II   

                           Cognito,ergo;sum

                                                                     (Chapter 7)        

"BE GRATEFUL"       

      1:30              

   "HIGH DESERT" SKY            

          I'm back from a pee break and checking the fence area behind the three Sheds.  Just like yesterday, I'll take a big break and visit Daisy after chapter eight; or part two.  As I went pee I    was looking up at the sky and the shape of the clouds really reminded me of yesterday.                  

         Well, I'll say a quick Hail Mary prayer and start chapter seven.  I can't believe I'm halfway through this second long book.  In glancing at my book two outline it looks like one of the things Daisy has me scheduled to write kind of a lot about in the next two chapters is "Sports."      

         Dais believes so many babies showing up earlier this year may be a "sign" for a good year to come, after a cold Winter.  Hey God!  I do want to agree with her but if You decide otherwise we'll accept that too.  Ah!  Heathcliff just crowed, his voice making me feel so happy.    

           DAISY / MAGGIE CÓRDOVA                                           FRONT YARD                               

             I'll bet right now Dais is either laying on the cement driveway or under our boss's office window.  She can let sunlight sink into her, which makes her Arthritis feel better.  She thinks again today Mr. Steve has been busy because he's been talking a lot on the phone it seems.

           Hey God!  Daisy told me, like yesterday; she's grateful the Bufferin pill our boss puts in her food is working good today in making her paws and hips less painful.  She thanks You for making some people so smart they can figure out how to make medicine.  Dawn's barking.

           Ah!  Vivaldi's song "La Primavera" just floated into my thoughts, which makes me so happy it's now Spring.  I get why Mr. Steve usually starts his day by listening to it, as he does things like brushing his teeth or making the bed.  Samson and Delilah are now flying bye. 

               ANTONIO VIVALDI (1678-1741)                  LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)

 ARTIST UNKNOWN                                                                                                  PAINTING BY JOSEPH KARL STIELER

               Wow!  I'm hearing Beethoven's song "Ode to Joy."  Daisy says, since 1989's fall of the "Berlin Wall;" it stands for "Liberty and Freedom."  I wrote before how Will and Ariel Durant joked that Beethoven was a "pessimist trying to convince himself he was an optimist."   

             I guess Ode to Joy is now the "European Union's" anthem.  In book one I wrote about the "E.U." and "N.A.T.O.; short for the "North Atlantic Treaty Organization."  I can see really see why Mr. Steve feels "Rhêma," or the Bible's "Living Word;" in songs like Ode to Joy. 

                  Ah!  A Hawk is standing on that clump of Joshua trees over near Libby's Corral, and Andy is staring at him with a mean look.  I wonder if the Hawk has noticed how many babies there are already around here this year?  Hawks have even better eyesight than I do. 

  KATE WOLF (1942-1986)                                            HAWK                   

PHOTO BY NICHOLAS WILSON                                                                                                                                                          

              Dais heard our boss talking with Mr. Dave about Hawks, which I guess Mr. Dave knows a lot about.  He said his Motorcycle Shop customer once told him about a girl named Kate Wolf, who wrote a good song called "Redtail Hawk."  In Piñon hills we have "Prairie" Hawks.

          Mr. Dave said his customer lived up in Northern California, in "Sonoma" County; where Kate Wolf is also from.  She died young of cancer when only forty four from what Daisy heard, but her son still plays his mom's "Folk" and "Country" songs.  That Hawk is flying away.

          A few years ago our boss bought some things from a lady who's first names was also Kate, which Dais says is just short for "Katherine."  Mr. Dave's customer was a "Coast Yuki" Indian so Mr. Dave told him he was "Hupa."  There are also "Inland Yuki" Indians too I guess.

HIGH DESERT SUNRISE     

                Mr. Dave told our boss Kate Wolf's song Redtail Hawk is about how good it feels in the morning, when a Hawk flies around just as the Sun comes up.  Daisy heard that girl Kate Wolf, besides writing some good songs; also was a really good Poet too.   Heathcliff just crowed.

           Kate Wolf was a "doer" Mr. Dave's customer said, writing Redtail Hawk in 1980; when our boss met Mr. Grant and Miss Emily in their first year of Law School.  Sonoma County is to the north of that big city of "San Francisco" I guess.   A little gray Lizard scampered bye.

           That song Redtail Hawk, besides Kate Wolf's acoustic guitar; also has a lot of really good and talented mandolin playing on it Mr. Dave told our boss.  That band STEELEY SPAN have that good dancing song called "Jiggs" which has a mandolin in it.  I smell Andy over there.    

             "MOHAVE" HIGH DESERT                             MR. STEVE'S PARENTS                                   ( "SAN GABRIEL" MOUNTAINS BEHIND)                                              PHOTO BY RODERICK CÓRDOVA                                                                                                              

           Mr. Steve's parents like looking at the desert.  I remember that time when, as Mr. Steve watered the Mulberry tree up there in the front yard; they talked of how Beethoven wrote some "happy-sounding" music when his life was often "not that good."  He got really depressed.  

           Ode to Joy is the "final section" of Beethoven's "9th Symphony" it says here.  I recall the morning when Miss Susan told our boss, when the 9th was first played Beethoven was "Deaf;" so couldn't hear it.  A girl had to turn him around so he could see the crown cheering. 

          I guess that one girl Helen Keller, who was blind and deaf; said the "vibrations" of an Orchestra playing Beethoven's 9th "inspired" her.  I mentioned yesterday how one Girl Scout in Mr. Steve's mom's troop was blind.  Mr. Grant's Dog "Miggie is blind, Dais is going blind.

            HELEN KELLER (1880-1968)                         HELEN KELLER / ANNE SULLIVAN (1866-1936)      

          Dais saw a good movie about Helen Keller, and her helper Anne Sullivan.  Helen Keller said she was "enraptured by the majesty of nature" in "feeling" Beethoven's song Ode to Joy. Wow!  So that must mean the "Spirit" of Rhêma does not necessarily have to be heard?

         According to this Encyclopedia, Helen Keller was born fifteen years after the American Civil War ended.  She was from "Alabama" and her father had been an Officer in the Southern Confederate army during the war.  Samson and Delilah are flying over Libby's Corral.

         Oh!  Helen Keller "contracted Meningitis" as a baby, which "left her" without sight and hearing; yet she was the first blind and deaf person to get a College "B.A." degree.   Wow!  That seems like what Nietzsche said,"That which does not destroy me only makes me stronger."

                                            ISLANDS                          HAWAII                   WILD CHICKENS     

                                                                                                                                          PHOTO BY MARIE MAGEE

             Heathcliiff just crowed, which reminds me of how Daisy says one time Mr. Mark told our boss about how, on the island of "Kauai;"  there are now too many wild chickens.   Polynesians brought in their Birds to Hawaii about a thousand years ago.  I hear the Hens over there.

          Mr. Mark told our boss, in the 1980's and 1990's; big "Hurricanes" hit Hawaii.  Chicken Coups were destroyed, Chickens got out and adapted to the weather; so could then "breed" with wild Chickens to "reproduce all year round" Mr. Mark said.  Theodora just ran bye.

         Now in 2014 Mr. Mark says, there has been "generations" of stronger and smarter "Super Chicken's" on Kauai.  He said the Roosters like Heathcliff y can "get aggressive," and are not afraid of people.  Bravo Company's scent just now came floating into both of my nostrils.    

                              CHARLES DARWIN                            EMMA DARWIN

                                        (1809-1882)                                                                (1808-1896)

                              PAINTING BY GEORGE RICHMOND                                                

          Daisy and Millie heard our boss and Mr. Mark talk about how Kauai's wild Chickens are examples of Charles Darwin's idea's.  They've "Evolved" through "Natural Selection" in their ability to "Adapt" and survive that particular environment.   It's "Survival of the Fittest."  

          Hey Mrs. Darwin, I sure do hope Souls like you up in Heaven can mind-read us down here.  If you can I want to thank you for being a good wife for your husband so he could work on his important ideas.  Mr. Steve and his father both think he's probably up there with you. 

          I guess Mrs. Darwin, a tv show about your husband said you helped him by translating things to him from other languages.  It's too bad two of your ten children didn't make it past being a baby, and your other daughter died at ten.  A Train just whistled faintly to my left.

CREATION / SPARK OF LIFE       

                                                                                                                       MICHAELANGELO BUONAROTTI         

           Hey Mrs. Darwin!  I guess your husband said he was an "Agnostic;" but also said, "It is absurd to doubt that a man might be an ardent theist and evolutionist."  You and he also said God was the "ultimate law giver."  They believed Evolution itself was "evidence of design."

           Mrs. Darwin, the tv show mentioned, while your husband was on that famous voyage of "H.M.S. Beagle;"he quoted the Bible in things having to do with "Morality."  You and he often referred to a "divine hand."  Frida and Diego are flying over Libby's Coral over there.   

          One time our boss and Mr. Doug's wife Susan who died, talked about how your husband did not believe in the "Bible as History" Mrs. Darwin.  But the tv show said both of you in the raising of your many kids, taught them Christian ideas.  Andy's over there looking at me.

            EARTHWORMS                             CHARLES DARWIN IN OLD AGE     

                It says here Darwin's idea of "Transmutation" is when things "change in form" over time; often to "access food."  I guess Darwin thought "Earthworms" are important in "Soil Formation."   That guy Aristotle described Earthworms as being the "Earth's Intestines."  

            Charles Darwin thought, living things inherit from their parents traits which will help them survive in the particular environment they were born into.   Mr. Steve told his mom one time how he see's proof of it every day in watching Birds from his office.  Dawn's barking . 

                Oh!  What a coincidence an orange boy Finch flew bye.  I was just about to mention how, in College; this girl told our boss Charles Darwin saw evolution in the way on each one of the "Galapagos" islands, the Finch's had different beaks.  The "Food Sources" were different.

NORTHERN CARDINALS   

PHOTO BY STEVE BYLAND

      One time Mr. Steve and his sister Susan back in Connecticut talked about "Northern Cardinal" Birds who live in her forest.  Like our desert Finch's, boy Cardinals are colorful but girl Cardinals are dull as camouflage from predators.  Oh! An orange boy Finch flew bye.            

       Miss Susan down in San Fernando had a customer from back east who told her, at her feeders Cardinals, "Are the first to show up in the morning, and the last to leave at night."   A      line of Ants is going bye down there on the Patio floor near Miss Emily's old coffee table.              

        Daisy heard Miss Susan's Grandmother told her and her brothers a Cardinal's "happy cheery whistling song" was a "Sign."  Finally, Winter was over; so it warm up.  One time down    there at the C.S.U.N. Library Mr. Steve's mom colored his line drawing of a red Cardinal.                           

 CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY NORTHRIDGE

              I've mentioned a few times in these first two books how that College C.S.U.N. is kind of  important to Mr. Steve's family.   Not only did our boss, his brother Rock and sister Susan go to that school; but now so is their Nephew Mathew too.  Daffy and Daisy are quacking together.

            Mr. Steve told his mom how he's had dreams about studying in the "Oviat" Library at C.S.U.N.  She also knows that Library well and they've visited the campus over the years, then eating at the caffateria if it was open.  Miss Harriet also graduated from C.S.U.N. too.

            Daisy heard our boss one time tell Miss Susan at work he often listens to that guy Bill Handel on "KFI" Radio Station.  Bill Handel also went to C.S.U.N., and jokingly calls it the "Harvard of the West," which Mr. Steve and his mom find funny.  Frida and Diego flew bye.

                                      UNCLE MARTY                                     MR. PEABODY / SHERMAN  

      Over these first two days I've mentioned a few times already how Mr. Peabody, and our boss's Uncle Marty; both went to Harvard.  Daisy says if I went to College, which would really    make Mr. Steve proud of me; I could prove girl Dogs can be smart too.  A Train whistled.             

        Dais says that one time our boss told his brother Sam about the times when he and Rock visited their Uncle Marty and Aunt Josephine down there in "San Diego."  That was when they    would go to "Sea World" and "San Diego Zoo."  It would be so great to smell a real Zoo.              

           Boy!  I kind of hope tomorrow, it being Saturday; we'll go in the living room to watch tv in the morning.  If we do then I'll just have to postpone book three, maybe just using six hours of sunlight tomorrow and six on Sunday.   That's okay because seeing Mr. Peabody is worth it.                     ARNOLD ZIFFEL ("GREEN ACRES")      

              All of a sudden I just thought of that Pig "Arnold Ziffel," who Daisy says is so smart he even goes to school with all of the other kids in their town.  Ever since Dais told me about Arnold the Pig he's kind of given me motivation to be like him.   I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies. 

           Now, along with Mr. Peabody and Mr. Steve's old Dog Lady; I also admire Arnold Ziffel, who I guess even beats humans in Chess.   I can't wait to see that tv show "Green Acres."  I've mentioned before how I've come think of Lady as my "role model" and "worthy ancestor."

          Boy!  According to Dais Arnold the Pig is so smart he even has his own books and things like that.  On his own tv and Stereo Arnold knows how to change all of the channels or operate all the different settings.  You can tell how the people in his town like him Daisy noticed.                                    

       MISTER ED                                         MR. STEVE'S SISTER SUSAN

                 Oh!  Libby whinnied just as I'm going to write about that other tv show about a smart Horse named "Mister Ed."  Mr. Steve and his sister Susan talked about that tv show one time, and I guess Mister Ed also likes to play Chess too.  There are two vapor trails up in the sky.

           Daisy thinks, what makes Mister Ed even more amazing than Arnold Ziffel; he learned to speak English.  Mister Ed secretly talks to his owner but no one else.  Libby's near the back east end of her Corral, where Primavera Road goes bye out there on the other side of the fence. 

           Mr. Steve talks to Daisy and I a lot and some people joke we seem to know English, which of course we do; especially words having to do with food or being petted.  A flock of what looks like Pigeons from way down here on the Patio is flying over Libby's Corral.  I smell Mesquite.  

              "CHECKERS"                       MR. PHILLIP                     CHECKER BOARD                                                             

           Daisy says Mr. Phillip from Wales likes playing Chess, and one time talked to our boss about that other "Board" game called "Checkers."  One of my goals is to someday learn how to  play Checkers because Dais thinks I'd be really good at it.  I smell the Twin Joshua trees.              

              I guess, Mr. Phillip told our boss over in England Checkers is called "Draught," which  means to "draw" or "move" in the Old English language.  Oh!  Hearing that Train whistle as I smell Sage reminds me of that mid-afternoon from last year.  Some Sparrows are singing.

                 My Encyclopedia says what Daisy heard on a tv show.  Checkers is a "strategic" game between two players on a board, the "object" being to "capture" all of your opponents round "Pieces;" which are either red or black according to Dais.  A little Lizard went running bye.     

THE "ILIAD" ( THE "TROJAN" WAR)            

                Dais and Millie heard Mr. Phillip say he read how, in Homer's ancient Greek book the "Iliad;" there's a game described which "resembles" Checkers.  I guess, Mr. Steve's father is a good Chess and Checkers player.  That guy Plato also talked about a Checkers type game.

           It says here how, in Checkers each player "take turns" making "diagonal" moves into "unoccupied" squares; "taking" your opponent's piece by "jumping over" it.  I've mentioned before how "Diagonal" means "at an angle."  That Hawk I saw earlier is flying bye. 

                Over the years Mr. Steve has bought and sold Checker sets.  He sold one to a lady from "Jordan," who said Checkers "came from" a Middle Eastern game called "Alquerque;" also played on a "stripe patterned" board.  Russia and Turkey have games like Checkers too.   

        FOUR EARLY "CIVILIZATIONS"                      MARY BEARD IN ROME                                               

             The lady from Jordan told our boss all four of the original civilizations had games similar to Checkers.  Mr. Phillip said, on one of that English lady Mary Beard's tv show segments; she mentioned a "Checkers like" game played in ancient Rome.  Libby just whinnied over there.

          Dais says one time our boss and his mom talked on the phone about how smart that lady Mary Beard is.  If Mr. Steve could borrow Mr. Peabody's Way Back time machine he would go back to see certain events in ancient Roman history Daisy thinks.  Frida and Diego flew bye.  

          Oh!  I forgot to write a few more things about that blind and deaf girl Helen Keller.  In looking at the desert behind the Sheds right now is really making me appreciate how lucky we are to have all of our five senses.  Thank You God for how I'm feeling here sitting on Elvira.

                                                            MARK TWAIN (1835-1910)

            One time our boss and Mr. Bob in "Missouri" talked about that Writer Mark Twain.   It says here he "admired Helen Keller's intelligence and courage, considering her his friend."  I've mentioned a few times how Mr. Steve's mom, after raising a family; went back to College.  

          When in College, Helen Keller was a member of an organization called "Phi Beta Kappa Society;" which my Greek Dictionary says means, "Love of learning is the guide to life."  Hey!  That's like Sister Rita Joseph's idea of a "Lifetime Learner."  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.    

          Boy!  I just thought of how our boss's mom graduated from C.S.U.N. College with a 4.0. "Grade Point Average," studying "Art History" and ending up being what's called "Summa Cum Laude;" or "With Highest Praise" in Latin.  I'm so lucky to have these Dictionaries.    

                                                    "THE MIRACLE WORKER" (1962)

(ANNE SULLIVAN / HELEN KELLER)

            Dais says our boss, even though he was only seven when that movie about Helen Keller came out; made an impression on him.  His dad, a combat Veteran; said Helen Keller "puts me to shame."  He doesn't really like it when you think of yourself as a "Victim" of things. 

           Hey God!  Dais thinks, just like You sent Mr. Steve to rescue us; You probably sent that girl Anne Sullivan as a Guardian Angel to teach and "Take care Of"  Helen Keller.  I've said a few times how Mr. Steve's parents think of Miss Maria as Your "God Send."  I smell Sage.

           According to Daisy, that girl Anne Sullivan taught Helen Keller to live without sight or being able to hear.  Hey God!  Was it You who gave Anne Sullivan the patience to teach Helen Keller?  A small grayish-brown Sparrow carrying a twig in its mouth went running bye.

         HOMER LEA  (1876-1912)         FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE (1844-1900)                   DOUG FLUTIE 

            Boy!  Writing about Hellen Keller makes me think of that little hunchback Homer Lea, who also overcame his disability to write books on military history.  And my favorite Football player Doug Flutie was a great Quarterback despite his small size.  I like to smell Sage.

            I just thought of the Friedrich Nietzsche quote, "That which does not destroy me only makes me stronger."  Helen Keller, and that legless World War II British Pilot Douglas Bader; must've believed that idea.  A Car or Truck is going bye out there on Primavera Road.

               A small flock of Birds is moving toward the northeast over the desert, thin clouds even higher than they are.  Thank You again God for making these first two days of Spring be such good weather.  Behind the Sheds Bravo Company is moving around out there in the desert.

                                                      PETE TOWNSHEND (THE WHO)

                Someday I hope to hear the WHO'S album about that boy "Tommy" who, not only was blind and deaf'; but also "Dumb" too.  Daisy says that doesn't mean you're not smart, but you can't talk.   Wow!  Even with those three things, that kid Tommy was a good Pinball" player.  

                 One time on the phone our boss and his mom talked about how her younger brother, Mr. Steve's Uncle "Celedon;" was also a really talented pinball player when they were growing up back there in New Mexico.  A long line of Ants is going bye down there on the Patio floor.

                According to what is says here in this one Encyclopedia, the WHO'S album Tommy was "released" on May 23rd of 1969.   And, in looking at my list of dates; I can see how that's Mr. Steve's brother Sam's birthday.  The 24th of May is their parents "Wedding Anniversary."

                                                                                                     THE WHO 

                                                                                 ("WON'T GET FOOLED AGAIN" / 1978)  

                  Someday I also want to see the Video Dais told me about of the WHO doing their song called "Won't Get Fooled Again."  Our boss thinks it may be about how, even after a successful "Revolution;" things don't change and the new group becomes corrupt.  Dawn's barking.  

             The Video shows the WHO playing, the Singer, Guitarist and Drummer so "energetic," the Bassist "calm."  The Singer Roger Daltry swings his microphone like a  Cowboy's rope Dais says.  As he screams the Guitarist Pete Townshend slides across the stage on his knees.

            The WHO'S Bassist John Entwistle, and Drummer Keith Moon; don't just "provide a bottom" like many Rythym Sections do.  They play lead, and Mr. Dave noticed how Keith Moon at times "even plays fills" while singing is going on.  Blackbeard and Anne are flying bye.  

                                           "LASERIUM"                                    GRIFFITH PARK OBSERVATORY

              I guess in the WHO'S 1978 Video of Won't Get Fooled Again there's a part where a light show plays over a simple synthesizer.  It looked like the "cutting edge" things "Laser Images," where Mr. Steve and Mark Ritter worked; was doing then.   I can smell Andy over there.

           One time our boss and his Niece Samantha talked about the Griffith Park Observatory, where the "Laserium" show was performed.  Below it is the Greek Theater, where they and Cristina saw that girl Avril Lavigne play.   They also saw the GOO GOO DOLLS there.

            Daisy says our boss told his Niece Samantha he thinks the WHO'S bass player John Entwistle, using a "higher pitched treble" sound to "play background lead;" influenced many later Bassists.   With Keith Moon the Drummer, they created a unique sound.  I like Andy. 

                                  PETE TOWNSHEND                                            KEITH RICHARDS

                                                                                                                                                              PHOTO BY ALLANA TANNENBAUM

           One time our boss and Mr. Rich talked about the WHO'S Guitarist Pete Townshend, who is known for playing "Power Chords" by "swinging his arm" around in a "Windmill" fashion.  Daisy noticed blood on his hand during one part of Won't Get Fooled Again.  I smell Sage.

          Mr. Dave read Pete Townshend got the idea for his windmill technique from watching the ROLLING STONES Guitarist Keith Richard "warming up" before a concert one time.  Our boss and Mr. Rich down there in Sylmar have talked about it.  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.

          Won't Get Fooled Again, besides talking about "the futility of revolution;" tries to show how "spiritual enlightenment" can often come from "interaction between Musicians and the audience" Mr. Dave read. Oh!  Maybe that's describing Rhêma?  Ah!  The air is so clear.    

                                                       ANGELINE  WITH BABIES   

              Ah!  I just noticed Angeline and her new Spring babies standing over there in the dirt near Manny the far right Shed.  So I'll bet the rest of Able Company are around here somewhere.  It's so great how Bravo Company have also already had their babies so early in the year too.

          Yup!   The rest of Able Company is now coming back in from the eastern desert.  They're all streaming through the two vertical slots on either side of the gate and I know they'll go hide underneath one of the Sheds.  Angeline and her babies are now joining in with them.

          As I've written, we spell our Angeline's name different from the "Original" girl she was named after.  When Mr. Steve noticed her, it just so happened he'd read an old article about the 1980's L.A. "Celebrity" whose name was spelled "Angelyne."  I smell some Mesquite.

                                                                                                     "ANGELYNE"                                

               Dais says the Magazine article our boss read when he first noticed our Angeline said the girl drove around Los Angeles in a pink "Corvette."  Back in the 1980's Mr. Steve saw her in it down in Hollywood a few times.  Miss Harriet met Angelyne one time according to Daisy.

           A picture shows Angelyne and her Corvette in front of a Donut Shop with a really giant donut up on its roof.  Wow!  I would be kind of afraid to go inside for fear of that donut falling through the ceiling.  Boy!  A donut that big would probably last you a whole year I'll bet.

          Our boss told Mr. Mark, in the mid-1980's he tried to sell Lakers Season Seats to a Donut shop called "Randy's Donuts;" which also has a huge donut on its roof too.  That L.A. band RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS filmed there one time.  Samson and Delilah are flying bye.

                                                "JAMES MONROE" HIGH SCHOOL ("NORTH HILLS")    

            One time our boss did artwork for this guy from the San Fernando Valley Dais says.  He said he went to "Monroe High School" in the 1960's, and so did that girl Angelyne too.  Speedy Gonzalez just now ran into the desert through the right vertical slot on the side of the gate. 

                  Mr. Steve has been to Monroe High School, and told his brother Sam he once did a line drawing of their "Vikings" logo.   They've both seen Baseball, Football and Soccer games there, and our boss sprained his ankle at "Monroe."  Monroe's colors are red and black I guess.  

            Angeline and her new babies, as part of Able Company of Quail; went underneath Manny the far right Shed.  And they're still there.  But, Bravo Company has been under Moe the middle Shed all of this time and are now coming out; being led by Laverne and Shirley of course. 

                                                             DOUG DECINCES     

               Our boss and his brother Sam talked about this Baseball player named Doug DeCinces who, in the 1980's; played for the Angels.  He went to Monroe and I guess also played with the Baltimore "Orioles" and St. Louis "Cardinals."  He was what's called a "Third Baseman."

           To my left at the end of the Patio Bravo Company is going around the northeast corner of the house.  They're going up front but there isn't any Bird seed left on the ground left below our boss's office window.  But I know for sure there's still some water in the cement Bird Bath. 

               Mr. Rick and our boss one time remembered going to Friday night Football games, some at Monroe.  Mr. Steve, Miss Sandy and Mr. Chris; in the 1970's once listened on a "Transistor" Radio to a David Bowie "Ziggy Stardust" concert.  It was from the "Santa Monica Civic."

                                          
                                                     JAMES MONROE (1758-1831)  

           DRAWING BY GILBERT STUART                               

                 I guess Monroe High School was named after James Monroe, the fifth President of the U.S.  This one Encyclopedia says how, before that; he'd been "Governor" of his home State of "Virginia."  I see my collection of things to chew on over there at the far end of the Patio.

           As a Revolutionary War Soldier that guy James Monroe fought against the British and was even wounded.  It says here he was the President from 1817 to 1825, and it was him who "signed" that "Missouri Compromise" I wrote about yesterday.  The Dragonfly went bye.

              The caption below James Monroe's drawing says he "helped negotiate" the "Louisiana Purchase."  Oh!  He's the only person ever to "simultaneously" hold two Federal "Cabinet" offices," the "Secretary of State" and "War."  I can't wait to chew on my green rubber ball.   

"CROSSING THE DELAWARE" (1776)

PAINTING BY EMANUEL LEUTZE                   

                I'm now looking at that famous painting of George Washington's army "crossing" the Delaware River, in freezing cold; on Christmas day in 1776.  The caption says James Monroe is behind him holding a flag.  I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve's parents saw that painting.

           The painting shows George Washington on the way to totally surprise-attack and kill the German "Hessians" working for the British during the Revolutionary War.   His "Continental" Army won the "Battle of Trenton," and you can tell it was really cold then.  I smell Sage.

           Daisy says one time our boss's mom told him on the phone about seeing that painting at New York City's "Metropolitan Museum.  Mr. Steve's mom, as a good Painter herself; admired it a lot; and one time told Mr. Hussein about it.   Blackbeard and Anne just now flew bye.      

                                                                                            MR. MARK / SONS                                                                    

                  Over the years our boss and Mr. Mark have talked about President Monroe sending some American blacks back to Africa to establish "Liberia."  Mr. Mark thinks all the African nations should "Unify" just like a "Union."  Karl Marx wrote about "Collective" power. 

            I notice the Liberian flag sort of looks like, or resembles; the U.S. flag.  Yesterday in my first book I mentioned how Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln thought all of the black people should be returned to Africa.  And many of the "Abolitionists" agreed with them.

             James Monroe is known for the "Monroe Doctrine."  I guess, he warned the European countries not to "Meddle" in the "Affairs" of countries in Central and South America; as that was our "Sphere of Influence" alone he said.   There's a vapor trail up in the midday sky.                                                   

           "WAKE UP CALL"                                HEATHCLIFF WITH HENS               

            Heathcliff crowed, which makes me think of how right Dais is in saying his voice makes makes us feel good; and gives us a sense of hope.  Thank You so much God for Heathcliff, and also giving us these two acres to guard.  Heathcliff's Hens are clucking and sound happy.    

            Daisy says before I came to live here Heathcliff sometimes crowed during the middle of the day but not as much as yesterday and today.  I sure hope she's right and one of his Hens had babies so he's overly happy!  Andy's over there sniffing the air in guarding their burrow.

           Boy!  I feel "Invigorated" in hearing Heathcliff.  Six more chapters to go today in book two, two more in this second part.  And like yesterday, which was the "Vernal Equinox;" I have about twelve hours of new Springtime sunlight in order to write my book.  Libby neighed.

    PITTSBURGH "PIRATES" /OAKLAND "ATHLETICS"         

           Looking at the green Arborvitae bushes makes me think of our boss's favorite Baseball team the Oakland "Athletics."   A photo shows an "A's" player sliding into a base against Mr. Rick's favorite team the Pittsburgh "Pirates."  I love the uniforms shown in the picture.

           I wrote yesterday how the A's were in Kansas City when our boss became their fan as a kid.  That's when he found out their "Primary" color was green like his S.I.B.L. Little League team the "Pirates."  The Major League Pirates use black, yellow and white I notice.   

           The A's and Pirates are in different leagues so rarely play each other so that picture is kind of rare.  When that man Charles O. Finley bought the A's in 1960, he changed the team's primary color from navy blue to what he called bright "Irish Kelly" green.  I smell Sage. 

                    PIRATES                                 PENGUINS                           STEELERS   

            I've mentioned how "Pittsburgh" is the only major American city whose "Professional" sports teams wear the same color scheme.  The Pirates, Penguins and Steelers all use black as a primary color; white an yellow the secondary colors.  I like seeing clouds up in the sky.

           The two pictures of the "Pirates" shows them wearing "flat-topped 19th century style" Baseball hats.  Dais heard Major League teams wore them in the 1970's, and our boss has a few of them in the guest bedroom; one like what the A's used to wear.  Heathcliff crowed.  

           Boy!  I think I kind of like Daisy's idea that, like Pittsburgh; each city have it's own color scheme as then you'd have loyalty to the city.   I guess, in the mid-1960's the Football Rams and Dodgers in Baseball both had royal blue and white uniforms.   I smell Andy over there. 

                                                                     MR. RICK       

             Dais and Millie were in our boss's office and heard him talking about Baseball with Mr. Rick.  Even though he and his family now live out here in California, Mr. Rick still "Roots" for the Pittsburgh sports teams.  Other people here in Los Angeles are like that too Dais heard.

           Mr. Steve's brother Sam's favorite Football team is also the Steelers, that's why he gave him one of their Baseball caps.  Our boss doesn't give Christmas gifts anymore, but does if he sees something he knows a particular person will really like.  It was cold at Christmas. 

               Based only on pictures, if I'm ever on a team I'd want royal blue and white uniforms like the Dodgers.  Mr. Steve's mom, unlike most people; noticed how the Dodgers also have a "tiny bit" of red on their uniforms.  The small numbers on the front of their shirts are in red.

                                            STYX                                               "HADES" (CROSSING THE RIVER STYX)

          Daisy heard Mr. Rick say one of his favorite songs is "Blue Collar Man," by that band from "Chicago" called STYX.  Our boss jokes with him about being from "Pittsburgh," which    has been called a "Blue Collar City."  Mr. Steve and his sister Susan saw a STYX concert.            

          How clever it was to take their band name from that one ancient Greek story, where the Souls of the dead are ferried across the River "Styx," and then to "Hades.  Dais says that lady      Edith Hamilton wrote about it.  STYX have "catchy and melodic" songs Mr. Dave thinks.            

          One time Daisy and Millie heard our boss tell Mr. Dave he's played drums along to a few of the STYX songs.  Daisy told me Millie liked the one about "Miss America," and so does our boss's sister Susan; who was in the "Miss California" Beauty Contest.  Heathcliff crowed.                                                                       

  MR. PHILLIP     

        I guess, STYX'S song Blue Collar Man is about this guy who doesn't like having to get  "Unemployment Benefits;" or what Mr. Phillip the Honda Parts Manager from Wales one time    called being "on the dole."  A dole might be a list Dais thinks.  I like Heathcliff over there.            

       Our boss and Mr. Rich, who was in that band DRAGPIPE with three Guitarists; talked about STYX having two Guitarists and an Organist too.  Mr. Steve thinks the reason why their    bass and drums rhythm section is "so tight" is because they're brothers.  I smell Sage.                   

       Daisy thinks STYX songs have good lead singing, their "blended harmonies" by the two Guitarist's "not quite" as good as the BEE GEES; but "almost."  Over the next two days I'll        learn more about ancient Greece and Rome.  A little Lizard ran bye out there in the dirt.              

      ANDY AND HELEN               

                  Oh!   Andy and Helen are standing on their favorite boulder, obviously taking a break from guarding and protecting their new Spring babies down there in the burrow.  Even so, if I know them, which I do by now; they're still alert and not being lazy.  Libby whinnied.  

            I sure do hope Daisy's right in thinking, even though our boss doesn't "follow" Popular Culture Entertainment" anymore; he'll be impressed if I write about things from times when he did.  Andy and Helen's scents are starting to blend a lot more I notice.  Dais noticed it too.    

          Wow!  Heathcliff crowed.  And that suddenly reminds of a time last year when he crowed as I was smelling Andy and Helen standing on their rock.  Oh!  And, like last year; right now the four Pigeons just flew back in from being out in the desert and are landing on the Patio roof.  

THE FOUR PIGEONS    

                 Hey God!  Thank You for the good feeling I'm having right now in seeing the Pigeons.   Daisy is so right in always saying we're blessed in having these two acres to live on and guard.  Andy and Helen ran over to their burrow, she going back down to take care of the babies.    

            A Freight Train whistled faintly over to my left, out in the northern desert.  Dais says the railroad tracks are kind of near that "California Aqueduct," both taking something down to Los Angeles.  Ah!  I hear the Pigeons cooing up there, and that is giving me a good feeling. 

           Dawn and Blinky are barking, and their blended scents just floated into me sitting over here on the Patio.  A Sparrow ran bye, and now took off and is flying away; with a twig in it's mouth.  That Train will go bye "Littlerock" where Mr. Steve 's brother Sam's family lives.

                                                                                                               "TRAVEL TOWN" MUSEUM     

            Oh!  Hearing the Train reminds me that yesterday I missed on my outline a good Train Museum in Los Angeles called "Travel Town."  It's in "Griffith Park" which I mentioned in my first book a few times.  Daisy says our boss described it as a "Mock" Rail Yard to his mom.  

            Mr. Steve and his High School girlfriend Miss Sandy visited Travel Town.  They also at times went to the L.A. Zoo, Gene Autry Museum, the Observatory and Greek Theater which are also in Griffith Park.  Daisy told me about a good Huell Howser segment on Travel Town.

           I just thought of Grandpa Trujillo working at the "Santa Fe Railroad Company" for all those years.  Daisy heard our boss and his mom talk about field trips to Griffith Park she and Mrs. Lindsey took their Girl Scout troops on.   Oh!  Too bad the Pigeons are flying away.

                                       "LEMMY"  KILMEISTER (MOTÖRHEAD) 

               Yesterday I wrote, in the late 1970's; Mr. Steve's brother Rock was a "Counselor" at a "Boy's Camp" in Griffith Park.  His nickname was "HAWKWIND" just like the band that guy "Lemmy" was in before starting MOTÖRHEAD.  Boy!  I wish the Pigeons had stayed longer.

            In 1998, at the "Rainbow" in Hollywood Mr. Steve told Lemmy his brother's nickname and he said, "Oh yeh.  A good band that."  At least that's Mr. Steve thinks he said but his British accent was "Thick."  Lemmy and Mr. Steve both have some Nazi hats and also helmets too.

                 Our boss and Miss Sandy visited his brother at the Boy's Camp and went swimming in a pool.  As kids Mr. Steve and his brother attended a "Catholic Youth Organization" Camp in Griffith Park.  Mr. Dave the Photographer and Mr. Armando were also Counselors too.

    LEMMY                                                                  MR. RICH     

                Daisy and Millie once heard our boss talking on the phone with Mr. Rich about that guy Lemmy playing "Rickenbacker" brand bass guitars.  I guess the Rickenbacker company is located right here in Southern California, in "Orange County."   I smell a Joshua tree.

           Oh!  My Encyclopedia says in 1932, the same exact year Mr. Steve's dad was born; that Rickenbacker company built the very "first electric" guitar.  Mr. Rich said, besides Lemmy; Paul McCartney used Rickenbacker bass's after leaving the BEATLES.   Dawn's barking.

          Mr. Rich and our boss talked about how RUSH'S Geddy Lee, and Steve Howe from that band YES; also use Rickenbacker bass guitars.  Whenever Mr. Steve wants to let people hear what a Rickenbacker sounds like he plays them YES'S song "Roundabout."  I like Dawn.   

ADOLPH RICKENBACHER (1887-1976)    GEORGE BEAUCHAMP (1899-1941)

                It says here the Rickenbacker company is named after this "Swiss" man named Adolph Rickenbacher.  As "partners," he and another guy named George Beauchamp started their company in 1931.  An old fuzzy picture shows that first "electrically amplified" guitar.  

           Mr. Mark read that first electric "Steel" guitar was used in "Hawaiian" music.  I guess, there are three main types of steel guitars; where you slide a steel "bar" along  the strings while "plucking."  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are flying over Libby's Corral. 

          Dais heard Mr. Mark tell our boss about "Resonator" type steel guitars, some played on your lap; another version with a "pedal."  Country music uses those pedal ones Dais noticed.  I just glanced up and see two slowly extending vapor trails crisscrossed up there in the sky. 

EDDIE RICKENBACKER (1890-1973)  

               Oh!  Adolph Rickenbacher's Cousin was Eddie Rickenbacker, the World War I "Ace."  A "Colorized" photo shows him with his Plane.  Our boss read that Mexican Painter Frida Khalo was taught how to color black and white prints by her father who was a Photographer.

           It says here Eddie Rickenbacker, who I'll learn about tomorrow; shot down "twenty six" German Planes in winning a "Medal of Honor."  He was also a Race Car Driver and "head" of "Eastern Airlines."  Pilots then tied scarves around their necks to keep blood in their heads.

          Daisy says our boss and Mr. Rich talked about a 1950's "Double Necked" Rickenbacker guitar.  Mr. Steve read Adolph Rickenbacher, and his Cousin; "Anglicized" their name because the German's were the "enemy" in World War I.   They also changed the spelling too.   

GREGORY "PAPPY" BOYINGTON (1912-1988)     

                 Oh!  I just noticed that, when I wrote about the "Pacific" Theater earlier, I missed this "Marine Corps" Fighter Pilot named "Pappy" Boyington.  He tied Eddie Rickenbacker's record of twenty six "Kills" by shooting down Japanese Planes in World War II.  Dawn's barking.

             Ah!  I notice how that guy Pappy Boyington was born on December the 4th just like Mr. Steve's Niece Stephanie.  Daisy heard our boss's dad tell him about the time when he and mom met Pappy Boyington at a Banquet.  I've mentioned how Frank Zappa died on December 4.

            It would be so great to be one of those "Aces" like Eddie Rickenbacker and later Pappy Boyington.  Everyone would like you and name things after you, which from what Dais heard is what happened to Pappy Boyington.  I can smell Blinky and Rosie standing next to Dawn.  

VMF-214 "BLACK SHEEP" SQUADRON

                                                                                                                   PAINTING BY ROY GRINNELL

                  It says here in 1943 Pappy Boyington was the leader of Pilots in what everyone called the "Black Sheep Squadron."   They flew F4U "Corsairs," and a really good painting shows Pappy Boyington shooting down a Japanese Fighter Plane.  I smell that little baby Cholla cactus.

            Daisy says, our boss's father told him "Pappy" is a nickname based on the fact he was "older" than everyone else in the unit he commanded; another nickname being "Gramps."  He  must have been brave in order to win one of those Medals of Honor.  A Lizard ran bye. 

           Mr. Steve's customer in Northern California told him Pappy Boyington, who grew up in "Washington" State; died in "Fresno near him.  Like that other guy Audie Murphy, I guess he was buried in that "Arlington Cemetery" Mr. Steve visited in 2008.   Libby whinnied.

        P-40 "FLYING TIGERS"           

        (CHINA CAMPAIGN / 1940-1941)              

       Dais heard our boss talking with Mr. Dave one time about those "Volunteer" American Pilots who helped China fight Japan before World War II.  They were called "Flying Tigers" for the way they painted their Planes.  The baby Cholla's scent makes me feel good right now.            

        Our boss told Mr. Dave as a kid he built this model of the "F-40" Airplane flown by the Flying Tigers, and also a blue "bent winged" Corsair" like the ones Pappy Boyington used later in the South Pacific.  But, both were lost in the 1971 earthquake.   I smell Bravo Company.           

         Mr. Dave read that Pappy Boyington was part "Brule Sioux" Indian.  It says here, in 1944 he got "shot down;" so was a prisoner for the remainder of World War II.  Before fighting in the South Pacific Pappy Boyington had already fought the Japanese in the "Burma" campaign.                         

       CLAIRE CHENAULT (1893-1958)           

            The leader of the Flying Tigers in China was Claire Chenault.  Our boss told his father, before the recession his Grandson was his customer at this "Honda" dealership in Texas; so of course they discussed his Grandfather.  Cher just went jogging bye in front of the Sheds.

           According to what it says here in this Encyclopedia, once the U.S. "entered" into World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor; Pappy Boyington left China and went to be a Marine again.  All four of the Pigeons flew over Libby's Corral.  Some of the Ducks are quacking.

           Mr. Steve's mom said, when they met Pappy Boyington at the Banquet; his wife was very nice too.  I've mentioned a few times before how Mr. Steve and his family have been to a few of those fancy dinner events over the years.  A Sparrow ran bye holding a twig in its mouth. 

          CAST             "BAA BAA BLACK SHEEP"      ROBERT CONRAD       

            Mr. Dave told our boss he "liked"   the 1970's tv show based on Pappy Boyington's time in the South Pacific fighting the Japanese.  He read the real Pappy Boyington and his men in the VMF-214 said the tv show was kind of "exaggerated."  I can smell some Beavertail cactus.           

           I guess, in the tv show Pappy Boyington had a Bulldog; but in real life that wasn't true.  Our boss and Mr. Dave talked about those blue Corsair's with their bent wing design.  Samson    and Delilah are coasting toward the northeast, way up there in the mid-afternoon sky.                   

          Daisy heard our boss and his father talk about how Pappy Boyington said in real life his time in the Pacific Theater was more like "hours of boredom with short periods of excitement."  Mr. Steve's father thinks that's a good "assessment of most wars."  Heathcliff just crowed.                                           

"THE WILD WILD WEST"        

                 Daisy told me about this other good tv show called "The Wild, Wild West."  The Actor who played Pappy Boyington was the main star.   Mr. Dave joked The Wild, Wild West is like "James Bond in the 19th century" because of all these amazing "Gadgets" they used.   

            I guess, The Wild, Wild West was "Set" in early 1870's America, when Ulysses S. Grant was President.  And just like James Bond and Maxwell Smart, "Secret Agents" fight evil bad guys; one being a little ingenious midget named Dr. Loveless Days says.  I smell Mesquite.

           Mr. Dave remembered how each The Wild, Wild West episode began with a "title" using the phrase "The Night."  I guess, from what Dais heard; it was kind of like a "Science Fiction" tv show about "Espionage" and things like that.  Frida and Diego are flying to the east.

"THE WILD, WILD WEST"                                              CAROL KAYE                

             I've mentioned that lady Carol Kaye a few times already in my first two books.  She was a "Session" Musician who, in the 1960's "Anonymously" played bass on many songs, like the BEACH BOYS "GOOD VIBRATIONS.  She played on The Wild, Wild West "Theme."

            Daisy says our boss told Mr. Dave how, as a kid; he had his mom watch the opening of The Wild, Wild West episodes when the theme song was playing.  He knew she'd find it so clever the way the Artist's edited the cartoon characters movements.  A Train whistled faintly.   

           Mr. Dave jokingly described The Wild, Wild West as "007 riding a Horse."  The Secret Agents always "Foiled" the bad guys plans, or protected President Grant I guess.  One of their biggest "Villains," that little guy "Dr. Loveless;" is smart but is on the side of evil Dais says.

"STEAMPUNK"     

       ARTWORK BY GASI                                                                                                                                                                                 

          One of Mr. Dave's old Motorcycle Shop customers liked "Steampunk."  I guess, they're "Science Fiction" stories about an imaginary 19th century England; so at the time of Queen      Victoria.   That same Train is closer now because the whistle is louder than the last one.                

        Mr. Dave's customer said Steampunk is, "alternative history before electricity;" where "steam powers" many ingenious things.  He used the word "fantasy," and also the phrase "a        subgenre of science fiction;" to describe it Daisy heard.  I can smell Goliath around here.              

        Aha!  Goliath, with Andy watching him closely; is now crawling out into the back desert through the left vertical gate slot.  He must've been resting under Moe the middle Shed.  Out in    the desert either a Car or Truck went bye fast and all the dust it raised is still lingering.                                                                          

                      JULES VERNE (1822-1905)                         H.G. WELLS (1866-1946)      

             According to what Mr. Dave's Motorcycle Shop customer said, Steampunk seems to have been influenced by those two Writers H.G. Welles and Jules Verne.  I'm looking forward to in the future someday reading their stories.  I'm getting really good at reading and writing.

          Dais heard how some Steam Punks wear those heavy "Jack" boots, like the ones Hitler's "Storm Troopers" wore.  In the late 1970's our boss, Mark Ritter and Mr. Doug saw Punks here and L.A. wearing Jack Boots, because they were good "in a fight."  A Train whistled.

         Ah!  I just love breathing in fresh air through my nose, because it makes me feel alive; and grateful to be sitting here on the Patio.  Thank You again God for supplying me with Elvira to be my friend.  A flock of from way down here looks like Pigeons is flying toward the northeast.  

  "FREIGHT" TRAIN              

               That Freight Train whistled again but this time it's slightly louder.  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies, who are all sleeping soundly up there in the nest near the Patio roof.  The early afternoon sky has a few long skinny wispy clouds hanging high above the eastern desert.

            Boy God!  Thank You Guys up there for helping me do these what have turned out to be really long books.  But I now love looking things up and learning new things, while at the same time practicing and practicing writing.  I'll keep working hard today again like yesterday.

           I'm now pretty sure I'm more right pawed, but when my right paw gets tired I've tried to write left-handed; which seems a lot harder alright.  But, if I practiced more I think I could be like Mr. Steve in being able to do some things either right or left-handed.  I smell Juniper.   

             DAISY / MAGGIE                  FRONT YARD                         REX                                 

                  I wonder what Dais is doing up there in the front yard?  Last night we talked about me someday riding in one of our vehicles.  I think I'll try Theodora first but Dais says I would like Barny too. She used to ride around in Rex but is too big and heavy to get up in the cab now.

           There's a half circle vapor trail way up in the high blue afternoon sky.  Hey God!  As You know now now, I've decided to try going for a ride in Theodora the Lincoln!   Daisy will tell me how I've said that before and then chickened out, and it's been well over a year already.         

             Boy!  No matter how many times I think of it, the more it amazes me how anyone could make a Car, Truck or Train.  But, even just figuring out how to use metal way back in the early days of civilization is astounding to me.  That Train whistled faintly again, moving west.

                                                  SAM /YOLANDA AND FAMILY   

            I can tell by the sound of the whistle the Train is now moving away from us back here in Piñon Hills.  It will take it's freight westward, past Pearblossum and then Littlerock; where Mr. Steve's brother Sam lives with his family.  The four Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral. 

           As they loaded Rex one time, our boss told Mr. Randy the railroad tracks in Piñon Hills also go bye Mr. Steve's brother Sam's house in Littlerock.  I've said a few times in these first two books, Sam and Yolanda have three kids, Mathew, Sammy Jr. And Raqquel.  Dawn barking.     

           Mr. Steve says all three of Sam and Yolanda's children "are good athletes" in sports like Baseball and Volleyball.  He told Mr. Randy they "inherited" that from their parents who were both also good Athletes.  Heathcliff just crowed and I can hear his Hens clucking over there.  

                                                                J.GEILS BAND     

        Our boss's brother Sam told him about seeing the J. GEILS BAND.  I guess, they're from the city of "Boston;" and he thinks their harmonica player is "so amazing."  Boston is near to      Connecticut, or where their sister Susan now lives with her two sons Dalton and Austin.                

         That "J.GEILS" record, from 1972 when Mr. Steve was in 11th Grade at Sylmar High; is  "Live."  On one song the Guitarist sounds just like a real Chicken according to Dais.  Our boss told Mr. Rich J.GEILS was "one of those bands who were better live than in the studio."              

         For some reason I just thought of how for a long time our boss "kept" those fresh water fish tank "Aquariums."  He gave advise on that to Jason who's learning to play guitar, and told him about the beautiful fish tank his Sister-in Law Yolanda has at their house.  I smell Sage.                                            "FRESH" WATER AQUARIUM                                "RED TAIL" SHARK                    

         Mr. Steve told Jason about "fresh" water Sharks, which are "related" more to "Carp" than "salt" water Ocean Sharks.  As a kid our boss was interested when he found out there was    such a thing as a "fresh water" Fish "called" a Shark.  Two Lizards are fighting in the dirt.         

         They "aren't shaped" like Ocean Sharks our boss says, but "Red Tail" Sharks do have "torpedo like" bodies, with a "rigid dorsal fin" on its back.  For "agility," they have "powerful    "caudal fins," and "flat pectoral fins" for "maneuverability."  Andy's sniffing the air.                   

           Our boss says Red Tail Sharks, who are from Southeast Asia; "can live a long time" and "get really big."  Some are "cautious and flighty," others "aggressive."  They can both "cruise    around slowly," or "accelerate quickly to high speed."   Some of the Ducks are quacking.             

"BALA" SHARK         

      Daisy says our boss told Jason about "Bala" Sharks, who also live in fresh water, are "shaped like Red Tails;" but are silver and black.  A "Schooling" Fish, they're more "peaceful"   than Red Tails; a "Solitary" Fish.  Bala Sharks can also get big so you "need a big tank."            

          I guess, Bala Sharks "will jump out" of the tank so; "it's good to have floating plants to discourage them" Mr. Steve said.  There are "Albino," or all white Red Tail Shark.  Over the        years Mr. Steve had many types of "Catfish," who are some of those "Bottom Dwellers."              

       Back in 2006 our boss met this man who told him the year before the "world's biggest" Catfish had been caught in his country of "Thailand."  It was over nine feet long, weighed over    six hundred pounds; and "it took more than one hour to haul in."  Libby just whinnied.                                   

"GIANT" CATFISH           

("MEKONG" RIVER / THAILAND / 2005)

PHOTO BY SUTHEP KRITSANAVARIN            

         I guess, the man from Thailand said they "tried" to keep the Catfish alive but it died; so people in a village ate it.  Eating it "you get its long life spirit," so "maybe good luck" he said.      Some Chinese believe eating a Giant Catfish "makes you smart to know how to live longer."        

         The man said some Catfish in Thailand are so big they "eat dogs."  There are people who think Giant Catfish are "sacred," because they "stay still and meditate" like a Buddhist Monk.    In a Fish Tank Catfish, like Red Tail Sharks and other Fish; need places to hide and rest.              

        Mr. Steve told Jason you have to make sure you have a good "filtration" system on a Fish Tank.  And, it's way better for the Fish if there's some "water movement;" because that makes a lot more "Oxygen" in there.  Samson and Delilah are flying over Libby's Corral over there.         

                                     P-51 "MUSTANGS" ("RED TAILS")                         "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN"                                  PAINTING BY COLIN PARKER                                                                                                       

      Seeing a thin vapor trail up in the sky makes me think of those War II black Pilots the "Tuskegee Airmen."  Even though in the 1940's most white people thought them inferior; they     were allowed to fly Planes.  And I guess they really "Proved Themselves" as they say.                   

        I mentioned in book one how, as "Escort" Fighters protecting Bombers; those Tuskegee Airmen flew P-51 "Mustangs."  Like Red Tail Sharks, their rear "Tails" made the Germans call the "Rd Tails."  Anyway, I know Dais has me scheduled to learn about them tomorrow.                 

        Ah!  All of a sudden I'm hearing GENESIS'S song "Musical Box."  Mr. Steve likes songs that have "time" or "signature" changes in them, especially going from soft to loud; or back to soft.  That's why he likes "Prog" Rock bands.  I love the good flute playing in Musical Box.                           

JOHN LEE HOOKER (1912-2001) 

          All of a sudden I'm now hearing CANNED HEAT'S "Goin Up the Country," which is making me think of that guy John Lee Hooker, who I wrote yesterday died on the same day in      2001 as Mr. Steve's Grandma Trujillo.  Boy!  I love how clear the afternoon air is right now.         

       I guess, from what our boss and Mr. Dave talked about one time; John Lee Hooker's "Blues" influenced a lot of later Musicians, like the bands CANNED HEAT and ZZ TOP for example.  Bravo Company's scent just came floating into me sitting here on the Patio.                   

           Oh!  Goliath the Gopher Snake, with Andy watching him; is using the left vertical slot on the gate's side to crawl out into the back desert.  He must've been under a Shed, or one of the wood piles Mr. Mike cut up with his loud chain saw.  Blackbeard and Anne are flying bye. 

                                                              BILL MAZERSOKI  

                                                               (1960 "WORLD SERIES")

               Seeing Blackbeard and Anne makes me think for some reason of that Baseball team the Pittsburgh "Pirates."  I've mentioned how that's Mr. Rick favorite team because his family is from Pittsburgh.  Daisy says our boss has done line drawings of the different Pirates logos.

            My Encyclopedia says the Pirates "Franchise" is "one of oldest in Baseball."  A picture shows Bill Mazeroski "joyously circling" the bases after hitting a "game-winning" Home Run to beat the N.Y. "Yankees" in the 1960 World Series.  Boy!  I suddenly feel like celebrating.

           Because of Mr. Rick, our boss and his brother Rock saw the Pirates play a few times over the years; so got to see Bill Mazeroski "take infield practice" before the game.  They all think, as a "Second Baseman;" he had the quickest "Hands" they ever saw in person.  I smell Sage.
                                                     

                                                     ROBERTO CLEMENTE (1934-1972)

             Yesterday I wrote about that guy from "Puerto Rico" Roberto Clemente, who Mr. Steve says is the "best player" he saw in person.  And, because he was on the Pirates; they saw him a number of times.  I've mentioned before how Puerto Rico means "Rich Port" in English.  

            Roberto Clemente, like Ritchie Valens, Audie Murphy and Rocky Marciano, was killed in a Plane crash; in his case delivering supplies to earthquake victims.  A man told my boss he got married in "San Fernando," Puerto Rico.  Stevie Ray Vaughan died in a Helicopter crash.   

            In our boss, his brother Rock and Mr. Rick think, in their "Subjective" opinion; Roberto Clemente was better than Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle in four of the five categories they suse to measure it.  Mr. Steve and his mom visited the California coastal city of "San Clemente."

                             "SAINT FERDINAND" CHURCH            

                                                                PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

             Our boss met Mr. Rick in 1961, a year after Bill Mazeroski hit that Home Run; when his family moved to Sylmar from Pittsburgh.  Mr. Rick and his sister Michele became Students at Saint Ferdinand's.  A flock of Birds is moving toward the northeast way up there in the sky.  

             Because of their friendship Mr. Steve is interested in the history of Pittsburgh, while Mr. Rick has learned about New Mexico.  Our boss's customer "Joe" in Pittsburgh, who's a Pirates fan; buys some things for his "Mitsubishi" dealership near to the "Monongahela" River.

            Mr. Steve says Bill Mazeroski's "ball transfer" on a "Double Play" was like a Magician's "slight of hand."  He jokes it was "like watching Stevie Ray Vaughan play guitar."  He copied his technique of catching a ball on top of a closed mitt so you can throw it to first base quicker.

                                                       HARVEY HADDIX JR. (1925-1994)  

        I just looked up Harvey Haddix Jr., a good left-handed Pirates Pitcher.  In 1959, the year before Bill Mazeroski's Home Run; Harvey Haddix "threw" what they call a "Perfect Game."    That means not even one "opposing" team batter got "On Base" against him in the game.            

      Mr. Steve says a Perfect Game is better than a "No-Hitter."  There are nine "Innings" per game and three "Outs" per inning so, to win; you have to get twenty seven outs.  And what's so    amazing about Harvey Haddix's Perfect Game he "lost" 1-0!   I can smell some Mesquite.            

  Wow!  I guess, not only did Harvey Haddix pitch a nine inning Perfect Game, he threw a Perfect Game for twelve innings!  But, in the 13th inning; he finally gave up a hit and it ended      up costing him the game.  Mr. Steve's father still remembers hearing about that game.                                                                                                                    

                     LEW BURDETTE (1926-2007)                   

          Our boss one time talked with Mr. Rick about the Harvey Haddix game.  In that game he "faced" the "Braves," who were then located in the city of "Milwaukee."  I've mentioned a few    times in my books how Mr. Mark's family are in Hawaii; but he's originally from Milwaukee.      

         My Encyclopedia has a picture of another guy named Lew Burdette; the opposing Pitcher to Harvey Haddix in 1959.  Even though he gave up "Hits" and had a few Pirate runners get on base that day, he also pitched a "Shutout;" so didn't give up any "Runs" either.  I smell Sage.      

       I guess, in 1959 Harvey Haddix "dominated" the Braves "Lineup" so much; a powerful "Home Run Hitter" named Eddie Mathews was "ordered" to do a "Sacrifice Bunt."  He had to purposely make an out in order to "Move the Runner" along.   That's unusual Daisy heard.                                                                                                                                                                                          HANK AARON  (ATLANTA "BRAVES")                                         

           I just thought of 1971, when our boss went with his dad on a business trip.  By then the Braves had moved there from Milwaukee, so Mr. Steve went to that game against the Montreal    "Expos;" and got to see Hank Aaron hit a Home Run.  Two of the Pigeons are flying bye.              

        Our boss says in 1959 Harvey Haddix "played chess" with the Braves Hitters.  He didn't throw hard but, smartly; "mixed up" and "located" his two types of pitches.  Even Hank Aaron  went hitless, and it didn't matter that the Brave's were "stealing" the Catcher's "Signs."              

        Unlike most "Franchises," such as the A's; the Pirates have only "Represented" one city.  The Braves were originally in Boston, near where Mr. Steve's sister Susan lives with her sons.  In 1959, the "Milwaukee" Braves were in their second World Series in a row so weren't weak.          

     MR. MARK / SONS TAJ, DYLAN      "BIG ISLAND REPORTER"        MR. MARK / WIFE KIM                

          I've mentioned a few times how Mr. Mark, Miss Kim; and their boys Taj and Dylan live in Hawaii.  Someday I'll read Mr. Mark's "Internet" Newspaper, and hear some of the songs he's    done as his one man band BLUE TURBAN STONE.  Miss Kim grew up in "Oakland."                 

  Our boss met Mr. Mark back in 1984, when they and Miss Helen sold season seats and advertising for the company that owned the Forum, and teams who played there.  By that time Mr. Mark had moved from Milwaukee out here to California.  I smell Andy over there.                 

         Mr. Mark knows about Milwaukee sports teams, like the Baseball "Brewers" or Basketball "Bucks."  Mr. Steve told him about that game he saw in Atlanta.  Even though Mr. Steve doesn't really "follow" sports anymore, he at times watches news "Highlights."  Andy sees me.                       

                         DAWN                                  BLINKY                                       ROSIE    

           Dawn's barking over there next door, and now her and Blinky and Rosie's scents floated in to my right nostril.  Hey!  Old Rosie just barked a little bit, which is a kind of a rare thing, mainly because of how old she is.  I wonder if Daisy up there in the front yard heard that?  

          It's about two o clock judging by the Sun and shadows.  This morning they were longer and leaning toward me but now they're leaning away from me over here in the Patio.  Boy!  It's so weird to hear Rosie's voice, and all of a sudden it's giving me a really good feeling.  

          Speedy Gonzalez just ran into the desert.  No matter how many times I see he, Rudy or Jack run at full speed through the gate slot; it ""Never Ceases to Amaze" me.  How they don't hit the steel pipes on either side is impressive.  The scent of a Beavertail cactus floated in.  

"BEAVERTAIL" CACTUS         

            I just thought of how that "Tongvan" lady Mr. Steve met at the "Knights of Columbus" hall in San Fernando told him in her language the word for Beavertail cactus' is "Naavot."  And us Dogs are called "Woshii."  Mr. Dave says he's known a few Tongvan people in his life.

           The Sun is now all the way over on the west side of the house behind me, so the Sheds are fully in sunlight.  Max the Hummingbird zoomed bye and, like yesterday; his girlfriend 99 isn't with him.  Dais is probably right in thinking she's too busy in making their Spring nest. 

           Again today I've been able to keep to my timetable of doing one chapter for each hour of available sunlight.  Theodora came running around the northeast corner of the house over there at the far end of the Patio to my left.  She just hopped up into her favorite Creosote bush.  

    "RED-HEADED" WOODPECKER       

               PHOTO BY ROLAND GORDAHL                      

               Ah!   A red-headed Woodpecker is standing on the trunk of the Mulberry tree.  I haven't seen a Woodpecker since last Autumn, and want to think it's another sign that this is going to be a really good year.  The big Mulberry tree still hasn't grown any of the leaves yet this season.    

            Daisy likes looking at Woodpeckers and so do I.  Some have black heads but Miss Susan says the red-headed ones mostly live up in the San Gabriel Mountains to our south, especially in the forests around Wrightwood.  Boy!  Woodpecker beaks must be really hard I think.  

            Mr. Mike said Woodpeckers use their beaks as "chisels" and "crowbars," to dig in the wood.  Miss Susan told our boss they do it for three things; find Bugs to eat, dig out a hole for a house to live in, or send out signals to the other Woodpeckers.  Theodora's looking at me.  

                                                                                         MR. MIKE / DEAD WOODPECKER                                    OUR GRAVEYARD

                 I remember last Summer, when a red-headed Woodpecker accidentally crashed head first into the front of our house; breaking its neck.  Mr. Steve buried it in our Graveyard near the driveway, where Lucy, Millie and Blackie are already buried.  A small Lizard ran bye.

             Until Dais pointed it out to me I'd never noticed that Woodpecker's feet are different from other Birds.  Instead of three toes in front and one in back, they have two toes sticking to the side; and one that extends strait backward.  Woodpeckers have very sharp claws.  

            Miss Susan thinks Woodpecker feet are evolved to hold tighter onto the tree as they dig out the wood.  Mr. Mike thinks their long stiff tail feathers push down on the tree trunk to form a "three-pronged tripod" for better "leverage."  Samson and Delilah are flying the the east.  

                                                WINNIE /WOODY WOODPECKERS  

            Boy!  I kind of hope we go in the living room tomorrow morning to watch cartoons, even though I'm scheduled to work on my third book.  Daisy and I both like that funny Woodpecker named "Woody" and his girlfriend "Winnie."  Theodora is flying into the northern desert.

           That Woodpecker Woody has a very unique laugh and Daisy really likes his song too.  He always cuts his way into the Cartoon then says, "Guess Who?"  Someday I really want to hear that 1960's song "American Woman" by the Canadian band called the GUESS WHO.   

                 Daisy thinks boy Woodpeckers at times hammer their beaks on trees to impress the girl Woodpeckers.  The red-headed Woodpecker just took off and zoomed into the desert behind the three Sheds.  I can now  smell Bravo Company out there, even though I don't see them.

                                                                      MR. DAVE    

                   I just thought of how Mr. Dave back there in New Mexico is called "Drummer Dave."  His "Hupa" Indian tribe from Northern California "admire" red-headed Woodpeckers, and even make "capes" using their red feathers he said.  The strong scent of Sage came in. 

            What a coincidence that as I smell Sage, I just happen to be mentioning Mr. Dave; who sent us some Sage from New Mexico.  Someday I want to see how it smells when our boss burns it in the house.  I just noticed a Lizard standing on the wall near the sliding glass door.

            Daisy heard Mr. Dave tell our boss one time how he loves listening to the "Syncopated" sound of a Woodpecker digging or pecking on a thick tree trunk.  He also being a Drummer, Mr. Steve has at times sat back and listened to those sounds too.  The Lizard is doing pushups.   

          "BRAVO" COMPANY                                 VIEW FROM OFFICE WINDOW          

             Ah!  Bravo Company is behind the Sheds.  Laverne and Shirley are teaching their new babies in Bravo Company how to scratch in the dirt hoping to dig up some food.  I'm sure most of the Chicken Scratch food is all gone by now up there below Mr. Steve's office window.

            Daisy has been spending a lot of time sitting below our boss's office window up there, so she can see when he stands up from his desk.  But so far, I guess he's been so busy working he hasn't come outside to give us snacks.  The Lizard ran down the wall and out into the dirt.

           Smelling Sage right now is making me think about Mr. Dave again.  He's studied many of the Native-American Indian languages from those "Clovis" type people who migrated down into North America from Siberia after that last Ice Age.  That was way back in 10,000 B.C.

CALIFORNIA INDIAN TRIBAL / LANGUAGE GROUPS

         Dais says our boss has told Mr. Dave about that older Shoshone man he met over at the Phelan Library.  He also knows about many of the different California Native groups and their languages.  He and Mr. Dave think the Indians on the Channel Islands might be Polynesian.         

           A Motorcycle zoomed bye out there on Primavera Road and, this being Friday; maybe a kid got off early from school.  The sound is fading as that Motorcycle moves towards the north.   A little grayish brown Sparrow, with a long twig in its mouth; ran bye out there in the dirt.          

          Last night as Dais and I went over what I did yesterday, I realized I missed a few things in book one.  I wrote about the town of "Solvang," but didn't mention an annual parade they hold there.  And I didn't write about the "Chumash" Indians who live in that area of California.                       

                                                      "SOLVANG," CALIFORNIA     

           Yesterday I wrote about Mr. Steve's mom taking some Girl Scout troops on those "Field Trips," a few being to Solvang; that town which looks like a 19th century Danish village.  Boy!  I  would really love to go on some field trips but, first I have to not be afraid of riding in Cars.         

          A picture shows Solvang's yearly "Cowboy" parade, the caption saying it's held to raise some money for "breast cancer research."  I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve's Sister in Law Yolanda beat breast cancer.   Libby's unique scent just came floating into my right nostril.           

          I just thought of how Solvang is near to "Santa Barbara," where Mr. Steve's sister Susan went College for two years.  As I wrote in book one, Santa Barbara has been important to our      boss's family.  A lady told our boss the Actor Clark Gable rode in the Solvang parade.                  

          CLARK GABLE               WALT DISNEY               RONALD REAGAN           

        Daisy heard our boss and his sister Susan talking about Solvang's parade, and how Walt Disney and Ronald Reagan rode Horses in it.  Mr. Steve saw Horses in "Rose Bowl" parades,      and used to ride some Horses too.  The four Pigeons are now flying over Libby's Corral.               

        Someday I'd like to smell a parade, like the one they have over in Phelan every year.  It's called "Phelan Phun Day," and I guess there are some good Cars and Horses in it.  Mr. Randy has gotten to know some of the people who organize and then put on Phelan Phun Day.                 

         Mr. Steve once did paperwork for a lady who went to College at U.C. Santa Barbara like his sister Susan.  She told him about a "Chumash" Indian gambling "Casino" near Solvang.         Ah!  I just picked up Libby's scent in my right nostril, which makes me feel pretty good.                         

 CHUMASH"                INDIAN CASINOS                "VIEJAS"            

              When the lady who went to U.C.S.B. mentioned that Chumash casino, Mr. Steve told her how he and his brother and father all worked at "Viejas" casino near San Diego.  The Chumash have lived in "Alta" California for many centuries.   Blackbeard and Anne went flying bye.   

            Mr. Steve told that lady Viejas Indian Casino, which is to the east of San Diego; is run by "Kumayaay" Indians.  As I mentioned yesterday in my first book, Viejas is "Old Woman" in Spanish. Way out there in the desert, far to the northeast; a Train just now whistled faintly.

           "Knowing the Numbers," Mr. Steve and his father don't gamble.  Insiders in "Gaming"  joke about people who gamble, "How can we separate them from their money, without them knowing or minding it."   Mr. Steve to gamble "Only as much as you can afford to lose." 

                        "SAN SALVADOR"                          JUAN RODRÍGUEZ CABRILLO (1499-1543)

                   As I've said before, after Christopher Columbus made his famous voyage in 1492; the Spanish began exploring the "New World."  My Encyclopedia says in 1542 Juan Cabrillo was one of the first "Europeans" to visit the "Alta" California coast.  I like how it smells now. 

            It wasn't until about three centuries after "Cabrillo" sailed his Ship the "San Salvador" up here that California was actually "colonized" by the Spanish.  I wrote in book one how, in 1769 Father Serra "established" that first Mission in San Diego.  Heathcliff crowed.  

           When the Spanish "settled" here in the 18th century the Chumash Indians lived mainly in the central coast area of California.  As I've said a few times in these first two books, alta is the Spanish word for "upper;" while "baja" is "lower."  Samson and Delilah are flying bye. 

                                                          "CHUMASH" CULTURE

                                                                                                  PAINTINGS BY OLGA FERNANDEZ                                                                                                              

                I like looking at paintings, like two here showing how Chumash Indians lived in the 18th century; when the Spanish first got here.  The caption says they call themselves "Samala," the Spanish named some of them "Barbareño's."   They lived in the "Santa Barbara" area.  

                 One time Dais and Millie heard our boss and Mr. Dave talking about how the Chumash Indians, in some ways; were "similar" to the "Tongva" bands as both fished out in the Pacific Ocean.  Either a Car or Truck just now went bye bye out there on Primavera Road.

          Mr. Dave told our boss in Southern California there are places with Chumash names, like "Malibu," "Castaic" or "Simi" Valley.   Mr. Steve's been to all of those three areas.  He and his family used to have a Racing "Speed" Boat and went water skiing on the "Castaic Lake."  

                                 "TONGVA" INDIAN VILLAGE ("GABRIELINO'S")   

    PAINTING BY MARY LEIGHTON THOMSON                    

        I like looking at the painting of a "Tongvan" Indian village from the period before the Spanish came to Alta California in the the second half of the 18th century.  The caption says how the Spanish called some Tongvans "Gabrielinos."  Robins are singing out in the desert.                 

              The Shoshone man at the Phelan Library said, in "Antelope Valley" where Mr. Steve's brother Sam lives with his family; at one time there were Chumash villages.   Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart both went to Antelope Valley High.  Heathcliff just crowed over there.

               Yesterday, when I wrote about Solvang; I forgot to talk about this other town in the Santa Barbara area called "Santa Ynéz."  I guess Michael Jackson the Singer had a Ranch near there.  According to my Spanish Dictionary Santa Ynéz would translate as "St. Agnes" in English. 

                                                   HUELL HOWSER (1945-2013)

                Daisy and Millie saw a Huell Howser segment where he visited the Solvang and Santa Barbara area.  He went to Santa Ynéz.  It's interesting how Huell Howser is from the State of "Tennessee," but does his tv shows about California things.  Some Sparrows are chirping.

            Huell Howser, who died last year; was born on October the 18th or day after Mr. Steve's brother Rock's birthday on the 17th.  I've mentioned before how how his first name combines his parent's names, his mom's name being "Jewel;" just like that Singer.  I like Sparrows. 

           I guess, on that segment Huell Howser visited a Museum in Santa Ynéz where some 19th century "Stage Coaches" are kept; and he even rode in one.  Daisy says our boss rode on Stage Coach's at "Knotts Berry Farm."  Someday I'd really like to go to Knotts Berry Farm. 

                                                    SIX HORSE STAGE COACH   

                 Daisy noticed on that Huell Howser episode he ate at some Restaurants in Santa Ynez which are about one hundred years old.  Boy!  Mentioning food is making me kind of hungry and reminds me how lucky we are to have enough food.  Dawn's now barking over there.    

               One time Dais heard our boss talking with his mom about the Mission at Santa Ynéz.  In 1824, right after "Alta" California had become part of independent Mexico; some Chumash Indians killed a few Spanish people there.  Little Blinky has such a nice scent I think.

           Mr. Steve and a "Kumuyaay" girl at Viejas Casino talked about that "Chumash Revolt," and 1775 when her tribe near San Diego Mission killed Franciscan Priests.  At that time all the Mission's up here were still part of "New Spain."  I smell old Rosie standing next to Dawn.  

                       "SANTA YNÉZ" MISSION                  HIPPOLYTE BOUCHARD (1780-1837)

                                                                                                                              PAINTING BY JOSE GIL DE CASTRO

                  That Kumuyaay girl knew, by 1824; the Chumash Indians could use modern guns and things like that.  She'd also read about that French Pirate Hippolyte Bouchard who, working for "Argentina" in 1818; "Raided" the California coast.  Two of the Pigeons are flying bye.

            Mr. Steve and the girl talked about how that guy Hippolyte Bouchard thought about an attack on "Santa Barbara" Mission, like the Vikings used to do eight centuries earlier over in Europe.  But the Priests supplied the Indians with guns so he sailed bye.   I smell Juniper.   

               In that revolt against the Priests running the Santa Ynez Mission the Chumash Indians  were helped by other Indians called the "Yokut."  Mr. Dave knows about the Yokut group, and one time even played drums for some Yokut Musicians.  The sky is so clear right now. 

                    BUILDING A BRICK WALL                                      "RED" BRICK

                  Looking at the picture of Santa Ynez Mission make me think of the subject of "Bricks."  In book one I mentioned how back there in New Mexico Mr. Steve's four Grandparents lived in houses made of "Adobe" bricks.  The Missions were also made of "mud dried" adobe too.

            A picture in this Encyclopedia shows a man building a brick wall, and I notice how he's using one of those little shovels Dais told me is called a "Trowel.  Our boss has a milk crate with a few different sizes of trowels in it.  There are two vapor trails way up there in the sky.

           I remember that time, as they loaded our Truck Rex; Mr. Mike joked "unlike so many things nowadays bricks will likely never get obsolete."   There are ancient buildings which still exist that were built thousands of years ago.  Some Sparrows are singing out in the desert.   

"MAHABODHI" TEMPLE, (INDIA)      

         Daisy says one time our boss sold some things to a man from India who told him about a brick Temple in India.  Hey Mr. Buddha!  If you're mind reading me, I guess it was built on the    spot where you achieved "Enlightenment."   That giant Temple was built in 260 B.C.                     

          The man from India knew how in that world's oldest book, "The Epic of Gilgamesh;" the bricks symbolize "Immortality."  In that old book the King of "Uruk" had his name "Stamped"  onto each "Kiln-Fired" brick used to build things Dais heard.  I can smell some Creosote.             

      More recently in Iraq Saddam Hussein used bricks, with his name stamped on them; to rebuild an ancient Mesopotamian "Ziggurat" according to that Indian man.  After the Sylmar    earthquake Mr. Steve helped Mr. Bernal and Mr. De la Cerda rebuild some brick walls.                                                       

     FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT (1867-1958)             "CORNWELL HOUSE" (HAWAII)  

               Mr. Steve's sister Susan studied "Interior Design" so also examined building "Exteriors." Frank Lloyd Wright, from "Wisconsin" like Mr. Mark; used bricks in houses he designed.  Oh!  I forgot to mention how he and that guy Walt Disney were pre World War II "Isolationists."

          Dais says our boss and Mr. Mark talked about a house in "Waimea," Hawaii that Frank Lloyd Wright designed.  Frank Lloyd Wright thought "a simple six-sided brick changed part of  human history."  Daisy saw a good tv show that talked about houses in L.A. he built.

           As I wrote yesterday, my Encyclopedia says Mr. Frank died on April 9th, which is also Miss Emily's birthday too.  Oh!  I wonder if maybe we could invent bricks with Dogs and Cats names on them?  Boy!  Then we might even be able to make some money selling them?                                                 

                  "SOLAR" SYSTEM                                                     "SATURN"     

           Last night, as Dais and I sat under the beautiful clear sky and looked up at the Moon while going over today's outline; we thought of that unique Planet "Saturn."  I guess it's named after the ancient Roman God of "wealth and agriculture."  Andy's sniffing the air over there.

        Wow!  Those "Rings" around Saturn are so weird.  My Encyclopedia says Saturn is the 6th Planet away "from" the Sun, is "made of gas;" and is the "second biggest" Planet in the Solar System.  Oh wow!  It's strong winds sometimes can go "over one thousand miles per hour."

        Saturn's rings are made of "ice particles, dust and rocky debris." Saturn has a lot of Moons orbiting around it, caught in it's "gravitational pull."  From what is says here, one of the Moons is named "Titan;" just like all of those ancient Greek Gods I wrote about in my first book.  

                CHRISTIAAN HUYGENS(1629-1695)            MAGGIE CÓRDOVA

                                                                                                                                                                          ARTWORK BY ALLAN HALL

            It says here that 17th century Dutch man named Christiaan Huygens, the "founder of mathematical physics;" used a "Telescope" to study "Saturn" and its Moon "Titan."  I love his wig and would wear one like that if I had one.  I really believe we could start a "Fashion."

           Last night I was so happy I did my happy howl at the Moon, which caused Dawn to start howling too over there.  Wow!  The Earth has only our one Moon, but I guess Saturn has over fifty Moons.  Heathcliff crowed and hearing his Hens clucking makes me feel so happy.    

              Hey Lord.  I notice Christiaan Huygens spells his first with two "a's."  It says here he was a friend of that Philosopher Baruch Spinoza, and "invented" the first "Pendulum" clock.  Mr. Steve's parents have an old wooden pendulum clock in the kitchen at their house in Sylmar. 

GIOVANNI CASSINI (1625-1712)  

                 Dais and Millie saw a tv show about Astronomy, and it mentioned a "contemporary" of that guy Christiaan Huygens named Giovanni Cassini.  He was Italian but spent a lot of time in France too I guess.  Boy!  I love the wigs people used to wear in the 17th and 18th centuries.

           It says here Giovanni Cassini studied "hydraulics," and also "observed" Saturn and its Moons; as well as Mars.  He figured out the distance from the Sun to the Earth.  Daisy says the tv show mentioned the 1997 "Cassini Project," Satellites sent to Saturn to study the rings.

           The tv show mentioned how Giovanni Cassini was the first in what turned out to be a "long line" of Astronomers.   Oh!  It says here, with that other Scientist Robert Hook; it was he  who "discovered" Jupiter's "Great Red Spot."  Samson and Delilah are both flying bye.

LOUIS XIV (1638-1715)        

PAINTING BY JEAN LEON GEROME                                                                                          PAINTING BY HYACINTHE RIGAUD                  

               I guess Mr. Giovanni worked for King Louis XIV.   In the 18th century, for seventy two years he ruled France during the European "Age of Enlightenment" also called the "Age of Absolutism" too.  Mr. Steve's sister Susan visited his "Hall of Mirrors" in "Versailles."

           King Louis, who Dais heard was kind of short so wore high heeled shoes; wanted everyone to call him the "Sun King."  I've mentioned before how in French it would be said as, "Le Roi Soleil."  I picked up the scent of Bravo Company out there in the field behind the Sheds.

           Mr. Ralph told our boss there's a Comic Book character called the Sun King, and also a French play with that same name.  That British band the BEATLES have a good song called the Sun King from what Daisy heard our boss tell Miss Babette one time.  Heathcliff crowed.     

        BLESSED VIRGIN MARY                     

         Oh!  I smell Rosemary and hope You made that happen Blessed Mother.  This morning Daisy encouraged me by saying she thinks You're helping me to stay focused for twelve hours.  Boy!  I can't wait for our boss to read my books but, before then I have so much work to do. 

            A Motorcycle just flew bye out there on Primavera Road, maybe a kid out of school early today.  For some reason, seeing the dust he or she raised is making me feel calm and so glad to be alive here in Piñon Hills.  Seeing some wispy clouds in the sky is also making me feel good.  

        Hey Mother Mary!  As You know of course, both Daisy and I like being Roman Catholics.  As I mentioned yesterday in my first book, us Catholics like images and statues of You and all the other Saints associated with Christianity.  I can smell Libby over there in her Corral. 

       "MULBERRY" TREE BARK                  

          Hey God!  I'm looking at the Mulberry tree right now and in studying the bark I see why Mr. Steve and his mom see You in the "patterns of nature."  Looking up at the now high blue sky I also feel Your presence from down here on Elvira.  Mr. Dave also sees You a lot in nature. 

          I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve has been to Jewish "Synagogues" and also Muslim "Mosques."  And he's also seen the inside of Churches from all three of the Christian traditions. Rudy, as Andy watches; is jogging bye in front of the Sheds but I won't chase him.  No way!

         Yesterday, when I mentioned the Lutheran Church in the town of "Solvang;" I wrote about how "Protestants" are like Jews and Muslims in not having statues, paintings or "Icons" in their Churches.  Daisy sometimes jokes about how nature is kind of like our "Place of Worship."               

    "CÓRDOBA" MOSQUE (EXTERIOR)                             "IBERIAN" PENINSULA  

                All of a sudden I just thought of that giant Church over there in Córdoba, Spain, which at one time was a Muslim Mosque.  Hey God!  Mr. Hussein, down there in Sylmar at his Coffee & Cream business; sees You in the really complicated "Geometric Patterns" in "Islamic Art."  

            Mr. Hussein thinks, because in Islam they don't believe in "Images or Icons;" the Artists instead "channel their creativeness toward creating complicated and intricate patterns.  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are flying over Libby's Corral and moving eastward.

           I've mentioned a few times how Mr. Hussein is originally from the country of "Egypt," and is a really good "Portrait" Painter.  Mr. Steve and his mom both think that's one of the most "difficult" things to do.  Libby's walking around slowly over there near the northern fence.  

                                                 MR. HUSSEIN ("COFFE & CREAM")  

                Mr. Steve's family have become friends with Mr. Hussein, and sometimes they talk about Egypt.  Our boss told him about Dr. Makar at the "San Fernando Pet Hospital," who's Egyptian too.  Mr. Hussein did a "Realistic" portrait of that good Basketball Player Kobe Bryant.    

           Yesterday I somehow forgot to write about a Dutch Artist named M.C. Escher.  Daisy says our boss and his mom like his "complicated" artwork, which was "influenced" by Muslim art he saw when visiting that giant Church over in Córdoba.  Dawn's barking about something.

           This one Encyclopedia says how M.C. Escher's art often "incorporated overlapping and interlaced lines" like the ones he saw up on the walls of Cordoba's "Great Mosque."  Two words used to describe his paintings are "repetitive" and "interlocking.  Two Wrens just flew bye.   

                                                          M.C. ESCHER (1898-1972)  

              Yesterday, when I wrote about that other Painter Vincent van Gogh; I mentioned how a Dutch person in from the country of the "Netherlands."  One area of the Netherlands is called "Holland."  My right nostril is still picking up Dawn, Blinky and Rosie's blended scents.

              I just thought of how, in 1940 the Germans used "Blitzkrieg" tactics to conquer the "Lowland" countries of the Netherlands and Belgium.  During that phase of World War II they also conquered Denmark, Norway, France and Luxembourg too.  That Dragonfly flew bye.

             One time when Daisy and Millie were in Mr. Steve's bedroom they listened to an album by a 1970's English band called MOTT THE HOOPLE.  That album has an "Escher"  painting on the front cover.  I guess, as a teenager; Mr. Steve drew the Lizards in that one painting.

                    MOTT THE HOOPLE                                                  IAN HUNTER

                                                     ARTWORK M.C. ESCHER                                                                                                                    PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

          One time, when our boss and his parents went over to Coffee & Cream in Sylmar; with Mr. Hussein they all looked at a book of that guy M.C.'s Escher's artwork.  Mr. Steve sold things to a lady from the Netherlands.  She wanted to buy that book but he said he'd just keep it.            

          Daisy heard, in the early 1990's Mr. Steve and Miss Harriet were sent to the "Palace" to see a concert by MOTT THE HOOPLE'S then "Former" Singer Ian Hunter.  Dais says he has    orangish-colored curly hair and wears dark sunglasses all the time.  I smell Andy over there.        

          Mr. Steve played some MOTT THE HOOPLE songs for that kid Jason, like their biggest "Hit" called "All the Young Dudes."  I guess, it was written by that guy David Bowie for them.  Mr. Phillip one time told our boss a "Dude" in the U.K. means a guy who "dresses well."                            

           THE "PALACE"                  MISS HARRIET                 "CAPITOL" RECORDS           

       Miss Harriet wrote a review of Ian Hunter's band at the Palace.  Wow!  My Encyclopedia says, what is now called the Palace; has been around since way back in 1927 or two years before that huge "Stock Market Crash;" when that Great Depression began.  Daffy's quacking.              

         The Palace is across the street from the round "Capitol Records" building, where one time the companies President asked PINK FLOYD "So boys, which one of you is Pink?"  The name is actually a combination of two old Blues Musician's names from what Daisy's heard.                      

        I guess the Palace has had other names, like "El Capitan," the "Hollywood Playhouse" or Avalon;" like that town on Catalina Island.  Mr. Steve's mom studied the "Spanish Baroque"      architecture its in.  As I've said before, El Capitan means "The Captain" in Spanish.                     

SPIDERS FROM MARS                                    MICK RONSON                    

                                                                                                                                                   PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                          

         On that one night at the Palace David Bowie's former Guitarist, Mick Ronson; was in Ian Hunter's band.  Someday, I want to hear "Suffragette City" and "Man Who Sold the World,"    which Daisy told me she and Millie liked a lot.  Our boss likes playing them on his drums.             

          It says here in 1952, three years before our boss was born; that man Richard Nixon made a famous speech on tv.  It was filmed on the Palace's stage, and he said he would not give back his  Dog named "Checkers;" which was a gift to his family.  Andy's sniffing the air over there.            

        Dais explained how people with power, like Politicians; aren't supposed to take any gifts or anything that might look like what they call "Influence Peddling."  Oh!  That "Lawrence Welk"  show I wrote about yesterday was filmed for a while at the Palace.  Heathcliff crowed.                                       NIXON SPEECH                   LAWRENCE WELK                           R.E.M.                  

          Mr. Steve told his Niece Samantha back in 1995 he was invited to see that band R.E.M. at the Palace.  But, he was obligated to take pictures of one of those "Quinciniera's" I've mentioned before.   Boy!  It would be so great to have a special day long event to celebrate just me.                

        Our boss told Samantha in the early 1960's his parents "Big Band" danced at the Palace and Hollywood Palladium nearby.  They talked about how his Grandparents liked the Lawrence Welk tv music show from back in the 1950's.  A little Lizard ran bye out there in the dirt.              

         Ah!   Speedy Gonzalez is standing under Theodora's favorite Creosote bush over there near Jack the big Shed.  He's sniffing the air so most likely knows I'm over here on the Patio sitting on Elvira.  No doubt he's wondering why I'm spending so much time back here again today.                                                            LILLITH                                                         STANLEY              

        I felt good when Daisy said she was proud of me for being so disciplined in not chasing Rudy or Speedy Gonzalez again today.  My bad Angel Lilith, yesterday and today; hasn't even    tried yet to tempt me.  I can't waste any time and have to finish this book, no matter what.           

          Thank You Stanley for being such a good Guardian Angel in watching over me. I haven't sensed You around yesterday or today but know You're looking out for me.  Oh no!  There are a few pesky Flies hovering around Libby over there and I sure do hope that's not a bad omen.        

          A flock of Birds way up there in the afternoon sky is flying bye, all moving as a group in a northeasterly direction.  Oh!  For some reason, some of the clouds right now; kind of look to me like a geometric image that guy M.C. Escher might like.  Thank You for our clouds God.                                  

JOHN COLTRANE (1926-1967)

PHOTO BY CHUCK STEWART                  

          One time Mr. Dave described the Jazz saxophone playing of a guy named John Coltrane, on a song called "Giant Steps;" as "musical M.C. Escher."  John Coltrane was from the city of "Philadelphia."   One of Mr. Dave's old Motorcycle Shop customers was from Philadelphia.         

          Mr. Steve thought it was kind of funny when Mr. Dave said that about Giant Steps, as it is a "complicated" and at times "fast-paced" song he said.  My Encyclopedia calls John Coltrane    "one of the most influential saxophonists in history."  All four of the Pigeons are flying bye.          

        Daisy says Mr. Dave called John Coltrane's music "free jazz," I guess mainly because the Musicians "Improvise" as they play the song they're doing.  I'm at times doing that too so far in  the writing of these first two books.   Boy!  I can't wait to hear some Jazz music someday.             

    JAZZ               

       Dais says our boss has a few customers down there in the State of "Louisiana," one a Parts Manager named "Raymond;" who knows a lot about Jazz music I guess.  From what Dais told    me, that guy "Ray" thinks "3" is at times important in Jazz music history.  I smell Creosote.       

       This one Encyclopedia describes John Coltrane's song Giant Steps as, "A milestone for jazz musician's progress, given the difficulty of improvising its rapid progression of chord changes      that progress through three keys shifted by major thirds, creating an augmented triad."               

    Boy!  That sounds kind of hard to understand.  That guy Ray said it was late 19th century black Musicians who "created" Jazz in New Orleans, by "combining" Blues and Ragtime with    European military band style marching music.  The 1920's is now called the "Jazz Age."                                                      "CÓRDOBA" GUITARS                                                       MR. RICH                         

         Yesterday I wrote about our last names history since the 8th century A.D.  One time Daisy heard our boss telling Mr. Rich there's a company which makes "Córdoba" acoustic guitars.  I    just now glanced up in time to see Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; flying bye.               

       Our boss was told Córdoba acoustic guitars have been made since 1997, are "light weight hand-made in a Spanish-style;" using "Nylon" strings for a "Warmer" sound.  Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Rich that company also builds ukuleles too.  Mr. Steve used to have a ukulele.           

          Tomorrow I'll learn more about Spanish "Flamenco" music, when I look up those "Roma" or "Gypsy" people.   One time back in the 1970's, at "Busch Gardens" in Van Nuys; Mr. Steve    and his friend Chris saw a guy named Carlos Montoya play guitar.   Heathcliff's crowing.                                   

     SPAIN ("ESPAÑA)                                      CARLOS MONTOYA (1903-1993)

          Even though I'll mainly write about Carlos Montoya tomorrow, I feel like mentioning him a little bit now too.  He plays acoustic guitar and Daisy says our boss's friend Chris, who played  guitar too; was what they call "Blown Away" seeing him perform in person.  I smell Sage.            

        I guess Carlos Montoya, who Mr. Steve said was "dexterous;" was from that city in Spain called "Madrid."  After watching him play just one song that guy Chris whispered, "I think I'll  give up playing the guitar."  He was just joking but it was totally amazing Mr. Steve says.             

       Not only did Carlos Montoya, who is right-handed, skillfully play guitar, he used the little finger on his hand to "Tap" and create the sound of a "Snare" drum.   Anyway, I'll come back to Carlos Montoya in book three tomorrow.  Dawn and Blinky are both barking over there.                                                   

   "CASSELL'S" MUSIC" (SAN FERNANDO)            

         One time our boss and Mr. Rich talked about this one San Fernando "Music Store" called "Cassell's."  They sell musical instruments, one brand being Cordoba; and Mr. Steve bought his Niece Samantha a shiny royal blue acoustic guitar there.  Royal blue is my favorite color.              

          I guess, from what Dais heard our boss tell Mr. Rich; Cassell's has been "in business" since all the way back in 1948.  Wow!  That's only three years after World War II ended, two before      the Korean War began.  I smell the clump of Joshua trees behind Andy and Helen's burrow.        

       Mr. Steve over the years has bought things for his drums, like sticks; at Cassell's.  Dais told me he has these things called "Maraca's," and two "Tambourines;" in his bedroom.  Two of the  Pigeons flew in from the back desert and are going over top of the house moving westward.          
                                                    RITCHIE VALENS (1941-1959)                             WAYNE'S WORLD" (1992)               

           Dais and Millie heard our boss tell Mr. Rich how back in the 1950's Ritchie Valens bought a guitar from Cassell's Music.  And, in 1992; they filmed part of this funny movie Daisy told me about called "Wayne's World" in Cassell's.  A Train whistled faintly over there to my left.             

          Someday I want to see that movie Wayne's World.  Daisy thought it was really funny and I guess it's mainly about these two good friends who listen to music, and have a really professional tv show.  Ah!  Two what are probably boy Lizards are now fighting out there in the dirt.               

        According to what Dais told me, in that movie Wayne's World, those two guys play drums and guitar.  One buys a white Fender "Stratocaster," like Jimi Hendrix's; from Cassell's Music.  I've written in these two books about some of the different "Brands" of "Electric" guitars.                          

                                BREWERY                   "BUSCH GARDENS"          BIRD SANCTUARY                                                  

          Oh what the heck!  Even though I'm not scheduled to write about that place called "Busch Gardens" until tomorrow, when I write about the best Musicians our boss has personally seen in  concerts; I can also do it now too.  Some of the Ducks are quacking at something over there.         

         Dais says Mr. Dave laughed when our boss told him back in the 1970's Busch Gardens was a "cheap date" for he and his friends with little money.  They had beautiful gardens and Birds to look at for free.  Mr. Dave says he was "jealous" that Mr. Steve got to see Carlos Montoya.           

      In the 1970's there were "Gas Shortages;" and our boss was driving his first Chevelle; so having to drive only to Van Nuys was good.  Miss Sandy really liked walking around the gardens, seeing all of the pretty Birds and flowers.  Plus, they had good food there there too I guess.                                                         

"BUSCH GARDENS"         

PHOTO BY CRAIG BAKER                       

         Our boss told Mr. Rich Busch Gardens is mainly a big "Brewery" for making beer, and sometimes you can even smell it.  The gardens had Lakes where you could take Boat rides all        around to see the different things.  But, now those are closed; and only the brewery is left.            

          Waiting to see Carlos Montoya, our boss and Mr. Chris saw what "to them" was a pretty good "Magic Show" he says.  But, when they went to where Carlos Montoya would be playing;    the same guy who did the Magic Show was now the Janitor.  His uniform was just different.         

          Mr. Dave laughed when our boss told him about the Magician because one time, needing money; to work at "Universal Studios" he shaved his beard and wore a "goofy" uniform.  He      hoped no one he knew would see him.  But, someone he and our boss knew did see him.                                              

      BUSCH GARDENS TRAM                              "CLYDESDALE" HORSES        

PHOTO BY CRAIG BAKER                                                                                                                       

          I smell Libby.  That reminds me how our boss told his sister Susan one time he and Miss Sandy were "impressed" in seeing some of those giant "Clydesdale" Horses "easily" pulling a      heavy Wagon all around Busch Gardens.  Some Clydesdales weigh two thousand pounds!             

         Daisy heard Busch Gardens had "Trams," which took you through the brewery; too see how beer is made.   They gave out free beer but our boss and Miss Sandy were "underage," and besides that; Mr. Steve has never liked the taste of beer anyway.  Libby's looking at me.                

          Mr. Dave knows a lot about "Landscaping" and things like that from what Dais can tell,  so is very interested in places like Busch Gardens.  Since moving back there to New Mexico from California he's noticed our last name "Córdova" a lot.  I really like having Libby around.                         

  MARTY CORDOVA            

   PHOTO BY TOM HAUCK                       

           Oh!  All of a sudden I just remembered how I was supposed to write about this guy named Marty Cordova yesterday, but missed it somehow.   So, I'll do it now instead.   Marty Cordova,    which is also the name of Mr. Steve's Uncle; was a Major League Baseball player I guess.             

         Daisy heard our boss talking with a customer in Nevada, who said Marty Cordova's from Las Vegas.  He doesn't speak Spanish, so pronounces our last name in the "Anglicized" version;  not "Accenting" the first "o."  Marty Cordova played nine years in the Major Leagues.               

        According to Dais, in 1995 for the Minnesota "Twins;" Marty Cordova won the award as the American League "Rookie of the Year."  That means he was the best first year player in that league.   Ah!  Both of my nostrils just picked up the strong scent of the Twin Joshua trees.             

2014 HYUNDAI "ACCENT"           

       Mentioning the accent mark over the first o in our last name reminds me of how I was supposed to talk about a small Car Daisy heard our boss his customer talk about one time.  It's    from South Korea and is called "Accent."  I've said before how South Koreans live near us.         

           Dais says that one "Hyundai" Parts Manager told Mr. Steve the Accents have been made since way back in 1994, and from 2002 have been the "longest running small family Car in North America."  Accents are "very reliable vehicles" he said.  Dawn and Blinky are barking.                

      The Parts Manager told our boss Accent is an "abbreviation," or short for; "Advanced Compact Car of Epoch New Technology."  Daisy heard the phrase "front wheel drive" when Mr. Steve's customer was talking about Accents.  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies up there.                   

MARTY CORDOVA (BALTIMORE "ORIOLES")

PHOTO BY ROBERT LABERGE   

          In looking at pictures of that guy Marty Cordova batting I notice how, even though he doesn't put an accent mark over the first "o" in Cordova like we do; he does spell it with a "v"    instead of a "b."  Oh wow!  He was born on July 10th, the day after our boss's birthday.               

          Daisy says that Parts Manager up there in Las Vegas said Marty Cordova's career was what they call "injury prone."  But he was smart because, when he "Signed" with the Twins; he made sure they agreed to pay for his College if he "Didn't make It."  Dawn's barking.                  

           According to what Dais heard, Mr. Steve's customer told him about how Marty Cordova, now that he's "Retired;" came back to live in Las Vegas.  I guess he works for this one Internet    company and is sometimes involved in "Wresting" events.  Now Blinky's guarding too.                                          

MARTY CORDOVA (MINNESOTA "TWINS")

           A few years ago someone gave Mr. Steve some of Marty Cordova's Baseball cards.  Boy!  It would be so great to have an actual card made with your image right on the front of it.  But,    of course first you would have to accomplish something; so they would even want to do that.        

           Mr. Steve's customer in Nevada said Marty Cordova's "best years" were when he was on the Minnesota "Twins."  He "finished" his nine year career with a .274 "career average," which  I guess is pretty good.  There's a vapor trail way up there in the high mid afternoon sky.                

         From what Daisy heard, one time that guy Marty Cordova hit Home Runs in five straight home games at the "Metrodome," an indoor Stadium where the Twins played for a long time.      Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are flying bye and going toward the northwest.                             

 CHICK HEARN / MIKE TYSON (1988)                   CHICK HEARN (1916-2002)                      PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA             

            In book one I wrote about that "Broadcaster" Chick Hearn, who "Coined" many of the "Terms" like "Slam Dunk" for Basketball.  In the 1980's, at the Forum; he also worked Boxing  matches where Mr. Steve took pictures of him a few times.  His wife's name was "Marge."            

          Daisy heard Mr. Mark tell our boss how, that movie "Wayne's World" takes place in the city of "Aurora," Illinois; where Chick Hearn and his wife were originally from too.  Fred, Ed      and Ted came in from the field and flew over top of the house going west.  I smell Sage.                 

         All of a sudden I just thought of that guy Ritchie Valens who, like Jimi Hendrix; was left-handed.  But, left-hand "Strung" guitars were hard to find in the 1950's; so he just went ahead    and learned to play on a right-handed instrument.   That's what Daisy's heard I guess.                                                                         RITCHIE VALENS GRAVE                             MR. STEVE'S PARENTS CRYPTS                            ("MISSION" CEMETERY / MISSION HILLS)                           

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA              

         I've mentioned a few times in these first two books how, at "Mission Cemetery;" Mr. Steve's parents have "Crypts" near Ritchie Valens' and his mom's grave.  But, like Daisy says;    hopefully; they won't need those crypts for a long time."  Andy's looking in this direction.             

             Mr. Steve noticed on Ritchie Valens' gravestone it says he was born on May the 13th.  On my list of important family dates; I see how Mr. Steve's Sister-In-Law Yolanda's birthday is on    May the 12th.  I've mentioned how there are a lot of important dates in May on my list.                

            Ritchie Valens' mom died on the 18th of October, Mr. Steve's brother Rock in Texas was born on the 17th of that month.  Mr. Ralph once met a lady who was at St. Ferdinand's Church    for Ritchie Valens "Funeral Mass."  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies sleeping up there.              

    DON MCLEAN                                                 NEWSPAPER (1959)    

  PHOTO BY CHRIS WALTER                                                                                                                                                                              

            I just thought of that famous 1959 Plane crash where Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly and that other Singer called the "Big Bopper" died.  It happened in really freezing cold weather I      guess and, Daisy heard Ritchie Valens was actually afraid of flying.  Boy!  That's too bad!             

          Mr. Steve told his parents about this 1971 song, "The Day the Music Died;" about that 1959 Plane crash.  It was done by Don McLean and our boss was going to "Alemany" High in      the 10th Grade at the time.  A little Wren carrying a long twig just went running bye.                    

         Daisy heard Ritchie Valens' beginning band was called the SILHOUETTES, their first concert was on October the 19th of 1957.   So, that means it happened when Mr. Steve's brother  Rock was only two days old.  I can smell the clump of Joshua trees near Libby's Corral.                            

 ("BAZOOKA" LIMON)          BOBBY CHACON            (BOZA EDWARDS)          

         I just thought of Mr. Bobby who, as a Boxer was "World Champion" twice during his career; but now has brain damage.  Daisy says our boss told Mr. Ralph about that time when he and Mr. Bobby cleaned his family's graves that time.  Some of the Ducks are now quacking.         

         When at Mission Cemetery, our boss and Mr. Bobby also visited Ritchie Valens and his mom's graves; as well as Mr. Rick's son Gino's grave.  Both Mr. Steve and Mr. Bobby have been  to the San Fernando "American Legion Hall."  Ritchie Valens played there back in 1958.             

           Dais thinks it's interesting how Mr. Bobby is "Associated" with Pacoima but, actually his mom Gloria and Stepfather live in Lake View Terrace.  At one of his most famous fights which    was on "National" tv he was said to be, and introduced as; being from Sylmar.  I smell Sage.                                                                                      

"CORDOVA" HIGH SCHOOL LOGO       

("CORDOVA." TENNESSEE)        

           Mr. Ralph thinks our last name "Córdova" is "world famous" in "todo el mundo," or "the whole world."  Except for Canada, every North, Central and South American country has a town or place named either "Córdoba;" or "Córdova" he said.  I love how Sage smells!                

          Dais says, before the recession; our boss had a customer in "Cordova," Tennessee.  The Parts Manager went to "Cordova" High School, and said the "Wolves" primary team color is      dark green; with gray and white their secondary colors.  There's also a Cordova, Alabama.          

           A Ford customer in Cordova, Alabama told Miss Susan at work a Major League Pitcher named Doyle Alexander went to Cordova High.  Mr. Dave read about that big "Oil Spill" near        Cordova, Alaska.  "Rancho Cordova," close to Sacramento.  The four Pigeons flew bye.                                                                                    

                   MIKE GARCIA (1923-1986)                    BOB LEMON (1920-2000)                         

         I wrote yesterday how Mr. Steve's father's favorite Baseball team when growing up New Mexico was the Cleveland "Indians."  In the 1950's he liked two right-handed Pitchers, that guy Bob Lemon;  and Mike Garcia who was Mexican-American .  Dawn's barking over there.            

          Bob Lemon is in the "Hall of Fame" and, even though he played in Cleveland; was born in that city of "San Bernardino" south of us up here in Piñon Hills.  Mike Garcia was from "San      Gabriel," a city our boss has been to.  Bob Lemon and Mike Garcia were in World War II.           

      Yesterday I wrote about Satchel Paige and how, until after World War II; black Baseball players could not play with white players.  So they had to just play in the "Negro" Leagues.  But, in 1946; the Brooklyn Dodgers hired that guy from Pasadena named Jackie Robinson.                                                                                    

"SATCHEL" PAIGE (1906?-1982)       

               Satchel Paige pitched for a short time with the Indians.  I've mentioned "Satchel" was a nickname, his real first name being "Leroy." Daisy says our boss and his brother Rock knew a    Leroy in High School but he died a few years ago in a Car accident.  A Train just whistled.            

          Daisy thinks Satchel Paige must've been smart.  I wrote how, like Grandpa Trujillo in Belén; he had a job moving Train luggage.  But, he was paid by the item so cut two branches        from a Satchel tree and hung them over his shoulders; in order to carry more things at once.        

           One time Mr. Steve and his mom talked about Satchel Paige, and she said "how clever" when told how he got his nickname.  Daisy told me she also laughed when told people joked he    looked like a  "walking Satchel tree" going back and forth from the Train.  I smell Sage.               

           GRANDPA / GRANDMA TRUJILLO                   

         I've mentioned in my books how Mr. Steve's Grandpa Trujillo's job in Belén, from 1928 through 1975; was carrying "Baggage" to and from Trains the way Satchel Paige did.  And, even if he was sick or injured; he never missed a single day of work.   He was afraid to lose his job.      

          Because of his job I guess Grandpa Trujillo got very strong.  So he could lift a lot of weight and had what are called a "Blacksmith's" arms.  Four kids all pulling at once couldn't beat him  at "Arm Wrestling," even as he calmly smoked a cigar while doing it; and smiling at them.           

         Mr. Steve thinks Satchel Paige was a great Pitcher.  My Encyclopedia says in 1948, after so many years in those "Negro Leagues;" with the Indians he became the "oldest" Major League    "Rookie" in history.  No one knew how old Satchel Paige was because he wouldn't say.                                                                      

    JACKIE ROBINSON (1919-1972)           

           1948, three years after World War II; was Satchel Paige's first year in the "Big" Leagues. That was two after Jackie Robinson became the first African-American to play Major League Baseball.  Samson and Delilah are flying out into the eastern desert behind the Sheds.                   

           As I said yesterday, in 1948 Satchel Paige was way "Past his Prime" as they say.  But, even at the age of about forty years old; he must've still had enough "Stuff" to pitch Mr. Steve thinks.  A tv show said that guy Babe Ruth thought Satchel Paige was a great Pitcher Dais says.                

           I guess, when he was young; Satchel Paige "Accurately" threw really hard.  But, when he was older; he had to "Pitch Smart" like that guy  Luis Tiant who I wrote about yesterday.  Some of the Ducks are quacking over there and now Dawn's also barking about something too.                                                             S.I. MAGAZINE            K.C. "ATHLETICS"      SATCHEL PAIGE                   

 (1967)                                                                                             (1965)                     

           Mr. Steve has liked the Oakland, formerly Kansas City "A's;" since he saw that "Sports Illustrated" magazine with the A's Pitcher on the front.  He was twelve and two years before that Satchel Paige, when he was really old; pitched for the A's.  Heathcliff crowed over there.               

          Looking at all of the green Arborvitae bushes near the Patio makes me think of how the main reason our boss started liking the A was their primary color was green.  That was also the color of his Little League team at S.I.B.L. the "Pirates."  Andy's looking in this direction.             

          As I said yesterday, "S.I.B.L." stands for the Sylmar Independent Baseball League."  Mr. Steve, and his brothers and Mr. Rick; all played Baseball for years at S.I.B.L.  A small Sparrow flew in and landed on one of the big boulders around the the bottom of the Mulberry tree.            

                             SATCHEL PAGE                           

           In 1965 the year Satchel Paige pitched for the A's; the team was bad so as one of those "Publicity Stunts" their owner Charles O. Finley hired Satchel Paige.  From what Daisy heard    our boss say,  they "promoted" him as the "Ageless Wonder."  It was a good "Gimmick."            

         Our boss and Mr. Rick talked about those "Negro Leagues."  They existed at a time of racial "Segregation;" before "Integration" or mixing of black and white people.  Dais heard, as  a kid; Mr. Rick's father sold "Programs" at the "Homestead Grays" Negro League games.          

                The A's owner "Charlie" Finley, in 1965; knew Satchel Paige was "well known" from his time with the Negro Leagues Kansas City "Monarchs."   But by then, being almost sixty years      old; he was "Past his Prime" so to speak.  A little Sparrow carrying a twig went running bye.                         

          SATCHEL PAIGE                          CHET BREWER (1907-1990)       

            I just thought of how, in the early 1970's; our boss and Mr. Rick drove Mr. Rick's 1968 Chevelle to "Compton."  At "Jackie Robinson Field" Mr. Rick pitched for former Negro League player Chet Brewer, a "Scout" for the Pirates.  Mr. Steve's dad bought him that Chevelle.            

          Chet Brewer, a right-handed Pitcher; was Satchel Paige's teammate on the Kansas City Monarchs with Jackie Robinson.  I mentioned yesterday how Mr. Steve was Rick's "personal"    Catcher for those "Tryouts."  Daisy heard that guy Mr. Chet was a very friendly person.              

       Our boss and Mr. Rick talked about a time in 1965 when Satchel Paige, throwing only twenty eight pitches in three "Scoreless" innings; "Shut Out" the Boston Red Sox.  He gave up    one "Single" to Carl Yastrzemski and didn't "Walk" anyone.  Daisy told me that's good.                      

      LOS ANGELES                                                     1968 CHEVELLE      

          Dais heard our boss and Mr. Rick remembering Mr. Rick driving them to Compton in his dark green Chevelle, to "Try Out" for Chet Brewer.  Mr. Steve's dad bought that Car for him,      and he and Mr. Rick have "good memories" of that old Chevelle he says.  Dawn's barking.           

         Mr. Rick "threw" really fast as a right-handed Pitcher, and also pitched in front of other L.A. area Baseball Scouts; with Mr. Steve his Catcher.  And to all of those demonstrations they drove that "Forest" green Chevelle.   Mr. Rick threw over ninety miles per hour I guess.               

        I've mentioned before how our boss's second 1968 Chevelle, a royal blue "S.S." version  with a black vinyl roof; had a way bigger "Big Block" motor.  I've mentioned before how S.S. is  an abbreviation for "Super Sport."  I can smell Blinky and Rosie standing next to Dawn.                                                        

    BENJAMIN           

             Ah!  I just noticed Benjamin standing over there on a branch of the Mulberry tree.  It's funny how, like Thrasher Birds; Cow Birds often run on the ground like Roadrunners but can    also fly too.  Benjamin jumped down onto the ground and is running toward Libby's Corral.       

             I'm still thinking of Baseball.  Our boss and his brother Sam talked about two "Minor" League Baseball teams in our area.  One is the High Desert "Mavericks," and the other team is    the Lancaster "Jet Hawks."  The scent Benjamin left behind just floated in over here.                   

           Daisy heard the Mavericks play their "Home" games at "Heritage" Field in the town of "Adelanto," about twenty five miles from us over here in Piñon Hills.  Mr. Steve and his father, in 1993; were once given a good tour of  Heritage Field.  Speedy Gonzalez just zoomed bye.                                                 

                                      "HERITAGE" FIELD  (ADELANTO)                                               

         Dais says our boss and his dad were told Heritage Field was built in 1991.  It's beautiful, but holds only four thousand people; compared to Dodger Stadium's fifty thousand.  I guess, the  Mavericks are what they call an "A" ball level "California Baseball League" franchise.               

         Heritage Field is a "hitter-friendly ballpark," which Daisy thinks means a lot of "Runs" are scored in games there.  Mr. Steve heard, before 1993 the Mavericks were the "Riverside Red  Wave."  Fred, Ed and Ted the Sparrows flew out into the back desert behind the Sheds.                

       I remember that morning when Miss Susan told our boss Adelanto began in 1915, or the second year of World War I.  It must've been almost all empty desert then I think.  According to my Spanish Dictionary, the word adelanto would translate to be "advance" or "progress."           

    EARL HOLMES RICHARDSON (1872-1934)         

         Miss Susan said a man named Earl Holmes Richardson, originally from "Wisconsin" like Mr. Mark: started Adelanto.  I guess, after his wife suggested it; he got rich by inventing one of    the first electric "Clothes Irons."  Mr. Steve has one, and also a board to iron the clothes on.        

    In 1915 Adelanto was "intended to be" one of the very first "planned" communities in Southern California Miss Susan told our boss that time.  After the First World War Earl Holmes Richardson was going to build a Hospital for Veterans.  But he was never able to do it.                  

          Dying in 1934, fruit orchards Mr. Richardson planted, or "left behind;" began to "thrive" during the Great Depression after he was gone.  During World War II "George" Air Force Base was located near Adelanto.  Mr. Steve's dad was born in 1932, his mom three years later.                            

"ADELANTO"          

           According to Miss Susan, Adelanto has thirty thousand people in it compared to our seven thousand over here in Piñon Hills.  Like most High Desert towns since 2008, Adelanto's economy has gone way down; and there are fewer and fewer business's.  Dawn and Blinky are barking.     

         I guess, over in Adelanto there was one of those gambling "Card" Club Casino's that I've mentioned before; but it went out of business.   Mr. Steve and his father ate there a few times in    the early 1990's when they would go or come from Las Vegas.  Blinky has a strong voice.               

        Our boss and Mr. Cliff have gone to a "Shooting Range" on the "Outskirts" of Adelanto, but sometimes just drives out into the desert to shoot guns.  The round cardboard cutouts that      come with frozen pizzas make really good targets.  Boy!  Little Blinky has such a nice scent.                                                    

   GEORGE BRETT (KANSAS CITY "ROYALS")

          Mr. Steve was told, for a time this good Baseball player named George Brett's family was "involved" with the High Desert Mavericks.  George Brett, who grew up in "El Segundo" near    "L.A. International Airport;" is in the "Hall of Fame."  He's two years older than our boss.         

        In the 1980's our boss took pictures for the Hockey Kings events held at this Restaurant near El Segundo called "C.J. Brett's."  It was owned by the Brett family.  Daisy heard all four of the Brett brothers were good Baseball players and the oldest one also made it as a pro too.           

       A customer told our boss George Brett and his wife and kids now live in "Mission Hills" Kansas, like that city near Sylmar I've mentioned.  A few months after the 1985 Italy-Israel trip    George Brett's team the Kansas City "Royals" won the "World Series."  Heathcliff crowed.                                                                "DRONES"                                    RADIO CONTROLLED "FOCKE-WULF 190"

           Miss Susan said George A.F.B. closed in 1992 and she was told that area is now used to test those "Drone" Planes.  People in Piñon Hills also have little Drones, and Daisy says our boss has bought and sold some realistic "Radio" controlled Planes.  Boy!  Nikola Tesla was so right.           

          Daisy says our boss was told by this older lady he helped fill out some legal documents for how the Adelanto area is rumored to have ghosts around there.  He later told that to Mr. Dave      who I've mentioned is really interested in things like that.  Dais and I believe in ghosts too.           

          A lot of offices and warehouses in Adelanto's "Industrial Complex" are now closed, or what's called "Vacant."  I've said before how Mr. Rick's Mechanical Contracting business was    located in the "Valencia Industrial Complex" near Magic Mountain."  I smell Creosote.               

   "CLEAR CHANNEL" STADIUM  (LANCASTER)       

         That other Minor League team, the" Jet Hawks;" play home games at "Clear Channel" stadium.  Dais says Mr. Steve's Nephew Mathew's High School graduation ceremony was held there.  His brother Sam's family goes to games at Clear Channel stadium all the time I guess.       

              In 1996 Mr. Rick's company replaced that huge hot water "Boiler" at Edwards A.F.B. in the "Dryden Space Center."  Driving back and forth on the #14 Freeway for three months our      boss saw Clear Channel stadium being built "Day by Day" as they say.  A Train whistled.             

         One time Dais heard our boss and Mr. Rick talking about when they, and also Mr. Steve's brothers; played "Little League" Baseball at "S.I.B.L."   That was in the mid-1960's and early    1970's, when they were growing up down there in Sylmar.  They were teammates only once.                             

CALIFORNIA "HIGH" DESERT            

              Oh!  Heathcliff just crowed.  Daisy thinks his odd behavior in crowing so much during the middle of the day is a good sign and I want to believe that too.  Sitting here on you Elvira, while smelling, hearing and looking at the desert behind the Sheds; makes me feel so good. 

             Dais says maybe Heathcliff just feels good knowing that the cold weather's over and it's now Springtime; even though sometimes it still gets cold at night in Spring.  We also have some cold winds which at times come up at this time of year.  Ah!  I just smelled a Lizard nearby.

            Aha!  A little Lizard is standing on the wall, near the sliding glass door leading into this dining room; right above our steel water bucket.  It's now doing Lizard pushups; up and down, up and down.  Theodora the Thrasher Bird just flew out into the back eastern desert. 

"DESERT" LIZARD    

            I just noticed that big brown Lizard I saw yesterday, standing in the dirt; to the right of the big Mulberry tree.  It's staying perfectly.   Too much movement will attract the attention of things around here, like Cher for instance; who would love to come over to kill and eat it.           

           Dais thinks it might be just a coincidence that Heathcliff is crowing in the middle of the day on the exact days I'm writing my three books.  I hope Daisy's right and one of the Hens had some babies so he's just happy.  At times Heathcliff crows during the day but not as much.  

                Sitting here on you Elvira, seeing green and light brown out in the desert behind Manny, Moe and Jack; makes me appreciate you.   Boy God!  I wish every day could be like today.  The mid afternoon sunlight coming from behind me is making the shadows lean away more. 

                                                1970'S OAKLAND ATHLETICS

                                                       (CHARLES O. FINLEY CENTER)   

             Looking at the Arborvitae bushes makes me think of how the A's; our boss's favorite team; mainly wear green.  Back in the 1960's and 1970's they wore bright green; but now use dark "Forest" green as the primary color.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying bye.  

           All of a sudden I just thought about how the Baseball "Athletics," from 1901 all the way through 1955; were the "Philadelphia" A's.  They wore light sky blue and white uniforms.  The "Pittsburgh" Pirates are a really old franchise too but stayed in the same city to this day.

          Daisy heard Mr. Bob in Missouri, who grew up in the Antelope Valley; talk with our boss about the A's moving from Philadelphia to "Kansas City" Missouri in 1955.  Our boss was born in that year.  Mr. Bob went to the same High School as Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart.

                   LIBBY                             

              Aha!  I had a feeling someone was watching me and, glancing to my right; I see how it's Libby over there in her Corral.  Her totally unique scent just floated into me sitting over here on the Patio.  Oh no!  I notice that Libby's skinny black tail is swatting away some pesky Flies.  

            Hey God!  I know I keep on asking You to please don't have so many Flies around here this Summer but, as You know; we really don't like annoying and bothersome Flies.  Dais and I both really hate all Flies.  Life would be so much better if You had not invented the Flies.

            Libby is now moving around, and I can see why Mr. Steve jokes she walks like an "older athlete who runs flat-footed" to avoid getting injured.  Each and every step is set down, one after the other; in a solid or "Sure-Footed" manner.  Please God!  Please have less Flies this year.  

 MOLLY (LIBBY IN BACKGROUND)                                    COYOTE                                

                  Seeing Libby makes me miss Molly the Mule, who died; but whose scent is still alive in Daisy and I's minds.   I remember how she would kick the back fence of their Corral really hard to warn Coyotes, Bobcats or Mountain Lions not to try to come back there.  And they didn't. 

            Hey God!  Remember last Autumn when I could have sworn I smelled Molly over there in the Corral.  But Daisy said that was impossible because the wind had blown away all of her scent long time ago.  I sort of want to believe in ghosts and hope there might be Mule ghosts.

            Daisy thinks Libby will die soon too so, we'd better appreciate her the way we didn't do with Molly.  Mr. Steve had a dream where he and his parents rubbed Molly's nose and ears the way she used to like so much.  Mules have big teeth that can bite you hard Daisy told me.   

                                           CHARLES O. FINLEY (ON "CHARLEY O")    

             Our boss and his brother Sam talked about Charles O. Finley.  Buying the then "Kansas City" A's in 1960 and being Irish, he made bright "Kelly" green their team color and replaced an Elephant with a Mule as the "Mascot."  In 2014 the "Oakland" A's wear dark green.  

            Remembering Molly's scent makes me think about the A's mascot named "Charley O." He was obviously named after his owner, who I guess used to ride him around.  I've mentioned a few times how Charles O. Finley was thought to be "Eccentric" by his many "Critics."

            What the heck!  Even though I'm not really scheduled to write so much about Baseball in this seventh chapter, I just kind of feel like mentioning a few things right now.  Besides, I can also write more about Baseball later today and tomorrow.  Oh!  Libby just whinnied over there. 

                                                    CONNIE MACK (1862-1956)   

              My Encyclopedia has pictures of that man Connie Mack.  He owned and managed the A's when they were in "Philadelphia," and an Elephant was their mascot.   A black and white photo of him sitting in the Dugout has been "Painted" in the same way Mr. Steve used to do.  

           As I said yesterday, Connie Mack owned and managed the A's for over fifty years; which is a record.  The painted photo shows how, as Manager; he didn't wear a team uniform like a lot of Coaches do now I guess.  Some Ducks are quacking and of course Daffy's louder. 

          Daisy one time heard Mr. Rick joke, because he "was around for so long" as the Manager of the A's; Connie Mack holds the record for "wins and losses."   Wow!  He was sort of like that guy Louis XIV over there in France.  There are some thin clouds up there in the high sky.

                                        "POST" CIVIL WAR BASEBALL PLAYERS

                                                        (1869 / A.G. SPALDING ON RIGHT)     

            Our boss told Mr. Rick no one really knows exactly how the game of Baseball first "came about," but it wasn't here right after the Civil War as many think.  "Bat and Ball" type games have existed for years.  In the 1700's the British had "Rounders," which is like Baseball. 

           This Encyclopedia says in America Baseball "became popular" in the 1850's, or decade leading up to the Civil War.  A picture shows three Baseball Players from 1869, which was four years after the Civil War had ended.  That Dragonfly zoomed bye coming from my right. 

           Our boss and his brother Sam have talked about Baseball equipment.  The caption below the picture of those early Baseball players says one is  A.G. Spalding, who created a "Sporting Goods" business.  Daisy's noticed how Mr. Steve has some things from his company.

              ABNER DOUBLEDAY (1819-1893)                       FORT SUMTER (1861)    

                 Our boss told Mr. Rick about this Civil War Union Officer named Abner Doubleday, who for many years some believed he invented Baseball.  In 1861 he was "Second in Command" at "Fort Sumter" out there in "Charleston Harbor."  A Train whistled faintly to my left.

             I've mentioned how the American Civil War broke out in 1861, when the "Confederate" forces bombed Fort Sumter.  From inside Fort Sumter Abner Doubleday "ordered" the cannons to fire back at the Rebels on shore.  I can smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies asleep up there. 

            Dais heard our boss tell his brother Sam how, when he and his brother Rock visited the town of "Gettysburg" back in 1977, they were told about Abner Doubleday.  In July of 1861 he led Union troops in that huge three day battle.  The orange Monarch Butterfly just flew bye.

                                                                SAN FRANCISCO   

            This Encyclopedia says Abner Doubleday, who was from the State of New York; came out to California after the war.  Wow!  He was "granted" a "Patent" on the "Cable Car" system still used up in San Francisco.  I've mentioned how Mr. Steve has prepared patent applications. 

                It says here, just like our boss told Mr. Rick; the idea that Abner Doubleday was the one who invented Baseball has been "debunked."  He did grow up in "Cooperstown," and in 1839 organized a "neighborhood" game; but by then people knew about Baseball.  I smell Sage.

             Even though he didn't invent Baseball, I guess during the Civil War Union troops under Abner Doubleday played Baseball on their time off.  During the Korean War Mr. Steve's father also played Baseball with his buddies.   The Baseball "Hall of Fame" is in Cooperstown.   

                                          TY COBB (1928 / SECOND FROM LEFT)                                1929 PHILADELPHIA "ATHLETICS"                                                                                                                                                        

          Oh wow!  My Encyclopedia has another painted black and white photo but this one is of the 1929 A's.  And another photo shows Ty Cobb when, as an older Player; he went to play for      the A's.  I guess for most of his long career he had played only for the Detroit "Tigers."                 

          Boy!  I really like how that one painted picture looks.  It says here, during Connie Mack's "tenure;" his teams won three championships "in a row" from  1910 through 1913.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying bye right now, both moving together toward the southeast.                   

         Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig's 1920's New York "Yankees" are some of the greatest teams ever.  I guess their biggest "Rival" in that decade was the A's; who won "back-to-back" world      championships in 1929 and 1930.  Mr. Steve has done line drawings of a lot of the A's logos.          

HUELL HOWSER SEGMENT       

("CALLIGRAPHY SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA")        

           Mr. Steve and his mom talked about how that guy Huell Howser visited a convention for people who do that "Calligraphy" type  drawing.  Daisy says that means, writing in ink by using  pens; some with thick tips and others with thinner ends.  Seeing Andy makes me feel good.           

         I've mentioned a few times over the last two days how Mr. Steve has been doing his own form of calligraphy since he's been a kid, usually in line drawing form.  Daisy says a man on the  Huell Howser segment said calligraphy goes back to the ancient world.  Heathcliff crowed.           

         Daisy told me the man Huell Howser interviewed showed him how you can make writing "implements" out of many things.  Since about 3,000 B.C., in China he said, "Bamboo" wood      has been used to make pens.  A lady showed Huell an ancient ink made from ground up Bugs.               

EDWARD JOHNSTON (1872-1944)      

          Daisy says a lady told Huell Howser "modern western" calligraphy comes from this man from England named  Edward Johnson, and a German guy named Rudolf Koch.  Mr. Phillip I    guess read about Edward Johnson as a kid back there in Wales.  Heathcliff just crowed.               

         Wow!  What the lady told Huell Howser is so right.  It says right here in this Encyclopedia how Edward Johnston and Rudolf Koch are the "Fathers of Modern Calligraphy."  Right now    for some reason hearing Heathcliff's voice is giving me energy to keep on working hard.               

      It says here Edward Johnston, described as being a "craftsman;" began his "studies" of calligraphy using a "broad edged or tipped writing implement."  Our boss and his mom talked    with Mr. Hussein in Sylmar about "formal versus informal" writing.  I can smell Arborvitae.                                              

"AVRO LANCASTER" HEAVY BOMBER    

          Oh!  It says here that guy Edward Johnson "redesigned" the "Roundel" symbol.  And I guess a Roundel is the round logos on British Planes and Tanks during World War II.  Daisy says our boss  has drawn and colored those, and also a few other different national roundels too.         

          Dais told me how, on that one episode; Huell Howser went around to some classes where people were learning how to do calligraphy.  They demonstrated calligraphy, like how to do all of the "strokes" correctly; a lady mentioned "hair lines" and "the proper angles."  I smell Sage.      

          When you do things like calligraphy you develop "a good feel" for "pressure and release" points.  Mr. Steve tells kids "natural ability" is good, but "repetition and practice" is even more important.  Stevie Ray Vaughn "had to have practiced guitar for a thousand hours" he jokes.                                      

"OLD ENGLISH" LETTERING

         Over the last two days I've mentioned a few times how our boss Mr. Steve has done "Old English" lettering for years.  He told his Niece Samantha about using "flourish" techniques in      order to "enhance" a letter.  And you can do a letter like "D" with different flourishes.                  

        Daisy says Huell Howser talked with one lady about how sometimes "imperfections" are okay.   Mr. Steve jokes how "overcoming," or even "disguising" mistakes;" makes you a better  Artist.   Sometimes mistakes can make it "more human and not so programmed perfect."            

        I've never heard current "Programmed" music made on computers, but think I would be like Mr. Steve in preferring music made with musical instruments.  He likes how some bands        left in imperfections on recorded songs, like "Louie, Louie" for example.  Dawn's barking.                                                

"DEMOCRATS" / "REPUBLICANS"

             Our boss and Mr. Rick have talked about how, in 2014 American politics the "Democrats" are said to be "Left Wing Blue;" their mascot a Donkey.  And the "Right Wing Republicans" are represented as being "Red" using an Elephant as their mascot.  Frida and Diego flew bye.

               I just thought of how that guy Charles O. Finley replaced an Elephant with a Mule as the A's mascot.  Oh!  Just when I'm mentioning Mules I smell Libby over there, which is making me remember good old Molly.  I see my collection of things to chew on over there to my left. 

          Mr. Steve's dad thinks in American politics the colors red and blue should be "reversed" in meaning.  It's the Democrats, more socialistic; who should be represented by red he says, while it would be "more appropriate" for Republicans to use blue.  I smell the big Mulberry tree.  

                                          A'S                 REGGIE JACKSON          YANKEES 

            I just thought of that guy Reggie Jackson.   In 1977, when Mr. Steve and his brother Rock visited their Uncle Marty's family in New Jersey; as a "Free Agent" he'd gone from playing with the "A's" to being on the New York "Yankees."  Our boss was twenty two back in 1977.  

            For those eight years Reggie Jackson had worked for Charles Finley, first in Kansas City and then after the A's moved to Oakland in 1968.  He was a part of those teams that won three World Series and five Division titles.  But then he went to the Yankees for a lot more money.

           During the 1977 season Reggie Jackson almost got in that famous fistfight in the Dugout with his Manager Billy Martin.  But, in the World Series; he hit three Home Runs in one game against the Dodgers.  All four of the Pigeons are now flying over Libby's Corral going east.

    1977 CHICAGO "WHITE SOX"

           In 1977 Mr. Steve and his brother Rock saw that game at "Yankee Stadium," where the Chicago "White Sox" wore all black uniforms.  It was in the mid-1970's that the White Sox had uniforms with short "Cut Off" pants.  Mr. Steve drew the White Sox logo when he was a kid.       

        Our boss told Mr. Rick he thinks the White Sox "uniform gimmicks" didn't work.  But it shows how Charles Finley's "non-traditional" view of uniforms was influencing the White Sox Owner Bill Veeck in the mid-1970's.  Samson and Delilah are flying toward the northeast.             

          Daisy says our boss, who really doesn't follow sports any more; told Mr. Rick he thinks of Charles Finley whenever he sees how colorful and different uniforms are nowadays.  It sure was not like that before Charles Finley showed up.  He was "Mocked" and really disliked then.           

                                              ARTHUR SCHOPENHAUER (1788-1860)   

             Yesterday in book one I wrote about how that German Philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer believed many "true" ideas go through three "phases" before being "accepted."  At first they're "ridiculed," then "opposed;" often violently.  But eventually they're accepted as "self-evident."

           Mr. Steve thinks Schopenhauer's three part "Formula" applies to A's owner Finley.  Some of his 1970's ideas, like "Color-Coordinated" uniforms, playing the World Series games at night, and the "Designated Hitter;" are now the norm.  Goliath just crawled out into the desert.

          "Traditionalists" mocked and fought Finley's ideas but now they're "Taken for Granted."  I wrote about my boss getting in a fight for wearing white shoes.  The A's were the first team who wore white shoes but today "Cleats" can be found in "every color of the rainbow" he says. 

                      "SAGE" BUSH                                           MISS JULIANNE /  MR. DAVE              

           I smell Sage which is a coincidence because I just looked up "Photosynthesis."  Daisy says Mr. Steve helped a kid do a report on why many plants are green and I guess the main reason is this thing called "Chlorophyll."  Mr. Dave and Miss Julianne sent us that New Mexico Sage. 

          Hey God!  I guess, unlike other "Living Organisms" like us; most plants don't need to go out and get food.  Mr. Dave read they've evolved to acquire Your energy in photosynthesis, by making food inside of themselves.  Many plants use their "Leaves" to do that process too. 

         My Encyclopedia says that the word photosynthesis is actually Greek and means "Putting together with light."  Oh! I smell a Mouse!  Wow!  Mice usually don't come out  during the day because they might be killed.  Aha!  I see the Mouse out there in the dirt near the Patio.     

    "FIELD" MOUSE

   II

(CHAPTER 8)

2:30

        Well, according to my outline for book two; I'll now write more about that town to our west called "Littlerock."  I've mentioned a few times how that's where Mr. Steve's brother Sam lives with his wife Yolanda and their three kids.  I can see the Mouse over there.  

        I wonder why the city of "Little Rock" in "Arkansas" is two words?  Our Littlerock and the Little Rock in Arkansas must have a lot of small rocks.  Mr. Steve wonders why the Mexican town of "Vera Cruz," founded by Córtez in 1519; is now called "Veracruz?"

        Over the last two days in my long books I've mentioned a few times how Mr. Steve's friend Mark in Hawaii's parents are originally from Arkansas but moved north to Wisconsin.  And Mr. Randy lived in Arkansas.  As I wrote yesterday, we have "Dry" and not "Humid" heat.

                                  MR. RANDY                                                                      MR. MARK

               Dais says our boss, before the recent "Recession; used to have a few customers in the States of Arkansas and Oklahoma.  But now he only has a few left and, even some of those; don't do as much buying as they used to.  The smell of that Mouse just floated over here right now.

          Someday, when I get over my fear of riding in Cars; I'd like to visit Littlerock. Yesterday I mentioned that unique store there called "Charlie Brown Farms" which sells things that aren't sold in other places.  The Mouse ran under a rock near the big Mulberry tree. 

          Looking up, I just now noticed two long white vapor trails way up there in the blue sky.  A few Birds are darting around over the eastern desert behind the three Sheds.  And now, looking to my right; I can see Libby walking really slowly around over there in her Corral. 

"CHARLIE BROWN FARMS" (LITTLEROCK)

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA       

          Dais said our boss says "Charlie Brown's" sells knives, swords, miniature figurines like the ones he's built and those Ostrich eggs I mentioned in book one.  Daisy thinks they probably also sell things like tools used on a Farm too.  Cher the Cat is slinking out into the desert. 

               I guess one time Mr. Steve and his Niece's Samantha and Cristina visited Charlie Brown's.  He got them "Souvenirs" with logos of current bands like GREEN DAY.  They also sell Buffalo hamburgers at Charlie Brown's, like the ones they all ate out on Catalina Island.

        Again today Mr. Steve has stayed in the house and hasn't even come out to give us snacks which is very unusual.  Thinking about hamburgers made with buffalo meat is suddenly kind of making me a little bit hungry right now.  Boy!  I sure hope we get at least one snack today.                                   

                                                                       "PEANUTS"  

          ARTWORK BY CHARLES SCHULZ              

           Someday I really want to see that cartoon Daisy and Millie used to watch called "Peanuts" as Daisy thinks I would really like it.  It's mainly about a bald-headed boy named Charlie Brown  who has a smart Dog named Snoopy I guess.  Samson and Delilah are flying bye.

                I wonder if that store Charlie Brown's in Littlerock was named for the cartoon character? Daisy thinks it probably was.  Oh! Cher just used the right vertical sot on the side f the gate to come back into the yard.  And she's got a dead Lizard hanging our of her mouth.

          Just before Mr. Steve and his Nieces went to Charlie Brown's they saw a concert by a girl named Avril Lavigne at the Greek Theater in Griffith Park.  In 2005 she was a girl "Punk" Pop singer.  Dais told me about how she has a good song about "Skateboarding." 

                                                    AVRIL LAVIGNE                  

           Dais says that girl Avril Lavigne is originally from the country of Canada.  Tomorrow in my third book I'm scheduled to write a lot more about Canada, especially that east coast "Province of "Quebec;" where they mainly speak French.  Dawn's barking over there. 

       One time Daisy and Millie were in Mr. Steve's bedroom and watched a good cartoon called "Over the Hedge."  It was about a smart Raccoon and Avril Livigne did the voice of a "Possum" named "Heather."  Two of the Pigeons just flew in and landed on top of Moe the Shed.

       Mr. Steve met a girl who said there was this rumor that Avril Lavigne died and was replaced by a "Body Double."  But how could the fake girl sing the songs he asked her?  Besides he joked, there are still some people who seem to want to believe Hitler and Elvis are alive.

    POSSUM                                                                  PORQUIPINE

          Avril Lavigne played the part of a Possum really good Daisy says.  Yesterday I wrote about how Possums live in Sylmar but not up here.  In Over the Hedge Dais says, three "Porcupines" knew how to drive a Truck.  Boy!  They must be so smart to be able to do that. 

       Porcupines don't live in Piñon Hills either and Dais says they have hair made of spines that will stab you just like a walking Cholla cactus I guess.  This customer up in Minnesota told Mr. Steve Porcupines climb trees and use their hands like Squirrels do.  A Duck is quacking.

       That one Parts Manager in Minnesota says it's not true Porcupines can shoot their "quills" at you.  Sometimes he said, they fall off the tree and accidentally stab themselves.  The word quill was hard to spell.  It starts with a "q" and not a "c" or "k."  And it has two "l's" in it too. 

                                                     THE BEATLES (ABBEY ROAD)

PHOTO BY IAN MACMILLAN

        Writing about how some people think Avril Levigne might've secretly died makes me think about how, in 1969; there were rumors the BEATLES Paul McCartney was killed.  I guess that was when the BEATLES made their "Abbey Road" album.  A Crow is cawing faintly. 

       Supposedly, there were "Hints," like Paul McCartney being barefooted on the Abbey Road album cover; that Paul McCartney was dead.  Also, he was carrying a cigarette in his right hand even though he's left-handed.  Mr. Steve, who has that album; was only fourteen in 1969.

       Another "Clue" was, a Volkswagon Car's license plate said "28 IF." But Mr. Steve says Paul McCartney was twenty seven then.  In 1969 "Apollo 11" landed on the Moon.  I've noticed how, over there in England; the Cars all drive on the left side of the road instead of the right.

THE COASTERS      

                  Daisy saw a tv show about a singing band that began here in Los Angles in 1955, the year our boss was born.  The COASTERS "Toured" from "coast to coast" I guess.  In 1959 they had a song called "Charlie Brown" but the tv show said it wasn't about the cartoon character. 

             One time, back in the 1960's; Mr. Steve's parents saw this Coaster's concert down at that "Hollywood Palladium" I've written about.  Daisy heard our boss's mom remembers, besides the good singing; was the "very impressive" matching pink suits they wore.   Heathcliff crowed.

             The COASTERS' song called Charlie Brown has good saxophone on it Daisy noticed.   I guess, from what she heard our boss tell his mom; in 1987 the COASTERS were the first band to be "Inducted" into the "Rock & Roll Hall of Fame."  Wow!  That is impressive alright. 

                                                                 GOO GOO DOLLS   

                                                                                                                                          PHOTO BY GARY LAMBERT

           Daisy told me, about a year after they saw Avril Lavigne; Mr. Steve and Samantha went to a concert by a band called the GOO GOO DOLLS.  It was also at the Greek Theater.  I guess the GOO GOO DOLLS are from the city of "Buffalo" which is right near "Lake Erie."   

       Mr. Steve had a customer in a city near Buffalo called "Dunkirk."  The Parts Manager said the GOO GOO DOLLS play at "Nascar" races and some Football games like the "Super Bowl" or Detroit Lions home games.  Heathcliff just crowed over there next door.

       Dais says that Parts Manager told our boss how the Buffalo "Sabres" Hockey team used a GOO GOO DOLLS song in a Video.  Mr. Steve sent him 1980's pictures he took of the Sabres at the Forum when they played the Kings.  Dais says our boss has some Saber swords.

BUFFALO "SABRES"

PHOTO BY HARRY SCULL JR.

      According to Daisy, our boss has drawn logos from National Hockey League teams like the Buffalo Sabres.  Someday, when I get over my fear of being enclosed; I can see a "Goalie Mask" hanging on the wall behind Mr. Steve's drums in  his Bedroom.  I smell Mesquite.                          

    Back in the 1980's Mr. Steve and his girlfriend Harriet watched a tv show called "Beverly Hills 90210."  That's where Mr. Steve first saw, and heard; the GOO GOO DOLLS I guess.  How in the world could anyone have even invented such an amazing thing like a tv?                               

      Dais says the Parts Manager told our boss how the GOO GOO DOLLS got their name from seeing an advertisement in "True Detective" magazine.  In book three tomorrow I'll write about  a girl band called the GO GO's.  Daisy says our boss plays drums to some of their songs.               

  ROCK/ SAND QUARRY

           Yesterday I wrote about the subject of "Concrete" made from "Cement." I mentioned how sand is used as a "Binding Agent."  On the north side of the 138 Highway, near Littlerock where Mr. Steve's brother Sam's family live; is what's called a "Quarry" where they dig out sand.

        A quarry also digs out rocks and things like that too I guess.  Maybe Daisy is right and they have a lot of small rocks in Littlerock.  As I've mentioned a few times in these first two books, we have a lot of dirt and rocks in Piñon Hills and our long driveway is made out of gravel.

        I've mentioned a few times how, in June of 1985; Mr. Steve and some members of his family visited Italy and Israel.  In book one I wrote about when the Tour Group went to King Herod's "Artificial" concrete Harbor of "Caesarea," on the coast of Israel.  I smell some Juniper.

                 PANTHEON                          HAGIA SOPHIA                   SAINT PETER"S

                PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

            On that 1985 trip, when in the city of Rome; Mr. Steve's group visited the "Pantheon" and also Saint Peter's Basilica.  Both are huge in size and made with concrete.  The only dome bigger is Turkey's "Hagia Sophia," which I've said was built by Byzantine that Emperor Justinian.

         Yesterday I mentioned how it was the ancient Romans who first invented concrete, in order to be able to build big things like buildings or water aqueducts.  Mr. Steve and his father think, because more and more people are moving to cities; it will be needed more.  Heathcliff crowed.

          I wonder if it's true what Mr. Mike said that one morning?  He thinks the world might be running out of the type of sand needed to create concrete, which isn't permanent like stone.  Mr. Rick's company has done jobs which required the removal of old concrete from the job sites.

ROME, ITALY   

                   I've mentioned few times in these first two books how in June of 1985 our boss and that Tour Group from St. Ferdinand's visited Italy and then Israel.  They mainly stayed in the city of "Rome," and took Buss's around with with one of those "Guides."  I like Heathcliff's voice.

            I wrote yesterday in my first book how Mr. Steve enjoyed hearing the Tour Guide talking about the history of Rome from the Buss.  But he liked just as much walking around the city on his own too.  And he always took that one "Time-Life " book on the city of Rome with him. 

           Dais says our boss likes watching the different Rick Steves episodes where he goes to Italy.  His parents have seen some of those segments and also like them too because it makes them think about 1985.        

                     "VÖLKSHALLE"                                          "BRANDENBURG" GATE                                                        

        One time Daisy and Millie heard our boss tell Mr. Mike about how, if Hitler had won World War II; he was going to rename the city of Berlin "Germania."  And he and his Architect named Albert Speer planned on building the biggest concrete Hall of all time.  A Crow cawed.

        Wow!  A picture shows this model of the gigantic Hall Hitler intended to build.  The caption says, to show the "monumental scale" of the "Völkshalle;" a small model of the "Brandenburg" Gate is shown in the lower right hand corner.  "Völkshalle" just means, "People's Hall." 

        Thank You God for having Daisy find these Dictionaries.  It says in this Encyclopedia how that gigantic building was also going to be called the "Großhalle" or "Great Hall."   And I guess, from what it says here; a third name would've been the "Ruhmeshalle or "Hall of Glory."  

             PARIS (JUNE, 1940 / ALBERT SPEER ON LEFT)              

          I wrote how at age nineteen Adolph Hitler was rejected for Art School and told to become an "Architect" as he drew buildings well.   A picture shows him in Paris after all those "Panzer"  mechanized Tanks took only about a month to totally conquer the country of France.                     

         The caption below the photo of Hitler in front of the Eiffel Tower says, when visiting Paris in 1940; he also saw the French Pantheon and Napoléon Bonaparte's tomb too.  He and Napoleon both made the same exact mistake of attacking Russia.  Frida and Diego are now flying bye.         

        Hitler was impressed in 1938 seeing Rome's concrete Pantheon.  Wow!  His hall would've been so "enormous" 180,000 "breathing and perspiring" people inside "most likely" would have created a "precipitating weather system."  And that just means how it would rain in there!                                                 

   "PANTHEON" (ROME)                          "HADRIAN'S WALL" (ENGLAND)

                                                  PHOTO BY MONLITHIC .ORG                                                                                              PHOTO BY ROBERT WILLIAMS                                                                                                                                                                  

         This one Encyclopedia says the interior of the Pantheon in Rome is the world's "largest unreinforced concrete dome."  It was "rebuilt" by the Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century A.D. on the site where two previous buildings had burned down.  Donald and Daisy are quacking.        

          In that same period I guess "Hadrian" also ordered three Roman "Legions" stationed up in northern England to build that famous wall.  A picture shows those "Re-Enactors" dressed as Roman Soldiers standing on it's ruins.  They're holding those "Peelum" spears I notice.                

        I've mentioned before how in Greek the word "Pan" means "All," while "Theos" is how you would say "Gods."  And that's why all of the different buildings around the world are called the "Houses of the Gods."   Now Daffy and the other Ducks are beginning to quack too.                

EMPEROR "HADRIAN" (78-138 A.D.)    

         One time Daisy and I heard our boss tell Mr. Randy how, on the same day he and the Tour Group visited the Pantheon in Rome; they also went to that "Trevi" fountain.   And they walked around "Piazza della Rotondo" and "Piazza Navona" too I guess.  I smell some Juniper.               

        I guess, Hadrian's Pantheon is the "best preserved ancient building in Rome;" Mr. Steve's mother noticed the patterns and designs its marble floors.  It says here, since 608 A.D. it's been  used as a Church.  Daisy says that English lady Mary Beard visited the Hadrian's Pantheon.        

      It says here the all Roman Soldiers who built Hadrian's Wall, "on the furthest reach of the empire;" used stones and bricks to do it.  Oh wow!  The mortar they used was made of lime, sand and some "animal blood."  Max the Hummingbird just zoomed bye.  I heard him coming.                                                            

             "GREAT WALL" OF CHINA                

                   PHOTO BY HUNG CHUNG CHIH                 

   Mentioning Hadrian's Wall makes me suddenly think about that other famous wall over in China.  Dais says a man from China once told our boss that wall is over five thousand miles long and ialled "Cháng Chéng" in Chinese.  That means "Long City" or "Long Wall."                         

      The Chinese man said it's not true that many of the men who built the Great Wall are buried in it.  And you can't see the wall from outer space he said.  The Great Wall, like Hadrian's Wall; is actually a "series of border fortifications" meant partially to keep out invaders.                        

      Earlier, back in Chapter four; I wrote a little bit about the French "Maginot" Line built after World War I to keep the Germans away.  It was one of the strongest "Defensive Lines" in history but, in 1940; the German "Blitzkrieg went around it.  I smell a new Spring Sage plant.                 

BENITO MUSSOLINI / ADOLPH HITLER (1940)

      A picture in my Encyclopedia shows Benito Mussolini standing next to Adolph Hitler.  The caption says it was taken after Germany had defeated France in 1940.  The "Fascists" were at      the "height of their power."  Daisy says our boss has a framed print of that same photo.                 

     Mr. Steve's father thinks, if Adolph Hitler had died after defeating France he would've gone down in history as Germany's greatest leader.  But, he didn't, mainly because of what happened  in the five years after 1940.  Mr. Steve's dad calls Hitler the "biggest gambler ever."                      

       Hitler knew he was gambling.  Mr. Steve read that he told Albert Speer how, if he succeeded in conquering the world; he'd go down in history as the "greatest man" who ever lived.  But if he failed in doing that huge accomplishment he'd be "condemned and despised forever after."                                                                                               

                                                SAMMY JR, SAM SR., MATHEW, RAQQUEL

       (YOLANDA SEATED IN FRONT)      

           Well, it's back to my book two outline, which says the next thing I'll write a little bit about is Mr. Steve's brother Sam.  As I've mentioned a few times over the last two days, he and and his wife Yolanda live over there to the west of us; in "Littlerock."  Daffy's now quacking loud.

           As I've said, Sam and Yolanda have three kids; Mathew, Sammy Jr. and then Raqquel.   I guess Mathew goes to C.S.U.N. so stays in Sylmar at Mr. Steve's parents house.  Mathew's a good Athlete, and one time our boss told Mr. Rich how he has a "strong throwing arm" in Baseball.

           Mathew "Umpires" some Baseball games, in order to make money; and I guess lately his younger brother Sammy Jr. has been doing it too.  Dais says, when he was young Mr. Steve also umpired but the pay was way lower then he says.   Boy, I'd really like to make some money!

          "MONARCH" BUTTERFLY                  

          I just glanced up and noticed the Monarch Butterfly that's been hanging around here since yesterday.  It's sitting on a the Arborvitae tree in front of the Patio and I can now smell it from over here sitting on Elvira.  I wonder if that's a boy Butterfly or a girl Butterfly? 

       Daisy says one time our boss joked with Mr. Mike about how being a "sports official" can be what they call a "thankless job."  I guess an Umpire or "Referee" is sort of like being a Judge in having to "make decisions."  The Butterfly is fluttering away right now.  

       Mr. Steve said, as an Umpire; at times you make mistakes and everyone seems to be mad at you.  And even when you do your best to be "impartial" or "objective" some mean people in the audience get upset and yell out mean things.  The Butterfly scent is lingering.  

 "BLOCKING" OR "CHARGING" FOUL?     

             Daisy told me Mr. Steve is impressed in how his two Nephews also work as officials in other sports besides just Baseball.  He doesn't think he would be able to do that.  Basketball is at times really hard to "Referee" he says, especially on "Charging" plays; or "Judgement Calls."  

         Sometimes Mathew and Sammy drive all the way to Las Vegas to officiate Football games.  I mentioned Las Vegas yesterday when I wrote about how Mr. Steve's family was involved in the "Gaming" industry back in the early 1990's.  Gaming just sounds better than "Gambling."  

        Sammy Jr., and his younger sister Raqquel; live over there in Littlerock with their parents. Both are good Athletes like their parents were, and older brother still is.  Someday, if I get over my fear of riding in Cars; Daisy and I can go to Littlerock and meet their Dogs Tito and Ozzy.

                                                              "LLANO DEL RIO"   

   PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                    

              I suddenly feel like writing more about that place "Llano del Rio," which I've mentioned a few times in these first two books.  It was a Socialist "Utopian" community that existed for only a few years at the beginning of the 20th century.  The only thing left of it are "Ruins" I guess.

          Daisy told me you can see Llano del Rio's ruins in the desert, as you drive by; on the north side of the #138 Highway.  Our boss sees them in going back and forth from Sylmar, or when he visits his brother Sam's family over there in Littlerock.  Libby's scent just came floating in.  

         I've mentioned that Aldous Huxley lived in Llano, and how Llano del Rio means "Plains of the River."  Llano del Rio worked for a while, but eventually failed; and our boss and his father think that's because most people want to "Own" things.  I own things like my rubber balls.

                                   STALIN / ROOSEVELT / CHURCHILL ("TEHRAN" / 1943)

            That guy Winston Churchill, along with President Roosevelt and Joseph Stalin; is said to have "Saved the World" from Fascism.  Yet he joked about how Democracy is the, "Worst form of government, except for all the others."  A Train just whistled faintly over to my left. 

            Mr. Steve's dad thinks Winston Churchill's quote could equally be "Applied To" how one looks at Capitalism.  It's far from perfect, often lending itself to greed; but it's better than all the other economic systems.  Socialism like at Llano del Rio "really doesn't work" he thinks.  

           I've mentioned before about how one reason why Mr. Steve and his father prefer a mix of Capitalism and Socialism is because it creates a "competitive atmosphere" where a much bigger "Middle Class" is at least a possibility.  To Daisy and I that sounds pretty good alright.     

               THOMAS MORE (1478-1535)                   ALDOUS HUXLEY / GEORGE ORWELL

         Mr. Steve's dad thinks Winston Churchill's quote could apply to "Capitalism" too.  In book one yesterday I wrote about Thomas More's famous 16th century book called "Utopia."  Samson and Delilah are flying bye and are going in a northeasterly direction up there.                                 

         Yesterday I also wrote about how Utopia just means a, "better world of the future."  Aldous Huxley and George Orwell wrote 20th century "Dystopian" novels about "worse worlds of the    future."  Thomas More, Aldous Huxley and George Orwell were all Englishmen.                            

    Mr. Steve told Miss Susan, in a way, for many people like his parents; Los Angeles kind of symbolized a "Utopian hope."  But now, because of overcrowding, poverty and things like that; for many of  the people there it's become more of a "Dystopian reality."  Heathcliff just crowed.                      

 UTOPIA        

        One time Daisy and Millie heard him our boss tell Mr. Randy about a 1970's band from the city of Philadelphia called UTOPIA.  I guess, they started out as a "Progressive" Rock band; and Mr. Steve has some of their vinyl records.  The scent of Juniper just floated in from the field.        

       Dais heard our boss tell Mr. Randy how UTOPIA is mainly a guy named Todd Rundgren,  who sings and plays a few different musical instruments.  On one of the vinyl records he has blue and pink hair Daisy noticed.  Andy's sniffing the air to see if Goliath or Cher are around.             

         Hey!  I just thought of something!  As a "Gimmick," we could have a singing band made up of Dogs and Cats with our fur in different colors; and of course I'd want to be royal blue.  I'm pretty sure Daisy probably wouldn't ever want to be any color other than what she is now.                          

  NEW YORK DOLLS                                                ARTHHUR KANE        

         Boy!  I'm tempted to write about a 1970's "Glam" band called the NEW YORK DOLLS but, I'd better just wait until tomorrow; when Daisy has me scheduled to do it.  Their Bassist,        Arthur Kane, who died; came out to California and became a Mormon.  I smell old Sage.              

       Daisy heard our boss talk with Mr. Doug about the NEW YORK DOLLS, and how their gimmick of dressing up like girls was copied during the 1980's right here in Los Angeles.  Todd    Rundgren "Produced" a NEW YORK DOLLS album I guess.  A Train just now whistled.            

          Anyway, I'll come back to this subject tomorrow in my third book, when I write about how the  NEW YORK DOLLS influenced later bands. 

"MERCER ARTS CENTER" COLLAPSES (NEW YORK CITY AUGUST 3, 1973)

But right now I'll go back to writing about "Capitalism versus Socialism."  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are flying bye. 

   KARL MARX (1818-1883) WITH WIFE        

          I've written about that Jewish German Writer Karl Marx.  Mr. Steve and his father read parts of his books the "Communist Manifesto," and "Das Kapital."  Both are about Capitalism    versus Socialism, and really did influence the 20th century; and are still doing so now too.             

         Mr. Steve's father thinks Capitalism can "lend itself" to greediness.  But, "at least it can allow for the creation of a bigger middle Class;" whereas in "all of the other" previous economic systems there "were very often" only two classes, rich and poor.  A Crow is cawing faintly.            

          Llano del Rio wasn't the only 20th century "Utopian" community in California.  In 1985 Lord, as You know; Mr. Steve's Tour Group visited that one Jewish "Kibbutz" near the Sea of      Galilee where You lived.  Daisy told me about how the 1960's "Hippies" had "Communes."                                      

"ZZYZX" ROAD      

              PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                         

           Since I mentioned Llano del Rio right now, I might as well also talk a little bit about this one other place called ""Zzyzx."  Dais says it's north of Piñon Hills, near the 15 Freeway on the way from California into Nevada; and is pronounced "Zei-Zix." Heathcliff just crowed.

           From what Daisy and Millie heard Miss Susan say one time, from 1944 through all of the way through 1974 Zzyzx was a "Health Resort."  People went there to feel better.  Hey!  I think we should start a Resort for us Dogs and maybe even make a little bit of money doing it. 

          Miss Susan said before 1944 Zzyzx was called "Soda Springs."  Some people  believe those Springs can cure you of sickness and other things like that.  Boy Blessed Mother!  Miss Babette and her family are so lucky to be able to visit You in "Fatima" over there in "Portugal."   

          DR. CURTIS SPRINGER (1896-1985)        

             I just looked up Zzyzx and it says here how, in 1944 during World War II; it was started by a man named Curtis H. Springer.  He said he was a "Doctor" but we heard Miss Susan say how  some people think he was "nothing more than a quack."  I wonder what that means?  

        We should take Dais over there to Zzyzx and see if the water would help her Arthritis.  This is interesting.  I guess Curtis Springer and his wife picked the name Zzyzx as a "gimmick," so it would be the last name in any "directory;" and the "Last Word in Health."

       My Encyclopedia says Indians, Spanish explorers and the U.S. Army have "passed through" the area now called Zzyzx.  Mark Ritter who died knew about a prehistoric "Aha Macay" Indian Rock Quarry and their Rock Art near Zzyzx.  I can hear Dawn's barking next door.  

"PYRAMID" LAKE          

PHOTO BY JENNIFER ROGERS                    

         That Curtis Springer built an "Artificial" Lake at Zzyzx and "Stocked" it with "Tui Chub" which is the only "Native" Mojave Desert Fish.  I guess there are a few type of "Chub." But now the Chub Fish at Zzyzx is only found there so is what they call "Endangered."

        Daisy says, in the early 1980's; Steve's dad bought a Sylmar neighbor's "Speed" Boat.  They took it to "Castaic" and "Pyramid" Lakes, or "Reservoir's;" to "Water Ski" and Fish.  There's a big "Pyramid-Shaped" rock "formation" right in the middle of Pyramid Lake.  

        Someone told Mr. Steve Pyramid Lake has a type of Chub in it but, Miss Susan thinks that's probably not true; even though they do have "Bass" and "Trout" Fish there.  Mr. Steve's brother Rock likes to fish.  Dais says our boss has also been to "Nevada's" Pyramid Lake too.

                                                                    HUELL HOWSER 

          Dais told me about a Huell Howser episode she and Millie saw where he visited Zzyzx.  Mr. Steve's parents really liked watching that segment too according to what Mr. Steve's mom told him one time.  Boy!  The afternoon sunlight is making the colors seem way brighter today.

          I guess, from what Dais thinks; our boss noticed a "Scene" from Huell Howser's episode on Zzyzx.  Huell Howser, who died; was in the desert on a really hot day with the "Docent" who was giving the tour.  All of a sudden he seemed to realize why the Sun's often been "Worshiped."

         Hey God!  Someday I want to see some of Huell Howser's tv show's about California.  Dais says, out there at Zzyzx in the hot Sun; it may have "Dawned" on him why the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh "Akhenaten" worshiped You in the energy given to us by the Sun.  I smell Sage.

                               AKHENATEN (1353?-1336? B.C.) / WIFE NEFERTITI     

         As I wrote in my first book God, that ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten, and his wife named "Nefertiti;" are the first "known" people who worshiped just You instead of many other Gods at the same time.  Fannie and Freddie flew bye.  They're talking to each other.  

        I like this one painting in my Encyclopedia that shows Akhenaten and his wife with three of their daughters.  I notice how the Sun's rays, with cute little hands on the ends; are coming down on them.  I guess God that's supposed to represent You giving life.  I smell Mesquite. 

        Hey God!  Akhenaten totally replaced ancient Egypt's "Traditional" religion with a new one he and his wife thought of.  Of course that got a lot of people mad at him.  The caption below the painting says it was taken from a "Bas" Relief carving that was made during his lifetime.

       THREE ANCIENT EGYPTIAN "PERIODS"           

              I've mentioned before how ancient Egyptian history is divided into three "Periods."  The "Old" Kingdom is when the three pyramids and the "Sphinx" at "Giza" were built.  Then, there was the "Middle" Kingdom; and finally the final "New" Kingdom.  Dawn was barking. 

           This Encyclopedia says Akhenaten "ruled" Egypt as part of the "18th Dynasty," during the New Kingdom.  His original "given" or "birth" name was "Amenhotep IV," or "Amenophis IV as the ancient Greeks called him.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying bye right now.  

           Hey God!  I guess, after that guy Akhenaten decided to change his name and "impose" his new religion on Egypt; he then built himself that city "Amarna."  Amarna replaced "Thebes" as the "Capitol" city.  That also got a lot of the other people really, really mad at him I guess.

                                                   ANCIENT EGYPTIAN PRIEST  

ARTWORK BY CRYSTALINK                        

         Hey God!  Yesterday I wrote about how Akhenaten replaced the Egyptian "Polytheistic" religion of many Gods with his own "Monotheistic" religion of only You in the form of the Sun.  So all of the Egyptian Priests hated him for doing that.  Heathcliff is crowing.

         A good painting in this one Encyclopedia shows an ancient Egyptian Priest, who was said to "speak to the Gods;" explaining something to a Pharaoh.  Daisy saw a tv show about Akhenaten. It said that, back then in ancient Egypt; there were some female "Priestess's" too. 

         Because Akhenaten replaced their old religion the Priests totally hated him.  As I wrote in book one, his idea of "Worshiping" only You God may have "Influenced" the later Jews.  He and his wife wanted to worship only the "Aten," which basically just means You up there. 

                                                                                     AKHENATEN'S "AMARNA"

            This Encyclopedia says that, during the almost twenty years where Akhenaten "Ruled" in Egypt; Amarna became the most import city in Egypt.  A painting shows Boats sailing in and out of Amarna's harbor.  And a good map shows where Amarna was located back then.   

          Hey God!  As of course You already know, there are times when the sun absorbs into me and I think I can feel You sink in.  So, I suppose if I were living during Akhenaten's time I'd probably want to believe in You as Aten.  I'm pretty sure Daisy would believe in that idea too.

       When it's so freezing cold up here in Piñon Hills during the Winter, Daisy and I sure "Look Forward" to Summer.  But in the Summer's blazing heat we appreciate cool weather.  I now like when Mr. Steve wets us with water on hot days, which Daisy enjoys because of her fur.                                                              

                                                 TUT ANKH AMEN ( 1342-1325 B.C.)

             As I said yesterday in book one, someday I'll go in the Kitchen to see that one big "Glossy" picture of the Pharaoh "King Tut."  Dais told me our boss put it on the front freezer door of that amazing "Refrigerator" machine.  A little Garter Snake just crawled under Manny. 

         From what Dais heard our boss and his mom talking about on the phone one time, that big picture of King Tut is the lid covering the front of his coffin.  It's made of pure gold so has to be worth a lot of money Daisy thinks.  Mr. Steve's mom has a good book on King Tut. 

             Daisy told me that picture of King Tut's "Death Mask" is attached to the refrigerator with magnets our boss has acquired over the years.  Some of them were given to him by his old boss Steve Banks who died a few years ago.  Two of the Pigeons are flying bye right now. 

                                      STEVE BANKS (1958-2009) WITH WIFE RONNA

              I've mentioned how Steve Banks is buried at a Jewish cemetery near "Mission Cemetery" where Mr. Steve's Grandmother's, sister Celina, Mr. Rick's son Gino are buried; and where his parents have "Crypts."  Ritchie Valens and his mom are really close to those crypts.  

         Steve Banks and his wife Ronna went on "Cruises" and sometimes brought back magnets as gifts for Mr. Steve, Babette, Julio, Karin and Miss Susan.  As I've mentioned, they also work for the company Steve Banks started and his wife and daughter "Lori" still run. 

        Daisy says our boss also has an Italian "Finger Puppet" Steve and Ronna bought for him.  It looks like that kid "Pinochio" and its arms, legs and head move if you push up on the bottom of the "Pedestal."   That then pulls on strings which are attached to the different parts.  

HOWARD CARTER (1874-1939)

        I've mentioned a few times how Mr. Steve's mother is interested in "Archaeology."  So, she knows that British man Howard Carter, in 1922; "discovered" King Tut's Tomb.  She even has a good book about it Daisy says.  Some of the Ducks are quacking at something over there.               

         I like the painted black and white photo showing that guy Howard Carter working  on King Tut's coffin.  Yesterday I wrote about how Mr. Steve had a "Dark Room" at his  house in Sylmar on Hagar Street.  He sometimes painted "Silk" prints like the one of Howard Carter.                     

     It says here that King Tut "may" have been the son of Akhenaten and Nefretiti, and his real full name is "Tutankhamen;" which can be translated to mean "Living Image of Amun."  Amun was one of the main Egyptian God's Akhenaten replaced.  Three Finches just flew bye.                  

FINLEY

  PHOTO BY RON NIEBRUGGE               

            Oh!  I glanced up and see Finley the boy Finch over there sitting in that clump of Joshua trees he seems to like so much.  I knew I heard him chirping, and I'm beginning to recognize his  happy-sounding voice.  But still he's alone and hasn't found a girl Finch yet this year.                    

          Mr. Dave told our boss on the phone one time how he's noticed how the Finches back in New Mexico have a much "wider variety" of chirp than other Birds.  Like Daisy, he's also seen    boy Finches get brighter the next year if the don't get a girl.  Finley has faster chirps.                     

         So far, I haven't seen Finley being a part of any group of other Finches.  Daisy says Mr. Dave described Finches as being "social."  As I wrote yesterday, our boss says some Birds are like "schools" of Fish out there in the Ocean.  There's "Safety in Numbers" as they say.                                    

                            "SIR" FLINDERS PETRIE (1853-1942) WITH WIFE HILDA

           Yesterday I wrote about Howard Carter's "Mentor" named "Sir" Flinders Petrie.  He had a wife named "Hilda" who was a great partner in his Archaeology.  Flinders Petrie is now known for his "System" of using "Pottery" to "Date" things dug up from the ground.    

          This Encyclopedia says, when Akhenaten died; the Priests "regained" power and right away "re-imposed" the old polytheistic religion.  And one thing they did was try to "erase" anything to do with Akhenaten.  They tore Amarna down and made Thebes the capitol again.

        Over two thousand years later Flinders Petrie and his wife "Dug," or worked on; the "Site" where Akhenaten's city of Amarna had been located.  There wasn't very much left of it I guess.  It's called "Tel-el-Amarna" which, in Arabic; is how you say the word "Mound." 

NEFRETITI / ADOLPH HITLER

            In my first book I wrote about how, in the early 20th century; some German Archaeologists found a "Bust" of Akhenaten's wife Nefertiti at Tel-el-Amarna.  They took it back to Germany to put in a big Museum.  Mr. Steve has a few head and shoulder bust statues in the house.   

             Adolph Hitler became "Fuhrer," or leader of Germany in 1933; the same year as Franklin Roosevelt became the American President.  That was during the "Great Depression," when Mr. Steve's father was one; and two years before his mom was born.  I can smell the baby Cholla. 

            In the mid-1930's Egypt wanted Nefertiti's bust back but Hitler refused to return it because he really liked it.  As I wrote yesterday, there are some people who think he might've thought he was the "Reincarnated" Akhenaten.  Both of them were "Totalitarian Dictators."

                                            "UMBRELLA" ART ("TEJON PASS" / 1991)

                     PHOTO BY WOLFGANG VOLZ          

        I'm still thinking of the different southern California lakes.  Dais says, to get to Castaic and Pyramid Lakes; you drive north from Sylmar and up the "I-5" Freeway.  In 1991 Mr. Steve and  his mom drove even further north to see an amazing outdoor "Umbrella" art exhibit.                    

        Daisy told me how that outdoor umbrella art project in 1991 was created by this man named "Christo" and his wife "Jeanne-Claude."  They set up hundreds of big yellow umbrellas on hills  overlooking the "Interstate-5" Freeway.  Max the Hummingbird just now zoomed bye.                 

      I guess Christo and and his wife's umbrella art was put up near the "Tejon Pass," or what's called the "Grapevine" region.  That's where mountains turn into desert.  "Bakersfield," where  KORN and that Country Music Singer Buck Owens are from; is near that one region.                   

   1850'S U.S. ARMY "CAMEL EXPERIMENT"

         I've written about 1857; which was four years before the American Civil War.  In that year the huge 7.9 "Magnitude" earthquake happened near "Fort Tejon."  And later in that same year the U.S. Army brought all of those different Camels out here to Fort Tejon from Texas.                  

       I just thought of that guy William Wing Loring, who Mr. Steve did his Research Paper on in  College at C.S.U.N.  "Loring" was originally from the east coast of Florida, or "St. Augustine;"   "San Agustin" in Spanish.  He saw Camels lift and carry more weight than Horses or Mules.       

       Loring, as I've mentioned before; was a Confederate "Rebel" General during the American Civil War and later worked for the "Khedive" of Egypt after that.  But in the 1850's, before the war; he was in the U.S. Army.  That was also the same period as the "Camel Experiment."           

(CIVIL WAR)          WILLIAM WING LORING (1818-1886)        (EGYPT)                  

            As I've written, as a teenager William Wing Loring fought "Seminole" Indians in Florida and, in 1836; tried to go to Texas to fight Santa Anna's Mexicans.  In the 18550's, like John Bell Hood and George Thomas; he fought "Comanche'" there.  But in 1836 his father said no.             

        In 1847 Loring lost that left arm during the "Mexican War" when, in General Winfield Scott's American army; he was wounded capturing Mexico City.  After the Civil War, on General Sherman's recommendation, he went to Egypt.  He worked for the Ottoman Empire's Khedive.   

           It's interesting how Loring and Mr. Steve's Niece Stephanie were both born on December the 4th.  I'll write more about Loring in my books, because he had an eventful life.  Besides being a Soldier for about fifty years, he was also a Lawyer and Politician back there in Florida.                                                        

         PROFESSOR JAMES SEFTON (C.S.U.N.) 

          PHOTO BY LEE CHOO

     Yesterday I wrote about Dr. James Sefton, who was Mr. Steve's College "Professor" for the "Pro-Seminar" class.  That was the "semester-long" class where Mr. Steve wrote about the life of that guy William Wing Loring.  Now some of the other Ducks are quacking too.                              

      Daisy says Professor Sefton told our boss he was born up north in the city of San Francisco.  But, when he was about five years old; his father died and he and his mom moved down here to    Los Angeles.  Samson and Delilah are flying out into the eastern desert right now.                           

      As I said in book one, Professor Sefton was friendly but at times kind of abrupt too.  Just like Grandma Córdova, and Claire Rothman who ran the Forum in the 1980's; he was what they call "Firm but Fair."  All three of them would be described as being "Straight Shooters."                    

      PROFESSOR SEFTON                                         MISS EMILY                

         As I said yesterday, Professor Sefton was "Ph.D" Doctor from U.C.L.A.; where Mr. Steve's ex-girlfriend Emily works.  He began teaching in 1965, when Mr. Steve was ten and C.S.U.N was called " San Fernando Valley State College."   Wow!  That's almost fifty years!                               

       One time Daisy and Millie were inside of our boss's Office and heard him talk on the phone with Mr. Ralph.   Mr. Ralph knows about Professor Sefton, but has never met him.  I guess, one    time Professor Sefton told Mr. Steve he graduated from Hollywood High School.                             

       Daisy says our boss enjoys talking to Professor Sefton.  Usually it's by phone but every once in a while they meet in his office like the 1970's.  Mr. Steve told Mr. Ralph Professor Sefton, who is like Sister Rita Joseph in being "Intellectually Curious;" is a good photographer.                                         

KORN

         Fort Tejon, where they brought those Camels; is near Bakersfield where that one band KORN are from.  I want to see KORN'S Video for their song "Freak on  a Leash," which Daisy says has singing in it our boss called "scatting."  His one customer called it ""beat boxing."          

           I guess Mr. Steve hasn't heard many KORN songs, but "can tell" their three piece guitar, bass and drums are good.  Mr. Rich says the Bassist at times uses a "slapping," or "percussive" style; which "Flea" from the RED HOT CHLI PEPPERS does too.  I can smell Manzanita.          

          Hey Lord!  Dais told me our boss was told KORN'S bass and guitar players believe in You just like Alice Cooper does.  The Guitarist's tattoo, from the Book of Mathew 11:28 says; "Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Oh!  I like that!                                                 

                       "INUIT" PEOPLE                                   INUIT "THROAT SINGERS"                                                                                                 

          Yesterday when I wrote about KORN I forgot to mention a tv show Daisy saw about those "Inuit" or "Eskimo" Indians who live in freezing cold weather way up there to the north.  It said the girl Inuit's do "Throat" singing.  Dais says she and Millie felt "Rhêma" on hearing it.             

         Our boss told Mr. Dave throat singing is "guttural," the Inuit girls use their voices kind of like a musical instrument.  Daisy said on that scatting or beatboxing part of Freak on a Leash it sort of sounds like throat singing.  All four of the Pigeons flew over Libby's Corral going east.      

      The tv show said a mothers "inhaling and exhaling" throat singing to babies held tight to their chest keeps them "warm and comfortable."  Daisy said Millie thought the way those Inuit girls sing is "hypnotic" at times.  It's not word but just sounds that make the baby feel good.        

ROCKY JR. / MISS AMBER

         I've mentioned before how, back there in Texas where he lives in the city of "Arlington;" Mr. Steve's Nephew Rocky Jr. is a talented "Tattoo Artist."  He has a good job, and "Makes a Living" doing it.  Smelling the Manzanita right now suddenly reminds me of last Summer.            

         As I've written before, Mr. Steve's Nephew Rocky Jr. has this girlfriend named "Amber."  Daisy heard our boss and his brother Rock discuss on the phone how she's a good "Beautician,"  and both she and Rocky Jr. seem to have good "Business Sense."  Heathcliff just crowed.            

         Ah!  A cool breeze just blew in some fresh air from out in the desert and that's making the chimes hanging down from the Patio roof ring.  Holy Spirit!  That makes me want to believe it    might be You hanging around here again today.  Boy!  The sky is so bright blue right now.                       

 "CRUCIFIXION"

         Hey Lord!  Even though we know some people think it's totally dumb to believe You died for us down here in Piñon Hills, Daisy and I don't care.  Believing in You makes us feel so much    better, especially when we feel kind of sad or depressed.  Heathcliff just crowed.                              

           Oh!  The chimes hanging from the Patio roof just began to ring because a stiff breeze blew in from the eastern desert behind the three Sheds.  I sure hope that's You Holy Spirit and I think it is because a happy feeling is coming into me.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny flew bye.                  

        Glancing up from down here sitting on Elvira, I see two "Crisscrossed" vapor trails up in the high blue sky.  Both of my nostrils just detected the strong scent of the Twin Joshua trees out there in the desert.  It came in on that strong breeze which is making the chimes ring.                    

STEVIE RAY VAUGHN (1954-1990)    

         Tomorrow I'll write about Guitarists Mr. Steve has seen.  One time, at the L.A. "Sports Arena" downtown; he and Harriet saw Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jeff Beck.  Stevie Ray Vaughn      died in a Helicopter crash about a week later.  Daisy says he can even play behind his back.           

            Hey Lord!  Dais says Stevie Ray Vaughn told the audience You helped him quit drinking and taking drugs.  I guess those guys in KORN feel the same.  Mr. Steve's family are so proud of  how our boss's brother Sam's wife Yolanda has helped him stay "Sober" for all these years.          

           That Guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughn was from Dallas, Texas.  I've mentioned how Arlington, where Mr. Steve's brother Rock lives with his sons Rocky Jr. and Jacob; is in between Dallas and Fort Worth.  That one other band called PANTERA is also from the Dallas area too.                                                                                                               

                 JIMMY PAGE                          BILLY ZOOM                               BRIAN MAY               

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

          Mr. Steve thinks Guitarists, like LED ZEPPELIN'S Jimmy Page, QUEEN'S Brian May or X'S Billy Zoom; make it look easy going back and forth playing "Rhythm or Lead." He's played people Stevie Ray Vaughn's "Scuttle Buttin" as a good example.  Randy Rhodes did that.              

           I can't wait for tomorrow when I write in more detail about the best Guitarists Mr. Steve has seen play.  In the 1970's Mr. Steve, Sandy and their friends saw that guy Randy Rhodes do      concerts and rehearse for QUIET RIOT, down there in Van Nuys.  I can smell Blinky.                   

          Daisy saw a tv show about QUEEN'S Brian where he said he admired that Irish Guitarist Rory Gallagher.  Mr. Steve and Sandy saw both play.  Daisy thinks Brian May and his dad must be smart in being able to build his red girl guitar.  I smell Rosie standing next to Dawn.                 

                                                           JEANE-CLAUDE / CHRISTO   

                I just now suddenly thought of that guy Christo and his wife Jeane-Claude again.  Daisy heard Miss Susan say she was "jealous" of Mr. Steve and his mom because they got to see their 1991 outdoor "environmental" or "kinetic" umbrella art.  I smell some Creosote.

           Christo was "Bulgarian" while his wife, born on the same day he was in 1935; was from French "Morocco."  Mr. Steve's mother was also born in 1935 too.   I wrote in book on how the ROLLING STONES' Keith Richards and Bobby Keyes were born on the same day.    

           Like Mr. Steve's parents, Christo and his wife have been together for over fifty years.  I've written how "Zeitgeist" is German for "Spirit of the Times" and has been used to describe their art.  Their "raison d' être," French for "Reason to Be;" is their "Communal" art. 

                                                                                              MR. DOUG / MISS SUSAN 

                Daisy says many years later our boss found out that Mr. Doug and Miss Susan also drove up there in 1991 to see Christo and his wife's umbrella art.  I've mentioned a few times how Miss Susan, who died; was very artistic.  Just like Mr. Steve's mom, she made "Crafts." 

                 A Bunny Rabbit just used the right vertical slot on the side of the gate to hop out into the back desert.  As often happens with Bunny Rabbits, because they can stay so still; you don't even notice them until they move.  Sometimes Daisy and I smell them before seeing them.

                 Boy!  Someday I'd like to try to make some crafts the way Mr. Steve's mother used to do with her Girl Scout troops.  And, as I've said before; if I turned out to be good at it then maybe I could teach other Dogs to do it too.  We could make money by having a Dog art school!

                             ALBUQUERQUE "BALLOON FESTIVAL" (OCTOBER)      

            I've mentioned a few times how Mr. Steve's parents are from New Mexico.  For some reason writing about Christo and his wife's umbrella art makes me think about the "Hot Air" Balloon events that take place in October near the city of Albuquerque.  The sky is so blue.

        I'd be afraid to go up in a Balloon but I've said before how Daisy would like to fly around like Underdog.  Mr. Steve told Miss Susan he thinks October is New Mexico's best weather.  I've said a few times how Mr. Steve's brother Rock and Niece Cristina were born in October. 

       Dais says our boss met a man who flew a Balloon in New Mexico.  He'd like to go to Turkey to fly a Balloon in "Cappadocia" or "Anatolia."  That's where they have these amazing soft rock or "Sandstone Towers" that, over thousands of years; have pushed up from ground. 

                                            "CAPPADOCIA" ("ANATOLIA," TURKEY)

           Oh wow!  A picture shows how those soft rock "Spires" in Turkey lifted up hard stones on top of them.  The caption calls them "Hoodoos" or "Tent Rocks" and other names for them are "Fairy Chimneys" or "Earth Pyramids.  I smell one of the older Mesquite bushes.

          Hey Lord!  I guess, in Cappadocia; early Christians carved "networks" of tunnels to hide from Romans and later Muslims trying to "kill or enslave" them.  Herodotus wrote about them.  Daisy told me how that guy Rick Steves flew in a Balloon when he visited Turkey. 

        This Encyclopedia says Hoodoos are "tall, thin rock formations" that "protrude" out of the ground.  In book three Daisy has me scheduled to write more about the last "Ice Age" that I've mentioned a few times already.  So I'll also learn about the "Great Lakes" too.  

            "GOBLIN VALLEY" (UTAH)                                "ADOBE TOWN"  (WYOMING)

         Wow!  Pictures in this Encyclopedia show Hoodoos in the U.S.   Mr. Steve's customer in the State of Wyoming knows about Hoodoos and said the ones near him were "eroded" by wind and water over thousands of years, leaving harder rocks on top.  A Duck is quacking. 

        As I've written before, the last Ice Age ended about 10,000 B.C.  And that's when the people who were later called American Indians crossed the Bering Strait from Siberia into the area now called Alaska.  Then they "Migrated" southward down into North and South America.

       The gigantic "Glaciers" that covered up North America had blocked the Siberians for a long time.  But when they melted and "Receded" it allowed people to enter into what after the time of Christopher Columbus was called the "New World.  A little Finch just flew bye.

                                      "LORETTO" CHAPEL (SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO)

            Writing about the New Mexico Balloon Festivals makes me think of the "Loretto" Chapel in the city of Santa Fe.  Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Dave talk on the phone about it and I guess it's a "Gothic" style Catholic "Chapel" built in the late 19th century.  I smell Sage. 

           When Mr. Steve and his brother Rock visited their Uncle "Gil's" family in Albuquerque they went to see the Loretto Chapel.  It's now famous for a "Spiral" or "Helix" shaped staircase inside.  Two of the Pigeons just flew back in and landed up there on the Patio roof.  

             Daisy and Millie heard our boss tell Mr. Dave, who I guess is a pretty good Carpenter; that the spiral staircase in the Loretto Chapel was made without using nails.  Maybe it's built so well that "Gravity" just holds everything "In Place" as they say?  I smell those Pigeons.

                                                    RELATIVES IN NEW MEXICO

             I mentioned in book one how Mr. Steve's father is the oldest of five kids and his brother Gil is the second oldest.  As I said yesterday, Uncle Gil and Aunt "Nellie's" kids are named "Joy" and "Gil Jr."  The Pigeons are walking around and cooing up there on the roof above me.

            Daisy says our boss told Mr. Dave that time how he and his brother Rock both have good memories of visiting New Mexico when they were growing up.  Mr. Steve says that the first time he ever fired a gun was at his Uncle "Casey's" house in Jarales.  I smell the Pigeons.

            As I wrote in my first book, Uncle Casey and Aunt "Ruth's" kids are named "Randy," "Doreen," "Shirley" and "Casey Ray."  Except for Casey Ray, they all had kids and are good parents.  It makes me feel good seeing the shadows of the Pigeons walking up there.

                      LEW WALLACE (1827-1905)                HENRY MCCARTY / BILLY "THE KID" (1859-1881)

            In Santa Fe Daisy says our boss and his brother also saw the "Governor's Palace," where in the 1870's as New Mexico's "Territorial Governor;" that guy Lew Wallace's family stayed.  He wrote "Ben Hur" there.  Billy the Kid fought in the "Lincoln County War" in that period.  

          My Encyclopedia says Lew Wallace was from "Indiana" and, as I've written about; was a General during the American Civil War.   Oh!  He was was born on April the 10th, and died on the 15th of February.  The Pigeons are now flying back out into the desert behind the Sheds. 

          Over the last two days I've mentioned a few times how Mr. Steve's former girlfriend Emily was born on April the 9th while his other girlfriend Harriet's birthday is February 19th.  Boy! I sure do wish I could figure out a way to know what my birthday is.  Dawn's barking. 

                 AUSTIN / SUSAN /DALTON                            RICH / CRISTINA / MR. STEVE'S PARENTS 

           I've mentioned a few times how Mr. Steve's Nephew Dalton back in Connecticut was born on February the 11th.  Our boss's dad's birthday is February the 23rd, and Grandma Cordova's was the 24th.  Mr. Steve's Niece Stephanie's boyfriend Mr. Rich was born on February 16.

                My Encyclopedia says that man Lew Wallace's father was Indiana's Governor and they both were Lawyers.  One time Daisy heard our boss talking on the phone to Mr. Grant, who's a Lawyer too; and they discussed Lew Wallace.  Benjamin the black Cow Bird just ran bye.       

                 I guess, when the Civil War broke out back in 1861; Lew Wallace was made a General by the Governor of Indiana.  But at the "Battle of Shiloh" Mr. Steve has read that he got to the fight late on the first day but did good on the second day.   I can smell the baby Cholla cactus.

                                           "BATTLE OF SHILOH" (APRIL 6-7, 1862)

PAINTING BY THURE DE THULSTRUP        

                 Earlier today I mentioned the Battle of Shiloh and how it was that guy Ulysses S. Grant who led the Union troops.  At that point, April of 1862; I guess the war had been going for about a year.   That "Western" Theater battle was one of the bloodiest battles of the war.

               Mr. Steve thinks Lew Wallace was made a "scapegoat" for how bad the first day went at Shiloh.  It's also called the "Battle of Pittsburgh Landing."  General Grant sent Lew Wallace an order which somehow was misunderstood or never arrived.  Heathcliff just crowed.  

              Daisy says today they have Radio's to send messages on a battlefield but, back in the mid-19th century; they still had to write out the messages.  And then, you still have to send them to be delivered and hope the messages "Get Through" as they say.  I like Heathcliff's voice. 

                               ADOLPH HITLER (1ST COMPANY BAVARIAN "LIST" REGIMENT)

                 I've mentioned a few times over the last two days how that guy Adolph Hitler was what's called a "Dispatch Runner" in World War I.  His job was to deliver messages because, like at the Battle of Shiloh; there weren't Radios used then.  Hitler earned two "Iron Crosses."

            Boy!  Whenever I look at the pictures of Adolph Hitler from the time he served in World War I his Dog "Fuchsl" always catches my attention.  Yesterday I mentioned how Hitler and the men in his company named that Dog.  In German Fuchsl just means "Little Fox." 

            That Fuchsl looks like a brave Dog!  Dais heard our boss tell Mr. Randy on the phone one time how Fuchsl, and all of the drawings Hitler did; were stolen during the war.  I just saw Rudy the Roadrunner use the left vertical slot on the side of the gate to go out into the desert. 

                      BRITISH UNITS                      WORLD WAR I               GERMAN "LANCER"

          As I've said, in the First World War Hitler trimmed his "Handlebar" mustache back into the form everyone knows.  And he did it so a "Gas Mask" would fit better on his face.  Even then toward the end of the war he was gassed and went temporarily blind.  I smell Sage.  

          Back in 1862 at the Battle of Shiloh Mr. Steve read the "Courier" taking General Grant's written message delivered it to another Officer who then lost it.  So, there was a "Mix Up" about which road to take in getting to the battlefield.  Plus, all of the roads were muddy.

                I've mentioned how, during the Civil War; both sides had "West Point" educated Officers who didn't like "Appointed Political Generals" like Lew Wallace.  Even though Lew Wallace had been a soldier during the Mexican War but never saw combat.  He was mainly a Lawyer. 

                                                                          HENRY W. HALLECK (1815-1872)                ULYSSES S. GRANT (1822-1885)

               Daisy says our boss thinks it wasn't Lew Wallace's fault for what happened on the first day at Shiloh.  But General Grant's "Western Theater" boss Henry Halleck blamed Wallace.   It was easier to criticize Lew Wallace than it was to hold a West Point graduate "Liable."

           I guess for the rest of the Civil War, until 1864 when a Rebel army under Jubal Early tried to capture Washington D.C.; Lew Wallace didn't see much combat.  But his outnumbered troops held off Jubal Early and saved the city.  Oh!  They did it on July 9th, our boss's birthday. 

         Abraham Lincoln was killed by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865.  On April 9 Robert E. Lee, to end the war; had surrendered his army to General Grant at "Appomattox."  I've written a few times how Mr. Steve's ex-girlfriend Emily's birthday is on April the 9th too. 

       LINCOLN "CONSPIRATORS" HUNG                         HENRY WIRZ (1823-1865)

WASHINGTON D.C. / JULY 7, 1865)                                                 ("ANDERSONVILLE" PRISON)    

           Oh!  This is so interesting.  According to what it says here in this one Encyclopedia, that guy Lew Wallace was one of the Judges at the 1865 trial of the four "conspirators" who helped John Wilkes Booth assassinate President Lincoln.  They were hanged on July the 7th. 

           During the Civil War many Union prisoners were "Held" at a place down in the State of Georgia called "Andersonville" Prison.  I guess a lot of them ended up dying of starvation and disease.  Andersonville's "Camp Commander" had been named Henry Wirz.

           Mr. Steve wonders if part of Henry Wirz's problem at Andersonville Prison was he barely had enough food for his own men, "Let Alone" the prisoners.  With his side losing in the war, he had the bad luck to have been "in the wrong place at the wrong time."  He was Swiss.                                  

                                                "BEN HUR"  CHARIOT RACE SCENE

                Yesterday I wrote about how one of Mr. Steve's favorite Actors is that guy named Charlton Heston.  In 1959, when Mr. Steve was four and his brother Rock two; Charlton Heston was in the movie "Ben Hur" which was based on Lew Wallace's book.  Heathcliff just crowed.

                 I can't wait for the time when I'm not afraid to go all of the way down the Hallway in the house so, like Daisy; I can see things like that movie Ben Hur.  I wrote in book one about all the Chariot Race scenes Daisy described.  Ah!  I can smell Libby over there to my right.  

          As I wrote yesterday, Daisy thinks; if our boss could use Mr. Peabody's "Way Back" time machine he might just go back to talk to that guy Billy "The Kid."  For some reason she says, it seems like he identifies with with him somehow.   People "Picked" on Billy the Kid. 

                                   HENRY MCCARTY (A.K.A. WILLIAM BONNEY)     

          In the late 1870's that bloody "Lincoln County War" took place in New Mexico Territory.  I've mentioned before how Billy the Kid fought in it and his real name was Henry McCarty.  He and his brother came to America from Ireland with their mom, who died really young. 

          Daisy says our boss read about Lew Wallace's wife "Susan" who was just as smart as her husband he thinks.  She was a writer too and Lew Wallace "Illustrated" her books.  As the U.S. "Ambassador" to the "Ottoman" Turkish Court in the 1880's she went with him.

         Over the last two days I've mentioned a few times how the name Susan is important in Mr. Steve's life.  Not only is his sister named Susan, but so is the girl at work who he trained to be a sales person.  And there's Miss Susan who used to run our local Newspaper "News Plus."

           "MINISTER" TO TURKEY  (1881-1885)                      SUSAN WALLACE (1830-1907)

                I guess Mr. Ralph knows a lot about that guy Lew Wallace and his wife too.  Daisy heard our boss talking on the phone with him and they discussed how Susan Wallace, who was one of eight kids in a "Quaker" family; "Edited" her husband's books.  I smell some Sage.

               According to what it says here in this one Encyclopedia, after Lew Wallace was finished as "Minister" to Turkey; his wife wrote about their travels.  This customer back in Indiana told our boss she also wrote about their time in New Mexico Territory.  Sage makes me feel good.

           Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Ralph on the phone how that lady Susan Wallace was a good Singer and even played a few musical instruments too.  And her husband built their own violins and things like that.  From what it says right here, the Wallace's had just one son.

                                                  WILLIAM WING LORING (IN EGYPT)

                 William Wing Loring, based on who Mr. Steve wrote about in College; worked for Egypt's "Khedive" from 1866 through 1879.  At that time Egypt was still part of the Ottoman Turkish Empire.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny flew bye.

           My Encyclopedia says Lew Wallace was the U.S. "representative" to Turkey from 1881 through 1885.  So, that means he probably never met Loring.  Tomorrow in my third book I'll be learning a lot about World War I so will find out about Ottoman Turkey ending. 

              In 1985 Lord, when they were traveling on bus's to see all the different things over there in Israel, Mr. Steve and the Tour Guide Chaim talked about Lew Wallace.  Chaim had heard of him but not that much.  He went home and looked he and his wife up in his Encyclopedias.  

"CRUCIFIXION"    

               Hey Lord!  Thank You for letting the Romans and Jewish Sanhedrin in Jerusalem kill You for our sakes.  Daisy says she can tell from when she and Millie watched that movie Ben Hur how Lew Wallace knew a lot about Your life.   Boy!  I want to see that Charlton Heston movie.

           Mr. Ralph knew that Susan Wallace "finished" writing her husband's "Autobiography" after he died before completing it.  Then she died soon afterward.   Oh!  That sounds kind of like how Ulysses S. Grant finished writing his own "Memoirs" and then died right away.

           I just thought about this "Hyundai" Car named "Santa Fe," which Daisy heard our boss talk about on the phone with that customer in Georgia who I mentioned this morning.  Hyundai is mainly a Korean company but they build the Santa Fe in Georgia.  I smell Mesquite. 

                                                                                        2014 HYUNDAI "SANTA FE"

            Daisy says the Santa Fe is one of those "Sports Utility Vehicles," or "S.U.V." for short.  In 2014 there are two versions from what the Hyundai Parts Manager back there in Georgia said.  I know Daisy, because her favorite color is red; would like the picture in my Encyclopedia.   

                  That Hyundai S.U.V. really was named after the city in New Mexico according to what the Parts Manager said.  Mr. Steve told him about the times he visited Santa Fe.  Daisy says that guy said someday he'd sure like to bring his wife and kids out here to see the "Southwest."

            Our boss and his mom one time talked about going to the annual Belén "Fiesta's," which are always in August just like her birthday.  I guess a lot of towns in New Mexico have Fiestas.  I think we should have Dog Fiesta celebrations here in Piñon Hills, and maybe make money.  

2014 FORD "FIESTA"

                    According to what Daisy overheard our boss and one of his customers talking about, the Ford company makes a small Car called a "Fiesta."  I guess it's even smaller than our Barny up there in the front yard.  All four of the Pigeons are now flying right over Libby's Corral.

             Oh wow!  Those Fiesta's must be small because here in this Encyclopedia it says they're in the "Supermini" class of Cars.  The Parts Manager told our boss how they've been out since 1976, when Mr. Steve and Sandy were going to Valley College.  Heathcliff just crowed.       

           Hey Lord!  I agree with Daisy in thinking it's interesting how that guy Lew Wallace wrote a "Novel" where You were a "Background" character in the story.  Mr. Steve likes his book but prefers the Charlton Heston movie better.  Frida and Diego the Bluebirds just flew bye.

            TURQUOISE                          SANTA FE                 ART/ JEWELRY MART         

             TURQUOISE LADY / RED RIVER                                                                                        PHOTO BY LYNETTE MCDANIEL                   

        One time Daisy heard our boss's mom talking on the phone about jewelry they have.  Mr. Steve told her he still has the silver watch his father gave him, with the "Turquoise" on it; but he never wears things like that.  Daisy says turquoise is kind of bluish green, or greenish blue.           

         Mr. Steve's parents have walked around Santa Fe, and even bought a few things at the area where the Indian's sell their beautiful art.  Daisy says she can tell Mr. Dave, since going to live in New Mexico; has learned a lot about "Pueblo" Indian culture.  Heathcliff just now crowed.          

      Daisy heard our boss's mom say she read a book which talked about the "atmosphere and ambience" of Santa Fe.  They also talked about the blue sky in Spring, which others have said      was like what that guy Van Gogh was attracted to in southern France.  Hens are clucking.                                               

GEORGIA O' KEEFE (1887-1986)

PAINTING BY MICHAEL A. VACCARO             

                  Mr. Steve's sister Susan took their mom to that Georgia O'Keefe museum, where a lady they met mentioned the "New Mexico sunlight."  Mr. Dave says he likes the smell of Piñon wood burning.  Mr. Steve's parents like Santa Fe's mixture of Spanish and Native influences.

            Daisy told me, Santa Fe blended some "Pueblo" Indian style with buildings from the time when New Mexico was a "Territory;" before becoming a State in 1912.  Mr. Dave says he's come to love the green Springtime grass on the hills in New Mexico.  Frida and Diego flew bye.

            I guess, Mr. Steve sold some things to a man from "Hobbs," a city near the border of New Mexico and Texas.  He said he really misses New Mexico's "Cottonwood" trees, and the "yellow chamisa bushes."  Daisy told me she heard Mr. Dave one time called chamisa a "shrub."     

                        "ACOMA" PUEBLO                               

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA          

                Daisy and Millie heard our boss tell Mr. Dave his Uncle Gil and Aunt Nelly for a time had a house with all of the modern, but made to look on the outside like a Pueblo.   Mr. Steve told his mom he remembers a bright orange Summer sunset he saw there one time.  Dawn's barking.

           I've mentioned a few times over the last two days how the Spanish "Colonized" or settled New Mexico in 1598.  Santa Fe began in 1610, and my Encyclopedia says it's the "oldest capitol city" of any American State.  That was even before those "Pilgrims" landed in "Plymouth."

          That big "Nuevo Mejico" Indian revolt happened in 1680, but the Spanish took the area back thirteen years later; when the first known "Córdova" is documented.   Hey Lord!  I guess the people of New Mexico have always liked Your ideas.  Heathcliff just crowed over there.   

                                                                                          FATHER AND SON     

           Hey Lord!  You know how Daisy and I have wondered if You were a "Carpenter" who knew how to work with wood because Your dad taught You what to do.  Hey God!  Thank You so much for creating wood.  Boy!  How could anyone have even thought of how to make pencils?

           I don't know why but, for some reason; writing about wood makes me suddenly think about the subject of "Gospel" music.  Yesterday I wrote a little bit about that Singer James Brown who was from the State of "Georgia."  Fannie and Freddie are flying back out into the desert.

        Dais heard our boss tell Mr. Ralph on the phone one time he thought James Brown not only "influenced" Gospel music, he also "made an impression" on "Soul" and "Funk" Musicians as well.  Mr. Steve thinks he was "at least" as good a Dancer as that guy Michael Jackson was.  

    JAMES BROWN(1933-2006)                      MICHAEL JACKSON (1958-2009)

            Someday I really look forward to seeing Michael Jackson doing his dance where he goes backwards.  Daisy says it kind of does look like someone might be able to dance, if they were up there on the Moon with no "Gravity."  Some of Heathcliff's Hens are clucking over there.

                 Daisy thinks the best Dancer she and Millie ever saw was AC /DC's  Angus Young, who in some songs dances by skipping or hopping along as still keeps on playing his guitar.  One time he even did a backwards Native American type dance.  And all the time he plays good guitar.

           According to what Dais told me, that one guy from the 1950's named Chuck Berry used to do a dance people said was imitating how a Duck walks.  He also plays his guitar while doing it. Daisy says Stevie Ray Vaughn can play guitar behind his back and sing at the same time too. 

                ROSETTA THARPE(1915-1973)                                     CHUCK BERRY   

         Oh what the heck!  Even though Daisy and I agreed I'd mainly learn about Gospel music tomorrow, I feel like doing it now too.  Daisy says Chuck Berry admitted his guitar playing and    dancing was influenced by that lady Rosetta Tharpe.  I mentioned her earlier this morning.          

         Dais says the tv show she saw about Gospel music talked about "Sister" Rosetta Tharpe's "lively and energetic" performances.  She was around during the 1930's Great Depression and    then later after World War II.  Samson and Delilah are coasting bye, going toward the east.          

         This morning I mentioned how there are two what they call "Strains" of Gospel music.  In the first type that one 18th century Protestant Christian guy John Newton wrote his famous song "Amazing Grace."  That style of Gospel music began and continued on in white communities.     

                18TH CENTIRY "SLAVE TRADE"       JOHN NEWTON (1725-1807)        18TH CENTURY "SLAVE SHIP"

                 I wrote earlier how that English guy John Newton, as a boy "Went to Sea" as they say.  He was captured and made a Slave by some black Africans but was rescued, and later became a "Captain" of some Slave Ships himself.  I love the wig he's wearing in the painting of him.

            Hey Lord!  Daisy told me how the tv show mentioned how John Newton didn't believe in You, but when he did became one of those "Abolitionists" I've written about before.  I guess, the tv show said he died just a few months after Slavery was ended in England.  Dawn's barking.

           Daisy says the man on the tv show talked about how after the Civil War at one of those Colleges set up for the newly freed black people; a singing group was started.  My Encyclopedia says the school was called "Fisk" University.  I smell Blinky and Rosie standing near Dawn.                              

"FISK JUBILEE SINGERS" (1870'S)           

               A picture shows the "Jubilee Singers," who the caption says were one of those "Acapella" groups I've talked about before; where there are no musical instruments and only singing alone.  If Dawn and I ever started a howling band that's what we'd probably be.   I like Dawn.   

          Hey Blessed Mother!  Someday I'll hear STEELLEYE SPAN'S acapella Latin Christmas song "Gaudette," about You giving birth to our Lord.  My Dictionary says "jubilee" means, "A time of rejoicing and happiness," while "gaudette" is "to rejoice."  I like Blinky's smell.  

              Wow!  It says here those Jubilee Singers, who were "mixed race Mullato's" from the State of "Tennessee;" went to England and got to sing for Queen Victoria herself.  I guess, those songs they sang for her are called  "Spirituals."  Two of the Pigeons are flying over the desert.   

  "PENTECOSTALISM"        

                 Hey Lord!  Daisy told me the tv show said how, at the end of the 19th century; that type of Protestant Christianity called "Pentecostalism" began.  I guess they believe in a "Personal" experience with You, Your Father; and especially You too Holy Spirit.  Daffy's quacking.

             According to what Dais heard Holy Spirit, Pentecostalists see a lot of importance on that time You came down to Earth; or "Descended" on the Apostles.  They sing a lot at their religions ceremonies Daisy noticed.  Now Donald and Daisy, and some other Ducks too; are quacking.

            It says here there are two main types of Pentecostals now.  Daisy says one time Mr. Ralph told our boss he's noticed lately how it seems like some of the Mexican immigrants are joining Pentecostal churches these days.  Blackbird and Anne Bonny are flying toward the east.     

THE "GOOD NEWS"  /  "HEALING"        

                 Hey Lord!  As You know of course, Daisy was the one who told me the word "Gospel" is Greek for the "Good News."  Hey God!  She noticed on the tv show when that black lady told this other guy, for her family; Your love is "healing."  Two of the Pigeons just flew bye.

            Dais also thought about it Lord when, the man said for him a belief in You and "what You represent;" is a "conviction."  One time Mr. Steve met a smart older lady from "Pacoima," and she knew a lot about the history of what she called "spiritual" music.  I see Andy over there.

            Our boss met the lady at the newer, bigger Sylmar Library.  She thought, back in the 19th century; African influence on spiritual music "scared white people."  So now she said, instead of using drums; people "clap instead."  Andy's sniffing the air right now, and looking all around.

       CHARLES ALBERT TINDLEY (1851-1933)           

            Daisy says the tv show mentioned a man named Charles Albert Tindley, who's father was a Slave.  I notice, he was born before the Civil War; and died the same year President Roosevelt and Adolph Hitler came into power. Mr. Steve's father was just one year old back in 1933.

            It says here what the tv show said too, how that guy Charles Albert Tindley was called the "Prince of the Preachers."  He was a "self-educated" Methodist "Minister," and Daisy says he was "so smart" he also taught himself "Hebrew" and "Greek" too.  I smell Andy over there.

            I guess, Charles Albert Tindley was not only a "Cleric;" he also wrote Gospel songs too.  Mr. Steve and the lady at the Library talked about how his songs, like "Stand By Me," and "We Shall Overcome; were used in the 1960's "Civil Rights" movement.  Andy's looking at me.

CALIFORNIA HIGH MOJAVE DESERT           

            I've mentioned before how our boss and his father don't enjoy singing like most other people seem to do.  Mr. Steve doesn't even like singing during the Catholic Mass, preferring the reciting of prayers; or listening to one of those "Sermons."  Boy!  I feel so good right now.

           Daisy says the tv show on Gospel music mentioned, in the 1920's; Charles Albert Tindley's type of songs became a "Style."  By then a lot of black people had moved out of the South, and had settled in big cities.  Charles Albert Tindley lived for most of his life in "Philadelphia."

          The lady at the Library told our boss 1920's Gospel music "adapted" to blacks living  in cities instead of "Agrarian" or "Rural" areas.  She said Charles Tindley became "Pastor" of a Church where he'd worked as one of those "Janitors."  Oh!  His wife was named "Daisy."           

                       WASHINGTON D.C. (1920'S)             K.K.K.             "BIRTH OF A NATION" (1915)                        

               Mr. Steve and the lady at the Library talked about how, back in the 1920's when Charles Tindley was writing his songs; the "Ku Klux Klan" were really popular.  And, as I wrote earlier, there were a lot of people here in California who were in the "K.K.K."  Dawn's barking.

            In 1915, with World War I going on; that "Silent" movie "Birth of a Nation" came out.  Charles Tindley was in a march protesting it, when a white "Mob" beat up he and many of the other demonstrators too Dais heard.  Daisy likes that one BLACK SABBATH about a mob.

            I just looked up this other man named Thomas A. Dorsey, who I guess was influenced by that guy Charles Tindley's music.  Wow!  He's called the "Godfather of Gospel."  Libby's over  there walking around slowly, near the back of her Corral; where Primavera Road goes bye.       

    THOMAS A. DORSEY (1899-1993)    

                 Hey Lord!  Daisy says the lady at the Library told our boss what it mentioned on the tv show too.  Thomas Dorsey had been a "Secular" music when he became a "Baptist," and then he just "Adapted" Blues and Jazz to do Gospel music.  Libby's scent just floated in over here.

             Dais heard that lady from Pacoima told our boss Thomas Dorsey became Martin Luther King's favorite Musician.  She said his songs, during the "really hard times" of the 1930's Great Depression; "gave people hope."  Thomas Dorsey is described as being an "Evangelist."  

             The tv show on Gospel music showed how Thomas Dorsey's singing audiences used a lot of that "Call and Response" technique.  Daisy says our boss liked how Stevie Ray Vaughn used that technique on "Texas Flood."  Only he does it with his own singing and guitar playing.    

 MAHALIA JACKSON (1911-1972)              ELVIS PRESLEY (1935-1977)          

               The lady from Pacoima told our boss she and her family were "inspired" by the singing of a lady named Mahalia Jackson, the most popular Gospel Singer ever.  Mr. Steve told the lady he was once told that guy Elvis thought her voice was amazing.  Blackbeard and Anne flew bye.

           Dais says this one man on the tv show described Mahalia Jackson's singing as a "force of nature."  That lady at the Sylmar Library liked how she could sing "with power," or with a "soft touch."   She said her husband's favorite song was when she actually sang "The Lord's Prayer."

          One of Mr. Steve's customers in Louisiana told him Mahalia Jackson was born in the city of "New Orleans."  Her family was really poor from what Dais heard, and thirteen people had to live in just one house.  Mahalia Jackson was a member of Thomas Dorsey's church I guess.

       MARTIN LUTHER KING (1929-1968)           

         Wow!  My Encyclopedia says Mahalia Jackson became so famous she even got to sing for President Eisenhower and later President Kennedy too.  In 1963 when that guy Martin Luther      King made his "I Have a Dream" speech, she sang before he spoke.  She was a "Baptist."                

                Daisy says the tv show mentioned how Mahalia Jackson's mom died when she was only five.  It says here she and her family moved north to "Chicago" during the "Great Migration" of the 1920's.   That was when a lot of black people "fled poverty" by moving from the South.

           Mr. Steve's customer down there in Louisiana told him he heard Mahalia Jackson was raised by a really "strict disciplinarian" Aunt who "did not allow" any secular music like Blues or Jazz to even be played in her house.  Dawn's barking.  I like smelling Blinky next to her. 

"DUKE" ELLINGTON (1899-1974)

                Dais heard the Parts Manager in Louisiana tell our boss how "Duke" Ellington wanted to record with Mahalia Jackson.  She told him she did not do secular music.  But, he knew she liked to cook, so went over to her house and let her do that for him; and she "changed her mind."

           The lady at the Sylmar Library told Mr. Steve her family also liked the songs of this man named James Cleveland.  Like Mahalia Jackson, he also grew up singing at the "Pilgrim Baptist Church" in Chicago where Thomas Dorsey was Minister.  Donald and Daisy are quacking. 

           My Encyclopedia says James Cleveland is called the "King of Gospel," and he also mixed "traditional gospel with elements of soul, pop and jazz."  Daisy heard one of his songs, and says he has kind of "gravelly" sounding voice.   Two of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.

             JAMES CLEVELAND (1931-1991)                          ARETHA FRANKLIN                                                                      

                  I guess, that man James Cleveland, who was a good piano player too; wrote songs that had those singing "Choirs" in them.   It says here how he " co-wrote" some songs with this other Gospel Singer named Aretha Franklin.  I smell the baby Cholla cactus growing out there.

             The tv show mentioned how that girl Aretha Franklin, whose father was a famous Gospel Singer himself; was born in "Memphis," Tennessee.  But her family moved north and settled in "Buffalo," New York, and then "Detroit," Michigan.  I just noticed Andy looking at me.

             It says here Aretha Franklin's mom died when she was only ten years old.  So she and her brothers and sisters were "raised" by her Grandmother in Detroit.  The lady from Pacoima said that other girl Mahalia Jackson also helped "bring up Aretha and the other children."   

                                                                         MR. RALPH / SON RORY                                                                                

               Daisy one time heard our boss talking to Mr. Ralph about this Church in Pacoima called "Christ Memorial."  Hey Lord!  I guess it's one of those Pentecostal type churches, and the lady at the Library was a member of that "Congregation."   Samson and Delilah just flew bye.

           Mr. Steve as the Photographer; and his brother Rock doing the Videotaping; worked at an event at Christ Memorial in the late 1980's.  They met and shook hands with the two "Pastors," Andraé Crouch and his sister Sandra; who are twins.  They were friendly Dais overheard.

           I guess our boss told Mr. Ralph he was "impressed" by the talented singing of the choir at Christ Memorial.  And the people in the audience were also singing and clapping too from what Dais heard.  She thinks Dawn and I would probably really like to howl at one of those events.   

ANDRAÉ / SANDRA CROUCH

                   From what Daisy heard, that guy Andraé Crouch's nickname is the "Father of Modern Gospel."  Years later our boss was told that he, like himself and Sandy in the mid-1970's; went to "Valley" Junior College in Van Nuys.  All four of the Pigeons just flew over Libby's Corral.

            Mr. Ralph told our boss how Andraé Crouch and his choir from Pacoima got to play for that guy Johnny Carson on his late night tv show.  I mentioned earlier today how a man named Fred de Córdova was the "Producer" of the "Tonight Show."  A Train whistled faintly. 

             I guess Andraé Crouch over the years has worked with such people like Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and that girl Madonna.  Daisy heard Mr. Ralph say how Elvis, Paul Simon from Simon and Garfunkel and Bob Dylan sang some of the songs he wrote.  I can smell Libby.

                   ELVIS                                 STEVIE WONDER                   SIMON / GARFUNKEL       

        Andraé Crouch is so lucky because he has one of those stars down there on that Hollywood "Walk of Fame."  It would be so great to have one of those.   Ah!  Speedy Gonzalez zoomed bye, and then ran around the northeast corner of the house at the far end of the Patio over there.         

         I guess Andraé and Sandra Crouch's father was also a Pentecostal Minister when they were growing up down there in Pacoima.  Mr. Ralph has heard that for a long time the Crouch family also had a "Dry Cleaning" business too.  Some dust is still floating in front of the Sheds.            

        Dais heard Mr. Ralph say Andraé Crouch worked on a movie called "The Color Purple," a tv show called "The Jeffersons," and also that Walt Disney cartoon "Lion King."   In the mid-      1980's, at her "Beauty Shop" near the Forum; Mr. Steve met the Actress from the Jeffersons.       

               BILLY PRESTON (1946-2006)                                         "LET IT BE" CONCERT                                               

                Mr. Ralph and our boss talked about this other Musician named Billy Preston, who was a good friend of Andrae Crouch's.  He played keyboards on the BEATLES last album "Let it Be," and also in their final concert up on the roof I mentioned this morning.  Heathcliff crowed.

            Daisy and Millie saw a tv show about the BEATLES where the man said they were not getting along at the end, in the late 1960's.  George Harrison even quit for a little while.  But that guy Billy Preston's "pleasant personality" was a "ray of sunshine" in a "dark atmosphere."

           Our boss told Mr. Ralph about a job Mr. Rick's company did in the mid-1990's.  It was to repair parts of a public swimming pool, damaged in that 1994 "Northridge" earthquake; which totally destroyed Mr. Steve's sister Susan's condominium.  The pool was in "Val Verde." 

                            ANDRAÉ CROUCH                       VAL VERDE POOL (1939)                                           

               Our boss told Mr. Ralph that lady over at the Sylmar Library said Andraé Crouch began playing piano at the age of eleven, and wrote his first song only three years later.  And that was when his father was preaching in Val Verde.  Daisy heard Val Verde has mountains around it.

           I guess Val Verde, Spanish for "Green Valley;" is even smaller than us here in Piñon Hills. It has only about three thousand people in it, and during the time of "Segregation" was a town blacks could go on vacation.  Daisy heard swimming pools in L.A. didn't allow blacks then. 

          Mr. Steve met some nice people from Val Verde when Mr. Rick's company was doing the work on that swimming pool, which was originally built back in 1939; the year World War II began in Poland.  In 1924 Val Verde was called "Eureka Villa."  I smell the baby Cholla.     

CALIFORNIO "VAQUERO"  (LATE 1820'S)    

                                                                                                             PAINTING BY JAMES ALEXANDER WALKER

                 Mr. Steve was told by this nice lady in Val Verde how, during that "Californio" period after Mexico had broken away from Spain; the area was a "settlement" near a gold strike.  But it "didn't last long" she said.  I just looked up and see Libby walking around in her Corral.

           I've mentioned before how that one famous late 1840's "Gold Rush" was not the first gold discovered here in California.  In 1842 that guy Francisco López found small amounts of gold in "Placerita" canyon near Sylmar.  I've mentioned a few times how "Oro" is gold in Spanish.

           During the period when Mr. Rick's company was working on the pool at Val Verde I guess Mr. Steve enjoyed the drives back and forth in the beautiful canyon going to the town.  On those often early morning drives he saw Hawks, Coyotes and things like that.  He liked the smell too.  

                   VAL VERDE AREA                       MR. RICK                          VAL VERDE POOL

               Daisy heard Val Verde is near where Mr. Rick used to have his business in the "Valencia Industrial Complex."  So every morning, at about six; Mr. Steve looked forward to the drive out to Val Verde.  I've mentioned before how he drove that little Ford "Ranger" Truck then.

           According to what Daisy and Millie heard, Mr. Rick told our boss that in 2007 the Police "raided" a big "Cock Fighting" operation in Val Verde.  Oh!  Goliath is crawling out into the desert by going through the right vertical gate slot.  And Andy's keeping an eye on him.

          Dais says, just like how some Dogs are forced to fight so people can gamble; there are also Roosters who have to fight and slice each other with sharp razor blades attached to their feet.  Ugh!  That would really hurt!  Mr. Steve doesn't like people who gamble on things like that.

BOBBY CHACON

         Oh!  I missed mentioning Mr. Bobby when I wrote about Andraé Crouch.  That time when they visited "Mission" cemetery and were looking at Ritchie Valens grave Mr. Steve said to him,  "He's probably the only person from Pacoima more famous that you."  Heathcliff crowed.            

       Dais heard our boss and his father talking about how, when Mr. Steve told Mr. Bobby he's the second most famous person from Pacoima his eyes got wider.  It may never have dawned on    him about that.  But Andraé Crouch was pretty famous too according to what Daisy's heard.        

       Ah!  This is the end of chapter seven so I'll visit Dais but, I forgot to write about that guy Hank Williams earlier when I talked about how "Rock and Roll" began in the 1950's.  Daisy says some say his 1947 song called "Move It On Over" was the real beginning or Rock and Roll.                       

HANK WILLIAMS SR. (1923-1953)

           A tv show said, besides Move it on Over's Rock and Roll type "Bluesy Backbeat;" Hank Williams leg movements on stage was a "low key" version of Elvis.  That song came out in 1947,  only two years after World War II.   Heathcliff crowed, and his girls are clucking over there.         

        Daisy says the man on the tv show mentioned how Hank Williams 1948 song "I Saw the Light" is now a "Country Gospel standard."  Hey God!  As You know, I look forward to hearing  that song because Dais thinks I would really like it.  Heathcliff's voice makes me feel good.            

        Well, this is the end of chapter seven, and I need to go pee so will hide everything.  Boy!  I can't wait to take my second big break after chapter eight to visit with Daisy.  I hear Heathcliff's Hens over there clucking away, and they sure do sound really happy for some reason.