Snow, Deer and a Coyote! Oh My!

Before we get to today's picture, I want to take a minute to explain what I've learned in the last three weeks.  First, I've learned that I can stick with something for twenty one consecutive days.  For me, that's a noteworthy achievement.  Second (and most importantly), I've learned that some times you plan life and some times, life just happens.  Some days I wake up with a plan of what the days entry will be about.  But others, something extraordinary happens and I'm honored to have been present to capture it.  Hopefully, everyone else finds them as extraordinary as I do.

Now, on to today.....

Yesterday I was complaining about the snow.  This morning, it was beautiful.  As I was staring out the window, watching the snow sparkle in the morning sun, I was thrilled to see a beautiful doe wander into our backyard.  Talk about picture perfect.  I watched for a moment and grabbed my camera, hoping and praying I'd get one good shot.  As I'm shooting, I'm more awestruck as another deer appears.  Then another and another.  Soon, we've got a yard full.

But the story continues.  I'm standing on a kitchen chair, snapping away and Jeff is watching out the window.  Both of us very careful not to spook them.  What a great opportunity, little did I know it was about to get better.  With no notice, the deer began to scatter.  I don't mean they trotted off (do deers even trot?), I mean they took off like they were running for their life......

I was confused to say the least.  We had been VERY careful not to scare them.  Then Jeff saw him.  He was slinking near the tree line and then he ventured into the yard. 

A coyote!  Right there, in our yard.  I snapped quickly, but he wasn't posing for very long.  About half way through the yard, he made it back into the wooded area and was quickly out of sight. 

I woke up this morning thinking it would be a normal day.  Tonight, I will go to bed thankful to have been reminded we're not on the planet alone.  Life is all around us, you just don't always get lucky enough to see it.