Peeping 'tom' frightens Deadwood woman

Rapid City Journal--Lawrence County Journal ^ | 08 dec 07 | Tim Velder

[rellimpank]

DEADWOOD -- Despite sitting in a hot, bubbling Jacuzzi on her deck Thursday morning, Marlene Todd froze.

She had just eased into in the hot tub a little after 7 a.m. on the deck of her Spring Street home when she heard some rustling beside her.

There was a mountain lion, crouching less than a foot away.

The lion must have been equally surprised. It was cornered somewhat because the deck stairs blocked its retreat. It would have to go up and over the hot tub.

[El Gato]

Even the most dedicated gun enthusiasts tend to put aside their weapons when they strip down to relax in a hot tub.

"Aside" need not mean "out of reach". When I lived in San Antonio, in an apartment which was only a few feet from a main thoroughfare, I would FReep with an M-1 Carbine "aside" my computer table, but well within reach. Any "drive by" shooters would have been in for a "leettle surprise".

[DancesWithCats]

... and what did she expect the police to do? Did she think the cat was still hanging around? Maybe he left to go get the oyster crackers and would be right back.