The Neighborly Absorption (Part 10)
Written by David J. Greenspan
Article published in Northampton Living (November 2021)
Aloe originates from the Arabian Peninsula, but lives in tropical, semi-tropical, arid, and indoor environments. It is one of the most useful plants in the world and provides many healing properties. Hummingbirds love the nectar from the bell-shaped aloe flowers that bloom in spring and early summer.
Just over 85 years ago, large marsupial predators, thylacines vanished from the earth. The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia recently released colorized footage of the last known Tasmanian Tiger named Benjamin. Zoologist David Fleay recorded Benji yawning, with no worries and in no hurry at all.
Stymie and Darla Hauer sold savory swigs to neighbors and hitchhiking ne’re-de-wells along the sandstone walls of the Salamanca Markets. As children they asked the tough questions. Why can’t one count sheep while sipping on a liter of a tasty bev? This led to the innovative sleep apnea device called Pillow-ade that allowed sleepers the ability to sip on their favorite drink while they toss and turn. Their patented “slow pop” version was installed into every movie theatre in Tasmania. It uses body heat to slowly pop corn kernels every few minutes. Next came the revolutionary toy line Elmo-ade that featured interactive furry foreverables.
Darla and Pops started the Alley Animal & Aloe Abuse Awareness Association. Last year’s AAAAAAA’s benefit won many “feel good” prizes and awards. This year, Iconic rockers Succulent Vera will perform the dance staples; Al Loker Shuffle, Aloe-ha Mr. Hand & Aloe Can You Go? Plus, the legendary folk group, Cheetah, Claws & Mare-Bear will re-unite with the Aloe Cats to perform their quintessential rock opera – Quintet Catnapia. Once Hauer Gang Brands surpassed one trillion sales, Stymie Hauer changed his name to Pops Galacticorn and joined the billionaire space race.
Being the last of your species may not be so bad after all. No peer pressure, no Jellicle Ball. Maybe he had some moments of happiness; frolicking in the autumn mist on his journey to the heavy side. In the 80 seconds of colorized footage, little rascal Benji - never huffed and puffed; but the recording ceased when Mr. Fleay was bit on the butt.
With striped tails that never end some think Tasmanian Tigers are lying in the wild weeds; among the over 420 types of Aloe plants. Was that shadow a pandemelon, a sasquatch or just a squirrel? With a barracuda-like mouth they chomped on small kangaroos, bats and rats; Kroc style, boom like that. Currently 17 states have no restrictions for an individual who wants to keep spider monkeys as a pet. This Thanksgiving, I am grateful Massachusetts is not one of them.
