Chasing Deer

I thought the deer had moved on up the mountain for the summer where the lush grasses and a veritable feast of wild flowers grow. But I was wrong. I looked out the window yesterday morning to admire my promising strawberry patch. What was once covered with blossoms and healthy dark green leaves, was now stripped and unrecognisable. Most of the blossoms were gone and just bare stems with no leaves attached to them were sticking up into the air.

How long I stood there staring in disbelief, I do not know. But finally it donned on me what had happened and who most certainly did it! My eyes then wandered to my prize Creeping Phlox with their bright colors of pink, purple. Once again I narrowed my eyes and gritted my teeth as I observed a scene of devastation.

So this afternoon I was ready when I glanced out of the window and saw a deer wandering by, grazing as it went. I grabbed my shotgun and ran for the door. Opening it quietly I slipped out and aimed above their heads and shot. I think the blast startled me more that it did the deer; one gave a little jump and the other got up from where it was planning to bed down for the night and then they both just stood and stared at me.

Okay, I thought, I'll just leave the gun and chase them by foot out of the country! Still recovering from a surgery a few weeks ago, it was harder than I thought. The steep climb made my heart pound like crazy as I gasped for breath. And gasping for breath then made my lungs burn like never before. Out of the corner of my eye I saw the back end of a deer disappear behind some bushes way up the hill. So after recovering somewhat I renewed my vow to chase them over the mountain.

Twenty minutes later I reached the top of the first hill and not hide nor hair of those deer was to be seen anywhere. With some satisfaction and sence of accomplishment I headed back home. But just in case they show up again, I have covered with wire mesh what pitifully remains of the strawberry patch and the phlox.