The sky was gray, dotted with a mixture of brown, yellow and red leaves clinging to the trees. Nature's betrayal to Fall, snow, evident on neighborhood lawns and tree limbs. November 13, two days before the official opening day of firearm deer season.
Although we are two days away from the official season, I have heard gun shots daily. Which might explain the numerous deer sightings I've had over the last couple days. Normally these sightings increase my grip on the steering as well as my anxiety. Today's experience left me smiling and somewhat calm. I was driving minding my business and maybe the road when a six-point danced in front of me on Oakland Dr.
He started his dart toward the traffic lanes and pivots on his heels, heading back to the driveway to hide behind a naked tree. After a moment or two he realized he was way too big to be fully camouflaged. He raced toward the street where he paused, standing strong and impressive. I and the other drivers begin our timid move forward. As I passed, I watched him in the rear-view mirror, he continued to watch the traffic.
Something about this deer experience did not freak me out. A major milestone for me. Growing up in Michigan, there was no shortage of deer experiences, near collisions and stories about deer. I'm not sure how my intense paranoia about colliding with deer started. Knock on wood I have never collided with a deer. This intense paranoia encouraged me to train my car seat bound child to watch for deer. He was trained for deer patrol early in his life. His sole job on daycare mornings was to alert me to nearby deer. Shameful I know. True none the less.
One more deer story. This one did increase my anxiety and heartrate. David and I were enjoying a beautiful summer ride on the Indian Roadmaster. Feeling the bike take curves around the lake was freeing, relaxing. The view and the smell of the water flooded my mind. The bike suddenly slowed, and I felt David grunt. Not good. Instinctively, I hold tighter moving my eyes to the front of the bike. Standing squarely on the yellow line was a beast of a deer. This gangsta deer held his ground and stared us down. He had no intention of moving. David revved the engine. This deer still did not move. We sat. He stood. He proved he was the alpha. When he was ready, he sauntered into the woods. He probably got some sort of deer scout badge for dominating the humans.
Although my time in/on moving vehicles often produces a level of angst about deer, I routinely admire their grace and beauty. I believe their presence is a gentle reminder to slow down and accept the good fortune heading our way.
Best wishes to the hunters this season. And of course, continued answer to my prayers for deer sightings only.
Happy Deer Hunting Season
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