Olives and oranges dot backyards and some sidewalks here in Fresno. In lots of other California localities as well. This is, however, a bit of an anomaly for Elf, Opus and me, being fresh from New Mexico where neither tree grows, much.
Whoever thought these dogs might find themselves No-No’d for trying to snack on the fallen fruits?
A corgi is a
serious sort of dorgi
Funny and regal by turns
^^^
Dachs-terr, one bundle
Of snuggles and heart tugs
Soft eyes shine with joy
We have begun The Official Birthday Month of Elf the Corgi and Opus the Dachshund/Terrier. Elf having been born seven years ago as of April 8, Opus twelve years as of May 1.
I figured there is no harm in giving them an entire month (almost) of being special between their natal observances this year, our first in Fresno, California.
These days when the two set forth on their trots around the ‘hood the fragrance of orange blossoms is powerful along the driveway behind out apartment compound and the lovely homes behind us. The olive tree marks its presence by dropping lots of black — very, very black — olives all over the backyard in which it stands.
Feral cats and brazen Mockingbirds, as well as the occasional tiny little chi-dog zooming by in its minuscule sweater, give E & O the urge to leap after them. Alas, they have pretty much learned the hard city lesson about walking on bungee leashes.
Elf has been with me since the first few weeks of her life. Opus for exactly half of his. Do they ever miss the lovely dog door and fenced back yard they had in New Mexico? Hard to be sure. I suspect the company of my daughter, Jericha, and her husband, Francisco, goes far to dim any memories of the pleasure of running in and out at will. Their outings are certainly more varied and far ranging than they were in our former little back yard.
In fact, we have all made a pretty good adjustment to city life, in California to boot.
Happy birthday, you little ones. May your paws long take you through pretty vistas, where Mockers sing you their dazzling repertoires and olives might tumble on your innocent heads.
Silvio Rodriguez, the long-time Cuban poet/folk singer, often provides background music for me when I am a creative mood. I love his gentle, thoughtful music and musings. So today I am including ¿A Donde Van? (Where Are You Going?). It’s a delightful wondering about what becomes of us, and things. For an amusing insight into what it might mean, try using Google translate to give an English approximation of the Spanish lyrics. For example:
What will my old shoes be converted to?
Where did they go to give so many leaves of a tree?
Where are the anxieties
That from your eyes they jumped for me?
It is a lovely song, though…
