BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

The grounds at Hacienda at the Canyon (where I now live) are truly beautiful. Trees and plants, flowering  bushes and cactus have been lovingly and strategically  placed by a team of experienced gardeners. However, as these gifts of nature mature, there may be some problems in the offing. Surely, the Chief Gardener can’t suffer from Gerontophobia—or can he?

Walking down a path, I noticed some lovely, young mesquite trees. Anyway, I thought them lovely until one got me with its thorns.  Oh, Oh!

Then, on the sidewalk, neatly planted in a row, leading to the outside door, that many old folks have to enter, I noticed a row of Aloe Vera plants—lovely leaves—until they mature with sharp points. Of course, if someone is stabbed, the Aloe Vera does have medicinal qualities. On the other side, of this sidewalk are a row of plant/bushes that will eventually grow together. That will be most attractive—especially to rattlesnakes—who really enjoy resting there. So, if some octogenarian  is stabbed by the Aloe Vera, he can jump back to be greeted by a rattlesnake.  We will call this walk, “The Old Person’s Gauntlet.” The folks at Hacienda emphasize that “exercise is good for you.” So, a little jumping around might keep that old ticker going.

Further down in the community, I spied some beautiful prickly pear cactus. To watch them grow and bear fruit is a distinct pleasure for desert dwellers like me.  This  resplendent cactus, and its delicious fruit, are also extremely attractive to Javelina (desert peccaries) who will amble through, knock over whatever is in their path, with their impressive horns,  to get to those treats.  Javelina don’t see well, but their sense of smell is acute—but their smell is not so cute.

Naturally, there are many more benign and beautiful plants and trees on the grounds. It will truly be my Garden of Eden. The good thing is, as far as I know, apple trees don’t grow in the desert.

Esther Blumenfeld