I

                                                                     (Chapter 10)

                                                                      COGNITO, ERGO; SUM / WHY ME?                                                                                                                                                                 4:30     

                                                                          CALIFORNIA "HIGH" DESERT

             Well, only three more chapters to go but I have about three more hours of sunlight.  I'd say it's about four thirty in the afternoon based on how the shadows are now leaning away from me.  It makes me feel good looking out into the eastern desert behind the three Sheds.  

         Today has turned out better than I thought You Guys up there.  I'm having fun in learning and writing about all these new things but, I'm not done yet; and now it's getting to be what they call the "Home Stretch."  I'm not even tired at all but I am getting kind of hungry.   

     Ah!  A breeze came in from behind the Sheds, so now the chimes are ringing up there near the patio roof.  Is that You Holy Spirit?  Hey God!  I'm beginning more and more to understand why so many people in history have seen and felt You in things like the "Elements."                                                                

     "LIFE FORCE"              

                Hey Holy Spirit!  My Encyclopedia says the old Chinese "concept" of "Ch' i" is what they call "Life Force."  Mr. Steve, when he and his brother Rock learned "Martial Arts;" first heard about Ch'i.  Fannie and Freddie flew bye and, as usual; were talking to each other. 

               It's kind of interesting how I guess Ch'i, which is not the "Physical" scientific property of "Energy;" could also mean "energy flow," or "vital flow of force" in the world.  It says here it's important in Chinese "medical practices."  I can smell Theodora's Creosote bush.   

               According to what it says here in this one Encyclopedia, "Qigong" is when you try to live life by "balancing" Ch'i.  My boss told Mr. Mike, as they put a dead Joshua tree in Rex; "Kung Fu" fighting says to "Go with the Flow" so to speak.   You "adapt" to each situation.

                                                                  JACKRABBIT    

                  I just looked up from working over here on the Patio in time to see a Jackrabbit go bye out there in the eastern desert behind the Sheds.  I'm pretty sure it was Jack but it ran bye so fast it's sort of hard to tell.  A few of the Ducks are quacking about something over there.

                  Anyway Holy Spirit, over the next three days I'll learn more about that Chinese belief in Ch'i which I think kind of sounds like You in some ways.  All of the dust the Rabbit raised is still floating in the air behind the three Sheds.  I can always tell Daffy's way louder voice.

                  Seeing a Jackrabbit suddenly makes me think about a good cartoon Daisy told me about where an overconfident Rabbit lost a footrace to a Turtle.  Had it been a shorter "Sprint" there's no way that Turtle could have won.   But I guess it was one of those longer "Marathons."

                                                   "TORTOISE VERSUS THE HARE"  

               Hey God!  I'm sure glad You gave people the skill to make such a miraculous thing like a cartoon.  That one about the race is called the "Tortoise versus the Hare."  Daisy told me how the name "Tortoise" is just another way of saying a Turtle, while "Hare" means a Rabbit.

                According to Dais, that Rabbit in the cartoon was so arrogant and conceited; he "goofed around" and even wasted a lot of time.  By the time he "Got Serious" it was already too late.  I'll learn more about this one ancient Greek guy named "Narcissus" in my three long books.   

                Daisy told me how she heard that lady Miss Susan, who ran the local Newspaper; say there used to be more Tortoises and Monarch Butterflies up here in our area.  Mr. Steve's friend Mark Ritter, who died; knew about Turtles.  Boy!  I would really love to smell a real Turtle someday.  

            "MAKING THE ROUNDS"                                       "DESERT TORTOISE"

                                                                                                                                                          PHOTO BY CAMERON PARKS

              From what Daisy says, those desert Tortoises who used to live around here really like to eat those "Beavertail" cactus.  There are some of those out in the desert, and our neighbor's planted others all along the dividing fence between our properties.   Heathcliff just crowed.

          Imagine how weird it would be to, like a Turtle; have hard armor right on your back which you can escape into for protection.  Mark Ritter got to see some really huge Tortoises down there in the Gallápagos Islands I guess.  Mr. Steve jokes Turtles carry housing on their backs. 

          Daisy says Mr. Steve has this "Paperback" book written by a lady named Edith Hamilton called "Mythology."   It used to be his father's book and mainly deals with ancient Greece; but also has a section on the Vikings.  Edith Hamilton also wrote about the ancient Romans too.

        EDITH HAMILTON (1912-1963)                   GREEK "OLYMPIAN" GODS                     

                  According to Daisy, Edith Hamilton wrote about how the ancient Greeks said "Uranus" the sky had twelve children with "Gal" the earth; six male and six female.  They were called the "Titans," and my Encyclopedia calls them "pre-Olympian; or "former gods."  I smell Sage.

            It says here two of the Titans had children, who eventually "overthrew" them in power; but later they themselves got kicked out of power by their own children.  Those kids were all of the gods who went and lived up there on "Mount Olympus."  Dawn's barking over there.

           I just glanced up in time to see a flock of Birds flying toward the northeast way up there in the sky.  Some of the Ducks are quacking over there next door.  Ah!  I love breathing in fresh air through both nostrils at the same time because it gives me energy and makes me feel good.

                                                                                         2014 NISSAN "TITAN"    

                  One time Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve talking on the phone with this Parts Manager and they talked about a big Truck called a "Titan."  I guess it's made by the Japanese company "Nissan" but, according to the Parts Manager; is "made in America."  Dawn's barking.  

              Oh wow!  My Encyclopedia shows one of those Titan Trucks and it's red which I know for sure Dais would really like.  She says that one Parts Manager told Mr. Steve how the Titans were named after the ones back in ancient Greece.  Now little Blinky's barking over there too.

           Mr. Steve, working in his office; listens to the Radio or watches Videos on that thing called the "Internet."  For years Daisy says he does what he calls his "busy work," coloring or working on different projects.  And one lady from England whose Videos he watches is Mary Beard.   

MARY BEARD      

PHOTO BY CATARINI TURRONI            

                Just as he admires the writing of that other lady Edith Hamilton, when it comes to ancient Greece; Dais says Mr. Steve equally enjoys watching the shows Mary Beard has done on ancient Rome.  He told his father he's learned a lot from her too.  He read she was also born in 1955.

           Over the next three days I'll be referring to Edith Hamilton's work, as well as the things that lady Mary Beard has talked about.  Mr. Steve has told his father it's too bad he doesn't have a computer and the Internet because he would like Mary Beard's episodes.  I can smell Sage.

          Thank You God for the way the Sun's warmth is giving me energy and making me feel at this exact moment.  That suddenly makes me think of a 13th century A.D. "Persian" Poet who Daisy saw a tv show about.  I guess "Rumi" believed "Gratitude" was really important.  

                                    JALAL AD-DIN RUMI MUHAMMAD (1207-1273)    

PAINTING BY DEAGOSTINI                  

                 A painting in this in this Encyclopedia shows that man Rumi, who's described as being a "Sufi mystic."  I guess Mr. Steve's mom read some of his poems in College.  If you just happen to be mind reading me right now Mr. Rumi I really like the hat you wore when you were alive.  

                 Dais noticed how our boss was amused when that tv show said Rumi told other people it's important in life to know what to "Ignore."  Oh!  I like this Rumi quote God, "Be grateful.  It is easy to thank after obtaining what you want.  Thank before having what you want."

            Wow!  That's so true what Rumi said and I can't wait to tell Dais about it.   Persia is now in the area called the country of "Iran" and I'll learn about that part of the world over the next three days.  All four of the Pigeons flew in from the desert and went over top of the house.

                        "VERNAL EQUINOX"                                                  2014 CHEVROLET "EQUINOX"

                Right now looking at the afternoon Sunlight makes me think again of how this is the first day of Spring.  Daisy says one time she and Millie heard Mr. Steve on the phone talking to one of his "Chevrolet" Parts Manager customers.  One of the Ducks is quacking over there.

            Dais told me there's a Car called "Equinox" and this Encyclopedia calls it a "mid-size," and later "compact crossover;" Sports Utility Vehicle.  I know Daisy would like the picture of a Equinox because her favorite color is red.  Now more of the Ducks are quacking too.

            I guess that Chevy Parts Manager told Mr. Steve the Equinox's were first put out back in the year 2004, or a year before he moved up here to the High Desert.  Boy!  Even though I'm still afraid to ride in Cars, I'll learn a lot about them in my books.  I like how Ducks sound.

                   EBENEEZER SCROOGE                                          SIMON LEGREE

("A CHRISTMAS CARROL" / 1843)                                             ("UNCLE TOM'S CABIN" / 1852)    

            Daisy says Mr. Steve's father, who had that school for Stockbrokers in the late 1960's and early 1970's; thinks "Overall" Capitalism is a better economic system than Socialism.  It "allows for" the "potential" of a bigger middle class.  A "mix" of the two systems seems best.  

           Many things being dual in nature, Mr. Steve thinks the bad part of a capitalistic economic system is that it "lends itself" or "promotes" greed.  In the 19th century century, "A Christmas Carol" and "Uncle Tom's Cabin;" dealt with the subject of "Avarice."  Dawn's barking.   

                Oh wow!  I'll bet Mr. Steve will like this one Rumi quote, "If you want money more than anything you will be bought and sold your whole life."  I wonder if my boss already knows that quotation?  Andy's over there guarding the burrow entrance where their new babies are.

SUNRISE          

               Hey God!  I like these three other Rumi quotes too, "Silence is the language of God," "Be silent and listen" and "Silence gives answers."  And that makes me think of this morning in the moment of silence as Crickets stop chirping and Birds begin singing.  I smell Sage. 

              Tomorrow in book two Daisy has me scheduled to write about that nice Mexican worker named "Esteban."   Mr. Steve hired him for three days and he was not lazy we all noticed.  Mr. Steve gives workers food and eats with them so Dais and I like to listen attentively.

               One time, as they ate lunch back here on the patio; Mr. Esteban asked our boss if it was true that, up here in "Estados Unidos;" being greedy isn't one of Christianity's "Seven Deadly Sins."  My boss chuckled and replied, "En parte es verdad" or; "That's partly true."

                                                 EVAGRIUS PONTICUS (345-399)

                It says here in this one Encyclopedia, the idea of Seven Deadly Sins began way back in the 4th century A.D.; when Christian "Monks" thought of them.  God!  So that means they weren't really mentioned in the Bible.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are both flying bye right now.

                I guess an "ascetic" Monk, Evagrius Ponticus; was kind of like Thomas Merten and Sister Wendy today.  Those seven "Sins" or "Vices" are, "Pride," "Greed," Envy," "Wrath," "Lust," "Gluttony" and "Sloth."  Evagrius Ponticus influenced many later "thinkers" in history.

         Mr. Steve, like Daisy and I too; feel so good when we pray God.  But Monks, like Evagrius Ponticus for example; often give up any and all enjoyment in life and only pray.  Mr. Steve jokes  how he "wouldn't go nearly that far" but can kind of understand a Monk's motivation.                                                            

  "SWTCHED-ON BACH" (1970)     

           Ah!  All of a sudden, I'm hearing that music Mr. Steve played on his Boombox one time last Summer; as he cut weeds along the north side of our fenced in two acres.  Dais told me later  it was all "Electronic" music made on a "Moog Synthesizer."  Dawn's barking over there.             

         Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell Mr. Dave on the phone about an album called "Switched-On Bach."   It's what I heard that day and is songs by Johann Sebastian Bach played on one of those "Moogs."   Mr. Steve thinks BOSTON  and DEEP PURPLE's Keyboardists liked Bach too.          

           Hearing the lively and energetic music on the Switched-On Bach album right now makes me think I'm feeling the sense of "Rhêma."  According to Dais, Mr. Steve first heard that album  at Alemany High School.  This one "Art" teacher named Judy Baca played it for her class.                                                       

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH (1685-1750)        

          One night Daisy and Millie saw a tv show about "Bach."  It said what my Encyclopedia says, he was a German Composer who lived during the same period as that Italian guy Antonio    Vivaldi; or "Baroque" period in Europe.  Fannie and Freddie flew over Libby's Corral.                

            Oh!  A slight breeze just came in from the back desert and the chimes are ringing.  I want to think that might be You Holy Spirit reminding me to stay disciplined, and keep working hard;  as only three more chapters to go.  Thank You for this opportunity to learn new things.                  

             A tv show Daisy and Millie saw said that man Bach was  mainly known for playing huge, giant Church "Pipe" organs, where you even have to use foot pedals besides just your hands.  I    really like the wigs people wore back in those days.  I can smell Dawn, Blinky and Rosie.                                       

   "SAN SYLMAR"                                   MERLE NORMAN (1887-1972)

         Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve and his mom talking on the phone one time, and they were remembering going to this place in Sylmar called "San Sylmar."  It's now mainly a good      Museum with Cars and things like that, but also has a small concert hall.  A Train whistled.          

             I guess San Sylmar is owned by this company called "Merle Norman Cosmetics," named for a lady named Merle Norman.  It began in 1931, the year before my boss's father was born.      Merle Norman and her  husband were friends with that one Baseball Player Babe Ruth.                

         Mr. Steve and his mom, besides seeing the Cars at San Sylmar; have attended concerts where they play a "Wurlitzer" pipe organ.  Mr. Frank really likes the collection of Car "Hood      Ornaments" Dais says.  A piano owned by Austrian Emperor Franz Ferdinand is there.                 

                                            HUELL HOWSER AT "SAN SYLMAR"

            Dais says that guy Huell Howser visited San Sylmar and was so impressed.  Mr. Steve was told by this older lady Merle Norman and her husband built a famous house in the city of Santa  Monica.  In 1973 Mr. Steve worked for a company that was right near San Sylmar I guess.            

            The tv show Daisy and Millie saw about Johann Sebastian Bach said he wrote music with and without singing.  I guess, a "Cantata" is what they call a song with only singing; where the    Singer tells a story.  Benjamin the Cow Bird just ran underneath Moe the middle Shed.                

        This Dictionary says a "Sonata" is a, "Musical composition for one or two instruments, having several movements related by similarity or contrast of tempo, key or style."   Mr. Steve's  Niece Samantha learned to play Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" on piano.  I smell Sage.            

2014 HYNUDAI "SONATA"

          There's a Car called a "Sonata" according to what Dais heard Mr. Steve tell Mr. Dave on the phone one time.  Mr. Steve still has some "Hyundai" customers left even after the economic    recession.  I guess Hyundai is a South Korean Car company from what Daisy heard.                      

         Daisy told me the tv show on Bach said, in the history of Classical music "Sonata" has at times been a "vague term" with "various meanings."  But one thing is that there's no singing in a Sonata Dais noticed.  Benjamin just now flew  out in the back field behind the Sheds.                     

         I've never heard any what they call "Hip-Hop" music but Daisy has and says some of the songs have pretty good beats.  One of Mr. Steve's customers in Florida told him about these two    guys who's songs combines Hip-Hop and Classical music.  Andy's now looking at me.                                              

     BLACK VIOLIN        

         Dais says Mr. Steve saw a concert video of BLACK VIOLIN, which is the name of those guys from Florida's band.  I guess one guy plays a violin and the other guy plays a viola.  Andy's sniffing the air to check if Cher the Cat, or Goliath the Gopher Snake; are nearby.                         

           In that BLACK VIOLIN concert Mr. Steve liked how anticipation was created before the band played by using a part of one of Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto's" as an "Introduction."    Daisy heard our boss say how BLACK VIOLIN played for President Obama's family.                   

         Mr. Steve, either in 9th or 10th Grade at Alemany Catholic High School; took that one Arts class from Judy Baca.  Mr. Steve learned from her but was more interested in just looking at her because he thought she was so pretty.  His friend Martin totally agreed with him on that.                                               

         JUDITH  BACA  ("GREAT WALL" / N. HOLLYWOOD)       

       Mr. Steve and his friend Ralph talked on the phone one time about how, in the late 1970's; that lady Judy Baca "Supervised" the painting of this half mile long "Mural" in Van Nuys called the "Great Wall of Los Angeles."  Her real first name is "Judith" I guess.  Dawn's barking.          

        Daisy heard that Judy Baca, like Mr. Ralph; is Mexican-American and also partly grew up over there in Pacoima.  But, even before that; she and her single mom lived in an area of "South  Central" L.A. called "Watts."  Our friend Mr. Chris also grew up down in Watts too.                    

         I guess Judy Baca's mom was from Mexico and when Judy Baca first went to school here in America she didn't speak any English.  Hey God!  But my boss read that, from a young age; she  just knew she wanted to be an Artist.  And she's so talented from what Dais can tell.                                                      

SIMON RODIA (1879-1965) "WATTS TOWERS"

PHOTO BY LUCIEN DEN AREND                                                                                                                                                                                       

          This Italian-American man named Simon Rodia also lived in Watts. And, all by himself; built these amazing sculptures called the "Watts Towers." Mr. Chris saw them and Mr. Steve has wondered if Judy Baca ever saw that man Simon Rodia actually up there working?                        

         Mr. Chris sells us things, like all of Dais and I's blankets for instance.  Daisy told me Mr. Steve has bought things like "C.D." players, and "VCR's" from him too.  They met at a "Swat    Meet" and I can tell my boss likes Mr. Chris and even pays him more than he asks for.                  

           Like Simon Rodia, Mr. Rick's family is Italian-American.  Simon Rodia's family probably came into the U.S. through that place "Ellis Island" in New York City too.  Mr. Ralph said those  Watts Towers are "landmarks."  All four of the Pigeons flew bye, going to the north.                      

     JUDY BACA (1987)        

          Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell his mom on the phone Judy Baca taught at U.C.L.A. where his old girlfriend Emily works.   They've both seen her "Great Wall" mural, which is near "Valley"  Junior College.  Boy!  Judy Baca's long painting is about half a mile long, or six city blocks.          

          Judy Baca's Great Wall, painted on concrete; is about thirteen feet tall so two feet shorter than our living room ceiling.  Someday I'll see my boss's bedroom where his drums are at.  The  ceiling in that room is also fifteen feet tall too according to what Daisy's told me about it.               

          I'll come back to Judy Baca, who Daisy says knows that guy "Cheech;" in writing about the 1984 L.A. Olympics.  They hired her to do another mural.  Boy!  It must be hard to paint in a big size and, that's one reason why I like Mr. Steve's mom's painting in the living room.              

"RIVER CITY DRUM CORPS" ("LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY)

       All of a sudden, for some reason; I just thought of that tv show Daisy saw about those kids who played the drums.  They're in Kentucky, from the exact same city as that Boxer Muhammad Ali.  Before the recession Mr. Steve had a customer in Kentucky and he played drums too.            

       Daisy says that Parts Manager was the one who first told Mr. Steve about the "River City Drum Corps."  I guess, they not only just train kids to play drums; they also teach them to have confidence too.  Boy!  I think I'd kind of like to be a member of that type of group alright.             

       The kids in "River City" learn to drum totally "In Synch" Dais told me.  Their "Motto" is, "In the Spirit of the Drum."  And she also noticed, before they perform and play the drums they have kind of a team prayer which says how they do it "In Honor" of their "Ancestors."                 

EDWARD "NARDIE" WHITE

      That one tv show said River City was started in 1991 by a man and his wife.  His name is Edward White but his nickname is "Nardie" and one thing he does is make each kid build his or  her own drum.  Daisy says Mr. Steve has wooden swords he made back in High School.                 

       I guess the River City team colors are red, black and green which the tv show said are the same three colors as the "Pan-African" flag.  I've mentioned how "pan" means the whole world, like in a "Pandemic." Mr. Mark in Hawaii also believes in the idea of pan Africa too.                    

       Dais thinks I would really love the red, black and green uniforms the River City kids get to wear; especially the hats with the fluffy feathers on them.  Even though they're not on my outline right now, I feel like mentioning another "Crum Corps."  They're from Switzerland.                     

"TOP SECRET" DRUM CORPS

          That Parts Manager from Kentucky knew about the "Top Secret Drum Corps" and how, in 1991 like River City; they began in Basel, Switzerland.  Daisy saw them on tv and says it's so    amazing.  They must have to practice twenty four hours a day to get so precise she jokes.              

           Dais thinks I'd like the 18th century style "Top Secret" uniforms, especially the feathered hats.  In Switzerland Drummers compete to be "Trommelkönig" or "Drummer King."  They can juggle and spin the sticks.  Some even play with the sticks on fire according to Daisy.                      

          Ah!  The scent of the Twin Joshua trees just came in.  Daisy says Mr. Steve told his mom on the phone how things like Moths, Butterflies, Ants, Termites, Lizards and Kangaroo Rats rely on Joshua tree blossoms and roots.  They even use the dead trees for different things too.                    

                                                  THE "TWINS" JOSHUA TREES

                 I guess that lady Miss Susan says Rats, and Birds like those Woodpeckers and Owls; also use Joshua trees.  I wrote earlier how, 19th century Mormons; named Joshua trees for that one Old Testament guy who led the ancient Jews after Moses died.  Joshua trees smell good! 

                 Miss Susan told my boss it was in the year 1857, as they went through the "Cajon Pass" to the southeast of Piñon Hills; when some Latter Day Saints noticed how many Joshua trees seem to be praying in the way Joshua did.  I hear Crows fighting.  I'll bet it's over food.  

           Hey God!  Daisy thinks maybe Joshua trees are reaching toward the Sun which gives off life's power which I suspect You've provided all of us down here on Earth.  If I could walk on two legs like Mr. Peabody or Underdog I'd raise my front paws in prayer too.  I smell Sage.

                                                               "GROUND SLOTH"   

         Miss Susan says, until about 10,000 B.C. when the Ice Age ended; those huge "Ground Sloths" I mentioned this morning ate Joshua tree flowers.  When they went to the bathroom the  seeds would be "Deposited" somewhere.  Now I guess Rodents like Mice do that same thing.         

         Hey!  The way Joshua trees make new babies kind of reminds me of flowers and plants, who use things like Insects and Birds to spread around the seeds.  Boy!  That "Extinct" Ground Sloth was as big as an Elephant!  How do their tongues not get stabbed by Joshua trees?               

           From what Miss Susan said, there used to be way more Joshua trees up here in the desert.  But now, "Urban" cities are getting bigger and bigger; so are destroying "Rural" areas.  More     and more things like "Housing Tracts" and "Shopping Centers" are covering up the land.            

 "SOLAR" POWER FACILITY ("MOJAVE" DESERT)    

    PHOTO BY ISAAC BREKKEN               

               In between the towns of Pearblossom, and Littlerock where Mr. Steve's brother Sam lives with his family; is a "Facility" where sunlight is gathered to use for energy.  It's off to the side of Highway 138 in an area which used to be just wide open desert.  Heathcliff crowed.    

               Some people up here don't want things like "Solar" energy plants in our area because of how it effects the desert.  Daisy and I totally agree with that because, like she says; if there's less plants and things like that then there will be less animals too.  I still smell the Twins.

         Well, it's "Downhill from Here" as they say; three chapters to go.  I guess there will be no snacks for us today.  I'm very surprised, and so is Dais because; lately we've been getting at least three a day.  But, that's okay and as Daisy sometimes jokes; "All's well that ends well." 

     OPEN SKY              

            Sitting here on my old couch Elvira and looking out from under this Patio I feel so good. I'll eat dinner in about three hours.  Looking at the high blue sky above the eastern desert, out there to my front; suddenly for some reason makes me think of "Logos" that symbolize things.

           My English Dictionary says the word "Emblem" has three different definitions.  But the one I think most people think of is, "A device, symbol or figure adopted and used as an identifying mark."  Oh!  I smell new Spring Sage, which makes me feel so happy to be alive down here.  

          Daisy says Mr. Steve has been drawing logos or emblems since he's been a kid so that's why I now want to learn about them.  Then he'll like me a lot more, and will always keep and never get rid of me.  All four Pigeons are right now flying over Libby's Corral next door to my right.

COFFEE         

                    I just glanced over to my right in time to see a little Lizard duck behind the gray water bucket near the sliding glass door going into the dining room on this side of the house.  Daisy told me about this drink made from water called "Coffee."  Boy!  I just love how Sage smells.

             This Encyclopedia says Coffee "beans," which are actually "seeds;" come from a plant.  I guess you first "roast" the beans, then grind them up; then put that in hot water.  Dais says most people drink their Coffee hot, but there are even those who now prefer to have it be cold.

             It says here the idea of making a drink out of Coffee beans first started in Africa, in the area now known as "Ethiopia."  The story is some Goats ate the beans, and their owner noticed they were running all around way more than usual.  So he decided to eat some beans too.             

COFFEE PLANT    

                Oh!  A picture shows a Coffee plant and it makes me understand better why red is Daisy's favorite color.  That one Ethiopian Goat Herder, who lived in the "late Middle Ages;" noticed the "Stimulating" effect of Coffee beans so told others about it.  Heathcliff just crowed.

            By the 15th century Sufi Monks in what is now "Yemen" drank Coffee to "suppress their hunger for fasting," or "stay awake longer for prayer."  A map shows how, what is now Ethiopia; is located near the area called the "Horn of Africa."  It used to be called "Abyssinia."

            People in the 1500's Middle East and North Africa drank Coffee "in the now common form."  Then it spread up to Europe and from there around the world.  For "Political" reasons Americans switched from drinking Tea to Coffee during the Revolutionary War period.        

"COFFEE & CREAM"

                I mentioned before how Mr. Steve's family go to a Coffee Shop in Sylmar where that guy from Egypt named Mr. Hussein works.  He and my boss have talked about the story of the Goat Herder from Ethiopia.  Mr. Steve and his mom think Mr. Hussein is a really talented Painter.      

                  I guess, one reason they know about people in the Middle East drinking Coffee is because, in 1511; a law was passed in the "Holy" city of "Mecca" which "banned" Coffee Houses.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve say too many violent arguments were breaking out.  I can smell Libby. 

            By the 18th century Coffee drinking was common in Europe because Slave labor had been used for a few centuries to grow the plants in some of the "Tropical" European Colonies.  It was way too cold to grow in Europe itself.  There's a long vapor trail way up there in the sky.

FRANCOIS-MARIE AROUET ("VOLTAIRE" / 1694-1778)

         PAINTING BY JACQUES AUGUSTIN PAJOU               

                It says here that French "Enlightenment" Writer "Voltaire liked Coffee but Frederick the Great who admired his ideas didn't.  The first known European Coffee shop was in the then City-State of "Venice," and that was in 1645.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonney are now flying bye.

           Oh!  I just noticed how Voltaire died on May the 30th and, in looking at my list of dates; I see how my boss's Niece Raqquel was born on that date.  Voltaire is just the name he used as a Writer I guess.  Ah!  I can smell the new baby Cholla cactus growing over there in the dirt.

           Daisy heard Mormons aren't allowed to drink Coffee.  I guess Mr. Steve rarely drinks it and prefers "Hot Chocolate" on cold days.  Mr. Hussein one time told him that the "Expresso" form of Coffee, which is very popular now with a lot of people; "originated" back in Italy.    

                                AFRICAN SLAVES                             "TRIANGLE" TRADE ROUTES

                 My boss told Mr. Hussein Brazil, in 1888; was the last country to ban "Official" Slavery.  But they did it only because it became more "economical" to hire "cheap labor, "work them to death;" then simply get more low paid workers.  19th century America was like that too.  

                It says here "Qahwah" is Arabic for Coffee, while in Turkey it's called "Kahve."  Over in the Netherlands it's "Koffie," which is probably where our word comes from.   Speedy Gonzalez just ran full speed through the slightly wider right vertical slot on the side of the gate.  

           To Insects Coffee beans are like "poison," so maybe that's one of those "Natural Defense Mechanisms" Charles Darwin talked about.  Daisy heard, all by itself Coffee is "bitter;" so most people put sugar in it.  Andy's over there sniffing the air guarding the entrance to their hole.

                              BABY SQUIRRELS                                                   ANDY AND HELEN                                                                                      

               All of a sudden, smelling Andy right now is making me think about that time last Summer when he and Helen were playing and wrestling.  Boy!  I can't wait to see when their new babies are old enough to come outside because Squirrel babies are so cute.  Heathcliff just crowed.

           It's getting later in the day, and judging by how much the shadows are leaning away from me over here on Elvira; I'd say I have about three more hours of sunlight.  And I do have three more chapters to go.  I just thought about how my boss does those line drawings of things.

            The Dictionary of "Synonyms" and "Antonyms" Dais found in the garage says "Emblem" and "Symbol" are "derived" from the Greek word "bállein" or, "to throw.  "Embállein" is, "to insert."  I guess, "Symbállein" is Greek for the this one phrase; "To throw together." 

            MAGGIE / DAISY CÓRDOVA                    

               I feel like doing my happy howl right now because I really enjoy learning to use tools like pens and pencils.  But what I'm kind of feeling is that I like learning new things even more.  I see a metal "Shovel" laying next to Moe the Shed and that makes me think of "Metal."

                Over the next three days, I look forward to learning about the "Evolution" in the use of metals.  My boss and his father think it's important.  With hard metal, you can hunt better or cut wood in order to survive; or more easily kill all of your enemies too if necessary. 

              Even though it's not on my book one outline right here, I might as well mention now how there have been three "Ages" in the evolution of metal.  The oldest was when "Copper" could be dug up and then used right out of the ground.  Dawn's barking over there next door.

             BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND                             STEEL FOUNDRY INTERIOR   

                 I guess now tools like the shovel over there are mainly made of "Steel," which I heard my boss say is a "mixture of iron and carbon."  My Encyclopedia says the European "Copper Age" went from about 3,200 through 2,300 B.C.  I smell the Joshua trees near Libby's Corral.

                According to what it says here, after the Copper Age came the "Bronze Age."  Copper's soft, or what they called "Malleable;" which means it can be "Formed and Shaped" into things.  The Bronze Age period over in Europe lasted from about 2,300 all the way up to 700 B.C.  

                Before the invention of steel there were three periods in the evolution of mankind's use of metal.  Oh!  The Bronze Age had an early, middle and late period, just as ancient Egyptians had their "Old," "Middle" and "Late" Kingdoms in history.  Boy!  This has been such a good day.

           PERIODS OF ANCIENT EGYPT                           "KHUFU" PYRAMID ("GIZA)

              I guess some people wonder how the ancient Egyptians could have carved those really giant stone blocks used to built the three "Giza" Pyramids.  At that point in the Old Kingdom all they had were soft Copper tools.  Speedy Gonzalez just ran bye and left a thin trail of dust.  

              My Encyclopedia says, the "alloy" of Bronze is made by heating up to "mix" or "combine" together Copper and this other metal called "Tin."  That Bronze Age was followed by the "Iron Age," which allowed people to make harder weapons; in order to kill all of the enemies.

             Anyway, I'll be learning and writing more about metals in my three long books; especially when it comes to the modern "Industrialism" and "Capitalism" Karl Marx wrote about.  I guess "Steel" is an alloy of "super heated" Iron.  Then you add in that thing called "Carbon."  

       BLUE BIRDS             

               PHOTO BY STEVE BYLAND                         

             Oh!  I see the Bluebirds "Frida" and "Diego" standing on a piece of wood Mr. Mike cut up with his saw.  I guess it's actually called a "Chain" saw because of those sharp teeth on a long chain that goes round and round.  Boy!  Diego sure seems way bluer than Frida this year.

           It makes me feel good somehow to see Frida and Diego on this first very day of Spring, or our "New Year."  Heathcliff just crowed, which makes me suddenly have one of those "Déjà Vu" feelings.  I've heard him crowing when I just happened to be looking at Frida and Diego.

          Bluebirds usually build tree hole nests in April, their two babies fly by May; but even then their parents still feed them out of their mouth's and the boy Bluebird is overly protective.  Boy God!  I can't believe how much fun I'm having learning to read and write.  Thank You!   

                                             DIEGO RIVERA (1886-1957) / FRIDA KAHLO (1907-1954)  

            Mr. Steve named our Bluebirds "Frida" and "Diego" after the Mexican husband and wife Artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.  Mr. Steve's mom studied their art in College at C.S.U.N. We have other blue Birds around here called "Scrub Jays."  I smell Sage, which I really like. 

           I'm not scheduled to write about Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera now, but can mention them.  My Encyclopedia says Frida Kahlo did "surrealist folk art."  Mr. Steve heard her sister's name was spelled in the exact same way as his Niece Cristina who lives down there in Sylmar.  

           From what it says below the photo of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, he's known for his big "murals" on walls; many remember his wife for her "self-portraits.  Anyway, I'll be finding more about both of them over the next three days.  Heathcliff just now crowed over there.

MR. STEVE'S PARENTS   

PHOTO BY RODERICK CÓRDOVA        

                Although Mr. Steve's mom "Appreciates" Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera's art, she doesn't totally agree with them when it comes to "Politics" or "Socially Liberal" attitudes.   Mr. Steve's father is the same way.  Frida and Diego just flew off into the eastern desert right now.

          Mr. Steve's father jokes he's an "obsolete Dinosaur" in being "Socially Conservative" but "Fiscally Liberal."  When it comes to spending money for Hospitals or, helping the poor; he's a "Progressive."  From what Dais heard, many Liberals don't like being called that name.  

          Over the years Mr. Steve's father has been described as a "Moderate Centrist" and so has he too.  His dad "Reached across the Aisle" to work with "Republicans" on things in Sylmar like the rebuilding of "Olive View" Hospital, or "Mission" College.   I smell Libby over there.  

                                                           FRANCE A. CÓRDOVA   

              Because over the next three days I'll learn and write about our last name one person I'll find out about is this lady named France A. Córdova.  Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve talk on the phone with his mom and they discussed her one time.  Heathcliff 's Hens are clucking. 

                Dais heard France Córdova is mainly a Scientist but has also run organizations too.  Daisy thinks she's Roman Catholic like us as she went to a Parochial High School in Los Angeles.  Mr. Steve saw a picture of her with a hairstyle like the way his mom used to wear her hair too. 

          My boss read Miss Córdova, the eldest of twelve kids; was eight years old in 1955 when he  was born and I guess she knows a lot about Astronomy according to Daisy.  I'll come back to her in my books.  Mr. Steve thinks, unlike himself; she must be good in math like his father is.

"BELÉN," NEW MEXICO

                  Mentioning that lady Miss Córdova's last name makes me suddenly think about the town of "Belén" where my boss's parent's families are from.  Mr. Steve had a dream where he heard the loud 10:00 p.m. "Curfew" siren on top of a "Water Tank" in Belén.  I smell Mesquite.

                 Mr. Steve told his mom on the phone one time about remembering Belén's siren.  I guess it was on "Becker" Avenue and "Sixth" Street, next to Grandma and Grandpa Córdova's house; which is why it was so loud.  I guess Grandma and Grandpa Córdova got "Used to It." 

               Piñon Hills also has a tall water tank too Dais says, which she see's when she goes with Mr. Steve to Phelan.  Mr. Steve says one hundred foot tall water tanks hold 100,000 gallons of water. His mom thinks Belén's water tank, built in 1928; should be made a "Cultural Landmark."   

                                                     HORACE WALPOLE (1717-1797)

PAINTING BY ROSALBA CARRIERA

            My English Dictionary says the word "Serendipity" means, "Finding valuable or agreeable things not sought out or by accident."  And I guess that word was "Coined" by an 18th century British writer named Horace Walpole.  Two of the Pigeons just flew bye right now.

        Seeing the Blue Birds Frida and Diego is sort of a surprise because I really wasn't expecting to see them so early in the new year.  That makes me sort of feel good.  Oh!  Both just flew off in an easterly direction and are moving quickly over the desert behind the three Sheds.

            According to this Encyclopedia below a painting of that guy Horace Walpole, he's known to a certain extent as a "Travel Writer."  Daisy says Rick Steve's used the word serendipity in one of his episodes.  Horace Walpole is "Associated" with the "Grand Tour" of Europe. 

                                                      LEON TROTSKY (1879-1940)      

           Writing about Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo makes me think of their Russian friend Leon Trotsky who I mentioned in writing about George Orwell's book "Animal Farm."  All were Karl Marx-influenced "Socialists."  I kind of like that one style of glasses Leon Trotsky wore. 

            This Encyclopedia says, in 1917 during World War I; Leon Trotsky helped Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin "overthrow" the Russian "Czar" Nicholas II.  After "much bloodshed," they "installed" a "Communist" government.  Max the Hummingbird just now zoomed bye. 

           When "Lenin" died Joseph Stalin "took" power but didn't like "Trotsky." In the 1930's, as leader of the "Soviet Union" or "U.S.S.R." he killed or "Purged" millions.  He "Exiled" Trotsky from Russia but then had him killed in Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera's house in Mexico. 

VLADIMIR LENIN (1870-1923) "RUSSIAN REVOLUTION"

(NOVEMBER, 1917) 

                PAINTING BY VLADIMIR ALEKSANDROVICH SEROV                   

             Russia, like all countries; has a bloody history and in 1917 most people were very poor so many simply "Went along With" the Communist revolutionaries like Lenin, Stalin and Trotsky.   Dais heard Mr. Ralph tell Mr. Steve Lenin said, "Terror is the instrument of social hygiene."       

           By the Autumn of 1917 many Russian Soldiers were "Fed Up" with being slaughtered by the Germans.  Lenin was living in exile in Switzerland and, because everyone knew he wanted to pull Russia from the war; the Germans secretly returned him to Russia.  Dawn's barking.             

          It says in this Encyclopedia that Czar Nicholas "abdicated" power in March of 1917, but the government that took over still wanted to stay in the war I guess.  Lenin and the "Bolshevik" Communists took power in October but they had a lot of problems.  I like Dawn.                           

ERICH  LUDENDORFF (1865-1937)           PAUL VON HINDENBURG(1847-1934)

                                                                                                                              PAINTING BY HUGO VOGEL

           Two men who I'll learn about over the next three days were both World World I German Generals, named Paul von Hindenburg and his assistant Erich Friedrich Ludendorff.  Dais saw a tv show on them.  Wow!  I like the mustaches German Generals wore back in those days.              

           "Ludendorff" got the Kaiser's okay to take Lenin to Russia, saying he would allow Lenin to end the war; then "strangle" him.  Oh!  General Ludendorff was born on April 9th, like Mr.     Steve's old girlfriend Miss Emily.  My boss's parents first met on April the 8th Dais heard.            

         Lenin's Communists took power in late 1917 and, just as the Germans had hoped; pulled Russia out of the war.  But then that civil war broke out so he sent Trotsky to "Negotiate" peace with Germany.  I can see Blackbeard and Anne playing tag out there in the back field.                                                   ST. PETERSBURG          RUSSIAN REVOLUTION        AMERICAN TROOPS        

          In power the Bolsheviks, like the new country of Israel in 1948; were attacked "On all Sides" as they say.  Not only did Lenin have other Russian's fighting against him, the British and Americans also sent troops to oppose his hated "Communism."  I can smell Creosote.                   

           For a few years there was a "tremendous amount of bloodshed" in Russia, according to this Encyclopedia.  "Atrocities" were committed by both sides.  Daisy says our cold Winters "do  not even compare" to how freezing it can get over there in the country of Russia.  Wow!                

           It says here, when Lenin died; Stalin "outmaneuvered" everyone to "take" power.  But, more and more he became "suspicious" of people who might "threaten his authority" so; by the  1930's was "ruthlessly liquidating" rivals.  "Liquidating" is another way of saying killed.                           

"CZAR" NICHOLAS ROMANOV II (1868-1918) WITH FAMILY 

         For over three centuries, until 1917;  Russia was "Ruled" by the "Romanov" family.  This Encyclopedia has a picture of the last Czar Nicholas II and his family, who ended up being killed on orders from Lenin.  I'll learn a lot more about the Romanov's over the next three days.             

         One time my boss told Mr. Mike how he and his father have both studied Russian history.  I guess Czar Nicholas' family was stabbed with bayonets, and then their bodies were burned.  By 1940 Leon Trotsky was living "In Exile" in Mexico with Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.                

       Stalin had Trotsky "tracked down" and killed at Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera's house in Mexico.  The assassin "stuck an ice pick in his skull."  Oh!  That happened on August the 20th    which, in looking at my list of important dates; I notice is Mr. Steve's mom's birthday.                                                             

           "MORMONISM"               

           One thing I'll write about in this tenth and third to last chapter is "Mormonism."  As I've said before, Mormons or "Latter Day Saints;" have been important to the history of the U.S and California too.  The four Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral, moving to the southeast.        

           I'll also learn more about the Mexican War of 1846-48 in this chapter.  Earlier I wrote how Texas, California and New Mexico became part of America after that really important war.  In my right nostril I can smell the same exact Juniper plant I've been smelling all day.  

          The scent of Juniper reminds me of when Mr. Steve played that good song called "Boléro" on his Boombox.  It starts out soft and slow but ends up loud and fast with some really good flute playing at the beginning.  Boy!  How could anyone have even built such a thing as a flute?    

                                                       MAURICE RAVEL( 1875-1937)

           In College at C.S.U.N, in the 1970's; Mr. Steve took a class in the history of Classical Music.  The teacher was a nice lady who told my boss how the guy who wrote Boléro was French and his song was influenced by his "Basque" mother and "Swiss" father.  Dawn's barking. 

        That College professor said Boléro was also influenced by "mystical Islam" or what's called "Sufism."  She also thought it had Spanish "element's" in it.  I've mentioned how in the Bible the word "Rhêma" means the "Living Word" which my boss thinks can also be music. 

        Someday, when I overcome my fear of being trapped inside an enclosed area; I'll go into Mr. Steve's bedroom the way Dais always does.  Boy!  I can't wait.  One time Daisy and that other Dog Millie heard our boss play his "Snare" drum along to a good recording of Boléro.   

            ADOLPH HITLER                   ROLLIE FINGERS                     FRANK ZAPPA

              In the picture of Maurice Ravel, who wrote Boléro; I notice he's wearing a "Handlebar" mustaches like the way Adolph Hitler did as a Soldier in World War I.  That was before he cut off the edges so a Gas Mask could fit better on his face.  I can smell Cher the Cat around here.  

            I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve's favorite Baseball team is the Oakland A's.  Daisy says back in the 1970's they had this "Relief" Pitcher player with a handlebar mustache named "Rollie" Fingers.  Aha!  I see Cher resting over there near Manny the far right Shed.

           Dais says our boss played that kid Jason Frank Zappa's version of Boléro.  Frank Zappa, who grew up near Littlerock where Mr. Steve's brother Sam's family lives; had a big mustache.  Mr. Steve heard he died on December the 4th, which is his Niece Stephanie's birthday.   

"HIGH" DESERT ("SAN GABRIEL" MOUNTAINS)

           Hey God!  Hearing that song Boléro makes me think of the the mountains near us and how Rhêma can be music.  Oh!  Now, all of a sudden; I can hear Vivaldi's song La Primavera.  Boy!  I think I now understand why my boss likes the way he feels whenever he listens to it.                       

          I've mentioned how Mr. Steve, on most mornings; listens to La Primavera as he gets ready for the day.  As I said before, "Primavera" is Latin    for "Spring."  Speedy Gonzalez zoomed bye but I won't even chase him today because I'm going to be disciplined and work.                              

         Hey Lord!  As You know, in my books Daisy has me scheduled to learn and then write a lot about music.  One type is what they call "Gospel."  I've never heard any Gospel songs but Daisy  has, and hears Rhêma in the happy singing by people who really like You; as we do too.                                                             

           REVEREND JOHN NEWTON (1725-1807)      

               ARTIST UNKNOWN                 

        I'll mainly learn and write about Gospel music in books two and three but, can mention now a man named John Newton.  Daisy saw a tv show which said he wrote the words to this old song called "Amazing Grace."  He was a "Cleric" in the Protestant Anglican Church.                 

          Wow!  A painting of that guy John Newton shows the great "Wigs" people wore back then in the 18th century.  I'd definitely wear one.  Hey Lord!  Daisy says, when young; John Newton    even "Sold" African people but then believed in You so later was totally against Slavery.               

         Mr. Steve's father who had that one school for "Stockbrokers" back in the late 1960's and early 1970's, thinks "Overall" Capitalism is better than Socialism.  But "Unfettered" Capitalism is not so good.  A "Balance" of the two systems, like we have now; is better he believes.                  

                  SLAVE SHIPS                              19TH CENTURY AMERICAN SLAVES  

        My boss and his father both think, because Capitalism often "lends itself to greed and avarice;" it seems like you have to almost "Worship" money.  Look at how, all the way from the 16th century until the 1800's; African people were bought and sold as Slaves.  I smell Sage.           

            Oh!  I just noticed Fannie and Freddie standing over there near the Sheds.  Freddie has a dead Bird in his mouth, and is now using his sharp beak to shred and tear the wings off to make  it easier to eat.  Fannie is waiting patiently for her share, even though it's just a small Bird.           

          Mr. Steve thinks, one good thing about Capitalism is that it "allows for" the creation of a much bigger "Middle Class" than Socialism.  Dais is pretty sure we would be considered Middle Class.  Fannie and Freddie just walked behind the Sheds to eat the rest of the little Bird.               

       "LIVERPOOL" (ENGLAND)           

            PAINTING BY BOB EDWARDS                         

          Daisy says one time Mr. Steve and Mr. Phillip from Wales talked about the "Port" city of "Liverpool" in England.  I guess, it's a big "Industrial Harbor;" just like the one here in Long        Beach.  And that's why the Germans bombed it so much during the Second World War.               

          Liverpool is where that one band the BEATLES are from but, in looking at the map of the Slave Trade; I can see why it has been so important.  I've never heard any BEATLES' songs but  Dais has and says they play so many different styles of music.  I like the flute in Boléro.                  

        Hey God!  Because my boss wants to believe Rhêma could be interpreted as a feeling you experience when hearing a "Song," and emotionally reacting to it; I want to think that too.  I see a few clouds up there in the blue sky over the eastern desert.  I'm so glad it's "Spring!"                 

       GENESIS (EARLY 1970'S)           

         I sure hope tomorrow morning Mr. Steve will decide to do some yardwork and play songs on his Boombox as he works.  I'll never forget when he played, loud; GENESIS' song "Musical   Box."  Boy!  How could anyone have invented such an ingenious thing like a flute?                         

          Hey God!  Thank You for how I feel when I hear the Musical Box, which Mr. Steve jokes is "Art Rock."  As You of course already know, I felt like I was going on a "Ride" because of all the highs and lows in that song.  If I wrote a song I think that's the kind of song I'd want to do.           

          Thank You God for making Earth be just the right "Distance" from the Sun.  The Universe You created about fourteen billion years ago, is so gigantic in size; I feel small sitting  on Elvira    way down here in our town of Piñon Hills.  Heathcliff crowed over there next door.                                                               

                  EARTH'S THREE LAYERS            

          I've mentioned a few times how my boss Mr. Steve thinks the number 3 is often important. A diagram in this one Encyclopedia shows how the Earth mainly has three sections.  I'm up here on the "Crust" I guess but, I wonder what it would be like at the center of the Earth?

         One time Daisy and that other Dog Millie watched a good movie about these guys going to the center of the Earth.  They went down into a volcano in "Iceland" and eventually came out in Italy.  In my books I'll write about a lot of counties.  Some Vikings lived in Iceland.

         Dais says in that movie called "Journey to the Center of the Earth" those German explorers saw some totally amazing things.  One time they actually watched an extinct "Plesiosaur" fight a real "Ichthyosaurus."  Oh! Alpha Quail Company is going under Moe the middle Shed.

                LOCH NESS                           "PLESIOSAURUS"                         LOCH NESS                 

                I wrote earlier how my boss thinks, if the Loch Ness monster does exist; it might just be a surviving Plesiosaur.  This painting shows one swimming underwater.  I notice how Plesiosaur's had short but really sharp teeth and a long neck.  I just picked Alpha Company's scent.

            Boy!  That black and white photo of the Loch Ness monster's neck and head sticking out of the water looks so real, but Mr. Steve read it was a "Hoax."  The picture of what looks like a fin is convincing too.  Angeline, the bigger girl Quail; is really protecting her new babies.

           In 1864, the second year of the American Civil War; that French Writer Jules Verne wrote the book the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth is "based" on.  Dais told me he also wrote books on "Balloons."  In one book men shoot themselves up to the Moon with a giant cannon.   

     MARY SHELLEY (1797-1851)          JULES VERNE (1828-1905)               H.G.WELLS (1866-1946)                        PAINTING BY RICHARD ROTHWELL                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

          My Encyclopedia calls Jules Verne one of the "Fathers of Science Fiction."  I guess another one is H.G. Wells who I wrote about earlier.  I wonder if that one really smart girl Mary Shelly, who wrote "Frankenstein;" would be considered a "Mother of Science Fiction?"

         This is interesting.  Jules Verne is the "second most translated" author in history, and only William Shakespeare is ahead of him.  Oh!  He was interested in the subject of "Cryptography," which Dais has me scheduled to learn and write about in my second and third books. 

         Because my boss likes those "Horror" movies from the 1930's, I'll learn about them in my books.  But, I'll also find out more about two 1960's tv shows Daisy told me about; where all the monsters aren't scary at all but very nice and friendly.  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.    

"THE MUNSTERS"

IMAGE BY EVERETT COLLECTION

                 Oh what the heck!  Even though I'm not scheduled to learn about those two monster tv shows until tomorrow, I just feel like doing it now too.  A picture in this Encyclopedia shows the "Munster" family next to their Cars, which I guess Mr. Steve built models of as a kid.

             I notice one of the Munster's Cars is a coffin.  The caption says the family are "benign" monsters, the Frankenstein father not mean but "well-meaning."  Daisy told me the Grandpa is a funny "over the hill" Vampire and the little boy is actually one of those Werewolves.

            Oh!  A Mockingbird flew bye just as I read that the Munster's house is on "Mockingbird Lane."  I guess the show was a "satire" of American "suburban life" and also "classic" monster movies.  Dais says the pretty, normal-looking daughter; is the family's "Ugly Duckling."     

"ADDAMS FAMILY"

             Daisy says the other tv show is about a rich family whose father is really energetic and their Butler is kind of like a talking Frankenstein.  The caption below a picture of them calls the show a "black" comedy with "dark" humor.  Now the other two Pigeons are flying bye.

             I want to see the Munster's and "Addams Family" someday.  Dais told me on the wall inside the Addams' house is a Swordfish head with a leg in its mouth, and they have a giant two-headed Galápagos Tortoise too.  Boy!  The family has this hand as their servant.  Wow!     

            Ah!  Samson and Delilah the Ravens are flying bye, and I can tell it's them because of how big Samson is.  As I've mentioned, he was named Goliath but; then Mr. Steve changed his name when Delilah became his girlfriend.  Alpha Company is going out into the back desert.

SAMSON KILLS PHILISTINES ("TOPPLING THE TEMPLE") 

       Boy!  Samson is so big in size.  This Encyclopedia says the original Samson was a "Judge" in ancient Israel.  Our Samson and Delilah are loyal to each other but, in the Bible story that other girl Delilah totally "betrayed" her Samson; and "handed him over" to the "Philistines."  

       Hey God!  The Bible Samson was really strong, like Superman or Hercules; who I'll learn about in my three books.  Wow!  It says here that guy Samson even killed a Lion with his "bare hands."  I like royal blue so would wear a Superman uniform if there was one for us Dogs.  

       My Encyclopedia says, after three "failed attempts;" that girl Delilah "tricked" Samson into "revealing" the secret of his strength was his long hair.  So, she cut it off when he was asleep and got paid by the Philistines who captured him.  I see a Lizard standing on the wall over there.

                                            WILLIAM "THE CONQUEROR" (1028-1087)

        Oh!  The Philistines "gouged out" Samson's eyes the way William the Conqueror used to do with enemies.  King William was a "Norse" Viking who ruled the coast of France and in 1066 A.D. came across the English Channel to conquer England.  Boy!  I'd hate to be blind.        

        Hey Lord!  In book three I'll write about Judas Iscariot who, like Delilah; betrayed You for money.  I'll write about Benedict Arnold too.  Hey God!  At least You let Samson get revenge by pushing over the pillars in that giant Temple to kill himself and all of the Philistines too.

        I just looked up Ravens in my Encyclopedia and there's a good diagram that shows how the Ravens are bigger than Crows.  The caption says both type of "Black Birds" look "similar" but there are some differences.  Crows "caw" while the Ravens "croak," or even "scream."

RAVEN VERSUS CROW    

          The diagram shows the Ravens and Crows different sizes and I notice how the width of their wings is measured in what they call "Mètres."  According to my French Dictionary mètre means "measure."  Speedy Gonzalez the Squirrel just zoomed bye in front of the Sheds.  

       I guess the "unit of length" called a mètre, or "meter" in the U.S.; is a little bit shorter than what we here in America call a "Yard" which is three feet.  Ravens coast on air currents, while Crows flap their wings way more.  You can often actually hear a Ravens wings flapping.

       Crows waddle when they walk on the ground, Ravens hop and because Samson is so big his hops are really long.  Mr. Randy joked Samson could win the standing "Long Jump" contest in the Olympics.  I'd want to run or jump if there's ever such a thing as a Dog Olympics.         

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND       

                In chapter seven I mentioned the city of "Baltimore," located back east in the State of "Maryland."  Their Football team is called the "Ravens."  At times Samson and Delilah, from way up high; will tightly tuck in their wings and streak straight down fast to the ground.

              Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his customer talk about how the Ravens Football team use purple as their primary color, with black, yellow and white their secondary colors.  I guess Mr. Steve did a line drawing of their logo and then faxed it to his customer for his kids to color.

              I mentioned before how, back in the early 1990's; Mr. Steve's family was involved in the gambling industry.  Oh!  I forgot that you aren't supposed to use the word "Gambling" anymore because it sounds better to call it "Gaming."  I smell that new little baby Cholla cactus.

                                           RAY LEWIS (BALTIMORE "RAVENS")

         As I said earlier this morning, my boss and his father don't gamble because they "Know the Numbers."  But the last time Mr. Steve did he won.   On "Super Bowl" day a friend "Daryl" was at "Caesars Palace" in Las Vegas and called to ask my boss if  he wanted to "Bet" on the game. 

         I guess, from what Dais says; Mr. Steve told his friend okay and to "put" fifty dollars on the Ravens because they were "Underdogs."  The other team was what they call the "Favorite," so you win very little money if they win.  Boy!  I'd sure like to see a Football game someday. 

         Mr. Steve doesn't follow sports anymore but had been told this Ravens' Player named Ray Lewis was "Retiring" after the Super Bowl.  So, Mr. Steve hoped his teammates would try their hardest to win that final game for him.  And luckily I guess, they did barely win that game.    

                      CROW                        RAVEN                             

               Miss Susan, who ran our local Newspaper "News Plus" before that new guy Gary; said Raven beaks are bigger and more curved than Crow beaks.  Ravens "prattle" or "croak," while Crows "caw" or "squawk."  Miss Susan said Ravens "babble" and "chatter" in talking.    

             According to Daisy, another time Miss Susan told Mr. Steve feathers at the end of Bird wings are called "Pinion" feathers.  Ravens have seventeen of them, Crows one less.  Using this English Dictionary I see how pinion is spelled almost the same as our town of Piñon Hills. 

                   Ravens have stockier bodies and the feathers on their their throats, which Miss Susan calls "scruff;" is thicker too.  When flying Raven's tails look different from Crows.  I've noticed that sometimes our Crows here in Piñon Hills stay in groups while Raven couples don't. 

                                                                       TOM JONES

         Writing about Ravens makes me think of a tv show Daisy saw about a singer from "Wales" named Tom Jones.  I guess, in 1968 when Mr. Steve was only thirteen; he sang a song about a girl named Delilah.  Mr. Phillip, the Honda Parts Manager in New York; is from Wales too.  

            Daisy told me the tv show said Tom Jones has a "Baritone" singing voice and his song about Delilah is a "Power Ballad" with a "Flamenco" rhythm.  Mr. Steve says his mother, who likes to sing; liked a few of Tom Jones' songs.  And, she also thinks he's really "Handsome."

          Someday, when I overcome my fear of being trapped in an enclosed area; I'll go in my boss's Bedroom to watch more tv and listen to more music like Daisy does.  And, I'd so like to hear that song about Delilah.  Daisy told me the tv show said fans sing it at some "Rugby" games. 

                        THE SIMPSONS                                             NANCY CARTWRIGHT

            Tomorrow in book two is where Daisy and I decided I'd write about this tv show called the "Simpsons."  The tv show on that guy Tom Jones said one time they used his song Delilah on the Simpsons.  Speedy Gonzalez the Squirrel just zoomed bye in front of the three Sheds. 

          In my second book I'm also scheduled to write about this really talented girl named Nancy Cartwright.  Dais says she does the voice of the boy named "Bart" Simpson.  Mr. Steve and his Niece Samantha went to hear her "Give a Talk" at the C.S.U.N. campus one time. 

         According to what Daisy heard them say on that tv show on Tom Jones, a lot of other bands and Singers have "Covered" the song Delilah.  I guess there's even "Reggae" and "Goth" Heavy Metal versions of it.  Ah!  Donald and Daisy the Ducks are quacking about something. 

                                 THE SWEET                                                                              UFO                                                                                                                    

              A 1970's band from England is called the SWEET and they also did a version of that song Delilah.  One time Mr. Steve played Jason some SWEET songs to show how talented they were as Singers and Musicians.  Oh!  I really like the shoes they're wearing in the picture of them.

             The caption under the picture of the SWEET says what my boss told Jason.  They were one of those "Glam" Rock bands in the early 1970's.  Mr. Steve used to play drums along to their one song about a "Ballroom"  because he likes songs with a lot of snare drum in them Dais says.

         Mr. Steve thinks, like that one other 1970's British band called UFO; the SWEET were very "under-appreciated."  He played Jason this late 1970's SWEET song called "Set Me Free" which sounds like a 1980's "Metal" song.  Daisy noticed that all four members of the SWEET sing.  

ABBA       

     Mr. Steve told that kid Jason, sometimes people don't like a band just because of how they look.  He agrees that the 1970's Glam Rock bands now look "ridiculous" and "outdated."  Daisy says he showed Jason "Platform" shoes he bought at a Thrift Store.  They both laughed.               

       One morning as he did yardwork Mr. Steve played a song called "S.O.S." by a Swedish band called ABBA.  It's a sad but happy-sounding, and the piano playing and singing is so good.  Over the years Mr. Steve has played S.O.S. for people, just to "see their reaction" Dais told me.             

      Mr. Steve's High School girlfriend Sandy liked ABBA, so he wanted to like them too; and didn't care when male friends laughed.  Mr. Steve never wore those Platform shoes but I would if there such a thing for us Dogs.  But he likes showing that pair to others to see them laugh.             

ANTHONY BOURDAIN   

         Daisy told me about a tv show where this cooking "Chef" from New York City, named Anthony Bourdain; travels all over the world to eat local food.  Boy!  I think that would be such  a great job to have.  Mr. Rich is a good cook and likes to watch Anthony Bourdain's show.             

           I guess, Anthony Bourdain's show is similar to the "Travel" shows Rick Steves does about Europe; and Huell Howser films here in California.  Someday, when I get over my fear of being    trapped in an enclosed area;  I really want to see some episodes of those three tv shows.                 

        Daisy told me about how, one time on the phone; Mr. Steve told his Niece Stephanie that he at times has eaten inexpensive "tv dinners" while watching that guy Anthony Bourdain having    food in expensive restaurants.  I've mentioned before how Steph is a really good cook too.             

STEPHANIE / CRISTINA         

         Mr. Steve jokes it's amazing how good "regular" food tastes when watching someone like Anthony Bourdain eating the best prepared food.  Mr. Steve is lazy so just uses a "Microwave" oven I guess.  Daisy told me about those special dinners made for when you watch the tv.               

          Dais says Mr. Steve totally appreciates people who can cook and almost turn food into art.  But, being just him, he prefers things he can simply "heat up" in that astounding machine called a "Microwave" oven.  It's a really big one built right into the kitchen wall Daisy says.                    

        Many times when Mr. Steve drives down to Sylmar, before he comes back up here to Piñon Hills; he gets food from a Chinese restaurant near his parents house.  He doesn't get any rice or    noodles but only individual "Menu Items."  They heat up fast with no cooking needed.                  

CRISTINA CÓRDOVA       

         Dais heard Mr. Steve and his mom talking on the phone about her Great Granddaughter Cristina.  And he told her a customer in North Carolina saw art by another girl named Cristina    Córdova too.  And that other Cristina also spells her first name the same way ours does.                

          I guess, that Artist Cristina grew up in the "Territory" of "Puerto Rico," but now she and her husband and two daughters live in North Carolina.  Mr. Steve noticed she also puts an accent mark over the first "o" and uses a "v" instead of a "b" in her last name.  I smell Mesquite.           

       Mr. Steve told his Niece Cristina, and her mom Steph; about that girl back there in North Carolina.  He and his mom saw her artwork on the Internet, and they sense a Roman Catholic influence.  Mr. Steve's mom used the word "figurative" to describe Cristina Córdova's art.                 

                       THE RAMONES                                             QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE                                                        

        Dais and Millie heard Mr. Steve on the phone discussing travel shows with a customer.  The Parts Manager said he heard Anthony Bourdain knows a few Musicians like the RAMONES and that Singer Iggy from the STOOGES.  Ah!  I smell the little baby Cholla cactus over there.           

        I guess this other band called QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE made the "Theme" song for Anthony Bourdain's tv show.  We live up here in the "High" desert, whereas QUEENS OF THE  STONE AGE are from the "Low" desert to our south.   That little Cholla is so cute!                       

      They also have some Joshua trees down there in the Low Desert too from what Daisy says.  I just looked up in time to see Samson and Delilah flying together toward the northeast.  I can tell  it's them even from way down here on the patio sitting on Elvira just by how big Samson is.                                                            

            WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (1564-1616)                     EDGAR ALLEN POE (1809-1849)

PAINTING BY JOHN TAYLOR ("CHANDROS" PORTRAIT)                                                                                                                                                                  

            I guess my boss Mr. Steve and his mom think Ravens have been important in history.  That guy William Shakespeare, in one of his plays called "Hamlet wrote; "Come, the croaking Raven doth bellow for revenge."  In the 19th century Edgar Allen Poe wrote about them.  

            Oh wow!  Just when I'm writing about Ravens who do I just happen to see?  Samson and Delilah are flying back in from being out in the eastern desert behind the three Sheds.  And I see from down here on the Patio a dead Gopher hanging out of Samson's mouth.

         I've mentioned a few times today how that lady Miss Susan used to run the local Newspaper called "News Plus."   Now it's operated by that guy Don Fish Jr. and, one of the writers my boss likes to read in it is Don Fish's father.  He one time wrote about a brave Mockingbird.  

MISS SUSAN                                                     "NEWS PLUS"                 

               Dais heard Mr. Steve talk with Mr. Randy about an article that man Don Fish Sr. wrote in News Plus.  He said one day he saw a momma Mockingbird defending her nest from a Raven. I guess Mr. Fish Sr. is kind of "Humorous" in writing about things up here in the desert.  

              In the article for his son's Newspaper Mr. Don described this big Raven like our Goliath doing a "controlled two point landing" on one of his Sheds.  The Mockingbird thought it was too close to her nest so attacked the Raven in "sorties."  I think that means "Dive-Bombing."

             The Mockingbird in the story made her nest in a Mulberry tree like the ones we have here on our two fenced-in acres Daisy says.  I'm looking right now at the big Mulberry tree out there in the dirt, about twenty feet from me sitting over here on Elvira.  Daffy's now quacking.

FRED, ED, TED     

             Wow!  Just when I was about to talk about how some Sparrows helped the Mockingbird fight that Raven who do I see?  Fred, Ed and Ted the Sparrows are standing on that one branch of the Mulberry tree which they seem to like for some reason.  Ah!  I feel good right now.

            Our Sparrows sound like they're saying  "Oh dear me" when they talk but Daisy noticed the Sparrows near her first owner's house sounded slightly different.  Over there they said, "Oh deeer-a-me."  And some of the other ones she heard seemed to be singing, "Or dear meeee."   

                According to Dais, Mr. Fish described seeing the Sparrows also attacking the Raven but, like a young Muhammad Ali the Boxer, that Raven was so good at "ducking and weaving."  It would not move away from the top of that Shed no matter what, and "remained steadfast."      

                           MUHAMMAD ALI AVOIDING A JOE FRAZIER LEFT HOOK

                I'm mainly scheduled to learn about Muhammad Ali in books two and three, but I know I'll probably mention him a few times before then.  Daisy says Mr. Steve met and shook his hand one time.  Mr. Mark, whose family now lives in Hawaii; got to meet Muhammad Ali too.

                  Mr. Fish said the Sparrows and Mockingbird kept attacking the Raven by dive bombing it like one of those German "Stuka" Planes from World War II.  But that Raven was easily able to "slip punches" like Muhammad Ali used to do when he was young.  I can smell Mesquite.

           Finally, the momma Mocking Bird went down to the ground and picked up a rock, or what Mr. Fish called "heavy ordinance."  The Sparrows noticed, so went into a "holding pattern;" as  the Mocking Bird flew back up into the air carrying it's stone.  Oh!  I love Spring scents.      

      "MOCKING" BIRD           

        Ah!  A chubby little Mockingbird just flew in and landed on one of the other branches of the Mulberry tree.  That startled Fred, Ed and Ted who are all now flying out into the eastern desert behind the three Sheds.  Some of the Ducks are quacking over there to my right.                             

      Daisy told me, in Mr. Fish's article; he described how the Mockingbird "struggled" to "gain altitude" holding that heavy rock.  But then, at just the right moment; it began to fly downward.  The Mockingbird realized the "survival" of the nest "depended on full concentration."                 

     "Maintaining the proper angle of attack," that Mockingbird released the rock and it hit the Raven on the hard right on the neck.  The Sparrows watched and "maintained a quiet vigil from strategic vantage points."  For a few seconds the Raven was totally knocked out I guess.                

RAVEN       

        Dais told me, in Mr. Fish's story; the Raven recovered.  But, it decided it was way too much trouble for the Mockingbird eggs; so just flew away.  All of the Birds celebrated and cheered by "chirping and squawking."  From then the area became a "no fly zone" for Ravens.               

        Samson and Delilah are both, in unison; moving in a southwesterly direction over the top of the house.  Delilah was talking to Samson the way Fannie and Freddie do.  Her "rawk" sounds    like she's happy and I'll bet it's because this is the first day of Spring after a cold Winter.               

        I've noticed how Delilah at times sounds like she's asking Samson a question when they talk to each other.  My right nostril just picked up Libby's scent that floated in from over there in her Corral.  I now see her walking slowly around in the cautious way she does sometimes.                        

                                    APOLLO                                                              ODIN

                Daisy heard our boss and his father talk about how, in her book "Mythology;" that lady Edith Hamilton said Ravens have been "admired" by many cultures.  Ancient Greek's thought they were the God Apollo's "messenger" to the physical world.  I smell some Mesquite.    

             Edith Hamilton wrote that Vikings believed their God Odin had two Ravens who were his "eyes and ears."  They were like his "Scouts," who'd fly around to see what was happening; and then "Report" everything back to him.  Boy!  What a really good job that would be.     

                My Encyclopedia says some cultures have seen Ravens and Coyotes as "connecting" the "material" and "spiritual," or "mediators between life and death."  Daisy heard Ravens are the first Bird mentioned in the "Hebrew" Bible.  After the flood that guy Noah used them.

                              "ORION"                                       "PLEIADES" CONSTELLATIONS

               Writing about the ancient Greeks and Vikings all of a sudden makes me think of that one "Constellation" of Stars called the "Pleiades."  At night, during the Winter; you see it just before "Orion" replaces its position up there in the sky.  I can smell the baby Cholla cactus. 

                This Encyclopedia says the Pleiades is what's called an "Open Star Cluster," and is "one of" the Star Clusters "nearest" to us down here on Earth.  Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve, on the phone; talk with his friend Dave in New Mexico about it one time.  Dawn's barking.

               Mr. Dave says, to the Hupa people the Pleiades Constellation has always been important. And that's also true for other groups in the "Northern Hemisphere" as well.  Mr. Dave thinks the Stars in the Pleiades Constellation often seem to be the "most obvious" to the "naked eye." 

THE "SEVEN SISTERS"         

PAINTING BY ELIHU VEDDER                     

          It says here the Stars in the Pleiades Constellation were named after an ancient Greek story about seven sisters.  They were the daughters of a "Titan" named "Atlas," and the "Sea      Nymph" called "Pleione."  A flock of Birds is moving towards the northeast right now.                  

           According to my Greek Dictionary the word "plein," in English; would be to "sail."  So that means Sailors since ancient times have used the Pleiades to figure out at night where your      Boat was located.  Two Pigeons flew in from the desert and landed up on the patio roof.                 

            Yup!  It says here how the Pleiades Constellation, mentioned three times in the Hebrew Bible; was "important" to Viking and Polynesian Sailors.  Ancient China, India, Mesopotamia and Egypt all studied it.  And it's still important to people in Hawaii and the Middle East.   

                                                     "HESPERIA," CALIFORNIA   

                    Oh!  My Encyclopedia says the seven ancient Greek sisters are related to "Sea Nymphs" or the "Hesperides" that the city of "Hesperia" is named after.  Hesperia is about twenty miles east of us.  My English Dictionary says a Nymph is, "A Goddess who lives in nature."   

             One morning when my boss was watering the big Mulberry tree, up there in the front yard; he talked to Mr. Randy.  I heard him say he read "Hesperia" was the Greek "God of the West," or "Western Lands."  And that's what it says here in this Encyclopedia too.

             I guess, from what Mr. Randy said that morning; Hesperia's about thirty five miles north of the really big city of "San Bernardino" to the south of us.  We're in the "Victor Valley" area of the Mojave Desert.  That's where that other big city called "Victorville" is located too.

                                                          "SERRANO " INDIANS

                                                                                                                                              PAINTING BY LOUIS CHORIS

                 The Native people from our area are the "Serrano" band; who the High School in Phelan is named for.  "Serrano" is Spanish for "Mountaineer;" but they call themselves "Yuharetum;" or "People of the Pines."  Mr. Dave back in New Mexico talked about them Daisy told me. 

                  According to what it says here, when the Spanish first came up north to Alta California in the 18th century; it was "based" on a "Land Grant."  It was called "San Felipe, Las Flores y el Paso del Cajón."  Rudy the Roadrunner is jogging bye but I won't chase him.  Nope!

              Using this Spanish Dictionary, I think the translation of that 1781 land grant would most likely be; "Saint Phillip, the flowers and Pass of the Box."  I guess in Spanish the word cajon, as with other words; can mean a few different things.  Donald's quacking over there next door.

                                                       JACK DEMPSEY (1895-1983)

              Oh wow!  I wonder if my boss Mr. Steve knows the famous Boxer named Jack Dempsey, in the 1950's; "financed" some roads to be built in what is now the Hesperia area?  It says here the streets of Hesperia were "laid out" way back in 1891.  I'm smelling Sage right now. 

            It says here, Jack Dempsey was "Irish" and "Cherokee" Indian; and was "raised" as a Mormon back there in Utah.  Later in life he joined those "Freemasons."  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying toward the northeast and I can tell it's them by Blackbeard's missing eye.  

           Back in the late 19th century, Hesperia's location  was "primarily the product" of a "site best-suited for use by the Santa Fe Railroad Company."  As I've said before, from 1928 through 1974 Mr. Steve's Grandpa Trujillo worked for that company in Belén.  Dawn's barking.

                                            JACK DEMPSEY / JESS WILLARD (1919)

               What the heck!  Even though I'm scheduled to write about Jack Dempsey tomorrow, I feel like doing it now too.  It says here how his nickname was the "Manassa Mauler."  Wow!  My English Dictionary says that "maul" means, "To bruise, lacerate or manhandle roughly."

                  One time Daisy and Millie were in our boss's office and heard him and Mr. Ralph talk on the phone about 1919 when Jack Dempsey "slaughtered" a Boxer named Jess Willard.  1919 was a after World War I ended and that huge Pandemic was going on all around the world.  

            Dais heard Jack Dempsey, five inches shorter and fifty pounds lighter than Jess Willard; ended up breaking Jess Willard's jaw, ribs and eye socket in that fight.  And, not only that; he also knocked out some of Jess Willard's teeth too.  Ouch!  That would really hurt I'll bet! 

  JACK DEMPSEY / JESS WILLARD (1919)

                 Mr. Ralph thinks that "one-sided" 1919 fight between Jack Dempsey and Jess Willard is an example of how a Champion is "supposed to" lose his Title.  Even though he got slaughtered, Jess Willard showed courage.  He was sort of like one of those ancient Greek Spartans.

             Wow!  In the three rounds the fight lasted, Jess Willard got knocked down seven times in just the first round alone!   Daisy explained to me what a "Neutral" corner is.  Dawn and Blinky are barking over and little Blinky sounds so brave and courageous to me right now.

             Daisy told me today if you knock your opponent down you have to go stand in one of the corners of the ring not being used between rounds.  The Referee will not start the "Count" over the down Boxer until you do.  The knocked down Fighter has ten seconds to stand back up.   

"SPARTAN" WARRIORS          

                                                                PAINTING BY PETER CONNOLY    

             In ancient Greece, when a "Spartan" mother sent her son into war; she handed him a shield and said to either come back from battle "with it" or "on it."  And that meant dead!  Mr. Ralph said he thinks that's kind of the way Jess Willard was probably thinking in 1919. 

             Because there was no rule yet about having to go to a neutral corner, Jack Dempsey could stand near Jess Willard; and hit him really, really hard as soon as he stood back up Dais says.  It was a slaughter and Jess Willard got slammed on the sides and head a lot.  A Crow cawed.   

            Daisy heard Mr. Steve say he always felt "felt sorry" for Boxers he saw get knocked out so bad the Referee "Waves Off" the ten count and doesn't even bother.  That means the Boxer is so hurt he, or now she; is completely "Unconscious."  I smell Dawn, Blinky and Rosie over there.

JACK DEMPSEY / JESS WILLARD       

               The caption below a picture of the Jack Dempsey, Jess Willard fight says it shows the end of the first round when that guy Jess Willard was "saved by the bell."  But, you can tell he's hurt just by the way he's sitting on the "canvas."  He's even "holding onto" the bottom rope.

               Mr. Steve's dad broke his nose Boxing in the Marines.   He doesn't enjoy watching Boxing like he used to, and doesn't really like "Mixed Martial Arts" replacing Boxing in popularity.  In M.M.A. you're allowed to hit really hard a "helpless opponent" who is badly hurt already.

               Daisy says Mr. Ralph seems like a historian of Boxing.  And so is Mr. Gary, the Barber in San Fernando.  One time Mr. Gary and my boss talked about another Jack Dempsey fight where Jack Dempsey himself got knocked all the way out of the ring by a Boxer from Argentina. 

JACK DEMPSEY / LUIS ÁNGEL FIRPO

(NEW YORK CITY / "POLO GROUNDS" / 1923)

                    Wow!  A picture shows Jack Dempsey, who was from the State of Colorado; flying from the ring and the caption says he was hit by Argentina's Luis Ángel Firpo.  Boy!  He must really be a hard "Puncher" I guess.  Donald and Daisy the Ducks are both quacking over there.

                  Jack Dempsey's nickname, the Manassa Mauler; came from the town of "Manassa" in Colorado.  I guess, maybe because he was Mormon; he lived for a time in Utah.  The fight where he got knocked out of the ring was in 1923 at the "Polo Grounds" in New York City. 

              Even though he ended up being knocked out himself later, no wonder Luis Angel Firpo could knock Jack Dempsey all of the way out of the ring.  His nickname was "Wild Bull of the Pampas."  I'll write about that "Region" when I learn about the subject of "Cowboys."

                                                            AL CAPONE (1899-1947)

                   According to what it says here, Jack Dempsey's "most famous" fight "took place" in the city of Chicago; in 1927.  Those were years called the "Roaring Twenties," because of the good economy.  That one Italian-American gangster Al Capone lived in Chicago back then.

               In 1927 Jack Dempsey fought Gene Tunney in a fight now called the "Battle of the Long Count."  Mr. Steve and Mr. Ralph talked about it on the phone one time Daisy says.  I guess Al Capone, who really liked to gamble; went to that Jack Dempsey / Gene Tunney fight.  

            This is so interesting.  In the Jack Dempsey / Gene Tunney fight, unlike the Jess Willard "Bout" in 1919; there was that "Neutral Corner" rule "In Effect" and in the 7th round Jack Dempsey knocked Gene Tunney down with a "left hook."  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.

                                                 JACK DEMPSEY / GENE TUNNEY

                                                     (CHICAGO / "SOLDIER'S FIELD" / 1927)

             From what it says here, in 1927 Jack Dempsey knocked down Gene Tunney; who was usually a good defensive fighter.   That was in the 7th round and, Jack Dempsey did not go to one of the neutral corners like he was suppose to do.  I can smell Theodora's Creosote bush. 

            Because Jack Dempsey did not go right away to a neutral corner, the Referee didn't start to count to ten over Gene Tunney.  That gave Gene Tunney, who was in the Marines just like my boss's father; five extra seconds to recover.  Now the other two Pigeons flew bye too.   

           Mr. Steve's dad thinks Gene Tunney could've made it to his feet within ten seconds but was "just smart."  He "recognized," then "took advantage of" Jack Dempsey's mistake; and got five  extra seconds to rest by staying down.  Crows are cawing out there in the back desert.                    

                                                        NANCY / RONALD REAGAN 

                 Mr. Ralph read that, after losing the Gene Tunney fight; Jack Dempsey said to his wife "Honey, I forgot to duck."  In 1981, President Reagan jokingly said the exact same thing to his wife when he first saw her in the Hospital; after he'd been shot.  Heathcliff just crowed.

                  According to what Dais heard our boss and Mr. Ralph talk about, Gene Tunney's son "John" was a California Politician in the 1970's.   Mr. Steve's father knew him and at times even helped him raise money for "Campaigning."  There's a long white vapor trail up in the sky. 

              All of a sudden I just thought about that big city "Chicago."  Daisy told me about this band Mr. Steve likes with that name.  He and his Niece Stephanie's boyfriend Mr. Rich have at times talked about CHICAGO'S Guitarist name Terry Kath who accidentally killed himself.

CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY         

         Mr. Steve told Mr. Rich down there in Sylmar how he wishes he could've seen Terry Kath play guitar.  Jimi Hendrix, after he saw CHICAGO play at the Whisky A Go Go Nightclub; told  them he even thought they were the "greatest" band.   Ah! The fresh air is so clear right now!      

       The late 1960's version of CHICAGO was a band who at times "blended" Rock and Jazz with Classical music patterns Mr. Steve thinks.  Mr. Rich says Jimi Hendrix probably liked how  CHICAGO had a guitar and bass along with an organ and three horn players.  I smell Sage.         

                Daisy and Millie one time were in Mr. Steve's office on a really hot Summer day and heard him talking on the phone with one of his customers who grew up in Chicago.  I guess he described CHICAGO as being "Rock' n' Roll with horns and organ."  Mr. Steve agreed. 

                     JIMI HENDRIX (1942-1970)                              TERRY KATH (1946-1978)

PHOTO BY HENRY DILTZ                                                                                                                                                               

              Daisy says Mr. Rich read how Jimi Hendrix said Terry Kath, who died eight years after he did; was "better than me."  Mr. Steve thinks their first album, which was one of those "Double" albums; was really good.   Mr. Rich gave my boss that Jimi Hendrix photo he had framed.

         Mr. Steve liked the beginning six minute long song on CHICAGO'S first album.  That "LP" also has this kind of "dissonant" song where Terry Kath at times sounds like Jimi Hendrix.  On that song he even does that "Tapping" finger technique Eddie Van Halen "Popularized" later. 

        CHICAGO in the "Post" Terry Kath period came to be known for "Love Songs."   Over the next three days I'll write about three brother Singers called the BEE GEES, who wrote some of the best Love Songs from what Daisy tells me.  A Train whistled faintly over there to my left.  

CHICAGO ("TANGLEWOOD" / 1970)

                 Mr. Steve and Mr. Rich, who plays guitar; talked about a Terry Kath solo from 1970 in a CHICAGO concert at a place called "Tanglewood."  It's been described as "free wheeling," or "daredevil."  CHICAGO was playing a really good song called "25 or 6 to 4" Daisy says.

          When he's shown the Video of Terry Kath's guitar solo on 25 or 6 to 4 to people over the years my boss jokes he's seen a few "jaws drop."  Mr. Dave back there in New Mexico laughed because he said "wow" and "unbelievable" when he first saw it.  The Train whistled again.

           I just thought of how in "Mixed Martial Arts" the Fighters only wear tiny gloves, and are allowed to kick, wrestle, elbow or knee too.   Because you can hit an opponent on the ground Mr. Ralph thinks, the "Referee" has to be "better."  Or a Fighter can get really hurt badly.  

                                                 DAN HENDERSON (WHITE TRUNKS)

               Daisy says that older Shoshone man Mr. Steve met at the Phelan Library told him about a  Mixed Martial Arts fighter from here in the High Desert.  His name is Dan Henderson, and he's  from "Apple Valley."  That's where Roy Rogers and his family also lived for a long time. 

                I'd like to see a Boxing match someday.  Daisy's not only seen Boxing, but also a few of those Mixed Martial Arts matches too.  Boy!  I am missing out on so much because of my fear of enclosed areas with no escape routes.  Boy!  How could anyone have even invented a tv?  

            The Shoshone man said Dan Henderson was born in the city of "Downey," which I wrote about this morning when I talked about the CARPENTERS.  And I guess Dan Henderson is also part "Walla Walla" Indian, a "Pacific Northwest " tribe.  Mr. Dave knows about that tribe.

          BENNY "THE JET" URQUIDEZ              LILLY / "BLINKY" RODRIGUEZ

               Back in chapter seven I wrote about that guy Benny "the Jet" Urquidez, who was what was then called "Full Contact Karate" Champion of the world.  But, unfortunately for him; that was in the 1970's before "M.M.A." became popular.  A Freight Train just whistled faintly. 

             As I've mentioned, in the 1980's Mr. Steve at times took pictures for Benny's Brother in Law "Blinky."  He was married to Benny's sister "Lilly," and both of them were also really good Full Contact Karate fighters too.  Dais says there's also this thing called "Kick Boxing."   

             Daisy thinks, because he was an Olympic Games level Wrestler; that has to have helped Dan Henderson in M.M.A.  He went to "Victor Valley" High School in "Victorville," which I've mentioned before is the biggest "City" in our area.  Dawn's barking at something. 

                 ROY ROGERS / DALE EVANS                             HUELL HOWSER

          Oh!  Smelling Libby right now makes me think of Roy Rogers' Horse "Trigger."  Daisy told me Trigger not only could rear up on his hind legs like we do to catch food in our mouths, he could then also walk or hop on those back two legs!  Boy!  I'd sure like to see that alright.              

            Dais and Millie one night saw a Huell Howser episode where he came up here to visit Roy Rogers and his wife.  They toured their Apple Valley Museum.  A while back I guess Mr. Steve      went to a Funeral held at the Cemetery where they were both buried when they died.                     

           I'll learn a lot about "Warfare" in this tenth chapter.  In a little while I'll find out about the "Mexican War" that happened about ten years before the American Civil War.  Boy!  Last    night the sky was so clear, which I know Daisy likes; even though she's going blind.                                             

"ZG-1229" NIGHT VISION UNIT            

           Last night was clear but some nights it gets really dark here in Piñon Hills.  On Saturday in book three I'll write about some of the "Advanced" technology the Germans first thought of    during World War II, but is now more developed.  One is the ability to see things at night.             

           When he moved from Sylmar my boss had to "Adjust" to having no "Street Lights."  One night he decided to drive Rex the Truck around late at night, which is a really unusual thing for    him to do.  He had kind of a hard time finding our house when he came back I guess.                     

          A picture in this Encyclopedia shows what the caption says is the "primitive" night vision equipment Germans had at the end of World War II.  It's attached to the first "Assault Rifle," a weapon Adolph Hitler named the "Sturmgewehr."  That means "Storm Gun" in German.                                                                

MODERN "NIGHT VISION" EQUIPMENT        

      Another picture in my Encyclopedia shows the night vision equipment modern soldiers wear now to fight at night.  One guy has it attached right onto his helmet while the other soldier has it on his gun.  I just glanced up and see Libby looking over here in this direction.                               

     This German Dictionary says "Nachtjager" means "Night Hunter."  The caption below that  picture of the World War II German Soldier using night vision says that's what the "Grenadiers" were called.  And Grenadier means, "A member of a special fighting unit."                                      

         Ah!  One of those skinny "Garter" Snakes just crawled underneath Manny the small Shed on the far right.   I guess it had been hiding near the bottom of that clump of Joshua trees which is    next to Manny.  Smelling Libby the Horse right now makes me feel good for some reason.             

                                                                                     JACK, MOE, MANNY   

                 Looking at our three Sheds right now suddenly makes me think about how my boss Mr. Steve often looks for things in three.  I've mentioned a few times already today how he thinks of the number 3  as being important in life.  Heathcliff just crowed over there next door.

                 Wow!  This is only the first day of Spring and yet all day today I'm seeing things that in a lot of other years don't happen this early.  Seeing that Garter Snake slither underneath Manny now makes me remember last year on this day.  I saw a Garter Snake on that day too.  

                One time Daisy and Millie were laying on the floor of Mr. Steve's office and heard him talking on the phone with Miss Susan.  When she mentioned Garter Snakes he told her about his friend Mark Ritter who died.  He really knew a lot about Snakes and things like that Dais says.

               "GARTER" SNAKE                                  MR. DAVE HOLDING GARTER SNAKE

              Mr. Dave in New Mexico, like Mark Ritter and Miss Susan; also knows a lot about Garter Snakes and says they're "common" in the United States.  I've noticed how sometimes they rub on the big boulders around the bottom of the Mulberry trees.  I smell the baby Cholla cactus.   

           One thing about Garter Snakes is that they don't just come out at night like some of the other Snakes.  But they're really good at avoiding other living things unless it's some food to eat.  They seem afraid of other things but always eat Bugs, Worms and little Mice Daisy told me.

           Most Garter Snakes have stripes but I've seen them with black or gray lines and Dais told me she's seen some with brown stripes and a few with spots.  Miss Susan said how Garter Snakes are the "State Reptile" of Massachusetts.  Mr. Steve's sister Susan lives near that State.       

                                                               MARK RITTER

            Mark Ritter told Mr. Steve Garter Snake "Venom" isn't very strong.  And, just like those Skunks I've heard about;  they can let out a bad smell if "Threatened."  Mr. Dave laughed when Mr. Steve told him about the time a Garter Snake got into our house and startled him.

            Daisy says Mr. Steve froze when he walked into the kitchen and saw the Garter Snake on the floor.  He slowly turned around and went out into the garage to get a pair of thick "Welding" gloves.  A Lizard is chasing another Lizard, and I'll bet it's a boy Lizard after a girl Lizard.  

            I guess my boss, even though it bit on his hand; used those welding gloves to pick up the Garter Snake and carry it out to the desert.  Garter Snakes are slender with thin heads.  Daisy says our boss once named a Garter Snake "Flaco" which is the word "skinny" in Spanish. 

VAPOR TRAIL           

              I just glanced up and noticed a white vapor trail way up their in the afternoon sky.  It may be from a Jet from Edwards Air Force Base to the northwest of Piñon Hills.  As I've said a few times already, I'll write a lot about Aviation in my three books.  I smell some Sage.

              The air is so fresh and clear right now.  Inhaling through my nose for some reason makes me feel good.  Thank You God for inventing air and I really appreciate how You had my boss Mr. Steve go rescue me from that awful field my first owner dumped me out into to die.    

                Seeing the vapor trail makes me remember this day last year when I was also sitting here on my couch Elvira and saw the same thing.  The Plane that left the vapor trail is possibly from Edwards, but maybe it's just one of those Passenger Planes.  Boy!  I love how Sage smells.  

                                                          STEVE MILLER BAND

               One time Daisy and Millie were in our boss's bedroom and heard him play his drums along to a good song about a Jet Airliner.  It was by this one band from San Francisco called the STEVE MILLER BAND.  Boy!  It would be so scary to be so high up in the air I think.

            This Encyclopedia shows the STEVE MILLER BAND and the caption says Steve Miller is shown reflected in one of those amazing mirrors Daisy told me about.  I can't wait for the time in the future when I can see what bathrooms are like.  I really want to see how a toilet works.  

            Daisy says Mr. Steve once took pictures of  pretty "Identical" twin teenage sisters, and in some of them had one girl hold a long vertical mirror like the STEVE MILLER BAND did.  One sister was reflected in the mirror but wearing different clothes.  Their hair looked the same.

THE "TWINS"           

           Ah!  Just as I'm thinking of those twin sisters who do I smell?  A strong breeze blew in the scent of the two Joshua trees my boss named the Twins out in the eastern desert behind the three Sheds.  They grew up right next to each other so will now have to face each other forever.   

           Boy!  Now I really want to go in the house to see what I look like in a mirror.  So I'll have to hurry up and get over my fear of being trapped in an enclosed area with no escape routes.  As I wrote earlier this morning, I'm so curious to find out what my face really looks like.

           Dais says our boss told that kid Jason how, back in 1969; the STEVE MILLER BAND did an album called "Brave New World" like that "Dystopian" book by the British Writer Aldous Huxley.  I guess other bands have songs with that title too.  That book's famous alright.

              ALDOUS HUXLEY (1894-1963)                     C.S. LEWIS (1889-1963)

             I wrote this morning how the Writers Aldous Huxley, and J.R. R. Tolkein's friend C.S. Lewis; both died on the same day President Kennedy was killed in Texas.  I kind of like how C.S. Lewis said one time, "Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching."

            When Aldous Huxley and his wife moved to America from England, for a while they lived over there in New Mexico.  But then later they came out here to California, and ended up living near Piñon Hills in "Llano."  Some Ducks are quacking and, as usual; Daffy's way louder.

            Smelling the Twin Joshua trees right now makes me feel good for some reason.  Hey God!  This is only the first day of Spring, but Andy and Helen, Alpha Company, and Bonnie and Clyde already have babies.  Daisy wants to hope God, maybe it will be a special year around here.  

                                                              THE RAMONES 

           Dais says the STEVE MILLER album Brave New World has a song about a Cowboy from Outer Space.  Mr. Steve told Jason how Paul McCartney, in the period when the BEATLES were breaking up; played and sang on that album.  He did it under the fake name "Paul Ramon."

          Mr. Steve was told that Punk band the RAMONES got their name from Paul McCartney's name on the Steve Miller album.  I guess, from what Daisy heard; Paul McCartney also played drums on some of the songs on that album.  A Train just now whistled over there to my left.  

          Oh!  I smell the Rosemary bush behind the Sheds and I hope that means You're thinking of me Blessed Mother.  What a coincidence!  I'm about to write about how the STEVE MILLER BAND song about the Space Cowboy sounds like the BEATLES song "Lady Madonna."  

BLESSED VIRGIN MARY        

                   Hey Blessed Virgin!   As You know, someday when I get over my fear of being trapped I want to hear that BEATLES song called "Let It Be."  Daisy's heard it and says Paul McCartney, who Mr. Steve was told is Catholic just like us; might be singing about You.  I smell Sage. 

            Mr. Steve was told the BEATLES' songs Lady Madonna and Let It Be were not about You Blessed Mother.  But Dais says Paul McCartney sings about "Mother Mary."  If I ever hear those songs I'll be like Dais and want to believe they're about You because I 'd write about You.  

            I just thought of that guy Aldous Huxley, and his Student Eric Blair; or George Orwell as he was called when he wrote his post World War II book "1984."  Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World" came out in 1932, the same year my boss's father was born.  Heathcliff just crowed. 

ALDOUS HUXLEY / GEORGE ORWELL

                 Dais heard Mr. Steve and his father talk on the phone about if either type of "Dystopia" Aldous Huxley and George Orwell wrote about will happen.  1984 predicts a time when there will be no "Privacy" and total "Surveillance."  Two of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.

           Mr. Steve's father thinks George Orwell wrote about a time when "politics is everything," while Aldous Huxley wrote about a society where there is "no politics at all."  Drugs "take their minds off of everything" as a "diversion" to make them "not political."  I can smell Libby.

           George Orwell's future may already be happening Mr. Steve thinks.  In China cameras are popping up everywhere, and those new "Smart Phones" and the "Internet" means people can be "monitored" and "kept track of" too.   I can see a white vapor trail way up there in the sky.    

VAPOR TRAIL     

                Mr. Steve's father jokes how, in 2014 "Fake News" could be the "modern equivalent" of 1984's "Ministry of Truth" and that "New Speak."  Some don't like how the Internet companies  "keep track of you" so they can make more money.  But Mr. Steve doesn't mind that much.     

           Dais says Mr. Steve thinks if "mindless entertainment," like on the Internet for example; becomes "too prevalent" the future might be more like Brave New World.  And if people become too "shallow and superficial," they'll be "Apathetic" about things.  A Crow cawed faintly.

           Glancing over this outline, it looks like in these last three chapter I'll write about Sports a lot.  Mr. Steve and his brothers played sports and he says his brothers were better athletes. I've mentioned how he still plays Slow Pitch Softball sometimes.  A Lizard just now ran bye. 

"PENSTEMON"          

               Oh!  I smell one of those "Penstemon" plants Miss Susan told my boss about.  I can't wait to smell their flowers this year.  When Mr. Steve walks in the desert on Primavera Road, he sees Penstemon bushes and some of them have pink flowers; while other's have red or purple.  

             The Penstemon bush near the fence on the north side of the property has red flowers but now it's just dull light green because the flowers haven't been born yet this year.  Hummingbirds and Bees really like the Penstemon bush's flowers I notice.  I like them a lot now too!  

             Daisy says she heard Mr. Mike call Penstemon bushes "Firecracker" plants and I guess Miss Susan called them "Desert Beard Tongue." We've been wondering how and why they got those two names.  I just noticed Libby walking slowly around over there in her Corral.       

                 "HOLY SPIRIT"                         

              Ah!  A slight breeze is making the Chimes above me ring.  Holy Spirit!  Looking out into the eastern desert beyond the three Sheds I think I feel Your "Essence."  That will really help me to have even more energy as I finish working on these last three chapters of book one.      

              Daisy thinks You have everything happen for a reason God, and says hopefully we'll be able to understand Your purpose during our lifetimes.  I want to believe writing my three books is going to end up being one of my purposes.  But if it turns out not to be that's okay too.  

             No snacks today!  Daisy's most likely right and our boss is busy trying to make money so we can live.  But he might be working on one of his art projects too.  I just glanced up and notice how a Jet is flying bye right now, leaving a long white vapor trail behind as it moves along.  

        FLYING WING  ("XB-35")             

                 PHOTO BY KEITH BREAZEAL                                  

                   Seeing that vapor trail makes me think about those "Flying Wing" Planes.  I mentioned earlier how that guy Mark Ritter who died knew a lot about "Aviation," and studied the "Swept Wing" concept the Germans developed back in World War II.   I smell Libby over there.   

             Mr. Steve has Mark Ritter's book on Flying Wings.  It has a section on this German man named Hugo Junkers who, like Kelly Johnson; designed Airplanes.  During the First World War he made the first "Metal" Plane, but is now known for his companies World War II Planes.   

             The caption below a picture of a "B-2 Spirit" Flying Wing calls it a "Stealth" Bomber, able to "penetrate" into enemy airspace without being detected by "anti-aircraft defenses."  It can "deflect" or "absorb" Radar signals.  I'll learn about "Radar" tomorrow in book two. 

                                    "NORTHROP" FLYING WING ("B-2 SPIRIT")  

                  The B-2  has no "Fuselage" or body, and no "Tail" either.  Oh!  The picture shows one flying over our own High Desert.  Wow!  The B-2 has a "range" of six thousand miles, and can be "Re-Fueled" even while flying.   World War II is when Radar was really developed a lot.

               I guess the B-2 was built for a time in the city of "Pico Rivera," where my boss's mom's Cousin Beatrice's family has lived since 1959.  Mr. Steve's mom and her Cousin Beatrice are best friends.  The B-2's are now built by "Northrop" near my boss's brother Sam's house. 

              As I wrote this morning, Christopher Columbus also married a girl named Beatrice.  Mr. Steve's mom's Cousin married a good decent hard-working man named "Placido" Castillo who was in the Air Force.  A flock of Birds is flying bye way up there in the high blue sky. 

                                                       BEATRICE CASTILLO     

           I mentioned before how Castillo means "Castle" in Spanish.  Mr. Steve's family have been visiting the Castillo's in Pico Rivera since 1960, when his parents decided to move "For Good" from New Mexico out here to California.  "Chateau" is the French word for saying Castle.

          Mr. Steve's mom doesn't drive anymore so her Granddaughter Stephanie drives her to Pico Rivera.  Oh!  Pico Rivera is named after Pio Pico who I wrote about earlier and will learn more about later in my three books.  And I'll also find about his brother named "Andres."      

           A few years ago Mr. Steve met a man who knew about Flying Wings.  He said the B-2 has been used "effectively" and "efficiently" in Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya.  Daisy says that just means many people, and probably a lot of Dogs too; were killed in the bombing. 

                                                                         B-52'S   

              Writing about bomber Planes suddenly makes me think about this one band from the State of Georgia called the B-52'S.  I've never heard any of their songs but Daisy has and says the girl singers are really talented.  The B-52'S are named after a giant bomber Jet Airplane. 

             Someday I'd like to hear that band the B-52'S.  Dais told me she and that other Dog Millie listened to him play drums along to their song about a Lobster and another one about a Planet named "Claire."  Fannie and Freddie the Crows just flew over the top of the house. 

            Oh what the heck!  Even though I'm not scheduled to write about B-52 Bomber until book two tomorrow I kind of just feel like learning about it now too.  I can always write more about a subject than Daisy and I have on my outlines.  Dawn and Blinky are both barking.

                                                   BOEING ("B-52" BOMBER) 

          One time when Mr. Cliff was here helping Mr. Steve load some wood onto his Truck I heard them talk about how they've both been to "Air Shows."  Mr. Steve has a lot of pictures that he's taken over the years at Air Shows.  Ah!  I can smell some new Spring Mesquite.   

          I guess, back in the 1960's; Mr. Cliff was in the Marines just like my boss's father was during the Korean War in the 1950's.  He seems to know a lot about Airplanes and things like that from what I've heard him say.  Smelling Mesquite reminds me of last year at this time.

         This one Encyclopedia says B-52 bombers are called  "Stratofortress's."  Wow!  Each one is  "powered" by eight Jet engines, can "deliver" 70,000 pounds of bombs; and has a "full range" of 8,000 miles.  Oh!  The first B-52 came out in 1955, the year my boss was born.    

                                                           "VIETNAM" WAR

         I heard my boss tell Mr. Cliff he came within a year of being "drafted" into the military and he still has his "Draft Card" in his Office.  In 1968 Mr. Cliff fought in the "Siege of Khe Sanh" during what's called the "Tê't Offensive."   Some of the Ducks are quacking.

         This Encyclopedia says the Tê't Offensive was when the North Vietnamese surprise-attacked South Vietnam and "their American allies."  20,000 North Vietnamese soldiers "assaulted" 5,000 Marines like Mr. Cliff trapped inside the Khe Sanh military base.  I smell Sage. 

          Oh!  The bloody fighting at Khe Sanh went on for about six months but it ended on July the 9th in 1968.  That was the exact same day of my boss's thirteenth birthday.  Mr. Cliff still has a white scar on the right side of his neck from a piece of hot metal "shrapnel" that hit him.  

    "B-52" BOMBER  ("VIETNAM" WAR)        

            Wow!  According to what the caption under a picture of a B-52 says, the North Vietnamese "siege" of Khe Sanh was finally "broken" with the help of American Planes "dropping" 100,000 "tons" of bombs.  Mr. Cliff said 15,000 North Vietnamese died.  A Crow is cawing.   

           Boy!  It would be so bad to be bombed like they do in a war.  If I was ever in a war I'd want to have a good steel helmet and luckily for us Mr. Steve has a few of them inside the house.  He's got some like the ones his father and Mr. Cliff wore when they were in the Marines.  

    All of a sudden for some reason I just thought about the German city of "Hamburg."  Daisy says, a while back; Mr. Steve did artwork for this older German lady from Wrightwood.  I guess she and her sisters grew up in Hamburg so she knew about the history of that city.                         

 HAMBURG, GERMANY            

PHOTO BY SHALMALI JADHAV                     

        Dais heard Mr. Steve and that German lady talk about how Hamburg, which has a Harbor; was bombed during World War II like Liverpool where the BEATLES were from.  The lady said Hamburg is like that Italian city "Venice."  Mr. Steve's Niece Samantha visited Venice.                  

       According to what it says in my Encyclopedia, Hamburg is the "second largest" German city and is located on the "Elbe" River.  In 808 A.D. the "Holy Roman" Emperor Charlemagne had a castle built there.  A little Lizard is standing on the wall near the sliding glass door.                        

    Ah!  No wonder that city is called Hamburg.  This German Dictionary says the word "Burg" means "Castle" or "Fort."  I guess before 1871 when Germany became a country Hamburg was  one of those "sovereign" City-State's I've written about.  Some Duck's are quacking.                     

THE BEATLES (HAMBURG)          

          The German lady from Wrightwood said her sister and future husband one time saw the BEATLES play  in Hamburg.  That was in 1961 before they became world famous.  To my right,  I see that Lizard hanging on the wall doing pushups the way some Lizards so often do.                  

               Daisy heard Mr. Steve and the nice lady talk about how, from 1960 through 1962; the BEATLES "honed their skills" in Hamburg.  The caption below a picture from that period says a guy named Pete Best was their Drummer then.  I guess that guy "Ringo" joined up later.   

               My boss told the lady about his family moving to California in 1960, when he was five and his brother Rock was three.  One time he told Mr. Grant it's hard to believe how much the  Sylmar area has changed.  Back in 1960 there were a lot of dirt roads he told that lady. 

ASTRID KIRCHHERR            

           I guess that German lady from Wrightwood sat in the living room with Mr. Steve when she visited our house.  Daisy says our boss told her he read about a girl the BEATLES met when they lived over there in Hamburg.  She was a Photographer named Astrid Kirchherr.

       Daisy heard Mr. Steve and that lady talk about "Photography."  The lady said her Uncle had been a Photographer.  She knew Astrid Kirchherr took pictures of the early BEATLES when the band had five members, and also included her future boyfriend named Stuart Sutcliffe. 

       Some people think that girl Astrid was the one who first "suggested" the BEATLES cut their hair in what later became famous as the "Mop Top" look.  But that lady told our boss she heard Astrid later say it wasn't totally true.  The Lizard is gone from the wall I notice. 

                                                "ROLLEICORD" CAMERA

              Mr. Steve told that German lady he once read a magazine article about the type of camera Astrid Kirshherr used to take pictures of the BEATLES in Hamburg.  It was a German "Brand" called "Rolleicord."  A black Cow Bird ran bye and then took off and flew away. 

            According to what it says in this Encyclopedia, a Rolleicord is what's called a "Medium Format, Twin Lens Reflex" camera.  Mr. Steve read the camera that girl Astrid used was made in 1955.  I've mentioned a few times already how my boss was born in July of 1955.

            Dais says it's not "polite" to ask a female how old she is but Mr. Steve thinks, based on the things the German lady said; she's about his age.  Unlike himself he jokes, who's getting "uglier with age;" she's still "very attractive."  I'm only one so don't mind others knowing my age. 

                STEVIE NICKS                    MICK RONSON                    PHIL COLLINS

                                                                                                                              PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

       When they were sitting on the couch in the living room Daisy says, our boss Mr. Steve told that German lady about the 1980's when he used to be a photographer.  He showed her some of the pictures he took back then.  My right nostril just picked up Libby's scent.

       Because that German lady said she liked the music of FLEETWOOD MAC, DAVID BOWIE and GENESIS, I guess Mr. Steve gave her some photos he took of Stevie Nicks, Mick Ronson and Phil Collins.  Libby's looking at me.  That reminds me of last year on this exact day.

           Daisy says Mr. Steve and that lady talked about how, for a week in July of 1943; the British and Americans bombed Hamburg.  This Encyclopedia says 42,000 people were killed in a really huge "firestorm" that was created.  A picture shows some of the dead bodies.

                                                                                   HAMBURG (JULY, 1943)   

           Hey God!  It says here what Mr. Steve told that lady.  The bombing of Hamburg in 1943 was called "Operation Gommorah."  I know that Gommorah was one of the Old Testament cities in the Book of Genesis that You decided to destroy.  The other one was "Sodom."  

             The caption below the picture of bombed Hamburg says the Allies "destroyed" many of the "military facilities" located there.  But, unfortunately; by the end of that exact same year almost all had been "rebuilt" or "replaced."  Speedy Gonzalez just ran bye right now.    

            Because Dais and I spent three months putting together my three outlines, I know that in my books I'll write about the BEATLES.  My boss thinks they're not just musically important but as "sociologically" important.  I wrote about "Zeitgeist" or "Spirit of the Times" earlier. 

                                                                                 ISLEY BROTHERS

                I've mentioned before how my boss prefers versions of music, like in the areas of "Blues" or "Reggae" for an example; which are "Heavier" than the originals.  He likes the song "Twist and Shout" by the ISLEY BROTHERS.  But he prefers the BEATLES' cover version.

            Mr. Steve has a customer named "John," in the city of "Cincinnati;" which is in the State of "Ohio." They've talked about the ISLEY BROTHERS, who were from Cincinnati; and how that guy Jimi Hendrix was once in their band.  Dawn's now barking over there next door.   

               Daisy says, as much as Mr. Steve likes John Lee Hooker's acoustic Blues, he'd rather hear electric Blues bands like ZZ TOP.  He likes Reggae songs but prefers Reggae-influenced songs by the POLICE.  He tries to play the POLICE'S song about putting a message in a bottle I guess.

                                                                THE KINKS

             Mr. Steve likes many types of music but he began liking "Hard Rock" in 1964.  That was when, at age nine; he heard that English band the KINKS' song  "You Really Got Me" on a Car Radio. Fred, Ed and Ted the Sparrows are now all flying together out into the back field.

                 In 1964, I guess my boss was sitting in his parent's Car listening to "A.M." Radio.  He was in the parking lot of downtown Los Angeles' "Union" Train Station.  His parents had told him he could wait there while they went to pick up someone in a Train coming from New Mexico. 

                 As soon as he heard the first five notes of You Really Got Me Mr. Steve liked Hard Rock.  Daisy says the beginning of AC/DC's song's "Back in Black" and "Thunderstruck" also gave him the same feeling years later.  And, I guess some of BOSTON'S 1970's songs did too.   

                                                       THE "METAL SHOW"   

                  One time Daisy and Millie were in Mr. Steve's bedroom when he watched this one tv show where these three guys talked about the subject of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal.   According to what Dais heard, Mr. Rich down in Sylmar likes that show.  I smell the baby Cholla cactus.

               Mr. Steve has only seen that tv show about Heavy Metal a few times.  Mr. Dave told him one of the Interviewers first started liking heavier music in the same exact way my boss did back in 1964 when he heard the KINKS' You Really Got Me on the Car radio.  Heathcliff crowed. 

            Daisy says the man on the tv show began to like Hard Rock when he heard a song on the Car Radio in 1972.  Mr. Steve told Mr. Dave he thinks that guy is about ten years younger than he is.  In 1972 I guess my boss was a seventeen year old 11th Grader at Sylmar High School.  

                                                          THE RASPBERRIES    

                 Mr. Dave said the song the "Host" on the Heavy Metal tv show heard in the Car was by the "RASPBERRIES."  It's called "Go All the Way" and my boss thinks it kind of sounds like it might've been influenced by the BEACH BOYS and BEATLES.  And BADFINGER too. 

             The RASPBERRIES, like the ISLEY BROTHERS; were from the State of Ohio.  My all time favorite band DEVO is also originally from Ohio too according to what Dais heard on this tv show.  All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral and she's watching them.

             I guess my boss thinks the "Intro" section of the RASPBERRIES' song Go All the Way sounds kind of similar to the beginning of the ROLLING STONES' "Brown Sugar."  That guy Bobby Keyes, who I wrote about earlier; played saxophone on that song.  Heathcliff crowed.  

                                                                            MR. DALE      

                Earlier I wrote about Mr. Steve's friend from High School named Dale.  Mr. Steve told Mr. Dave he thinks Dale, and their friend Chris too; might've learned how to play the beginning of that one RASPBERRIES song back in 1972.  Some Robins are singing out in the desert.

               When Mr. Dave told my boss you could scratch a RASPBERRIES vinyl record album cover to smell Raspberries, Mr. Steve then remembered that.  He also recalled how his girlfriend Sandy and her friend Rhonda thought that was such a clever idea.  Wow!  I totally agree. 

                Daisy heard Mr. Dale tell Mr. Steve how he now lives up there in Northern California.  In High School he liked "Progressive Rock bands like YES, who he saw play a concert down there at the Forum in Inglewood one time.  The sound of those singing Robins makes me feel good.

                        HIGH SCHOOL PROM           MISS PEGGY       SAMANTHA'S GRADUATION

            Even though we're Roman Catholics, Mr. Steve's Niece's Samantha and Cristina went to a Lutheran "Parochial" school in the city of San Fernando.  Mrs. Courtney was the "Principal" of that school.  I've mentioned how Lutherans are one of those "Protestant" Christians" groups.   

           Mr. Steve didn't go to his own High School "Prom," but took Sandy to hers, and also Mrs. Courtney's too.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell his mom on the phone one time how Mrs. Courtney's first name is "Peggy."  Boy!  I wonder what it would be like to go on one of those "Dates?"    

           Daisy heard Mr. Steve's Niece Samantha is a good speller.  He took her to be in what they cal "Spelling Bees."  She correctly spelled "Raspberry," which impressed Mr. Steve because he would've spelled it "Rasberry."  I can tell writing my books will make me a good speller. 

MRS. ELEANOR BRALVER (1919-2012)

(SYLMAR HIGH SCHOOL)

                 Daisy heard Mr. Steve talk on the phone with his mom about a "Health" Teacher he had at Sylmar High.  Everyone called her "Mrs. Bralver and she had recently died.  Mrs. Bralver was at Sylmar High for years and helped kids by giving them advise and guidance on many things. 

            Mr. Steve admired that lady Mrs. Bralver Dais says.  One time on the phone he talked with his mom about how he still remembers her strong hugs and how she was obviously so proud of her son.  Like the Nuns at St. Ferdinand's, she could often make learning fun.  Wow!

           I guess, that lady Mrs. Bralver used to tell people try to find something you "love to do," like in her case helping kids.  That way she said, "every day you have something to look forward to" and "you'll maintain an enthusiasm for life."  Heathcliff crowed and his Hens sound happy.   

       CATHOLIC NUNS               

             Hey Lord!  Mr. Steve told his mom you could tell Mrs. Bralver believed in You just by how she lived her life the way You said to do.  Daisy says Mr. Steve told Mrs. Bralver about the Nuns St Ferdinand's when she would say something that reminded him of them.  I smell Sage.

          Like Sister Rita Joseph, I guess that lady Mrs. Bralver could make learning fun.  Also like them, she was a "Role Model" at Sylmar High for thousands of kids over the years.  Mr. Steve I guess has driven to Sylmar High to visit Mrs. Bralver and always enjoyed talking with her.

         Dais heard Mrs. Bralver, the way Mr. Steve has also done over the years; even helped kids get jobs by giving them "good recommendations."  Mr. Steve, because he knows it's true; tells the prospective employer the possible employee is "dependable" and "learns things quickly."

                          FIRST ALBUM (1964)                 THE TURTLES          SHINDIG (1064)

               I guess, Mrs. Bralver's first name was "Eleanor," so Mr. Steve played her a song by that name.  It came out in the mid-1960's and was done by a band from here in Los Angeles called the TURTLES.  She liked it, especially the harmony singing.  Two of the Pigeons just flew bye.

          Mr. Steve's mom joked about how he played the TURTLES first album, which they gave him as a Christmas gift; so much he wore out the grooves on the vinyl record.  Mr. Steve says he would like to get a copy of that first TURTLES album.  Now the other two Pigeons went past.

          A few years ago Mr. Steve met a lady named Eleanor and he told her about Mrs. Bralver, who he heard died in her sleep two years ago.     

                                                                                                               CROW "TALLONS"      

                   Some Crows flew bye behind the three Sheds and I think it's Fannie and Freddie but it's kind of hard to tell from here.  Crows and Ravens have really sharp claws to rip open and shred whatever they're eating.  Yup!  It's Fanny and Freddy alright because I hear them talking.

                 Daisy told me about how one time, when she was still living with her first owner; she and these other Dogs saw a Crow use its "Talons" to rip open a dead Gopher Snake like Goliath.  It had killed it by biting it behind the neck.  A Crow's sharp beak can stab you like a knife.

            I've already mentioned a few times today how that lady Miss Susan knows a lot about all of the things that live around our area of the High Desert.  She told my boss about how "Eagles" at one time probably lived around here.  Ah!  I can smell some new Spring Mesquite.

                                                            CALIFORNIA "BALD"EAGLES

                                                                                                                    PHOTO BY DAVE SODERSTROM

             Miss Susan said that, to our east in "Silverwood Lake;" some "Bald" Eagles come to live during Winter.  I guess, they almost went extinct but; I wonder why they're called bald?  Daisy told me about how one time a Hawk somehow got all mixed up and flew into our house.       

          Right now the Sun is on the other side of the house to the west so the shadows are leaning away from me sitting back here on my couch Elvira.  This has been a long but productive day.  I don't want to lose my concentration now but I am getting sort of hungry for dinner.

         Thank You God for my couch Elvira.  I've said before how I just liked how the name Elvira sounded after Dais told me about that tv show she saw about the real Elvira.  Ah! I knew I heard  Max the Hummingbird coming and now he just zoomed bye and veered out into the desert.

                                                                         ELVIRA     

              Dais says Elvia looks way different in person.  I notice Mr. Randy called her a "quick-witted and clever valley girl or punk vampire," so that must mean a girl who lives down there in the San Fernando Valley I guess.  Daisy heard Frank Zappa had a song about those girls.

              Mr. Randy said Elvira was born in the State of "Kansas," and was "Horror Hostess" in a tv show where she played old Horror movies.  Mr. Steve really liked her "Halloween" shows.  Grandma Trujillo was born on Halloween, which sounds like it would be a fun holiday.        

             Well, back to writing about Flying Wing Airplanes.  I kind of went "Off Topic" again but, like Daisy says; that's okay because I'm just improvising the way Jazz Musicians sometimes do.  Way up there in the sky a small flock of Birds is flying bye, moving towards the northeast.    

"FORCES OF FLIGHT"        

                 Earlier I wrote about how, in order to fly; you have to "Adapt" to the four "Forces" of "Flight."  This Encyclopedia has a "Diagram" that shows it.  Mr. Vic the Videographer, who at one time was a Pilot; sometimes explained this subject to people according to Mr. Steve.

             In my English Dictionary it says that the definition of the word "Aerodynamics" is, "The branch of mechanics dealing with forces exerted by air or other gases in motion."  I'm so glad I  have all of these great Dictionaries.  Boy! They've really, really helped me a lot today.

             I've mentioned a few times already today how, because my boss is interested in "Aviation;" I'm going to learn a lot about that subject over the next three days.  That one German man Hugo Junkers is very important to the history of Aviation.  Dawn and Blinky are barking.

    HUGO JUNKERS (1859-1935)                          JUNKERS Ju-87 "STUKA"                      

           This Encyclopedia says Hugo Junkers was a "pioneer" in "aircraft design engineering."  He died in 1935, the same year Mr. Steve's mom was born; but four years later in World War II his company made some good Planes for the Nazis.  A Finch just zipped bye right now.

           Daisy says Mr. Steve told Mr. Vic, as a kid he built a model of that "Dive-Bomber" called the "Stuka;" one of Hugo Junkers' Planes.  When boy Hummingbirds or Ravens streak down   from way up high Mr. Steve calls them "Stuka Birds."  Mr. Vic knows about World War II.       

           Wow!  Since 1910, seven years after the Wright Brothers made their first "Flight;" Hugo Junkers had thought about a Flying Wing.  That was four years before World War I.  Tomorrow, when I write about the "Battle of Britain;" I'll look up the "Junker 88" Bomber.               

                                           "NORTHROP" FLYING WINGS  (1950's)   

                  A painting shows the four types of Flying Wings from the 1950's, or period after World War II ended in 1945.  The caption says they are, from top to bottom; the N9M, YB-49, YB-35 and N1M.  I mentioned a little earlier how the company that made them was "Northrop."  

            I guess, in the 1950's after World War II; the U.S. Air Force decided not to use the Flying Wing "Concept."  Mark Ritter thought the program wasn't cancelled because of "merit" but for "strictly political" reasons.  And that's what that man named Jack Northrop thought too.  

           On Saturday I'll learn about German technology developed in World War II.   They had ideas for a Flying Wing, "Missiles," and that first "Operational" Jet ME-262.  Mr. Steve's father says technologically, "Before the Nazi's you looked back, after them you looked forward."

                                                       GLEN EDWARDS (1918-1948)

               A vapor trail is up in the sky makes think about Edwards Air Force Base, which I guess was originally called "Muroc" A.F.B.; but renamed for a "Test Pilot" who died in a Plane crash in 1948.  That was three years after World War II, or two years before the Korean War.

              Oh!  This is so interesting.  According to my Encyclopedia, that guy Glen Edwards, who had been a Pilot during World War II in "North Africa;" died when he crashed a Flying Wing.  I can hear Dawn and Blinky now barking at something going on over there next door.

                  A picture of Glen Edwards' uniform has shoulder patches called "Epaulets." In this one English Dictionary it says they're, "Ornamental decorations used as insignias of rank."  Boy!  If I ever had a uniform like the ones my favorite band DEVO wear I'd want epaulets on it.   

                                                            "EPAULET" SHARK   

           I've mentioned a few times how I'm mainly going to write about things that live in the water tomorrow in my second book.  But seeing that picture of Glen Edwards' uniform makes me think of a Shark who lives down in Australia.  I heard my boss tell Mr. Mike about them.

            Mr. Steve's friend Mark Ritter got to visit Australia before he died.  He knew Mr. Steve has studied Sharks since he was about ten years old so one time they talked about "Epaulet" Sharks.  My Encyclopedia calls it a "Carpet" Shark because it stays near the bottom of the water.

        Oh!  The caption underneath the picture of an Epaulet Shark says the reason it's called that is because of two black spots behind the "Pectoral" fins.  Many Sharks have a "Dorsal" fin that grows on its back but not an Epaulet Shark.  The pectoral fins are like Shark arms.  

       "WHITE" SHARK                            AUSTRALIA                             "BULL" SHARK                    

          I wrote earlier how my boss Mr. Steve has a "Subconscious" fear of being eaten so began to learn about Sharks when he was ten.  Epaulet Sharks are harmless to humans but Australia has dangerous Sharks like the "Bull," "Tiger" and "White."  I'm afraid of being eaten too. 

           A map of Australia show a place called the "Great Barrier Reef" in the northeast part of the "Continent."   That's where a lot of Sharks live I guess, including Epaulet Sharks too.  Mr. Steve thinks Epaulet Sharks are a good example of Charles Darwin's idea of "Natural Selection."  

        An example of how an Epaulet Shark has "Adapted" to its particular environment in order to survive is how it crawls out of the water to go up onto land.  That gives it a big "Advantage" over the other Sharks in finding food.  Heathcliff is crowing over there next door.

                                                        "REX" (FRONT YARD)   

         Oh!  Daisy just barked up there in the front yard and I can tell it's her obligatory bark to let Mr. Steve know she's guarding.  I wonder if he's noticed that I haven't barked at all today.  I have a feeling Dais is right and he's been really busy doing some of his work things.

              I'm getting kind of hungry because we haven't been given not even one snack so far today and that's very unusual.  I wonder if we'll have any of that delicious new Spam meat mixed into our dry Dog food?  Thinking about it makes me really look forward to dinner tonight. 

         What the heck!  Even though it's not on this book one outline right now, writing about that Epaulet Shark makes me suddenly think about this other small Shark called a "Cookie Cutter."  Daisy told me Mr. Steve's friend Mark Ritter knew a lot about Cookie Cutter Sharks.

"COOKIE CUTTER" SHARKS      

         Wow!  A picture in this Encyclopedia shows the mouths of Cookie Cutter Sharks and the caption says, even though they're small; they have huge teeth.  I guess, like other Sharks; Cookie Cutter Sharks lose teeth but replacements grow back in.  Lizards re-grow lost tails.

             When Cookie Cutter Sharks bite they take neat, round chunks of flesh from whatever they bite.  My boss told Mr. Mike "Cutter's" use their teeth like a "rotating band saw" which leaves a "crater" wound.   A photo shows a Dolphin one of them bit in the back.  Ouch! 

         Mr. Steve and his friend Mark Ritter were once shown a big scar on the leg of a Surfer from Florida who was bitten by a Cookie Cutter Shark.  I guess he noticed a "cigar-shaped" Fish near him but too late realized it was actually a Shark.  Fannie and Freddie are flying bye.  

VAPOR TRAIL     

          I just glanced up from doing my work down here on the patio and see a white vapor trail up there in the sky.  That reminds me how I still have more to write about the subject of Aviation in these last three chapters of this first book.  My right nostril smells Libby over there.

        According to the book one outline Daisy and I put together, in this tenth chapter; I also have more to write about Mormons, flowers and some of the 19th century American wars.   Now both of my nostrils can smell Libby.  She's over there walking slowly around her Corral.

       I've mentioned before how, after World War II; German Scientists were brought to America to help us fight Joseph Stalin's Soviet Union in the "Cold War."  Some, like the husband of the lady who built our house; worked at Edwards A.F.B.  I'm glad I'm not homeless anymore.           

                     WINSTON CHURCHILL INSPECTING BOMBING DAMAGE (1940)                  

           Tomorrow, I'll write about the Battle of Britain in 1940 so; will learn about what's called "Radar."  Mr. Steve met a lady from "Liverpool," England who told him her neighborhood was bombed in the "Blitz."  That band the BEATLES were also from Liverpool too I guess.    

           This Encyclopedia says, in World War II; the Germans were at the "forefront" of "Smart" bombs.  Their "primitive self-navigating guided missiles anticipated" today's "Cruise Missiles" that fly accurately "On their Own" over long distances."  I'll learn about them on Saturday. 

         Oh what the heck!  Even though I'm not scheduled to write about the "Early Years" of the Flying Wing until book three, I feel like mentioning it now too.  As I said earlier, that man Hugo  Junkers had the idea of a flying machine with no "Fuselage" or body way back in 1910.                                

      WALTER HORTEN / REIMAR HORTEN                                HORTEN "Ho-229" 

             During World War II these two brothers, Walter and Reimar Horten; designed Planes for Adolph Hitler.   They made the first "Operational" Flying Wing using a "Jet" engine.  But, just like the "Me-262" Jet Fighter; it came too late in the war to "Make a Difference." 

           From what it says here in this one Encyclopedia, Hugo Junkers wasn't the only one who had the idea of a Flying Wing.  In the 1920's, after the First World War; a Russian man named Boris Ivanovich Cheranovsky also worked on the "concept." too.  I smell some Mesquite.

           I guess one of the things that guy Hugo Junkers is now "known for" is making Planes out of metal instead of wood.   His ideas on a "Swept Wing" design helped the Horten brothers in their work during World War II.  Max the Hummingbird just zoomed bye but still no 99.

                                                   "RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK" 

            On Saturday I'll find out about a trilogy of 1980's movies about an Archaeologist named "Indiana Jones."  Daisy told me about how, in one of the movies; the Nazi's have a Flying Wing "looking" Plane.  Mark Ritter, and Mr. Vic; both thought that was such a "Cool" idea.

            As I've said a few times already today, I'm still afraid of being trapped in an enclosed area where I can't escape quickly.  Someday, when I get over that fear; I really want to see those three movies about the search for the "Ark of the Covenant."  Mr. Steve knows about that Ark.

                Ah!  I just noticed a chirping Wren standing on a cactus out in the desert behind the three Sheds.  I've noticed how male and female Wrens look alike and at times sing really loud to each other.  Wrens are small in size but can be just as aggressive as Hummingbirds sometimes.    

    WREN / CHOLLA CACTUS             

         That lady Miss Susan knows about Wrens and says they build "dome-shaped" nests.  I've noticed how they have short wings and sometimes stick their tails straight up in the air. They eat Bugs like Ants but sometimes will kill and eat small Lizards too I've noticed.                                   

        Daisy says our boss has a customer in the State of South Carolina whose family are "Bird Watchers."  He told Mr. Steve about how the Wren is the "State Bird" of South Carolina.  That  one Wren took off right now and darted away towards the northeastern desert.                              

         Jack the Jackrabbit used the right vertical slot on the side of the gate to zoom out into the eastern desert.  It seems like the fence is invisible when he runs through so fast like that.  One of  these days he might accidentally "miscalculate" and hit his head really hard Daisy thinks.                                                       

     SAGE BUSH              

             The Sage I smell reminds me of last year.  On my first break I told Dais about the feelings of Déjà Vu I'm having today and she said she's also having those too.  I guess, that one Tongvan Indian lady Mr. Steve met over there in San Fernando said they call Sage "Paa 'or."   

             Wow!  This is only the first day of Spring yet already there's some little yellow flowers on Theodora the Thrasher Bird's Creosote bush to the left of Jack the big Shed.   For some reason that makes me think about "Orchid" flowers.  Orchids come in many shapes and colors.

             Back in the 1970's Sandy's parents took vacations at a place called "Carpinteria" and, in his first Chevelle; she and Mr. Steve drove up there to be with them.  Sandy's two younger sisters are named "Suzy" and "Stacy."  Daisy heard one time how our boss nicknamed Suzy "Q."   

                                                                                               "ORCHIDS"   

           I guess Carpinteria is near "Santa Barbara" where Mr. Steve's sister went to College.  Mr. Steve's mom took her Girl Scout troop to an Orchid Farm in Carpinteria.  Mr. Steve bought an Orchid "Corsage" for Sandy to wear when they went to her Sylmar High School "Prom."

          Our handyman Mr. Mike knew where Carpinteria was when my boss mentioned it.  Like Sandy's parents, he likes Carpinteria's "small town feel."  As a kid Mr. Mike built some "Sand Castles" on the beach there and still fondly recalls Carpinteria's "Blue Heron" Birds.

          My boss and Mr. Mike talked about how Carpinteria has this one area called a "Coastal Wetland."   And the beach has "Tide Pools" where these things called "Sea Stars" and purple "Urchins" live.  Many different types of Birds live in Carpinteria from what Dais heard.  

  "CARPINTERIA"                  

        "Every once in a while," my boss says he dreams of  being with Sandy on Carpinteria's beach.  Her parents are gone but live in his memory, especially Sandy's mom's laugh.  Dais and I have both noticed how Mr. Steve almost never laughs, but sometimes kind of chuckles.                  

         Mr. Steve likes "Piers," and his brother Rock enjoys Fishing from them.  From the high "Bluffs" above Carpinteria's pier; you can sometimes see Dolphins, Seals or even Whales.  I'd      like to smell a Whale, but from far away because they're so huge and that's kind of scary.              

        One time Mr. Steve did artwork for this lady, who lived in the "Santa Ynez" mountains; near to Carpinteria.  Two of the Pigeons, I think it's Fred and Ethel; flew in from the desert and  landed up there on the patio roof.  It's kind of  hard to tell the difference between Pigeons.                                                                             

  " SUNFISH"        

             PHOTO BY DANIEL BOTELHO                          

          Because Mr. Steve is interested in things who live in the water, Dais has me scheduled to mainly write about that subject tomorrow.  In Carpinteria one time a Surfer told him and Sandy about swimming right near this big, huge giant "Sunfish."  I can smell Libby over there.               

           Looking at the shadows, for some reason; makes me think of Sunfish.  That Surfer said a Sunfish can weigh "five thousand" pounds and are the biggest and heaviest "Bony" Fish.  When  their "Dorsal" fin sticks out of the water sometimes people think they're Sharks coming.               

          Wow!  The caption under a picture of a Sunfish says they can be fourteen feet tall and ten feet long.  That Surfer said their look is deceiving because they're as fast and "agile" as a Shark or Penguin.  The ceilings in the living room and Mr. Steve's bedroom are fifteen feet tall.           

      CARPINTERIA BEACH              

            A picture in this one Encyclopedia shows a boy and girl Surfers sitting on Carpinteria's beach.  I've mentioned before how my boss's friend Doug still likes to surf.  I'd be afraid to surf, mainly because I can't swim yet but, I definitely do plan on learning to swim someday.                   

           Carpinteria is near to Santa Barbara, where Mr. Steve's sister Susan went to College for two years.  In the late 1960's, through the mid-1970's; every Summer their parent's would take    the whole family on annual vacations in Santa Barbara.  A Train just now whistled faintly.            

            Daisy says Mr. Steve at times has pleasant dreams about those yearly family vacations in Santa Barbara.  They always stayed at this place called the "Miramar" Hotel, which had rooms right alongside the actual beach.  So, they could go swimming and do things like that.                    

"MIRAMAR" HOTEL (SANTA BARBARA)

        Someday, when I get over my fear of riding in Cars; I'd sure like to smell a real beach.  I guess one time Daisy and Millie heard our boss talk on the phone with his friend Mr. Doug and    they discussed Santa Barbara.  The scent of Theodora's Creosote bush just now floated in.            

       My boss told Mr. Doug the Miramar Hotel is located in an area of Santa Barbara called "Montecito," or "Little Mountain" in Spanish.  "Miramar" would be translated to be "Ocean    View" according to my Dictionary.   Mr. Doug has surfed near the Santa Barbara area.                 

        One time Mr. Steve and his dad were told the Miramar Hotel, which is below those Santa Ynez Mountains; was built way back in the mid-19th century as a "Health Resort."  Daisy and    Millie noticed how one time our boss called the rooms "Cottages."  Heathcliff crowed.                   

ROBERT MITCHUM / JANE RUSSELL         

          Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell Mr. Doug, the Miramar was successful during the "Roaring" 1920's; or the period after World War I.  Since the Second World War some Actors, like Robert    Mitchum and Jane Russell; went there.  Jane Russell was in a movie with Marilyn Monroe.          

         I guess during the 1930's Great Depression the Miramar Hotel had to go what they call "Bankrupt," so were poor and had no money Daisy says.  Boy!  I sure do hope we never have be bankrupt because then we'd have less food to eat.  It would be like when I was homeless.               

           Dais another time heard Mr. Steve talk with his mom on the phone and they remembered how many of the Miramar's roofs were royal blue.  Boy!  I'd like to see that because my all time    favorite color is royal blue.  Mr. Steve's mom described those roofs as being "Cobalt" blue.           

                    WILLIAM RANDOLPH HEARST (1863-1951)                       

           Another person who used to go to the Miramar Hotel was William Randolph Hearst.  I'll learn about him, his Granddaughter Patricia Hearst; and this other man named Joseph Pulitzer over the next three days.  Boy!  I really, really love the hats they wore back in those days.               

            I'm still thinking of flowers, especially those "Orchids." Miss Susan said Orchids are one of the largest "families" of "flowering" plants in the world, and they grow "on every Continent" except "Antarctica."  Frida and Diego the Bluebirds are now flying over Libby's Corral. 

           This is interesting!  According to my Encyclopedia, the Orchid is the "national" flower of Belize, Guatemala and Panama too.  Mr. Steve's parents visited Belize one time.  Daisy has me scheduled to learn a lot about "Central" and "South" America over the next three days.

    VOYAGE OF THE "BEAGLE (1832-1836)                        CHARLES DARWIN (1809-1882)                        

              Wow!  My Encyclopedia says there are over 28,000 "species" of Orchids.  Daisy saw that tv show about Charles Darwin, and it said besides his books on "Natural Selection;" he wrote a book about Orchids in 1862.  1862 was the second year of the American Civil War I guess.

               Mr. Steve's mom likes flowers and one of the types she likes are Orchids.  This good map shows the "route" of Charles Darwin's famous 1830's "voyage" aboard that Ship the "Beagle."  That was when he collected things he would later study from the "Galápagos" Islands.   

            It says here how, for thousands of years; the Chinese and ancient Greeks used the Orchid for "medical purposes."  Mr. Steve's mother grew Orchids a few times so knows some Orchids take a few years to actually "produce" flowers.  Dawn is barking over there next door.                   

     "ARA PACIS" ALTAR                             EMPEROR AUGUSTUS (68 B.C.-14 A.D.)

             In chapter seven I wrote about "Cement" and "Concrete," and mentioned how in 1985 my boss visited the "Pantheon" in Rome.  He wanted to see this other ancient Roman Temple but I guess they weren't able to do it in time.  Actually, what he wanted to see was an "Altar."  

             This one Encyclopedia says in 9 B.C., to celebrate Emperor Augustus; that Roman altar was "consecrated."  The "Ara Pacis" was "dedicated" to "Pax," the "Goddess of Peace;" and Pax is Latin for "Peace."   I'll write about some of the Roman Emperors in my three books. 

             It says here some "carvings" of Orchids on the Ara Pacis are some of the oldest known "depictions" of Orchids.  In my books I'll learn  cement, concrete and also other things used to build "Structures;" like big stone "Blocks" or "Bricks."  Rudy the Roadrunner jogged bye.     

"MOTOCROSS" RIDER         

               Someone on a Motorcycle zoomed bye out there on our dirt road Primavera.  The dust is rising and the sound of the Motorcycle is fading fast.  I'll bet that's a kid who got off from school and is now practicing Motocross riding before going home to do his or her homework.    

             Dais is probably right about Mr. Steve being too busy working in his office to give us any snacks today.  Someday, I might just learn how to draw and color the way he and his mom have done all of their lives.  Daisy and Millie heard him use the word "Therapeutic" one time.    

             Someday, when I get over my fear of being trapped and enclosed; I'll see my boss's office and the bedrooms.  And I can't wait to see what a bathroom is like too.  Daisy sees them all of the time and, as I've said; thinks I'm "ridiculous" in being afraid to go all the way in our house.

       MR. STEVE'S OFFICE                 

           PAINTING BY KEITH BROWN                               

             Someday I also want to see that big painting of the Italian coastline on the north wall of my boss's office.  Mr. Steve thinks it's Italy but it might be the French coast.  His parents bought that painting from a guy named Keith Brown who, like Mr. Steve's mom; is a good Painter.  

             When he's having a bad day Mr. Steve feels better by doing artwork, or just looking at that big painting in his office.  Daisy thinks both make him "Put Things in Perspective" as they say.  It makes him realize, compared to most other people on Earth; his life is not so bad. 

             My boss had a dream where that big painting was hanging on a wall, but it was down at his house on Hagar Street in Sylmar.   Samson and Delilah flew bye, and were low enough that I heard their wings flapping.  Crows flap their wings more when flying and you can't hear it.

                                   RICK STEVES  (ITALIAN COSTLINE BEHIND)                                        

             Mr. Steve, and Daisy too; likes watching that guy Rick Steve's tv show where he goes to visit all of the different European countries.  When he saw the segments about the French and Italian "Riviera" my boss thought about the painting in his office.  I smell some Mesquite.

             Well Lord, it's back to my outline; so I'll write about Mormons now.  My Encyclopedia says that man Joseph Smith "founded" Mormonism" in the 1820's, in New York State; when he had the "vision" where You and Your Father appeared.  Benjamin the Cow Bird ran bye.

             Because many Mormons believe in "Community" more than the individual, Mr. Steve thinks some Mormons live "insular" lives.  They focus on family and church.  One lady told my boss they're told to,  "Mourn with those who mourn and comfort those who need comfort."

                                                         JOSEPH SMITH (1805-1844)

                This is interesting.  According to what it says here in this Encyclopedia, Joseph Smith had a second vision where the Angel Gabriel guided him to some gold "Plates" from which he wrote the "Book of Mormon."  Ducks are quacking but Donald and Daisy are louder.

              Daisy says Mr. Steve has a copy of the Book of Mormon.  I wrote this morning how the Mormons call their religion "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" or just "L.D.S." for short.  Speedy Gonzalez is resting under Theodora's Creosote bush to the left of Jack.

              Hey Lord!  It says here Mormons began as Protestants; but Joseph Smith decided they were their own Christian "form."  Speedy just bolted from where he was sitting.  And now he's running around the northeast corner of the house, at the far end of this Patio; to my left.

                               U.S. CONSTITUTION                           "CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION (1787) 

                                                                                                                                               PAINTING BY HOWARD CHANDLER CHRISTY

              Daisy and Millie one time heard Mr. Steve talking with one of his customers back there in Utah.  That Parts Manager told him most Mormons believe the U.S. Constitution was "divinely inspired."  Hey God!  It was the first time in history the people shared the political power. 

          The Parts Manager told Mr. Steve that guy Joseph Smith ran for President one time, and predicted someday the Constitution would "be in danger."  And then a Mormon "will come in on a white Horse" to save it from being destroyed.  I see, and can now smell Libby over there. 

          I guess Mormonism was part of that, "Second Great Awakening."   In my left nostril I can smell the slight scent Speedy Gonzalez left behind, and also Theodora's Creosote bush too.  Right now all of a sudden I remember that other time when the same exact thing happened to me. 

                                                     "LLANO DEL RIO" (RUINS) 

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA             

              My Encyclopedia says that the early 19th century Second Great Awakening was  part of a "religious revival" where "reform" movements "sprang up."  I've mentioned "Llano del Rio." It was one of those early 20th century "Utopian Socialist" communities, but it failed. 

              I've mentioned how that British Writer Aldous Huxley, who wrote his "Dystopian" book "Brave New World" in 1932; lived with his wife in "Llano."  In the 1500's that one other English guy Sir Thomas More wrote the first "Utopian" novel.  My boss's dad was born in 1932.

                  Daisy saw this tv show where the man said the Musician Johnny Cash was also born in 1932.  That was three years after the "Crash" of the "Stock Market," so the "Great Depression" was going on.  A small group of Sparrows is flying as a group toward the northeast. 

                PATSY CLINE (1932-1963)      ELIZABETH TAYLOR (1932-2011)       JOHNNY CASH (1932-2003) 

PHOTO BY JACK CORN                                                                                                                                                                                                             

                 Oh!  My Encyclopedia says, in 1932; Johnny Cash was born on February the 26th or just three days after Mr. Steve's father was born.  And I guess that famous Actress Elizabeth Taylor's birthday is February the 27th of 1932.  I can smell some Mesquite in both of my nostrils. 

             I'm so tempted to write about this Singer named Patsy Cline, but I'll just wait and learn about her according to schedule.  On the tv show Daisy saw, it said she was also born in 1932.  A photo in my Encyclopedia shows how she looked in 1955, the same year Mr. Steve was born.

                  In 1932 Franklin Roosevelt was elected the U.S. President by giving people hope that the economy would recover and everyone wouldn't be so poor.  During that one year alone millions of people were "Out of Work" as they say.  Wow!  Over five thousand Banks "Failed." 

                                         CLYDE BARROW / BONNIE PARKER (1932)   

                   Mr. Steve has read about Bonnie and Clyde.  It says here Clyde got out of "Prison" in February of 1932, stole weapons like those Browning Automatic Rifles; and killed five people by 1933.  I've mentioned how my boss's father at times used B.A.R.'s during the Korean War.

               I guess Bonnie and Clyde were from "Dallas" in Texas.  I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve's brother Rock, and his son's Rocky Michael and Jacob; all live in "Arlington" which is in between Dallas and "Fort Worth."  The brothers in PANTERA were also from Dallas too.

                   Mr. Randy knew about how, in 1932; Ford first "Introduced" a "Low Cost" Car with a "V-8" motor in it.  And Clyde Barrow used them to outrun and get away from the Police whose Cars weren't as fast.  Ah!  Bonnie and Clyde the Birds just flew back in from the desert.

                   BONNIE FEEDING BABIES                                                  BABY BIRDS            

                  I had a feeling Bonnie and Clyde would come back to the nest soon because their babies woke up.  Oh!  This Encyclopedia says the first Bonnie and Clyde were killed on May 23, 1934, which my list of dates shows is Mr. Steve's brother Sam's birthday too.  Heathcliff crowed.

                   Over the next three days I'll learn about the history of "Nuclear" energy.  Two "Atomic" bombs dropped on Japan in 1945 ended World War II.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his dad talk about the "Atom" was first "Split" in 1932, the same year my boss's dad was born too.

                     Yuk!  Bonnie just threw back up whatever was being stored inside her stomach and now her babies are eating it.  Daisy and I still can't get over the fact that, even though this is only the first day of Spring; we're already seeing babies.  Frida and Diego the Bluebirds flew bye.

     AMELIA EARHART (1897-1937)             CHARLES LINDBERGH (1902-1974)         

                  I'll learn about Aviation in all my books but in book three on Saturday is when I'll find out about those Pilots Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh.  In 1932 Amelia Earhart was the first female to complete a "Solo" flight across the "Atlantic" Ocean.  Dawn's barking.

                   Mr. Steve and his dad talked on the phone about how, in 1932; Charles Lindbergh's son was "Kidnapped" and eventually killed.  Some people now think Charles Lindbergh may have in some way been "Involved" in what happened.   I can smell the new baby Cholla cactus.

             Ah!  The scent of Rosemary just floated in from the eastern desert behind the Sheds. Hey Blessed Mother!  If I could time travel in Mr. Peabody's Way Back machine You know I'd want to go back to when the Angel Gabriel told You about having God's son.  A Finch flew bye.   

THE "ANUNCIATION"             

            Blessed Virgin!  My boss and Mr. Hussein from Egypt talked about how You're not just important to us Catholic Christians but also to "Islam."  You're the only female mentioned in their Holy book the "Quran."  Wow!  It even calls You the, "greatest of all women" too.

            If Mr. Peabody let me use his Way Back time machine I'd also want to go back to the 7th century to be in the Cave when the Angel Gabriel told the Prophet Muhammad about starting Islam.  Over the next two days I'll learn a lot more about Angels.  Heathcliff just crowed. 

            My Encyclopedia says, "from the start" Mormons were "persecuted" in New York.  So in 1831 Joseph Smith moved them west to Ohio and Missouri.  But there were  "conflicts" there too so Joseph Smith again decided to move his followers; but this time to the State of "Illinois."

RUSSIAN "POGROM" (LATE 19TH CENTURY)      

           Hey God!  I guess Mormons, like Jews; have often been hated.  I've mentioned how in the early 20th century the families of Mr. Steve's girlfriends, Emily and Harriet; may have come to the U.S. to escape bloody Russian "Pogroms."  They probably came through "Ellis Island."         

           I used my Dictionary to look up "Scapegoat."  I heard my boss use that word and I guess it's, "A person blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes or faults of others, especially for reasons of expediency."  All four of of the Pigeons are flying out into the desert behind the Sheds.                   

      It's kind of interesting God how this Encyclopedia says, in the Old Testament's book of "Leviticus;" a scapegoat is when a Goat is "Ritually Burdened with the sins of the community"    and "driven away."  Back in ancient Greece I guess they used to do that to a Goat too.                                               

                                                           "FAMILY AFFAIR"   

                     Mr. Steve and his brothers and sisters knew this one Mormon family who lived in the city of San Fernando when they were growing up.  Their last name was "Whittaker" and a red-headed boy named "Johnny" was one of their eight children.  I smell a Lizard nearby.

              Daisy says that guy Johnny Whittaker was an Actor and was in Walt Disney movies but is mainly known for a tv show called "Family Affair."  I guess he played the part of a kid named "Jody." The little girl in that tv show had a doll named "Mrs. Beasley" Dais told me.  

             Johnny Whittaker's Mormon "Mission" was to Portugal, and he later went to "Brigham Young University;" or "B.Y.U." for short.  He speaks Spanish, which is similar to the Portuguese language.  Johnny Whittaker once gave Mr. Steve's brother Sam some Spanish lessons.

   "FATIMA,"  PORTUGAL (1917)                  MISS BABETTE / HUSBAND DAVID      

            It would be so great Blessed Mother if You came to Piñon Hills like when You did in 1917 in appearing to those three Portuguese Shepherd kids.  Miss Babette, who works with Mr. Steve; went to Fatima in 1985, the year my boss visited Italy and Israel.  Boy!  She's so lucky.  

           Tomorrow Blessed Virgin, I'll learn about 1531 when You came down to "Guadalupe" in Mexico.  Mr. Steve's Grandma Trujillo's first name was Guadalupe.  And our Auto Mechanic Ramon's wife is also named Guadalupe but most people just call them "Lupe" for short.  

           Mother Mary!  In 1917, when Grandma Trujillo was three; when You came to Fatima the First World Was was still going on.  I wish I could use Mr. Peabody's Time Machine to go back to 1917 or 1531, to smell and lick You and be friends with You.  And Daisy would do that too.   

"MAKO" SHARK         

                  Oh!  Speedy Gonzalez ran bye, but knows I won't chase him today.  Seeing him makes me think about going fast.  Mr. Steve says "Mako" Sharks are the fastest Shark, and was told Mako is the Mâori, Tahitian or Polynesian word for Shark; or maybe just" Shark teeth."  

              Wow!  This Encyclopedia says Mako Sharks can go over forty miles per hour but my boss met a Fisherman in San Diego who thinks it might be even higher.  Boy!  Thinking about Mako Sharks makes me want to run right now but I'd better not.  I'll do it later tonight.

               I guess there are two types of Mako Shark, "short" or "long finned."  That man said Mako Sharks are born in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego.  He and Mr. Steve talked about how Mako Sharks, for some reason; don't seem to live for that long in what they call "Captivity."       

                  "SWORD" FISH                                                 "WHITE" SHARK

                                                                                                                             PHOTO BY CHRIS/ MONIQUE FALLOWS

                  Oh!  A picture in my Encyclopedia shows a "Sword" Fish jumping out of the water.  That Fisherman said sometimes Mako Sharks will do that too.  I guess, down there in "South Africa;" the "White Sharks" who live in those waters will jump right out of the water to kill Seals.

         I'm mainly scheduled to write about things that live in the water tomorrow in book two.  But today I keep on thinking of things out of order on my outline.  Aha!  I knew I was smelling a  Lizard and there it is over there standing on the wall right above the gray water bucket.                

          Boy!  Sword Fish really do have swords on their faces.  It says here how Mako Sharks and Sword Fish can grow up to be over ten feet long.  I just now noticed how that little Lizard is over there on the wall doing some of those pushup exercises the way many Lizards so often do.             

1968 "S.S." CHEVELLE      

          Writing about how fast Mako Sharks and Swordfish can swim makes me think about my boss's two 1968 Chevelle's.  When young Mr. Steve admits he sometimes drove way too fast and was kind of stupid.  Daisy says now he's a very "Defensive" driver and never "Speeds."                

           My boss told Mr. Ralph people who knew him back in High School would probably find it "kind of amusing" to see how he drives now in his old age.   He himself at times also can't believe the idiotic chances he took.  The Lizard just now ran away and is going out into the dirt.               

          Oh!  This is a good time to write about a Sammy Hagar song I've never heard but Daisy says is good.  It's called "I can't Drive Fifty Five."  For years my boss "Identified" with that song but not anymore because he now realizes it's way too dangerous to drive fast when you're old.                                                 

SAMMY HAGAR         

            This morning I wrote about the "Cul-de-Sac" named "Hagar" Street in Sylmar which is  important to Mr. Steve's family.  I guess Sammy Hagar, who wrote the song about driving fast; is rich so "Collects" Cars.  That's what Daisy heard on this one tv show she saw about him.              

          According to Dais, Sammy Hagar wrote the song I Can't Drive Fifty Five in 1984, which was the year my boss flunked out of Law School.   It's also the year he began working for all the  sports teams in Los Angeles.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying over the desert.                     

           Daisy noticed how the tv show on Sammy Hagar said 55 "m.p.h." is what in other parts of the world would be 89 "km./h."  M.p.h. is short for "Miles per Hour" while km/h would be mean "Kilometers per Hour."  Some of the Ducks are quacking about something over there.                   

        "HIGHWAY 138"                  

         When my boss drives down to Sylmar to visit his family he first has to go for about twenty five miles of desert, and through Pearblossom and Littlerock.  Then it's another five miles to get to the "#14" Freeway "South."  He goes bye those "Llano" ruins in the desert Daisy says.             

          Driving west on the #138 Highway from Piñon Hills, Mr. Steve goes the "Speed Limit" of 55 to 60 m.p.h.  From what Dais heard, he just "Takes his Time," and enjoys looking at the "San Gabriel"  Mountains to the south.  Boy!  I really love looking at those mountains too.                    

          I guess, 138 Highway's two joke nicknames are "Highway of Death" and "Blood Alley."  People go fast Daisy told me, and get mad at Mr. Steve when he's going only 60 m.p.h.; so he lets them pass him.  Sometimes he gets kind of angry at them too but "Holds his Temper."                                        

"HIGH" DESERT           

            Hey God!  Someday, with Your help of course; I won't be afraid to ride in a Car the way Daisy does.  She keeps telling me how I don't know what I'm missing in being able to smell, see    and hear so many new things.  And of course, in my "Heart of Hearts;" I know she's right.           

          After driving those twenty five miles through the desert, then my boss goes through the town of Littlerock where his brother Sam lives with his wife Yolanda and their kids.  That unique store "Charley Browns'" is in Littlerock.  Two of the Pigeons flew over the top of the house.          

            Going the speed limit, I guess it usually takes my boss about an hour and a half to go from up here in Piñon Hills down there to Sylmar in the San Fernando Valley.  And, Mr. Steve has seen a few Car accidents on the way.  Daisy says one time he saw a dead Motorcyclist on the road.                     

DEATH      

           Thinking about Car and Motorcycle accidents suddenly makes me think about an early 1970's band from the city of "Detroit."  They were three black brothers and, from what a good tv show Dais saw said; they played "Proto Punk" music.  They called themselves DEATH.                 

             In my three long books I'm scheduled to learn about the different kinds of music and one is "Punk."  Someday I really, really want to hear more Punk songs because Daisy thinks I would like their "energy."  According to her most of the Punk bands are white and not black.                  

           Mr. Steve likes the three piece "Power Trio" format in bands and according to Dais that's what DEATH were.  One brother sang and played guitar, while the other two brothers were the    "Rhythm Section" on bass and drums.  Boy!  I wonder why they picked the name DEATH?         

THE CULT         

        Daisy and Millie one time saw a good Video by an English band called the CULT.  It was from the mid-1980's and was for this song called "She sells Sanctuary."  Mr. Dave back there in    New Mexico once read in a Magazine how their original band name was DEATH CULT.               

       According to Daisy the CULT'S Singer dresses kind of like a fancy Pirate, and is a really talented Dancer too.  She thinks I would like the "Bandana" he wears and would probably want  one for myself.  I guess, a bandana is not really a hat but a scarf; from what Daisy told me.           

          Mr. Dave told my boss he read the CULT'S guitar player used "Effects" pedals and a violin bow to get the unusual sounds in the "Introduction" of She Sells Sanctuary.  Daisy says that guy  Jimmy Page of LED ZEPPELIN at times also used a violin bow on some of their songs too.                                            

   "MANSON FAMILY"                                    "PEOPLE'S TEMPLE"             

                                                (1960'S)                                                                                            (1970'S)                                                                                         

           I'm tempted to learn more about the subject of "Cults" right now but, I'd better just wait and do it according to what Dais and I planned for Saturday.  Some famous cults were from right here in California Daisy told me.  One was made up mainly of "Brainwashed" Hippies.                 

          One time my boss and Miss Harriet went to Hollywood's "Tower Records" for this "Meet and Greet" event with the band LIVING COLOR.  I guess, in the 1980's; they had a song called "Cult of Personality."  Mr. Steve's favorite LIVING COLOR song is "Type" Daisy says.               

         Daisy saw a tv show that said the original phrase "cult of personality" is often associated with that man Joseph Stalin.  But Mr. Steve thinks it could equally be "applied to" Adolph Hitler and Mao Zedong too.  Anyway, I'll learn more about "Brainwashing" in my three books.                                                         

"CALIFORNIA" AQUEDUCT            

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                       

        I've mentioned how Los Angeles couldn't exist without water being brought from Northern California.  "En Route" to and from Sylmar, near his brother Sam's house in Littlerock; my boss passes the "California Aqueduct."  It also goes bye our house a few miles from here.                      

    Throughout my three long books I'm going to learn a lot more about things like water and salt.  Mr. Steve and his father are interested in those subjects so I want to be too.  So of course I'll write more about that California Aqueduct over the course of the next three days.                          

       I wonder if I could swim if I had to?  Daisy says she's only swam a few times but it's not that hard once you get going because you just "paddle" your legs back and forth and up and down.  I think I could do it if I ever got put into a situation where I fell into a Lake or deep water.               

  "GREENLAND" SHARK                                 "GALÁPAGOS" TORTOISE       

           For some reason, mentioning fast swimming Mako Sharks makes me think again of those slow moving "Greenland" Sharks; who live way down in the "deepest and coldest" waters of the "North Atlantic" Ocean.  I wrote how they live in darkness so don't need good eyesight.                

           I mentioned earlier how this one Encyclopedia says some people think Greenland Sharks, because of their "slow metabolism;" may live for five hundred years!  That's the "longest known  lifespan" of any "vertebrate" species on Earth.  I can smell Bonnie and Clyde's nest up there.      

         Mr. Steve's friend Mark Ritter got to visit the "Galápagos" islands before he died, so saw those big giant "Tortoises."  Daisy and Millie saw a good tv show where the man said they can      live for over one hundred years.  Wow!  That would be seven hundred in my Dog years.                         

                POLAR BEARS                     MOOSE HUNTERS                       REINDEER                                  PHOTO BY CHERYL STRAHL                                                                                                                                                       PHOTO BY STEVE COULSON                           

        It's interesting how it says in my Encyclopedia that, even though Greenland Sharks live way down there deep in the water, they've "been known" to eat things you wouldn't expect.  Pieces of Polar Bears, Moose and Reindeer have been found in their stomachs.  Heathcliff crowed.              

       The caption under a picture of this Greenland Shark describes them as "omnivorous" and I know how that means they'll eat almost anything.  Besides being "scavengers," they'll hunt Seals and even other Sharks too.  Daisy jokes how I seem kind of omnivorous at times.                            

     Boy!  Looking at the pictures of a Moose and Reindeer it seems hard to believe a Greenland Shark could swallow the huge horns or "Antlers" down.  It says here they can "get to be" twenty feet long, "or more."  Two of the Pigeons just flew out into in eastern desert right now.                  

   THEODORA          

        I just glanced up from working over here sitting on my couch Elvira to see that Theodora the Thrasher Bird is standing in her favorite Creosote bush near Jack the big Shed.  And now I    smell her and her bush.  I wonder if a Greenland Shark would eat a Bird if it could?                      

        Mr. Steve told his friend Randy that Greenland Sharks not only have smaller Gill Slits but smaller fins and eyes too.  I guess, having adapted to living in deep, dark water; it's not necessary for Greenland Sharks to see things.  Theodora just flew away out into the desert.                            

         I wonder if it's true that Greenland Sharks, whose lower jaw teeth hold the food still so the upper jaw can saw it into pieces; is able to bite you even with its head cut off?  That's what this    man from "Iceland" once told my boss.  Mr. Steve had read that exact same thing.                                                                           

"GREENLAND" SHARK         

       Oh my God!  A picture in this Encyclopedia shows a huge captured Greenland Shark.  Mr. Steve was told, even though they "primarily" live in the cold water North Atlantic Ocean; a year  ago in 2013 one was caught in the Gulf of Mexico near New Orleans.  I can smell Sage.                  

      I'll bet it was surprising to the Fishermen who caught that one Greenland Shark when they found it so far south, in an area known for warmer water.  That morning I heard my boss tell Mr. Randy about Greenland Sharks it was warm like today.  Daffy's quacking next door.                      

       Mr. Steve said he first read about Greenland Sharks when he was about twelve.  He told Mr. Randy that one older man from the country of Iceland said the women in his family knew how to "prepare" the "horrible-tasting" Greenland Shark's meat.   I wonder if it's rotten?                       

          "INUITS"         

         I guess that man from Iceland knew a lot about the "Inuit" or "Eskimo" people, and he told my boss about those "Igloo" houses; which are made out of ice bricks.  Wow!  Hey God!        Maybe some day I'll have the courage to go inside the plastic Igloo's Mr. Steve has for us.              

         My boss told Mr. Randy he's been told some Inuit groups don't like to be called Eskimo's anymore.  As I wrote earlier, the name "Inuit" would be translated as being, "The People."  In a picture of an Inuit family you can really tell how they live in extremely cold, cold  weather.            

          I wrote before how Sharks have five "Gill Slits" on both sides of their body.  They're used to "Filter," and get oxygen from the water; as they swim along.  The man from Iceland knew that Greenland Sharks have six Gill Slits on each side which are not as big as in other Sharks.               

           "BLUE FIN" TUNA                                             DR. SAKAGUCHI AND WIFE       

        Earlier I wrote about Dr. Sakaguchi, who was one of Mr. Steve's family Doctors.  As I said before, one of his "Hobbies" was what they call "Deep Sea" fishing out there in the Ocean.  Dais told me he caught a Swordfish, and also one of those big, giant "Tuna" Fish's too.                           

      One night Daisy and Millie were in the house and watched a tv show about these Fisherman who catch Tuna "For a Living" as they say.  It was so interesting she told me.  Those Fisherman  have to be really strong in order to be able to pull such a huge Fish up into the Boat.                      

     Writing about Fish suddenly makes me kind of hungry.  I can't believe that we haven't even had one snack today.  But God, like Daisy said when I visited her after my second big break; not having our snacks will make us appreciate food more when we eat dinner later tonight.                 

                                                        SAILING SHIP "PILGRIM"   

             PHOTO BY LEONARD ORTIZ                           

            Oh what the heck!  Even though I'm not scheduled to write about this big "Replica" sailing Ship called the "Pilgrim" right now, I just feel like mentioning it.  It's a copy of an original 19th century Ship made famous in a book by this man named Richard Henry Dana.

        In this chapter writing about places in California near the coast makes me suddenly think about that Ship the Pilgrim.  My boss told Mr. Randy he and a girl named "Nancy" visited the Pilgrim.  It's "Moored" at "Dana Point" which is named for Richard Henry Dana.

         My Encyclopedia says the original "merchant vessel" the Pilgrim sailed here from the State of "Massachusetts" in the 1830's and Richard Henry Dana was a "seaman" on it.  They wanted to "trade" things like shoes for California "Cow Hides."  I smell the baby Cholla cactus.

                                              RICHARD HENRY DANA (1815-1882)  

         Boy!  Looking at the two pictures of Richard Henry Dana in my Encyclopedia I can now see what my boss was joking about with Mr. Randy.  It's so amazing what the "long-term" effects of "time" and "gravity" does to most people as they age.  My boss thinks it makes you uglier.      

            My boss and Mr. Randy talked about how, most people; are "unrecognizable" to those who knew them when they were younger.   You gain weight, your skin wrinkles and starts to look old. Boy!  That suddenly makes me wonder what I'll look like if I become really old?  

        Mr. Steve's mom jokes about aging, "You lose hair where you want it and grow it where you don't."  She thought this one saying was kind of funny, "Just when I finally got my head together my body fell apart."  I see two overlapping vapor trails way up there in the high sky. 

BENJAMIN           

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE SMITH                    

             I just glanced up from doing my work over here on Elvira and saw Benjamin the Cow Bird run underneath Manny the far right Shed.  I wonder why Cow and Thrasher Birds run on the ground as much as they fly around?  Daisy thinks it probably has something to do with food.

            I heard Mr. Steve say he and his father think that "Trade" between people has been one of the most important things in history.  That's why I'll learn a lot about it over the next three days.  When Richard Henry Dana came to California in the 1830's trade was the main reason.

       Throughout my three books I'll find out about the history of trade.  I mentioned that Italian guy Marco Polo who went all the way over to China at a time when there were no Cars or things like that.  I'll look up the "Silk" routes that connected China over to Europe later.

                      SOUTH AMERICA                                             CALIFORNIA                                                                                                                                                             

         Before the "Panama Canal" was dug in the early 20th century the only way to sail from America's east to west coasts was all the way around the bottom of South America.  It took a long time.  In the Encyclopedia map of South America you can really see just how far down it is. 

        By the 1830's, when Richard Henry Dana on the Pilgrim sailed from the east coast out here to Alta California; the region had been part of  "Independent" country of "Mexico" which had broken away from Spain in the early 1820's.  I just noticed a vapor trail up there in the sky.  

        Even though 1830's Upper California was Mexican, the Government down there in Mexico City allowed the Spanish Franciscan Priests to keep running the twenty one Missions up here.  In those days the "Hides" from California Cows was something people really wanted. 

            AUSTIN / SUSAN / DALTON                               EAST COAST (U.S.)

        Richard Henry Dana was from the State of Massachusetts which is near Connecticut where Mr. Steve's sister Susan lives with her sons Dalton and Austin.  In the early 19th century the area called "New England" was known for "Manufacturing" a lot of things.  Heathcliff crowed.

        I guess in the 1830's the original merchant Ship Pilgrim, besides bringing shoes, also carried metal tools to trade for Mission Cow cowhides.  Returning to the east coast Richard Henry Dana wrote a famous book called "Two Years Before the Mast."  Heathcliff's Hens are clucking.

       Mr. Steve and his parents, as Tour Guides at the San Fernando Mission; read things written in the early 20th century by a "German" Franciscan Priest named Zephyrin Englehardt.  In my Encyclopedia he's called the "Father of Mission History."  Ah!  The air is so clear right now.   

FRIAR ZEPHYRIN ENGLEHARDT (1851-1934)

              Daisy one time heard Mr. Steve talking with his father about that guy Father Englehardt, who I guess was born in Germany but came over to America.  In 1890 he was sent to California to run an Indian "Boarding School" at the "Capistrano" Mission.  I can smell Mesquite.

           It says here "Padre" Englehardt taught "Cahuilla," "Luiseno" and "Kumeyaay" Indian children; and also some "Serrano's" like the ones who lived up here in our area.  Those were all names the Spanish gave those groups.  A lot of Birds are flying around out in the back field. 

          Father Englehardt was a "Historian" of the twenty one "Alta" California Missions.  But he also wrote about "Baja" California and an area now called the State of "Arizona" too I guess.  Daisy thinks if Mr. Steve could time travel he'd want to go back and meet Father Englehardt.  

                     MISSION "SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO"                 FIRST "BAPTISM" IN "ALTA" CALIFORNIA

                                                                                                               ARTWORK BY A.B. DODGE                                                                                                         

         "San Juan Capistrano Mission, where my boss and his mom had the Art Exhibit; was one of the first Missions established by Father Serra.  I've mentioned before how San Diego, in 1869; was the first Alta California Mission.  The first "Baptism" happened at Capistrano Mission.         

         Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve and his mom talking on the phone remembering how in the 18th century the Spanish also called our area "California Nueva."  And in looking it up in my Spanish Dictionary I see how that means "New California."  Samson and Delilah flew bye.           

         I guess my boss read Richard Henry Dana's book "Two Years Before the Mast" when he was in College at C.S.U.N.  Daisy says that girl Nancy reread it before they went to see the new Pilgrim "Docked" in that Harbor at "Dana Point."  Donald and Daisy are both quacking.                                                           

                                               ANNE BRADSTREET (1612-1672)       

           Oh wow!   This is so interesting how, from what it says here in my Encyclopedia; that writer Richard Henry Dana was a "descendant" of Anne Bradstreet.  In the 17th century, she was the first "Published" "Poet" from the then brand new British Colonies.  Dawn's barking.   

           Daisy told me Mr. Steve helped his Nephew Sammy Jr. do a report on Anne Bradstreet.  She was born in England but then came over here to the east coast.  She and her husband had eight children.  Hey God!  I guess Anne Bradstreet had a very hard life but trusted in You.    

            In book three on Saturday I'll write about people born on July the 9th like my boss, such as that Football player O.J. Simpson; who Mr. Steve believes killed his wife from Dana Point named "Nicole."  Daisy heard that Mr. Rick and his wife Linda's daughter is named Nicole too. 

        O.W. HOLMES (1809-1894)             HERBERT HOOVER (1874-1964)    HUMPHREY BOGART (1899-1957)

          Wow!  My Encyclopedia says three other descendants of Anne Bradstreet were the Supreme Court Judge Oliver Wendell Holmes, President Herbert Hoover; and an Actor named Humphrey Bogart.  I notice how that guy Oliver Wendell Holmes has a big, thick mustache.

            Daisy heard that, in the early 1970's; one of Mr. Steve's father's Students at his school for Stockbrokers was O.J. Simpson's first wife.   And I guess another Student later worked for this big company called "Dun & Bradstreet.  Libby just whinnied over there in her Corral.

           Hey God!  As You know already of course, I'll come back to writing more about that one girl Anne Bradstreet later.  I can tell my boss kind of admires her even though Daisy says he doesn't really like poetry that much.  Anne Bradstreet was one of those "Puritans" I guess. 

               (N.Y.C. "SKYLINE")                   NEW YORK  CITY              ("STOCK EXCHANGE")

        In 1977 Mr. Steve and his brother Rock visited their Uncle Marty's family in New Jersey.  I guess, besides taking them to the top of the "World Trade Centers;" Uncle Marty also took them to see the "New York Stock Exchange."  Both are in "Manhattan," in New York City.                    

       Over the next three days, because of my boss's dad having had his Stockbrokers school; one subject I'll learn about is "Finance."  Mr. Steve's father, at first; taught his Students a "Theory"  for "Investing" money called "Efficient Markets."   Two of the Pigeons just flew bye.                     

      My Encyclopedia says the system of Efficient Markets, in the mid-1970's; was replaced by this other "Formula" called "Value Investing."  I guess, my boss's dad studied; and then told his Students about it back then.  Ah!  Libby unique scent just floated into my right nostril.                 

WARREN BUFFETT    

                                                                                                                                    PHOTO BY JOHANNES EISELE

             Daisy heard Mr. Steve talking on the phone with his father one time and they discussed this man from the State of "Nebraska" named Warren Buffett.  I guess, using the Value Investing system; he became one of the richest men in the whole world.  I see Libby in her Corral. 

                Mr. Steve used to have a few Auto Dealerships in Nebraska as customers but after the big "Recession" of 2009 he's only got one left.  That's what he told Mr. Rick on the phone Dais says.  Speedy Gonzalez the Squirrel just zoomed bye in front of the three Sheds right now.

                I guess in the system of Efficient Markets, you mainly buy "inexpensive stock;"  while in Value Investing you try to find "good companies with inexpensive stock."  But in either case Mr. Steve says, "speculating" is just a nicer way of saying "gambling."  I smell Juniper. 

                                           JOHN MAYNARD KEYNES (1883-1946)   

            When Mr. Steve's father had his school for Stockbrokers he had the Students read material by this early 20th century British "Economist" named John Maynard Keynes.  I notice how, in the Encyclopedia picture he's wearing a really nice hat.  A Finch just flew bye right now.    

         During the "Roaring" 1920's when the economy was good, and then in the 1930's "Great Depression" when it was bad; John Maynard Keynes "Advocated" Value Investing.  He wrote two books Mr. Steve's dad read.  And one of those books is called "Security Analysis."

             I guess that man Warren Buffett was influenced by Security Analysis and this other book written by Benjamin Graham and David Dodd called "The Intelligent Investor."  Anyway, I'll come back again to this subject over the next three days.  I can smell Libby over there. 

CHARLES O. FINLEY (1918-1996)     

                 Smelling Libby makes me think of Molly the Mule who died.  Daisy saw a tv show about Mr. Steve's favorite Baseball team the "A's," which since 1960 was owned by Charles O. Finley.   He was Irish so his made his Players wear bright "Kelly" green uniforms Dais told me.

            According to what the man on the tv show said, when "Charley" Finley bought the A's  "Franchise" in 1960 they were in Kansas City.  Since early in the century, the "Philadelphia" A's team "Mascot" had been an Elephant.   But Charles Finley changed that to being a Mule.

           The tv show said the Mule was named "Charley O."  Libby's over there walking around. Mr. Steve once noticed how Charles O. Finley was born on February the 22nd, the day before his father's birthday; and died on February 19th.  His ex-girlfriend Harriet was born on that date.  

                       PHILADELPHIA                     KANSAS CITY                           OAKLAND                                                                   

                  Daisy heard since the early 1900's the "Athletics," in Philadelphia; used navy blue as the primary color; and sometimes black.  In Kansas City, until Charles Finley made his Players wear green; their main color was lighter blue.  A small flock of Birds is going bye up in the sky.

            I'm tempted to write more about the A's now but I'd better just wait and do it according to the outlines Daisy and I decided on.  But I will say right now how, in the 1970's when my boss was in High School; the A's won three "World Series."  And five "Division Titles" too.

            Oh!  Freddie is chasing another boy Crow, who probably tried to steal Fanny from him I'll bet.  Boy!  He's really yelling loud at that other Crow and so is Fannie too, who's flying right behind Freddie.  That will teach that boy Crow a lesson so he won't make that mistake again.     

"GALÁPAGOS" ISLANDS           

                A boy Finch with an orange chest flew bye which makes me think of that English Scientist Charles Darwin.  During the 1830's, when Richard Henry Dana was here in California; Charles Darwin was in the "Galápagos" Islands collecting "Data" for his studies.  I like Juniper.

               Earlier today I wrote a little bit about Charles Darwin and how Mr. Steve's friend Mark Ritter got to visit the Galápagos Islands before he died.  It was one of his goals in life because he knew a lot about Reptiles.  Mark Ritter was also able to go see Australia too. 

           I've mentioned before how my boss Mr. Steve ended up with some of Mark Ritter's things.  I guess, from what Dais says; he also has a book about Charles Darwin that in the 1980's he lent to Mark Ritter to read just before he went to the Galápagos.  Dawn's barking.   

               "GALÁPAGOS" FINCHES                  

     DRAWINGS BY CHARLES DARWIN                

         Oh my God!  What a coincidence that, just when I'm writing about Charles Darwin; I see the boy Finch I've been seeing today sitting over there on the clump of Joshua trees near Libby's Corral.  Boy!  I'll bet the girl Finches around here are going to like how he looks this year.   

         I guess, one way Charles Darwin "Developed" his theory of "Evolution" through "Natural Selection" was by studying the different type of beaks on Finches who lived on each island of the Galápagos.  That boy Finch is now chirping.  Boy!  I'm so happy too this is now Spring.

        Mr. Steve thinks Charles Darwin was a good Artist.  He noticed how Galápagos Finch beaks had "Adapted" to eat the "Available" food on each particular island.  Mr. Steve read it turns out those Birds Charles Darwin drew and studied ended up not being real Finches at all. 

"HIGH DESERT FINCH"    

PHOTO BY RON NIEBRUGGE            

                  That boy Finch has been trying to get a girl Finch's attention all day long but so far no luck I guess.  I don't know why because looking at him right now makes me want to change my favorite color from royal blue to orange.  Dais says some people keep Finches as pets.

             Hey!  I think I'll name that boy Finch "Finley," after Charles O. Finely who owned the Baseball team.  For some reason that name just seems to fit him to me.  According to what Dais noticed, if a boy Finch doesn't get a girl the next year he's brighter; or even turns red.

             I guess Mr. Dave back there in New Mexico told my boss Finches are now in almost all of the forty eight "Contiguous" United States.  And since the late 19th century they've been out in Hawaii where Mr. Mark lives with his family.  Mr. Dave says they have "cheery" voices.  

                                           HURRICANE "SANDY" (OCTOBER, 2012)

PHOTO BY DEVON MATHEW TOPEREK                                                                                                                                                          PHOTO BY PETER BLASL                 

              For some reason, writing about how Richard Henry Dana and Anne Bradstreet were from New England suddenly makes me think about a huge storm that happened two years ago.  It was called "Hurricane Sandy."  Mr. Steve told his friend Randy it was a "Super Storm."

         One morning, when he was watering the big Mulberry tree up there in the front yard; my boss told Mr. Randy about Hurricane Sandy.  It killed two hundred people and caused "Seventy Billion" dollars in total damage.  Two of the Pigeons just flew over the top of the house.

         Hurricane Sandy was the biggest "Atlantic" Hurricane "ever recorded" Mr. Steve said.  It started down there in the "Caribbean" Ocean, and then moved north; up the whole side of the American east coast I guess.  Ah!  Libby's scent just floated into my right nostril.  

                                                      SUSAN (WITH HER HORSES) 

            Mr. Steve told our friend Mr. Randy how Hurricane Sandy barely missed hitting the State of Connecticut.   I've mentioned a few times how that's where my boss's sister Susan, and her two son's Dalton and Austin; live.  Mr. Randy used the term, "Dodged a Bullet" I noticed.

         I've mentioned a few times already how my boss's first girlfriend was named "Sandy" just like that one Hurricane.  Even though in 2012 the strongest part of the storm's winds went to the west of where Mr. Steve's sister lives, she still had a lot of damage.  Heathcliff crowed. 

             My boss said Hurricane Sandy was over nine hundred miles wide at times.  It's winds were often over one hundred "Miles per Hour " or "m.p.h."   Well, I guess it's back to learning about the 19th century; which Mr. Steve and his father think is still so important to us now.  

                                                   JEDEDIAH SMITH (1799-1831)    

          In chapter eight I mentioned how, in the 1820's; French and American "Fur Trappers" came to or "Explored" what is now the American States of New Mexico, Arizona and California. That guy Jedediah Smith was one of them.  Some of the Duck's are quacking over there. 

          I wrote earlier how New Mexico was first "Settled" by the Spanish in the early 17th century.  But by 1820 it, like California; had become part of the newly "Independent" country of Mexico.  Frida and Diego the Bluebirds just flew bye and are going out into the back desert.   

      When Fur Trappers like Jedediah Smith told men in Santa Fe there was a route to California, those New Mexico Traders saw a money-making "Opportunity."  Like Richard Henry Dana, and those guys from New England in the 1830's; they wanted Cow "Hides."  I smell Sage.

"ZORRO"           

          Daisy heard Mr. Steve and Mr. Ralph talk on the phone about how, besides Cows; 1820's Mexican Alta California was known for its Horses too.  That guy Zorro rode a black Horse, just    like Alexander the Great's black Horse "Bucephalus."  I see Libby over there in her Corral.         

             Mr. Steve said by the 1820's many Missions, like San Gabriel; kept "Herds" of Horses and often had wild Horses roaming in their areas too.  In fact, at times there were way too many wild Horses; so the "Californio's" killed them with spears Dais says.  Two Pigeons just flew bye.

          Because Cattle hides were valuable in the 1820's and 1830's, the Californio's didn't want wild Horses eating the grass their Cows needed to "Graze;" so they simply killed them.  I guess a hide is a Cow's main body skin cut off, with the "Fur" still attached  onto the outside.   

"OLD SPANISH TRAILS"      

            A map in my Encyclopedia shows how there ended up being three "Routes" in going back and forth from New Mexico to Alta California.  Some people call them the "Old Spanish Trails."  I guess in 1829 this man from Santa Fe named Antonio Armijo came out here to California.

        This morning I mentioned how, during the "Mexican War" of 1846-47; an American army guided by that guy Kit Carson marched from New Mexico to California.  But that was more to the south, down near San Diego.  I'll learn more about the Mexican War in few minutes.

         I see how two of the three Spanish Trails go bye to the north of us.  Well, it looks like this is the end of this tenth chapter; which is good timing as I really do need to go pee and also go to the bathroom.  I'll hide everything and then take a very short break, and will be right back.   

(Chapter 11)

5:30

     CALIFORNIA DESERT JACKRABBIT                  

                On my break, besides going to the bathroom; I saw a new Jackrabbit sitting in the desert.  I drank some water out of our gray water bucket and now feel ready to start this second to last chapter.  Boy! As they say, it "Never ceases to Amaze" me how Rabbit's have such huge ears.  

             It looks like I still have more to write about the American Southwest.  New Mexico Traders like Antonio Armijo came out here in the "Fall" season.  They traded or sold things from New Mexico, like the woolen blankets made by the Spanish and Native American Indian women.  

          I guess the New Mexico Traders stayed out here in Alta California "Over the Winter." At this time of year, in Spring; their "Caravans" returned to New Mexico "Herding" Horses and Mules bought in California.  Ah!  My right nostril just picked up Libby's unique scent.  

          JEDEDIAH SMITH (1799-1831)                                    "OLD SPANISH TRAIL"                                                                                                                                         ARTWORK BY FREDERICK REMINGTON

              One of Mr. Steve and his mom's favorite Artists is Frederick Remington.  Daisy says Mr. Steve has a whole big File devoted just to things about him.  My Encyclopedia says he's famous for his many "paintings, drawings and sculptures" of the 19th century "American West."

              This Encyclopedia has a Frederick Remington painting he did of the Explorer Jedediah Smith.  And a black and white drawing he did shows what it looked like in the 1820's when those New Mexico Traders came out here to California.  Fannie and Freddie just flew bye.

           I notice how, in Frederick Remington's drawing of the Old Spanish Trail; Mules are used to carry what look like heavy loads on their backs.  The man guarding them looks kind of like an Indian.  I think he has one of those old "Blunderbuss" guns slung over his left shoulder.    

                                     MOLLY THE MULE / LIBBY IN BACKGROUND

               I'm still smelling Libby over there in her Corral, and that makes me remember how she and Molly the Mule were such good friends.  Hey God!  It's too bad we have to die.  I suddenly really miss Molly's totally unique scent, and know for sure Daisy does too sometimes. 

                This is so interesting.  My Encyclopedia says, in the early 1830's; men from New Mexico  stole Horses and Mules from California.  A few times the Los Angeles "Ayuntameinto," or "City Council;" sent "Posse's" after them."  My Spanish Dictionary says "Alcalde" is "Mayor." 

                   I guess an L.A. Mayor José Antonio Carillo ordered a posse under Antonio Ignacio Avila to chase down Horse thieves trying to escape back over to New Mexico.  In Spanish "Ladrone" is what they would call a "Thief."  Back in those days Horse thieves were just brutally killed.           

                                                           DON JOSÉ ANDRES SEPÚLVEDA(1801-1875)

               Daisy says Mr. Steve and Mr. Ralph talked about how the longest road in Los Angeles is called "Sepúlveda" Boulevard.  It was named after a 19th century Mexican "Californio" family. Mr. Steve and his father have driven on that long road many, many times over the years. 

           An old photo in my Encyclopedia shows a man named "Don" José Andres Sepúlveda. In the late 1820's and early 1830's he was a "Regidor"in Los Angeles.  He was rich and owned a lot of land which was called "Rancho San Joaquin."  Regidor means "Councilman" in Spanish.  

           It says here Don José Andres Sepúlveda had huge herds of Cows on his ranch, and in 1833 the California Governor José Figueroa told him to send a posse to catch some Horse thieves.  In Spanish the "Title" of "Don" means "High Class."  They killed all of those Horse thieves.            

                                                        "WEST LOS ANGELES"        

              I'm  looking at a map showing a section of Sepulveda Boulevard in "West" Los Angeles.  The caption says Sepulveda Boulevard is forty two miles long.   Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell Mr. Ralph his old girlfriend Emily for a time lived near Sepulveda Boulevard in West L.A.

           The map of  West L.A shows how Sepulveda Boulevard runs past the College campus of U.C.L.A. where Miss Emily works.  You can see how, next to it on the east side; is the "Veteran's" cemetery where Mr. Steve's ex-girlfriend Sandy's father is buried.  Heathcliff just crowed.  

           It says here Sepulveda Boulevard runs "generally" in a north-south direction.  The south end is in the city of "Long Beach," the north end "terminates" in Mission Hills; right near to the San Fernando Mission and Mission Cemetery I guess.  I smell the new baby Cholla cactus.

                                                   DON JOSÉ ANDRES SEPÚLVEDA

PAINTING BY HENRI JOSEPH PENELON              

                    A painting shows a young "Don Jose" riding a Horse, and the caption says he was Mayor of Los Angeles for a time.  I guess, he was known" for "flashy" clothes, "elaborate" parties; and "artful" saddles for his many Horses.  I really like the hat he's wearing in the painting.

             Before there was such a thing as a Car or Truck, Horses, Donkeys, Mules and Burros had to "Transport" people and do work.  Daisy says some people enjoyed watching as Horse Thieves were hung and strangled slowly.  Sometimes the bodies were then used for "Target Practice."   

             Because my boss and his family were at one time involved in the "Gaming" industry, they don't "Gamble."  But I guess Don Jose Sepúlveda did and lost his money.  So in 1864, or during the American Civil War; he had to sell his huge ranch to this other man named James Irvine.   

                           STEVIE NICKS                                         "IRVINE MEADOWS"

         PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                                                                                                                                 

               One time Mr. Steve and Harriet covered that band called FLEETWOOD MAC at a place called "Irvine Meadows" Amphitheatre.    I guess it's a concert stage built at the bottom of a tall hill where all of the audience sits to watch.  My boss told Mr. Ralph about it on the phone.

            According to what Dais heard Mr. Steve tell Mr. Ralph, Irvine Meadows is built on land which had been part of Don Jose Andres Sepúlveda's Rancho.  And the city in "Orange County" where Irvine Meadows is located is called "Irvine."  I can smell some older Mesquite.

           Mr. Steve was told the first band to play at Irvine Meadows, in 1981; was Tom Petty and the HEARTBREAKERS.  A surprise guest Singer was FLEETWOOD MAC'S Stevie Nicks.  Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson, METALLICA and the GRATEFUL DEAD have played there. 

                        "THE URANTIA BOOK"                  THE GRATEFUL DEAD                                

              Mentioning the GRATEFUL DEAD, who are from San Francisco; makes me think about "The Urantia Book."   It tries to unite "spirituality and science" and, as I wrote earlier; that guy Jimi Hendrix was influenced by its ideas.  Jerry Garcia of the GRTEFUL DEAD read it.

            Hey Lord!  I guess, besides Christianity; that Urantia Book has ideas from other religions too.  From what Dais heard, Urantia's emblem is three circles representing, "infinity," "eternity" and "universality."  Urantia deals with man's origin, meaning of life and place in the universe. 

                 One time my boss and Mr. Dave talked about this "Jazz Fusion" band called WEATHER REPORT.  A while back our boss bought, and then resold; a copy of The Urantia Book.  And the guy who bought it said WEATHER REPORT songs are "influenced by The Urantia Book.

RHINOSEROUS                                               WATER BUFFALO     

              For many years the land Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre is built was used as a place called "Lion Country Safari."  Daisy heard they called it a "Game Preserve" or "Wildlife Sanctuary." The Animals in it were the ones who now only live over there in Africa.  A Train whistled.

           One time in the mid-1970's, on a really hot day; I guess Mr. Steve and Sandy went to Lion Country Safari.  You would drive your Car through and see Rhinos, Giraffes, Zebras and other things.   But, when a huge Rhino pressed his nose on a side window; it was kind of scary.

              Daisy and Millie heard our boss tell Mr. Randy one time, when he was up front watering the Mulberry tree; on that hot day he and Sandy visited Lion Country Safari she fainted from the heat.  But Mr. Steve caught her before she fell down.  He carried her to the cooler shade.

                                                    "HAMMERHEAD" SHARK    

              My boss usually goes by this one rule his mom taught him, "A place for everything and everything in it's place."  Unusually, he left a "Sledge" hammer sitting over there; next to Moe the far right Shed.  He used it the other day and must've forgotten about it Daisy thinks.

               Oh what the heck!  Even though I'm not scheduled to write about "Hammerhead" Sharks until tomorrow in book two, I just kind of feel like mentioning them now too.  Wow!  A photo in my Encyclopedia shows one of them and their head does look like the shape of a hammer.

           Boy!  Today I ended up writing a lot more about things like Sharks than I'd planned but that's okay because, as Daisy says; my books aren't "Set in Stone."  I can "Improvise" as I go along, or learn about things as they come into my mind.  That sledge hammer is heavy. 

                                                             SHARK "SENSES"    

                I like when my Encyclopedias have diagrams and maps as it makes things so much easier to understand.  This artwork shows all the Shark parts.  And it also shows how, beyond just the five physical "Senses" people and Dogs have; Sharks also have others "adapted" to water. 

              One time I heard my boss and Mr. Randy talking about how Sharks have these little holes or, "Pores" on their noses; which can "Detect" even the "Slight" electrical currents living things "Emit."  I guess "Ampullae" helps them "Hone In" on "Prey."  Then they kill and eat it.

           The Hammerhead Shark's head shape means they see better, and have more ampullae to "Sense" things; even buried down in the sand.  Fish have "Lateral Lines" on the sides of their bodies, so sense movement; and Sharks use theirs to feel its prey.  I think I sense things. 

           1914 "DETROIT ELETRIC"                                        2014 "TESLA"

              For some reason writing about how Sharks may pick up their prey's electrical impulses is suddenly making me think about electric Cars.  Daisy told me a lot more people drive them now and there's even a company named after Nikola Tesla which makes them.  I smell Sage.

          I guess, back in the early years of "Automotive" history; steam and electric Cars competed with "Internal Combustion" motor vehicles.  A photo in this Encyclopedia shows a 1914 electric motor Car which was made in the city of Detroit.  That was the first year of World War I.     

               Daisy says one of Mr. Steve's customers said, once Cadillac invented a good electric starter in 1912; it was the "Beginning of the End" for electric Cars.  Before that, internal combustion gas motors needed "Hand Cranks" to start.  That was kind of hard, and dangerous too.      

          JACK, MOE, MANNY                          

         Well, back to writing about Mormons.  I've mentioned how a Mormon man built our three Sheds Manny, Moe and Jack.  And, as I've also said before; Mr. Steve thinks most Mormons he's met seem like "hard-working" and "basically decent" people.  I can smell older Sage.

          For a while in Illinois things went okay for Joseph Smith's Mormons, but then other people began to not like them again so; the L.D.S. had to start an "Armed Militia."  I've mentioned how Mr. Steve thinks militia's are important in U.S. history and probably always will be.  

        Wow!  I guess Joseph Smith and his brother were killed by an angry "mob" who broke into a jail and killed them.  Mr. Steve thinks "Vigilantism," or when people "take the law into their own hands;" is also important in American history.  Some people often love to hate he says.      

                                                                                                                JOSEPH SMITH KILLED (1846)

            Boy!  The original Mormons sound kind of like the Jews.  No matter where they went in the first half of the 19th century other people didn't like them and even killed them.  Wow! My Encyclopedia says a "Governor" in Illinois called for their "complete extermination."    

            Hey Lord!  As You know, Mr. Steve says the way Mormons were treated in the mid-1800's is kind of like how Jews have been treated for centuries in Europe and Russia.  His dad at times talks about life's at times "harsh realities" and even "harder choices."  Heathcliff crowed.   

                 As I mentioned in chapter one, Mr. Steve's Niece Samantha once said; "Uncle Steven, it's just not fair that life is not fair!"  Daisy says there's no sense thinking life should be fair because then you'll just be disappointed.  Hey God!  As You know, I sort of want life to be fair.  

AMERICAN CIVIL WAR      

        Wow!  It says here that in 1832, twenty nine years before the American Civil War, that man Joseph Smith correctly predicted Slavery would cause the North to fight against the South.  And he was right about it starting in South Carolina too.  Ah!  I smell the Twin Joshua trees.

        Hey God!  Joseph Smith sounds like that little hunchback Homer Lea who, in the early 20th century; correctly predicted "Global Warfare."  But it sounds like Joseph Smith was more like Nostradamus or one of the Old Testament Prophets.  Jack the Jackrabbit just zoomed bye.  

        Mr. Steve thinks war seems more common than peace.  I wrote earlier how Homer Lea, as a College student at Stanford University; researched the fact that in the last 3,500 years there were only about 200 years of "Partial" peace.  I'll learn about "Stanford" in my three books. 

HOMER LEA (1879-1912)            

           This morning I wrote about Homer Lea.  Possibly because he was dropped on the ground as a baby he grew to be only five feet tall and weighed less than one hundred pounds.  Yet he wrote two books on military history that influenced people like that guy Vladimir Lenin. 

        Homer Lea died two years before World War I but, in 1909; accurately "Spelled Out" the overall strategies, main combatants and particular events of the two world wars.  I'll write more about Homer Lea throughout my three what I now know will be long books.  I smell Sage.      

       My Encyclopedia says, after Joseph Smith was killed by that angry mob in 1844; this man named Brigham Young became the second Mormon "President."  That's like how Joshua took over from Moses.  The College Johnny Whittaker went to, B.Y.U.; is named after him.  

                                                   BRIGHAM YOUNG (1801-1877)       

           B.Y. U. stands for "Brigham Young University" and I notice how Brigham Young had an unusual beard.  After the "Vigilantes" killed Joseph Smith, he decided to move the Mormons to the west; beyond the area of the United States.  I can suddenly smell a Lizard nearby.

        What happened in Illinois to the Mormons was "The straw that broke the Camel's back" or the "Last Straw" so to speak.  Brigham Young decided the Mormons would have to move west, and find another area where they could "Live in Peace."  Samson and Delilah flew bye.

        I've mentioned before how a lot of Mormons have relatives back there in Utah.  Oh wow!  This Encyclopedia calls Brigham Young the "Mormon Moses."  Aha!  A Lizard is drinking water from our gray water bucket over near the sliding glass door going into the dining room.        

                        "OREGON TRAIL"                                                           MORMON "TREK"    

              I wrote before how how in 1847 Brigham Young led many Mormons, some pulling their own wagons; to Utah which at that time was a part of Mexico.  That was the second year of the Mexican War.  Many of those Mormons died along the way from what Daisy heard.  

           A map shows the route, called the "Oregon Trail;" people took in the mid-19th century if "migrating" west.  The Mormons followed the first section in getting to "Utah."  The Lizard is running out into the dirt, and going bye the new baby Cholla cactus; which I can now smell.

           In 2001, on his trip to St. Louis; it was very foggy so my boss couldn't see the "Missouri" River from the top of the  "Gateway Arch."  In 1847 the Mormons stayed close to, or "followed;" the Missouri River in moving west.  But instead of going to the coast they stayed in Utah.      

           JOHN C. FRÉMONT (1813-1890)                         "KIT" CARSON (1809-1868) 

          I wrote earlier how John Charles Frémont and Kit Carson helped take California and New Mexico from Mexico in the Mexican War.  Frémont stayed at the San Fernando Mission.  It says here in my Encyclopedia Brigham Young knew about his earlier explorations of the west.  

         Now I'll look up and then write about the two main military "Campaigns" that took place down in Mexico in the Mexican War.  In 1846 the American and Mexican armies met in a series of battles in northern Mexico.  The next year the Americans actually invaded Mexico itself.  

         Because Mr. Steve and his father think the Mexican War was so important, I'm having fun learning about it.  I can't wait to see my boss's reaction when he finds out what I'm trying to do. Speedy Gonzalez just ran around the northeast corner of the house at the end of the patio.

"MEXICAN WAR" (1846-1848)            

           The Mexican War began in 1846, about fifteen years before the American Civil War broke out.  The first fighting took place in northern Mexico, south of Texas.  Ah!  Fannie and Freddie are flying bye right now and I notice Freddie is carrying a limp dead Lizard in his mouth.

           Hey God!  I wrote earlier how many 19th century Americans really believed in "Manifest Destiny."  They thought You wanted the white people of the United States to go all the way across North America, from Atlantic to Pacific Oceans.  I can smell that one old Juniper bush.

           My Encyclopedia says, in the 1840's; the U.S. offered to buy the American Southwest from Mexico.  Like Texas and New Mexico, California had few "Mexican" citizens.  But, in Mexico; a "weak" and "divided" government couldn't sell that land taken from Spain in 1821.   

"MEXICAN WAR" (1846-1848)          

           My Encyclopedia says in 1844 James K. Polk, Andrew Jackson's friend; was elected U.S. President and wanted to "acquire" all land west of the Mississippi River.  When Mexico refused to sell the Southwest he was unhappy.  There's a road in Sylmar called "Polk" I guess.   

           Mr. Steve and his father think, in 1846 President Polk purposely sent American troops into "Disputed" land between Texas and Mexico; hoping that the Mexicans would "Throw the first Punch" so to speak.  And they did by killing some American Soldiers.  I can smell Libby.

          Mexico was like a Fish that "Went for the Bait" Mr. Steve's father says, and got "Lured" into a war they couldn't possibly win.  Right away, President Polk got the American Congress to "Declare War" on Mexico; and send more troops to northern Mexico.  A Crow cawed. 

                              "PEARL HARBOR" / HAWAII (DECEMBER 7, 1941)  

         Mr. Steve's dad thinks President Polk "Tricked" Mexico into war.  And, in 1941; President Roosevelt may have "Provoked" Japan's attack which forced all the "Isolationists" like Joseph    Kennedy and Charles Lindbergh to support a war.  I'll learn more about it in my books.               

        Oh!  Two of the Pigeons are walking around up there on the patio roof above me.  I didn't even notice them fly in, and now can see their shadows moving on the ground; out there in front  of the green Arborvitae bush.  That big Dragonfly zoomed bye and I heard it coming.                    

         Dais says Mr. Steve's father thinks, "to a certain extent;" what happened in 1846 was sort of like when a big guy knows he can easily beat up a small guy or girl.  So he does something to    purposely "goad" them into starting a physical fight.  A slight breeze just came in.                        

"LILITH"              

         Oh! The chimes are ringing and I sure hope that's You Holy Spirit and not my bad Angel Lilith trying to trick me the way a Mockingbird tricks the other Birds.  She hasn't been around    lately, not even in my dreams.  I just took in a big breath of fresh air through my nose.                   

         My boss Mr. Steve thinks that, for much of history some males enjoyed violence "For its Own Sake."  But nowadays you need a "Good Excuse," like revenge or "Self-Defense;" to do it with what's called a "Clear Conscience."  The Pigeons are flying away out to the desert.                

       This Encyclopedia says James K. Polk was the second "photographed" President, and it shows him with his wife "Sarah."  My boss read she was a "loyal" partner just like his mom is.    She and her husband were described as "Serious" and not what's called "Frivolous."                                                                      

                                         JAMES K. POLK (1795-1849) WITH WIFE SARAH 

            The caption underneath the picture of President Polk and his wife describes her as a good "industrious helpmate" whose "opinions he valued." I've mentioned before how, in Mr. Steve's family; there have been some females like that too.  Rudy the Roadrunner just ran bye.  

            My boss told Mr. Mike about working in a "Dark Room."  As I wrote earlier, he worked in one for the "San Fernando Sun" Newspaper and for a while had a Dark Room at his house on Hagar Street in Sylmar.  I can smell that new baby Cholla cactus over there in the dirt.

            Mr. Steve told Miss Susan "Photography" was invented in 1820's France.  But, it was not like today where you just "Point and Shoot" he said.  The "Lens" had to be left open, or what's called "Exposed;" for a really long time to "Imprint" an image on a big piece of glass.   

"DÉJÀ VU" (CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG)

            My boss told Mr. Mike about this "Chemical Process" called "Sepia Toning." It's what you do in the Dark Room in order to make a black and white print look older than what it really actually is.  I see Samson and Delilah the Ravens flying bye up there in the sky right now.

            I overheard my boss and Mr. Mike discuss a Los Angeles band called CROSBY, STILLS, NASH AND YOUNG.  "C.S.N.Y." had this 1970's album called "Déjà Vu" where the picture on the front was Sepia Toned.  Mr. Mike remembered when that one album first came out.  

           From what Mr. Steve said, sometimes old photographs "yellow with age" so that "look" is associated with being old.  And at times, like on that C.S.N.Y. album for instance; you purposely try to give prints an "Antique" feel by Sepia Toning.  Heathcliff just crowed over there.     

       JOHN QUINCY ADAMS (1767-1848)                 JOHN / JOHN QUINCY ADAMS

               I wonder if Mr. Steve knows that the first President to be photographed was John Quincy Adams?  His father John Adams was one of the "Founding Fathers" and second U.S. President.  They were from "Massachusetts," near to where Mr. Steve's sister Susan and her son's live.    

           Mr. Steve says the reason people look "grim and unhappy" in 19th century photographs is because, to take a picture; the "Exposure" took a long time to "make an impression" on the glass plate.  So, the "Subject" had to stay still; or the image would "Blur."  I smell Sage.   

          From what I heard my boss say that one time, because back in the 1800's the person being photographed had to stay still for a long time; there was a tool to help them.  It was a wooden or metal "bar" put behind the person's back and head to keep them "Rigid." I love Sage! 

HIGH DESERT JACKRABBIT      

                   Oh!  Jack the Jackrabbit is standing over there in the dirt, and I'll bet he smells me over here on Elvira.  It's weird to see him so still.  As I wrote this morning, the Tongva lady over at the San Fernando Knights of Columbus Hall said in Tongvan a Jackrabbit is called"Shu' iit."  

            Many years ago, way before he moved up here in 2005; Mr. Steve met an older Mormon man.  He thought the "Salt Lake City" area in Utah was getting too "Developed."  Mr. Steve told him he and his parents think Sylmar's now getting "congested" and "overcrowded" too. 

            Daffy the Duck is quacking, I smell Libby the Horse; and see Birds darting around out in the eastern desert behind the Sheds.  Jack just tore around the northeast corner of the house, at the far end of the patio; to my left.  I'll bet Daisy is getting kind of hungry, I know I am.   

    MORMON TEMPLE (SALT LAKE CITY)                                    UTAH                                                              PHOTO BY DANIEL HEWETT                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

              Hey Lord!  My boss boss got invited to a Mormon "Baptism" over there at the "Temple" in Phelan.   A teenage brother and sister wore all white and got dunked in the water just like how Your Cousin John the Baptist did with You.  Boy!  I'd sure like to be baptized someday.

             Oh wow!  A picture in my Encyclopedia shows a huge Mormon Temple and the caption says it's in "Salt Lake City."  Boy! It must've taken so long to build it.  In 1985 Mr. Steve and the people in his Tour Group felt so small when they were all inside of "St. Peter's" in Rome.

            What the heck!  Even though I'm not scheduled to do it now, I just feel like writing about a guy named Steve Young; who was a really good left-handed Quarterback in Football.  And he's also that guy Brigham Young's Great, Great, Great Grandson too so, that's interesting.    

                                 B.Y.U.                       STEVE YOUNG                  S.F. 49ER'S

        This Encyclopedia says Steve Young, who's in the Hall of Fame like Doug Flutie; played at B.Y.U. in College and for the San Francisco "49er's" in the N.F.L.  I notice how he's left-handed.  I think I'm mainly right-pawed because that's the paw I feel more  comfortable writing with.        

      In 1985 Mr. Steve met a guy who saw Steve Young, before he was in the N.F.L; play a Los Angeles "Express" game at "Pierce" College.  That was for the "United States Football League" or "U.S.F.L." for short.  That day the Express lost to Doug Williams' Arizona "Outlaws."             

       The U.S.F.L. only lasted a few years, so Steve Young went to the N.F.L.; and played for the San Francisco 49er's.  My boss drew the Express and 49er's logos, and was told Steve Young had to "buy his way out of" his U.S.F.L contract.  Doug Flutie played in the U.S.F.L. too.                                                                            

STEVE YOUNG (U.S.F.L. / 1983-1985)    

        A picture of Steve Young shows him when he played for the L.A. Express.  I notice how the Express' uniform's primary color is black and their secondary colors are white, red and silver.  I think, from the picture at least; Steve Young looks like he would be a really friendly person.          

        I guess the Express was low on money so, one time; Steve Young had to play Running Back because the other ones were hurt.  Another time, the Express Players "Chipped In" to pay a Bus Driver; who had threatened to quit unless he got paid.  Dawn's now barking over there.                

      That game at Pierce College was unusual I guess because, the Express usually played their "Home" games at the L.A. "Coliseum."   That's next to  the "Natural History Museum," where    Mr. Steve and his mom had their Art Exhibit.  Hearing Dawn's voice makes me feel good.                                             

   BOB LEMON (1920-2000)

          I've mentioned how back in the 1950's the Cleveland "Indians" were Mr. Steve's father's favorite Baseball team.  He liked a Pitcher named Bob Lemon, who was born in San Bernardino to our south; and fought in World War II.  Mr. Steve did art for a lady who knew his family.         

         Dais says the thick leather gloves Mr. Steve uses to "Play Catch" are called "Mits," and I want one; even though I'm already good at catching things with my mouth.  Hey!  If we invent a  Dog Mouth Mit, maybe we could make money?   My boss has right and left-handed Mits.             

         A man told Mr. Steve Bob Lemon was rare because, after World War II; he was what they call an "Infielder."  But, the Indians "converted" him to Pitcher; and he made the Hall of Fame.  After he stopped playing Bob Lemon then "Managed" some good Major League teams.                                                      

CHICAGO "WHITE SOX" UNIFORMS (1977) 

           Earlier I mentioned how, back in 1977; Mr. Steve and his brother Rock visited their Uncle Marty's family in New Jersey.  They went to "Yankee Stadium" to see a game between the New    York "Yankees" and Chicago "White Sox."  I can hear Dawn and Blinky both barking.                

          My boss is interested in sports uniforms so I'll write about that it in my books.  In 1977 the White Sox wore all black uniforms or "Cutoff" pants.  During World War II this girl's Baseball league had Players wear skirts.  I'll learn about that girl's league tomorrow in book two.               

       Mr. Steve's Uncle Marty's family lived in "Morristown," New Jersey in 1977.  And that's because he had a job with "I.B.M." or "International Business Machines."  In the late 1960's Mr. Steve's Uncle Marty was a "Medic" in the Vietnam War, according to what Daisy heard.                                                                            

UNCLE MARTY               

           I mentioned how Mr. Steve and his father are the oldest of five kids.  Daisy says she heard one time how that guy Uncle Marty is Mr. Steve's father's youngest brother, and his other two      brothers are "Gil" and "Casey."  Their sister's name is "Lydia," whose family is in Belén.            

         After he came home from the Vietnam War, my boss's Uncle Marty used his "G.I. Bill" to get an "M.B.A." College Degree from "Harvard;" and was one of the first "Hispanics" to do it.    Daisy heard a good tv show say how M.B.A. stands for "Master of Business Administration."       

       In 1977 Bob Lemon Managed the White Sox.  A man once told Mr. Steve there have been many good Baseball Players from the "Inland Empire."  Bobby Bonds and "Dusty" Baker are   the most famous but I guess there have been many others who never "Made It" he said.               

  DUSTY BAKER                                            BARRY BONDS            

           Dais explained to me what "Baseball Cards" are and says our boss has a lot of them and those things called "Comic Books" too.  Boy!  I'd really like to read the Comic Book about that    man who has the powers of a Bat.  We have some scary-looking Bats who live around here.           

         One dark moonless Summer night that ugly Bat landed on the Patio ceiling.  Daisy and I called our boss who shined that amazing "Flashlight" on  it.  I was so terrified the first time Mr.  Steve turned on the patio lights out here because I had no idea such a thing was even possible.      

          We have things around here that look scary but really aren't, like Potato Bugs for instance.  We had never seen or smelled a Bat before, but Daisy was so good at not showing how surprised and scared she secretly was inside.  Mr. Steve was at first kind of surprised too I think.                               

"BROWN" BATS      

           Boy!  Bats have such sharp little teeth.  Mr. Steve's friend Mark Ritter studied Bats and, on the Coffee Table in the living room; is a clear heavy "Resin" ball with this real "Brown Cave  Bat" inside it.  I guess Mark Ritter made and gave it to my boss many years ago I guess.              

            If a Bat bit Daisy she has thick fur for protection but I only have short hair.  Bats kind of look like flying Rats and their faces remind me of a monster.  Mr. Steve thought that "mixed up" Bat was "old and senile" because of how gray it was, and how weird  it was acting too.                  

        I'm very temped to write about what's called "Radar," but I'd better just wait and do it tomorrow in my second book as scheduled.  That's when I learn about 1940, and World War II's "Battle of Britain."  Ducks are quacking but Donald and Daisy's voices are much louder.                         

           "BATTLE OF BRITAIN" (1940)                    RADAR                           RADAR TOWER  (1940-1941)                                                                      

             Even though I'll mainly learn about radar tomorrow, I will say right now how I guess it was first "Developed" by studying Bats.  Bats make "High Pitched" sounds, which shoot ahead of them; and then bounce back into their really huge ears.  The Butterfly just went bye.                 

            So, without even having to see what's in front of them, Bats can already tell the size and distance something is.  Wow!  Daisy saw a tv show that said Dolphins and Whales use sounds in water kind of like how Bats do up here in the air.  They even called it "Echo Location."                 

           When I took my second big break after chapter eight Daisy was laying on the Driveway next to our Truck Rex.  I've mentioned how Rex is what's called a "Chevrolet" and so were my    boss's two 1968 Chevelle's.   Andy and Helen are both standing near their burrow's entrance.       

  HARLEY EARL (1893-1969)  / 1951 BUICK "LA SABRE"       

           Tomorrow I'll learn about Cars and World War II Ships called "Corvettes."  But I'll write a little bit about this one man named Harley Earl now.  When his son became a Race Car driver back in the early 1950's, he then "Designed" the Corvette "Sports Car" for him to drive.              

          This Encyclopedia says Harley Earl "designed" Cars for "General Motors," and a picture shows him pointing at his 1951 Buick "La Sabre."  I've mentioned how, here in Los Angeles and  later Texas; Mr. Steve's brother Rock worked for "G.M."  Daffy's quacking over there.                 

       Oh!  Harley Earl went to College at "Stanford" like that guy Homer Lea.  I'll learn about Stanford tomorrow when I write about Football Players named Jim Plunkett and John Elway.      In the 1980's Mr. Steve's brother Sam played Baseball against John Elway in High School.                                          

  LEE IACOCCA / MR. STEVE'S PARENTS  

                         PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                        

        This morning I wrote about those guys Lee Iacocca and John DeLorean.  Like Harley Earl, in the 1960's they designed Cars.   In the 1960's Lee Iacocca designed the Mustang for Ford but    later, in the early 1980's; actually successfully ran the entire "Chrysler" Corporation.                    

         It says here how Harley Earl brought "beautiful" cars "to the masses."  And in the 1950's his "designs," like the Bel Air's" and "Cadillac's;" had big "Tail Fins" so Mr. Steve's friend Frank joked they looked like Space Ships.  Mr. Steve jokes beautiful is a "subjective" thing.         

       Before working at G.M. Harley Earl designed "Custom" Cars for rich people like Actors in Hollywood.  He put his dad's "Coach Bodies" on Cadillac "Chassis" Mr. Frank said.  According  to this Encyclopedia Harley Earl really liked how the World War II "P-38" Plane looked.             

1919 PIERCE ARROW         

PHOTO BY CARLTON PHOTOGRAPHY                  

       I guess Harley Earl designed Cars for Actors like Mary Pickford and her husband Douglas Fairbanks.  In the 1980's Mr. Steve and his friends Helen and Mark went to "Sales Meetings" at  "Pickfair," their house in Beverly Hills.  I'll write about it on Saturday in book three.                    

      One time my boss and his friend Frank talked about how L.A.'s "Petersen" Auto Museum has a purple 1919 "Pierce Arrow" Harley Earl designed for an Actor named "Fatty" Arbuckle.    In the picture I notice it had all pure white tires.  Dawn's barking over there next door.                  

       1919 was the year after World War I, and that huge "Spanish Flu" pandemic was going on and killing over fifty million people.  Tomorrow, when I learn about Jimi Hendrix and Prince I'll write more about purple; which is the L.A. Basketball Lakers' main color.  I like Dawn.                

 TÚPAC SHAKUR (1971-1996) / "BIGGIE" SMALLS (1972-1997)    

      Daisy heard a "Rapper" named "Biggie" Smalls was shot leaving the Petersen Museum and some think it was "In Revenge" for the killing of another "Hip Hop" Singer named Túpac Shakur.  I like the hats Rappers wear.  Hey!  We should call Daisy "Biggie" Córdova!                    

      From 1994 through 1997 there was a west coast, east coast "Rap Feud" that I'll write about in book three.  Mr. Steve's customer in "Kentucky" knew about the 19th century "Hadfield and  McCoy" feud that I'll also write about later.  I wonder what exactly "Rap" means?                        

     I'm kind of tempted to write more about those guys Túpac Shakur and Biggie Smalls but I'd better just wait and do it on Saturday as scheduled.   In putting together my three outlines Daisy and I decided I'd mainly write about them on Saturday.  Fannie and Freddie flew bye.                  

DAWN                                         BLINKY                                     ROSIE    

       Oh!  What a coincidence.  Just when I mentioned that guy Biggie Smalls, I hear Dawn over there next door barking.  I wrote earlier this morning in chapter one how a while back Mr. Steve jokingly nicknamed Dawn "Big Shorty" while little Blinky is now called "Short Biggie."               

       Even though I can't see them right now, I just know that Blinky, and old Rosie; are standing there next to Dawn.  Ah!  Daisy just barked up there in the front yard but, as I've said; us Dogs    have "Obligatory" non-alarm barks that show our owner's we're alert.  I smell some Sage.           

     Mentioning Lee Iaccoca a minute ago makes me think of my boss's ex-girlfriend Emily.  As I've said, she works in U.C.L.A.'S Athletic Department.  But, before that; her job was to "Raise    Money" to fix the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor and her boss was Lee Iaccoca.                           

                               MISS EMILY                                             STATUE OF LIBERTY                                       

      I wrote earlier how two of Mr. Steve's three ex-girlfriend's, Emily and Harriet; came from "Ashkenazi" Jewish families.  Their relatives, maybe to escape the bloody "Pogroms" in eastern Europe; came to the U.S.  I've mentioned how Emily grew up in New York City.                             

       In the mid-1980's part of the project to "Refurbish" the Statue of Liberty was to also repair "Ellis Island" which I mentioned earlier.  It's where many Jewish and Italians entered America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.   Mr. Rick's family came through Ellis Island.                  

      Mr. Steve says his ex-girlfriend's Emily and Harriet's family's were Ashkenazi Jews so came here through New York Harbor's Ellis Island.  Wow!  That means they were so lucky in getting    to see the Statue of Liberty.   Boy!  I sure would like to see that huge statue someday.                     

2012 JEEP "LIBERTY"    

         Dais one time heard Mr. Steve talking to one of his few remaining "Jeep" customers about a Car they named "Liberty." That Parts Manager said they stopped making Liberty's in 2012,    the year before I was born.  Daisy thinks she heard that they're now called "Cherokee's."             

        I'm tempted to look up the Cherokee Indian tribe, which I'm scheduled to find out about when I study 18th century "Colonial" America.  Daisy saw a tv show about them, and how they    were called one of the "Five Civilized Tribes;" and even had their own "Writing System."            

        The Parts Manager said in America Liberty's were "assembled" in "Ohio," outside the U.S. in Egypt and Venezuela.  Our boss and Mr. Hussein down there in Sylmar at Coffee & Cream talked about it one time Daisy heard.  Andy's over there guarding their burrow entrance.                    

      WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (1564-1616)        

PAINTING BY JOHN TAYOR?      

     What the heck!  I'm still thinking about "Rap" singer Túpac Shakur, who Dais heard Mr. Steve and his friend Mark talk about on the phone.  In 1996 "Túpac" was killed in Las Vegas in what's called a "Drive By" shooting.   Too bad!  He was only twenty five years old I guess.            

      Mr. Steve told Mr. Mark in Hawaii that this tv show said Túpac liked "Reciting" dialogue from Shakespeare's plays.  And that show said Túpac was planning on being an Actor in the play "King Lear" if he had lived.  Abraham Lincoln liked Shakespeare a lot too I guess.                        

        I've mentioned before how, on Saturday in book three; I'll write about this thing called the "27 Club."  That's Musicians who died when they were only twenty seven years old.  I notice how Shakespeare wore an ear ring which makes me wonder if I'd look good with an ear ring.               

              SUN TZU (544-496 B.C.?)                         NICCOLÒ MACHIAVELLI (1469-1527)

                                                                                                                                                             PAINTING BY SANTI DI TITO

        My boss and Mr. Mark talked about how Túpac read Machiavelli's "The Prince,"  and "The Art Of War" by Sun Tzu.  I've mentioned before that Mr. Steve, and his father; read both     of those books.  I'm going to be finding out more about those books over the next three days.       

            Mr. Steve once told Mr. Mark in Hawaii that, in 1991 Túpak Shakur was "beat up" by the Oakland Police on October 17th; which is his brother Rock's birthday.   I guess Mr. Mark's wife  "Kim" grew up in the city of Oakland.  Someday I'd like to hear some of those Rap songs.            

        Daisy one time heard Mr. Steve talking on the phone with Mr. Grant.  He told Mr. Grant about how, back in 1970; Tupak Shakur's mom "Defended" herself when she was put "On Trial" for "Attempted Murder."   All four of the Pigeons are flying right over Libby's Corral.                  

TÚPAC SHAKUR WITH MOTHER     

         The caption, below one of the two pictures showing Túpac Shakur with his mother; says she's holding his Niece in her arms.   Daisy says she can sort of tell Mr. Steve admires his mom      based on what he's read or been told about her.   She sounds like a really strong person.                 

       My boss told Mr. Grant Túpac Shakur's mother must be smart because she was able to convince a "Jury" to "Acquit" her in that 1970 trial.  And, at the time she was pregnant with her son Tupac too.   Oh!  I wonder if that effected him, even inside her; and made his strong too?        

          I guess Mr. Steve and Mr. Grant talked about how, back in 1970; Tupac's mom did what that guy Adolph Hitler did in 1927.  He also "Turned the Tables" on the "Prosecution" and used the Court as a "Platform" to get out of a death sentence.  I'll learn about it tomorrow.                                                             

               "BLACK PANTHERS"                        

           In book three on Saturday Dais has me scheduled to write about this 1960's group called the "Black Panthers."  My Encyclopedia calls them "militant" black people who carried guns to protect themselves from the Oakland Police.  Tupac's mom was in the Black Panthers.                   

        On the day after tomorrow, in my third book; I'll learn a lot more about those guys the Black Panther's.  This picture in my Encyclopedia shows two of them holding guns.  Boy!  I kind of like the "Beret" hats they're wearing, and would definitely wear a good royal blue one.             

           Ah!  It says here just what Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Mark that time.  Túpak Shakur's mom named him after Túpac Amaru II, an 18th century "Incan" leader who fought the Spanish down there in "Peru."  Pizzaro originally conquered the Incan's back in the 16th century.                                               

   TÚPAK AMARU II (1738-1781)      

       This painting shows Túpak Amaru II, and the caption says in Incan his name would be "Shining Serpent."  I like the big gold medal around his neck.  Daisy says Mr. Steve has killed      Rats with a "Halbred" type spear  similar to the one he's shown holding in the picture.                 

          Ugh!  After the Spanish in Peru captured Túpak Amaru he was then "executed" by being "drawn and quartered."  That means his arms and legs and head were cut off.  That's what the    English did to that 13th century man from Scotland William Wallace.  A Crow is cawing.              

         Andy's over there guarding the entrance to he and Helen's burrow, and now he's sniffing the air; to see if Goliath the Gopher Snake is in the area.  I know Cher the Cat would also like to eat a small baby Squirrel too.  But, they would first have to get past Andy; and Helen too.                                                            

HERB ALPERT AND THE TIJUANA BRASS          

         Daisy says Mr. Steve doesn't know a lot about "Rap" or "Hip Hop" music, but Mr. Mark over there in Hawaii does; and sometimes they talk about it.  Mr. Mark's wife Kim is originally    from Oakland where Tupac Shakur live for a while.  Two Pigeons flew over Libby's Corral.          

          I guess, one time my boss and Mr. Mark talked about a Rap song by Biggie Smalls called "Hypnotize."  Parts of that song were taken, or "Sampled;" from a song that first came out back in 1979.  Boy God!  This day has gone so well and I'm enjoying learning all these new things.        

          According to what Dais heard, that 1979 song was called "Rise;" and Mr. Steve has one of those vinyl records of it.  It was done by this Los Angeles band called HERB ALPERT AND THE TIJUANA BRASS.  They play a lot of trumpet and horns on their songs from Daisy's heard.         

                           "MEXICAN WAR (1846-1847)      

          Well, I kind of got off topic but now it's back to writing about the Mexican War.  I smell Andy and Helen, and Daisy is right in saying they're starting to smell like each other.  I can also    smell one of the new Spring Marigold plants too right now and that makes me feel good.               

          Even though the Americans were pretty sure they would win the war, it turned out to be harder than they thought.  It says here how "critics," like John Quincy Adams and Abraham      Lincoln; didn't like the war.  They thought it was an attempt to make more "Slave" States.          

         This Encyclopedia says the first "campaign" of the Mexican War took place in northern Mexico below Texas.  A Mexican man once told Mr. Steve Mexicans call that war the  "Invasión Estado Unidos a Méjico" or "Invasion of Mexico by the United States."  Heathcliff crowed.          

          SANTA ANNA                 ULYSSES S. GRANT            JEFFERSON DAVIS              

 PAINTING BY MANUEL PARIS                                                                                                             

        Men who later fought on both sides of the American Civil War, like Ulysses S. Grant; gained experience in the Mexican War.  And so did Jefferson Davis, later President of the rebel southern States.  Earlier today I wrote about how Grant High School was named after U.S. Grant.  

        For the Mexicans during the Mexican War, one of the most important persons was Antonio López de Santa Anna.  Wow!  My Encyclopedia says he was "in and out" of power eleven times in Mexico!  Daisy told me our boss Mr. Steve has a good book about "Santa Anna."   

       This Encyclopedia describes Santa Anna as a "political opportunist" who could be "either" a "liberal" or a "conservative" depending on which way the "political winds were blowing."  He was "whatever he "needed" to be at "any given time."  Two of Pigeons just flew bye.

                                  GEORGE STEINBRENNER / BILLY MARTIN   

                    Reading about how Santa Anna led Mexico eleven times in the 19th century makes me think about this guy named Billy Martin.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve say how the New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner "hired and fired" him as "Manager" five times.  I smell Sage.  

             My boss told Mr. Rick about going to that game at Yankee Stadium in 1977.  I guess Billy Martin was the Yankee's Manager then.  A caption below a picture of George Steinbrenner and Billy Martin describes them as having had a "tempestuous" and "love-hate" relationship.  

             According to what my boss told Mr. Mike, if he had not died in this Car crash it's likely that Billy Martin would've been re-hired to manage the Yankees for a sixth time.  Billy Martin also played for the Yankees back in the 1950's.  Max the Hummingbird just zipped bye.  

                                           BILLY MARTIN / REGGIE JACKSON (1977)

             Mr. Steve says some guys seem to like to fight, and Billy Martin was one of those.  Back in 1977 he even tried to fight Reggie Jackson in the "Dugout" one time.  Mr. Steve had a customer in northern California from "Berkeley" where Billy Martin  grew up.  I smell a Lizard.

             I guess many white people now living in Berkeley are thought of as being "Liberal" or "Progressive."   But, in growing up; Billy Martin's Italian family were "Conservative" in their "Way of Thinking."  In "Social" views Billy Martin was a "Traditionalist" my boss heard.  

             A Parts Manager told my boss Billy Martin's real first name was "Alfred." But his Italian Grandmother used to always say "bello" when she'd see him, and from what it says here in this  Italian Dictionary; that means "beautiful."  Eventually his name "Evolved" into "Billy."

                                                                           RUSH   

             Daisy says on a tv show "Geddy" Lee, the bass player and Singer in the Canadian band RUSH; said his name is actually "Gary."  I've never heard any RUSH songs, but Daisy says Mr. Steve likes their "Introductions" to songs.  I just now noticed a Lizard standing on the wall.

             I guess as a kid growing up in Canada Geddy Lee's mom, a "Holocaust Survivor" with an accent; used to call her son and it sounded like "Geddy" instead of "Gary." Oh!  That Lizard just scampered down the wall and then ran out in the dirt.  I smell some old Mesquite.

            Someday I really want to hear RUSH'S song about Mark Twain's character Tom Sawyer.  Daisy says she and Millie heard Mr. Steve tell that kid Jason he can't do "Fills" nearly as good as RUSH'S Drummer Neal Peart.  Some Ducks are quacking but Daffy and Daisy are louder. 

BILLY MARTIN ARGUING WITH UMPIRE

             Because he was small and had a big nose other boys "Bullied" Billy Martin as a kid.  But he would fight anyone "At the Drop of a Hat" as that old saying goes.  Mr. Steve says most kids are bullied at one time or another, and he had to fight some other kids who picked on him.

             A picture of Billy Martin in this Encyclopedia shows him arguing with the Umpires and you can tell he's mad because of how he's pointing his finger.   As I've mentioned, as a teenager Mr. Steve umpired little kids at S.I.B.L.  He told Mr. Mike it's not a simple thing to do.

             I guess Billy Martin has never changed.  Dais saw this tv show that said one time he even got in a huge, gigantic "Brawl" at a Bar.  Oh!  I just noticed another Lizard, and this time it's on the wall near the sliding glass door going into the main dining room next to the kitchen.  

BILLY MARTIN (OAKLAND "A'S")

         I guess, besides managing the Yankees; Billy Martin at one time or another also led the Rangers, Tigers, Twins and even Mr. Steve's favorite team, the Oakland A's.  The Lizard is now dong some of those pushups.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying toward the east.                    

          Berkeley, where Billy Martin is from; is kind of near the Bay Area and has a big College there.   Our boss has drawn the logos of all the teams Billy Martin has managed Daisy told me.    That little Lizard just ran down the wall and then ducked behind the gray water bucket.              

           One time Dais and Millie heard Mr. Steve talking on the phone with a customer who likes Heavy Metal music.  Mr. Steve told him about JUDAS PRIEST'S song "You Got Another Thing Coming" representing Daisy.  He chuckled when told she runs like a German "Panzer" Tank.   

JUDAS PRIEST      

                Daisy's told me about this other good JUDAS PRIEST song Mr. Steve likes called "The Hellion."  And in using my English Dictionary I see how the name hellion is defined as being, "A troublesome or mischievous person."  I wonder if JUDAS PRIEST is named for Judas Iscariot? 

          Mr. Steve heard Billy Martin described as being a hellion one time.  And he thought that was an "appropriate" name for him alright, because it seemed like every few years you'd hear a story about some trouble he got himself into Daisy says.  The afternoon sky is so pretty.

        Well, back to the Mexican War.  I guess Santa Anna was in "exile" in Cuba when it broke out in 1846, but went back to Mexico and "made himself" President.  In 1836, ten years before; he won the battles of the "Alamo" and "Goliad" but then lost in Texas's independence. 

       THE "ALAMO"                   

                I'm mainly scheduled to learn about what happened in 1836, when Texas "Broke Away" from Mexico to become an "Independent" country; tomorrow.  But I can find out a few things about what is now called "Texas" now too.   Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying bye.

             My Encyclopedia says, just like in New Mexico region to the west of it; the Texas area was first explored in the mid-16th century.   That guy Coronado went there I guess.  But few Spanish who would later be called "Tejanos" stayed there to live.  Daffy's quacking about something.

             When Mexico revolted and kicked out Spain in 1821, the Texas area became part of the new country.  Then Texas "threw off" Mexico in 1836, and became part of the U.S. in 1845; the year before the Mexican War started.   Now some of the other Ducks are quacking too.

JACOB DE CÓRDOVA (1808-1868)    

                 Oh what the heck!  Even though I'm not really scheduled to learn about this man named Jacob de Córdova, I just kind of feel like doing it now instead.  One of Mr. Steve's Nephew's in Texas is named Jacob too.  Daisy thinks he's really interested in things like "Politics." 

                 This Encyclopedia says, in the 1840's; Jacob de Córdova was a Texas "mapmaker" and "land agent."   For nine years, from 1836 through 1845; Texas was an independent "Republic" but wanted to be in the U.S.  This man named Sam Houston really praised his maps.

             Oh!  It says here Jacob de Córdova's 16th century ancestors were some of those Spanish "Sephardic" Jews who had to leave Spain after the "Reconquista."  They "relocated" down to "Jamaica," where that Musician Bob Marley was from.  Libby just whinnied over there.    

 "CARIBBEAN" SEA         

                  According to what it says here, from the 1500's all the way through the beginning of the 19th century Jacob de Córdova's family lived on the island of Jamaica.  In 1834, he started and then ran a Newspaper there called the "Daily Gleaner."  It's now just called "The Gleaner."  

             In 1939, when he was thirty one years old; Jacob de Córdova made a trip to the city of New Orleans.  He talked with people about the newly independent country of Texas and decided to visit and see it for himself.  When he liked it a lot he sent for his wife and young son.   

                 Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell his mom on the phone he read Jacob de Córdova's wife was a huge influence on him.  Jacob de Córdova thought there was opportunities in then independent Texas, and eventually for a time even became a Politician there.  Heathcliff just crowed.

 TEXAS          

               Wow!  That guy Jacob de Córdova must've been really smart because it says here how he could speak not only English; but was also "fluent" in French, German, Spanish and Hebrew. Oh!  It says here his mother died giving birth to him.  A Train whistled faintly to my left.  

            It says here how, from 1845 through 1856 Jacob de Córdova mapped and then sold land in Texas; and "laid out" and "developed" the city of "Waco."  His wife insisted he leave spaces for Schools, Parks and Churches; so he did.  I smell Theodora's Creosote bush over there. 

           Daisy heard Mr. Steve say to his mom how one of his customers in Texas told him a Dam near Waco is named after Jacob de Córdova.  And there's a place south of "Fort Worth," on the "Brazos" River; called "Cordova Bend."   Boy!  I'd love to have something named for me.    

AMERICAN CIVIL WAR (1861-1865)

               The Parts Manager said, by the time of the American Civil War; Jacob de Córdova had a lot of land.  But, on his wife's insistence; he didn't "Foreclose" when the people buying land from him couldn't make the payments during the war.  "Waco" is an Indian name it says here.  

            In 1846 the first battles of the Mexican War took place in northern Mexico.  From what it says here in this one Encyclopedia, Santa Anna sent an army up there to meet the Americans but I guess lost three big battles.  Two Crows are fighting over something out there in the desert.

            It says here how Mexico "threw off" Spain in 1821, and the bloody revolution ended with that "Treaty of Córdoba" I mentioned earlier.  But, I guess from then until 1846; all the different Mexican "factions" argued a lot and at times even just killed each other.  I smell Mesquite.       

                                                                                     ZACHARY TAYLOR (1784-1850)    

           This American General named Zachary Taylor did good in the "Northern" campaign of 1846.  It says here he "defeated" the Mexican Army in three big battles, then in 1847 beat Santa Anna himself.  Mr. Steve used to tutor this kid named Zachary from what Daisy heard.                 

          Zachary Taylor became President in 1848 because of the Mexican War, and it says here he's the only President from "Louisiana;" but was a "non-political Whig."  Mr. Steve still has a few customers in Louisiana.  By Zachary Taylor's time you can tell photography was better.         

         Oh!  Zachary Taylor died on Mr. Steve's birthday of July the 9th.  I guess a "Whig" is a "derisive" British "term" for a Scottish "Cattle Driver" or "whiggamor," but American Whigs    weren't like their English "namesakes."  Derisive means to "Make fun Of" something.                                                                                         

                ABRAHAM LINCOLN (1846)                       

          In 1846 that guy Abraham Lincoln "represented" Illinois as a Whig "Legislator," in the "House of Representatives;" in Washington D.C.  Whigs "evolved" into the "Republican" party, which Lincoln was in 1860 when he became President.  Four of the Presidents were Whigs.           

           I guess, both John Quincy Adams and Abraham Lincoln criticized President Polk for the Mexican War.  They thought, it was a war fought for land that would later become States which    allowed the "enslaving" of black people.  I can smell Libby over there in her Corral.                      

          Oh!  Samson and Delilah just flew in from the desert and landed on top of Manny the far right Shed.  Samson's huge wings stretch way out there and, he's got a little dead Snake hanging down from his mouth.  Raven wings are big so you can often actually hear them flapping.                                                                    

                   (MEXICAN WAR)         ULYSSES S. GRANT (1822-1885)            (AS PRESIDENT)                     

       Twelve years after the Mexican War Ulysses S. Grant did good in the Civil War so, like Zachary Taylor; was elected President.  This is an interesting quote by him, "The Mexican War was the most unjust war ever waged by a stronger nation against a weaker nation."                      

            I'll bet my boss Mr. Steve knows that quote by "Grant."  Boy!  If not he'll be happy I was able to find and then use it in this first book.  I can't wait to see what his reaction will be someday when he realizes I learned to read and use all of these totally amazing pens and pencils.                 

           Daisy and Millie one time were laying on the big rug in the Hallway outside of Mr. Steve's Office.  They heard him and his dad discuss how Grant, as a "Field Commander;" was good at    "Strategy," "Tactics" and the "Logistics" of war.  That means "Supplying" an army.                                                     

ULYSSES S. GRANT AND FAMILY      

        Tomorrow in book two I'll write about Ulysses S. Grant so, will find out about his wife "Julia" too; because Mr. Steve thinks she was a really huge influence on him.  She believed and    supported him when no one else did.  Two of the Pigeons are flying over the back desert.              

         It says here Grant fought in the Mexican War but then, trying to support his family; he "failed" at everything he did until the Civil War.  Mr. Steve told his father Grant was considered  to be a "Loser."   But he didn't care as long as his wife and kids trusted and respected him.           

            Mr. Steve told his dad some say Grant was an "Alcoholic," but in his "Memoirs" he wrote the only time he drank "to excess" was when he was "bored;" or "Julia wasn't around." He did  not want to disappoint her I guess.  Samson and Delilah finished eating and just flew away.                                 

MEXICAN WAR (NORTHERN CAMPAIGN / 1846-1847)    

           A map shows the Mexican War's "Northern" campaign.  It's interesting how the first two battles were fought a few days "before" the U.S. "officially" declared war.  The blue lines on the map show where General Taylor went, and the red lines show the Mexican movements.                 

         It says here the first two battles of 1846, at "Palo Alto" and "Resaca de la Palma;" were fought in "disputed" territory on the Texas-Mexico border.  I notice that was near the "Gulf of    Mexico" coast.  Mr. Steve knows a family from what is now the city of "Brownsville."                    

           The "bloody" Battle of Palo Alto was fought on May 8, 1846, when General Taylor's men "pressed" the Mexican army.  Then, the following day; the two armies again "engaged" in the      Battle of Resaca de la Palma.  I can hear a Crow squawking faintly out there in the desert.            

BATTLE OF "PALO ALTO" (MAY 8, 1846)       

ARTWORK BY CURRIER & IVES                  

          My Spanish Dictionary says "palo alto" means "tall tree," while "resaca de la palma" is  "riverbed of the palm tree."   Looking g at the Mulberry tree makes me think how glad I am for  tree shade on hot days.  Daisy says Mr. Steve's parents have Palm Trees in their front yard.           

          At Palo Alto General Taylor I guess "skillfully" used his "Flying Artillery" to kill a lot of Mexican Soldiers.  Those fast-moving cannons, pulled by Horse teams; were a "big factor" in his victories.  I just noticed two white vapor trails way up there in the high blue afternoon sky.           

           I'll bet my boss Mr. Steve knows that another name for Zachary Taylor's Flying Artillery is "Horse Artillery."  That means "lighter" in weight cannons, pulled around by Horses; to be      "Positioned" on a battlefield "faster than usual."  Ah! I can now smell Libby over there.                                                              "NAPOLEONIC WARS" ERA "GUN CREWS"                      NAPOLÉON I (1769-1821)                               

          It says here 1840's Armies were still being influenced by that guy Napoléon Bonaparte.  This morning I wrote about how he "took advantage" of the French Revolution's chaos to make himself  Emperor of France.  In all of his early 1800's wars he "perfected" Flying Artillery.           

           A painting shows a "Napoléonic" era "Gun Crew" being used in battle, and I notice how the Horses are being whipped.  I've written about how Dawn next door lost most of the sight in    her left eye after being hit with a belt.  Ah!  I smell Dawn, Blinky and Rosie right now.                   

           In 1846 General Taylor at times used cannons "in support of" the cavalrymen on Horses.  Looking at Libby over there makes me think about how Genghis Khan's 12th century Mongols    rode Horses.  And a few centuries before that so did "Attila the Hun" and his Warriors.                

                                                                            "CAISSON"  WAGON                    

          A good picture shows the "carriage" Wagons Horses pulled in 19th century warfare.  The caption says another name for them is "Caissons," or a "Limber" in slang.  Daisy says our boss    has a miniature Caisson Wagon sitting on the divider between the kitchen and dining room.          

           I guess Horse Artillery was the "precursor" to modern "Self-Propelled Artillery."  And, in Napoléon's time; that meant "light, fast moving and firing" cannons which were "wheeled" into  position.  The words "mobile" and "agile" are also used to describe those cannons too.                  

         Before the "Napoléonic Wars" of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, cannons were way heavier.  Crewmen walked alongside, or rode on the Caissons; which held all the different things necessary to operate the cannons.  Napoléon's "crewmen" rode right on the Horses.                       

              FRENCH GUN CREWS                      NAPOLEON CROWNING HIMSELF      

                                                                                                                                        PAINTING BY JACQUES-LOUIS DAVID

        Napoléon's army was called "Le Grande Armée."  Mr. Steve says, like Spain's Francisco Franco later, even though he was a Dictator and Tyrant; Napoléon wasn't Anti-Semitic like most  Europeans then.  This painting shows him "crowning himself"  as the French "Emperor."            

          Dais heard Mr. Steve tell Mr. Ralph on the phone Napoléon was five foot six inches, which was "average" then.  I guess "Short Man's Complex" is when small people "Overcompensate"    for being short by extra toughness. Oh!  I wonder if little Blinky over there is like that?                 

        As a kid Mr. Steve built miniature military figurines of Napoléonic era Soldiers wearing colorful uniforms.  One was a British "Dragoon" on a Horse but, they were all destroyed in that  big 1971 Sylmar earthquake.  My right nostril just picked up Libby's totally unique scent.                                                                          

  MEXICAN WAR CAVALRY            

      PAINTING BY CHARLES M. BARRON                         

            A good painting shows an American Dragoon using a sword in trying to stab and kill a Mexican Dragoon during the Mexican War.  Dragoons are, "heavily-armed Cavalry units, some  equipped with spears."  Daisy says Mr. Steve has some sabers and spears in his office.                  

           In book three I'll learn about how, in 1939 at the beginning of World War II; "Poland" still had Cavalry units in their army.  But, unfortunately; that didn't work against the German    Tanks, which just ran right over them.  Mr. Mike called them, "Hamburger meat."  Ugh!             

             Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his father talk about Horses one time.  My boss thinks Horses in combat were "most likely" first used to pull the "Chariots."  But later they were trained to be ridden the way Attila's Huns, Genghis Khan's Mongols and 19th century Comanche's did.                               

"ASSYRIAN" CHARIOTS            

          I just noticed Libby over there looking in this direction.   For some reason that all of a sudden reminds me of when Molly the Mule used to look at me from the same exact spot in that    Corral.  Cher just used the right vertical slot on the side of the gate to go into the desert.               

             Oh what the heck!  Since I'm thinking about it now I might as well write about Horses in war.  Besides, I can always learn more about this subject in my other two books too.  I think I'll    write about some of the last ever Cavalry "Charges" in history, a few from World War II.             

            My boss read the last "successful" Cavalry charge was probably in 1898 at the "Battle of Omdurman" and Winston Churchill, who was twenty three; took part in it.  He was a member of the "21st Lancer" Regiment in 1898.   "Lance" is another name for a spear Daisy told me                                                                   

WINSTON CHURCHILL (1898)             BATTLE OF "OMDURMAN" (SUDAN)  

                                                                                                                                        PAINTING BY HARRY PAYNE

           It says here things like "Machine Guns" and "Barbed Wire" made full "Frontal" assaults "Obsolete" in World War I.  In that war Horses were mainly used to pull things like wagons and cannons around.  Oh!  Smelling Libby right now suddenly makes me think of Molly.                      

           In book three on Saturday Dais has me scheduled to write about the country of "Poland."  So, of course; I'll learn about 1939 when Nazi Germany attacked Poland which then "Triggered" the Second World War.  Smelling Libby makes me feel pretty good for some reason.                       

         When Germany conquered Poland in 1939 it was the first use of "Blitzkrieg" tactics.  I've mentioned how that means "Lightning War" in German.  A big part of Lightning War is the use of fast and mobile "Armor," which mainly means heavy Steel Tanks and things like that.                                                    

POLISH CAVALRY (WORLDWAR II / 1939)     

        A photo shows Second World War Polish Cavalry charging, and in a painting you can see Polish Soldiers attacking a German Tank.  In both images they're swinging swords, which were    also totally obsolete by then.  I guess in 1939 the Polish military had some Lancer Units.                

          Ugh!  The painting shows a poor Horse getting run over by a German Tank in 1939.  Wow!  The Polish Soldiers look so brave as they attack the Tank, and one is even throwing his spear at it.  But it didn't do any good as Tanks are made of really hard steel which is very thick.                  

         It says here, even with what happened in 1939; there were still a few cavalry charges later in World War II.  In January of 1941 Italian "mounted units" went against the British in Africa.  And about a year later Italy's cavalry "confronted" Stalin's Soviet Union troops in Russia.                                            

U.S. CAVALRY (WORLD WAR II / 26TH "PHILIPPINE SCOUTS")

           Over the next three days I'll learn about the history of the "Philippines." During World War II the Japanese invaded on December 8, 1941, the day after their surprise attack on Pearl      Harbor.  A photo from then shows an American Soldier in the Philippines riding a Horse.              

         The caption below the picture of the American Cavalryman says, in 1942 the U.S. twice used Horses in "desperate" but "futile" attempts to "repel" the "Imperial" Japanese invasion      forces.  Heathcliff just crowed over there, and I can smell Blinky, Dawn and old Rosie too.            

       The first time American Cavalry "confronted" the Japanese in the Philippines was in January of 1942.  And they did it again just a few months later in April I guess.   It says here the British, in March of 1942; used cavalry units when Japan invaded the "Burma" region.                                           

 HORSE-DRAWN ARTILLERY                         ENTERING PARIS (JUNE, 1940)        

       The Second World War Nazi Germans are known for their amazing use of "Motorized" vehicles like Tanks and Airplanes.  But, they also used millions of Horses to pull wagons, artillery and things like that.  Speedy Gonzalez the Squirrel just sprinted bye in front of the Sheds.            

          Well, back to learning about the Mexican War of 1846-1848.  As I've said, from the time of its independence from Spain in 1821; Mexico's political parties often fought and even killed the    other side.  Dust raised by Speedy Gonzalez is still floating and hanging up in the air.                     

      So in 1846, when Santa Anna came back from "Exile" in Cuba and tried to put together armies to meet the Americans; he at times had a hard time doing it.  And he even had a little bit  of trouble trying to unite the Politicians too.  Daffy and Daisy are quacking over there.                                                                     

           MEXICAN CAVALRY UNITS (1840'S)                 ANTONIO LÓPEZ DE SANTA ANNA (1794-1876)                                                                                                                                                          PAINTING BY PAUL L' OUVRIER      

           Santa Anna was influenced by Napoléon and arrogantly called himself "Napoléon of the West."  He even "patterned" his armies uniforms on Napoléon's "Grand Army."  Napoléon was   also kind of conceited and, as I mentioned earlier; even "Crowned" himself to be Emperor.         

         Daisy says Mr. Steve told Mr. Ralph Santa Anna's men looked good, but in the Mexican War used obsolete "Muskets."  Some American units, like the "Texas Rangers;" were equipped    with modern "Rifles" and "Colt Revolvers."  I really like the Mexican Cavalry helmets.                

        I guess, another "Factor" in the U.S. winning the Mexican War was; their troops were better trained and more reliable too.  Santa Anna forced some poor men to join the army so "At first Opportunity;" they deserted," or ran away.  They kill you for doing that Dais says.                                                                

    2014 MITSUBISHI "LANCER"         

            Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve sell Baseball caps with "Lancer" logos on the front.  I guess Lancer Cars are made by a Japanese company called "Mitsubishi."  Daisy one time saw a  girl driving one and noticed how they're kind of small in size just like our little Car Barny.            

          One of Mr. Steve's Mitsubishi customers told him over the years the Lancer model has been made and sold under a few different names.  And at times it was American companies, like "Dodge" and "Chrysler" for example; who sold them.  Dawn and Blinky are barking.                   

           That Parts Manager said Lancers have been built since 1973, which was the exact same year my boss graduated from Sylmar High.  Well, it's back to learning about the Mexican War.  I just now noticed Blackbeard and Anne Bonny flying directly over Libby's Corral over there.        

    AMERICAN ARMY (MEXICAN WAR / 1846-1848)     

       PAINTING BY CHARLES M. BARRON                   

          I notice how, in a painting of Mexican War era American Soldiers; they didn't even wear helmets.  Daisy told me in his office our boss has a gray "Kepi" style hat like those worn in the    American Civil War.  He got it in 1977 when he and his brother Rock visited Gettysburg.              

          This Encyclopedia says "Gunpowder" was  invented in China in the 9th century A.D. but the Chinese only used it for "medical purposes."  Mr. Mike read it was also used in "Fireworks." Daisy jokes I'd be a bad Soldier because of how much I'm afraid of loud noises like thunder.         

         Gunpowder was first used in warfare about 1000 A.D., and by the 1200's the formula had spread all the way west to Europe.  Mr. Steve's dad is surprised the Chinese didn't realize what    they had, "given their long history of clever and creative killing in war."   Dawn's barking.           

    "SMOOTH BORE" VERSUS "RIFLED" GUN BARRELS         

          A diagram shows the difference between the first "Guns," whose barrels were "smooth" inside; and later "Rifles" where spiraling grooves were carved in there.  That makes the bullet go straighter with way more accuracy.  Europeans thought of that good idea in the 15th century.       

            Back in chapter seven I wrote about "Cement" and "Concrete," and will learn a lot more about those things over the next three days.  I can't wait!  I'm also looking forward to finding out more about all the different building materials such as "Stone Blocks" and "Bricks" too.              

           I just thought of that tall round brick building in Baltimore, called the "Phoenix" tower. Over the years one of the things Mr. Steve and a customer there have discussed was that tall 19th century "Shot" tower used for making bullets.   Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying bye.         

"PHOENIX" TOWER (BALTIMORE, MARYLAND)

PHOTOS BY KIM HAIRSTON

         A picture in my Encyclopedia shows how modern Baltimore has grown around that old Shot Tower in Maryland.  The caption says, as I wrote earlier today; the Phoenix Tower was the    tallest "structure" in the U.S. at the time of the American Civil War.   Dawn's now barking.          

          I guess, until the early 19th century bullets or "Shot" was made by climbing up high; to drop soft "molten" pieces of lead into "Vats" of cold water way down below.  The gravity makes them get rounder and rounder on the way falling down.  Molten means soft hot like liquid.            

           According to my Encyclopedia the "circular" Phoenix Tower is 234 feet tall.  Built using red bricks, its walls are about four feet thick at the bottom; and "taper" to only 21 inches at the    very top.  I just glanced up and noticed Libby looking at me sitting over here on Elvira.                                     

            LIBBY                                                                    HORSE RACING     

          Daisy says that Parts Manager in Baltimore told Mr. Steve about this Race Horse named "Phoenix Tower," and a "Skyscraper" in Houston, Texas with the same name.  In the actual city of Phoenix in Arizona, and over in China; there are the "Phoenix Towers."  I smell Sage.               

           I guess the name "Phoenix" comes from an ancient Greek story of a Bird in "Phoenicia" who dies, but then "regenerates;" or comes "back to life."  Rising "from the ashes" of its dead    body, it then gets to have a new life.   That lady Edith Hamilton wrote about it Daisy says.             

          Two Pigeons just flew in from the eastern desert behind the three Sheds.  I think it's Fred and Ethel but, it's always kind of hard to tell the difference between them and Lucy and Ricky.  Some of the Ducks are quacking, and as usual Donald and Daisy's voices really stand out.                                                                   "PHOENICIA"                                                      "CARTHAGE"                                                                      

         A good map of the "Mediterranean" Sea shows where ancient Phoenician Ships sailed for trading with other peoples.  Dais says Mr. Steve read our name "Córdova" might be Phoenician "in origin."  The four Pigeons just now landed up there on the patio roof right above me.              

           Ancient Rome's biggest rival was "Carthage;" who they fought in all of those three bloody "Punic" wars.  In one war that guy "Hannibal" marched all of those Elephants over the "Alps"  mountains from Spain to Italy.  Carthaginians "Descended" from the Phoenicians I guess.            

           It says here ancient Phoenicia began in the eastern Mediterranean Sea area where modern "Lebanon" is located, and that's where the Phoenix rising from the ashes story happened.  Dais heard Egypt, Japan, China and Arabia have similar "Phoenix stories too.  I like Pigeons!                                                              

 "PHOENIX RISING"                                HERODOTUS (484-425 B.C.)     

        That guy Herodotus, who I've mentioned before; said the Phoenix was red and yellow.  Daisy heard to some people it symbolizes the "sun, rebirth and immortality."  She says I should    be like a Phoenix in rising above the challenges and obstacles that I've been given.  I will!              

           Aha!  I knew I was being watched.   A little Lizard is standing on the wall over there but now ran down the wall when it noticed me looking at it.  Hey God!  One good "Silver Lining" in  me living homeless out there in that field is I cans often sense when I'm being "Observed."           

            I'm still thinking about guns.  A "rifled" barrel gun is way more accurate than "smooth-bore" muskets, which the German's invented in the 1400's.  Way back in 1519, that guy Cortez's Spanish Soldiers used those smooth-bore "Arquebus" guns to kill Aztecs down in Mexico.                                                                                      

16TH CENTURY SPANISH "CONQUISTADOR"

ARTWORK BY NORMAN MILLER         

           I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve's "possible" relative, back in 1693; took part in the "Reconquista" of New Mexico.  A list of his possessions said he arrived in New Mexico with an      Arquebus.  A  painting shows a 1500's era Spanish Soldier holding one over his shoulder.               

           The Spanish first came up from Mexico to "Settle" New Mexico in the early 1600's but, in 1680; the Native people rebelled and killed many "Colonists."  Mr. Steve thinks it's "likely" the    Indians allowed a few survivors.  They hoped they'd warn other Spaniards to not come back.       

           Unfortunately for those Indians in New Mexico, the Spanish came back up north thirteen years later; and took back the region "By Force" as they say.  Dais jokes that's just a nicer way    of saying they probably killed many Indians.  The Pigeons flew back out into the desert.                                                                 "IBERIAN" PENINSULA                                                                        "RECONQUISTA"                                                                                                                                                                                   PAINTING BY MARIUSZ GÓRSKI

         The first "Reconquista" or "re-conquest" was when, over seven centuries; the Spanish "took back" the "Iberian Peninsula" from the Muslim "Moors" who had conquered it in the 8th century A.D.  One Muslim area was that "Córdoba" region I've mentioned.  I smell Sage.             

             A painting in my Encyclopedia shows Spanish and Moorish Soldiers swinging swords at each other from the backs of Horses.  Oh!  I just noticed a "severed" Spanish head hanging from  the Muslim guy's saddle.  Christians and Muslims really hated each other back in those days.       

           Boy!  You can really tell, by the mean looks on their faces; how both of those guys in the painting want to stab and kill each other.  The Spanish Reconquista ended when King Ferdinand  and Queen Isabella, in 1492; finally "Evicted" the Moors.  I really like the smell of Sage!                                  

                      "SCYTHIAN"                      "MONGOL"                           "SAMURAI"                                                                                                         

          I'm scheduled to learn about the history of female Warriors on Saturday, but sort of feel like mentioning them now too.  Earlier I wrote a little bit about those ancient Greek "Amazons." Daisy heard that guy Herodotus said how the "Scythians" had females fight alongside men.          

          That guy Genghis Khan used female Warriors in his 13th century Mongol armies, and he allowed women to compete in the three "Manly" Sports; archery, Horse riding and wrestling.  I  wrote in chapter seven about that girl Samurai Warrior named Tomoe Gozen.  I smell Sage.         

           Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell his mom how, because his High School girlfriend Sandy's mom was a Nurse; she knew males and females are different "Physiologically."  So, girls "in combat" have some  "health risks" males don't have she thought.  Heathcliff is crowing over there.                                                      

                          RUSSIAN WOMEN (SOVIET UNION / SECOND WORLD WAR)                                                  

             Daisy saw this tv show that said Russian girls fought the Germans in World War II, and some were even those "Snipers."  The U.S. military is "recruiting" more females now I guess.  In the Second World War the Nazi Germans killed about twenty six million of the Russians.              

             I guess Sandy's mom said males produce way more "Testosterone," so their bones get a lot heavier and stronger too.  In doing "Load-Bearing" tasks most men are able to carry heavier Backpacks over longer distances.  Lifting thirty five pound artillery shells is also easier.                 

           Because of testosterone, male's hearts and lungs "develop" more Sandy's mom said; so their "Aerobic" capacity is greater.  And, the "Average" woman has about sixty percent of what they call the "Upper Body Strength" of the average man.  I can smell the Aborvitae tree.                                                                     

                  ISRAELI WOMAN (1948)                    

           My Encyclopedia says In 1948, three years after the "Holocaust" where six million Jews were killed by the Nazis; the "United Nations" created the "modern country" of "Israel."  The    Arab countries of Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon and Syria immediately attacked.  A Crow cawed.         

           Because it was a matter of "Life and Death," back in 1948 even Jewish girls were needed to fight too. It says here in Hebrew "Medinat Yisra' el" means "State of Israel."  I know Blinky,  Dawn and Rosie are standing near the fence because their scents just floated over here.                  

            Even though I'm actually not scheduled to write about all the wars modern Israel has had since 1948 until tomorrow, I can mentioning a little bit about that first war now too.  Hey God!    Did You cause Israel to be "Reborn" after two thousand years?  I'll bet You did alright.                               

ISRAEL WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE (1948)   

           Wow!  A painting in my Encyclopedia shows one of those German "Me-109" World War II Fighter Planes I've mentioned before.  But, instead of the "Nazi" markings;" it has Jewish logos on it!  I've mentioned before how the letters "Me" is short for the name "Messerschmidt."           

       It says here, "out of necessity;" the Jews needed "whatever was available" to prevent the "baby from being strangled in its crib" in 1948.  As that one old saying goes, "Beggars can't be    choosers."  My bad Angel Lilith has supposedly killed some babies asleep in their beds.                 

        Sandy's mom thought most women are at a "physical disadvantage" in some things.  Their smaller hearts need to "pump" more blood because of this thing called "Hemoglobin," which is    what carries "Oxygen."  I just glanced up and see Libby looking at me from her Corral.                                                                           BLACKBEARD (1680-1718)                   ANNE BONNY (1697?-1782?)            

PAINTING BY JEAN-LÉON GÉRÔME                                                                                                                                                          

          Oh wow!  Just as I'm thinking of girl Warriors who should I see?  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny the Crows flew bye, and even from way down here on the patio I see the white hole where Blackbeard's left eye used to be.  I've said how Mr. Steve named Anne after that girl Pirate.          

           Hard labor, not eating consistently; and not getting enough "Calcium" and "Vitamin D" are all part of "Combat."  And so is losing sleep and "anxiety" Sandy's mom said.  All can cause a loss of female "Hormones," which means the girl's bones might get thinner and thinner.             

        Sandy's mother thought some of the worst "effects" of females in combat, "occupational hazards;" may not "show up" until later.   Dais heard Mr. Steve tell his mom how Sandy's mom    said at times a girl won't be able to have babies after fighting in a war.   That is bad alright!                

          "DRONE"                                                    "EXOSKELETON"        

        Mr. Cliff said "Exoskeletons" are things Soldiers might wear someday on the outside of their bodies to give them more strength, so girl Soldiers could wear them too.  Earlier I wrote a    little  bit about those things called "Drones."  I can smell Libby over there in her Corral.               

         "Technology" can have two sides my boss thinks.  That "Software Program" called "Pro Tools" used to make music is good, but actually playing instruments is better; even if that means it isn't totally perfect.  Daisy one time heard about this other thing called "Auto Tune."                 

           My Dictionary says the word "Bionic" is, "Biological capability enhanced by technology."  Daisy says, at a 1980's Boxing match; our boss took pictures of the Actor who played the bionic    "The Six Million Dollar Man."  He was a fan of Mr. Bobby the Boxer from Pacoima I guess.         

  "JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS" (1963)          

          One day my boss was watering the Mulberry tree in the front yard.  Mr. Cliff told him the U.S. military program developing the battery-powered  exoskeleton is  called "T.A.L.O.S." and    stands for, "Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit."  That big Dragonfly just zoomed bye.               

         Daisy saw called "Jason and the Argonauts," which was based on the story from ancient Greece.  That guy Ray Harryhousen created the monsters in it, like this giant metal God "Talôs    who protects the island of "Crete."  Edith Hamilton wrote about that old story Dais says.              

       In the movie, which I guess was made in 1963 when my boss was eight; Talôs tries to kill Jason's men.  Dais says that one band BLACK SABBATH have a song she thinks I'd really like    about an iron man just like Talôs.  Mr. Steve's Niece Samantha likes that song too.                                                             

     THEODORA            

           Oh! Theodora the Thrasher Bird is standing in her favorite Creosote bush over there to the left of Jack the biggest Shed.  The afternoon sky is so beautiful above the eastern desert to my front and a few clouds are up there too.  Some Ducks are quacking but Daffy's louder.                   

           All of a sudden I'm thinking again about weapons and things like that.  Someday, when I get over my fear of being trapped; I look forward to seeing all the different things my boss has in his office.  Daisy says he has knives, swords and spears that he's collected over the years.               

           I guess, before "Rifled" gun barrels; people knew that an arrow fired from a bow is more accurate if you twist the feathers on the back.  Mr. Steve and his girlfriend Sandy shot bows and  arrows in the 1970's.  Hearing those Ducks over there quacking makes me feel good right now.                                     

     "M1" RIFLES                

          During the Korean War my boss's father used those "M-1" rifles I wrote about earlier.  But, for more "Fire Power;" he preferred the "B.A.R." like the ones that 1930's Gangster Clyde Barrow used.  I've mentioned before how B.A.R. stands for "Browning Automatic Rifle."             

           Whenever Mr. Steve and his brother Rock would visit their relatives in New Mexico they at times shot guns because some of their Uncles and Cousins had them.  Boy!  How could anyone have even thought of how to build such an astounding thing like a gun?  It's so amazing.               

            I just thought about those old Arquebus guns again.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell his father how they must've had a tremendous "Kick" because you often had to fire one using a "Stand" or "Monopod."  Arquebus's must've been more like a cannon than a gun as we think of them.                                                                                                         GONSALVO DE CÓRDOBA (1453-1515)                                       

PAINTING BY ENRIQUE DUARTE                 

             I just looked up Gonsalvo de Córdoba.  It says here, as a General for Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand; he led Spanish armies in battle.  I guess his nickname was "El Gran Capitán," which means "The Great Captain."  There's a long white vapor trail up in the high sky.                

          A painting shows Gonsalvo de Córdoba holding up his sword in "directing" his Spanish Soldiers to shoot Arquebus's.  Wow!  The caption below the painting says Gonsalvo de Córdoba    was one of the "greatest" Generals "of all time."  Ah!  The afternoon air is clear right now.           

            It says here General de Córdoba was one of the first to "effectively" use firearms in war.  He "influenced" Napoléon and his English "rival" the Duke of Wellington too.  In 1693 Antonio de Córdova, who may've been our first relative in New Mexico; was probably a Soldier.                                                    

THE BEATLES    

           Fannie and Freddie are flying bye, talking to each other as they often do.  Dais says some people call Crows and Ravens "Blackbirds."  She told me that band the  BEATLES have a good song from 1968 about a "Blackbird," and it has one section where someone is whistling.                

          In the painting of Gonsalvo de Córdoba I notice right away how some of the Soldiers are wearing helmets.  When we go in the living room on Saturday mornings to watch cartoons I see all the different helmets my boss has.  Oh!  Benjamin the black Cow Bird just flew bye.                 

            One time Mr. Steve and his father talked about how, by the end of the 19th century; many thought wearing a helmet showed "Cowardice."  But, in World War I when those Machine Guns killed thousands in a few minutes; they changed their minds.  I'd want a helmet in a war.                                                                                 HELMETS                 WORLD WAR I         GERMAN INFANTRYMAN                     

          A drawing shows the types of First World War helmets.  Many began the war with either short or tall "Crests" to "deflect" or "buffer" sword blows, but then it became obvious the use of swords was "outdated."  Mr. Steve has a few heavy World War I helmets in the living room.         

          Well, it's back to the Mexican War.  This Encyclopedia says, at the "Battle of Resaca de la Palma" on May the 9th, 1846; there was vicious "hand to hand" fighting and I guess some of the Mexican Soldiers even "drowned" in the Rio Grande River.  Boy!  I'd sure hate to drown.             

           This is interesting.  At the "Battle of Palo Alto," which took place on the day before Resaca de la Palma; the Mexican cannons were "obsolete."  They had such "low velocity," at times the American Soldiers under General Taylor could "dodge" the cannon balls.  Dawn's barking.                                                                                                                    THREE TYPES OF "ARTILLERY"                            

          The difference between the three types of "Artillery" cannons, the "Gun," "Howitzer;" and "Mortars;" is "Trajectory."  That means the "Angle" at which their cannon balls or shells fly through the air toward the enemy lines of Soldiers.  A good diagram shows it right here.           

         Guns often have longer "barrels," and shoot bigger "Shells" at a horizontal or "flatter" trajectory.  Howitzers usually have shorter barrels and propel smaller "Projectiles" at a higher    or more "Elevated" trajectory.  I can hear Crows fighting out there in the eastern desert.              

          It says here a Howitzer's "projectile" falls at a "steeper diagonal angle of descent."  Mr. Steve's father's job during the Korean War "Spotter," who looked through binoculars and then gave the guys firing the cannons information.  Howitzer's use what's called "Plunging" fire.                                                

        KOREAN WAR 105 MM "HOWITZER"    

         According to this one  Encyclopedia, the Howitzer cannon was invented in 17th century Sweden.  But since then many countries have developed them and in the American Civil War the 12-pound "Napoléon" used a lot.  Daisy says Mr. Steve has a miniature Napoléon cannon.             

           During the Second World War, when Nazi Germany fought Soviet Russia in the biggest in scale war ever; both sides used Howitzers "effectively."   That means a lot of people died.  In the First World War plunging fire often worked well by coming down on those long trenches.             

          Looking at the diagram, you can see that a Mortar shoots the cannon balls at the steepest angles.  The caption calls the "ascent" and "descent" of the projectile almost vertical or straight up and down.  The cannon ball is "Lobbed" and drops on you from higher above I can see.                                                                               

                 AMERICAN CIVIL WAR SIEGE "MORTAR"                    

         Wow!  A picture in this Encyclopedia shows a Union Mortar used in the American Civil War.  The caption below the photo says the projectiles "lobbed" by Mortars back in the 1860's      weighed over two hundred pounds each.  Oh Boy!  That's a really giant bullet alright!                    

         That hunchback Homer Lea thought an important part of man's history, from throwing rocks to modern Artillery that shoots over the horizon; is the "evolution" of man's ability to kill  more people accurately from greater and greater distance.  Samson and Delilah flew bye.              

         All of a sudden I'm thinking about that band Dais told me about called the BREEDERS.  She saw a good Video for one of their songs, about a cannon ball rolling around.  She thinks I'd    really like how at the beginning of that song the girl does a weird "droning" style of singing.                     

   BREEDERS        

     PHOTO BY MARISAL GESUALDI             

           Oh!  What a coincidence that, just when I'm thinking of that band the BREEDERS; I smell the Twin Joshua trees out there in the eastern desert.  Daisy told me the BREEDERS, who  are mainly from Ohio; has twin sisters in it.  Mr. Steve thinks they're pretty I guess.                       

          Daisy says Mr. Steve played drums along to the BREEDERS' song "Cannonball," and thinks the girl Bassist and boy Drummer work well together.  On that song the Drummer starts    out by playing the "Rim" of his snare drum, and a cymbal stand.  Heathcliff crowed.                     

          Earlier today I mentioned that band from Bakersfield called KORN.  Daisy told me all about their Video where the bullet goes flying around totally "Out of Control," causing a lot of    damage but barely missing all of the people as it goes along.  A flock of Birds is flying bye.                        

KORN

           Someday I really want to hear that KORN song about the bullet.  Daisy told me she thinks the first part of the song is good, but not as good as the second half; after the guy sings in a very  unique way.  Mr. Steve likes the second part of KORN'S song too Dais noticed.                                

        Hey Lord!  Daisy once heard Mr. Steve talking on the phone with a customer.  That Parts Manager said he heard some of the members of  KORN now really believe in You like Daisy and  I do down here on Earth in Piñon Hills.  Dais says part of KORN'S Video is a cartoon.                   

          Daisy noticed KORN write with the "R's" turned around backward.  In the KORN Video a cartoon Policeman accidentally fires his gun because he trips, and that bullet shoots out of the  cartoon and flies into the real world; where KORN is playing a concert.  A Crow is cawing.          

 KORN ALBUM "FOLLOW THE LEADER" (1998)

         Daisy says the best part of the KORN song, called "Freak on a Leash;" is when the Singer orders the bullet to go back into the cartoon where it belongs.  As the bullet does what it's told to  do the song is what Mr. Steve's customer called "Nu Metal."  I can smell Joshua trees.                   

       I guess the Parts Manager plays guitar and likes the "Dissonance," and "Distortion;" on Freak on a Leash.  My English Dictionary says the word dissonance means, "Any inharmonious  combination of sounds or musical notes."  Or it could simply be, "Lack of harmony."                    

         That one Parts Manager said how KORN'S song was on a 1998 album recorded in "North Hollywood," where Mr. Steve's old girlfriend Harriet lives.  Mr. Steve likes the snare drumming and high hat work on the first half of Freak on a Leash.  A small flock of Birds is flying bye.           

CARLOS SANTANA                                              ROCK / JUDY        

        1999 "Financially" was a bad year for my boss, but he now associates that year with a Carlos Santana song that made him feel better called "Smooth."  I've never heard it but Daisy      has.  She told me it has good singing and really, really good electric guitar playing in it.                  

           A picture shows Carlos Santana in a Minnesota "North Stars" Hockey jersey.  When my boss, Mr. Mark and Miss Helen worked for the Kings; that's what they were called.  But now,      they're the Dallas "Stars," and Mr. Steve's brother Rock and girlfriend Judy like them.                

        1999 was a "stressful" year, so my boss had a lot of "Worry and Anxiety."  But, he still remembers how he'd "temporarily" feel better whenever he heard that new Santana song called Smooth; especially the guitar.  KORN'S Freak on a Leash also came out in 1999.                                      

                         PRINCE                                                              MR. MARK (SONS TAJ AND DYLAN)

        Dais heard a song by that guy Prince about the year 1999.  I've mentioned before how Mr. Mark over in Hawaii plays different musical instruments like Prince and grew up in the "Upper Midwest" too.   Mark is from "Wisconsin," while Prince grew up in nearby "Minnesota."            

         Prince's song is "Celebratory" in thinking of the year 2,000 A.D.  So, even though many of the people felt like "Partying" Dais says; in 1999 that was the last thing our boss was thinking of doing.  He went into a total shell like a Crab who feels threatened out there in the Ocean.              

          Daisy says our boss admits, because he was an "Idiot" and trusted someone he "should not have;" he eventually lost all of the money he'd saved up.  Dais says it was one of Mr. Steve's most "Embarrassing" and "Humiliating" moments in life.  But he was mainly mad at himself.              

"DORA"  ("WORLD WAR II / 1942)

         I'm looking at the picture of that giant German cannon named "Dora" I mentioned before.  The caption says it was used in 1942 against the Russians at "Sevastopol."  Tomorrow I'll write    about the 19th century "Charge of the Light Brigade" in the "Crimean War."                                

      Wow!  My Encyclopedia says Dora's "barrel" was over one hundred feet long.  In the First World War the Germans had that other huge cannon named "Bertha" which they used to shell    Paris.  Freddie's now stripping the skin off of the Snake he caught for dinner.                                

        It says here the bullets Dora fired weighed seven tons "each." They were "launched" from a distance of twenty nine miles away and the "deafening roar" of the explosions was "terrifying."  As I wrote before, that means Dora could hit Littlerock from way over here in Piñon Hills.           

   FORT SUMTER (MAY 12, 1861)         

PAINTING BY CURRIER & IVES

         Lincoln became President in late 1960 and then seven of the "Slave" States, led by South Carolina; "Seceded" or withdrew from the U.S.   On May 12, 1861 "Fort Sumter" was bombed to start the Civil War.  Oh!  My boss's Sister in Law Yolanda's birthday is May the 12th.               

         Joseph Smith correctly predicted the Civil War would start in South Carolina over the issue of Slavery.  In the painting of Fort Sumter getting bombed, you can tell how it's out there in the Harbor of "Charleston; South Carolina.  Boy!  It would be so bad to be bombed in a war.             

      Earlier I wrote about how my boss sells hats to a G.M. dealership in a city named "Sumter." The Parts Manager" is named "Dean" and I guess his "Assistant" is "James."  Daisy says they    sometimes talk about the American Civil War period and also other things like that too.                
           

THOMAS SUMTER (1734-1832)

PAINTING BY REMBRANDT PEALE           

        The town where Mr. Dean works, and Fort Sumter too; are named for that man Thomas Sumter.  My Encyclopedia says, as a General in the Revolutionary War; he fought the  British.  I guess, after the war was over; he then became a Politician and did a few other things too.              

        I've mentioned  how, besides South Carolina; Alabama, Florida and Georgia also named towns and things after Thomas Sumter.  Speedy Gonzalez just zoomed out into the back desert through the right vertical slot on the side of the gate.  He left some floating dust behind.                 

         In the "Siege" of Fort Sumter, mortars were used to bomb it into surrender.  You can really see from the painting how, from the shore; mortars lobbed or dropped big shells inside the fort    out there in that harbor.   Andy and Helen just ducked down into their burrow right now.                                                                  ROBERT ANDERSON (1805-1871)                     P.G.T. BEAUREGARD (1818-1893)                                                                                                                     

      I've mentioned how I'll mainly write about the American Civil War tomorrow.  But thinking about mortars makes me feel like writing about Fort Sumter now too.  This Lizard just ran down the wall and then went behind the gray water bucket near the sliding glass door.                             

     I guess the Civil War is now called the "Brothers War" because many families fought one another.  President Lincoln's wife's relatives fought for the South.  In May of 1861 the "Rebel"    General who bombed Fort Sumter "into submission" was P.G.T. Beauregard.                                 

        The Union "Major" who surrendered at Fort Sumter was named Robert Anderson.  He had been Beauregard's teacher at the military Academy at West Point.  Before I go back to writing    about the Mexican War I just feel like mentioning this other famous big, giant cannon.                  

SIEGE OF CONSTANTINOPLE (1453)

           In 1453 "Ottoman" Turkish "Sultan" Mehmed II used a twenty seven foot long, sixteen ton cannon; to blow holes in "Byzantium" Constantinople's until then "impenetrable" walls.  It  shot fifteen hundred pound balls.  Wow!  That would definitely cause a lot of damage alright.       

          The Ottoman Empire was on the losing side in World War I, but in 1453 conquering the Byzantine Empire cut off the East's "Trade Routes" to Europe.  So that then made Christopher    Columbus's idea more attractive to Ferdinand and Isabella.  And they did get really rich.              

           Daisy saw a tv show that said, in the 5th century A.D. the original Italian Roman Empire ended after about a thousand years.  "Germanic" tribes invaded and some 4th century bloody      civil wars had already weakened that western part of the empire.  Heathcliff just crowed.                                           

                 "VISIGOTHS SACK CITY OF ROME" (410 A.D.)                

          The "original" Roman Empire began in Italy and ended up conquering a giant area.  It seemed so "Invincible."  But the caption below this good painting says it shows some 5th century "Germanic Visigoth" invaders "plundering, looting and pillaging" the city of Rome itself.            

           After the civil wars the Roman Empire was divided into three parts.  And then, when the part in Italy was gone; the only part left was the eastern part started by Constantine the Great      near the Black Sea.  Oh!  Freddie suddenly swooped down and killed this little Lizard.                   

           In 1985, my boss's Tour Group saw that bridge near the city of Rome; where Constantine won the famous battle.  He then converted to Christianity and established his "Capitol" city of    Constantinople near the Black Sea.  Fannie and Freddie are flying away with their Lizard.            

CONSTANTINE I (272-337 A.D.)       

         Hey Lord!  It would be so great to use Mr. Peabody's Time Machine to go back and see the vision You gave Constantine the Great up in the sky.   Even though, Daisy and I don't need to see something like that to believe in You.  We already believe in You no matter what anyway.               

         The Emperor Justinian's Christian "Eastern Orthodox" Byzantine empire was about two centuries after the time of Constantine I, and his wife seems really brave.  Oh wow!  Just when I  mention her who do I see?  Theodora the Thrasher Bird just ran bye in front of the Sheds.            

        A map in this Encyclopedia shows how Justinian was able to "reconquer" a lot of the area the original Roman Empire had lost all around the Mediterranean Sea.  You can see he ended up regaining a pretty big empire himself during his lifetime.   Dawn's now barking over there.           

                            JUSTINIAN (482-565 A.D.)        

           In that painting the Empress Theodora is "scolding" her husband Justinian for not having enough courage.  On the map I see how his armies even reconquered the southern part of Spain, "Andalucia;" where that city of Córdoba is located.   Oh!  Now little Blinky's barking too.            

        This Encyclopedia says, from the early 4th century A.D. Constantine I created the city of Constantinople.  About two hundred years later Justinian had "regained" a lot of the power the  original Roman Empire back in Italy had lost.   Right now I just picked up Blinky's scent.             

          But from Justinian's time on, "Little by Little" the Byzantine Empire got "Smaller and Smaller;" and was especially true after the "Rise of Islam."  That guy the Prophet Muhammad started his religion in the 7th century A.D.  Boy! I beginning to really like how Blinky smells.             

                  MEHMED II (1432-1481)                                SÜLEYMAN (1494-1566)                     

                                 PAINTING BY GENTILE BELLINI                                                                                                        PAINTING BY TITIAN                                                             

       This one Encyclopedia says, by 1453 when Mehmed II took Constantinople; the city was the only thing left of the "once proud" Byzantine Empire.  The Ottoman Empire, in what is now  the country of  "Turkey;" had been trying for many years to take it.  I can smell Creosote.            

            In my books I'll learn a lot about the 16th century, mainly because my boss and his father think the "Renaissance" and "Age of Discovery" were important.  Max the Hummingbird just    zoomed bye.  I heard him coming from far away when he was going through Libby's Corral.        

      A person who I'll learn about on the day after tomorrow is another Ottoman Turkish Sultan named Süleyman "the Magnificent" who lived after the time of Mehmed II.  Wow!  The Sultan's wore really big hats back then in those days.  I wonder how I'd look in one of those tall hats?                                     

"HAGIA SOPHIA" (ISTANBUL)   

          Hey Lord!  In 1453 Mehmed's men killed a lot of people, and destroyed Constantinople's buildings.  But, they were so impressed by that giant Church Justinian built for You; they just      knew they would feel guilty if they burned it down.  It's huge size amazed them I guess.                 

      This one Encyclopedia says in 1930, or just two years before my boss's father was born; Constantinople was "officially" renamed "Istanbul."  In 1453, "Hagia Sophia" was "converted"  into a Mosque; but is now used only as one of those Museums.  Cher's asleep on top of Moe.         

          I've mentioned how in 1985, Mr. Steve's Tour Group got to see the inside's of "St. Peter's" Basilica; and the "Pantheon" in Rome.  A Turkish man my boss met one time joked how he was "jealous" about that.  Mr. Steve told him he's jealous of him being inside Hagia Sophia.                                               

  COLUNBUS'S "FIRST" VOYAGE (1492)

       I guess, in 1492;' a reason why Christopher Columbus was able to convince Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand to "sponsor" his first voyage was because of Constantinople's fall in 1453.  A Lizard is standing on the wall over there near the sliding glass door.  I can smell it now.              

       By taking Constantinople the Turks blocked the "Trade Routes" which brought in things to Europe from the "Far East."  In those days the only way to "preserve" meat before it got rotten  was to put it in salt.  "Spices' like pepper "disguised" the taste of  even "Meat gone Bad."             

       Mr. Steve thinks that guy Columbus must've been so brave.  It turned out his idea was right but he "Miscalculated" how big the Earth was at the end of the 15th century.  And, besides that;  he also didn't know there were two really huge "Continents" in between Europe and Asia.                                                                 

                     ARTHUR SCHOPENHAUER (1788-1860)                    

         My Encyclopedia says a German Philosopher named Arthur Schopenhauer, who I guess Mr. Steve studied in College during the 1970's at C.S.U.N.; lived after the time of that one other    German guy Immanuel Kant.  Boy!  It sort of looks like he really needs to get a haircut.                

       It says here "Schopenhauer," an "Atheist;" is the "philosopher of pessimism."  He said many "Truths," like Columbus's notion of sailing to the Far East;" went through three "stages"  before being totally accepted.  In the first stage the idea was "ridiculed" or "Made fun Of."          

          In Schopenhauer's second stage the true idea is "opposed," often with "violence."  But, in the third stage; that very same idea "comes to be seen" as what he called "self-evident."  I guess  Schopenhauer's writings influenced later people, like Nietzsche and Albert Einstein too.                                       

  FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE      RICHARD WAGNER        ALBERT EINSTEIN         

                       (1844-1900)                           (1813-1883)                            (1879-1955)                                                       

           Nietzsche and Einstein were German like Schopenhauer.  And so was that one Composer Richard Wagner who it says here Schopenhauer's ideas influenced too.  The Russian Writer Leo Tolstoy, who wrote that one really long book called "War and Peace;" liked Schopenhauer.           

           Oh!  This is interesting how, according to my Encyclopedia Schopenhauer thought music was really important in life down here on Earth.  I wonder if my boss knows this Schopenhauer    quote, because if he doesn't hopefully he'll be proud of me for finding it.  Boy!  I can't wait!          

          Schopenhauer said, "The effect of music is much more powerful and penetrating than is that of other arts, for these others speak only of the shadow, but music of the essence."  I wonder why he used the words "shadow" and "essence?"  I now really like listening to music too.                              

MEXICAN WAR (1846-1848)

           Well, back to the Mexican War.   In May of 1846 General Taylor beat the Mexican army  at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma.  In September the "Battle of Monterey" was fought, and it  says here for the first time Americans faced "urban combat;" or "house to house" fighting.          

         I guess, it was during this period those "Texas Rangers" committed a few "atrocities."  After taking the city of Monterey, the next fighting wasn't until February of 1847 when that guy  Santa Anna returned from exile to lead an army up north.   Two of the Pigeons are flying bye.      

           The "Battle of Buena Vista" was fought on February 22 and 23, and in looking at my list of names I see how Mr. Steve's father's birthday is on the 23rd.  Grandma Córdova was born on  the 24th, Dalton on the 11th; and Mr. Rich on the 16th of February.  Heathcliff just crowed.                                         

   BATTLE OF "BUENA VISTA" (FEBRUARY, 1847)          

         According to my Spanish Dictionary "buena vista" means "good view." Mr. Steve's ex-girlfriend Miss Harriet's birthday is February 19.   Speedy Gonzalez just used the right vertical    slot on the side of the gate to zoom out into the eastern desert behind the three Sheds.                    

        Daisy says one time Mr. Steve and Mr. Ramon the Auto Mechanic talked about that guy Santa Anna and how, he may've admired Napoléon Bonaparte; but he wasn't nearly as good a      military leader.  There's dust floating in the air around the gate where Speedy went bye.                

           I guess, from what Daisy's heard; Mr. Ramon up on the Highway is married to that smart girl named Guadalupe.  They have three kids.  Hey Blessed Mother!  It would be so great if You    were ever to come down to Piñon Hills, the way You did in the 16th century; and then in 1917.                     

(FIRST FLAG)                  IWO JIMA (FEBRUARY, 1945)             (SECOND FLAG) 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  PHOTO BY JOE ROSENTHAL

       As I've said a few times, I'll mainly learn about World War II tomorrow.  But I can mention now how the famous flag-raising at the "Battle of Iwo Jima" took place on February 23 which, as I just mentioned; is Mr. Steve's father's birthday.  Heathcliff crowed again over there.               

      My Encyclopedia has a good map of where the island of Iwo Jima is located.  And it also has the famous image of the six Marines "erecting" the American flag up on "Mount Suribachi."  I    guess a mount must be just another name for the area up on top of a big high mountain.                

       Oh!  It says below the "iconic" picture taken on Mount Suribachi, it was actually the second "flag-raising" on February 23rd.  Earlier some Marines had "captured" and "occupied" Mount Suribachi.  A picture shows a Marine with an "M-1 Carbine" protecting that smaller flag.            

MR. STEVE'S FATHER / SAMANTHA (WASHINGTON D.C. / JULY, 2008)

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

          I've mentioned before how, in July of 2008; Mr. Steve's dad paid for much of the family to visit the city of Washington D.C.  One place they went to was "Arlington" cemetery.  Two of the Pigeons just flew in from the back desert, and then went over top of the house going west.             

         I guess, near to Arlington cemetery; is a big huge statue based on the famous picture of the second flag-raising on Mount Surobachi.   That guy from Texas named Audie Murphy is buried  there at Arlington cemetery.  As I wrote earlier, "D.C." stands for "District of Columbia."            

          As I've said before, Mr. Steve's brother Rock and his two sons Rocky Jr. and Jacob; live in between the cities of "Dallas" and "Fort Worth."  But, the actual city they live in is also called      Arlington; just like where the Washington D.C. cemetery is located.  Daffy's now quacking.              

BATTLE OF "IWO JIMA"

           Wow!  My Encyclopedia says, twenty two thousand Japanese Soldiers fought in the thirty five day battle for Iwo Jima; and only two hundred and sixteen "survived."  A lot of them killed themselves rather than surrender.  I can smell the little baby Cholla cactus over there.                   

        It says here American forces "suffered" twenty six thousand "casualties" themselves in taking the island of Iwo Jima.  And, according to my English Dictionary; that means how many    of the Soldiers were, "killed, wounded or missing in action."  Heathcliff just now crowed.              

          I wonder if my boss knows that the Battle of Iwo Jima began on February the 19th?  I've mentioned how that's Miss Harriet's birthday too.  I just noticed Samson and Delilah flying over Libby's Corral, and I can see how a limp Snake is hanging down out of Samson's mouth.                                          

IRA HAYES(1923-1955)    

           One of the six Marines who helped put up the second bigger flag on Mount Suribachi was an American-Indian from Arizona.  It says here he was "Pima," from near the "Gila" River, and his name was Ira Hayes.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell Mr. Dave about him one time.                          

           I notice how Ira Hayes died in January of 1955, six months before my boss was born.  Mr. Steve's friend Mark Ritter, who died; caught a "Gila Monster" Lizard near where Ira Hayes was from.   Daisy told me that Gila Monster ended up living with Mr. Steve for a few years.                  

         This is interesting.  A Native American named Charles Charlo, from the "Salish" tribe in the State of Montana; helped raise the first small flag on Mount Surobachi.  Anyway, I'll come      back  to World War II later but; now I still have to learn more about the 19th century.                                                       

ANTONIO LÓPEZ DE SANTA ANNA (1795-1876)

         This Encyclopedia says in 1836, ten years before the Mexican War; that guy Santa Anna won the "Battle of the Alamo" but lost the war at the "Battle of San Jacinto."  In my books I'll    learn about that war; when Texas became an "Independent" country.   Dawn's barking.               

         Mexico broke away from Spain in 1821, and Texas broke away from Mexico in 1836 and were a "Nation" for nine years.  In 1845, a year before the Mexican War; Texas was "Annexed" by the United States under President Polk.  I can smell little Blinky standing next to Dawn.           

           It says here, at Buena Vista General Taylor used his Artillery "more skillfully" than Santa Anna.  Wow!  In that battle Santa Anna's army "outnumbered" General Taylor's forces twenty thousand to only four thousand.  Libby's over there walking around slowly in her Corral.                                             

WILLIAM J. WORTH (1794-1849)

           An American Officer named William J. Worth did well in the Mexican War.  It says here he was a "pacifist" Protestant Quaker, and pacifists don't usually want to fight in wars; but he    fought in three wars in the early 19th century.   Andy's over there guarding their burrow.              

               The Texas city of "Fort Worth" was named after William Worth.  In 1977 Mr. Steve and his brother Rock drove bye New York City's "Worth Monument," in "Worth Square."  In 1995 Mr. Steve's brother Rock took him to this place called "Gilley's," which is in Fort Worth.            

           William Worth fought in the "War of 1812," when the British burned the "White House" in Washington D.C.   He later took part in the "Second Seminole War" down there in Florida.  A little later today I'm scheduled to learn about this Seminole Indian Chief named "Osceola."                                                      

STATE OF TEXAS

          As I've mentioned, Mr. Steve's brother Rock, and his sons Rocky Jr. and Jacob; have lived over there in in Arlington, Texas since 1994.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell Miss Babette he still has a few customers left in  Texas.  Oh!  I just picked up the faint scent of a Lizard around here.            

      After he lost at Buena Vista in 1847 I guess that guy Santa Anna, and the survivors in his army; retreated back down to Mexico City.  They would "Live to fight another Day" as that old  saying goes.  Tomorrow I'll learn about the World War II "Evacuation at Dunkirk."                      

        In 1845 Texas had been added to President Polk's "expanding" U.S. but Mexico would not "Recognize" it.  My English Dictionary says that "annexed" means; "to incorporate or add into  something larger."  Oh!  A tiny little Lizard ran bye out there in the dirt near the patio.                                

AUSTRIA "ANSCHLUSS" (1938)   

       In books two and three I'll write a lot about the two 20th century world wars, and the years in between them.  Adolph Hitler came to power in Germany in 1933 and right away he began to "defy" the "Treaty of Versailles."  That treaty blamed Germany for World War I.                          

       Hitler annexed his country of "Austria" in 1938.  It's called the "Anschluß Österreichs," or "Anschluss;" which means "joining" in German.  As I mentioned earlier, King Ferdinand III of  Spain, in the 12th century; annexed the city of Córdoba for the Kingdom of "Castille."                 

    This Encyclopedia says Hitler's Nazi Germany "incorporating" Austria is one of the most famous annexations in history.  A picture shows Hitler "re-entering" in his "three-axled" Mercedes Benz.  Another shows the Austrian people "wildly cheering his return."                                                           

    FREDERICK II (1712-1786)         

PAINTING BY ANTON GRAFF                       

     I might as well mention this one 18th century German "Prussian" King named Frederick II, who's called "The Great" and influenced Napoléon.  I guess Prussia is a German State located in eastern Germany.  Adolph Hitler really admired King Frederick I guess.                                          

   In book three on Saturday I'll write in more detail about King Frederick II, or "Friedrich" in German.  He was called The Great, just like Alexander the Great; and that later "Byzantine"  Roman  Emperor "Constantine I."  Ah!  I can smell a new Spring Juniper plant.                            

    I wonder if Mr. Steve knows that, as it says in my Encyclopedia; in German "Der Große" or "Grosse" means The Great.  King Frederick's nickname was  "Old  Fritz" or "Der alte Fritz" in German.  I guess in German two s's must be  represented by the one letter "ß."                               

    CONSTANTINE I  ("THE GREAT" / 272-337 A.D.)    

           Hey Lord!  Mr. Steve and father think, besides You and Saint Paul; Constantine I and his mother "Helena" are  the most important people in Christian history.  Daisy says, in 1985; our    boss's Tour Group saw of what's left of a big giant statue of that guy Emperor Constantine.          

       Lord!  Before Constantine Christians were "Persecuted" by Emperors like "Nero" and "Diocletian" but, after Constantine; non-Christians were persecuted in Your name.  Dais thinks  You helped Constantine win the battle near that bridge near Rome.  A Train just whistled.            

         Oh!  This Encyclopedia says Constantine I was born in February and died in May, and as I've mentioned; those two months are important in Mr. Steve's family.  Anyway, I'll learn more    about Constantine I.  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies sleeping up there in the nest.                                                       

 "MARIGOLDS"  ("SPRING FLOWERING")     

PHOTO BY S. SAMPSON                

      Ah!  A slight breeze just blew in the scent of Marigold plants out there in the desert behind the Sheds and I can't wait for their flowers to come out.  Miss Susan says "Native" plants in the  High Desert have adapted to the "extremes" of our weather.  Dawn's now barking.                        

     Thank Everyone up there in Heaven for such great weather today.  In other years it's still really cold on the first day of Spring.  Smelling those Marigolds right now makes me remember    the first time, when I was homeless; that I first smelled them out there in that field.                        

       I heard Miss Susan say Marigolds, which have "Daisy-like" flowers and are  are "drought-tolerant;" live more than one year.  Daisy thinks Rabbits don't like their taste.  Well, it's back to  writing and learning more about the Mexican War that happened back in the 1840's.                                         

      MEXICAN "INFANTRY" (MEXICAN WAR / 1846-47)      

        A good painting in this Encyclopedia shows some of the uniforms worn by that guy Santa Anna's "troops" during the Mexican War.  I notice they didn't wear helmets.  I'd definitely wear a hat like those if my boss ever got one for his collection of military hats and helmets.                     

         When Santa Anna refused to give up after the Battle of Buena Vista in Northern Mexico I guess President Polk decided to just go ahead and invade Mexico by taking Mexico City itself.  A Crow is squawking faintly way out there in the eastern desert beyond Primavera Road.                 

         This Encyclopedia says in 1847 American troops were "sent by sea" from Texas and, on March the 9th; arrived near "Veracruz;" on Mexico's eastern coast.  It would be America's first ever "amphibious military landing."  Ah!  I'm still smelling the Marigold plants out there.                                                    

                    "NORMANDY" LANDING ("D-DAY / JUNE 6, 1944)     

                PAINTING BY SIMON SMITH                        

          I guess an amphibious landing in war is when Soldiers get off Boats to attack a beach.  In book two tomorrow I'll learn about World War II amphibious landings.  The biggest one was in    June of 1944.   But there were a lot of them out in the Pacific Ocean against the Japanese.             

       A painting shows American Soldiers coming out of what they call "Landing Craft" on D-Day.  You can really see how all of the Germans defending those beaches in France were trying to kill them.  Boy!  I'd sure hate to be in a war but will do it if I ever have to defend our land.            

        Dais has me scheduled to find out about the year 1066 A.D., when William the Conqueror sailed a "Norman" army across the English Channel from France and conquered England.  Mr. Steve's father made an amphibious landing during the Korean War but not during a battle.          

                           "GALLIPOLI" (WORLD WAR I)     

        This morning I wrote a little about that man named Winston Churchill.  He was "Prime Minister" of England in World War II, but got "Fired" in the First World War for his disastrous idea to amphibiously assault the country of Turkey at "Gallipoli."  Heathcliff crowed.                   

           In 1847 the American army sailed south and, to everyone's surprise; landed what's called "Unopposed" on the east coast of Mexico.  It says here the "invasion" force "went ashore" near  the area Córtez and his men landed back in 1519.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny flew bye.              

        Hey Lord!  Córtez named that area "La Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz," which my Spanish Dictionary says mean's "The Rich Town of the True Cross."  Then he and his "Conquistadores" marched inland to the west.  They fought some big battles against the local Native tribes.             

MEXICO-UNITED STATES WAR (1846-1948)      

             I love this map of the different "Theaters" of the Mexican War.  Once they made it onto the land near Veracruz, the Americans attacked what by then pretty big city.  Some blue arrows on the map show where they landed and where they had sailed from up there in Texas.

            This Encyclopedia says how in 1519 Córtez's Spanish Soldiers "battled their way inland." They wanted to get to the Aztec city "Tenochtitlan," which Córtez later built Mexico City on top of.  In 1847 the Americans had a few bloody battles on their way to take Mexico City too. 

            But before the Americans could start moving to the west toward Mexico City, they first had to take Veracruz  because they couldn't leave it "in their rear."  The city was bombed "into submission," and civilians were killed in the "Siege."  Dais calls it "Collateral Damage."              

  CORTEZ'S ROUTE (1919)                                            "TENOCHTITLAN"           

                                                                                                                                                                   PAINTING BY DEAGOSTINI

           This other map shows the route Córtez, and later the Americans; took in 1519 and 1847 to conquer the Aztecs or Mexicans.  Wow!  This good painting shows how the Aztecs built their city  Tenochtitlan out in the middle of a big Lake.  I can hear Crows fighting out in the desert.

           I just thought of that guy Zachary Taylor.  Because of how he did in 1846 in winning those battles in northern Mexico, he became a "War Hero" so was later elected American President.  I just glanced up and can now see Libby the Horse in her Corral.  And now I also smell her too.    

           It's interesting how my Encyclopedia says, as President; Zachary Taylor "grazed" Horses on the "White House" lawn.  Oh!  He died on July 9th which is Mr. Steve's birthday.  In my third book I'll write about other people born on July 9th, like O.J. Simpson and Tom Hanks.    

                      ZACHARY TAYLOR         WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON        HERBERT HOOVER 

                      (1784-1850)                                     (1773-1841)                                    (1874-1964)                               

               Zachary Taylor wasn't the only American President to keep Animals at the White House.  Mr. Steve read that William Henry Harrison's family kept a pet Goat there and in the late 1920's Herbert Hoover's family even had two Alligator's as pets.  I really like how Libby smells.              

           Blackbeard and Anne Bonny the Crows landed on that clump of Joshua trees to the right of Moe the far right Shed.  Oh!  Blackbeard just flew down and is pinning a small Gopher Snake to the ground with his claws.  He now bit the Snake hard in the head and totally killed it.               

         The man picked by President Polk to lead the 1847 American invasion force in the "second phase" of the Mexican War was named Winfield Scott.  Just like Zachary Taylor, he was also a    "General" too.  His orders were to get that guy Santa Anna to "Sue for Peace" as they say.                                                                                 

                                                       WINFIELD SCOTT (1786-1866)

           The caption below a picture of General Scott says that "politically," like Zachary Taylor and Abraham Lincoln in 1847; he was a "Whig."   As I've mentioned before, in the early 1850's Whigs became "Republicans."  Speedy Gonzalez the Squirrel is running bye right now.       

           Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying away and Blackbeard's carrying their prize to an area where they can eat that little Gopher Snake.  I've wondered what "To the victor belongs the spoils" means?  Daisy says maybe spoils means food or other valuable things like that.

           In 1847 General Scott's army came ashore, and then for twelve straight days his canons "besieged" or bombed the city of "Veracruz;" until it finally surrendered.  In 1519 Córtez had named that area "Vera Cruz" or "True Cross."  Why is Veracruz is just one word now?

                                                      19TH CENTURY "VERACRUZ"     

                 A black and white drawing shows how close Veracruz was to the Ocean.  It says here, once General Scott took Veracruz he moved inland, over "generally" the same "route" Córtez used way back in the 16th century.  Finley the orange boy Finch just flew bye right now.

            Daisy heard in College at C.S.U.N Mr. Steve spent a "Semester" learning about this guy named William Wing Loring.  He was from "St. Augustine" Florida, "San Agustin" in Spanish.  "Loring" was with General Scott, and was later a "Rebel" General in the American Civil War.  

            My Encyclopedia says St. Augustine is the "oldest continuously inhabited" European city in what is now the "Continental" United States.  The Spanish established it way back in 1556.  As I wrote earlier this morning, "Santa Fe" over in New Mexico was set up in the year 1607.    

WILLIAM WING LORING (1818-1886)   

           William Wing Loring, a Soldier for fifty years; was wounded three times in the Mexican War.  He lost his left arm in the final battle for Mexico City itself and a Civil War picture shows    it missing.  He died on December the 4th, which is my boss's Niece Stephanie's birthday.                

           Mr. Steve told his dad how, at fourteen; Loring joined the Florida State "Militia" to fight in the "First Seminole War."  And in 1836 he ran away from home to fight in Texas against Santa Anna's Mexican army.  I can smell the baby Cholla cactus growing over there in the dirt.              

          I guess Loring's father "chased him down" and forced him to go back home.  So, later he fought in the "Second Seminole War" with William Worth who; I've mentioned the city of "Fort  Worth" is named after.    Loring was a twenty one year old "Second Lieutenant" then.                                                                                             

  OSCEOLA (1804-1838)       

              PAINTING BY GEORGE CATLIN                           

       This Encyclopedia says, in the "first half" of the 19th century; there were three "Seminole Wars" in Florida.  In the Second one William Loring fought against that one "Seminole" Indian  Chief named "Osceola."  Boy!  I really like the hat Osceola's wearing in the painting of him.         

         My boss talked with Mr. Dave in New Mexico about that guy Osceola, who was really brave I guess.  In the 1830's Seminole Indians, and "Runaway" black Slaves; hid deep inside the thick  Florida "Swamps" where it was hard for the government to find them.  I smell Mesquite.              

        Back in 1995 Mr. Steve and his friend "Armando" went to visit Florida.  When they were in William Wing Loring's hometown of St. Augustine they saw "Fort Marion" where Chief Osceola was held as a prisoner for a while.  Oh!  Rudy the Roadrunner is jogging bye right now.                                     

"FORT MARION" (FORMERLY "CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS")

       My Encyclopedia says the Spanish, in the late 17th century; built what is now Fort Marion but then was called the "Castillo de San Marcos."  A picture shows how it would look to a Bird.    For a few years, in the mid-18th century; the British controlled what is now Florida.                      

      I've said how "Castillo" is "Castle" in Spanish, while San Marcos means "Saint Mark."  It says here Fort Marion is the "oldest and largest masonry fort" in the U.S.  As I've said before, in my books I'll write about building materials like stone, bricks; and cement or concrete.                 

        Fort Marion is made out of "Coquina" which, I guess; is a type of "Limestone" found in the water near St. Augustine.  Mr. Steve told Mr. Ralph how, when wet coquina is easily sawed into  big sections and when it dries; it gets really hard.  That one Dragonfly just zoomed bye.                                             

SEMINOLE WARS (1818-1858)

        According to this Encyclopedia, the three Seminole Wars took place from 1818 through 1858,  The Americans fought to "remove" Indians, and those runaway Slaves who fought with      them; from Florida.  A lot of Native people died during those three hard wars I guess.                    

           Andrew Jackson who beat the British in the "Battle of New Orleans," and would later be elected President; led Soldiers like a young Loring in the First Seminole War.  Osceola fought so  bravely but was eventually captured, and later died of disease.  A Crow cawed faintly.                    

         "Florida" is Spanish for "Land of Flowers."  This Conquistador named Ponce de León gave Florida it's name in the early 16th century.  It says here the Spanish "controlled" Florida      until the mid-18th century when the British "acquired" it after the "Seven Years War."                                                         

                           JUAN PONCE DE LEÓN (1474-1521)                             

        Mr. Steve read how, it's not true Ponce de Leon went to Florida to find the "Fountain of Youth;" as that story only appeared years after he died.  Boy!  I wonder if there is a Fountain of  Youth somewhere in the world?  Whoever finds it could live forever and never ever get old!          

           I guess, Mr. Steve has a customer named "Larry" in the city of "Augusta;" in the State of "Georgia."  He's a Parts Manager at a "Cadillac" dealership and one time my boss told him he    was doing some art for a black lady who's what's called "Gullah."  I smell some Penstemon.         

         That Gullah lady told Mr. Steve where she grew up in Georgia is a "black nation within a white society."  She said some black Slaves were taken to the South in the 17th and 18th century; to work on the "isolated" coastal islands off the southern coast.  Dawn's barking right now.            

"GULLAH" CULTURE

           I guess, partly because those black Slaves were "Cut Off" from the "Mainland;" over the years they "Developed" or "Evolved" a west and central "African-Influenced" culture.  And of  course it was blended with the dominant white southern culture nearby.  Heathcliff crowed.         

        The area now called Gullah is near the seacoasts of three southern States.  Gullah people have their own "Language and Customs."  Mr. Steve told the Gullah lady how "Spanglish" was  first invented way back in 1955, which is the same exact year that he was born in too.                     

       Daisy thinks Mr. Steve enjoys talking to that Parts Manager Larry and his "Assistant" named Scott."  That's probably because, as it says in my Encyclopedia; their city of Augusta has a long and "eventful" history.  Augusta was first "established" by the British in 1736.                    

PRINCESS "AUGUSTA" OF SAXE-GOTHA (1719-1772)

PAINTING BY JEANE-BAPTISTE VAN LOO

         Augusta was named after a German "Princess" who married a "Royal" Englishman.  The Encyclopedia says she was the "Duchess of Edinburgh," through the "Prince of Wales.  Because Daisy's favorite color is red she'd like that Princess's dress but I sort of like the gold areas.            

         I guess, during the American Civil War; the Confederate Government "stored" a lot of the "gunpowder" in Augusta.  It was sent out to all the Rebel armies from there.  My boss told Mr.    Larry how William Wing Loring visited the Augusta region a few times during his lifetime.           

   Mr. Steve and Mr. Larry, and the Assistant "Scott; have at times talked about the world famous "Master's" Golf Tournament held in Augusta.  Daisy heard Golfers, like Arnold Palmer,  Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods; have played in it.  Mr. Larry also sold "Buick" things.                 

"MASTER'S" GOLF TOURNAMENT

         Dais and Millie heard Mr. Steve tell Mr. Larry he kind of likes the green jacket the winner of "the Master's" gets to wear.   They've talked about how my boss's favorite team the Oakland A's primary color used to be bright green.  Even though he doesn't follow sports anymore.            

      One time my boss and the Assistant Scott talked about this really big fire which, in 1916; burned down a lot of Augusta.  1916 was the second year of World War I, and the year before the United States entered that giant war.  Daisy says there have been some big fires in California.       

        Mr. Steve and Mr. Larry discussed a German "Volkswagen" Car called a "Golf," which in 1974 replaced that other small "Beetle" Car.  In 1974 I guess Mr. Steve and friends from Sylmar,  because of the high cost of gas; were "Car Pooling" to Valley Junior College.  I smell Sage.            

                FIRST "VOLKSWAGEN (1936)                          2014 VOLKSWAGEN "GOLF"                   

          A picture shows that guy Adolph Hitler, who gave the order to make it; riding in the first Beetle.   My boss and Mr. Larry talked about how the Golf , unlike the Beetle's rear "air-cooled" engine; has a front motor.  Hitler, an Artist; drew what he wanted the "Bug" to look like.             

           I guess the Golf, which has had many "Body Styles" and names too; is one of Volkswagens best selling Cars.   Oh!  What a coincidence!  Just as I'm reading about how one the other names the Golf has been is "Rabbit," Jack the Jackrabbit just zoomed bye out there in the desert.          

         According to what Daisy heard our boss talking about in the living room with that Gullah lady he did art for, Gullah people use a material called "Sweet Grass" to "weave" beautiful and  really useful watertight "Baskets."  Dawn's barking.  And now so is little Blinky too.                     

GULLAH "SWEETGRASS" BASKETS

                                                                                                                                                                               PHOTO BY JEANETTE CONRAD

         Daisy says Mr. Steve showed the Gullah lady a book about Native California history.  In that book there's information about "Pottery" and other things like that I guess.  Mr. Steve told  the lady how he and his parents were "Tour Guides" at the San Fernando Mission.                      

          According to what Dais heard in the living room that day, Mr. Steve and the Gullah lady talked about the "Girl Scouts."  My boss told her how his mom led all of those troops and one of  the things they always did was make "Crafts."  I wonder if I could learn to make a basket?           

       Tomorrow I'll learn a lot about the State of Georgia, mainly because it was so important during the American Civil War.  Also, in 1971 Mr. Steve went on one of his father's business trips to "Atlanta."  He walked, or took some Taxis and Tour Buss's; all around parts of the city.               

JAMES BROWN (1933-2006)   

           Mr. Steve and that Parts Manager Larry one time talked about is a Singer named James Brown.  He was from Augusta, and is considered one of the most "Influential" Musicians  of all time.  Dais thinks that he was just as good a dancer as that other guy Michael Jackson.                

            Daisy and Millie saw a tv show that said James Brown  left "a lasting impression" on later Artists.  Wow!  In the caption below his pictures he's called the "Godfather of Soul and Funk."    That guy Larry said James Brown has a "Star" down on the Hollywood "Walk of Fame."            

            My boss read James Brown's last words before dying were, "I'm going away tonight."  He was born in 1933, which was the year after Mr. Steve's dad "Came into the World" as they say;    and just two years before Mr. Steve's mom was born in 1935.  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.                 

"OREGON" TRAIL (1846)     

          When the Mexican War began in 1846 I guess that guy William Wing Loring was in the U.S. Army.  His Regiment of "Mounted Rifles" was "Escorting" Settlers to the west coast over the "Oregon Trail."  This good tv show Daisy saw described it as an "arduous" journey.               

          A map shows how the Oregon Trail started in the State of "Missouri," then went all the way out west to what was then called "Oregon Country."  Loring's Regiment was "Reassigned" to General Scott's 1847 invasion force.  The slight smell of Juniper just came floating in.             

          In 1847 Loring's Regiment "landed" near "Veracruz" with General Scott's forces.  But unfortunately, their Horses all drowned coming ashore so; they were "Reduced" to being just      "Foot Infantry."  Even without their Horses they still fought bravely in all of the battles.               

SANTA  ANNA "REVIEWING" MEXICAN TROOPS

            A painting shows that guy Santa Anna "reviewing" his troops.  At the time of the Mexican War he was "Presidente" of Mexico and ten years before, in 1836; he'd been Mexico's leader at    the time of the "Battle of the Alamo."  I really like how the Mexican uniforms looked then.           

           In 1847, when General Scott "re-traced" Córtez's route to Mexico City; Santa Anna met him in a series of "hard-fought" battles.  Santa Anna lost a leg fighting the French, and in 1847 his fake leg was captured at the "Battle of Cerro Gordo."  Heathcliff crowed over there.

          Wow!  It says here some people call "post-independence" Mexico the "Age of Santa Anna," He was "in and out of power" eleven times.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve's father say someone should make a movie about Santa Anna's "eventful" life.  Hens are clucking happily over there.

                                                BATTLE OF THE "ALAMO" (1836)

             About ten years before the Mexican War Santa Anna killed all the Texans at the "Battle of the Alamo."  My Encyclopedia says he then "slaughtered" captured Texans at "Goliad," but then that guy Sam Houston caught him by surprise at "San Jacinto."  Dawn's barking.

            I've mentioned a few times how my boss's brother Rock, and his two sons Rocky Jr. and Jacob; live back there in Texas.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell Mr. Ralph his Uncle Marty's family lived over in "San Antonio" for a few years.  That's the city where the Alamo is located.

           All of a sudden I'm hearing that good GENESIS song "Musical Box," which is one of my favorites songs partly because of the flute in it.  Flute is also why I really like CANNED HEAT'S song "Goin Up the Country." Even though they don't use flute, DEVO'S my favorite band. 

                                  GENESIS                                                      PHIL COLLINS

                                                                                                                                                 PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

           Daisy heard Mr. Steve say he read GENESIS'S Drummer Phil Collins is interested in the Battle of the Alamo, and even has a collection of things having to do with that subject.  Dais says in his office Mr. Steve has a replica 19th century saber.   Two of the Pigeons are flying bye.

           Boy!  It's so interesting how, a lot of the American Soldiers who fought against Mexico in the ended up being enemies later during the American Civil War.   I guess William Wing Loring met Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee in the Mexican War.  A Train just whistled faintly.  

           In the late 1870's, when he was working for Egypt's "Khedive;"  Loring gave the then ex-President Grant and his wife a tour of the Giza Plateau and those three pyramids.  Loring fought in the 1876 "Abyssinian War."  That was also the same year of "Custer's Last Stand" too.    

              W.B. TRAVIS (1809-1836)                 JIM BOWIE (1796-1836)         DAVID CROCKETT (1786-1836)

           Three famous guys who Santa Anna killed at the Alamo were W.B. Travis, Jim Bowie and Davey Crockett.  Mr. Steve, along with some other knives; has a few different types and sizes of "Bowie" knives near the fireplace in the living room.  Now the other two Pigeons flew bye.

           That Singer David Bowie, even though he's from England; took his "Stage" name from reading about that guy Jim Bowie.  His real name was David Jones but he didn't want people to mix him up with the MONKEES Singer.  I can smell Andy over there guarding their burrow. 

               It's interesting how so many of the Soldiers who fought together during the Mexican War  ended up on different sides later in the American Civil War.  And sometimes Daisy heard, there were family members battling one another.  That's why people call it the "Brother's War."

                                                   APPOMATTOX ( APRIL 9, 1865)   

                                                                                                                                        PAINTING BY ED VEBELL

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       A painting in my Encyclopedia shows that guy Robert E. Lee, wearing his best uniform;  "surrendering" to Ulysses S. Grant at the very end of the Civil War.  The caption says Grant is wearing a dirty uniform.  Some Sparrows are chirping happily out there in the back field.      

          Oh!  I just noticed how the caption below the painting says it "depicts" April the 9th.  And in looking at my list of dates I can see how April 9 is also Mr. Steve's ex-girlfriend Miss Emily's birthday too.  I'll learn about the period at the end of the American Civil War tomorrow.              

           One time Daisy and Millie were in Mr. Steve's office, and heard he and his father talking on the phone about the Mexican War.  "Who knows" his dad says, California, Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico "might still be part of Mexico if not for that war."  And other States too!   

  "PEARL HARBOR" (HAWAII / DECEMBER 7, 1941)

          Mr. Steve's dad thinks there have been three times when the United States "set things up" to have a war with what was "perceived" to be a weaker enemy.  The Mexican War's an example of a stronger nation "maneuvering" a weak country into a fight.  Heathcliff just crowed.               

           Dais saw a tv show that said, at the very end of the 19th century the U.S. declared war on Spain after an American Ship mysteriously blew up; down there in Cuba.  Some think the U.S.    Government just used that as a "Convenient" excuse to go to war.  It was an easy war.                   

         In August of 1964, in the "Tonkin" Gulf; North Vietnamese Boats "engaged" with some U.S. Warships in a "minor skirmish."  The American Ships went into an area they knew would get the North Vietnamese mad.  That guy President Johnson used this to "escalate hostilities."                

                                 ULYSSES S. GRANT            MEXICAN WAR                         (1840'S)

        (IN REAR / 4th U.S. INFANTRY REGIMENT)

             The caption under Mexican War pictures of Ulysses S. Grant says he was in an infantry regiment from his home State of Missouri.  I see he didn't have a beard like he did in the Civil War.  In 1846 President Polk wanted what would become the "American Southwest."

        Oh!  I wonder if Mr. Steve knows this Grant quote about his Regiment being sent in 1846 by President Polk into "Disputed" territory? "We were sent to provoke a fight, but it was essential that Mexico should commence it."  Heathcliff is crowing again over there next door.

       As I mentioned in chapter ten, John Quincy Adams and Abraham Lincoln were against the Mexican War.  The writer Henry David Thoreau "suspected" the Mexican War was a "trumped up" way for President Polk to "conveniently" add more Slave States into the United States.                                      JOHN QUINCY ADAMS                HENRY DAVID THOREAU               ABRAHAM LINCOLN                                                            

            General Scott captured Mexico City  and in February of 1848 the Treaty of "Guadalupe Hidalgo" officially ended "hostilities" in the Mexican War.  The U.S. "acquired" what is now the "American Southwest.  I can hear a few of the Ducks quacking over there next door. 

            According to my outline right now I'll learn about a Mexican War military unit made up of only Mormons.  As You know Lord, Mr. Steve says some Protestants and Catholics don't think Mormons are real Christians but he does.  He thinks most Mormons are "basically decent."  

           Earlier this morning, when I wrote about what happened out here in Alta California during the Mexican War; I mentioned the "Mormon Battalion."  They were "Volunteer" L.D.S. who, from mid-1846 through 1847; were "Stationed" in Southern California.  I smell Sage.  

MORMONS MARCH TO UTAH (1847)

              As I wrote earlier, in the early 19th century; that guy Joseph Smith began his new religion of Mormonism in New York State.  But by 1847, because they had been persecuted wherever they went; they "Fled" out to Utah.   A small Lizard just scampered bye out there in the dirt.

            Young Mormon "Missionaries" have come to our house a few times.  They sit in the living room with my boss and talk.  One time I even went in there with Daisy and listened to them but I only felt comfortable when the front door was totally wide open.  Dawn's barking right now. 

        Mr. Steve and these two young Mormon Missionaries discussed about how, in 1846 Brigham Young agreed to send a "Regiment" of five hundred Mormon Soldiers; to help the U.S. in the war against Mexico.  That regiment was called the "Mormon Battalion."  I like Dawn's voice.                                                                                                                                     "MORMON BATTALION"           

           In mid-1846 the Mormon Battalion, along with women who cooked and cleaned; marched from Utah east to the State of "Iowa."  Then they went to Missouri and from there walked all of the way out here to California.  Along the way they stopped over in New Mexico I guess.

              This one Encyclopedia says what Mr. Steve and those two Missionaries talked about.  The Mormon Battalion is the only unit in the history of the U.S. military "composed entirely of one single religious entity."   A flock of Birds is flying toward the east way up there in the sky.

           I guess it's about 1,100 miles from Santa Fe in New Mexico to California.  So, counting the miles they had already walked; the Mormon Battalion marched a total of 2,000 miles in 1846.  It says here that, while crossing Arizona; they ran into a herd of wild Cattle with some Bulls.  

                     FEMALE BULLFIGHTER                           "RUNNING OF THE BULLS" ("PAMPLONA," SPAIN)

            This morning, when I wrote about Spain; I mentioned how there are girl Bull Fighters now too.  And I learned a little bit about that annual event where people in "Pamplona" run in front of Bulls right out there in the streets.  My boss and his father think it's "dumb" to do that.

         I guess in 1846, when those Mormons met the wild Cattle; some Bulls charged and wounded and even killed a few Mules.  So they had to be shot because they wouldn't stop trying to stab the men and Animals.  Boy!  I'll bet it would hurt so much to be "Gored" by a Bull's horn. 

         Someday I'd really like to smell a Cow or Bull.  Daisy has and says they have a really strong and distinctive scent.  I just glanced up and see Alpha Company of Quail just now using the two vertical slots on either side of the gate to go out into the eastern desert behind the Sheds. 

PLUTARCH(49-119 A.D.)

                 Seeing, and now smelling Alpha Company; makes me think of how that lady I mentioned this morning told Mr. Steve about "alpha" being first letter of the Greek alphabet.  She also said that guy Plutarch associated alpha with the Moon and wrote about that letter.  I smell Sage.