It's Memorial Day weekend! You wouldn't know it from the weather, it's in the forties outside this morning. Spring has been crazy. We have always enjoyed this time of year and are aware of the new life that surrounds us out here in our country setting. Each year we delight in the bluebirds, as they multiply their number, and we enjoy any sightings of newborn fawns around our home. This year, however, we've managed to incur the wrath of one particular mama doe.
We first started noticing our dog, Pudge, playing some unusual games with this particular deer. He would be on his side of the small fence surrounding our expansive yard and the deer would simply stand on it's side, just staring him down while he barked incessantly at it. When we would intervene, the deer would bound away and we'd carry Pudge up to the house. I figured it was some sort of game at first. Then I noticed the deer apparently stalking us. It would come out of the heavily grown over areas and peer across the yard to see what we were up to near the house. Okay, I figured, this was a mama doe and she must have a baby somewhere near. We'd be on the lookout.
Then it happened! I was sitting under our deck on Mother's Day evening reading a book when I heard a commotion out front in the driveway. As I turned to the left to see what was going on, this mama doe came right around the deck posts in hot pursuit of poor Pudge, who was running for his life! He had to run around the patio, which is also contained by a small fence, and enter in the opening at the back of the deck. Thankfully, Mark encountered the attacking mama deer in the back yard and shooed her into the woods at the back of the house. Pudge was relieved and shaken by his encounter. He had two muddy hoof marks on his back and backside. Apparently, she meant business. Mama doe was seen stalking around the house the remainder of the evening.
For now, Pudge is not allowed freedom in the yard. As I was taking him on his before bedtime walk in the yard, I noticed something at the top of the driveway to Mark's new building. It was the fawn that mama doe had been , apparently, riled over. How unusual to see it right there in the open, curled up in front of the building. By morning, it was gone. Mama doe continues her stalking and we continue to keep Pudge tethered during his outings in the yard. Yesterday, the fawn was again left out in the open near the building, but again, was later gone. I believe this is the first year that a mama doe has had her baby within the confines of our little dog fences. It has sure made Spring a lot more exciting. I'll be glad when the little one learns to clear the fence so things can get back to normal around here.
As far as other happenings, the bluebirds are already working on their second brood. After only one set of babies last year, this is a wonderful blessing for us. I'm working at our flower and vegetable gardens. The gerbera daisies and morning glories from last year are doing well. And, finally, it looks like I'll have beautiful hollyhocks, after two unsuccessful years of anticipating the colorful blooms.
We continue our Esther Bible study and hope to have a summer class for this, in addition to our Sunday morning class. I've been reading a C.S. Lewis book, which I hope to reveal more about at a later time, as it's been a very curious journey which has led me to this particular book. And I might add one last thought that I have concerning the UpperRoom devotion readings. God continues to enlighten me with the verses highlighted each day. I was especially enthralled with the focus of Thursdays reading, which reminds us to not become like the Pharisees of Jesus' time. We must be careful to remember that the reason for the law was to bring us closer to God. If we lose sight of God's overall purpose of loving others, we are getting ourselves off track, just as those woeful church leaders had gotten dangerously off track.
It looks to be a beautiful day, though cool outside. I'll be remembering the services and sacrifices of our military families and those we've lost protecting our freedoms. Have a blessed holiday weekend. Stay safe. love, Susan
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