Dear Deer

July 7, 2011

Dear Deer,

  For starters, let me tell you that I think you are really beautiful.  You are one of God's creations and I think He did a good job with you!!  So stately, so gorgeous.. And your babies... adorable!  Your antics are funny, such as the classic "white" surrender flag as you run away... or the snorts you issue as you take off.  I especially enjoy watching fawns frolic...

All in the comfort of my backyard!  You seem to like it here, or more accurately at my neighbor's house who feed you (bread and waste corn as far as I can tell).  They must really like you too.  Unfortunately, you ignore human boundaries - but who can blame you?  A fence is just seen as an obstacle in your way - easy to go around, or jump, as need be.

 
  But this is where our relationship must end... I enjoy watching you from a far... definitely NOT in the road, or next to it, which is where I sometimes see your cousins... But you guys, I like seeing you almost every night in the back by the woods... I really do!!! I hope you trust me in that.. but you really need to get the next part...
 

I am NOT feeding you.  The bird seed is for the birds (imagine that!).  The flowers are for beautification... and also for the butterflies and birds.  My bushes are for the birds.  Are you seeing a trend here?  I feed birds - I draw a line at mammals.  I don't even feed squirrels (although they occasionally take a few seeds.. never the -entire- feeder, mind you).
  So, please, take this as a kind reminder to stay at a distance.. enjoy the neighbor's food.. but please STOP eating my wildflowers, bushes, trees, tomato plants.. etc. etc. etc.  I would really appreciate it!



Sincerely,

Lindsay (aka the woman who likes to get close to you and take your picture!)