There ARE things more important that birding in life! Eh gads … this sounds sacrilegious! Thankfully I have my priorities straight in life, and am enjoying some time off from hiking and photographing the Northwoods to greet my fourth grandchild, Maren Hoeg!

My granddaughter is enjoying a few winks surrounded by three generations of “Hoeg Bears”.

• The smallest and oldest bear, Tommy Bear, was given to me on the day I was born by my Dad some sixty years ago …
• The middle bear, Mr. Bear, I gave to my son, Carl, on the day he was born some thirty years ago …
• The youngest and biggest bear, yet to be named in the future by Maren, was given to her by my son Carl (her father) on her “birth day” last Thursday!

Tradition!