Posted by: Sam McLeod in Misc Stories on
May 24, 2010
His name’s YODA,” Annie said, all puffed up with satisfaction. “Just look at those ears.”
His ears were extra-long and pointy. His nose was extra-long and wet. His back was extra-long and slightly bowed from holding his belly off the ground. His legs were extra-short.
“Looks like somebody put the wrong legs on him,” I said. “What kind of dog is he?”
“A Corgi,” Annie said. “Isn’t he the cutest?”
“Looks sort of funny. Where’d he come from?”
“He’s yours,” Annie said. “I got him for you.”
“Like you got that new bedspread for me, and the curtains in the guest bedroom for me, and the dining room rug for me, and those chickens for me, and…”
“Yep, just like that,” Annie said.
YODA came into our lives completely laid-back. He never barked. He seemed perfectly happy to wait at the door until somebody let him in. He was okay with my scratching his ears—or not. He was delighted to eat if filling his food bowl wasn’t too much of a bother for us. He carried his empty water bowl around, flipping it into the air every now and again, hoping somebody’d notice. He liked to ride in the car, preferring the front seat, but okay with the back.
He wandered the farm, checking things out in a detached, unhurried YODA-like way. BC the Barn Cat took a swipe at him. No big deal. He waddled on to the next thing. Nothing seemed to surprise him.
“He’s the perfect dog,” I told Annie. “I’m starting to like him.”
“He’s sweet,” Annie said. “Doesn’t do much. Reminds me a lot of you.”
Every so often I will read a national news article about Walla Walla wine country and sure enough, the author will eventually bring up the same old platitude they think is so original, “Walla Walla is the next Napa.”
When I was in college, I made a list of things I want to do before I die. There are simple things, such as stop by the large antiques and fruit stand on the freeway between Walla Walla and Yakima, or driving a tractor. Then there are things I’ve already done, such as visit London, or become a mother. And finally, there are the complicated things; things that may or may not present an opportunity between now and when I’m laid to rest. Things like riding in a hot air balloon.
"Into The Woods", which just finished its opening weekend at The Little Theater, is a fast paced, although not short, Steven Sondheim and James Lapine musical that uses just about every fairy tale in the satchel to touch on just about every facet of life. The large cast and production crew of the Little Theater give a commendable performance, especially considering the complexity of the lyrics, staging, and props.
Back in the day, there were three taverns that shared a certain Walla Walla crowd’s affections: The Red Apple (located where the Coffee Connection currently operates), the Blue Mountain Tavern (now the Blue Mountain Tavern and Casino), and the Green Lantern. The three handily color-coded venues were affectionately known as the Red, the Blue and the Green.