[Gpdd] (Virtual) Pignic, Me an Holly-yup in the Library

[Sandra Oliver-Poore]

The hallway is psychedelic like the main cabin and the loudspeakers thrum relentlessly with that synthetic techno- pop that Squirt loves so. Midway there are huge mahogany paneled double doors, out of place so far its hard to believe them. Lady Holly-yup and I know its the library without out seeing the tidy letters on the brass sign over the door. 

Just as I push the doors they open out of my hands to reveal a morning suited butler, Tigger,  who bows gravely and takes my card on a tiny silver platter to the gentle pig wearing a paisley smoking jacket who is clearly holding court in the huge wing chairs flanking a huge stone fireplace. It is in fact my Ole frin Mr. Cooders and yet I wonder where is the Lady Fuzzy? It makes me think again of Holly on my arm, a gentle presence. I lead her to our host and offer a tight bow to him and turning to his guests, Oscar, and Guiny from Holland, I bring her  tiny paw to graze my lips.  I am totally charmed by my hosts and our surroundings.  So like my momma slaves home here, huge oriental rugs are anchored by massive sofa's and mahogany tables with carved legs dotted here and there. The windows soar with leaded panes and ceiling high powder blue velvet drapes throw wide. The light filters in through jardinières of potted palms and huge Boston ferns. But the focus of my glaze fastens inevitably on the sideboard, although resplendent with brass candelabra, cascading lace, and tinkling crystals, my attention is riveted by feast laid out before me. Cooders urges us to fill our plates, a simple midnight snack he says, as whee join Muinea and Puinea who are already selecting morsels with their new friends Maxine and Teddy.  

I try to repress the rumble from my tummy, a failure though, and Holly giggles quietly behind her dainty paws.  Giving my self over to it I load my plate (is it Spode?). Fresh radicchio and avocado salad with currant and cranberry orange dressing, piles of fresh oranges, apples, pineapples, and bananas on big baroque silver platters. Spring greens with grape and cherry tomatoes, and big bowls of Cavy Cuisine for the more sedate. The garnishes, fresh violas and calendulas intertwined with French lavender, Italian parsley, and Genovese basil,  Cut crystal bowls of cooling cucumber yogurt riatta sit next to sizzling spicy pepper strips.  Holly enjoys raspberries and blueberries served in goblets with sprigs of mint peeping over the top. No conversation is needed as whee graze beneath the benevolent gaze of ornately framed portraits of our honored forebears (or forepigs) Beethoven and Ebenezer Wooly Bear. I raise my glass in a silent toast to all those gone before as represented by these two kindly gents. 

My joy is complete, whee retreat to a Victorian settee where the waitress, Lotje, find us with steaming herbal tea from a tiny Chinese tea service. I know these moments are fleeting as soon whee will join in all the sporting and musical events surrounding the pignic its self and there are dozens of piggies to meet and greet.  But just now Holly and I exchange stories, it is a joy to get to know her, she teaches swimming, I can barely restrain a purr as I imagine her in her swimsuit. There is chamber music in the background, I recognize my new frins Charley and Wolfi, they are joined by Rex, Raja, and Rocket.  I grow drowsy as does Holly, Her perfect little head drops onto my shoulder and her foot slips from the little velvet stool, her hand too but I hold it a bit tighter, and then I too, slip into a comfortable slumber just as the lights dim briefly signaling that more guests continue to arrive .......