Every Morning

Melvin on his morning walk.

Every morning, Melvin and I walk the driveway out to the road and back. It’s a short walk, just under a half-mile round trip. We take our time and soak up the morning. This new country ritual is a perfect way to ease into the day. I usually don’t even bother to get dressed; just throw a coat over my flannel pajamas, put on my boots, a scarf, and gloves, and head out. Coffee mug in one hand. Binoculars in the other.

The other morning as I made my way back to the cabin, a rustle in the woods caught my attention. I turned and stopped to watch and listen.  A deer appeared through the trees. He galloped peacefully towards me for a few seconds, then turned slightly and continued across the drive, just a short distance in front of me. A few seconds later, a second deer followed the exact same path. Then another - each ran straight towards me, seemed to look me in the eye, then veered and continued on in graceful stride. It seemed as though they were saying, “we see you, neighbor, and we aren’t afraid.” It was a breathtaking experience - one of those moments when the beauty of nature leaves you speechless. Leaves you wondering, “did that really just happen?”

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