Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda for October 15, 2023
Of all the colors around, none better represents the Halloween season than the color orange. It appears all around us and in so many things. This week, I paid special attention to all things orange on my walks and in my life.
Before going forward, I want to acknowledge that I have dichromatic vision, which means I cannot see red and green. So, while I cannot clearly see orange like humans can (Editor’s note: orange appears gold to dogs), I have compensated for this by using my superior sense of smell.
It just so happens there is a citrus fruit with the same name, which prompted me to ask the question, “Which came first? The orange color or the orange citrus.”
According to multiple sources, the word orange was used to identify the citrus before it was used to describe a color. The Guardian found that the word “came into the English language either from Old French ‘pomme d’organge’, or from the Spanish ‘naranja’, and Magalies Citrus traced the first use of the word as a fruit in English all the way back to the 1300s. Finally, the English Club says the origin of the word “orange” as a color evolved from the Old English “geoluhread” which translated to yellow-red, which of course is how one makes the color orange. So, to end the controversy, it was the fruit that came first.
As I walked through the shire, I noticed bright orange flowers and a holly like bush with small orange berries.
The City uses faded orange sandbags, and I found a bright and shiny orange car.
To my surprise, there was even a salon called “Orange” over on Encinal Avenue. Starbucks had a plush pumpkin with a big smile.
At my house, orange has a special significance, because it’s the color of the Kong toy that holds the peanut butter that I worship. THANK YOU, Addams Family.
My human companion saves up all the orange “Bags on Board” poop bags so we can use them on our walks during October. Seems a little OCD to me, but its his deal, not mine. He can pick it up with his bare hand if he wants, as long as he picks it up.
I do try to draw the line at the bright orange Nikes that my human companion insists on wearing during October. Absolutely embarrassing. I am waiting for someone to yell out, “Nice tennies, pumpkin feet!” or “Are those running shoes, or did you step in a pumpkin patch?”
Next week, I will be sharing all the images suggested by readers that sent in the addresses of Alameda Halloween decorations. There is still time to send in an address with your favorite decorations. Just email my human companion the address at [email protected].
Attention Bay Farm & Harbor Bay Isle!
Are you guys celebrating Halloween? If so, I need to see your holiday spirit! If your house is decorated for Halloween, please send me your address, or sneak me your neighbor’s address.
Only sixteen days and counting!
This is Mouf—Roving Reporter for the Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda, creeping around Alameda streets looking for signs of Halloween.
P.S. Does anyone know why the company spelled “Addams” wrong on the peanut butter label?
Mouf, Roving Reporter
Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda
Mouf and his human companion can be reached via [email protected]. Their stories are collected at AlamedaPost.com/Jeff-Cambra/. All photos by Jeff Cambra.
