The Ladies Return

It's always such a surprise to see Naked Ladies at Farview.  Even though I planted the originals, their annual appearance still comes unexpectedly.  These amaryllis lie dormant in the earth most of the year, then rise up on slender stalks unaccompanied by greenery.  The pale pink trumpets stand proudly alone like Venus Rising From the Sea.  The leaves that feed the bulb will appear much later.  I know there must be some high-fallutin' botanical name for these plants, but I've ever only known them by the moniker "Naked Ladies."

On my next trip to town, I shall buy a number of "No Hunting" signs and post them around the property.  Three bucks were in the orchard yesterday afternoon and I want to afford them sanctuary.  Steve's family were all hunters, and I've been on my share of deer hunts.  As long as the kill is for food and not trophies, I have no argument.  We agreed when we moved here that no wildlife would be killed on the property.  Aside from other aspects, it simply would not be sporting.  The National Forest where it is legal to hunt is five miles away.  What others do on their home turf is none of my business.  Until the other day, I never felt the need to post my land, but one close call is one too many.  A hunter in the grip of "buck fever" loses focus.  Reason tells me that a sign will not deter idiots, but at least it will put them on notice.  I derive so much pleasure from seeing these Kings of the Forest, their ladies and their offspring.