Finished designing the week’s story at the Why Files (day job), did chores, and shot a rabid (or sick with something, staggering stiff-legged around the dogyard) raccoon. All before 10am. Feeling a little Annie Oakley right now. Although if I were trully amazing, I would have done all of this before daybreak.

And if I was really Annie Oakley I wouldn’t have needed instruction.

It was all very 21st century here’s-how-you-shoot-a-raccoon gun-learnin’ experience. I’m sure it looked very funny (well not to the raccoon) as I get guidance from husband J on my cell: “Check that none of the bullets in the barrel are dented…ok take that one out…Red button means safety off!….Line up the bump with the groove…call me when you’re done.” Click.

OK, big swig of diet Coke…no shaking allowed you a tuff bitch now…put him out of his misery quick…ear protection in place (god how nerdy I look I’m sure)…focus…wait till he’s backed up to fence and still —swaying only slightly with sickness…kneel…aim…squeeze-don’t-pull…and (muffled) bam-echo…and he’s down, twitching. Did it.

Dogs safe to let out into dogyard now. Heading out to carve some (woodcut) blocks.

-Later y’all…