"Deer" to my Heart

One of my fondest childhood memories were the times spent with my Dad looking for deer. I can remember many evenings the whole family would pile into my Dad's truck and head for the local apple orchard to "spot" for deer. He had this giant spotlight that when plugged into the cigarette lighter could light up the universe. He would drive ever so slowly while my sister and I would take turns sweeping the light across the apple orchard trying to catch the glowing eyes of unsuspecting deer. There is something to that phrase "like a deer caught in the headlights". Those poor deer were probably blinded by the light of that spotlight. As we drove on, my Dad would share with us all of his "deer wisdom".

1. Deer always travel in numbers.

2. When one deer crosses the road always wait a minute--more will follow.

3. When looking for deer, focus on the woods edge.

My Dad even took me deer hunting with him once. The key word here is ONCE. Don't worry I didn't carry a gun I just went along to spend time with him. After we made a slight adjustment to the outfit my Mom sent for me to wear in the woods, we were ready for our adventure. An adjustment you ask? Well she sent a nice warm BROWN coat and for my head-- a pretty WHITE crocheted hat with a giant WHITE pom pom. Could I have looked more like a deer? Thankfully my Dad replaced all of this with the brightest orange I ever saw. All was going well until a little field mouse popped right out of the grass and ran across my legs. I screamed so loud that I am sure deer from miles around knew of our presence. Like I said before, he only took me once. But what fond memories I have. To this day I always find myself on the look out for deer. Imagine my surprise when I looked out of my bedroom window and spotted a whole family of deer just hanging out in my neighbors yard. They didn't even mind me hanging out of my window, camera in hand, snapping pictures like a crazy woman. If I could have only read their thoughts. Here are some of the pictures I was able to capture.......

I was so excited to see these beauties so close I must have stood at my window for a half an hour just watching them. I wonder how I will feel when they return in the Spring to nibble on the tender sprouts in my flower garden....