Monday, March 14, 2022

The Church Grounds

Back in Santa Maria

One of us went up in the tower to look down on the this steeple, and one of us stayed down to look up. 



This imposing tower was for watching and defense. It is five sided, an unusual shape. The lower part was a cistern, Two middle floors were for living, complete with exterior wall toilets, and the roof was a lookout station. The stairs are situated between the outer wall and an inner wall. 









Imagine a cozy fire, a bowl of stew and fifteen unwashed fighting fellows sharing this abode with you. 




The rooftop lookout of the tower 


The dizzying view from the tower roof



The private business spot - Instagram-worthy style and decor



Back on terra firma - this is at the foot of the tower


And for the one of us who did not climb the tower, a friendly fellow came to play fetch. He even brought the appropriate sticks. We have had dogs like that, so we didn’t need training (unlike some people who take forever to figure out the process
Human-  “Look, a dog.”
Dog - Good start. 
“ He has a stick.” 
This person is bright one. 
“He is bringing it to us. Isn’t he cute?” 
This might take some work.
 “Look, he laid it down at our feet, and backed off. Do you think he is afraid?” 
No, Human. Behold, you have hands to throw sticks, I have legs to run after sticks. It’s a game. Here, let me show you again. See, Stick. You are human. I am dog. PICK UP THE STICK!  
“ I think I will pick up the stick.” 
OK, this one is learning.Now throw it! 
“Hmm, what should I do? The dog is just looking at me. He’s staring so hard.” 
THROW the STICK!
“I will throw the stick a little and see what happens.”
Oh, dear. This one isn’t bright. Throwing three feet? I have to come toward you to get the stick. That’s not a throw. Here, let’s try again. You need practice. 
“Oh, look! Isn’t he clever. He brought the stick. Let me throw it a little farther and see if he brings it again……”

We didn’t have to go through all those steps. We had seen it so many times, we got right into the game.
But he was old, so we had to stop before he was ready to quit. 





Good bye, towers, for today.


Later, on our walk back to the clinic, we saw the friendly dog again, and he wanted to play fetch, but the trail was too narrow and dropped off. 




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