Signs of life.

Dark pellets in a clump. A family of deer has come and gone.

Deer seem to know just when to come out to play, and when to hide in safety during a storm. My front yard is full of these tell=tale signs, at times right at my front step.  We are used to them; walk around and bypass these pellets most of the time.

We wear sturdy shoes here. Not tennis shoes. Not shoes with heels either. We wear clogs, weather resistant and skid proof that allow us to walk in and out easily. We are always prepared for a downpour too, with rubber jackets by the door, and an extra set in the car.

We could clear this mess and compost it. But, we would be doing this a dozen times a day, a full time job! Instead, we ignore it, and somehow, it no longer bothers us.  When raccoon or other critters show up, we may notice these new signs then.

We protect young trees for years, until they reach a height when deer can't eat them up.  Mostly, we let things be, grow where they may. This is forest land, and forest critters need to survive very harsh winters.

Rhododendrons, camellias, magnolia and azaleas seem to thrive here. And bulbs too, especially iris.
Everything is now  in bloom or about to bloom. We're so busy enjoying the blooms that we walk right over the leavings regularly.

Thank goodness our clogs can be left right at the front door.