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Safari Collections

         I learned some new things today about big game trophies. I went to an older friend's house, which I knew was in a very nice neighborhood. She's been widowed several times, and I knew from the sound of her rental properties, etc., that she is very "secure".

         Today she mentioned a safari to Africa. She bought a piece of artwork from a struggling young African artist which is displayed in her living room. Today he is indeed a well-known international sculptor, and the work is worth a lot more. I thought that was nice that she had been on safari once.

         Turns out that "husband number one", the father of her children, liked safaris, so they went frequently. He had  s special wing added to their rather large house just to hold his trophies. Another person present had seen these: a lion, moose heads, tiger, etc. I can't remember them all, but they were legion. She doesn't have them now. She gave some away. She sold some.

         Something I never would have thought of, the upkeep on these "preserved" carcasses is quite extensive. You have to apply Vaseline to the eyes to keep the lashes from falling out. You have to do things to their noses and ears. It just sounded gross. You have to groom dead, stuffed animals!

         I don't know how husband number two lived with all these things.(She's been widowed twice.) The art work and all the nature pictures are quite nice. She has a beautiful house and garden. But the animals. I think I'd rather have fake ones, if any.