For most people it’s important to have the front door to the home be inviting and attractive. It doesn’t matter if your front door is to a house or apartment, since it represents the first impression of where you live or who you are.
Many of today’s homes have accessories such as plants, flags or signage such as a vertical “Welcome” wooden sign (or, for those who like privacy, “No solicitation”). The doormat may say “Welcome” or “Go Away,” depending on the openness of the owners. Some verbiage may indicate the home has pets or doesn’t welcome footwear inside. Plants may be hanging vines or fake greenery. Flags may support a cause or simply pay homage to the country.
I recently added a goose to my front step.
Those of us of a certain age have probably received catalogs from Miles Kimball. That place has everything for the homeowner who likes to be practical, colorful or well-stocked. The catalog has been home to a large plastic goose decoration for a long time, and I finally caved in and bought one.
The decoration apparently has Midwestern origins, and has grown into a world of its own, called Gaggleville. You can find it easily online. Go ahead, and invite the kids. Then be sure to come back here for the rest of the story.
Instead of the pink flamingoes of many home fronts, the porch goose (originally made of concrete) could stand up to the abusive weather such as high winds, rain and snow. They didn’t tip over, spin or fly off like a cow in a twister.
The modern version is a lightweight blow mold and designed to be filled with sand. I went to the hardware store and had to sheepishly explain to the employee what I needed. The bag of sand weighed about the same as a fourth grader, but I managed to haul the bag home and begin the task of filling my new front step mascot with the stuff, then set it up in front of the door as a happy-go-lucky greeter that says “Welcome” and not “Go Away.” No vertical signage needed.
Also unique compared to a garden gnome.
In addition, the goose has a personality and requires costumes. I ordered a few varieties to make the occasions stand out, such as a raincoat, a patriotic suit for federal holidays, and a touristy outfit for summer. We’ll see how these hold up under the summer heat and pounding winds of a typical Eastern rainy season.
I have decided not to assign a gender to my goose, allowing the little feathered friend to be a neutral symbol of lighthearted joy, as well as a tribute to one of the simpler signs of capitalism applied in a positive way. Nobody can fault a simple goose dressed up like a zinc-nosed tourist, right?
Maybe I made the decision because it’s still Pride Month? Not sure.
The goose sits in the opposite corner from where my door opens, so there is plenty of room to shine and no interference with comings and goings. My new porch goose will simply stand tall and look happy as can be in any kind of weather.
Oh gee, I just realized it’s not a Canada goose. I may need to find it a winter coat!
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