Sandy, I don't think you are supposed to run away from havelenas. They are faster than you think. Friends tell me stand your ground, wave your arms high overhead and make lots of noise. They do not see well but boy can they tear up the plants, as in uprooting them.

We've lived in AZ almost 4 years and have yet to see a rattlesnake (knock on wood). I dread my first encounter as I know I will panic and scream!

We have a 4-H family behind us. They raise goats and pigs. I love standing in our driveway and talking to them! Alan goes inside and pretends like he doesn't know me. Karen, if I had been at your house, I would have gone outside and yelled "Mooooooo!"

Michele, how neat that you got a picture of the turkey with tail feathers spread. Those wild turkeys look a little different from the ones I've seen back East. I think yours are better looking!