For some reason, my dog is always compelled to walk up a small cul-de-sac on our walks. It’s a small detour, and I generally just refuse his wishes. But occasionally, my own curiosity wins out and we go on up Slade Run Court.
The court is in itself a clash of cultures, beginning with a yard at the corner that includes a small statue of Buddha, some candles as well as other yard ornaments. I am frequently fooled into a false sense of spring by the blossoms on their trees, which show up around Tet, the Vietnamese New Year. Upon closer inspection, I realize that these are plastic flowers affixed to trees with twist ties.
A trip into the court reveals other mysteries. One home on the cul-de-sac has a suit of clothes hanging in a tree, as well as a satellite dish. My mother, who had some unusual cultural rules, would probably have said that it was tacky to have a suit of clothes hanging from a tree in the front yard. I’m pretty sure she would have said the same about the satellite TV dish.
Another house in the court has a year round Christmas nativity scene. I am always perplexed by the adult Jesus looking over the Mary/Joseph/Baby Jesus scene. How could grown-up Jesus have been there at the manger?
I think my dog likes the court because of all the small dogs trapped inside their homes. Jack seems driven to pee in every spot they have already peed on, seen, or dreamed of seeing. I should probably feel guilty at the way he teases these poor yippers who go crazy at the sight of him.
The detour up Slade Run court both annoys and entertains me.