Rattlesnakes

I have the upmost respect for snakes --- especially those sporting rattles. Growing up in the country requires being on alert for the reptiles that scare the hell out of me. There is no such thing as a gentle reminder when one comes across a rattlesnake. The survival instinct kicks in and that usually means running the opposite direction of the snake.

Sam came across one last weekend while operating the bulldozer. He said he "chased" the rattlesnake with the dozer and was so proud for not damaging the rattles. The trophy boasts sixteen rattles and a button. That, my friends, is a big ass snake.

Daisy survived a rattlesnake bite that she received about five years ago. The fur never did grow back where she was struck and the scar reaches from her paw to her shoulder.

I've come close to being struck by a snake several times in my life. They would be drawn to the patio due to the warmth of the concrete at the end of the day. I once opened the screen door and reached for the wooden door when I heard "BBZZZZZZZ"! There was a rattlesnake coiled up on the threshold of the door. I slammed the door and ran like hell. I was only 10 years old at the time.

In walking through tall grass in a field a couple of years ago with Sam and Trey, we came across a slithering snake. I stepped on the snake and let out a "SON OF A BITCH!" and went the opposite direction. In turn, Trey was high stepping it to the road. And Sam? He stopped and was looking for rocks to throw at the snake. Sam - 1; Snake - 0. The only time I feel brave around a snake is when I'm in my vehicle and I can run over the damn thing.

As I was walking to the shearing barn today to turn off the water pump breaker, I catch a glimpse of something in the grass. SON OF A BITCH! It's a snake! And by the time I realize I have access to an endless supply of rocks, I lose sight of the snake. I am not brave enough to go scouting around in the grass to find it. My biggest fear? Where there is one snake there are bound to be several more.....