City deer galore

Sometimes after I take my nightly ride on the exercise bike I'll go walking with my wife, but she doesn't leave the house until a little before 8 p.m. because she wants to see the deer in the gully by Parkersburg Catholic High School. In fact, when she's walking her head is on a swivel as she looks for deer in the yards in the neighborhood.

Hardly an evening goes by without seeing a couple of deer, and sometimes as many as 10 or so ... young bucks, does and spotted fawns.

It's hilarious to watch them watching us. Their heads will pop up and their necks will extend to get a better look at the "wild creatures" watching them. My wife comments it's a visual exchange of who's watching whom.

Recently one of the bigger bucks apparently had been watched long enough and headed toward my wife, who being alone quickly showed good common sense and backed away ... very quickly.

While she likes seeing the deer, including when they nap in our back yard, she's not a bit fond of their eating her plants and flowers ... sometimes within feet of our front door.

I have to admit I think they're interesting to watch and listen to as they stroll down the street in front of the house or cross from PCHS to the golf course and disappear into the woods. I also think it's fascinating the way motorists stop and wait for the string of city deer to amble across the street, showing no fear of people or vehicles.

While I'm surprised more of them aren't stuck by passing motorists, I guess it's because we all watch out for them. Now if they'd just leave my wife's flowers alone.