When I was in my mid-thirties, I was taking a shortcut across my parents' driveway going to my aunt's house. On the gravel side of the driveway was a snake, curled up in the sun. I'm not exaggerating- this thing was as big around and thick as a large truck tire. I do not think my feet hit the ground as I ran to my aunt's. She was elderly-old and small-sized, but afraid of nothing; she went out and clobbered the snake with a shovel. I've been creeped-out by snakes ever since- I don't care if they're boa constrictors or worms!
