Opinion : Learning Country Living - Shots Fired

Gene and I moved to rural Benton County in the fall of 2009. Our first year was filled with challenges as we learned to manage 14 acres, a long driveway, snow removal and . . . hunters. Fall 2009: We took Dolly Dog for her early morning walk down the driveway. It is so nice to be able to walk her without a leash. She gets in twice the miles that we do as she zig-zags in front of us like she is herding sheep. She loves all the interesting smells as we walk down the half mile long drive. Who knew the drive was so steep? It is fun going down, but coming up the hill is a challenge. The weather is cold and we are bundled up, but happy to be outside on this peaceful morning. Just as we rounded the curve, I heard shots fired. I hit the deck . . . literally. I'm squatted down on the driveway, my eyes are huge with fear . . and I look up and see Gene laughing. He is doubled over laughing and says between gasping breaths, "It's just hunters." I'm thinking, "Who cares! They are firing guns for God's sake." I've seen the stealthy movements of soldiers and action heroes on T.V. And I'm telling you, the ones who duck when shots are fired live longer than those who stand and look around. And for those who laugh . . . I'm not talking to you. Dolly dog, on the other hand, hides behind me just in case they are aiming our way. I glare at Gene and Dolly and try not to laugh. At this point, I remember a movie scene that made me laugh and I take off running in a zig-zag pattern and yell, "Run in a serpentine pattern and they can't hit you!" Seven years later, I am used to hearing shots fired every day. Now and then, I yell into the woods, "We're over here. Don't shoot!" Kathy Lariviere - Author www.laughwithkathy.com