I'm back from my in-laws. They're a pretty easygoing bunch, so there was no drama, or even worse, stabbing with carving knives. All of my favorite nieces were there, along with their extremely cute and well-spoken children. As is traditional for a Wisconsin Thanksgiving, all of the menfolk were hanging out in their hunting shack, gutting out Bambi's mom, and keeping an eye peeled for gun-toting lunatics. The recent killings are a big topic of conversation, as you might suspect. Although the facts are still unclear at this point, the general consensus is that you never escalate a trespassing situation when guns are involved.

Their guest cabin had a great view of the nearby lake, which had just frozen over and had a light dusting of snow. It was dead quiet at night, despite the fact that my in-laws kennel 20 sled dogs. The woods surrounding the cabin abound with wildlife. I spotted a fisher cat near the shore while drinking my morning coffee. I wouldn't want to tangle with that critter in the dark.

On the way home, we passed the usual parade of trucks loaded down with bleeding deer carcasses strapped to the pickup bed, but I actually counted more dead bucks on the side of the highway. Even though I largely consider deer to be pests, I'll be glad when slaughtering hunting season is over.