A skunk walks into a yard...

[lastlib]

3. I had a close encounter with a skunk once......several, actually....

A cold, snowy, February day, I had to go down in our woods to look for a cow that we thought was about to have a calf. Walking along, I saw a mother skunk and four babies trundling along, all in a straight line with Mama in the lead, through the snow--heading straight for me. Remembering my grandfathers wise words--"skunks always have the right-of-way"--I stopped and stood perfectly still. Mama didn't deviate from her course; she led her four babies right over the toes of my boots! as if I wasn't even there! (I could've kicked every one of those skunks for a field goal! but, of course, would've been headed for the shower and a tomato-soup bath if I had....)

Since I had boots on, Mama made no comment about the smell of my feet.