NaJoPoMo is over, so we are free to turn our minds to weightier matters. Such as. . .

To begin with, you've got to understand that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is deer heaven, and motorist hell. Get lost in Valley Forge – I've done it many times, usually around twilight. You'll go round and round the winding roads that are paved-over tracks left by the Continental Army. You'll see more of George Washington's Headquarters than you ever wanted to see.

And if you aren't careful, you'll have to slam on the brakes, as a herd of bumptiously self-assertive ungulants takes over the roadway. They're everywhere.

This is why Pennsylvania has a popular deer season, or, as my Dad called it, 'World War II without the discipline'. But no matter how many mean rednecks shoot how many random quadrupeds, and no matter how many angry farmers paint the word 'COW' in large, unfriendly letters on Bossy, most Pennsylvanians have a very soft spot in their hearts for our antlered friends. Even if they do dig up our gardens.

Thus it is with considerable glee that we note the recent quick-thinking behaviour of one Roger Huston, veteran racetrack announcer at the Meadows. The Meadows is a venerable harness-racing track in Washington County, near Pittsburgh. Huston's the guy who intones, 'aaaaand. . . they're coming down the stretch, Nosebag ahead by a nose, followed closely by Beetlebomb. . . '

If you got that joke, you listen to way too much Spike Jones.

Anyway, Huston was all set to announce the next race, when three deer ran onto the track. What did he do?

Announced it, of course.

'As they race down the track, Bambi has the lead. Here comes Rudolph from the outside.'

You want the video? I thought you would. Be my guest.

According to Huston, Bambi won by a length, but hey. . . it was a great race for all concerned.

So, remember: If you're driving in Pennsylvania, and the sun goes down, watch carefully for deer. If one deer runs across your path, WAIT. There are almost always TWO MORE where that came from.

In spite of Mr Huston, they aren't racing. It's a family group. But we don't expect horse aficionados to know much about wildlife. They need to call the Pitt Biology Department, most of whom are probably in Punxsatawney studying squirrel distribution (or talking to Phil).