we have coyotes!

Ah yes, we are VERY close to nature, apparently. Yesterday, when I went outside to look for the cell phone in my truck, I heard howling. A chorus of howling -- definately from several animals. It sounded pretty close, so I turned on the truck's headlights (the truck was facing the feild) to see if I could see anything. I didn't see any glowing eyes in the darkness (shudder), but I was rewarded with sudden silence. Which meant that they were close enough to see the truck's lights and know someone was out there.

I don't mind the howling -- its actually a somewhat lonely, beautiful sound. Haunting -- but beautiful. It's realizing they are probably hunting that makes me nervous; not for myself, but for my dog (the schnauzer) that would no doubt become coyote kibble if they caught him. Not good. And so I wasn't thrilled when I heard them.

Plus, as a kid, I used to have this recurring nightmares about wolves, coyotes and foxes. When I was about 6 or 7, my sister told me to be careful when I went outside because there were wild foxes on the loose, and they were bigger than our dog... and that they were very fast, and I wouldn't ever be able run fast enough if they chased me. I had a wild enough imagination without any help; but she had me believing that there were these huge red demon foxes with glowing eyes on the loose that loved to eat little girls. Why it didn't occur to me that she wasn't scared, so I should probably be suspicious, I don't know. However, I was terrified of foxes... and wolves, and I used to dream I was trapped, and they were hunting me; and they always cornered me and were pouncing... but I always woke up right before I was actually caught. So I'll sheepishly admit it... they still make me nervous. I love nature -- I think wolves are beautiful, but I'd rather have something between us, like, say for instance -- four solid walls. As for foxes, I was a bit chagrined when I saw my first one and it was smaller than my cat. I felt a bit stupid for ever being afraid of them.

But last night they weren't foxes, they were probably coyotes, and could have been wolves... so, like a little pansy, I ran back inside; I didn't need the phone that much, I decided. I made Nick come to the door so he would be there while I got in the car. Yes, I know, I'm a complete and utter wimp about some things.

And you're all thinking -- she's a security guard? That'll make everyone sleep better at night, knowing I'm pretty much useless when faced with the thought of danger (real or imagined).

Well, I'm out for the night. Ciao!