The Backyard Zoo

by Jim Dunlap

"Beaver Pool"

As you all know, animals are what I am all about. Well this tome is what I will call animal related.

It’s a miracle! As is my want, I occasionally dine at the Black Eyed Pea, Central Expressway and 15^th. A friend and I ordered the veggie plate that consists of five shrubberies of your choice. Our waitperson, Gabriel, squatted at the end of the table and asked for our order. I named my five followed by my friend with his five, all different. Gabe said the food would be right out and he left. He did not write down one thing! I’m thinking fat chance, but he returned with the exact order. People good at what they do; I love it!

I think I mentioned last month that two transient beavers here at the Living Materials Center had eaten their swimming pool, literally. It was a big, thick plastic, Rubbermaid stock tank and I needed a replacement. Our local supplier of all things farm-like is Wells Brothers Feed Store on Avenue K. I waltzed in and the manager, John Krause, approached with a friendly smile. I asked about the tank and he just pointed to an upper, Rubbermaid shelf and there it was. To avoid a repeat of the beaver dilemma I inquired if John might have something comparable in galvanized metal. Around the corner and down the isles filled with birdseed, bridles, and Bag Balm (you know, that udder cream) John stopped and pointed to the floor. I did a double take. Actually, it was just a take and a half. It was my childhood bathtub, only new!

John got this understanding look on his face like, "Been there, done that," as we reminisced. Many years ago in a land far, far away, I was eight years old. Usually on Saturday night, except for special occasions, or when needed, my mother would drag the number ten, galvanized bathtub into the kitchen floor and it was time for baths. I forget what order, but I guess being first would be an advantage. My brother, sister and I would take turns bathing in that old tub. I must have been last because I remember mom pouring hot water from a kettle to at least maintain tepid.

I think it was the next year when we got indoor plumbing. Now that I have had lots of time to think about it, we were the epitome of family togetherness and that cannot be all bad. Nostalgia seemed to be more fun before I became a part of it!

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