Ohh Deer, Merry Christmas

Christmas afternoon my husband and I were able to sneak out for a walk. It was kind of grey, and not really as warm as it has been, but a change of scenery was very much needed. We have both agreed between the eating, crazy schedules, and general hustle and bustle of the season a walk and some fresh air would do us good.

We wondered down the laneway, through the swampy lowlands.

I think this guy was fishing for dinner in the stream, and didn’t know what to do when he realized we were so near, and thought the stream would be his quickest escape route! You can’t really tell from the picture, but this was a healthy looking coon. He was big and definitely had his winter coat on, still I couldn’t help but think it was a little too cold for a dip.

Halfway through our walk, we came upon a doe and her fawn. She was very aware of us, but unlike the raccoon didn’t make such a hasty exit. She just kept a cautious eye on us.

She watched us head off in the other direction, and went back to foraging for her dinner.

When we were headed back home we circled around the pair again, this time coming from behind them, the pair was right near our path home, and we were able to get a little closer. We both stopped and watched. For a few brief moments, we stood.

Silent, still, and in quiet reflection.

It was such a gift to be able to spend some quiet time during a season of relentless activity with my husband, and take in the natural world around us.

Better than anything under the tree.

I hope you are able to spend some down time with someone you love this holiday season!