Critters aren't a-moosed by people's attention

While the tradition of the swallows returning to Capistrano seems to receive all of the publicity, Sandpoint seems to be starting a tradition of its own.

The moose have returned to Sandpoint!

Moose watcher Grant Merwin saw his first Westwood neighborhood moose on Christmas Eve in 2007. This year the moose family returned on New Year's Eve.

There were a few moose sightings in and around downtown Sandpoint during the Christmas holiday, including one who wanted to check out the new Panhandle State Bank building.

The high snow level in the upper elevations last year forced the area moose population down into the populated areas. Unfortunately for the moose, two-legged creatures and moose don't get along so well…and it isn't the moose's fault.

We had reports of people chasing moose on bikes and running after them last year.  This year, there has already been a report of a driver in a red car honking the car horn and chasing a moose down the road.

You read it here first … don't mess with a moose. They have been known to stomp humans to death. They are faster than you are and operate on instinct and aggression and could care less if you want to take a picture or pet one.

Last year Sandpoint Police Chief Mark Lock-wood made international news when he warned residents to "be on the lookout for Bullwinkle" in a story in the Bee that was picked up by the Associated Press.

Enjoy our newest visitors from a distance.

Speaking of traditions, it looks like we have a bit of an exchange program going on around here. The coots have taken up residence on Lake Pend Oreille while a whole flock of old coots have left the area and were last seen heading for Arizona … and Hawaii. You know who you are.

I knew Santa-Point was missing something this Christmas but I couldn't put my finger on it until I recently ran into my friend, Maria Larson.

She is an artist, who with stroke of a brush, turns a storefront window from glass into a winter wonderland during the holidays. She has done the Da Bee windows for years and her work always draws raves.

She dropped me this note:

"I would like to somehow tell the community how sorry I am to have painted so few windows this season due to my mom's passing.

"The businesses have always been so supportive to me and I hate to have  mostly failed in my attempt to get to them this year.

Also, the general public gives me such a positive response as I'm painting and they say they love seeing their town look so festive and cohesive.

"The visitors from out of town are even more complimentary and I always ask them to tell that to the business owners as they are the ones to be congratulated for their cooperation. I plan to get back to window painting next year, perhaps even early so as to get to everyone.

"Use your best judgment as to how to word this or where to place it in the paper. I just wanted people to know I didn't mean to neglect my 'duties' but this year I had a few other things on my plate. Thanks for your help with this matter."

Now everyone knows, Maria.

Here's hoping you have a merrier Christmas next year and that you find time to share your gift with the rest of us.

E-mail of the week: You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.

David Keyes is publisher of the Daily Bee.