I feel blessed every time I see one or two deer in my garden. Judging by the trails in the weeds, they come often. Which only adds to my unbridled thankfulness.

Addendum (January 21, 2019)

Deer are bashful, and they usually hop away as soon as they spot me on my terrace. It iz amazing to see them cross the length of the garden in three elegant hops before they disappear in the bushes. And elegant is the word, for they are far from small animals in spite of their thin legs. On occasion, though, they just keep watching me as they are chewing whatever they have found among the weeds. I sometimes talk to them so as to make them feel secure. “Don’t be afraid,” I start in a friendly but subdued voice and I show them my empty hands. “You are always welcome in my garden!” Every now and then, they appear to understand me. Walking along the deep trails, they search for another bite. And I quietly leave the terrace, hoping that they will stay for as long as they wish. My only discomfort is that my unbridled thankfulness might make them less afraid of my fellow humans. Alas, that would be a big mistake on their part! There are quite a few hunters in Motovun and its environs, and one can hear them shooting from time to time. They go for deer with relish. If they feel thankful about anything, it is the delicious meat only.