Time once again for my presentation to a hunter safety class. And for some unknown reason, after carrying it around every day unchecked for five or six years, I decide to check my laser ahead of time.

And discover the "on" button has broken off.

Which is easily repaired before my presentation.

How fortuitous.

Now, if only I'd thought to check the batteries...

So this leaves me driving home shortly after sunset. On a cold, windy, blizzardy night.

Yeah. I took the scenic route.

Unfortunately, all was quiet and peaceful.

The only things stirring a silent, black shadow of a squirrel and an unsettled mule deer.

I travel slowly and silently through the graveyard, finding myself with a darkening view of town,

Shrouded in gently falling snow.

And I feel I am not alone. There are eyes looking down upon me.

Wondering 'What the hell are you doing in my graveyard tonight?'

So I leave this world of silent shadows, and return to the silent world of civilization.

Only to discover an unnatural glow rising from home.

'Course, when you live in a BladeRunner landscape, that's to be expected.