HILLSPEAKING
from The Anglican Digest 

PENTECOST A.D. 2007

IMMIGRATION, at least illegal immigration, seems to be very much on peoples’ minds today.  From Arizona to Arkansas, from California to the Carolinas, it is a concern.  Even so at Hillspeak.

Our first, at least in the last 35 years, immigrant to show up without papers of any sort and with no sponsor of any sort was Rasputin, he of the raspy voice (hence his name).  After him came Roy — and again, no papers, no sponsor.  Gray, obviously pregnant, was the next to cross the boundary line undocumented.  (Her offspring, of course, are full-fledged Hillspeakers.)

About a year later Ptolemy violated the border.  Like Rasputin, he had a raspy voice but a more pronounced characteristic was that he had a Cassian “lean and hungry look.” Immigration, obviously, benefited him: He no longer has that lean and hungry look.

For several years all was quiet on the border.  Rasputin and Roy settled in and lived out their lives more or less uneventfully and were buried here on Grindstone Mountain, accepted members of the Hillspeak community.

Again, the border remained inviolate for a dozen years or so.

And then along came Harley.

He crashed the border.  No sponsor, no papers — not even a Green Card.  All he brought with him was a friendly attitude and a ferocious appetite.  He obviously wanted a warm place to sleep at night (which he found in the Cottage), a ready supply of food (ditto the Cottage), and a few friends (which he found in Baby, Godfrey and Otis).  Godfrey has undertaken to be his mentor and he learns quickly — especially when Godfrey reinforces his mentoring with a quick nip or two.

Some small debate here at Hillspeak ensued (Congress not then being in session), and we decided to overlook the absence of proper papers and welcome him as a proper Hillspeaker with all the perks and privileges thereof.

After a session with our friendly veterinarian, Dr. Tony Pike, who says he appears to be a mix of Lab and pit bull and about a year old (a “sweet dog” according to Mrs. Pike), Harley has joined the canine welcoming committee and has entered enthusiastically into the job.

Be sure to say hello to Harley the next time you visit Hillspeak — which, we hope, will be soon.



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805 CR 102 - EUREKA SPRINGS AR 72632-9705
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