AM