The Visitor

Several days ago we noticed the perenial sweetpea had been reduced from 3 feet to 6 inches overnight. Judging by the tracks in the woodchips, it couldn't have been a rabbit. The imprints suggested somthing much larger and heavier... a deer perhaps? The green space behind our yard extends east to the open prairie. Several winters ago we spotted a few head of deer passing through, but none had ever visited before. Yesterday morning we found more tracks. The lettuce, radishes, and spinach in the raised bed beside the tracks showed no sign that their foliage provided dinner, the footprints are still a mystery. Would love to know what goes on after dark in our yard. Tonight we have covered as much of the garden and pots of flowers as we had tarps and blankets for. Every news channel is issuing tornado warnings with a chance of large hail. The sky is overcast and it is still warm; no signs of anything amiss. We're hoping for the best outcome.