About 1/4 of the way into the sanctuary along the main path, a white tailed deer surprised me! Of all the years I've been going there, this is a first I've ever seen here. It took me by surprise so much, I was still startled while snapping the shutter and the outcome is blurry. And she took off all too soon to get a 2nd chance.
Here are more images along the walk. Breathe deep, enjoy the silence of the early morning hour...
After I walked the entire path to the river, I circled around the larger of the two ponds and then headed back to the car. I took a side trip to another park in Calallen, Texas. Just a driving trip mostly. I did get out of the car to see the birds at the feeding station and drip system. All in all, I sighted a hawk, several green jays, cardinals, titmouses [the plural can be both titmice or titmouses - from online: "The plural form of titmouse is titmouses"], ground doves, mockingbirds, widgeons on the large lake, woodpeckers [golden fronted and downy]. I was hoping to see deer, but no go this time around. I then headed home....I had made veggie lasagna for dinner before I left and it was in the 'fridge ready to heat up [I make it very early in the day, not cooking the noodles beforehand...the sauce softens the noodles as it 'marinates' in the 'fridge under a foil wrapping]. When I got home, I made an apple pie for dessert. To round off the meal, a tossed salad and garlic bread.
If you missed Part One...click here
we had veggie lasagna for Christmas day and lots of left overs to follow, but mine was a frozen Stouffers. we do love it and have not had one since I went on my new food plan 3 years ago. I still weigh the same, which means I did good... I would be happy just seeing a deer, even with a blurry photo for proof
ReplyDeleteI like the veggie version much better than the meat sauce!!
DeleteThe silence of early morning hours in areas like this is priceless. Nice shots. We have so many deer here that they are a road hazard and are destructive to all growing gardens and fields. They are also magnificent in the wild, especially the bucks in full antler.
ReplyDeleteIndeed...silence of an early morning hour is so soothing and gives me a boost for the entire day.
DeleteThe dear was really eyeing you. You have the neatest places to walk. Had to smile. I know Titmouses is correct but I want so badly to say Titmice:)
ReplyDeleteShe definitely was. I think I surprised her as much as she surprised me.
DeleteYour dinner sounds so good! I bet you are a great cook. Love these red leaves. And though blurry, the deer picture is very pretty! Because she is looking right at you, and what a good shot of her fluffy white tail. We saw a Trumpeter swan today, I will be posting it. Love this old bridge; did you walk over it?
ReplyDeleteI try to be good cook...not always happenin' tho. Can't wait to see the swan!!
DeleteDriving home from dinner last night 5 deer crossed the road in front of us. We were thanking God that the traffic was light. I always worry for both the deer and the driver in a populated area like this! Lovely photos as always!
ReplyDeleteOh yes....they can be a road hazard to be sure.
DeleteWell, I wasn't hungry until read what's for dinner! Nice capture of the deer. :-)
ReplyDeleteOne of our favorite meals.
DeleteThose early morning walks are the best. I love the quiet of those times.
ReplyDeleteI too love the quiet time at an early morning hour.
DeleteI’ve never seen a deer down at the ranch although Dean and Sherry say they are there. They’ve seen them run along Jackson’s fence line which is right in front of our camper cabin! But I’ve never seen one! Loved all your peaceful pictures! I’m missing the ranch today and hope we can get back down there soon.
ReplyDeleteYou keep it up, and after surgery, you may chase some deer out of hiding the next time you're at the ranch!!
DeleteI love seeing deer, but they certainly can be difficult to photograph! Looks like a very pretty walk and a lovely supper!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mari....happy new year to you
DeleteSo glad you took me a long for a walk
ReplyDeleteAs I am glad you decided to come along Dora!
DeleteI want to take a walk in your pictures. It's snowing here. I'm also craving a piece of apple pie now.
ReplyDeleteNo snow here....sunny and bright today.
DeleteNow, that was a beautiful walk! I could enjoy that one every day! And, I am sure it was made even better for you to think what a nice dinner was waiting for you at home!
ReplyDeleteThose are the best kinds of days, when I can fix the meal way ahead of time and have the afternoon and evening to relax.
DeleteHello, pretty scenes from your walk. I like veggie lasagna and apple pie, yum! Enjoy your day, wishing you a happy new week!
ReplyDeleteI still have some apples that need to be fixed into something....sauce or maybe apple dumplings.
DeleteNice captures and I'd love to come to dinner
ReplyDeleteBe our guest!!!
DeleteAnni, happy new Year! Had no idea you did art:):) And agreed that was a winner - congrats! Yeah, here it's a deer neighborhood! When they are "new" they're very skiddish, but the ones who have come by for a little while, are at least not spurting away when they hear the camera click. Have to be very fast though for a 2nd chance. Am very interested in your vegetable lasagna - do you have a recipe?
ReplyDeleteJunieper, I really don't cook with recipes much. I just tend to throw things together. But this dish is so routine, I can say it's simple. Make your italian sauce in a blender. Adding your choice of spices etc. In a square oven proof pan, pour 1/4 the sauce onto the bottom, layer with noodles, cheeses, sauce, noodles until you have the last layer of sauce and cheeses...cover with foil and refrigerate a day. Bake at 350 degrees until bubbly, remove foil to brown top layer of cheese. That's it. Simple
DeleteEven though you don't think the pic of the deer is good, I think it just conveys the feeling that it is getting ready to spring away. I so love that next photo and the 5th one!
ReplyDelete...and that it did!!
DeleteI've never seen a white tailed deer (except in pictures).
ReplyDeleteYou find the loveliest places to walk.
This area is one of my favorite places. So, 'off the beaten path'.
DeleteYou always choose the best times for your walks. Very enjoyable and knowing you have already prepared a delicious meal makes it even more enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteI can honestly say it's one of my favorite areas to walk all year long!!!
DeleteI'm sure the quiet at that hour was as beautiful as the scenery :)
ReplyDeleteMy Corner of the World
I DO like the quiet times best of all.
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