Spring Is Near

Azalea beginning to bloom  
Today was the first time I've been able to walk the property in several months, and the very first time I felt comfortable in doing so alone since the 4th of July last year. That was the day I was relaxing in front of the TV, when my husband (who was sitting at the dining room table)said "Hon..." in a hushed voice. I turned my head, knowing by his tone that something unusual was happening. Not twenty feet from the dining room window, just the other side of the maple tree (see the earlier posted photo) was a large mountain lion! The lion paused and looked in at my husband, then ambled up the gravel driveway towards the nearest neighbors. I opted to call the neighbors to warn them, rather than grab the camera, as they have small children who were likely to be outside playing on the holiday. Since the sighting I've read everything possible about the animals, and feel I know what to do if confronted; however it is a scary probability.