I Blame Lisa!

Lisa, at Laughing Orca Ranch, and I were having an email discussion. Due to her immobility, I shall entertain her with my answers.

Lisa commented, HAH! Sure, count yourself tagged with your blog assignment. And you can answer these questions, too.

1)Have you ever had any of those critters as a pet?

I have had deer, rabbits, raccoon, mice, snakes, spiders and possums for pets. My oldest daughter raised a possum with a bottle. Herman was a sable possum and really quite pretty. When we went on vacation(girls only), hubby was in charge of Herman's care. With his mamma gone, Herman refused to eat. Through many tearful phone calls, (not Hubby's), Den was directed to get him bananas, walk him in the yard and talk to him. I'm not talking to a possum in my front yard! Someone may come by and see us! By the end of the week, Herman was not moving to drink or eat. Melissa came home and there lay Herman, barely hanging on. He heard his mama'a voice and staggered to her and happily began to eat. Herman grew to be a healthy, rather large, guard possum. Since he was a he, we did release him in the wild. Herman came to visit us less often as he quickly discovered he was not human.

2)Have you ever eaten Road Kill? (Isn't there a Road Kill Festival somewhere near you where they make road kill stew and other delicious delicacies?)

We don't call it road kill if it's still moving!

I do not know of any festivals, although, before the health laws were so strict, a freshly killed deer was taken to the school or nursing home to help expand the lunch menus.

I personally have never eaten road kill...now there was that one time. I was on my way to work and a gentleman had hit a large buck with his car. I stopped to assist and the deer was not dead. I asked if he was going to finish him since the deer's back was broken. He did not know what I meant, nor did he have a tool. I pulled my trusty Buck knife outta my pocket and ending the deer's suffering humanely. I said I cannot dress him, I have to go to work and I did not want blood on my uniform. I contacted the sheriff(this was before cell phones). By this time the gentlemen had found a dull knife. In tandem we removed the scent glands and loaded him into the back of the car. This guy knew nothing! In my neck of the woods, this is an unknown animal, a man who cannot finish a deer nor field dress one! He shook my bloody hand as I left and said I will never forget you. A week later, the local butcher called and said there was meat left for me from this guy who hit the deer. I liked to brag that I got a bigger buck than anyone at work and didn't even fire a shot.

3)Is there any kind of meat you will not eat? Mammal, Amphibian, Reptile?

I will try anything...once. If you do not try it, how will you know if you do not like it? I could not eat a horse, unless I was literally starving to death...have to draw the line somewhere!

4)Have you eaten frog legs before?

Yes, haven't you? One of my favorite dishes but you have to remember to remove the main tendon in the leg or they will "hop" when they are cooked. I have gigged for frogs and that is an adventure unto itself.

5)How about Snail?

Never have had the opportunity but would try it...once. I hear it is very expensive.

Lisa said, "Knock your ever lovin' socks off, my friend! So what's your favorite meat and why? Raccoon, opossum, squirrel, rabbits, turkey, deer? What's your least favorite to eat?"

I have eaten raccoon many times. I like it barbecued whole. It must be a young one or it will taste strong. Groundhog and Possum are a little too greasy for me, like eel, they are good only when warm.

I love deer tenderloin, and deep fried wild turkey (way better than domestic turkey), squirrel and rabbits make the best dumplings.

Now, I hear the snickers and the jokes about the Arkansas Hillbilly here. But want to know something? When the groceries stores are empty, I will still have something to eat...hope it is not armadillo!!!