Day One and the Deers

(Note: this post was written on 6/16/09 but posted a day later due to internet difficulties at the hostel)

Dad and I dragged ourselves out of bed at a god awful hour I am reluctant to even repeat (hours before sunrise) to get me to the Spokane airport for my early flight to Chicago.  I admit I was feeling a little gloomy to leave behind my family and my pets after a wonderful three weeks at home.  Everyone seemed to feel equally sad about my departure--even Pepper, my deaf and blind Shih Tzu, summoned a congealed tear--everyone, that is, except the two deer that provided a rather rude awakening.

Granted, any predawn driving warrants some extra caution to avoid deer traffic.  However, these deer went out of their way to loiter on the road while Dad and I approached them in the car.  Both slowed to a near stroll as they crossed the major highway (major for Washington standards . . . meaning it was a wide two-laner), and one even had the guts to jump two highway barriers just to intersect our car!  I suppose I could take this as a friendly Palouse farewell, but it was the decidedly unfriendly tail shaking in my general direction that convinced me otherwise.  Someone (two someones) were clearly scorning my decision to leave.  

I can't say I have real evidence yet to prove that my departure was worth leaving behind such amiable company; such evidence I will make an effort to provide over the next two months.  All I can say is that I'm here, I've met some very cool and exciting people, and everyone is excited to start class bright and early tomorrow!