When I was just a boy in the late forties things moved along quite moderated we would do the usual days work, with its day in and day out chores and then there would be some time for hunting of squirrels and other varmints. Squirrel hunting was my favorite past time I always loved to be in the woods, early in the morning or late in the evening, was the best time to hunt squirrels.
The birds of all kind would come and go, singing and looking for food and some ground varmints to keep one interested.

The quite time away from the cares of life was a time to think and reflect on the many things in one's life.

I remember going hunting with two of my cousins; we went to the Flat Woods area to hunt squirrel. When we got to the woods we parted company and I took off by myself, at first the woods were quite, there was not much activity, I begin to move from one patch of woods to another. After changing sections of woods a number of times I became lost, In trying to find my way back to the truck, I realized that I could not figure out which way was the right way. I used my gun to signal for help by blowing through the barrel which was a common thing to do when one wanted to get someone attention, but no one came of answered by blowing their gun barrel to signal me.

I had been thought that moss grows on the north side of rocks and trees, which was some help. But it seems that the harder I tried the more confused I was about the way out of the woods.

By this time I am beginning to get somewhat scared and confused, as to what to do.
After setting and thinking for a while I thought I could make it back to the truck, as I went on my way which I thought was right, I came upon a small house setting in a small clearing.

I stopped to see if anyone could help, there were three rather large dogs that met me at the edge of the yard and held me off, until someone came to see who was there. When they came and ask me who I was looking for? I told them that I was squirrel hunting and had lost my directions to the truck.

Before they would offer any help, they needed to know where I was from, who my parents were, what I was doing in that part of the country, after I answered all of their questions. They said you are not far from where you left the truck and your cousins.

Was I ever glad to see the sight of that truck and my two cousins!
Some time later I realized that I was in the Gadberry area of adair County, where my Aunt Ada Wilson Shelton and family lived.

Another day in life in Adair County KY.

_Carlis B. Wilson