II                                                                             "Cognito,ergo;sum"       

        "BE GRATEFUL"   

    (Book 2 / Chapter 1 / Part 1)      

   -EPSILON ORIONIS-       

                  7:30 A.M. / FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014 / DAY TWO                 

         Our Father who art in Heaven.  Hallowed be Thy name.  Thy Kingdom come,  Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: Amen.                                                                                             (The "LORD'S PRAYER")            

                                                       DAISY / MAGGIE CÓRDOVA               

               Day two!  For breakfast this morning, and dinner last night; Daisy and I had our dry Dog food mixed in with cold leftovers and that new Spam meat so thank You God and Everyone up there for Daisy being around.  She makes me really want to prove females are just as good as males in many things and I want her admiration.  Heathcliff the Rooster crowed over there.

              Hey God!  Dais correctly predicted that the Sun would "Rise" one minute earlier than yesterday, and "Set" one minute later than yesterday, a "Pattern" which will continue until the "Summer Solstice."  Well! Twelve hours of light again today!  We're so lucky to be alive! 

              Ah!  Just like yesterday, the air is so clear and is giving me a lot of energy to begin this second book.  Last night Dais was astounded at what I did yesterday, and realized just how long these three books will need to be.  But, as our boss's mom says, "Rome wasn't built in a day."

SUNRISE OVER THE DESERT     

                  Daisy and I hid all the full notebooks I did yesterday in the file cabinets she found them in originally.  Dais will keep an eye on them, even in the unlikely event our boss comes outside to clean the garage.  Boy!  I have a lot more empty notebooks, and pens and pencils; for today.    

             Ah!  I smell Sage.  Warm weather makes the Arthritis in what Dais calls her "old bones" feel better and gives her a "Joy of Life," or "Joie de Vivre" in French.  Like her, I now also see each day's first rays of Sun coming over the eastern horizon as being sent from Heaven.  

                Even though it was cold, and for the last month Daisy has been sleeping in the house for its  warmth; she "Kept me Company" and slept out here last night.  Elvira, our "Sanctuary;" you're one of the most comfortable couches in history.  Someday I'll try to sleep in the house.

                                                              WOMAN RUNNING ALONG THE BEACH   

              Someday when I get over my fear of being trapped I'll see Mr. Steve's office.  Daisy says in the morning when he starts his day, on his computer screen; he sees that girl running along the beach with a rock formation out in the water.  Mr. Steve found out she's in "New Zealand."

           Daisy thinks, because my favorite color is royal blue; I'd really like the picture our boss has on his "Desktop" screen.  He has a big twenty three inch wide "Monitor" hooked up to his computer.  Looking at the picture of the girl running on the beach is relaxing for Mr. Steve.

          When the time comes when I'm not afraid to ride in our Cars "Barny" and "Theodora," and our Truck "Rex" too; I'd like to go to a beach and see how it smells.  And I know Daisy for sure would really like that too.  It's so weird to think about something like "Salt" water. 

                                     DAWN                                   BLINKY                                      ROSIE

                  Ah!  Dawn's barking over there next door, and now her, Blinky and Rosie's scents just came floating into my right nostril.  Andy and Helen the Squirrels are both looking at me from the entrance to their new Spring burrow, so their babies are probably asleep.  I smell Sage.

             Frida and Diego the Bluebirds, and Blackbeard and Anne Bonny the Crows are flying bye; and a Freight Train just whistled faintly over in the northern desert to my left.  I can smell the new baby Cholla cactus growing out there in the dirt.  Libby just whinnied over there.

            The basin below the big Mulberry tree is full, so Birds and Lizards are drinking water from it.  After landing on one of the big boulders, a Sparrow looked around then took a drink; before darting off.  Rudy the Roadrunner is right now jogging bye in front of the three Sheds.

    THE "TWIN" JOSHUA TREES                     JACK, MOE, MANNY            

                   Ah!  I nice early morning breeze just brought in the smell of the Twin Joshua trees, and the sound of the chimes is making me feel so happy.  I hope that was You Holy Spirit who sent in that cool breeze to make me feel good.  Benjamin the Cow Bird ran bye in front of the Sheds.

             Fannie and Freddie the Crows, as usual talking to each other; flew over top of the house going to the west behind me.  The Sun right above the eastern horizon is making all the shadows lean toward me over here on the Patio.  A Train whistled faintly over there to my left. 

            Mr. Steve worked out here for a little while this morning, but then he went back into the house.  I wrote yesterday how he, Miss Babette, Susan and Karin sell things to Auto Dealerships; so he might be doing that today.  Oh!  The Dragonfly went zipping bye in front of the Sheds.       

  VIEW FROM OFFICE WINDOW                                          THEODORA                            

                  This morning Mr. Steve spread Bird Seed mixed with Chicken Scratch on the ground, and filled the Bird Bath with water; as he talked to his mom on the cell phone.  Then today as he works in his office up there he can watch things.  He also fills up those Bird Feeders too.

              I just glanced up and see Theodora the Thrasher Bird standing in her favorite Creosote bush near Jack the big Shed.  With Andy watching her, our neighbor's Cat Cher used the wider right vertical gate slot to go out into the desert behind the three Sheds.   Heathcliff crowed.

             One time when Mr. Steve's parents were visiting with us his mom noticed how Theodora and  Benjamin the black Cow Bird run on the ground just as much as they fly.  We heard her say it "must give them an advantage in getting food somehow."  Oh!  Benjamin just ran bye.

MR. STEVE'S PARENTS    

PHOTO BY RODERICK CÓRDOVA

                I remember that beautiful morning when Mr. Steve and his parents talked as he filled up the water basins below the two Mulberry trees.  Mr. Steve's mom, as a Painter most likely; noticed the surface of the water.   It is pretty right now as Birds are drinking the water.

               Mr. Steve's father noticed how "well-sealed in" the water was below the two Mulberry trees, because of the way the big boulders around the bottom were fitted together.  He joked it's "like Machu Pichu."  That's the "Inca" city where gigantic blocks fit like puzzle pieces.   

       Ah!  The way sunlight is sinking into me right now makes me feel so grateful to be in our small town of Pinon Hills.  Hey God!  I'm starting to understand better why so many cultures feel You in the Sun and its sunlight.  I smell Alpha Company of Quail out there in the desert.   

             ANTONIO VIVALDI (1678-1741)                            MAGGIE CÓRDOVA                           

                                                                                                                                                 ARTWORK BY ALLEN HALL

                   Oh!  All of a sudden Vivaldi's song "La Primavera" just popped into my thoughts and is giving me a happy sense of "Rhêma."  I mentioned in book one how that's a Greek word from the New Testament which many say means "The Living Word."  Boy!  I love Vivaldi's wig.

             Sitting here on you Elvira, and looking out from the Patio; I feel so good right now!  The air is clear, and again this morning all the colors out in the eastern desert behind the Sheds seem bright with life.  The sky is blue, and I can see a small group of Sparrows flying to the east. 

                  Hearing La Primavera makes me think of how Vivaldi died poor, but he left behind his song which is giving me energy right now to start my day and write this second book.  I guess Mr. Steve's mom has come to like La Primavera.   His father prefers silence to music now.

MILLIE CÓRDOVA                                        LADY CÓRDOVA / MR. STEVE

                                                                                                                                            PHOTO BY ARMANDO AGUIRRE  

               One time Daisy and Millie were in our boss's office and heard him using that speaker phone to talk to his mom.  They remembered his old girl Dog "Lady," who lived to be nineteen; and also Millie who I replaced over here.  Lady is my role model who I hope to be like.

            I sure hope Mr. Steve plays La Primavera a lot this year on his Boombox, but even if he doesn't that melody is now a permanent part of my memory.  A Car or Truck, going north; just drove bye out there on "Primavera" Road.   The dust it raised is now lingering in the air.

            Well, I'll just say a quick prayer and begin this second what I now realize will be longer than we thought book.  But that's okay as I'll just do what I did yesterday, use each hour of sunlight to write twelve chapters.  I'm having so much fun learning all of these new things.

MARK TWAIN (1835-1910)

                   A while back Miss Susan, who used to run the local Newspaper "News Plus;" was here visiting with us on a nice warm morning.  As Mr. Steve watered the Mulberry tree up there in the front yard they talked about that guy Mark Twain.  Andy's over there sniffing the morning air.

             Learning to read and write makes me remember that one Mark Twain quote Miss Susan mentioned to our boss that time, "The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read."  Boy!  What a deep thought that makes me want to keep learning to read.

            There are some Sparrows, Wrens and Finches standing on the big boulders around the bottom of the Mulberry tree.  They're drinking water from the basin as it's still filled all the way to the top.  The water reflecting the sunlight is making me think of that time last Summer.          

                                        FREGHT TRAIN                     GRANDPA / GRANDMA TRUJILLO

           Hearing a Train whistle faintly over to my left, or north; makes me think about Grandpa Trujillo working for the "Santa Fe" railroad company for almost fifty years.  He never missed a  day, and joked the only way he's miss work was if "I'm dead."  Heathcliff just crowed.                  

           Grandma Trujillo was a nineteen year old orphan when she got married in 1934, only five years after that huge "Stock Market Crash" when the economic depression began.  Mr. Steve's    father was two in 1934, his mom would be born the following year.  I smell some Manzanita.        

           Daisy heard, at first Grandma Trujillo didn't think Grandpa Trujillo was good looking, but her sisters said he had a job; which few had then.  People were afraid to miss a day fearing they would never get their job back.  Grandpa Trujillo turned out be a "Good Provider."                

BONNIE FEEDING CHICKS

         Bonnie and Clyde just flew in from being out in the eastern desert behind the Sheds.  Now Bonnie is about to throw up some food from her stomach so she can feed her new Spring babies.  Clyde took up his position on the Patio roof to keep watch in case there might be danger.              

        The chicks up there are chirping and, as usual; that one is way louder than the others.  In that way he, or she; reminds us of Daffy next door.  Dais says our boss told Mr. Dave about that    Bird and he, being a "Hupa" Indian; jokes we should name that baby "Loud Mouth."                  

          I just thought of how Mr. Steve's father jokes "The squeaky wheel gets the grease," and how Miss Susan at work's customer from the South told her his Grandmother used to say, "A      closed mouth don't get fed."  Like our boss's parents, she grew up in the "Great Depression."      

EDDIE SPAGHETTI                                 MR. MARK / KARMA

PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

           I remember that morning when Mr. Steve's parents were visiting with us and talked with him as he watered the Arborvitae trees up there in the front yard.  He told them about that guy    Eddie Spaghetti who was born with no arms.  He plays drums and sings to make money.               

       Mr. Steve also told his parents, when he goes to Phelan he gives money to Mr. Mark the homeless man and his Yorkie Karma; and also Mr. Eddie if he's "Busking" for money.  A Car of Truck went bye out there on Primavera Road.   Mr. Steve's mom had a Yorkie named "Pilar."     

         "Life often being difficult as it is" Mr. Steve's mom said that morning; it "must take even more courage" to be Eddie Spaghetti or Mr. Mark.  That's why she, and Mr. Steve; give money    to "St. Jude's" Hospital to help young kids with cancer.   All four of the Pigeons are flying bye.                                             

    KANSAS       

        I look forward to someday hearing this song Daisy told me about called "Carry On My Wayward Son," by that band KANSAS I mentioned yesterday.  Our boss and Mr. Dave over in      New Mexico talked about "Carry On" one time.  KANSAS is such a good band Dais thinks.       

        Daisy and Millie both heard Carry On, and Dais says it's "inspiring just like Vivaldi's La Primavera."  It gives you that uplifting Rhêma feeling.  To see his reaction Mr. Steve played it      really loud for that kid Jason who's learning to play guitar.  He was very impressed I guess.         

         According to Daisy Carry On starts out with some of that "Acapella" singing I mentioned yesterday.  When the music starts there are many time and tempo changes, like how GENESIS'S "Musical Box" does.  Some are loud and fast, other slow; all "very melodic" Mr. Steve thinks.                                              

"THE URANTIA BOOK"

          In book one I mentioned "The Urantia book," which tries to unite spirituality and science.  No matter where he went Daisy heard, that Guitarist Jimi Hendrix carried it and a copy of the    Bible with him.  Bonnie and Clyde finished feeding their babies so flew out into the desert.           

         As I said yesterday, the Urantia logo is three circles, which represent "infinity," "eternity" and then "universality."  Mr. Steve was told by this lady KANSAS'S Guitarist Kerry Livgren,      who wrote Carry on my Wayward Son; has read The Urantia Book.  Heathcliff crowed.                

       Our boss told Mr. Dave about he, Sandy and their friends Chris and Lisa; seeing KANSAS at the downtown's "Shrine" Auditorium.  Mr. Dave joked he was "jealous."  Lucy and Ricky,      and Fred and Ethel the Pigeons; are flying over Libby's Corral moving to the northeast.                                        "SHRINE" AUDITORIUM                                                 THE KINKS                      

          What the heck!  Even though I'm not scheduled to write about that band KANSAS until later today, I just feel like writing about them now too.  Daisy told me they're one of our boss's    favorite bands.  The desert behind the three Sheds is beautiful, and the air is so clear too.              

           Mr. Steve "thinks" it was 1974 when he and Miss Sandy saw KANSAS play.  They were new and on that night "opened up" for the KINKS who, compared to KANSAS; weren't nearly  as talented I guess.  Our boss's friend Mr. Chris thought the KINKS "made a big mistake."         

          On the speaker phone Daisy heard Mr. Dave call KANSAS'S music "Symphonic" Rock, which Mr. Steve thought a "good description."  He told Mr. Dave Carry On My Wayward Son    was made after "a few years after" he saw KANSAS play.  I smell some Arborvitae bush's.                     

   KANSAS                                                                  PHIL EHART 

PHOTO BY MICHAEL PUTLAND                                                                                                                                                                          

           Our boss told Mr. Dave in 1974 KANSAS' Drummer used a small five piece "Kit" with  one bass drum.  Like CREAM'S GINGER BAKER or Neil Peart of RUSH, Phil Ehart "makes    music" and "keeps time."  The Violinist makes KANSAS "totally unique" Daisy thinks.               

           Daisy noticed, like on Carry On for instance; when the Violinist sings "Harmonies" with the Organist their voices "blend well."  Mr. Dave even compared how good they sound together with those three brothers from the BEE GEES.  I can smell Libby over there in her Corral.         

          Mr. Dave read KANSAS' song Carry On was "almost not even on the album" it came out on, and it "was a good thing" it was added Dais thinks because it was a big "Hit."  Libby's over in her Corral eating hay and oats from her food troth.  Smelling her makes me feel good.             

THE "PRODIGAL" SON

(BOOK OF "LUKE")

       Hey Lord!  According to what Dais heard our boss and Mr. Dave talk about, Mr. Steve thinks KANSAS' song Carry On My Wayward Son might be about that "Parable" You told to    Your "Disciples" in the "Book of Luke."  It's called the "Prodigal Son."  I really like Libby.         

         Someday Lord, as of course You already know; I want to read those different stories You told people in order to teach them lessons.  Daisy and Millie heard some of them from all the tv    shows they got to watch together before Millie was killed by that Truck.  Heathcliff crowed.         

         I guess in the Prodigal Son story, a selfish boy demands his "inheritance" now from his father; even before the father dies.  He then loses the money "partying and gambling" Dais told  me.  But his dad welcomes, "Forgives" him; after the son "Repents" in admitting his guilt.                                                              

CALIFORNIA HIGH DESERT         

("SAN GABRIEL" MOUNTAINS BEHIND)   

                  Hey God!  Looking to my right, and seeing the mountains beyond Libby's Corral; makes me think of You right now.  Dais says our boss and his father one time talked about the "Book of Genesis."   Thank You so much God for making the morning air clear and fresh again today.

            My Encyclopedia says God, "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him, male and female created He them."  Daisy and Millie saw a tv show which said what it says here.  There have been three Christian "interpretations" of the "Image of God."

           I guess God, the first view is You and humans "share characteristics" like "rationality" and "morality."  Some think that phrase "in His own image" means You look like people down here.  But it could mean You and humans both have "Intellect," "Will" and "Emotion."       

                              THE "UNIVERSE"                                               "SPARK OF LIFE"

                                                                           MICHAELANGELO ("SISTINE" CHAPEL)

                Hey God!  Daisy says the tv show said the Jewish view of how to interpret You is, You don't in any way have features like humans; and You "Bestowed" on humans a "special honor" You did not give to the "rest of creation."  A Sparrow carrying a twig in its mouth ran bye.

           It says here that first Christian way of interpreting You God is called the "Substantive" view.  The second way is a "Relational Understanding," where a "relationship" between people and You or between people; are the most important things.  Daisy and I kind of like this one. 

          Hey Lord!   I guess the third way Christians have interpreted God is called a "Functional" view.  Daisy thinks this third way is a "feeling" that makes you want to "do right" as kind of like You Guys representatives down here.  Daisy says our boss kind of likes the last two views.       

 SUNRISE TO THE EAST      

(OVER THE "MOJAVE" DESERT)       

          Like yesterday, the first day of Spring; Heathcliff began announcing the day a lot earlier than he usually did did during the cold days of Winter.  Ah!  And there he goes crowing again      over there next door.  Boy! Hearing his voice is now giving me an uplifting Rhêma feeling.            

         Daisy, who's had a lot more Springs than I have; was kind of surprised last night that we haven't heard Cleo and Leo the Robins so far this year.  Often Robin's cheery voices are the first wild Birds you hear around here in the morning.  I can hear the Hens clucking right now.             

           One time Dais heard that lady Miss Susan say Robins have been called the "harbingers of Spring."  In book one I wrote a little bit about what are called "Migratory" Birds.  I guess many Robins fly to warmer areas for Winter but then come back when the weather gets better.             

LEO AND CLEO

PHOTO BY ROBIN ARNOLD

          Oh my God!  By total coincidence, as I'm mentioning Cleo and Leo who would I notice over there sitting quietly?  It's them but normally you usually hear a Robin before you see them.  Boy!  I feel like hiding all my materials and running up front to tell Daisy the good news.              

           I heard Miss Susan, who used to run the local Newspaper "News Plus;" say Robins are "Thrush Songbirds."  They're the "State Bird" of Michigan, Wisconsin and Connecticut where  Mr. Steve's sister Susan lives with her sons Dalton and Austin.  Oh!  Leo just now chirped.           

           Miss Susan said our Robins "don't migrate," but we didn't notice them around this past Winter.  Many Robins "don't mate for life" but Cleo and Leo seem loyal.  In cities, "lights and     noise" make Robins start singing earlier in the morning; and in a "higher-pitched voice."                                                       ROBIN'S NEST                                                          BENJAMIN                           

        Oh! Just as I'm about to mention how Miss Susan said girl Bronze Cow Birds lay eggs in other Bird's nest; Benjamin ran bye.  I guess they sneak in, use their beaks to break all the other Bird's eggs, throw them down to the ground; then lay their own eggs.  A Train just whistled.         

         Miss Susan said sometimes Robins "don't notice" the Cow Bird eggs, but if they do throw them out of the nest down onto the ground below.  I'd like to see some Robin eggs because Daisy  told me they're blue.  Samson and Delilah the Ravens are now flying over Libby's Corral.             

      When she was still living with her first owner; Daisy noticed Robins acting weird, and it turned out they were drunk from eating "Fermented" berries.  Daisy told me about alcohol and  how it makes you feel what they call "Drunk."  Andy's over there looking at me on Elvira.           

"BRAVO" COMPANY       

          Oh my God!  Bravo Company of Quail has babies and I see Laverne and Shirley over there in the dirt with them.  Fred, Ed and Ted the Sparrows are drinking water from the basin    below the Mulberry tree.  The early morning sunlight is reflecting brightly off the surface.           

            I feel like hiding all my materials and running up front to tell Dais but, she'll see them when they go up front to eat the Bird seed below Mr. Steve's office window.  Seeing them makes  me feel happy and gives me energy to work on this book.  A Lizard is standing on the wall.           

          Yup!  Sure enough, Laverne and Shirley are now herding their new babies around the northeast corner of the house; over there to my left at the far end of the Patio.  They'll go eat the food our boss puts out for them, and Daisy will be so happy to see them.  I smell the Lizard.             

 ELEANOR FARJEON (1881-1965)                                  "CAT" STEVENS              

        Looking at the Sun to my front makes me think of that 1970's "Cat" Stevens song Daisy told me about called "Morning Has Broken."  Mr. Dave in New Mexico likes it and so did Miss    Sandy's mom when she and Mr. Steve were at Sylmar High.  Libby just neighed over there.          

          Seeing the Sun over the eastern horizon, behind the three Sheds; make me really want to hear that Cat Stevens song someday.  Hey Lord!  As You know, Daisy says our boss played it for  his mom and she liked it.  She called it "poetic" and said Cat Stevens' voice is "very calming."    

         I guess in 1931, or the year before Mr. Steve's father was born; Morning Has Broken was originally written as a "Hymn" by a girl named Eleanor Farjeon.  Dais heard Mr. Dave tell our boss he read YES'S Rick Wakeman played piano on Cat Steven's version.  I smell Mesquite.                                                            

            EARLY MORNING             

         Thank You God for Dais.  Last night she explained to me what Mr. Steve meant when he jokingly used the term "Soap Opera" to say what our lives are not.  One time Dais and I heard    our boss and Mr. Randy talking as he watered the Mulberry tree up there in the front yard.         

                 Mr. Randy used to live in the State of "Arkansas," where a big company called "Tyson Foods" is located.  Mr. Mark in Hawaii's relatives are originally from Arkansas, but moved up to "Wisconsin;" and Daisy heard Mr. Mark wrote a song about it.  I want to hear it someday.  

            I guess Tyson Foods, who began in the 1930's during the "Great Depression; is one of the biggest "Food Industry" companies in the whole world from what Daisy heard.  They "Process" and "Market" Pig, Cow and Chicken meat.  Mr. Steve has "eaten a lot of their food" he says. 

              UNITED STATES OF AMERICA                                                  MR. RANDY

             Yesterday I looked at a lot of maps and now I'm seeing the one which shows where all of the fifty American States are located.  I've noticed how Arkansas is kind of near Texas where Mr. Steve's brother Rock lives with his sons Rocky Jr. and Jacob.  Leo and Cleo just flew away.

               From what we overheard Mr. Randy say, as our boss watered the Mulberry tree up there in the front yard; that company Tyson Foods "operates entire towns" in Arkansas.   I  guess Mr. Steve's father thinks the U.S. economy "needs them."  A Train just whistled faintly to my left.  

              Mr. Randy, who I've mentioned also lived in the State of "Florida;" told our boss that "at times" the humidity in Arkansas "can be killer."  I wrote yesterday how, in 1995; Mr. Steve and his friend "Armando" visited the State of Florida when it was very humid.  I smell Mesquite.  

       MOODY BLUES                                                             MR. PHILLIP              

                Daisy says one time she heard our boss and his customer Mr. Phillip from Wales talking on the phone about an English band the MOODY BLUES.  They're from the 1960's, when both of them were in what Mr. Phillip calls "Grade School."  Mr. Randy really likes their songs.

            According to Dais, who one time listened to a good MOODY BLUES album called "Days of Future Past;" there's good flute playing on a few of their songs.  Mr. Steve thinks they were one of the first "Progressive" Rock bands to do a "Concept" album.  I smell some Juniper.

           Boy!  Someday I really, really want to hear some MOODY BLUES songs, especially that one Dais told me about called "Nights in White Satin."  I guess it's a song about a boy who wants to be with his girlfriend and has flute playing on it.  Dawn and Blinky are both barking.

"SERGEANT PEPPER"S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND" (1967)     

            That morning we heard our boss and Mr. Randy talk about how, when Days of Future Past came out in 1967; it had "to compete against" that BEATLES album "Sergeant Pepper."  And the "White Album" came out the following year.  Boy!  I feel so good right now!

            I wish I had a uniform like the ones the BEATLES wore in 1967.  Of course, I'd want  a blue one like Paul McCartney wore; while Dais would take George Harrison's.  Daisy says the MOODY BLUES also have another good song about being a Singer in a Rock and Roll band.

           Mr. Dave read how the MOODY BLUES album Days of Future Past is about "a day" in the life of a guy.  It starts out with a song about the morning called "The Day Begins" or "Dawn is a Feeling."  Oh!  Mr. Steve and his mom also think the start of each day is "magical." 

                                                               "VAPOR TRAIL"   

                I just glanced up from down here on the Patio, and can see a Jet's slowly extending vapor trail moving toward the south.  Usually you don't see vapor trails this early in the morning, but for some reason seeing it is making me feel good.  I'm so glad I have you around here Elvira.

           Dais told me, on the MOODY BLUES album; there are songs about the early, middle and end parts of a day.  I guess Mr. Steve thinks that album's a "fusion" of "symphonic and rock" influences.  A guy once told our boss about the "Neapolitan Chord" used on that album.

        Our boss told Mr. Randy he read, in 1967 Nights in White Satin was a "moderate" success; but in 1972 when he was in 11th Grade at Sylmar High; it became a hit.  That song is an example of an early use of "Mellotron" keyboards.  The DICKIES covered Nights in White Satin. 

                                                             MARK "THE BIRD" FIDRYCH (1954-2009)

               Well God, yesterday You Guys were up there with me so, my first book went much better than we expected.  But now, I sure hope I don't suffer what Daisy called the "Sophomore Jinx;" where you do something good the first but not as good the second time.  Heathcliff crowed.

           Daisy and Millie saw a tv show about a Baseball Pitcher named Mark Fidrych who, as a "Rookie" in 1976; had a really tremendous first year for the Detroit "Tigers."  But then, because of injuries, he never did good ever again.  Mr. Steve has drawn the Tiger's two "D" logos.  

           I guess, that guy Mark Fidrych's nickname was the "Bird;" because he looked like "Big Bird" on that tv show Dais told me about called "Sesame Street."  Out boss told Mr. Dave that band QUIET RIOT had a great selling first album.  But their second one didn't do as well.  

HEATHCLIFF II                 HEATHCLIFF WITH HENS 

               Heathcliff just crowed again, which makes me wonder if we'll hear him today as much as we did yesterday?  His voice makes me think of, and feel; that Greek word "Rhêma" again.  Mr. Steve and his father have read Rhêma "most likely" means the "Inspired" living word.

          As I said yesterday a few times, Mr. Steve feels Rhêma in some music.  His music Teacher in College at C.S.U.N. talked about "Spiritual Interaction."  Oh!  I just glanced up in time to see Benjamin the black Cow Bird use the right vertical gate slot to run out into the back desert.   

          Hey God!  As You know, last night Daisy and I talked about how Rhêma could just be any way You decide to show what You're thinking to us down here.  We're both positive You've sent us messages in dreams sometimes.  And our boss Mr. Steve has wondered about it too.

 "AWEN"               

               Yesterday I said the concept of "3" would be a part of my books, mainly because our boss Mr. Steve thinks it can often be important when you look at, or think about; some things.  A few years ago he drew this "Awen" logo Daisy told me.  Boy!  The air is so clear again today.

               A picture in this Encyclopedia shows the Awen logo, which I notice is three circles around three lines and three dots.  It says here "awen" is "derived" from the Welsh word "awel," or a "breeze."  Mr. Phillip from Wales said his mother thought of Awen as "life's flowing spirit." 

            I've mentioned yesterday how Mr. Steve, Miss Babette, Susan and Karin sell "Apparel" and "Promotional Products" to Auto Dealerships.  Mr. Steve has been selling "Honda" things to Mr. Phillip since back in 2002.  Heathcliff just crowed over there and his Hens sound happy.

   "FOGHORN LEGHORN" AND FRIENDS                      MR. RALPH                                   

              Someday I want to see this cartoon about a big Rooster named "Foghorn Leghorn," who Mr. Ralph said "talks and acts like a pushy southern politician."  Daisy told me how this old Hen likes Foghorn Leghorn but he doesn't really like her back.  I like Heathcliff's strong voice.

            Daisy says that talkative Foghorn Leghorn fights with a Dog, once sneaking up when the Dog was asleep; hitting his rear end hard with a paddle.  The angry Dog chases him but Foghorn Leghorn stands just "Out of Range" of how far the rope lets him go.  Mr. Ralph laughed.

            Another time Foghorn Leghorn tricked this baby Chicken Hawk into believing the Dog is the real Chicken to be hunted and eaten.  He didn't like it when the really smart baby Rooster with glasses told him he wanted his job.  Only one Rooster is allowed for each group I guess.    

                                                                                             "HOLY SPIRIT"  

                Hey Holy spirit!  I feel the breeze that's making the chimes ring right now, which makes me think of Awen as life's flowing spirit.  I guess Daisy heard our boss tell his mom on the phone one time how people "have always tried to tap into the divine."   I smell Andy over there. 

                It says here some think the Awen's three circles, around three lines and three dots; might represent "Love, Wisdom and Truth."  Others believe it's "Nature, Knowledge and Truth."  Mr. Phillip said "some people" back in Wales think of the Awen logo as symbolizing "Hope."   

               Mr. Phillip, who's a year younger than our boss, as a kid heard an older man say to him Awen represents "Land, Sea and Sky."  Some Welsh, Cornish and Breton people think of Awen as being "Poetic Inspiration."  Hey!  That sort of sounds kind of like the idea of "Rhêma."      

                                                                                           "WIND CHIMES"

          Ah!  Hearing the green chimes ringing up there near the Patio roof, and smelling the new baby Cholla cactus growing over there in the dirt; is making m feel so good right now.  Andy's      over there looking at me.  Boy!  Thank You God for the pretty sounds that chimes make.               

          Those chimes up there to my left, in a weird way; are becoming like a friend.  The sounds they make gives me a sense of calm which, of course; I do need to feel more.  Blinky, Dawn and    Rosie's scents just came in from over there to my right, and that makes me feel good too.              

          Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell his mom those chimes were given to him  by a lady who knew his favorite Baseball team used to be the Oakland A's.  So, when she was at a wind chimes shop;  she got him the green and gold ones.  I'm beginning to like the color green a lot more now.            

                                                        UFO                                                           

          At times, when the wind blows; the chimes make what sounds like "Melodic" music.  Last night as we looked up at the night sky Daisy told me about that 1970's British band I mentioned  yesterday called UFO.  Mr. Steve has described their songs as being "melodic hard rock."            

       Tomorrow I'll write about good Guitarists our boss has seen play in person.  He told Mr. Dave he "wishes he could've seen" Michael Schenker, who wrote "Doctor, Doctor" and "Rock    Bottom" when in UFO.  Michael Schenker, who's German; was in the SCORPIONS too.              

       Over the years our boss plays people Michael Schenker songs from his "less known period after he left UFO."  They're always impressed by the "Riffs" in "Captain Nemo," and "Armed     and Ready."  Mr. Dave was told Michael Schenker has "at times" gotten "Stage Fright."                             

          "PHENOMENON" (1974)           

         Daisy told me our boss still has one of those vinyl records of a 1974 UFO album called "Phenomenon."  She says the album cover shows this painted black and white photo from the      1950's.  Grandma and Grandpa Trujillo had a Car just like the one in the picture I guess.             

          According to Daisy, on the UFO album cover a girl is taking a picture; but doesn't even know that the man standing on their lawn behind her is seeing a real U.F.O. up there in the sky.    Boy!  Last night the sky was so clear and beautiful.  Daisy thinks the U.F.O. looks so real.             

            Boy!  If I ever do happen to see a U.F.O., I hope our boss and Daisy are with me; just for what they call "Moral Support."  But like Daisy says, seeing a U.F.O. "might be dangerous;" as  they "probably have good modern weapons."  A Freight Train whistled faintly to my left.             

JETHRO TULL

       Hearing the Train right now reminds me of how someday I want to hear that JETHRO TULL song called "Locomotive Breath."  Daisy says, of course I would really like the flute in it    but; the piano playing and singing are "really good too."  Two of the Pigeons are flying bye.         

         I guess JETHRO TULL played Locomotive Breath at the concert Mr. Steve and that girl Angela saw at the Forum.  The "chugging" guitar in that song does kind of sound like a Train      alright Daisy told me.  Oh!  I'm now hearing JETHRO TULL'S song "The Third  Hoorah!"        

      Daisy says that UFO album "Phenomenon" has the songs "Doctor, Doctor" and "Rock Bottom" on it.  One time she heard Mr. Dave say he's "always liked" the way that guy Michael    Schenker  uses "Vibrato" on his guitar.  Now the other two Pigeons are going bye together.                         

MICHAEL SCHENKER                                                       MR. RICH               

PHOTO BY MICK BURGESS                                                                                                                                    

         One time our boss and Mr. Rich, who played guitar in DRAGPIPE; talked about how Michael Schenker is known for playing "Flying V" shaped guitars.  Mr. Steve likes his "yin          yang" looking black and  white guitar.  Libby's over there in her Corral eating hay and oats.       

             Dais says Michael Schenker, with his older brother; was originally in the SCORPIONS.  Guys like Randy Rhodes, Eddie Van Halen and METALLICA'S Guitarists; were all influenced    by Michael Schenker's playing.  Libby's unique scent just floated into my right nostril.                 

            Mr. Steve played Michael Schenker's song "Into the Arena" for Jason.  He thinks,  "in one song" you sort of hear the "history of Rock and Roll;" the first solo "sounds 1950's," then      the guitar gradually gets more "progressive and modern sounding."  Dawn's barking.                                 

      IRON MAIDEN                                                        MR. DAVE                     

          One of Mr. Dave's old Motorcycle Shop customer told him IRON MAIDEN begins their concerts by playing UFO'S song "Doctor, Doctor."  And later they even did their own "Cover"    version of it.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny the Crows are now flying toward the northeast.         

           I guess, Mr. Dave thinks some early 1970's Michael Schenker and DEEP PURPLE songs "influenced the fast-paced galloping style" of later bands like IRON MAIDEN.  Our neighbor's  Cat Cher, a dead Mouse hanging from her mouth; sauntered bye.  Andy's watching her.                

            Ah!  All of a sudden I hear the flute in GENESIS'S song "Musical Box," which makes me feel calm.  Oh!  Now I'm hearing CANNED HEAT'S song "Goin Up The Country," which really  makes me feel like dancing.  A Car or Truck just went bye out there on Primavera Road.              

2014 HYUNDAI "GENESIS"      

           Daisy says there's a South Korean "Hyundai" Car called "Genesis."  One time Mr. Steve and a Hyundai customer talked about it and also the band, because it turned out that one Parts    Manager's wife also liked early GENESIS the way Mr. Steve still does.  Libby just neighed.          

          From what Dais heard, the Genesis is a "Luxury" Car; with words like "Premium" and "Executive" used to describe them.  I guess, they've been made since 2008; and have four doors.  Oh!  Seeing that Monarch Butterfly fluttering bye is filling me with a good feeling right now.       

          I'm really looking forward to someday hearing those first GENESIS albums.  Daisy says our boss played a song called "Dancing with the Moonlit Knight" for that kid Jason.  He really    liked the "darker" sounding keyboards, and also the "Tapping" technique the Guitarist uses.        

CAPTAIN "NEMO"                                                  "NAUTILUS"        

ARTWORK BY RÉGIS DROULEZ                                                                                                                                                                           

       Daisy says Michael Schenker's song "Captain Nemo" is based on a character in a 19th century "Science Fiction" book by Jules Verne.  He's a real Captain, who built a totally amazing  Submarine called the "Nautilus."  A Freight Train just whistled faintly to my left over there.        

          A movie based on Jules Verne's book "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" shows how Captain Nemo is an "Indian" Prince who really hates British "Imperialism."  Leo and Cleo  the Robins flew in from the back desert.  Now they're flying over top of the house going west.       

           From what Daisy's heard, Indian Princes back in the 1800's were called "Rajas."  Oh!  I guess "Nemo" is Latin for "no one," like in the "Odyssey" when Odysseus tricked the Cyclops by telling him his name was "Nobody."   A Lizard is chasing another Lizard out in the dirt.                                                    

    JULES VERNE (1828-1905)                      H.G. WELLS (1866-1946)            

             In the 1860's Jules Verne, who was French; wrote the other book about going down all the way into the center of Earth.  According to what Daisy heard, our boss has read some of the books he and that other guy H.G. Wells wrote.  They both knew about modern technology.           

            Daisy says Captain Nemo, who's really smart; is so angry at the British for stealing his Kingdom.  So in the 1870's, forty years before World War I; he builds a Submarine to live totally underwater or "Off the Grid" so to speak.  The Nautilus even had a good Library I guess.            

             My Encyclopedia says "primitive" metal Submarines were used in the 1860's during the American Civil War.  And, those first "Ironclad" type Ships fought each other too in that war.  A little Bird  carrying a big twig in its mouth is running bye out there in the dirt near the Sheds.                

         GIANT SQUID ("ARCHITEUTHIS")                      "20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA"                                                                                                                                                   

         I'm tempted to write about these things called "Giant Squid" but, I'll just wait and do it this afternoon as scheduled.  Daisy says Captain Nemo's Submarine was attacked by one, and      one time Captain Nemo helped this Whale which being attacked by another big Whale.               

         Our boss told Mr. Ralph "it's possible" some of the "Sea Monster" stories in history have been "Architeuthis " Giant Squid swim up from the deep Ocean to attack a Boat or Ship.  It's not something they usually do but maybe sometimes they might.  A lizard went running bye.        

         Mr. Doug, who reads about things having to do with the Ocean; said the biggest "known" Architeuthis Giant Squid was "over forty feet long."  But some think there are probably some      females who are sixty feet from "End to End" as they say.  Donald and Daisy are quacking. 

                              "AVALON"                 CATALINA  ISLAND              "OARFISH" (2013)                                      

         Oh what the heck!  Even though I'm not scheduled to write about the "Oarfish" until this afternoon, I can do it now instead.  Mr. Steve and his friend Mark Ritter who died think some of the stories about "Sea Serpents" were Oarfish.  Andy's over there sniffing the air right now.        

         This Encyclopedia says Oarfish are the "longest bony fish," and can be "over twenty five feet long."  Mr. Doug told our boss about an eighteen foot long Oarfish caught last year out there on "Catalina" Island.  Like Giant Squid, Oarfish usually stay down deep in the Ocean.                 

        Daisy heard an old Filipino Fisherman and his wife told Mr. Doug they once saw a "fifty foot long" Oarfish.  And they said it gave off a "shock like an electric eel."  It says here Oarfish were first "described" in 1772, which was right before the American Revolution happened.                    

PLASTIC MODEL OF  AN "OARFISH"  

PHOTO BY UDO SCHRÖTER

          Wow!  There's a good picture in this Encyclopedia of a big model Oarfish.  The caption says Oarfish have "crests" on their heads and all along their backs.  I guess they live mainly in    "temperate to tropical" Oceans.  A flock of Birds is flying over Libby's Corral over there.             

          It says here Oarfish "have no scales," and I notice you can't see any of their teeth.  Mr. Doug says that man Filipino man told him Oarfish, like Lizards; can grow back tails if they get    bitten off.  In the Philippines seeing an Oarfish means a "storm or earthquake" will happen.      

           Mark Ritter told Mr. Steve it was thought Oarfish got their name because their "pelvic" or "pectoral" fins resembled oars in propelling them through the water.  But that's probably not true he said, and it's "more likely their elongated shape" got them named.  I smell Mesquite.       

2014 LINCOLN "MKX NAUTILUS"

        Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve talking to one of his "Lincoln" customers about a Car called a "Nautilus," just like Captain Nemo's Submarine.  The Parts Manager said, like a lot of    vehicles; it's been "sold under a few different names and brands."  Andy's sniffing the air.            

         The Parts Manager told our boss the "MKX" is "assembled" in both China and Canada, "comes with very good Stereo systems;" and are either "front or four wheel drive."  I can hear    Heathcliff's Hen's over there clucking away.  They sound really happy it's now Springtime.          

          I just thought of our boss's old friend Mr. Vic, a good "Videographer" and "Pilot" who's  studied the history of "Naval" warfare.  He read that little hunchback Homer Lea's books.  Mr.  Steve told him about Miss Sandy's father fighting in the 1942 "Battle of the Coral Sea."               

"BATTLE OF HAMPTON ROADS"  (MARCH 8-9, 1862)    

PAINTING BY HENRY BILL             

            My Encyclopedia says the first "naval engagement" between "metal" Ships took place in March of 1862; or second year of the Civil War.  Over two days, two "Ironclads" tried to destroy each other in the Harbor of "Hampton Roads," Virginia.  The four Pigeons are flying bye.            

           Back in 1862 the Union's "Monitor," with a "Rotating Turret;" fought the Confederacy's "slope-sided" warship called the "Merrimack" to a "draw."  A good painting shows the Rebel      "Merrimack" destroying a wooden Ship.  But canon balls are just bouncing off each other.           

        Jules Verne got his idea for Captain Nemo's Ship in 1867, after seeing a "model" of the French "Plongeur," or "Diver;" the first ever "mechanically" powered Submarine.  In 1864 the South tried a "manually" powered Submarine but I guess everyone drowned.  A Crow cawed.                 

RATT (ROBBIN CROSBY / 1959-2002 / ON LEFT)       

          I just thought of that guy Michael Schenker.  Yesterday I wrote about how our boss one time met RATT'S Guitarist Robbin Crosby, whose father wrote books Mr. Steve and his parents  read as San Fernando Mission Tour Guides.  Robbin Crosby grew up near San Diego I guess.      

             Daisy says Robbin Crosby, who died already even though he was four years younger than our boss; was kicked out of RATT.  That's what Mr. Steve's customer near San Diego told him a  while back.  And the guy who replaced him, for only a short time; was Michael Schenker.             

            Even though Daisy likes Hard Rock, and her favorite band is AC/DC; she's told me she's gotten the "same energy" from "Gospel" music as she gets from watching and hearing that little guy Angus Young.  It's "lively and energetic" music.  Frida and Diego the Bluebirds flew bye.      

                                               REVEREND JOHN NEWTON (1825-1807)

                  I just looked up an 18th century English "Cleric" named John Newton, who wrote that old Gospel song "Amazing Grace."  Hey Lord!  I can't wait to someday hear that song because of what Daisy's told me about it.  Boy!  I love the good wigs people wore back in those days.

           Hey Lord!  I guess that guy John Newton was a Sailor on, later the Captain of; a "Slave Ship."   It says here for a while, even though he was white; he himself was a Slave over in North Africa.  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are flying together towards the east. 

           Lord!  Dais thinks John Newton was a "bad person until he finally accepted You;" which his mom had prayed for.  So he changed, became a Protestant "Preacher;" and was one of those "Abolitionists."  His good friend John Wesley, who I wrote about; started those "Methodists." 

                                                                     "TRIANGLE" SLAVE TRADE ROUTES                                              

               In book one I wrote a little bit about the three-parted "African Slave Trade" when, from the 16th through 18th centuries, guys like John Newton sailed down to Africa to trade things like guns for Slaves sold by other Africans.  Some Ducks are quacking but Daffy's much louder.  

           The map of the Slave trade routes show how, after picking up Slaves; the Ships then took them west to places like the U.S. or Caribbean Ocean.  Those same wooden Ships, who needed wind to move forward; took things from there  back over to Europe.  I smell Arborvitae.   

               Hey God!  Dais saw a tv show where the man said slavery, in "every part of the world;" has "always existed since even before ancient times."  And it wasn't just "Civilized" societies which kept Slaves because "Indigenous" cultures had them too.  I like how Ducks sound. 

                                                               "AFRICAN" SLAVES

             I mentioned yesterday how Mr. Steve and his father think slavery is "Officially" gone, but in the "Real World" of 2014 it's just "not called slavery" now.  Oh wow!  A picture shows five chained together African Slaves guarded by two black guys.  One has a gun I notice.

            Daisy says one time she heard our boss and his dad talking on the phone about how, if a person has no "control over their own destiny" when it comes to making money; then "in a way they're kind of an unofficial slave."  Karl Marx called it being a "Wage Slave" I guess.

           The caption below the picture of those Slaves says their horrible trip over to America was called the "Middle Passage."  Many died, their bodies dumped into the Atlantic Ocean for the Sharks; some "killed to collect insurance" our boss told Mr. Grant.  A Lizard just ran bye.

                                                 FREDERICK DOUGLASS (1818-1895)

                Yesterday I wrote a little bit about that guy Frederick Douglass, who in the 19th century was a Slave; but escaped to become one of those Abolitionists.  I mentioned how he was born in that town of "Córdova" in the State of "Maryland."  All four of the Pigeons flew bye. 

                The caption below Frederick Douglass' photo describes him as a, "social reformer, writer and orator."  As I said yesterday, no one knows exactly what day he was born on but they know it was in "February;" and it's known he died on February the 20th.  I smell Penstemon.

               Daisy helped me put together this list of important dates.  Mr. Steve's Nephew Dalton, ex-girlfriend Harriet, father, Grandma Córdova and Steph's boyfriend Rich; were all also born in February like Frederick Douglass.  Anyway, I'll come back to Frederick Douglass later. 

                                                           KARL MARX (1818-1883)

           In book one I wrote about that guy Karl Marx.  He wrote a few books about "Capitalism" versus "Socialism" or "Communism; and talked about "Wage Slaves."   In this second book one thing Daisy has me scheduled to learn about is the history of what's called "Organized Labor."  

          Dais told me the tv show about Gospel music said John Newton mainly wrote the "Lyrics," or words; to that song Amazing Grace.  Later, someone else put it to the "Melody" which is very well known now.  Boy God!  Someday I really, really would like to hear that song myself.

             As You know already Lord, someday I want to hear Gospel songs because Daisy thinks I'd like the "happy and hopeful"  music.  But she says I would especially like the dancing combined with praying.  Daisy senses Awen and Rhêma in some of those Gospel songs she's told me.

                                                                              19TH CENTURY "SLAVE PLANTATION"

               I'll mainly write about Gospel music later today but now I can mention a few things too.  Daisy told me, what people think of as Gospel music started back in the 19th century at the time of the Slaves living here in the American South.  A line of Ants is going bye on the Patio floor. 

                The first black Slave was brought to what is now "New England" way back in the year 1619, or early 17th century.  Hey Lord!  Daisy told me that tv show talked about all those Slave "Praise Houses."  Boy!  I really love breathing in all of this new fresh Spring morning air.

            According to what Daisy remembers from the tv show about Gospel music, the Slaves in the 19th century sang these songs called "Spirituals."  Hey God!  Dais thinks they were asking for Your help in their really hard lives.  They "Praised Your Power" and hoped for help.

                                                                SUNRISE OVER HIGH DESERT    

            Hey God!  Thank You for another great day by the way.  The tv show said John Newton's "Hymn" Amazing Grace is mainly about Your forgiveness and a Souls "Redemption."  But, at    first you have to admit your guilt and promise you'll never do that bad thing again Dais says.       

           God!  Daisy thinks singing Amazing Grace is asking for Your "Graceful Mercy" to make a "difficult life down here more bearable."  I guess, it can be a "Spiritual" or "Secular" song.  The 1950's "Folk" Musicians like Pete Seeger liked it a lot according to what Daisy's heard.  

                My Encyclopedia says there are two "strains" of Gospel music, one which started back in the 18th century by white people like John Newton; the other one the Slaves created.  Daisy says she feels Rhêma and Awen in some of the songs from both types.  Heathcliff is crowing.

                                                                       GENESIS

                 Oh!  All of a sudden I'm hearing the flute part in GENESIS'S song "Musical Box," and that makes me feel good.  Daisy told our boss jokingly told that kid Jason Musical Box is "Art Rock."  Two of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral and moving toward the north.

                Now I'm hearing the hard rock middle part of Musical Box, which is giving me energy.  I like how that song starts out slow and then has a few different parts to it.  Daisy says that when GENESIS played Musical Box live the Singer wore a mask to make himself look really old.

                I've mentioned Mr. Steve likes songs that have different "Sections" or parts to them so, that's probably why he likes Progressive Rock.  Boy!  I can't wait to someday hear the GENESIS song about the giant Hogweed plant, or RUSH'S song about Tom Sawyer.  Dawn's barking.  

                                          "SISTER" ROSETTA THARPE (1915-1973)

                 Oh what the heck!  I suddenly just feel like mentioning this guitar-playing girl named Rosetta Tharpe.  Daisy saw a tv show that said her nickname was "Sister," and she did Gospel songs during the 1930's Great Depression and during World War II.  I can smell Mesquite.

                 That tv show said Sister Rosetta Tharpe's electric guitar playing "techniques," and also the "Distortion" she used; "influenced many later Guitarists," like that guy Chuck Berry for examplw.  Daisy says, even though she played religious music; she influenced Rock & Roll. 

             Later today I'll write about a 1950's Record Label called "Sun," where I guess that guy Elvis did some songs.  He and other Musicians who worked there, like Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins for example; liked Rosetta Tharpe.  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.     

         "SUN" RECORDS               CHUCK BERRY          1960'S BRITISH GUITARISTS

                 According to Daisy, that lady Rosetta Tharpe's way of playing electric guitar influenced 1960's British Guitarists like Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton.  I wrote in book one how all three of them were, at one time or another; in the YARDBIRDS.  Dawn's now barking. 

                Yesterday I mentioned a few times how Mr. Steve likes original forms of music but prefers "Heavier" later versions.  I guess the tv show about Gospel music said Chuck Berry admitted he played a "louder, faster and more aggressive form" of Rosetta Tharpe.  I really like Dawn! 

               Daisy told me Chuck Berry said he even copied his "Duck Walk" dancing from Rosetta Tharpe, but she wore a dress so couldn't be as limber as he was.  Rudy the Roadrunner just ran through the right vertical slot on the side of the gate to go out into the back eastern desert.  

                                                                          AC/DC

                     Someday I want to hear more AC/DC'S songs.  I've heard a few but not the one about the girl named "Rosie."  Dais thinks I would like the hats AC/DC wear.  Last night, as we went over book one and looked up at the Stars; Daisy praised old Rosie next door I noticed. 

              All of a sudden I'm hearing AC/DC's song "Thunderstruck."  Daisy says in the Video it shows how talented a Dancer Angus Young is.  I guess in one part he even dances on his knees as he's playing his guitar at the same time too.  The four Pigeons are flying toward the east.  

             I'd like to see Angus Young "Duck Walk" like Chuck Berry.  Dais says in the Video from 1977 when they play their song about that girl Rosie he even plays guitar while doing this kind of Indian style dance, but backwards.  That was when first Singer Bon Scott was still alive. 

                                                           THE "THREE STOOGES"

                   The "Three Stooges" were Jewish, and said they were "grateful" to have had a job during the 1930's "Great Depression."   Daisy saw Angus Young, on his side on the ground; play guitar while spinning around in a circle.  "Curly" and "Shemp" used to do that sometimes.    

              According to Daisy, I guess when Curly spun around on the ground; he said he was "imitating a chicken with its head cut off."  Wow!  What talent!   Mr. Dave joked that he and Shemp, "Moe's" brothers in real life; were the world's first "Break" dancers.  I smell Sage.

             I'd definitely wear a suit and hat like Angus Young wears in the AC/DC concerts.   Hey!  If I could learn to break dance, maybe we might even be able to make some money; especially if we could then teach other Dogs how to do it?   Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying bye. 

YOUNG RASCALS     

                Dais says Angus Young dressing like a "Schoolboy" isn't the first time a band did that as a "Gimmick."  She and Millie one time saw a Video of this 1960's band from New Jersey called the YOUNG RASCALS, or "RASCALS" for short.  The air is so clear again this morning. 

                 When Dais and Millie saw the YOUNG RASCALS  Video that kid Jason was visiting and really liked their song "Good Lovin."  Daisy noticed how our boss pointed out how the YOUNG RASCALS' had a Jazz drummer.  She and Millie liked how he twirled his sticks a lot.  

                 Mr. Steve said the YOUNG RASCCALS, RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS and HALL AND OATES; were "Blue-Eyed Soul." Daisy told me how that means white guys making what would normally be black music.  The RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS are from "Orange" county.  

2014 KIA "SOUL"

                Mentioning "Soul" suddenly makes me think about a Car with that name Daisy told me about.  It's made by a South Korean company called "Kia," and one time Dais heard a one of their Parts Managers ordering some hats with Soul logos on them.  A Train whistled faintly.

           Daisy says that Parts Manager told Mr. Steve the Soul was "designed" here in Southern California "based on a cancelled Volkswagen proposal."  It's a "Subcompact Crossover" Sports Utility Vehicle.  The smell of the Twin Joshua trees just floated into both of my nostrils. 

           Those Kia Soul's are called "Box" Cars according to what Dais heard, I guess they five doors; and are "Propelled" by wheels that turn in the front instead of the back.  I just glanced up in time to see Theodora run bye in front of the three Sheds.  Andy was watching her.  

                                                            FRANCE A. CÓRDOVA

              Hey God!  A long white vapor trail up there in the sky makes me think about the physical world You created about fourteen billion years ago.  And that makes remember how I forgot to mention a few things about that Scientist France A. Córdova yesterday.  Heathcliff crowed.     

                Daisy says our boss admires Miss Córdova and saw a 2012 Video of her last speech as the "President" of an Indiana College called "Purdue."  I guess, back in the 1970's; Mr. Steve's mom for a short time wore her hair in a similar style as in the picture of her.  I like Heathcliff.

                Besides having our last name, Dais and I are proud that a female like Miss Córdova could be so smart.  This Encyclopedia describes her as being an "astrophysicist" and "administrator."  Oh!  No wonder her first name is France because I guess she really was born over there. 

                                           MR. JULIO WITH WIFE AND DAUGHTER

                Mr. Steve read France Córdova's mom thought they would have a boy so embroidered "F," for "Frederick;" on the baby clothes.  When it was a girl it was changed for "Francoise."  Mr. Julio embroiders all of the things Mr. Steve, and Miss Babette, Susan and Karin sell.  

                Wow!  My Encyclopedia says Miss Córdova was the oldest of twelve children and I guess her Mexican-American father graduated from "West Point."  She went to this one Catholic High School in Los Angeles called "Bishop Amat."  The scent of Sage is strong again today.

           I mentioned in my first book how, for 9th and 10th Grades; our boss went to "Alemany" Catholic High School.  Daisy says he told Mr. Ralph on the phone one time about Miss Córdova and they discussed people from Bishop Amat.  Boy!  This is going to be a good day I think.

                                                  MRS. CÓRDOVA WITH HUSBAND

                  In the Video of her final speech as President of Purdue University in 2012 Daisy noticed how she mentioned her husband.  They met "Rock" climbing, and she jokes she "needs" him to "catch her when she falls."  Samson and Delilah are flying over Libby's Corral going east.

                 Today Daisy has me scheduled to learn more about the big College up there in Northern California called "Stanford" University.   Miss Córdova went there and, like Mr. Steve's mom at C.S.U.N.; graduated "Cum Laude."  As I said yesterday, that's just Latin for "With Praise."

                 Daisy says Mr. Steve was amused to read Miss Córdova, born eight years before himself; as a kid read "Nancy Drew" books.  He read the "Hardy Boys."  But when he found out that one of the neighborhood girls read Nancy Drew, he "developed" a "sudden interest" in them too.  

                 NANCY DREW                     THE ARCHIES                THE HARDY BOYS     

               Our boss told Mr. Ralph some of his male friends "made fun" of him for reading those Nancy Drew books, and did the same in finding out he read "Archie" comics.  But, he's never really cared what other's think about him Daisy told me.  In the 1970's he liked ABBA. 

               My Encyclopedia says the "original" Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books were written back in the 1920's and 1930's.  Mr. Steve thinks one reason teenagers like them is because they want to be "self-sufficient" and "independent" from adults.  Heathcliff crowed over there.

           I guess Mr. Ralph, who also read some of those Hardy Boys "Detective" books too; used the phrase "wish fulfillment" to describe them.  Wow!  My Encyclopedia says Miss Córdova got a "PhD" in physics, worked for N.A.S.A.; and she went down to the South Pole.  I smell Sage.  

 "PULSAR" STAR        

               The caption below a diagram of a "Pulsar," which Miss Córdova knows about; says it's a "highly magnetized rotating compact star."  I wrote in book one how "Rotating" is just another way of saying to "spin on an axis;" or turns round and round like Earth.  A Lizard ran bye.  

          Daisy one time heard our boss and Mr. Doug talking on the phone and they remembered their friend Mark Ritter who died.  Mark Ritter said, and the diagram shows too; "Radiation" shoots out of two ends of the round Pulsar Star.  I can smell the little baby Cholla cactus. 

          I guess, to a person looking through one of those telescopes from so far away Mark Ritter said; you only see the light when the spinning star's radiation "beam" points at you.  So it looks like it's pulsing.  Mark Ritter compared it to one of those coastal "Lighthouses" Dais says.  

              NEIL ARMSTRONG (1930-2012)                  JOHN WOODEN (1910-2010)

               Miss Córdova was "President" of Purdue University, which is in the State of "Indiana."  U.C.L.A.'s famous Basketball Coach John Wooden, who Mr. Steve met; went to Purdue.  And so did Neil Armstrong, who was the first man ever to walk on the Moon back in July of 1969.   

                Daisy says our boss told Mr. Doug he thinks, being a "Physicist;" it must've been kind of intimidating when Miss Córdova met Neil Armstrong.  I'll bet she also admires Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein.  Once, in a "Meet and Greet;" Mr. Steve's parents met Neil Armstrong. 

            Like our boss and his dad Miss Córdova's read things by that guy Thomas Merten, and went up to the top "Masada" over there in Israel.  I guess she taught at U.C.S.B. where, as I said a few times yesterday; in the 1980's his sister Susan went to for a few years.  I smell Andy. 

              MISS BABETTE / HUSBAND DAVID                               MISS KARIN

            Mr. Steve and Miss Babette started selling apparel and things Auto Dealerships put their names on in 1999.   Miss Karin came in a few years later so, it being 2014 now; they've all been    friends for a long time already.  The four Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral to my right.        

         For a time Mr. Steve was the Office Manager down there in San Fernando, but then he moved up here to Piñon Hills.  He hired and trained Mr. Dave and Miss Susan and both became good Salespeople but, unfortunately; then the economic recession came in.  A Crow cawed.           

         Daisy heard our boss tell his father Mr. Dave is an example of that old saying about not "putting all of your eggs in one basket."  Most of his customers were Motorcycle Shops, so when the economy went bad in 2009 many went "Out of Business" as they say.   I can smell Sage.          

                                                                "ARBORVITAE"                                                                                                                   

           Wow God!  The scent of the Arborvitae bushes back here is really strong this morning.  It's only the second day of Spring and, just like yesterday; I'm already smelling things around here earlier than last year.  Some Ducks are quacking over there but of course Daffy's louder.

         Daisy is kind of like me in sort of wanting to see certain things as signs that this might be a really good year coming up.  Boy!  The Sunrise this morning was so beautiful just like yesterday. The Birds out there in the desert, also like yesterday; sound happier to me for some reason.

        Again today, there will be about twelve hours of sunlight and I know from book one that I'll need to be disciplined in order to finish all twelve chapters.  I don't know why but it seems like the Arborvitae bushes are even greener today.  Thank Everyone for how I feel right now. 

FLYING PIGEONS  

            Two of the Pigeons are flying bye.  Seeing them gives me energy in starting this second of what I now know will be three really long books.  Last night Daisy couldn't believe what I did yesterday, and again today I plan on writing one chapter for each of the twelve sunlit hours.

            I felt like celebrating when Dais said last night that, "at this rate you'll be just as smart as Mr. Peabody."  Hey God!  Like Daisy, I really want to believe that You're giving me a "Gift of Grace" in learning how to read and write.  Boy!  The morning is so beautiful again today.  

            Hey God!  Right now, absorbing the sunlight; I have the feeling of being glad to be alive and not having to worry so much.   Thank You again for having Mr. Steve rescue me from that awful e field my first owner abandoned me into.  Now the other two Pigeons are flying bye.

                                                                     GOLIATH       

PHOTO BY MATT JEPPSON           

               Oh!  Goliath the Gopher Snake is over there in the dirt flicking his tongue out to taste the air.  That reminds me how yesterday I missed on my outline the subject of the ancient Roman Goddess named "Angitia," who I'll find out about now instead.  Andy's staring at Goliath.

                According to what it says in this Encyclopedia, Angitia was the "Goddess of Healing."  I guess, way back then in the ancient world; Snakes like Goliath were "associated" with "healing magic."  Ah!  I think Goliath just now pulled in my scent from over here sitting on Elvira.

                I just thought of how the ancient Romans "absorbed or adopted" many Greek Gods but then gave them their own names.  But in Angitia's case they just used her Greek name.  It says  in the caption below a picture of her statue that the Latin word for "Serpent" is "angius."  

                                 "ANGITIA"                           EDITH HAMILTON (1867-1963)

             The statue of Antigia, who that lady Edith Hamilton wrote about; shows her standing next to a big Snake wrapped around a tree trunk.  Oh!  Just as I feel the Sun warming me I read how the Romans believed Antigua was the "Sun's Granddaughter."  I really like her helmet.

              I just thought of how Mr. Steve believes in the "Sacred Feminine," often in terms of "Spiritual Healing."   The Goddess Antigia was prayed to for "Physical" healing.  Goliath, with Andy following his all of movements; crawled out into the eastern desert behind the Sheds.  

                    Hey Blessed Mother!  It says here Antigia was also seen by those ancient Romans as a "Nature" or "Mother Earth" Goddess.  I guess, other ancient cultures, like in "Crete" or down there in Egypt for example; also had Goddess's symbolized by Snakes I guess.  I smell Sage.

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

          Oh!  I just glanced up and see Frida and Diego the Bluebirds standing on a log Mr. Mike cut with his Chain Saw.  Like other Bird couples around here, you can tell they're best friends.    Because my favorite color is blue I like how Diego looks this year, and I'll bet Frida does too.        

         I wrote in book one how Frida and Diego were named after those two married Mexican Painters who our boss's mom studied in College.  Over the next two days I'll learn more things    about them and their friend Leon Trotsky.  Frida and Diego flew into the eastern desert.              

          Thank You God for giving me Daisy and our boss as my best friends.  As Dais says, we're so lucky to all have each other because there are many Dogs and people who are all alone.  And I do know what she means because I remember how it felt living homeless out in that field.                        

  JACK / MOE / MANNY                                         EASTERN DESERT         

           Andy's looking at me, and I smell him and the clump of Joshua trees right above him.  He and Helen's burrow is to the right of "Manny" the far right Shed.  The gate, whose two vertical  slots everyone uses to go and come from the back desert; is near their new Spring burrow.            

        Oh!  Just as I mention the gate I see Alpha Company of Quail, with Angela and her new babies; streaming through both of those slots and going out into the eastern desert to my front.    They must've been resting under one of the Sheds.  I didn't even see them go under there.             

          Looking at our Sheds Manny, Moe and Jack makes me think of that band the DICKIES, who Mr. Steve and Miss Sandy saw play a few times back in the late 1970's.  They have a song    called "Manny, Moe and Jack" I guess.  Samson and Delilah are flying toward the north.                           

THE DICKIES

        One time our boss and Mr. Dave talked about the DICKIES, who were from "Van Nuys" and kind of a "Comedy" Punk" band.  Their Guitarist "Stan" was friends of QUIET RIOT'S      Singer Kevin Dubrow.  Our boss and Miss Sandy met the DICKIES back in the 1970's.                 

        Daisy says "live" the DICKIES song Manny, Moe and Jack begins with their Singer using his right hand to simulate turning the "Ignition" on a Car.  With his right foot he twice pushes    an invisible pedal as the engine "winds trying to start."  A flock of Birds is moving eastward.       

        With the third pump of the DICKIES Singer's foot on his "imaginary" gas pedal the song Manny, Moe and Jack "jump starts" Mr. Doug says.  Then the Singer, a really good Dancer, acts like a Car during the song.  At the very end he crashes into that Guitarist Stan Daisy told me.            

                                        PAUL / LINDA MCCARTNEY AND FAMILY

                  Seeing Frida and Diego reminds me of the BEATLES song Daisy told me about.  It's by that guy Paul McCartney, and I guess is a love song about Bluebirds for his wife.  It was written back in the early 1970's Daisy heard, or just a few years after the BEATLES had broken up.  

                According to Daisy, that song "Bluebird" is just Paul McCartney playing an "Acoustic" guitar and singing.  Dais, and that other Dog Millie who I replaced; one time saw a concert on tv where Paul McCartney played that song.  Paul McCartney is left-handed Dais told me. 

               There are Birds zipping around out there in the desert behind the Sheds.  The scent of that clump of Joshua trees above Andy just floated in to me over here on Elvira.  Libby whinnied and I smell Dawn, Blinky and Rosie standing next to each other on the other side of the fence. 

              THE "TWINS"                                        "BEAVERTAIL" CACTUS              

             Ah!  Suddenly smelling the Twin Joshua trees and some Beavertail cactus reminds me of yesterday morning.  I hope that's a good sign about today being another "Productive" day.  Boy God!  As You know already of course, I really want to believe it's an "Omen" of good things.

            Sitting back here on the Patio makes me really appreciate just how fortunate we are to be alive and able to smell, see, hear, touch and taste things.  Boy Elvira!  No place on Earth could make me feel as good as sitting here on you.  A flock of Birds is moving toward the east.

           Ah!  Hearing Heathcliff crowing over there to my right, and the sound of his Hens too; is giving me one of those uplifting feelings of Rhema.  Boy you guys!  I'm also so grateful to have you as my three blankets which keep me company and have become my good friends too.   

                                                  1960'S                             BEE GEES                           1970'S

            Boy you guys!  I'm so glad Mr. Chris sold you to us, so you could come over here and be my three blankets; which are so comfortable at night when I'm sleeping out here on the Patio.      I'm happy that I named you after the three "Gibb" brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice.              

       Someday I'll hear those BEE GEES songs Daisy's told me about, where the three part "Harmony" singing by the three brothers blend together perfectly.  I guess, they're English but    grew up in "Australia" from what Mr. Phillip and our boss talked about.  I smell Juniper.            

             Looking at my book two outline Dais helped me put together makes me think of how I'm scheduled to learn a lot about World War II and the American Civil War today.  But, just as I did yesterday; I'll also write about other things too.  Oh!  The chimes up there are now ringing. 

                                                                      "BELIEF"     

            Holy Spirit, I sure hope it's You because just like yesterday I'll need all the help I can get from up there to guide me in writing this second book.  Hearing the chimes and feeling the cool morning breeze is making feel so good right now.  Andy's over there looking in this direction.  

            Last night, as I finished book one; Daisy, Dawn and Blinky were barking so I hid all of my materials and ran up front to find out why.  It turned out they were barking at that one skinny man who pushes a wheelbarrow past our house out there on the road.  Heathcliff crowed. 

           One morning we heard our boss tell Mr. Randy he thinks that skinny man is out looking for what they call "Recyclables," because he "might have no other way to make money."  Thank You God for Heathcliff's voice.  It gives me energy to work hard again today for twelve hours.  

                         DAWN                                    BLINKY                                        ROSIE

             Dawn's barking.  Yesterday I mentioned how she's blind in one eye, and was the leader of their pack until one day little Blinky "Took Over" in a peaceful "Coup d' État."  That's why Mr. Steve then nicknamed Blinky "Short Biggie;" and Dawn became "Big Shorty" over there.     

          Rosie's old like Daisy but Dais seems a lot younger.  Rosie's just like Libby the Horse, who I see eating hay over there to my right in her Corral.  We've noticed how they're both careful in how they walk around slowly and, at times; even seem to be kind of afraid of falling down.  

          I just thought of how the U.S. is in an economic "Recession" and here in California we're in a "Drought."  Mr. Steve admires that skinny man pushing the wheelbarrow and says "at least he's not lazy."  We have those two good wheelbarrows up there in the garage I've noticed. 

  ANDY AND HELEN    

                 Oh!  Andy and Helen are playing.   They're taking a break from guarding their babies, who are probably asleep in the burrow; but I know they're still alert for any danger.  I just now picked up both Andy and Helen's scents, which are blended together like a single Squirrel. 

           Seeing Andy and Helen makes me feel so good in knowing that I have a place to live where I'm a part of this small community.  I suddenly feel like running up to the front yard and wrestle with Daisy.  Hey God!  I sure hope someday I'll have a boy Dog to wrestle around with.

           I'll bet right now Dais is up there laying on the cement slab in front of the garage licking her paws so her Arthritis feels better.  Mr. Steve puts one of those "Bufferin" pills in her food to help her pain.  I just love breathing in fresh morning through both nostrils of my nose!    

                                                                          MORNING IN THE HIGH DESERT

                 Heathcliff crowed again over there next door and, like yesterday; he started announcing the day way earlier than usual this morning.  Hearing him now reminds me of the very first time I ever heard his voice and Daisy explained to me what a Rooster is.  I can hear his Hens.

           Dais says there's a good cartoon about a really clever orange boy Cat named Heathcliff.  I so want to to see it someday.  Daisy,  and Millie were in the living room and saw a really funny Heathcliff cartoon about how he so cleverly and skillfully "Acquires" all his own food.

          I smell Bonnie and Clyde's baby chicks sleeping up there in their nest which is near the Patio roof.  Their parents are probably out there in the back desert searching for some food to bring them.  Oh!  Andy's back guarding he and Helen's burrow, she went down into it.  

HEATHCLIFF / SONJA                                       MOOKIE WILSON

                                                                                                                                                               According to Dais, that Cat Heathcliff gives gifts and gets food for his girlfriend "Sonja."  She's a white Cat like Mookie Wilson, and is so lucky because Heathcliff really likes her and is    one of those good male providers I wrote about in book one.  I smell some Beavertail cactus.        

           Daisy told me in the Heathcliff cartoon there's a Bulldog named "Spike," who's not as smart as Heathcliff and is kind of mean at times so; I guess Heathcliff tricks him.  But another Dog named "Chauncy" is nice.  He and Heathcliff even lick each other's faces like we do.

           I felt so good this morning!  Mr. Steve wiped the sleep from our eyes, and examined our stomachs; one of Daisy's favorite times of day.  As we ate breakfast I thought of all the work I still have to do again today, fitting twelve chapters into twelve hours of sun, in three sections.   

AUSTIN, SUSAN, DALTON                                       BILL COSBY SHOW         

                 I just thought of how in the 1980's Mr. Steve's sister Susan was a "Set Decorator" for a few tv shows, like the two versions of that guy Bill Cosby's "Sitcoms;" and "Roseanne." I'd like to see those shows someday.  I've mentioned before how Sitcom means "Situation Comedy." 

            Our boss told his sister Susan about our Rooster Heathcliff, and she mentioned how Bill Cosby's character on the tv show had a first name of "Heathcliff."  Mr. Steve didn't know that.  Samson and Delilah the Raven's are flying together over Libby's Corral moving to the east.  

           Miss Susan, who ran the "News Plus" Newspaper; read that 1847 book by Emily Brontë called "Wuthering Heights."   Boy!  Thank Everyone up there for helping me feel the way I do right now.  I can tell already You'll all be thinking of me down here and giving me motivation.

                      HUELL HOWSER                                          "PINK'S" HOT DOGS

                 Oh!  Because lately Mr. Steve has been throwing pieces of Hot Dogs to us in our fun game of catch, I just thought of something.  Yesterday, when I wrote about the color pink; I missed on my outline the subject of  a Los Angeles restaurant.  Donald and Daisy are both quacking. 

                Someday I want to see some of those Huell Howser episodes Daisy and our boss's parents like so much.  I guess, in one of his segments he visits a restaurant our boss and Miss Sandy ate at one time called "Pink's."  Theodora the Thrasher Bird just ran bye in front of the Sheds.   

           Dais told me it said on Huell Howser's tv show Pink's began during the 1930's as this Hot Dog "Street Vendor" during the "Great Depression."   But in 1946, the year after World War II ended; they moved into an actual building which they're still in.  I can smell Libby over there.

                  ORSON WELLS (1915-1985)                         OZZY OSBOURNE WITH FAMILY

                According to that Huell Howser segment, some famous people have eaten at Pink's over the years.  Orson Wells went there, and Dais told me so has BLACK SABBATH'S first Singer Ozzy Osbourne's family too.  Mr. Ralph said he's been to Pink's a few times and liked it a lot.  

            Yesterday I mentioned how, when he was still with Miss Harriet; sometimes they watched that one tv show called "90210."  Daisy heard an episode of that show was filmed over at Pink's.  Boy!  Writing about food is making me hungry, even though we had another big breakfast.  

            I guess, from what Daisy heard; Pink's mainly sells Hot Dogs but also makes things like Hamburgers too.  Dais told me all about this drink called "Lemonade," made from a fruit called "Lemons."  I guess lemons are yellow but sometimes the drink itself can be pink in color.

"LEMON" SHARK

                  Oh what the heck!  Even though I'm not scheduled to write about the subject of Sharks until this afternoon, I feel like talking about "Lemon" Sharks now instead.  Dais heard our boss and his Niece Stephanie about them.  Boy!  I love breathing in all of this fresh morning air.

             I guess, from what it says here in this Encyclopedia; Lemon Sharks can grow to be eleven feet long and live for about twenty years.  Mr. Steve said they "live in groups" near coastlines of the "subtropical" areas, and sometimes attack humans; but "rarely."  Heathcliff crowed.    

             Lemon Sharks "yellowish" color is an "adaption," really good "camouflage" for living in "shallow waters with sandy-colored sea floors."  Our boss read they mainly hunt at night and, as it says here too; "usually go to the same area every year to breed."  A Lizard just ran bye.      

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS       

                 Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Dave talking about Pink's Hot Dogs, and how it's located in the "Fairfax" District of Los Angeles.  Mr. Dave said he's been to the campus of "Fairfax High School," where that band RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS went to.   Dawn's barking over there.

           Mr. Steve, Mr. Mark and Miss Helen, when they worked for the sports teams back in the mid-1980's; made sales in the "Fairfax" district.  Mr. Steve sold Boxing tickets to a Barber near Pink's.  A small flock of Birds is flying toward the northeast way up there in the morning sky.

            I just thought of how that one morning, as our boss watered the Mulberry big tree up in the front yard; Mr. Steve and his parents talked about Mr. Gary the Barber in San Fernando.  I know in these last two books Dais has me scheduled to learn about "Boxing."  I like Dawn.                                                

                                                  MR. GARY                                               MR.BOBBY

             As I said yesterday in book one, Mr. Gary has a Barber Shop is in San Fernando; and is kind of like Mr. Ralph in being a Boxing Historian.   Bobby Chacon, like Mr. Ralph; went to "San Fernando High School."  I smell Blinky and Rosie standing over there next to Dawn.

             Over the next two days I'll be writing about Boxing, mainly because Mr. Steve's father is interested in that subject.  Mr. Bobby has brain damage, partly from taking too many punches as a Boxer.  His life is an example of that old saying, "Life at times can be comedy and tragedy,"   

           Boy!  Even though my favorite color will always be royal blue I think, I'm really starting to like the colors pink and yellow.  When I was homeless out in that field, one thing that gave me a good feeling was to look and smell all the different wildflowers.  Pink is such a good color! 

                   SAM / YOLANDA                    

            I've mentioned how pink has become "Associated" with Breast Cancer.  Mr. Steve's Sister in Law Yolanda survived that because she's a very strong-minded person.  And she had her good family around her, to give her support.  And it worked because now she's as good as ever.  

           Dais heard our boss and his mom remember how, when Miss Yolanda was going through the "Treatment"  for cancer she had to shave her hair off.  Because of that, Mr. Steve's brother Sam shaved his head too.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying over Libby's Corral.

           Mr. Steve loves it when a customer tells him "I trust your discretion so just put something together for me."  Sometimes it's for Breast Cancer events so he "Incorporates" pink into the order.  One time, instead of royal blue Ford ovals on hats; Mr. Julio made them in pink.        

                                                                                                             PINK    

                In book one I also forgot to write about this girl Singer named PINK.  Daisy and Millie, when Mr. Steve's Niece Samantha was visiting; saw a tv show about her.   A customer in the city of "Philadelphia" once told our boss PINK is originally from the State of "Pennsylvania." 

                 Daisy noticed from the tv show how that girl PINK at times colors her hair pink.  She and her husband have two kids according to what it said on that one tv show.  Benjamin the black Cow Bird just used the right vertical slot on the side of the gate to run into the  back desert.   

               Oh!  Maybe someone should open a Hot Dog restaurant for Dogs and Cats?  Now that I think about it, you would have a huge potential market; and one good "Fringe Benefit" is that we could eat the leftovers.  We could even hire Dogs and Cats in uniforms to work there.

                                                                                                                                 MADONNA                                            STEPHANIE CÓRDOVA                                                                                                                                                   PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

                 Daisy told me how the tv show about PINK the Singer said, as a kid in Pennsylvania; she  dressed up as that other Singer MADONNA  and sang one of her songs.  When she was a young girl Mr. Steve's Niece Stephanie did the same exact thing too.  I can smell Cholla cactus.

                 Mr. Steve's Niece Stephanie and her boyfriend Mr. Rich are really good Cooks, and so is his Sister in Law Yolanda.  I guess Stephanie would like to start an actual restaurant some day.  Stephanie and Miss Yolanda have both been partly influenced by Mr. Steve's mom's cooking.

             On the phone one time our boss told his Niece Stephanie running a restaurant is hard.  In 1986 a restaurant customer in San Fernando who he sold advertising to for "The Sun" joked it's "Like being a Boxer trying not to get hit."  He said, "You adjust from moment to moment." 

"PINKIE"     

PAINTING BY THOMAS LAWRENCE          

              Yesterday I wrote about that one painting at the Huntington Library called "Pinkie."  In looking at the picture of it I can see why Mr. Steve's mom likes it.  I forgot to mention in my first book how the girl it shows was named Sarah Moulton.  She's eleven in the painting of her.

           Oh wow!  My Encyclopedia says that painting was made in 1794, and Sarah Moulton died the very next year.  I guess "Pinkie" was the nickname her Grandma called her.  Her family was really rich because her English father was an "exceedingly successful merchant" I guess.

           It says here, that girl Sarah Moulton was born on her father's "plantation" down there in Jamaica; but the painting of her was done while she was back in England.  Boy!  You can really tell how talented that Painter Thomas Lawrence was.  Samson and Delilah are flying bye.        

ELIZA BETH BARRETT BROWNING (1806-1861)

DRAWING BY HULTUNG GETTY

               I just looked up a "Victorian" era English girl Poet named Elizabeth Barrett Browning.   She was the Niece of Sarah Moulton, and it says here how she was the "oldest of twelve" kids in her family.  Her husband was a pretty good Writer too, and they lived over there in Italy.

           Elizabeth Barrett Browning was in "chronic pain for most of her life."  Hey Lord!  She really believed in You, was one of those "Abolitionists" who didn't like Slavery; and was against "Child Labor."  I guess her husband published her very last poems after she died in 1861.    

               Wow!  According to what it says here in this Encyclopedia, that American Writer Edgar Allen Poe "highly admired" the poetry of Elizabeth Barrett Browning.  And, so did that other Poet Emily Dickinson too.  Hey!  I wonder if a Dog like me could ever learn to be a Poet?

RUSH LIMBAUGH

            When Mr. Steve comes outside to do yardwork he often plays music on his Boombox, but sometimes listens to that "Talk Radio" I mentioned in book one.  One time he told Mr. Randy that "form of radio" was "invented" by a guy named Rush Limbaugh.  Heathcliff crowed.

            Dais told me how our boss's "Clock Radio" automatically goes on at either five thirty or fifteen minutes to six, depending on which time it's "Set" at.  He then listens to that guy Bill Handel until Rush Limbaugh comes on at nine.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny flew bye.

           As he brushes his teeth and gets ready for the new day; our boss listens to La Primavera Daisy says.  Because he has customers back east and there's that three hour "Time Difference" I wrote of in book one, Daisy says our boss makes phone calls in the morning.  I smell Sage.

SUNRISE OVER THE DESERT     

            Sometimes Mr. Steve begins making phone calls right away, but on other days he comes outside to do a little yardwork.  That's what he did today, probably because he feels good about this being our new year; and he also likes to look at and feel the Sun coming up.   Me too!   

            One morning our boss and Mr. Mike loaded Rex the Truck for the dump.  They listened to Rush Limbaugh.  Mr. Mike laughed when Rush Limbaugh jokingly said things like, "Talent on loan from God," or "Having more fun than a human being should be allowed to have."   

            All of a sudden I'm hearing in my head Vivaldi's song La Primavera.  Last Summer one time our boss played it for Mr. Randy, who now also really likes it.  Daisy told me over the many years he's played it for other people; who began listening to it in the morning like he does. 

                                                      ANTONIO VIVALDI (1678-1741)

                                                                                                                                                                  ARTWORK BY ALLEN HALL

           In hearing Vivaldi's song La Primavera I better understand why it makes our boss feel good.  It sure is giving me energy now, and I'm feeling happy looking at the Sun hanging above    the eastern horizon to my front.  Mr. Steve's mom studied the "Baroque" period in College.         

           Hey God!  I feel lucky You gave me Elvira to be with, because there's no way I could sit still for twelve hours anywhere else.  Crows that had been circling around above the desert just    all zoomed to the ground.   So someone maybe caught a Rabbit and now everyone wants it.          

         A Car or Truck went bye on Primavera Road, which reminds me how "La Primavera" means "The Spring" in Latin.   Boy!  Every time I look at Vivaldi's picture I like even more the    wigs people wore back in the 18th century.   Some dust is floating above Primavera Road.                    

DEVO 

           Oh!  All of a sudden I hear the "Cadence" singing in my favorite band DEVO'S song "Blockhead," which Mr. Steve played on the Boombox this morning.  Boy!  I can't wait to see      DEVO on tv wearing those unbelievably great uniforms.   They're good alright Dais says.             

              DEVO, who are from Ohio; have songs that make me feel really good, and Blockhead is right now giving me energy to work as hard today as I did yesterday.  I haven't heard all of their songs but think DEVO is an "Intellectual" and  "Clever" band.   I like how they look.                   

             This morning as I listened to Mr. Steve play that DEVO song "Snowball"  I felt inspired and couldn't wait to get started on writing this second book.  DEVO'S music makes me think of    Rhêma.  Daisy says if I can write about ideas in their songs our boss "will be impressed."                           

"SISYPHUS' CURSE" 

         Our boss told Mr. Ralph DEVO'S song Snowball "might" be influenced by that ancient Greek story about the King "Sisyphus." I mentioned him in my first book and in books two and three Daisy has me scheduled to learn again a lot more about the ancient world.  I smell Sage.      

           I just thought of how, because of "Deceitfulness;" King Sisyphus was "doomed" to roll a big rock up a hill "for eternity."  When he got to the top it would roll right back down, so he had to start all over and roll it up again.  I guess that lady Edith Hamilton wrote about Sisyphus.        

          Mr. Steve played CANNED HEAT'S song "Going Up The Country" on his Boombox this morning.  I think it might replace JETHRO TULL'S "The Third Hoorah" as my favorite song which makes me want to dance.  Boy!  I sure do wish DEVO had some flute in their songs.                 

  CANNED HEAT                                            THE ANIMALS

          I'm all of a sudden hearing Going Up The Country and I really like CANNED HEAT'S Singer on that song.  Besides flute, his professional sounding voice is the reason why I like that      song so much but now, like my boss; I'm beginning to like the drums too.  Heathcliff crowed.       

         Looking at the Sun right above the eastern horizon makes me think of that song by the ANIMALS called "House of the Rising Sun."  Mr. Steve played it on his Boombox this morning    and I'm looking forward to hearing it again.  The singing and organ playing is so good.               

          Daisy heard our boss tell that kid Jason House of the Rising Sun has been done by many Musicians for "over a century" because it's an old "traditional folk song."  But, in his subjective opinion Mr. Steve thinks; "by far" the ANIMALS have the best version.  I smell Creosote.           

BOB DYLAN         

           I guess in the early 1960's Bob Dylan did a version of House of the Rising Sun, but it's "not like" the ANIMALS version Dais says.  I wrote yesterday about Bob Dylan being originally from the State of "Minnesota."  Mr. Ralph likes how he combines "seriousness with humor."       

              Our boss appreciates "original" forms of music like "Blues," "Folk" and "Reggae," but prefers "Heavier" more aggressive versions of those styles.  That's why he likes the ANIMALS    version of House of the Rising Sun better than Bob Dylan's.   A Lizard went running bye.             

             Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Phillip from Wales talk about how the ANIMALS are from the northeast England city of "Newcastle."  I guess, the POLICE'S bass player/singer "Sting" is  also from there too; and so is AC/DC'S second Singer Dais says.  Dawn's barking over there.             

                           MR. STEVE'S PARENTS                        SAM / SAMMY JR. / YOLANDA                                                                                         

           Oh!  This Encyclopedia says Bob Dylan was born on May the 24th, which also happens to also be Mr. Steve's parents "Wedding Anniversary" too.  Mr. Steve's brother Sam and his wife Yolanda also have birthdays in May too.  I so glad I have this good list of important dates.            

         In my first book I mentioned a few times how Daisy helped me put together not only my three long outlines, but also the list of important family dates I'm comparing things to.  And, in    May; our boss's Nephew's Austin and Jacob have birthdays.  Frida and Diego just flew bye.         

           Mr. Steve's Niece Raqquel was also born in May too.  Well, it's back to writing about that song House of the Rising Sun; which I'm still hearing in my head right now.  There are now a few types of Birds drinking some water from the basin below the big Mulberry tree over there.                                                    THE ANIMALS                                                              GENESIS                                       

         Dais heard our boss tell Mr. Dave he likes playing along to the ANIMALS House of the Rising Sun because it "gives him a chance" to practice playing the bigger "Ride" cymbal.   The    organ solo sounds like "being in a church" Mr. Dave joked.  Birds are drinking water now.          

          I mentioned yesterday Mr. Steve likes 1970's "Progressive Rock" songs, like GENESIS'S "Musical Box" for example; that have sudden or unexpected "time and tempo" changes.  Daisy    heard when Mr. Rich's band DRAGPIPE at times changed "Dynamics."  I smell Sage.                

         A tv show used the word "lamentation" to describe Blues songs, and my Dictionary says that means, "To mourn, feel or express sorrow."  Yup!  That is kind of how Dais and I felt when    we heard the ANIMALS House of the Rising Sun alright.  It was kind of warning to others.                         

SUN HOUSE (1902-1988)      

           I just thought of that old Blues Guitarist "Sun House."  He was on my book one outline but yesterday I missed him when I wrote about "Blues" music.   A tv Daisy and Millie saw said    he "influenced many later guitarists."  I like the guitar he's holding in the picture of him.             

          Dais told me the tv show talked about how Sun House was a Christian "Preacher" and "Church Pastor" in the State of "Mississippi." Anyway, I'll come back to him later when I write about Muddy Waters.  Fannie and Freddie just now flew in to drink from the water basin.           

          Yesterday I wrote about those three 19th century English Writers the "Brontë Sisters."  Like that Dog "Lady," and Mr. Peabody; they're three of my "Role Models."  As I've mentioned before, our Heathcliff and his father were named for  that character in Emily Brontë's book.                

                                            ANNE, EMILY, CHARLOTTE BRONTË

PAINTING BY BRANWELL BRONTË          

             Someday I hope to read some books like the ones those three Brontë sisters wrote.  That's why writing my three books is giving me good practice at learning how to read and write.  Aha!  I knew I was smelling Cher and there she is crouching below Theodora's Creosote bush.

            Cher is sitting perfectly still, but I have really good eyes; so see her clearly even when she is totally motionless.  If I know her she's just hoping a Mouse, Lizard or maybe even a Bird; will come into range so she can kill and eat it.  Boy!  We had such a good breakfast this morning.

            I'm thinking about Emily Brontë's kind of sad life.  Her mother died when she was three and she only lived to be thirty.   As I wrote in book one, her dad who was Irish; was a "Curate" in the Protestant Church of England and that means he was sort of like a "Parish Priest."       

SANDY                                           EMILY                                         HARRIET     

              Yesterday I wrote a few things about Mr. Steve's three ex-girlfriends Sandy, Emily and Harriet.  I'll do the same today and tomorrow when writing about Mr. Steve's life, and I have a feeling Daisy's right and this is going to be a good year.  Cher closed her eyes while resting.       

             I just thought of how Miss Emily grew up in New York City but has been living out here in Los Angeles for a long time now.  Daisy thinks, like Emily Brontë; Miss Emily sounds like a really smart person.  She works over there at U.C.L.A. in their "Athletic Department."

                  Oh!  Mentioning U.C.L.A. reminds me that I missed a lady named Judy Chicago on my book one outline yesterday.  So I can just write about her now because she went to College at U.C.L.A.  Cher opened her eyes and is watching a Lizard standing near Jack the big Shed.

                                                               JUDY CHICAGO          

                Dais heard Mr. Steve talk to his mom on the phone about that Artist Judy Chicago, who really is from the city of  "Chicago."  She's mainly a Painter but also does other types of art too I guess.  A small Sparrow, with Cher watching; just ran bye holding a twig in its mouth.

             "Chicago" is not that lady's original last name.  A customer in Chicago told Mr. Steve she's Jewish and her brother and husband are also good Artists too.  Her Art Exhibits were very often what they call "Collaborative," which means she works together with other Artists.

                  Mr. Steve was told Judy Chicago has a place in Belén where, as I mentioned a few times yesterday; is the town in New Mexico where his parents grew up around.  As I also wrote in book one, Dais says our boss still has "Relatives" in and around Belén.  Heathcliff just crowed.

                                                          MR. STEVE'S MOTHER

              Mr. Steve was told, in the 1970's Judy Chicago was in the "Phi Beta Kappa Society" at U.C.L.A.; and was even a College Teacher here in California.  Yesterday I wrote about how Mr. Steve's mom graduated from College with a 4.0. "G.P.A." in Art History.  I like Heathcliff.

              G.P.A. stands for "Grade Point Average."  And, according to what it says in this Greek Dictionary; "Phi Beta Kappa" would be translated to be "Love of learning is the guide of life."  Hey!  That's exactly what Mr. Steve's Teacher Sister Rita Joseph used to tell others too.

              Hey God!  I want learning to be my guide because then our boss will like me more and never want to get rid of me.  Mr. Steve and his mom had those Art Exhibits in the 1990's here in California, Judy Chicago has had them all over the whole world.  Cher's looking at me.

BELÉN (NEW MEXICO)  

       PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                

           As I wrote in book one, Belén where Judy Chicago now lives is about the same size as our town Piñon Hills; both having about seven thousand people.  I've mentioned how Belén means "Bethlehem" in Spanish.  And in Hebrew that would be translated as "House of Bread."

           I just thought of how Belén was established in the middle of the 18th century just like Los Angeles.  New Mexico had been "Colonized" by the Spanish in the early 17th century, "Alta" California "Settled" later in mid-1700's.  Cher just now woke up and yawned really wide. 

             New Mexico, "Nuevo Mejico" in Spanish; became part of Mexico in 1821 whey they broke away from Spain.  Then in 1848 after the "Mexican War," along with what is now Arizona; it became an American "Territory."  Oh!  Cher is using the right gate slot to go into the field.       

             NEW MEXICO                                          "RIO GRANDE" RIVER           

                 My Encyclopedia says New Mexico and Arizona became "States" in 1912, and the city of Belén was "incorporated" six years later.  In the late 19th century "merchants and tradesmen" came to the "Rio Grande" Valley, and the area "began to grow."  Heathcliff just crowed.

           Belén's first "Post Office" in 1873 was run by a German man named John Becker.  Daisy heard our boss's father tell him how before that people had to go to "Los Lunas" to get mail.  I guess, the Railroads came in about 1880;  and Belén's first school appeared five years later. 

           Wow!  It says here, by 1900 there were "less than" a thousand people in  Belén.   The first Bank opened in 1903, a Newspaper "established" three years later; lumber yard owner Bernard Jacobson was elected Belén's first Mayor in 1918.  That was the year World War I ended.

"WAR HEROES MEMORIAL ("JARALES")

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA         

            Yesterday I wrote about the "War Heroes Memorial" back there in New Mexico that Mr. Steve's parents were involved in getting built in the late 1980's.   It's in "Jarales" near Belen, or  where Mr. Steve's dad grew up; and his brother "Casey's" family lives.  Dawn's barking.

           Boy!  All those guys the memorial celebrates must've been really brave to get a memorial of their lives made.  They'll be remembered forever.  Daisy says, if we ever have to defend these two acres; we'll just have to try hard to keep our "Presence of Mind" and not be panicking.

           I just thought of that man General Marquez, who was the one responsible for getting the "T-33" Jet Plane on the pedestal near the memorial.  As I said in book one, he's an "Air Force" General and he and our boss's father have been lifelong friends.  I smell Blinky over there.

LIEUTENANT GENERAL LEO MARQUEZ (1932-2011)    

              Daisy says our boss's father one time jokingly called General Marquez the "Father of Maintenance and Logistics" for the U.S Air Force.  He's twenty six days older than our boss's dad, both graduated from "Belen High School" in 1949.  Their wives are named "Stella."

             Just like Mr. Steve's parents, General Marquez and his wife had five kids too.  One time Daisy and Millie heard that General Marquez's wife fell down and broke her leg.  Mr. Steve's parents visited the Marquez's during that time when they were living in "Albuquerque."

             "Logistics" is how an army gets its food, supplies and equipment, which is what General Marquez was good at.  But even before that, he was an actual Pilot who "Accumulated" over two thousand hours of flying Jets.  A flock of Birds is flying bye way up there in the morning sky.

            F-86 "SABRE"                                           F-102 "DELTA DAGGER"     

           According to what Daisy heard our boss and his father talking about one time, before he was a General Mr. Marquez flew some of those F-86 "Sabres" I mentioned yesterday.  That was in the mid-1950's, just after the "Korean War."  Later, he flew some F-102 "Delta Daggers." 

           I guess, General Marquez flew a few "Combat Assignments" during the "Vietnam War."  Heathcliff just crowed over there and I can also hear some of his Hens happily clucking away all  around him.  I smell Dawn, Blinky and Rosie all standing on the other side of the fence.

          Dais told me "Kirtland" Air Force Base is near the city of "Albuquerque."  She heard our boss's father talk about how, back in 1995 it was going to be "Shut Down" but General Marquez helped keep it open; which saved people's jobs.  There aren't many good jobs in New Mexico.

            "WRIGHT" BROTHERS                       COLONEL ROY C. KIRTLAND (1874-1941)     

            My Encyclopedia says Kirtland A.F.B. is named for an "army colonel" from the State of "Montana" named Roy Kirtland.   He was one of the "first" Pilots; who got to fly the "Wright Brothers" first Plane.  A picture shows him, wearing a helmet' piloting one and early Plane. 

           Daisy heard our boss talking on the phone with his father about getting that War Heroes Memorial built.  Even though it's located in Jarales, there were also people from the towns of "Bosque," "Casa Colorada" and "Pueblitos" involved in it too.  Dawn's barking over there.

          Mr. Steve's father thinks there are "less than" one thousand people total" in all four of those small towns back there in New Mexico.  As kids, when they visited Belén; my boss and his brothers and sisters noticed its size compared to Los Angeles.  I like how Blinky sounds.

"VIETNAM" WAR

                 One time Daisy heard Mr. Steve talking with his dad about General Marquez, and how he also knew how to fly Helicopters too.  In Vietnam his Helicopters were shot down two times, once in January of 1968; during the famous "Tet Offensive."   Mr. Cliff  also fought in that battle.

            Mr. Steve, during dinner once at his parent's house down there in Sylmar; heard General Marquez talk about his Helicopters being shot down.  He said, in "both cases" he was hit in the "gearbox" and had to "land in the trees."   All four of the Pigeons flew over Libby's Corral.

            Hey God!  General Marquez and his wife Stella think You saved his life in Vietnam.  The   The idea for that War Heroes Memorial began in the kitchen of this man Ruperto Baldonado, who lives in Bosque with his wife "Flora."   General Marquez worked at the "Pentagon."      

MR. AND MRS. BALDONADO

("BOSQUE," NEW MEXICO)

        Daisy heard Mr. Steve's dad say Mr. Ruperto and his wife helped him a lot on that War Heroes Memorial.  They have a twenty acre farm in Bosque, and I guess Mr. Ruperto also has a    Barber Shop on their property.  Mr. Steve's dad called their help "invaluable" Dais says.            

            Oh!  Cher just pounced on and ambushed a Lizard, bit and killed it, and is now taking the dead body under Moe the middle Shed.  There she can eat it without interruption or someone trying to steal it.  A lot to of times she jumps up on one of the Shed's roofs to eat things. 

            Poor Lizard but, as Daisy jokes; someone has to be the food for the other things like Cher who live around here.  Boy!  It would be so bad to be eaten as someone's food.  I mentioned a few times in book one how our boss has always had a fear of being eaten by something like a Shark.  

                  SAMSON AND DELILAH                      

               Oh!  I just glanced up from working down here on my couch Elvira.  Samson and Delilah are flying bye up there in the morning sky, moving to the north; my left.  Heathcliff just crowed.  Wow!  That makes me think of  another time he crowed as Samson and Delilah flew bye.  

                 Daisy's noticed how girl Raven's seem to lay their eggs earlier than Crows in this month of March.  Dais says Raven eggs "Hatch" in about three weeks and then the baby's will come out. I just picked up Blinky, Dawn and Rosie's scents, and I'll bet they're standing near the fence.  

            That one morning Miss Susan, who ran our local Newspaper "News Plus;" described a baby Bird which is ready to fly as a "fledgling" I noticed.  And I just looked it up in my English  Dictionary, and that's exactly what that name does mean alright.  A Crow is cawing faintly.

                                                               CROW / RAVEN

                  I just thought of how some Crows "Migrate" around and gather in groups, while Raven couples "Stake Out" a territory and stay there.  Dais and I both noticed how Raven's seem to be more playful in the mornings.  Both Crows and Raven's, like Dais and I too; are curious. 

                Samson and Delilah at times play, and we can easily tell who they are mainly by seeing how big Samson is.  It seems like Raven's flying is a lot smoother than Crows in the way their wings flap.  Speedy Gonzalez the Squirrel just zoomed bye right in front of the three Sheds. 

                Crows and Ravens sound different when they talk.  Miss Susan described a Crow's voice as a "high-pitched yap, squawk or caw," while Raven's "prattle" or "croaking raaawk" is lower in tone.  I smell the baby Cholla cactus over there.   Andy's over there looking in this direction.    

"MILKY WAY" GALAXY         

               Staring at the sky last night made Dais and I realize God how powerful You must be.  And we thought about how big the "Solar System" we're part of must be.  And yet, our "Milky Way" Galaxy is only a tiny part of the "Universe" You created about fourteen billion years ago. 

          Boy! It's too bad we won't be able to see the "Constellation" Orion until next Winter.  But, I want to think like Daisy and say it's "something to look forward to."  I wrote about Orion in book one and how it's always been important to so many cultures down here on Earth.

          Mr. Steve and Miss Susan discussed how those three big pyramids in Egypt, on the "Giza" plateau; are "Aligned" in the same pattern as the three "Belt" Stars of Orion.  And so are those three Mexican "Teotihuacan" pyramids.  Birds are drinking water below the Mulberry tree. 

                                                  "GIZA" PYRAMIDS                   "ORION"              CONSTELLATION  "ORION"                                       

         Yesterday in book one I mentioned how the three Stars in Orion's belt are called, from left to right; "Alnitak," "Alnilam" and "Mintaka."  But Mr. Steve jokingly calls the three of us their Latin names  "Zeta," "Epsilon" and "Delta."  I'm Zeta, Daisy's our Epsilon; and he's Delta.        

       Hey God!  I can't wait to someday read the Bible.  Dais heard our boss tell Miss Susan he read Orion is mentioned three times in the Bible, is in Homer's Odyssey; and Tolkien called it      Middle Earth's "Menelvagor."  Sunlight is reflecting off the water below the Mulberry tree.         

          Last night God, as You know; Daisy told me again about that one tv show.  It said life down here on Earth may have begun when one of those big "Meteors," like the one that killed most of  the Dinosaurs; flew down and crashed into us.  Heathcliff is crowing again over there.                   

  SHOWER"                       "METEOR"                    "STRIKE"           

         God!  According to what Dais remembers from the tv show, it's possible billions of years ago Meteors may have hit the Earth.  They penetrated down deep into the ground, just like the    "Asteroid" that almost killed off the Dinosaurs sixty five million years ago.  I smell Sage.              

        Daisy says all those numerous Meteor "strikes" could have "deposited" this thing called "Phosphorous" into the Earth's "Crust," and phosphorous is necessary for life.    Boy!  I'm so      glad I have this English Dictionary for spelling hard words correctly.  A little Lizard ran bye.       

        Mark Ritter who died was interested in things like "Geology" and "Reptiles."  When he first met our boss back in the mid-1970's, at "Laser Images;" he was reading a lot of things on      the subject of "Astronomy."  Smelling that Sage right now is making me feel so good.                        

  LIGHTNING 

                 All of a sudden I'm remembering how sometimes we have cold Winter storms up here in Piñon Hills.  But I don't mind those as much as the scary "Thunder" storms we have in Summer. Ever since living homeless nothing terrifies me as much as "Thunder and Lightning" does.          

            I guess some Scientists think maybe "repeated" lightning strikes "released" some of the phosphorous from the Earth's crust.  This could have "Jump Started," or "Lit the Fuse;" which "Sparked" life into existence.  Hey God!  Daisy believes You caused that to happen.                      

        Yesterday I mentioned that movie Daisy saw called "2001, A Space Odyssey."  It was made in 1968, when Mr. Steve was thirteen; and is partly about a computer named "Hal" who becomes smarter than even the people who created him.  Ah!  I love breathing in new Spring air.                                

       RICHARD STRAUSS (1864-1949) AND FAMILY        

           Mr. Steve likes the music in that movie 2001, A Space Odyssey.  Hey God!  Daisy told me yesterday at this time she thought of that song "Also Sprach Zarathustra."  To her and our boss that song has now come to kind of represent Your "Power and Majesty," or "Rhêma."                  

          Also Sprach Zarathustra, as I said in book one; was written by that German Composer  Richard Strauss.  He was influenced by Friedrich Nietzsche's book "Thus Spoke Zarathustra."    I guess Zarathustra is just Nietzsche's name for that ancient Persian guy "Zoroaster."                  

         God!  I feel so good right now because the weather this morning seems to be even better than it was yesterday, the very first day of Spring.  I have a feeling this will be as productive a      day as yesterday so thank You for that.  Heathcliff crowed, which makes me feel good.                                                                                                               

 FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE (1844-1900)    

           Hey God!  When my first owner abandoned me in that field I was homeless until You had Mr. Steve go rescue me.  And now that Nietzsche quote is my personal motto, "That which does    not destroy me only makes me stronger."   Boy!  Heathcliff has such a strong voice over there.     

          As You already know God, I want to agree with Daisy.  She thinks "if living in that field" didn't kill me, then nothing can; unless it's You of course.  A little Garter Snake is now crawling    through the wider right vertical slot on the side of the gate, to go out into the eastern desert.       

       Mentioning that movie 2001, A Space Odyssey makes me think about this Car called an "Odyssey," which our boss talked about with Mr. Phillip from Wales once.  Mr. Phillip is a Parts  Manager at a  "Honda" dealership to the north of New York City.  Frida and Diego flew bye.       

               2014 HONDA "ODYSSEY"                                                 MR. PHILLIP               

           Like most "Automobile Companies," Honda is Japanese but also sell Cars all over the world.  Mr. Phillip said the Odyssey Car's name comes from that old ancient Greek story I've      mentioned before.  And an odyssey is a "Journey" so the name fits perfectly for a Car.                  

             Mr. Phillip told our boss Odyssey's, around since 1994; are what they call a "Minivan."  Daisy heard him say they're called "other names" too in different parts of the world.  Mr. Steve's customer in the State of "Alabama" one time said some Odyssey's are built in his State.                

              In book one I wrote a little bit about those two ancient Greek stories, the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey."   They were actually "Poems" that were "Recited" to an audience, mainly because in those days most people didn't even know how to read or write at all.  Boy!  I'm so lucky.                 

     THE "ILIAD"                               HOMER (?)                          THE "ODYSSSEY"

                                                                                                                                                                                                       ARTWORK BY LUOIS-FREDERICK SCHUTZENBERGER

           My Encyclopedia says that guy "Homer," maybe in the 8th century B.C.; wrote the Iliad and Odyssey.   As I've said before, the Iliad was about the ten year long "Trojan War," while the Odyssey describes King Odysseus's ten year journey home.  Edith Hamilton wrote about them.   

           For a long time many thought the city of "Troy" never existed, until the late 19th century when a German man Heinrich Schliemann found it in Turkey.  Dais has me scheduled to  learn    about Heinrich Schliemann over the next two days.  Mr. Steve's mom read about him.                   

          During the Trojan War that Greek guy "Achilles" was killed by being shot in the heel of his foot by an arrow.   But before that happened, he killed a Trojan named "Hector;" and then    dragged the body around in a Chariot.  Daisy says our boss knows a man named Hector.              

          ACHILLES HEEL                                                  ACHILLES / HECTOR             

                                        PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                                                                   ARTWORK BY MARK CHURMS                                                       

          One time Daisy and Millie heard our boss talking on the phone with his brother Rock in Texas about that 1980's Hard Rock band from San Fernando CAULDRON.  They later changed their name to ACHILLES HEEL.   All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.             

            A painting in this one Encyclopedia shows the Trojan War, and Achilles fighting that guy Hector.  I notice how the Greek Achilles is in red, while Trojans like Hector wore blue.  I don't      really think I would want to see a dead body being dragged around by one of those Chariots.       

          Mr. Steve played loud for that kid Jason LED ZEPPELIN'S song "Achilles Last Stand."  Daisy told me it's a kind of long song with a few "changes of tempo" in it, which is probably one reason why our boss likes it a lot.   Libby's over there walking around slowly and carefully.                                                  

LED ZEPPELIN     

            Someday I want to hear that song Achilles Last Stand.  Dais says it has kind of a Middle Eastern sound to it.  Mr. Steve was told Jimmy Page says it's his favorite LED ZEPPELIN song    and I guess has even compared his guitar "Solo" to the one he did on "Stairway to Heaven."        

          Boy God!  Last night the sky was really clear and Daisy, even though she's going blind; said the sight made her feel so good.  That Writer Homer was totally blind, just like Mr. Grant's Dog "Miggie;" who has such sky blue eyes.  Miggie can see through her sense of smell.                

           I think I'll write about the Planet "Mercury," the closest Planet to the Sun.  I was so mad at myself last night when I realized I'd missed it on my book one outline but, I can just do it now instead.  Daisy told me to "calm down" and just "fit it in somewhere" in this second book.                       

                     "SOLAR" SYSTEM                                                      "MERCURY"                          

          My Encyclopedia shows the Planets which "Revolve" or "Orbit" around the Sun in our "Solar System."  The caption says Mercury is the smallest Planet, travels closest to the Sun; and like Earth is one of four "Terrestrial" Planets with a "rocky body."  Some Planets are "Gas."      

          I guess Mercury has no Moons at all, and takes only eighty seven days to go around the Sun; compared to our three hundred and sixty five.  And, it "Rotates" on it's "Axis" only three    times during those entire eighty seven days.  Some Ducks are quacking but Daffy's louder.           

       Wow!  It says here, when parts of Mercury face the Sun it can be "over" eight hundred degrees; while the other side can have a temperature of two hundred degrees "below zero."  Of all the Planets in our  Solar System, Mercury has the smallest "tilt" on its axis.  I smell Sage.                 

ROMAN GOD "MERCURY"     

            I looked up the ancient Roman "Deity" named "Mercury," to the Greeks before that  "Hermes."  It says here the "swift-footed" Mercury, "Messenger of the Gods," was prayed to by "travelers and tradesmen."  In "Astrology" Mercury at times represents "spell casters."              

             Mercury was named after the Planet, which moved across the night sky way faster than any of the other Planets in the Solar System.  Daisy saw a good cartoon about Mercury, and says wings on his helmet and shoes allow him to fly around.  She thinks I'd really like his helmet.         

            This Encyclopedia says the ancient Chinese called the Planet Mercury the "Hour Star." To the "Pre-Columbian" Mayans in what is now Central America, Mercury is symbolized by an Owl; who they called the "Messenger to the Underworld."  I can now smell some Creosote.                                                                        

         VIKING GOD "ODIN"          

         Well, now I have to write about the Vikings.  According to to this Encyclopedia, they "associated" the planet Mercury with their Deity "Odin."  I mentioned yesterday in book one how Odin has those really loyal Wolves and Raven's out there in the world working for him.        

              I guess, to Vikings; Odin is "associated with Wednesday."  To the Hindu's over there in India the Planet Mercury "presides" over Wednesday too.   Oh!  Just as I mention Odin's two    Ravens I can see Samson and Delilah flying bye way way up there in the high blue sky.                  

             A tv show Dais saw said Ravens were Apollo's "messengers" to the ancient Greeks, and "spies" for Odin.  Mr. Dave in New Mexico says many Indian cultures see Ravens and Coyotes as symbolizing a "connection between material and spiritual."  Both are really smart.                                       

                    THREE "GREAT" GODS                VIKINGS                   "LONGSHIP"                                                                      ARTWORK BY RASMUS WEINHARDT                                                                                                                                                                                  

           The tv show said, like our boss; Vikings saw "significance" in the number "3."  They believed in the three "Great" Gods, "Odin" who symbolizes "Creation," "Thor the Protector;"  and "Loki" the "God of Destruction."   Two of the Pigeons just flew over Libby's Corral.             

             My Encyclopedia says in "Norse" mythology, or "Sagas;" many of the periods of time are "in three's."  Odin had "three brothers;" and ruled the "third generation" of Gods.  Edith    Hamilton mainly wrote about Greece and Rome, but also dealt with Vikings too I guess.               

               It says here Odin had three "special possessions," a "magical" spear and a golden ring.  Oh wow!  Odin's third unique thing he owned was a Horse that had eight legs on it.  I would pay to see a real eight-legged Horse, and know for sure Daisy would be willing to do that too.                         

THE "VIKINGS"  

        Wow!  Maps in this one Encyclopedia show where Scandinavian Vikings sailed to in their famous "Longships."   And, you can really tell how "Far and Wide" they traveled; from the 8th  through 12th centuries.  Oh!  Just as I mention Odin's Horse I smell Libby over there.                  

          It says here Vikings also saw importance in the number "9" too.  They believed in the nine "Worlds" or "Realms," as symbolized by this big tree called "Yggdrasil;" which had three roots on the bottom.  I can see Libby right now walking around slowly over there in her Corral.            

      Someday I'll see that miniature Viking Longship our boss has sitting on a counter in the kitchen.  It's so realistic Daisy says, and even has sails and all the things associated with Viking  engineering.  Libby's familiar scent is making me feel really glad to be alive right now.                                                               

           VIKING "LONGSHIP"  MODEL                    

         It says here what I mentioned yesterday, in the late 8th century A.D. Vikings from those Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Norway and Sweden "sailed out" and began "raiding and    trading" with much of Europe.  Dawn's now barking.  I really like how her voice sounds.              

           Maps of Viking voyages of exploration how some Vikings made it all the way over here to "North America."  That was about "four centuries before" Christopher Columbus's "world        changing" 1492 voyage.  Many Vikings must've really liked to fight a lot Daisy thinks.                   

        Daisy saw this tv show about the "Nobel Prize," which is "awarded" to people who "do things to help mankind" it stays here.  My Encyclopedia says it's named for Alfred Nobel, who    invented that "Dynamite" explosive.  I can smell Blinky and Rosie standing next to Dawn.              

ALFRED NOBEL (1833-1896)

COLORIZED BY TIM TOMPKINS

      This Encyclopedia calls Alfred Nobel, who was from Sweden; an "engineer, chemist and inventor."  The tv show said he spoke six languages, had eight brothers and sisters; and didn't      like it when he was criticized for inventing dynamite.  I like the painted picture of him.                  

    Mr. Ralph thinks dynamite "benefitted" the world.  I guess, Alfred Nobel read his own "Obituary;" which was mistakenly printed by mistake.  It said his invention was a "weapon of    war," which is wasn't, so when he died he "left money for Nobel prizes."   I smell Sage.                 

    One time Daisy and Millie heard our boss talking with Mr. Dave in New Mexico about Vikings.  Mr. Steve read, Vikings already lived in an "extremely harsh environment" but; it got even worse so that's one reason they decided to raid.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny flew bye.                                   

VIKINGS "POST" BATTLE      

          A black and white drawing in this Encyclopedia shows Vikings right after a big battle.  Daisy says one time Mr. Dave, who was in the Navy; talked about what is called here a "proto"    Scandinavian wooden "vessel."  Boy!  I think I might just learn how to draw someday.                  

            My Encyclopedia says the first known "pre-Viking age" Ships are from about 1,500 B.C. in what is now Norway.  But, through "trial and error;" over two thousand years the building of  Longships "evolved."  The scent of Beavertail cactus' just came floating into me right now.          

          I guess, for a long time Viking Ships were not strong enough to "stand up under severe weather or wind conditions."  They couldn't "withstand the "weight and pressure" of Boats with a "mast and sail."  I see my collection of balls and things to chew on over there to my left.             

             "COASTAL RAID"                    VIKINGS                "BATTLE CHARGE"                       

            In the late 8th century A.D. those Vikings attacked that one Christian Monastery called "Lindisfarne," so obviously by then their Longships were "Well-Developed" so to speak.  Two  paintings show those Viking "Berserkers" charging into battle.   Dawn's barking over there.        

           Mr. Dave read, around 700 A.D.; someone from Scandinavia "must have noticed" how Ships down in the "Mediterranean Sea" were built.  They had long "Keels" going from front to back along the bottom, so could "support" a mast and sail.   It was a "backbone" Dais says.         

           The "low profile" of Viking Longship's "allowed" them to, "either" sail or row in deep open Oceans; or go up shallow Rivers too if necessary.  This gave them a  lot of "Range."  Wow!  They even went all the way down the "Seine" River to attack that big French city of Paris.                                                       

          VIKING SHIP BUILDING A "LONGSHIP"              

          This Encyclopedia says the Vikings used a "Clinker" system of "overlapping" layers in "assembling" their Ships.  Oh!  So, that way it was way harder for water to push its way through and flood in to drown you.   I really love it when there are diagrams or drawings to look at.          

          Ah!  Now I understand better what they were talking about that one morning when our boss and Mr. Randy talked about our house having a roof made out of overlapping "Tiles."  So    it's the same idea Viking Shipbuilders used to "seal out" any water.  I can smell a Lizard.             

         Our boss's favorite Actors are Charlton Heston and Peter O'Toole, but Daisy noticed he and his parents also like movies old with Kirk Douglas in them too.  I wrote in book one how he    played that Gladiator "Spartacus," and also Vincent van Gogh.  Dawn's barking to my right.                             

"THE VIKINGS" (1958)  

          Daisy and Millie one time heard our boss and his mom talking about Kirk Douglas, and how he played in so many good movies.   Daisy says one was about Vikings, and she and Millie      really liked it a lot.  A little Lizard standing on the wall is over there doing some pushups.             

           In that movie Kirk Douglas plays a Viking who, even though he's missing his left eye like Blackbeard the Crow; is so "Vain" he doesn't have a big beard to "cover up my handsome face"  Daisy told me he said.  He is good looking alright she and Millie thought.  Heathcliff crowed.        

          This is interesting.  It says here Vikings, among many other "products;" sold Slaves too.  As I mentioned yesterday in book one, slavery has always existed and still exists today; but it's    just not called slavery anymore Mr. Steve and his father both think.  I smell some Juniper.                                       

VIKING SELLING A SLAVE GIRL 

ARTWORK BY TOM LOVELL            

           This good painting shows a Viking "negotiating with Persian merchants" for a Slave girl.  The caption below says Europeans mostly sold captured "Slavs" to Muslims.  I just glanced up in time to see a small group of Sparrows flying over Libby's Corral and moving to the east.          

           I've mentioned before how the "Institution" of Slavery was only "Officially" ended in the mid-19th century.  That Lizard ran down the side of the wall, and then ducked behind our steel    water bucket sitting over there near the sliding glass door.  Libby just whinnied to my right.         

       When that guy Karl Marx wrote about Communism versus Capitalism, he talked about "Wage Slavery."  If you are "Beholden" to someone else, or do not have control over "Your own Destiny;" then in some ways your kind of like a Slave.  I can smell the Twin Joshua trees.                           

 VENICE, ITALY      

            Daisy and Millie saw a tv show about that Middle Ages Italian "City-State" of "Venice."  The man said, before Constantinople fell in 1453 it had gotten rich by using the "trade routes"    from the east.  There was no such thing as the country of "Italy" until the 19th century.                

          My Encyclopedia says, "businessmen" from Venice made the city a "major hub" for the "slave trade;" but it was against the rules to sell  Roman Catholics.  I wonder if that rule would    apply to us Catholic Dogs too?  A small flock of Birds is flying bye way up there in the sky.         

       Sometimes Daisy jokes how, we're kind of like those "Unofficial" Slaves I've mentioned before; but don't mind because our boss Mr. Steve is not mean.   In Venice it was illegal to sell      Roman Catholics, but Greek Orthodox Christians were okay.  Vikings sold Slaves to Venice.                                                                  VENICE                                            SAMANTHA / MISS PEGGY   

        Mr. Steve's Niece Samantha, through her Lutheran school; visited Venice one time.  I've mentioned how our boss took Miss Peggy, her schools "Principal: to her Prom.  The tv show said Venetians sold as Slaves "anyone they considered pagan" from the "Mediterranean" Sea area.    

          Wow!  Pictures in my Encyclopedia show what Dais told me, how Venice is built on water like that Aztec city of "Tenochtitlan."  So, instead of roads; you get rowed around on those Boats called "Gondola's."  Andy's over there sniffing the air in protecting he and Helen's babies.           

      Until 1453, when the "Ottoman" Turks conquered Constantinople to end the Byzantine Empire; Venice  had a "Good thing Going" as they say.  They were rich, but then those "Trade    Routes" to the east got blocked.   Like Mr. Steve's father often says, "Nothing lasts Forever."         

PIGEONS ON PATIO ROOF

          Oh!  I just heard the sound of Pigeons cooing up on the Patio roof right above me.  Either Lucy and Ricky or Fred and Ethel must've flown in from the west, behind me; without me even noticing them.  There are some long thin clouds way up there in the pretty morning sky.        

        Daisy says the tv show about Venice mentioned how that was where Antonio Vivaldi was from.  My Encyclopedia says, like his father; Vivaldi was a really good violin player.  Boy!  The    sound of Pigeon voices always makes me feel good.  Birds are flying around over the desert.         

          I guess, for most of his life Vivaldi trained poor orphan girls to be Musicians; and some of them became very famous.  Daisy says, even though people in the early 18th century wore wigs,    Vivaldi was nicknamed the "Red Priest" because of his red hair.  The Pigeons just flew away.                     

   13TH CENTURY EUROPEAN WARSHIP 

   ( "FLOATING FORTRESS")     

           Mentioning Gondola's makes me think of how a strength can become a weakness, or an advantage can turn into a disadvantage.  Looking at the picture of a 13th century Warship; the    caption below it says that's part of what happened to the Vikings too.  Heathcliff crowed.              

          Viking Longships were "flexible for adapting to extreme weather in deep oceans," their "streamlined shallow draft" meant they could also go up Rivers too.  They "weren't heavy" so    could even be "carried over land."  Boy! I wonder if there were any girl Dog Vikings?                  

           Sitting low in the water was a disadvantage, a blessing became a curse; for Longships in "Ship to Ship" battles with taller European "floating fortress's."  On the front "prow" and rear "stern" were "platform towers" for Soldiers to shoot arrows down from.  A Crow cawed.             

VIKING TRAVELS ("ATLANTIC" OCEAN)                                 LEIF ERIKSSON (970-1025)                 

                                                                                                                                                        PAINTING BY HANS DAHL

          Most people think, in 1492; Christopher Columbus' and his three Spanish Ships were the first "Europeans" to find out about the "New World."  But my Encyclopedia says the first ones    were actually the Vikings at the end of the 10th A.D.  Daisy saw this good tv show about it.           

          It says here a "Norse explorer" named Leif Eriksson was the first European to "set foot" on North America.  A good painting shows it and I notice how Leif Eriksson is holding an axe      like the one Mr. Steve has in the living room next to the fireplace.  Two Crows are fighting.           

           The tv show said what it also says here.  In the 1960's Archaeologists "proved" there was a Viking "settlement" in what is now "Newfoundland," Canada.  It was most likely established in "about" 990 A.D., but only lasted for about fifty years or so I guess.   A Lizard ran bye.                 

          "L' ANSE AUX" MEADOWS             

         ("NEWFOUNDLAND," CANADA)           

PHOTO BY RUSS HEINL

         That guy Leif Eriksson named the land he found "Vinland," and Dais says that's mainly because his men found grapes.  Wow!  One of those "Bird's Eye View" photos shows what the      caption says is a rebuilt "replica" Viking house where Leif Eriksson was.  I smell Mesquite.         

         I guess that Viking house is located on the "L' Anse Aux" meadows," which in French is "The Bay With Grasslands."  The Indians and Vikings fought, and Leif Eriksson's brother was    killed so; eventually the Vikings "retreated" back to Greenland.  Andy's looking at me.                 

           Dais told me some people think L' Anse Aux Meadows was just a "way station" for fixing Ships, and the Vikings sailed further south along the East Coast.  They might've even made it all  the way down to the area near the "St. Lawrence" River.  Samson and Delilah just flew bye.                                                                    

            CAROL GOODMAN                

          Daisy says our boss did some artwork for a pretty girl who told him about a book written by a lady from New York named Carol Goodman.  I guess, some of the characters in that book      are three big Ravens.  Oh!  Samson and Delilah are right now flying over Libby's Corral.           

       That girl, who lives in Wrightwood; said Carol Goodman likes the writing of the Brontë sisters.  If we could borrow Mr. Peabody's time traveling "Way Back" machine I would want to  smell those three sisters.   I smell the clump of Joshua trees over there near Libby's Corral.          

       Mr. Steve told the girl how Heathcliff, and his father too; got their names from Wuthering Heights.  And, he mentioned how his old girlfriend was named Emily; like Emily Brontë.  The      girl mentioned Carol Goodman's daughter is also named Maggie just like me Daisy heard.                       

             CROWS                                                                 COYOTE                 

        As they sat in the living room Daisy heard that girl from Wrightwood say Ravens and Coyotes have at times "represented the link between dark and light in literature."  Like others,    the girl complimented our boss's mom's big bell painting above the couch.  I smell Sage.               

           The ancient Romans really believed in "Omens" and things like that, so looked closely at how Crows and Ravens acted.  Daisy and I now both want to believe in "Signs" too.  Speedy the  Squirrel just now ducked underneath Moe the middle Shed and I can really smell him.                 

         Crows and Ravens touch beaks sometimes when they meet each other I've noticed.  And I've also noticed how people have that ritual where they "Shake Hands" in greeting each other.  Daisy and I often smell each other's rear ends or mouths when we first come together.                                              

ANCIENT GREEK "FUNERAL STONE"     

GETTY MUSEUM                 

            Dais one time heard our boss and Miss Susan talk about a Greek "Funeral Stone" he and his mom saw at the Getty Museum near the beach.  It shows a man shaking hands with his wife,  and was put  up near his grave.  I've mentioned how there are two different Getty Museums.        

       The Getty beach Museum is a copy of  a Roman "Villa" buried in ash when, in 79 A.D., "Mount Vesuvius erupted and destroyed the town of "Pompeii."  Mr. Steve, his mom and Niece Cristina saw the exhibit downtown about that famous event.  Dawn's barking over there.              

        I remember that morning when Miss Susan said the "custom" of shaking hands "may" have started in ancient times.  Greek Soldiers, and Middle Ages Knights; did it to show they had no weapons "Up their Sleeve" so to speak.  I can tell Mr. Steve likes to shake people's hands.        

 "CREATION"   

("SPARK OF LIFE")

        MICHAELANGELO  ("SISTINE" CHAPEL)

           Hey God!  All of a sudden I just thought of 1985 when Mr. Steve's St. Ferdinands Tour Group saw Michaelangelo's "Sistine Chapel."  Our boss's mom liked the section showing Your    finger almost touching the first man Adam's finger.  That's kind of like Your hand shake.              

             Mr. Steve once did artwork for a German lady, who told him Germans shake hands a lot, and in German it's called "haendeschuetteln" I guess.   Boy!  I'm so lucky to have these foreign    language Dictionaries to help me.   I'm also fortunate to have all of these pens and pencils.            

           Dais heard the German lady say there's an "etiquette" for handshaking in her country.  For instance, males have to shake hands with any "present" female; before doing it with other      males.  The "older people," or those "higher in rank;" have to "initiate" any handshakes.           

   HIGH DESERT HUMMINGBIRDS

PHOTO BY TOM GREY                                                                                                                                                                           

          Max the Hummingbird, after glancing at their glass feeders and seeing them again empty today; just whizzed bye.  His girlfriend 99 is probably busy making their new Spring nest so he's so far alone again this morning.  Daisy and I both really enjoy watching Max and 99 playing.       

           I remember the morning, as our boss watered the big Mulberry tree over there; when he told Miss Susan in the late 1980's and early 1990's he took pictures of some famous people.  And,  every time before he did he shook their hands and introduced himself.  Heathcliff crowed.            

          The water level is low in the basin below the Mulberry tree, but still Birds are flying in to sit on those big boulders.  You can really see how cautious they are, and I would be too if I were    them.  Our neighbor's Cat Cher has ambushed some Birds and Lizards on that water basin.                                                                        

          ADOLPH HITLER MEETING FANS             

          Later today I'm scheduled to learn and write about the American Civil War, and then World WAR II.  A picture in this Encyclopedia shows that guy Adolph Hitler shaking hands with a young girl.  "Women and children were some of his biggest supporters" the caption says.           

            It says here the "handshake motif" back in ancient Greece was called "dexiosis," which would be translated as being "connectedness."   Hearing Dawn and Blinky barking right now is  making me feel good.   There are some long skinny clouds hanging up in the morning sky.             

           Mr. Ralph read the "custom of handshaking" was also done by ancient "Mesopotamian" people.  Daisy's told me in "Japan" people bow when they meet, and in "Korea" and "Taiwan"    they also nod at each other as they bow I guess.   Boy!  The morning air is so nice right now.                 

     "DALAI LAMA"       

           A picture in this Encyclopedia shows the "Dalai Lama," who's from "Tibet;" or area in between China and India.  I notice how he holds his hands.  Rudy the Roadrunner just now went jogging bye in front of the three Sheds, with Andy watching him really closely over there.             

            Dais says she's noticed in the "Hindu" religion people greet each other by bowing, and as they bow they press the palms of their hands together; with their thumbs then pressing against    their chest.  A man once told our boss it's called "Namaste" Daisy says.  Heathcliff crowed.           

         Mr. Steve was told by this man from China how, where he grew up it was the custom to greet people by "making a fist" with one hand; while using the other hand to "cup" it.   Ah!  I      smell some new Spring Sage.  Boy!  I'm beginning to really like that smell a lot more now.                                            

               THE "BLACK DEATH" (1347-1351)          

        Yesterday I mentioned how Mr. Steve did this "Research Project" on the "Black Death" pandemic, where the "Bubonic Plague" killed about half the population of Europe.  It was what  they called "Transmitted" through Fleas.  A picture shows the trash or body pick up wagon.        

         Mr. Steve thinks someday there might be a worldwide "Pandemic," one reason being a lot more people are now traveling more.  His dad thinks a pandemic might "trigger" a worldwide    economic depression.  Boy!  That would be so bad for all of us living up here in Piñon Hills.        

           I just thought of how Mr. Steve's first girlfriend Sandy's mom was a Nurse and said there are those "Germs" everywhere.  I guess, she used to joke a person can "pass on more germs by    shaking hands than even by kissing."  I've often wondered what a "Microscope" would be?                                                            WORLD WAR I  (1914-1918)                                    

          I just thought of that big "Spanish Flu" pandemic that happened after World War I.   It "probably" began, in 1917; here in the State of "Kansas" Mr. Steve thinks.  Then, American        Soldiers spread it to Europe fighting with British and French Soldiers during World War I.          

           My Encyclopedia says "eventually" the "Influenza Virus" that "Infected" the American, British and French troops; floated over and made their German and Austro-Hungarian enemies   sick too.  In that pandemic the virus was transmitted through the air.  Dawn's barking.                

        When the First World War ended; surviving Soldiers carried the sickness back home to their different countries.  The virus then infected the public, and ended up killing "about" fifty    million people worldwide.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying toward the northeast.                                

    GRANDPA /GRANDMA TRUJILLO        

         What is now called the "Spanish Influenza" pandemic at the end of World War I killed about one million Americans.  As I wrote in my first book, Grandma Trujillo was four years old    in 1918 when that pandemic happened.  I smell one of the Joshua trees near Libby's Corral.       

         Even though she was so young in 1918; for the rest of her life Grandma Trujillo feared being accidentally buried alive.  That guy George Washington also had that fear too Daisy says.    Many people are buried alive during pandemics because so many die in such a short time.            

           Boy God!  It would be scary to be buried before you were even dead.  Grandma Trujillo made Mr. Steve and his mom "promise" on a number of occasions that would not happen to her,  even mentioning it a week before dying.  Samson and Delilah are flying toward the north.                           

  WORLD WAR I (1914-1918)       

          Seeing Libby over there to my right makes me think about how gas was used, or what's  called "Deployed;" by both sides in World War I.  Thousands of Soldiers, like that guy Adolph    Hitler; were gassed in the Trenches and many died.  I guess Hitler went temporarily blind.           

           I'm looking at that one First World War photo of Hitler and his Dog "Fuchsl," or "Little Fox" in German.   He still had that "Handlebar" mustache he later "trimmed" so the gas mask    would fit tighter on his face.  A short mustache is now "permanently associated" with him.         

         Dais and Millie heard our boss talking on the phone with his mom about  Hitler's World War I "Jack Russel Fox Terrier" Fuchsl.  Mr. Steve read Hitler was kind of a "Loner" during      the First World War and I guess Fuchsl was his only friend.  Dawn's barking over there.                                        

EVA BRAUN / ADOLPH HITLER

         Dais says our boss told his dad of a tv show about Hitler and his girlfriend Eva Braun.  It mentioned Hitler's World War II "German Shepherd" Dog "Blondie."  And, in this good  black and white picture of him and that girl Eva Braun; you can even see her black Dog too.                 

        I guess, during the First World War Fuchsl chased a Rat into the German trenches from that "No Man's Land" I mentioned yesterday.  Daisy says there's this story about how one time    Fuchsl even saved Hitler's life.  Hearing Dawn's voice is making me feel so good right now.         

         From what Dais heard our boss say, while "Off Duty;" Hitler was teaching Fuchsl a trick but then Fuchsl ran away.  When Hitler chased him a mortar shell came flying down and blew      up where they had been before.  Ah!  Now Blinky's barking too and he sounds so brave.                                 

BLINKY    

         Boy!  I'm really starting to like how Blinky smells.  I mentioned how Mr. Mike thinks he might be at least part Jack Russell Terrier like Hitler's Dog Fuchsl.  I just now noticed a long line of small Grease Ants marching bye on the Patio floor near Miss Emily's old coffee table.        

        During World War I Dogs were kept in those trenches, because they could hear artillery shells coming, and were able to smell the deadly gas early too.  Some think that's what happened when Fuchsl save his boss's life.  Fuchsl might've been a skinny "Pit Bull" Daisy heard.                

        Fuchsl had been stolen by the time Hitler was blinded by gas late in the war.  Hitler was once offered two hundred "Marks" for Fuchsl but said to the guy, "I would not sell my Dog for    two hundred thousand Marks."  Boy!  I sure hope Mr. Steve feels that way about us too.                                  

BLONDIE   

         All of a sudden, mentioning Hitler's Dog Blondie reminds me of that band from New York City called BLONDIE.  Our boss jokes he likes "looking at" their girl Singer "as much as" he      likes hearing their songs.  I want to hear BLONDIE'S song about the heart made of glass.             

         One time Dais heard our boss talking on the phone with Mr. Dave in New Mexico and they discussed BLONDIE'S Drummer.  As a good Drummer himself, who plays a single bass drum; I  guess Mr. Dave thinks BLONDIE'S Drummer is talented.  Speedy Gonzalez just ran bye.             

        Dais and Millie heard our boss and Mr. Dave talk about "Epidemics and Pandemics."  Mr. Dave had a job at the Veteran's Hospital in Sepulveda, where Mr. Steve's father went to; so was    interested in that subject too.  The dust Speedy raised is still floating in front of the Sheds.                          

                MAGGIE                            CÓRDOVA                            DAISY                          

            One time Dais and Millie heard our boss talking on the phone with Mr. Grant.  Mr. Steve told him there are two types of "Virus's," the "Influenza" type and the "Corona" version.  And I guess both types can at times be "transmitted" between people and animals like us Dogs.              

           I just used this English Dictionary to look up the word "Zoonosis" and that's what they call it when a person "transmits a virus" over to an Animal.  It's more common for us to pass a virus to a human.  Dawn and Blinky are both barking at something over there to my right.        

           Someday Mr. Steve will hopefully like what I'm doing back here on the Patio.   Dais says he'll be so "impressed" if I do a good job writing about epidemics and pandemics. Oh!  The big    Dragonfly who was around here yesterday zoomed bye going toward the north, or my left.                  

1918 "SPANISH" FLU PANDEMIC

         My Encyclopedia says in that huge post-World War I pandemic "possibly" fifty million people may have died.  Mr. Steve thinks it "could be more," as back then poor countries didn't    have the "luxury of counting;" and had to "dispose" of the rotting bodies fast.   I smell Sage.       

           That one morning our boss told Miss Susan, in the Spanish Flu pandemic eventually this thing called "Herd Immunity" developed.  Daisy heard Miss Sandy's mom, a Nurse; knew a lot    about things like that.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are now flying over Libby's Corral.               

         I guess, Herd Immunity happens when the Immune System of a person who survives a pandemic "adapts" and can fight off that sickness later.  Daisy told me about those shots called    "Vaccines," that shoots medicine into you with a sharp needle.  Mr. Phillip calls it a "jab."                  

"REFUGEES"    

   PHOTO BY NICOLAS ECONOMOU                                                                                                                                                                                

          Dais says our boss Mr. Steve thinks someday a pandemic may cause millions of desperate poor people to try to come into America as a "Last Resort" so to speak.  Daisy says it's "already an issue" in 2014 as people are trying to get in.  There are poor Refugees all over the world.         

        Mr. Steve's father thinks it's possible another world economic depression, like the 1930's "Great Depression" for example; "might trigger mass migrations."  Or, what if another huge      world war breaks out and a lot of the trade and things like that are stopped?  A Crow cawed.       

         I just glanced up and notice Andy over there sniffing the air in his alert guarding of their burrow from any possible danger.  Helen's down there taking good care of their new babies, so      they'll have a better chance of surviving once they come out here to live.  I can smell Andy.                            

 HOMER LEA (1876-1912)         

            From what Dais heard our boss tell his dad one time, that little hunchback guy Homer Lea studied the countless times in history when a stronger group makes weaker groups move.      That's partially what happened before the original Rome in Italy fell.  Heathcliff crowed.             

            It's so impressive to me how someone who was a hunchback, as Homer Lea was; could write his books on military history.  He studied how, in the 400's A.D.; northern Germanic tribes got "pushed out of their homelands.  This Encyclopedia says it's called being "displaced."            

             Over the next three days I'll be mentioning Homer Lea, partly because his two books on the history of war "influenced" the pre-World War II German and Japanese militaries.  He died  young.  His hunchback and small size might've come from being dropped as a baby I guess.         

"COFFEE & CREAM" (SYLMAR)

         One time Mr. Steve and his dad talked with Mr. Hussein at his Coffee & Cream business down there in Sylmar.  They discussed Refugees "fleeing" wars in the Middle East.  A while back Mr. Steve met this Tow Truck Driver who said his family was "able to escape Lebanon."           

        Hey God!  Daisy says that Tow Truck Driver thinks it was You who "rescued" his family, because he kept saying "Al-hamdu lillah," which we found later meant "All thanks to Allah."       He was proud his daughter is going to College at C.S.U.N. where our boss's family went.              

         Egypt, where Mr. Hussein is originally from; has a lot of poor people too but "luckily" he says, there "haven't been any wars recently."  Today I'll learn about wars, often against Egypt;    Israel's been in since becoming a country back in 1948.  There are nice clouds up in the sky.                           

TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS 

           Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Dave talk about how that guy Tom Petty has this good song about "Refugee's."  I've mentioned before how someday I really want to hear some Tom Petty      songs.  Daisy told me he did a good song about that one girl from Alice in Wonderland.                 

         Mr. Steve, and his father too; think we're lucky to be living in the United States in 2014.  America now is the richest country ever, and one reason is because we won the biggest war of all  time; so get to "take full economic advantage" of that Mr. Steve thinks.  I smell Mesquite.            

         Our boss thinks in history it's "normal" for the "have" countries to "exploit" the "have not" groups.  That makes me think about what Mr. Steve's Niece Samantha said that one time      when she was a little kid, "It's just not fair that life is not fair!"  I kind of agree with that.             

ESCAPE INTO EGYPT

EIKON BIBLE ART

          Hey Lord!  I kind of agree with Daisy when she says You and Your family were refugees. You Guys had to hide over in Egypt when that guy King Herod tried to kill You as a baby.  Up in  the sky right now a small flock of Birds is going over Libby's Corral and moving to the east.        

        If I could borrow Mr. Peabody's time machine and go back in time Blessed Mother You know I would want to smell You, and I know for sure Dais would definitely want to go with me.    Oh!  And I'm pretty sure Mr. Steve would want to go too.  I can smell Libby over there.                

          Daisy says Lord Mr. Steve and Miss Babette at work talked about that holiday, "Feast of the Holy Innocents;" dedicated to all the boy babies King Herod had put to death trying to kill    You so You wouldn't be able to be "King of the Jews."  Ah!  The morning air is so clear now.        

"CARIBBEAN" SEA

           Dais says our boss met a man from "Haiti," who said he and his wife and son "escaped" the poverty of his country to come here.  They first sailed over to "Columbia," then had to pass    through a dangerous place called the "Darién Gap."  The four Pigeons are flying to the east.        

         My Encyclopedia says the "inhospitable" narrow Darién Gap is a "sixty mile long land bridge" that "connects North and South America."  The Haitian man said it's "swamps, high      mountains and thick forests with many ways to die."   There is "much sickness" he said.               

           I'll mainly learn about Haiti tomorrow but I can mention it now too.  In 1804 many black Slaves revolted and "threw off" their French "Masters" to become their own "Nation."  That's    why people from Haiti speak French.  That man spoke "really good English" Daisy told me.              

                                          SLAVE REVOLT                             HAITI                 TOUSSAINT LOUVERTURE                            

ARTWORK BY RICHARD WATKINS                                                                                                                                                                    

        "Bandits will rob and kill you" in the Darien Gap that guy from Haiti told Mr. Steve.  He knew about Toussaint Louverture, who led the Haitians in breaking away from the French.  The "French Revolution" was going on so the government back there in Europe was "distracted."     

      It says here, when Napoléon Bonaparte came to power he "inherited" Haiti.  He sent an army but it was "beaten in battle."   So that's when he decided to do the "Louisiana Purchase,"  which was "one of the luckiest breaks the United States ever got" Mr. Steve's father thinks.          

         Daisy told me the man from Haiti said, "I feel so sorry for the people buried in the Darien Gap as the world will never know they existed.  Boy God!  I guess that man said he and his wife    thank You every day.  Anyway, I'll come back to the subject of Haiti tomorrow in book three.       

        "VISIGOTHS SACK ROME" (410 A.D.)      

ARTWORK BY NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC /1962)

         I'm looking at that painting showing those "Visigoths" in 410 A.D "sacking" the city of Rome.  The original western part of the Roman Empire in Italy fell later, after being around for    over a thousand years.  Then only the eastern "Byzantine" Roman Empire was left after that.    

            As a kid Mr. Steve studied this painting of Rome being looted.  Visigoths means "Western  Goths," while "Ostrogoths" is "Eastern Goths."  I guess, there were a lot of European Refugees  in  the 5th century A.D.  The painting shows how scared the Roman women were in 410.               

      The Roman Empire began in Italy in the 8th century B.C. with that story of those twins "Romulus" and "Remus."  It became really powerful but, in 410 King "Alaric's" Visigoths got     into the actual city and pillaged and looted" it.  Ah!  I smell the Twin Joshua tress out there.                                                

"INVASIONS" OF ROME

(100-500 A.D. / BOTH WESTERN AND EASTERN EMPIRES)

           By 410 A.D. ancient Rome had existed for twelve hundred years.  Because of Constantine the Great, it also now existed in the east too.  But, no matter how good Rome's Soldiers were at    killing people to expand the empire; it was often necessary to defend Rome's borders too.             

        A map shows how, by the 5th century; the original western Rome was being invaded by many "Germanic" groups.  Rome conquered a huge empire, but then had to occupy and defend  it; and you can see how far those "Vandals" got.  Andy's over there looking in this direction.        

          Daisy saw this tv show that said "at first" Rome and the Visigoths, like the Germans and Russians in 1939; were allies.  But, the Visigoths revolted when the Romans betrayed them; and      they became so poor they had to trade their children for Dogs to eat.  Heathcliff crowed.                                                        

       "VACCINATION"         

              PHOTO BY SARAH TEW                      

          God!  It's too bad life is not fair!  Mr. Steve and his dad think, if history "Is any Guide" as they say; when another giant pandemic breaks out those preventative vaccine shots will be given  first only to the rich countries.  Ugh!  A picture shows how painful getting a shot must be.             

          As I wrote yesterday, in 1918 the "Influenza" did not begin in Spain but most likely started here in American Soldiers training to fight in Europe.  But most of the governments "Censored"  the news from the public.  I smell the little baby Cholla cactus growing over there in the dirt.       

       Spain remained "Neutral" during both 20th century world wars, so in World War I it was okay for their Newspapers to write about the giant flu pandemic going on in the world.   That's how it became known as the "Spanish Influenza."  I like smelling that baby Cholla cactus.                               

   HARRY HOUDINI (1874-1926)     

           Oh what the heck!  Even though he's not on my outline right here I feel like writing about Harry Houdini, a Jewish man whose parents were from "Hungary;" and who might've been a    "Spy" during the First World War.  Samson and Delilah are flying toward the northeast.              

        This one Encyclopedia describes Harry Houdini, who's real last name was "Weiss; as an "escape artist" and "illusionist."  Dais saw a good tv show about him, and says he could get out    of any situation no matter how many ropes or chains were locked on him.  I smell Mesquite.       

          Daisy told me, the man on the tv shows said, before he was an escape artist "Houdini" was an Entertainer on that "Vaudeville" circuit I wrote about yesterday.  Those three funny guys the Marx Brothers, who were also Jewish; performed "On Vaudeville" too.  Dawn's barking.                                

        "SÉANCE"           

           On the tv show about Harry Houdini it said, like Dais and myself; he believed in ghosts.   Someday we'd like to go to one of those "Séance" rituals where you can "Summon" or talk to      "Spirits" of the dead.  Oh!   I wonder if we could maybe communicate with Molly the Mule?       

          I guess, after his mom died; Houdini promised to have séances and keep in touch with her.  But she never showed up Daisy says, even though her son kept on trying his hardest to reach her.  Houdini died on "Halloween," October the 31st, also Grandma Trujillo's birthday too.         

        The tv show said, after the tremendous death and destruction of World War I and then the Spanish Flu pandemic; many people in the 1920's wanted to contact people they knew who had    died.  So they did a lot of those séances.  A little Bird with a twig in its mouth just ran bye.                        

                        "HOUDINI"                  JACOB CORDOVA                     HOUDINI                                                               

        Wow!  Pictures in my Encyclopedia show situations Houdini got out of, and in one of those photos he's about to be dunked upside down into a tank of water.   And, in another; he has locks  and chains attached to him.  Our boss's Steve's Nephew Jacob is interested in Houdini.                 

         Daisy told me that tv show said Houdini's family came to America and lived in "Appleton," Wisconsin.  I guess Mr. Steve, before the recession; had a customer there.  I've mentioned a few    times how Mr. Mark over in Hawaii grew up in Milwaukee, which is also in Wisconsin too.           

       This English Dictionary says "Occult" means "hidden, secret, mysterious;" or "Having to do with mystic arts such as magic or astrology"  According to Dais that guy Harry Houdini was very interested in things like that.   Oh!  Both Samson and Delilah are chasing another Raven.             

MORNING LIGHT ON CHOLLA'S                                 WREN IN CHOLLA'S                  

         Ah!  I just glanced up and see that little Wren Bird I saw yesterday.  And, again today it looks like it's fond of that patch of Cholla cactus behind the three Sheds out there in the eastern    desert.  Boy!  It's so amazing how Wrens don't get stabbed by all the Cholla cactus needles.        

        Daisy says the tv show on Mr. Houdini said, back in the 1920's; there were many phony séances where "Charlatans" took advantage of others.  But Houdini, who "knew all the tricks;"  totally exposed them as total "frauds" and fakes."  He what they call "Debunked" them.              

         The tv show talked about this thing called a "Ouija Board" ("Wee-Gee"), which were at times used in those séances.  Dais says it helps you to contact the spirits of the dead.  I just now    picked up Speedy the Ground Squirrel's scent from out there in the desert behind the Sheds.                    

    "OUIJA" BOARD         

          I'd like to go to one of those seances but Dais heard you have to be so careful because by accident a mean spirit called a "Demon" might show up instead of who you were trying to call.    We're afraid of demons, and would only want to meet nice ghosts.   A little Lizard ram bye.          

            As an Entertainer in Vaudeville; one thing Harry Houdini did was use "Sleight of Hand" to do "Card Tricks."  Daisy heard our boss Mr. Steve tell his friend Ralph on the phone how for a while his Nephew Jacob over in Texas did card tricks.  Boy!  The morning air is so clear.            

            Over the next two days I'll learn about "Magic," so will come back to Harry Houdini.  As I said yesterday in book one, even though Mr. Steve doesn't really believe in things like that but  Daisy and I kind of do.  We also think there are probably real U.F.O. Aliens out there too.                        

        SAMSON AND DELILAH             

            Oh!  Samson and Delilah the Ravens are standing near Manny the middle Shed.  Andy's watching them and you can tell Samson protects Delilah.  Daisy says we have "protect our boss      with our lives" because "if he's gone then we're gone too so what difference does it make?"        

            I said in book one how, because of his big size, Mr. Steve had named Samson "Goliath."  But then Delilah arrived so, Goliath became Samson; and the Gopher Snake was named Goliath instead.  Samson and Delilah just now lifted off and are flying away toward the northeast.            

          Yesterday I wrote about that one older Shoshone Indian man our boss met at the Phelan Library.  He said some Native-American Warriors "watched" Ravens before going into a battle.  In that way they were like the ancient Romans studying Eagles before a fight.  I smell Andy.                             

"RED WINGED BLACKBIRD"       

PHOTO BY MIKE COHEN                   

          One of Miss Susan at work's customers in "Michigan" told her about the "Red Winged Blackbirds" his wife studies.  I guess they're smaller than Crows and males have red and yellow  feathers on their wings.  Female Blackbirds, like our Finches; are much plainer in color.              

            The Parts Manager told Miss Susan in his area Blackbirds are "associated" with Spring,  and Males flap wings and spread tail feathers to "mark territory" and attract girl Blackbirds.   Blackbeard and Anne went bye.  I can see the white hole in Blackbeard's empty eye socket.         

          Miss Susan was told how male Blackbirds are "very territorial, and will fight anyone and anything in defending their area."  Their loud voices, when they say "conk-ah-reee;" are "very    distinct and recognizable" that Parts Manager said.  Two orange boy Finch's are fighting.                                      

"EPAULETTE" SHARK      

          Daisy heard our boss and his customer talk about those "Epaulette" Sharks I mentioned yesterday.  Male Blackbird's red and yellow feathers resemble a military dress uniform so that's why some people call them "Epaulette" Birds.   I'd love a uniform with shoulder epaulettes!        

        Mr. Steve told the Parts Manager about Mark Ritter who died, and how he knew about things that live down in Australia; like Epaulette Sharks.  They're only three feet long, and are      also called "Carpet" Sharks I guess because they live in shallow water.  I smell Arborvitae.         

           When food is hard to get Dais heard, Epaulette Sharks wiggle and kind of walk on land to get to more salt water.  Mr. Steve once met a guy who had a small Epaulette Shark in a salt water Fish Tank.  Our boss has faxed "Shark" line drawings he's done to people over the years.                                                   

  WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE                           EDGAR ALLAN POE                 

(1564-1616)                                                         (1809-1849)            

"CHANDROS" PORTRAIT                                                                                                                                                                         

          In book one I mentioned how that Writer William Shakespeare, in his play "Hamlet;" wrote about Ravens.  And two hundred years later that other guy Edgar Allan Poe wrote a poem about a Raven too.  I can now smell the Twin Joshua trees out there in the eastern desert.             

          Daisy says that Shoshone man at the Phelan Library told our boss in Japan's "Shinto" religion Raven's are seen as "messengers from the spiritual world."   As I've said, the ancient      Greek Deity Apollo used them for that same thing too.  Fannie an Freddie are flying bye.              

           Mr. Steve's mom once met an Australian lady who told her about these black Australian Bird's called "Magpies."  I guess they're kind of like Crows, but also have some white feathers    too.  Ah!  Cher the Cat is slinking around behind the three Sheds and I can tell she's hungry.                              

                      "MAGPIES"                                                                AUSTRALIA                            

  PHOTO BY TOBY HUDSON                                                                                                                                                                                            

           The Australian lady told our boss's mom that Magpie Birds are "quite intelligent," and like our Mockingbirds; imitate other Birds.  But, I guess what's even more amazing; is how they  "mimic" us Dogs and Horses she said.  Wow!  Boy!  I'd really really like to hear that alright.        

           Miss Susan saw this tv show about Magpie's which said males become overly aggressive protecting their nests in Spring.  I guess, on that tv show an Australian lady said she and her kids one time heard a Magpie imitating the sound of a Fire Truck's Siren.  A Train just whistled.         

             Yesterday was the first day of Spring, or what they call the "Vernal Equinox" up here in the "Northern Hemisphere."   That means today the Sun will rise to the east and set to the west "Directly" above Earth's "Equator," so there will twelve hours of sunlight.  I feel so good!                                                                                "VERNAL EQUINOX"                       WINTER (NORTHERN HEMISPHERE)                                                                                    SUMMER (SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE)

                                                                                                                                                                                           I like these two good "Diagrams" showing how, and why; we have "Seasons" down here on Earth.  As I wrote in book one, in the Northern Hemisphere the two days of "Equinox" are in the Spring and Fall; in March and September.  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies up there.          

          When Australia, where Magpie Birds live; is in the hotter days of Summer we're having our cold days of Winter.  I've mentioned before how the Summer and Winter "Solstices" are the  longest and shortest days of the year.  A Car or Truck went bye out there on Primavera Road.      

        Daisy and Millie one time heard our boss talking on the phone to Mr. Dave in New Mexico about the seasons.  The "Equator" is the "imaginary" line that goes all around the middle of the  Earth, "equidistant" from the North and South "Poles" my Encyclopedia says.  I smell Sage.       

2012 SUZUKI "EQUATOR"

       Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Dave talk about a "mid-size" pickup Truck, made by the Japanese company "Suzuki;" called the "Equator."  I guess, according to Dais; it was only made from 2009 through 2012.  Suzuki is primarily known for the making of good Motorcycles.             

          I've mentioned how when Mr. Dave worked at our boss's company, doing the same job as he Miss Babette, Susan and Karin do now; he sold mainly to "Motorcycle Shops."  In 2008 the    economic recession put many Motorcycle Shops "Out of Business."  That hurt Mr. Dave.              

         Oh!  I see that boy Finch "Finley" again, sitting in the clump of Joshua trees near Libby's Corral.  I told Daisy about him last night, and she says maybe he'll have better luck today in his  attracting of girls.  I named him after Charles O. Finley, the Baseball Oakland A's owner.                                                        

FINLEY   

PHOTO BYRON NIEBRUGGE

           Mr. Ramon, the Auto Mechanic up on Highway near our house; would really like looking at Finley because his favorite color is orange.  And, so would Mr. Steve's mom too; because she    also likes orange too.  All of the water in the basin below the Mulberry tree is now gone.                

         Hey God!  Thank You for making colors because I totally agree with Daisy who thinks it makes life better.  I can tell, as she goes blind; Dais now tries to appreciate things like that more    and more.  Oh!  Finley just zipped off and is now flying fast right over Libby's Corral.                

        Sitting here on my couch Elvira, while looking at the eastern desert behind the Sheds; is making me think of the Sun.  I've mentioned how, our Earth is tilted at a "23 degree angle" to      the    Sun as it "Rotates" or spins; while "Revolving" around the Sun.  Dawn's now barking.                                  

 FLASHLIGHT DEMONSTRATION       

                 (SUMMER-LEFT / WINTER-RIGHT)                       

                             ARTWORK BY CLAY ATCHISON                  

             I really like when there's an image to go along with the writing in my Encyclopedias. A good painting shows why it's hotter in Summer than Winter.  The caption says the Sun goes even "higher" in the sky during Summer.  Daisy and I noticed that exact same thing last Summer.       

            The reason why Summer is so hot here in Piñon Hills is mainly because, when the Sun's "path" is higher up in the sky; it shines down more "directly" and "intensely" on our two and a  half acres of land.  Earth's 23 degree tilt toward the Sun determines many things I guess.              

          Both of my nostrils just picked up the faint scent of that old Rosemary bush out in the eastern desert behind the three Sheds.  Is that You making me think of You Blessed Mother? If it is I'm so glad You might be thinking of me too because I'll sure need Your help again today.          

THE "ANNUNCIATION"       

             Hey Blessed Virgin!  Writing about Mercury being the Roman Deities messenger makes me think of how the Angel Gabriel was God's messenger.  The Angel Gabriel flew down here and told You and Your Cousin Elizabeth you'd both be having babies.   A Train whistled faintly.          

            Blessed Mother!  Our boss talked to Mr. Hussein at Coffee & Cream about the Prophet Muhammad, who the Angel Gabriel told in the 7th century A.D. what to put  in the "Koran."      He was in cave like the Mormon's Joseph Smith later.   Mr. Steve has a copy of the Koran.           

          I just thought of that "Fasces" symbol used since even before the ancient Romans.  As I wrote yesterday, it's a "bundle of reeds wrapped around an axe;" and represents the "Unity,"      "Strength" and "Authority" of ancient Rome  It's where the term "Fascist" comes from.                                    

MERCURY TEN CENT "DIME" (1916-1945)        

   X        

         According to my Encyclopedia, from 1916 through 1945; the U.S. ten cent coin was what they called a "Mercury Dime."  It showed the head of "Lady Liberty" on one side, and a Fasces on the other.  I guess many people "mistook" Liberty's hat for Mercury's "winged helmet."         

         Daisy says our boss and Mr. Grant have old coins, some being Mercury Dimes; and it says here since 1945 Liberty's image was "replaced" by Franklin Roosevelt's profile.  I'll learn about  President Roosevelt, Hitler, Stalin and Mao Zedong in this book.  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.     

       I'm scheduled to find out about the American Civil War and World War II in this second book and, like yesterday; will have about twelve hours of Sun to complete twelve chapters.  It'll    be hard again today but it looks like I'll be able to do this first chapter on time.  I smell Sage.       

     FREDDIE MERCURY (1946-1991)

PHOTO BY GUS STEWART         

          I just thought about that band from England QUEEN.  Their Singer was named Freddie Mercury, even though that wasn't his real last name.  Daisy told me she heard he was actually      born on this big island called "Zanzibar" which is located off the east coast of Africa.                    

       As I said in book one a few times, when I get over my fear of enclosed areas I'll go in Mr. Steve's bedroom to listen to music and watch tv.  Dais saw a commercial for Mercury Insurance    Company on tv one time.  Jack the Jackrabbit just streaked bye in front of the Sheds.                 

         Yesterday I wrote about how, back on October the 4th of 1957 during the "Cold War;" the Russians or "Soviet Union" launched their "Sputnik" Space Program.  This really, really scared a lot of Americans.  Mr. Steve's brother Rock was born only thirteen days later in that year.                                       

"MERCURY" SPACE PROGRAM ASTRONAUTS  

         My Encyclopedia has a picture of seven Astronauts from that American "Mercury" Space Program.  In 1958 the "Space Race" began, and "N.A.S.A" was created "in response to" that       Soviet "Satellite" Sputnik.  One Astronaut then was John Glenn who our boss's parents met.      

         The caption below the color photo of those Astronauts describes Mercury as being the first American "human spaceflight program."  Before anyone was sent up into outer space there were twenty "unmanned" flights I guess.  Two of the Pigeons just flew bye over the three Sheds.           

          It says here those Astronauts in the color photo were called the "Mercury Seven," and they ended up making six "manned" flights.  In these next two long books I'll find out more about the  "Cold War."  I cansmell that clump of Joshua trees right above Andy and Helen's burrow.                                                     2010 MERCURY "MARINER"

        Daisy says there used to be a "Brand" of Car called "Mercury."  She heard our boss one time talking on the phone about making hats, with Mercury logos on them; even though "Ford" stopped making Mercury's in 2010.   Benjamin the black Cow Bird just went flying bye.               

         According to Dais, one of the Mercury Cars was called a "Mariner," which is just another name for a "Sailor."  She and Millie watched this Baseball game on tv, between the California      "Angels" and the Seattle "Mariners."  I can't wait to see a Baseball game on tv someday.             

             Oh!  Before the U.S. sent the Mercury Astronauts like John Glenn up in Space they shot a "Chimpanzee" named "Ham" there first.  Daisy saw a tv which called Ham a "Guinea Pig,"       or the "Canary in the coal mine."  We still haven't figured out what those saying's mean.                                  

"HAM" THE CHIMPANZEE (1957-1983)

        Oh wow!  Black and white photos of that boy Astronaut Ham shows him wearing a good helmet and later holding a 1961 Newspaper announcing what he did.  Boy!  It must feel so great    to be thought of as being one of those actual "Hero's."  Heathcliff just crowed over there.           

           I've mentioned a few times how, unlike Daisy; I'm afraid to go all of the way in our house.  But, I overcame my fear of going in the garage; so know a helmet like the one Ham wore is on a shelf.  I guess our boss has Grandpa Trujillo's yellow work helmet in the guest bedroom.             

          The Mercury Program began under President Eisenhower, but in 1961 President Kennedy was in power; when the "Gemini" Program replaced it.  The third program to put up Americans into Outer Space was "Apollo."   Oh!  Ham was born in 1957 like Mr. Steve's brother Rock.                               

JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATED (NOVEMBER 22, 1963)

          Yesterday I wrote a lot about President Kennedy getting shot while he and his wife named "Jackie" were "Campaigning" in Texas.  That was two years after Ham the Chimp's flight in    1961.  Oh yeh!  1961 was also the same year of that failed "Bay of Pigs" invasion of Cuba.            

        Wow!  I guess, Ham the "Astro Chimp" trained for "eighteen" months; learning to push some of those "levers" I mentioned yesterday.  Oh! Much of his training was done back there in  New Mexico.  Ham's flight was called "Sub Orbital," and lasted only about sixteen minutes.        

          Hey God!  The caption below a picture of Ham calls his chair inside of  the Space Rocket a "couch."  Thank You so much for having our boss buy Elvira from Mr. Mark before he and his    family moved to Hawaii.  This has to be the most comfortable spot in the whole world!                                 

AFRICAN "NATIONS"   

              I guess Ham the Chimp was actually born in the country of "Cameroon," which I notice on a map has a flag with dark  green, red and yellow vertical stripes in it.  Mr. Mark in Hawaii    thinks African countries should "unite" like in that "European Union."  I really like flags.           

          My Encyclopedia calls Cameroon a "crossroads" nation in Africa, located between the west and central sections.  So, like other countries in history, like Israel or Poland; that makes it "Strategically" located.  Ah!  The morning air is clear again today, which makes me feel good.     

           By the mid-15th century, "Portuguese" Ships could sail southward down the west coast of Africa; and showed up in Cameroon.  By the late 1400's, and then the early 16th century; the      Portuguese started that Slave Trade I've written about before.  A Crow is cawing faintly.                                                             SLAVE "TRADE"                                 CAPTURED AFRICAN SLAVES             

         Back in the 1400's, the Portuguese called the Cameroon area "El Rio dos Camaröes;" or "The Two Rivers of Shrimp" in English.  In 1884, it became the German colony "Kamerun;"      and after World War II it was divided up between France and England.  I smell Sage.                  

         It says here, since 1961 Cameroon has been its own independent country.  I've mentioned how, for a while; Mr. Steve was giving money to a charitable organization in the African country of "Malawi."  He once bought and sold some things to a man from Cameroon Daisy told me.       

          Wow!  Ham the Chimp was shot up to 157 miles above Earth going about 5,800 "Miles per Hour."  They wanted to see, besides what happened to his body; if he could do the things with his mind he was  trained to do.  You could kind of say Ham helped get America to the Moon.                                

    "LAIKA" THE "COSMONAUT"                          "APOLLO"  MOON LANDING PROGRAM   

           I just thought of that brave Russian boy Dog named "Laika."  In November of 1957, the month after Mr. Steve's brother Rock was born; Laika was sent up into Outer Space to circle all around the entire Earth a ew times.  Boy God!  It's too bad little Laika had to die in doing it.        

        The Apollo Program began under President Kennedy, and made it to the Moon in 1969 when President Nixon was "In Office.  Boy!  Laika looks so brave in his "Cosmonaut" helmet.  Oh!  Dawn's barking at something over there next door, and I smell little Blinky next to her.         

           Ah!  A nice breeze from out in the eastern desert just came in with the Twins' scent.  That reminds me of another time when that happened as I was hearing Dawn barking.  Oh!  And now Fannie and Freddie, both talking to each other; are flying bye too just like that other time.                                          

  "NEWS PLUS"                       THE "TWINS"                             MR. DON                

           Miss Susan, who used to run our local Newspaper "New Plus;" said in the 19th century  Joshua tree wood was taken to England, meant to be used for "Newspapers."  But "thankfully" it "didn't work out" she said.  Otherwise, "there may not be any Joshua trees left today ."            

            That man "Don" now operates News Plus, and Daisy says one time he had an article by a man named John M. Swisher about Joshua trees used for  making paper.    Daisy says our boss enjoys the articles Mr. Don's father writes for News Plus.  He writes about "Old Sayings."            

           Boy!  Dais is probably right in being glad Joshua tree wood turned out not to be good for making paper.  If it had been there might not be any Joshua's left and we would've never gotten  to know our local trees like the Twins.  And that would've been pretty terrible we think.                                 

"ANTELOPE" VALLEY                              "RAVENA" PULP MILL (1884)  

           Miss Susan said, back in 1884; one of those "Mills" I wrote about yesterday was built in the "Antelope Valley" area now called "Soledad Canyon."   It was "Ravena" mill.  My Spanish Dictionary says that "soledad" can mean, "solitude, or maybe a "sad and lonely spot."                 

             Yesterday in my first book I mentioned a few times how our boss's brother Sam, with his wife Yolanda and their kids Mathew, Sammy Jr. and Raqquel; over there to our west in the town of "Littlerock."   I guess, from what Daisy says; that pulp mill only lasted for about two years.     

            Daisy says Mr. Swisher wrote about how the paper company cut down a really old sixty five foot tall Joshua tree, whose "trunk" was five feet in "diameter."  Wow!  Our tallest Joshua trees are only about twenty feet tall.   Dais said sixty feet is like  a big "Six-Story" building.                       

"PANAMA" CANAL (COMPLETED 1914)

         Miss Susan read Mr. Swisher found it "strange that vast forests of Canadian and eastern trees, closer to England; weren't "sought first" to make paper.  This map shows the "Panama      Canal."   It saved time and distance going from the "Atlantic" to the "Pacific" Oceans.                

        Wow!  The map really shows how, before the Panama Canal was built; it was more than twice the distance for Ships to go back and forth from New York City to California.  Miss Susan said that man William Mulholland was an "advisor" on the building of the Panama Canal.          

          I guess Mr. Swisher wrote about how, also back in the 1800's; there was another mill built in a  a "gully" between Phelan and Wrightwood.  Yesterday I mentioned how gulley's are like a    dry narrow "Ravine," in Spanish called "Arroyos."  We have some of those around here.                                             

FRANK ZAPPA / CAPTAIN BEEFHEART 

          I just thought of those guys Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart, who  went to Antelope Valley High School; before moving down to Los Angeles.  I'll write a lot more about them over      the next two days.  The fresh morning scent of Juniper just floated in to both of my nostrils.         

          Someday I'll hear Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart's "Experimental" songs.  I wrote yesterday how their music isn't "Melodic" like GENESIS'S "Musical Box.  "Avante Garde" is    just French for "Vanguard" or "Advanced Guard, which means to "Push the Envelope."             

          Dais says, in Mr. Swisher's News Plus article; he thought it was possible the mill between Phelan and Wrightwood might've been "connected" to an 1867 battle between some white men    and Indians. That was only two years after the American Civil War.  Daffy's quacking.                                        

CALIFORNIA INDIAN WARRIORS

           Daisy heard Miss Susan tell our boss and Mr. Mike how, in the 1920's; some old Joshua trees from the "Lucerne Valley" were "harvested."  I guess, the saw blade broke when it hit lead bullets and arrowheads inside.  So possibly it was from that 1867 battle Mr. Swisher wrote.          

             I mentioned yesterday how the High School over in Phelan is called "Serrano," and their sports teams are called "Diamondbacks."  Daisy says our boss likes how they use royal blue as    their primary color, with white and yellow the secondary colors.  Wow!  That sounds good.           

         The "Serrano" Indians were living up here in the late 18th century, when those Spanish Priests first showed up in our area.  Like other Native California tribes, some Serrano's died of    disease brought by the Spanish.  Others were killed by Spanish, Mexicans and Americans.            

"SERRANO" INDIANS

               The ​​Spanish name for the ​​​​​"Serrano" Indians came from the Priests noticing how quite a few of them in our area mainly lived up in the "San Bernardino," and also in our "San Gabriel" mountains.  All four of the Pigeons are right now flying over Libby's Corral over there.                 

         "Mountaineer" is Serrano in Spanish, but I guess they call themselves "Taagtam" or the "People."  That older Shoshone man at the Phelan Library told our boss how they also use the      name "Yuhaaviatam," or "People of the Pines."   I can't wait to someday go to a Library.           

        Dais says that Shoshone man said Serrano's are "related" to "Cahuilla" and "Tongvan" groups.  They speak languages "based" on the Aztecs "Nahuatl" from down in Mexico.  So that means they migrated northward  and didn't come from the north as was so often the case.                              

2010 MERCURY"MOUNTAINEER"

         Daisy heard our boss and a Ford customer talk about a "Mercury" brand Car called the "Mountaineer."  Mr. Steve told him about the Serrano Indians.  That Parts Manager said they    stopped making Mercury vehicles in 2010, and the Mountaineer had some "tire problems."         

          Hey God!  As You know, someday both Daisy and I would really like to smell, hear and see an actual exciting sporting event in person; if You ever gave us a way.  But, if You decide not to    grant us that selfish wish it's totally okay too.  Daisy knows I like to celebrate and howl.                

         When at that Christian High School "Paraclete"  Mr. Steve's Nephew Mathew played a Football game against Serrano High.  Mr. Steve watched it with his brother Sam and Sister in      Law Yolanda.  They like to cheer while our boss never yells anything out loud Dais says.               

"SERRANO" HIGH SCHOOL (PHELAN)

          According to Daisy, a few years ago Mr. Steve drew the Serrano Diamondbacks logo, which is similar to the Arizona Diamondbacks professional Baseball team in Phoenix.  They use  the same emblem but the color scheme is different.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny flew bye.           

         Miss Susan knows a lot about our area and Dais agrees with me on that.  Oh!  Speedy Gonzalez just zoomed through the space in the right vertical slot on the side of the gate.  One of these days he might accidentally hit his head hard on one of the steel pipes Daisy thinks.               

          We heard our boss tell Miss Susan one of his parent's first dances was to a "Country" "Country" song called the "Tennessee Waltz."  It was by Patti Page on "Mercury Records."  I    guess Miss Susan knew Patti Page was from "Oklahoma" and had ten brothers and sisters.                                                               

PATTI PAGE (1927-2013)

          Miss Susan said Patti Page died about a year ago, and her 1951 version of "Tennessee Waltz" was "rare."   I guess, "At one time" it was "number one" on three different "Charts;"    "Country," "Pop" and "R & B."    Mr. Steve's parents both really like it that's for sure.               

        When Patti Page recorded Tennessee Waltz, they "couldn't afford" to hire "Backup" Singers Miss Susan said; so she just "Overdubbed" her own voice.  Tennessee Waltz was not the main song released, and was what they call the "B" side for another song.   Dawn's barking.        

             A customer in Oklahoma told our boss Patti Page never needed to "rehearse" any song more than twice before "getting it right."  Mr. Steve told him his parents also liked her other        other song about the hill where Mockingbirds live.  Miss Susan said she also enjoyed that song.                    

PATTI PAGE      

             Miss Susan said Patti Page loved Dogs, so Mr. Steve told her about talking to that lady Doris Day on the phone as a kid.  Tomorrow in book three I'll write about how she rescued Dogs over there in "Chatsworth."   Mr. Steve's mom really liked Doris Day's singing too I guess.          

            Patti Page also had a good song about a Dog for sale in a window, which we heard our boss tell Miss Susan his mom's Girl Scout troops sang.   A while back Mr. Steve had this dream    about his mom singing that song.  Boy!  Someday I really would like to hear that old song.            

            Hey God!  Miss Susan read, even though her family was really poor because it was the 1930's "Great Depression;" Patti Page joked her three brothers and seven sisters were "poor in money but rich in love."  To save some money they had to "Ration" listening to the Radio.                                                                               

     EDDIE ROBINSON  (KANSAS CITY "A'S")  

            Dais says our boss's customer in Oklahoma told him about a 1950's Baseball Player from Texas named Eddie Robinson, who played for the "then" Kansas City "Athletics."  I guess, he      and Patti Page "Dated."  Boy!  I'm kind of curious about what a real date would be like.             

         In my first book I mentioned a few times how Mr. Steve's favorite Baseball team was the "now" Oakland "A's."  That Parts Manager in Oklahoma told him Eddie Robinson, like Miss Sandy's father; fought the Japanese in World War II as part of the Navy.  I smell Mesquite.         

           The Parts Manager said Eddie Robinson "rarely struck out" and one time, as a member of the Chicago "White Sox;" hit this ball "over the roof" of "Comisky Park."  Babe Ruth, Lou    Gehrig, Ted Williams and Micky Mantle did that too.  Frida and Diego are flying bye.                                         

MARY FORD (1927-1977) / LES PAUL (1915-2009)

           We heard Miss Susan say "many others did versions of that song Tennessee Waltz after Patti Page.  Les Paul, who had that guitar named after him; and his wife Mary Ford; played it.    But Mr. Steve's mom "will always prefer" Patti Page's song because of that first dance.                

          Miss Susan said Patti Page's Tennessee Waltz is the best-selling song ever in Japan, and was used in that movie called "The Right Stuff."  Patti Page died in "Encinitas," about twenty    five miles north of San Diego; where Mr. Steve used to have a customer.  Heathcliff crowed.          

          This English Dictionary says how a "Waltz" is a "Ballroom" dance whose "sliding" and "gliding light moves are done in a rolling fashion."  I guess our boss and his sister Susan talked    about "waltzing," and how involves "three steps" for the boy and girl to do.  I smell Sage.              

"WALTZ"

           Boy!  A  good picture in this Encyclopedia shows people waltz dancing and it looks like it would be so fun.  Daisy heard our boss's sister Susan really likes to do what's called "Country      Line Dancing."  Boy!  I wonder if a Dog like me or Daisy could learn how to line dance?               

         Hey God!  I guess that Singer Patti Page really believed in You too.  Miss Susan said she would often say "Only God knows what the future holds."  As I've mentioned before, Grandma  Trujillo used to say, "Only God knows."   Muslims say "Insha' Allah" or "God Willing."              

          Dais heard our boss and Mr. Dave talk about Bob Dylan's 1960's band called the BAND. Their last album was titled "The Last Waltz" and was one of those "Live" concert recordings.    Until he sold it Mr. Steve had a vinyl record of it and actually didn't really want to sell it.              

          BOB DYLAN                                                              THE BAND         

           As I mentioned yesterday, in the early 1970's Mr. Steve, Miss Sandy and their friends Chris and Angela saw that Bob Dylan concert at the Forum; and the BAND was still with him.     Like the EAGLES. the BAND'S Drummer at times sings "Lead."  A little Lizard ran bye.            

             Right now, all of a sudden; Antonio Vivaldi's song La Primavera popped into my head.  And in looking toward the east, I can see Birds zipping all around out there in the desert; behind the three  Sheds.  That reminds me of other times when this exact same thing has happened.         

             Someday I'll hear QUEEN'S song "Bohemian Rhapsody," which I guess was written by that guy Freddie Mercury, who plays piano and sings on it Dais says.  Our  boss thinks the guitar solo seems to be really "well thought out."  It's about a guy killing someone Daisy thinks.                                             

                FRANZ LISZT (1811-1886)                          GEORGE GERSHWIN (1898-1937)                                                                                 

             My Dictionary says one definition of "Rhapsody" is, "An instrumental composition of free, irregular form; suggesting improvisation."  Another meaning is, "To stitch together."  Both of those definitions would definitely apply for QUEEN'S song according to what Daisy says.         

             This 19th century Hungarian Composer Franz Liszt wrote "Hungarian Rhapsodies,"  and another guy named George Gershwin wrote "Rhapsody in Blue." I'll learn about them in      these final two books.  Franz Liszt, who knew Richard Wagner; has an unusual haircut.               

              I remember that one morning last Summer when Mr. Grant and Miggie visited us.  As our boss watered the Mulberry trees, he talked with Mr. Grant about the country of Hungary;    where Franz Liszt was from.  Mr. Grant's family are "Ashkenazi" Jews from Hungary.                  

"BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

           A tv show Daisy and Millie saw said Freddie Mercury described Bohemian Rhapsody as "three songs stitched together."  Daisy calls it "part Opera and part Hard Rock," and has the      "Call and Response" singing our boss likes.  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies up there.               

           Dais says the singing harmonies in Bohemian Rhapsody are good.  Mr. Steve showed the Video to his mom, who thought it "very creative."  In the 1970's he, Miss Sandy and their friends saw QUEEN play twice; but that was a few years before they wrote Bohemian Rhapsody.             

          Over the years Mr. Steve has played people the Video QUEEN made to go along with the song, just to see their reaction.  He's done the same thing in playing them the QUEEN I album.  Daisy told me Mr. Dave was impressed by the "level of musicianship" on the first album.                                                

        BEACH BOYS             

           Dais heard our boss tell that kid Jason he's wondered if Freddie Mercury was influenced by the BEACH BOYS' 1960's song "Good Vibrations?"  It was a sort of rhapsody that had a few different sections or parts too.  Mr. Steve's mom liked that BEACH BOYS song I guess.                

          Seeing the full steel water bucket on the Patio floor over there near the sliding glass door for some reason suddenly makes me feel fortunate.  A little Sparrow flew in and landed on one of the big boulders around the bottom of the Mulberry tree.  But all the water is now gone.               

          In book one I wrote about "Shock" Rock and mentioned how Mr. Steve plays drums to a song called "Halo of Flies," by that band from Phoenix called ALICE COOPER.  I guess, from    what Dais says; that song is kind of like a rhapsody or musical "Suite."  I hate all Flies!                         

           ALICE COOPER BAND             

           I wrote yesterday how the ALICE COOPER band's Singer, who now really is named Alice Cooper; is like that one Wrestler called the "Iron Sheik" who Mr. Steve took pictures of back in  the 1980's.  Both of them "Play the Part" of a mean "Villain" to "entertain" an audience.            

        As I mentioned yesterday, Mr. Steve's dad thinks some Entertainers "purposely try to get people to hate them;" so they'll "pay to see them lose."  He agrees at times "Controversy sells      Tickets."  A small flock of Birds is flying over Libby's Corral and moving toward the east.            

     This afternoon I'll learn about that Wrestler "Gorgeous" George, a "Heel" who wanted everyone to hate him.  Mr. Steve read Muhammad Ali's "outrageous behavior" was influenced    by Gorgeous George's "Persona."  He even wore white shoes just like Gorgeous George.              

ALICE COOPER     

PHOTO BY DAVE HOGAN

             As I said in book one when I wrote about "Shock Rock," the word "Macabre" is used to describe ALICE COOPER concerts.  Daisy saw that tv show about Shock Rock and told me the Singer Alice Cooper looks scary alright.  He even has some belts with a skull for the buckle.         

        I'll bet one reason Mr. Steve likes ALICE COOPER is because he also likes "Horror" movies.  Daisy told me a man on the tv show called Alice Cooper the "Father of Shock Rock,"  his "stage act" described as being "fantasy horror."   Andy's sniffing the air over there.                

           Mr. Steve thinks, as far as "Gimmicks" go; Alice Cooper's persona is clever.  Tomorrow I'll write about a 1970's band called the NEW YORK DOLLS who dressed up like girls.  Before  he died, their tall blonde-haired bass player Arthur Kane became a Mormon Daisy heard.           

      "SCREAMING" JAY HAWKINS        ARTHUR BROWN                    MARILYN MANSON              

            I just thought of that guy "Screaming" Jay Hawkins who, in the 1950's; was one of the first Singers or Performers who shocked audiences.  Daisy says in the 1960's that English guy      Arthur Brown sang with a fire burning right on his head.  Boy!  I'd really like to see that.             

        Dais told me  that guy Marilyn Manson uses "Fascist" imagery to shock.  Hard Rock bands like WASP, the PLASMATICS, WHITE ZOMBIE and "SLIPKNOT; tried to shock.  Our boss Mr. Steve and his friends saw GWAR play at the Hollywood Palladium that one time.           

            Goliath the Gopher Snake just used the left vertical slot to crawl out into the back desert, with Andy over there keeping a close eye on him as he does it.  All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral and moving together toward the east.  I smell the baby Cholla cactus.                                           

 KILLER (1971)   

           Wow!  What a coincidence that, just as I'm about to write about the early 1970's ALICE COOPER album "Killer" I see Goliath.  It's the album with that song "Halo of Flies" on it and    shows a Snake tasting the air with its tongue Dais says.  She likes the red color scheme.                 

           The first time Mr. Steve heard Killer was at his friend Alex's house in Granada Hills.  It had just come out, and Alex pretended to be angry at his younger sister for writing on the red      album cover in some really thick black ink.  But I guess he was just "Kidding" as they say.         

          Alex, who had a good Stereo like the one Mr. Steve has now; knew our boss did lettering.  And that ALICE COOPER Killer album cover does have terrible childlike writing on it so, at      first our boss "Fell for It" the story about his sister.  The morning air is so clear again today.        

                 ALICE COOPER                    

                         PHOTO BY MARIO ANZUONI                                 

           I guess, from what Daisy saw on the tv show about Shock Rock; Alice Cooper brings a really huge "Boa Constrictor" Snake up on stage with him during his concert.  Sometimes he      carries a cane, and at other times a crutch.  Ah!  I can smell the new baby Cholla cactus.               

            Dais and Millie one time heard our boss talking with his sister Susan about her seeing an Alice Cooper concert at this Indian Casino near her house in Connecticut.  She doesn't go to the Casino to gamble but enjoys their dances.  Blackbeard and Anne are flying to the north.               

          Wow!  It says here in this one Encyclopedia those "Boa" Snakes can grow to be as big as eighteen feet long, but most are only about ten feet.  That's still pretty big and I wouldn't want to have to fight one.  Mr. Steve's friend Mark Ritter who died knew a lot about Boa Constrictor's.         

             "BOA CONSTRICTOR"        SOUTH AMERICA                        "ANACONDA"   

        The caption below this picture of two guys holding a Boa says Boa's have "adapted" to many environments, but prefer "Tropical Rain Forests;" like those in South America.   I guess    Mark Ritter also knew about these other giant Snakes called "Anaconda's."  I smell Sage.            

          Daisy heard our boss tell that kid Jason he thinks the ALICE COOPER band may have influenced later Punk music, not so much in their sound but, in their "rebellious" attitude.  A      little Lizard on the wall over there near the sliding glass door is now doing some pushups.             

           I guess Alice Cooper's real first name is "Vince."  Like Mr. Steve's brother Rock in High School he was "Cross Country Runner" too.  He was never "disaffected" from his parents.  Mr. Steve has known a few guys named Vince over the years, which is shorthand for "Vincent."                                       

      ALICE COOPER                                        "CERBERUS" / "HERCULES" 

                                                                                                                   PAINTING BY BORIS VALLEJO

        Yesterday I mentioned how Mr. Steve's brothers, back in the 1980's; ran in the "L.A. Marathon" a few times.  So, they like long distance running; the way Alice Cooper did in High    School.  The Shock Rock tv show showed a picture of Alice Cooper with two heads Dais said.       

          Daisy told me seeing Alice Cooper with two heads kind of reminded her of that ancient Greek story about "Cerberus."   That was the vicious three-headed Dog who guards the gates to  "Hades," or the "Underworld."  The Lizard ran down the wall and ducked behind Elvira.           

           "In real life" Mr. Steve told that kid Jason, Alice Cooper is close to his parents.  He and his band used the rebellious youth image as one of those "Gimmick" or "Publicity Stunts."  His "Theatrics" were meant to get attention for the band but of coarse most parents didn't like it.                      

                 MARX BROTHERS                            LENNY BRUCE (1924-1966) AND FAMILY

            Yesterday I wrote about how Comedians "Groucho" Marx and Lenny Bruce are buried at the Jewish cemetery in Mission Hills where Mr. Steve's boss Steve Banks was also buried.  I      guess Groucho Marx saw ALICE COOPER play and liked their "Act."  I smell Creosote.             

         Mr. Dave read the guys who were in ALICE COOPER came out to L.A. from the city of "Phoenix," but Vincent Furnier the Singer grew up back there in "Detroit."  At first they were      not successful and were low on money Dais heard.  Samson and Delilah are flying bye.                

        Groucho Marx took Jack Benny, Bob Hope and Mae West to see ALICE COOPER, and they thought it was modern "Vaudeville."  Many didn't understand "Horror" Rock, one being    Frank Zappa; who hired them "precisely because I don't get It."   Heathcliff just crowed.                              

  CAPTAIN BEEFHEART                                       FRANK ZAPPA            

             Before moving to Los Angeles, Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart went to "Antelope Valley" High northwest of us; near Mr. Steve's brother Sam's house.  Our boss heard Captain      Beefheart's dad drove a "Catering Truck."  Wow!  What a great way to make some money!         

             Dais heard, when they were growing up in the 1960's on Hagar Street in Sylmar; one of our boss's neighbors drove a Catering Truck too.  But sadly, he was killed when his Truck full of food was hit by one of those really big Trucks I've mentioned.  A Raven is clucking nearby.           

            I just thought of  Mr. Bob in Missouri, our boss's customer who also went to Antelope Valley High School too.  Someday when I get over my fear of riding in Cars, or Trucks like Rex;  Daisy and I would like to visit Littlerock.  It's about twenty seven miles form our house.               

                         SAM / YOLANDA                              SAMMY JR. / SAM / MATHEW / RAQQUEL 

                                                                                     YOLANDA 

             Yesterday I mentioned a few times how Mr. Steve's brother Sam, and wife Yolanda; have three kids.  Mathew's the oldest, his younger brother is Sammy Jr.; and  Raqquel's the youngest. All are pretty good Athletes from what Daisy heard, and they're talented in other ways too. 

         Daisy says over the years our boss and Mr. Bob at the Ford dealership in Missouri have talked about the Antelope Valley.  And that was before and after Mr. Steve moved up here to our area.  Andy's over there sniffing the air to make sure there's no danger for their new babies.         

       Mr. Bob's father, like Frank Zappa's dad; worked in the "Aerospace" industry in and around "Edwards" Air Force Base over there.  One time he and Mr. Steve talked about that guy Jonathon Swift, who in the early18th century wrote "Gulliver's Travels."   Dawn's barking.        

JONATHON SWIFT (1677-1745)

           Yesterday I learned about that man Jonathon Swift, who wrote "Gulliver's Travels."  He was not Roman Catholic like most people from Ireland, and lived a lot of the time in England.  I really like the fancy wig he's wearing in this good black and white drawing of Jonathon Swift.     

       Mr. Steve met an older Scottish lady who read Gulliver's Travels and said she thought Jonathon Swift "surely a clever satirist."  He was a "Cleric," like a Priest; in the "Protestant        Anglican Church of England."  I like those two white things hanging from around his neck.         

          Someday I'll hopefully see the movie Gulliver's Travels based on Jonathon Swift's book. It's about a Doctor who sails to different lands, but gets shipwrecked and in one he's a giant but in another land he's tiny and young girl keeps him as a pet.   A little Lizard just ran bye.               

   SAMANTHA /MISS PEGGY                           ROCKY JR. / ROCK / JACOB      

                                                                                  STEPHANIE / RICH / CRISTINA      

         Oh!  My Encyclopedia says Jonathon Swift was born in November, like Mr. Steve's Niece Samantha and his Nephews Rocky Jr. and Sammy Jr.  And he died on October the 19th, or two    days after Mr. Steve's brother Rock's birthday.  I can smell the new baby Cholla cactus over.       

         I wrote yesterday how in Mr. Steve's family there are more birthdays in "May" than any other month, and Mr. Steve's parent's Wedding Anniversary is on the 24th of May.  Oh wow!  I just noticed how the morning sunlight is making the baby Cholla shine over there in the dirt.       

         Mr. Steve, and his Nephew Mathew too; were born in July which is the seventh month of the year and is when it gets really hot around here.  Then, for about three months Mr. Steve at times takes afternoon naps or those "Siestas" on extremely hot days.  Libby just whinnied.                                                         

GRANDPA / GRANDMA CÓRDOVA

           Hey God!  I just thought of how Grandma Córdova told people You "gave her a gift" in having Mr. Steve's dad be born on February the 23rd, her birthday being on the 24th.  Mr. Rich, Miss Harriet and Mr. Steve's Nephew Dalton were also born in February too.  I like Libby.          

           Mr. Steve's mom once asked if Alice Cooper's "Theatrics" is influenced by that Spanish "Surrealist" Artist Salvadore Dalí?   She studied his "bizarre" painting in College at C.S.U.N.      but tells people it "wasn't her cup of tea."   I guess "Realism" is her favorite form of art.              

           Ah!  I just glanced up from over here on the Patio in time to see a small "Garter" Snake crawling out into the back desert.  It went through the left vertical slot on the side of the gate to    do it.  Boy!  Someday I can't wait to someday to hear some of Alice Cooper's good songs.                        

             SALVADOR DALÍ (1904-1989)                                PABLO PICASSO (1881-1973) / FAMILY                                                                                                       

          A picture in my Encyclopedia shows a black and white photo of that guy Salvador Dalí, and the caption says he's in front of one of his color paintings to create a "contrast."  Daisy says our boss has often used "Contrast" in art.  I can smell Theodora's favorite Creosote bush.          

          Mr. Steve's mom, like "Dalí" and Pablo Picasso; studied post World War I Surrealism; which was influenced by that 1910's Art Movement called "Dada."  Dada replaced "Realism"    with "dreamlike subconscious" images.  Daisy says that lady Sister Wendy knows about it.           

         I guess Mr. Steve's mom, who does appreciate Dalí's "Draftsmanship;" prefers realistic images.  But Dais says one of the big "Abstract" paintings she did in College is hanging above      the washer and dryer in our utility room.  Donald and Daisy are both quacking over there.                                                                            

                                  DIEGO VELÁZQUEZ (1599-1660)                                 

                                            SELF-PORTRAIT                                                  

            In the picture of Salvador Dalí I notice his "Handlebar" mustache.  This Encyclopedia says he wore it like that because he "admired" that early 17th century Spanish Painter Diego      Velázquez, who I said in book one Mr. Steve's mom likes too.  A Lizard just waddled bye.              

         "Velázquez," who lived during the early "Baroque" era; was "probably" one of those "Converso" Jews who were forced to become Roman Catholic.  Oh!  All of a sudden I can hear    Vivaldi's song La Primavera, which is giving me energy just like it gives to Mr. Steve too.              

            Diego Velázquez, a century after Columbus; lived during the Spanish "Golden Age" of King Philip IV it says here.  New Mexico was being "Colonized," English people were settling in  New England; and the bloody "Thirty Years War" was going on.  Libby neighed over there.                                           CHARLES V (1500-1558)                       SPAIN                            PHILIP IV (1605-1665)            PAINTING BY TITIAN                                                                                                                                                                     PAINTING BY DIEGO VELÁZQUEZ

             Aha!  No wonder Diego Velázquez wore a handlebar mustache.  This one Encyclopedia shows a portrait he painted of King Philip IV, who's mustache is like Salvador Dalí's.  I guess,      Philip IV was the Great Grandson of that other powerful "Habsburg" King Charles V.                 

             Tomorrow in book three is when Dais and I decided I'd write the most about the 1500's or 16th century, when the Muslim "Ottoman" Empire fought a lot of wars against Christians;      like Charles V for example.  A long line of Ants are going bye down there on the Patio floor. 

             One time Dais and Millie heard Mr. Steve and his mom talking on the phone about hair styles, and how they "go in and out of fashion."  She was amused in recalling how many ways      she's had her hair cut over the years.    Mr. Steve used to have long hair but not any more.            

  CHARLIE CHAPLAIN                                LAUREL AND HARDY        

           Until Adolph Hitler made a short and stubby mustache "Infamous" it was popular.  The Comedians Charlie Chaplin and Oliver Hardy wore it in that style in their movies.  Mr. Steve      and his father talked about how men in our family wore it like that in the early 20th century.       

       Mr. Steve's mom says she also remembers looking at old pictures of men in the Trujillo family who had worn what she called "Hitler type" mustaches.  The older brother in that band    SPARKS wore a Hitler mustache as a gimmick in the 1970's Dais says.  He was so funny.              

       I just thought of how Adolph Hitler, as a Soldier in the World War I; trimmed back his handlebar mustache to better fit a Gas Mask.  But I guess it only worked for so long, as he did      end up going temporarily blind from gas.  A flock of Birds just flew over Libby's Corral.                                 

      MAURICE RAVEL             ADOLPH HITLER                 ROLLIE FINGERS

             Yesterday I wrote about the song "Bolero," written by that French guy Maurice Ravel.  Back in the mid-19th century, he also wore a handlebar mustache like Diego Velazquez, King        Philip and later Adolph Hitler.  Andy's over there sniffing the air and is staying so alert.                

            As I've said a few times, since he's been ten years old Mr. Steve's favorite Baseball team has been the Oakland "Athletics;" or "A's."  And, as I've mentioned before too; in the 1970's an A's "Relief" Pitcher was named Rollie Fingers.  He grew one of those handlebar mustaches.         

           Mr. Steve and his father both think the 16th century was so important.  Columbus' 1492 discovery of the New World "accelerated"  the "Age of Discovery."   The "Renaissance," which  began in the 15th century; was going on.  The "Protestant Reformation" began in the 1500's.                                           

         ÉDOUARD MANET (1832-1883)

           SELF-PORTRAIT                 

            Two of Mr. Steve's mom's favorite Painters are that guy Velázquez and Édouard Manet.  I guess "Manet," in the 19th century; told people Velázquez was the "best" Painter in history.      Boy!  I really like the round straw hat he's wearing in a self-portrait he did of himself.                   

             Édouard Manet was French, the caption describes his painting as "Modernist."   He was one of the first Artist's to "portray modern life," and his work important in the "transition" in    between "Realism" and "Impressionism."   Dawn's barking and I can smell little Blinky.              

            I just thought of that lady "Sister" Wendy, who I mentioned in book one; and still wears the "Old-Fashioned" style of Nun's uniform.  Daisy would love to meet her and so would I as she must be a very smart person.  Plus, she seems like a really friendly person too Dais told me.                                                                            

        "SISTER" WENDY BECKETT              

         Sister Wendy, like our boss's mom; knows about the history of "Painting" and even had that tv show where she traveled to Museums and explained things.  Wow!  What a great job that would be I think.  Oh!  I'll bet Mr. Peabody would be really good at doing that job too.                  

          Hey Lord!  As You know, Sister Wendy became a "Celebrity" by accident when someone who worked in tv over there in England read something she wrote.  I wrote how Mr. Steve and his mom shook hands with Sister Wendy at the L.A.C.M.A. museum.   She was so friendly.           

           Dais noticed how Sister Wendy might have bad teeth.  I mentioned a few times in book one how, Daisy is starting to have bad teeth too and tells me to chew softly; so my teeth will last a lot  longer.  Mr. Steve and his friend Mr. Grant knew a girl named "Wendy" in "Law School."           

SISTER WENDY'S TRAILER

            Daisy says our boss one time told Mr. Ralph Sister Wendy in some ways kind of reminds him of Sister Rita Joseph.  Daisy heard she's one of those "Hermits" who mainly just prays and  reads inside of the Trailer she lives in.  Theodora just went flying bye in front of the Sheds.           

         I just thought of how Sister Rita Joseph was "Scots-Irish."  Daisy one time heard Mr. Phillip from Wales tell our boss he read Sister Wendy said, "had she known" how much time it    took to make a tv show; she "probably would not have done it."  The four Pigeons flew bye.         

         Mr. Steve and his mom both thought Sister Wendy and Sister Rita Joseph "physically" resembled each other.  I'll bet Sister Wendy is one of those "Lifetime Learners" that Sister Rita Joseph used to always talk about.  Daisy thinks she's definitely a Lifetime Learner alright.                                    

      SISTER WENDY THINKING        

           PHOTO BY REX                     

         Mr. Steve's mom met a lady who told her Sister Wendy was born in 1930, or two years before Mr. Steve's father; and five years before herself.  I guess Sister Wendy is "retired" over    there in England now.  Mr. Steve's mom thinks she probably just "prays and thinks" now.           

             Daisy heard the lady said Sister Wendy was born in "South Africa," and went to College at a school in that city "Liverpool; where the BEATLES grew up.  Her father was a "Physician"  and she was a "School Teacher" in South Africa.  Benjamin the black Cow Bird flew bye.             

        Blessed Mother!  I guess the lady told our boss's mom Sister Wendy was a member of the "Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur," who are "dedicated to education."  Sister Rita Joseph      would've been the perfect member of that Order Daisy thinks.  Libby whinnied over there.          

COLLEGE PROFESSOR         J.R.R. TOLKIEN (1892-1973)            WITH FAMILY        

            Daisy heard the lady told Mr. Steve's mom that guy J.R.R. Tolkien  was a member of the "Board" which examined Sister Wendy's College "Final Exams."  And, she did so good he even offered her a job at that same exact College.  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies up there.              

            Mr. Steve told his mom probably one reason Tolkien liked Sister Wendy was because both knew many languages.  As a School Teacher in South Africa she taught was Latin, so of course      she knew all of the other languages that came from Latin.  Theodora went running bye.                

        Hey Mother Mary!  As You know already I'm sure, Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Ralph  Sister Wendy said she "knew" since being a little girl she was going to dedicate her life to You      and become a Nun.  Boy!  The air is really clear right now, and that makes me feel so good.                                                  

  "MONET ON HIS STUDIO BOAT"                        "MELON AND PEACHES"       

PAINTINGS BY ÉDOUARD MANET

            Daisy overheard our boss tell Mr. Ralph his mom liked how that guy Édouard Manet used the color yellow.  I mentioned yesterday how she mixed her own oil paints and could even    reproduce the same exact tones much later if needed.  I can smell a Lizard around here.              

              In looking at two of "Manet's" painting I understand how good Painters can make you appreciate how light "Falls" on things.  His painting of another French Painter named Claude    Monet makes me feel kind of warm inside.  You can really tell that he paints good fruit.                

             Oh!  I just glanced up in time to see Laverne and Shirley leading all of their new Spring babies out into the back eastern desert.  They're streaming "Single File" through both openings on either side of the gate.  They must've been resting underneath one of the three Sheds.               

         GEORGIAO KEEFE (1897-1963)           

           I like how the sunlight is making things look right now, which reminds of how that lady Georgia O' Keefe and our boss's mom; like New Mexico's sunlight.  Mr. Dave now likes it too.      Georgia O'Keefe shares November the 15th as a birthday with Mr. Steve's Niece Samantha.         

         Hey Lord!  I'm still thinking of the Singer Alice Cooper, who Dais heard is one of those "Born Again" Christians I've mentioned before.  Daisy was in our boss's bedroom and saw a tv    show about the ALICE COOPER band.  Boy!  I can really smell Theodora's Creosote bush.         

           As You know Lord, Dais thinks You helped Alice Cooper quit drinking and taking drugs; which I guess is a very hard thing to do.  So that's why Mr. Steve's family is really proud of his    brother Sam who also quit drinking too.  Heathcliff just now crowed over there next door.                                  

           ALICE COOPER AND FAMILY            

                       PHOTO BY RON GALELLA                               

          Hey Lord!  As You know, according to the tv show on Alice Cooper; his wife also helped him quit wanting to drink.  Mr. Steve thinks her trust and respect was probably more important to him than alcohol.  Leo and Cleo are now sitting in the clump of Joshua trees above Andy.         

          Mr. Steve told his mom his brother was like Alice Cooper in realizing he does not need to drink in order to enjoy things like sporting events or concerts.  He now can go without it even if  everyone around him is drinking.  Neither one ever wants to disappoint their families.                   

        Dais says our boss thinks, when Alice Cooper quit drinking; he smartly "Redirected" or "Channeled" his "Addictive" nature into playing Golf.  Mr. Steve believes Golf can also become  addictive too in searching for never possible perfection.  Two of the Pigeons just flew bye.             

MR. RICK WITH MOM

      One time our boss and Mr. Rick, who golfs with his wife Linda; talked about that guy Alice Cooper.  I mentioned yesterday how Mr. Steve says he's never been good at golfing but does like  to just buy a big bucket of balls and hit them as far as he can.  The other two Pigeons flew bye.    

     Dais says our boss kind of laughed when Mr. Rick joked how "Golfing is a hell of a lot safer than drinking."  I wonder what Daisy's doing up there in the front yard?  Last night she stayed    out here with me Mr. Steve kept trying to get her to go in the house.  He was kind of surprised.    

  A while back Daisy and Millie were in our boss's office and heard him talking on the phone with Mr. Rick.   They talked about Mr. Rick and his wife Linda, who's he's been with for about    forty years.  I wrote yesterday about how they've had three kids, Ricky Jr., Nicole and Gino.        

                                             MR. STEVE'S PARENTS                                                                                    

 PHOTO BY STEPHANIE CÓRDOVA                                                                                     

         I just thought of how Mr. Steve's parents are best friends who've been married for fifty nine years.  They don't always agree on everything but, because they have "Trust and Respect"    for each other; they at times "Agree to Disagree" as they say.  Ah!  Little Blinky's barking.           

           Daisy says, in the tv show Alice Cooper said he and his wife still go out on "Dates."  As I wrote yesterday in my first book, Mr. Steve's parents used to do that too until they got too old.      They used to go down to the to the Hollywood Palladium and dance to Big Band style music.        

           Mr. Dave read how that guy Bob Dylan, who others think was a good song writer; said he thinks Alice Cooper is "very underrated" and "underappreciated" as a song writer.  I guess he    also read John Lennon Lennon of the BEATLES liked the song "Elected."  I smell Manzanita.                                 

   IRON MAIDEN                                                              METALLICA

          Yesterday I wrote about Mr. Steve, ever since hearing the KINKS' song "You Really Got Me" when he was about ten years old; likes Hard Rock and Heavy Metal.  One time he was told  IRON MAIDEN'S Drummer is a Born Again Christian like Alice Cooper.   Dawn's barking.        

            Mr. Steve heard METALLICA'S Singer also quit drinking, maybe because the trust and  respect of his wife and kids was too valuable to him.  Speedy Gonzalez just ran out into the back  desert behind the Sheds.  He zipped through the right vertical slot on the side of the gate.              

          In chapter three Daisy has me scheduled to write in detail about the American Civil War, which our boss knows a lot about.  So, of course I'll look up that guy Ulysses S. Grant; who I've    mentioned before.  He also really needed the trust and respect of his wife and kids I guess.                       

               JIMI HENDRIX                       JANIS JOPLIN                    JIM MORRISON            

                              PHOTO BY HENRY DILTZ                             

                                                                                                      27             

          As I mentioned yesterday when I wrote about that one "Grunge" Rock band from Seattle called NIRVANA, tomorrow I'll write about the "27 Club."  That's what they call the group of   Musicians who died at the very young age of only twenty seven.  Dawn's barking over there.       

         Daisy says on the tv show about Alice Cooper he said one time he came into a room where Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison were in.   All three of them ended up being  in the  27 Club.  Anyway, tomorrow in my third book I'll be coming back to this particular subject.      

       Oh!   Yesterday, when I learned about "Pirates;" I forgot to write about a Scottish Writer Robert Louis Stevenson.  Daisy heard, in the late 19th century he wrote "Treasure Island," the    most famous book about "Buccaneers."  I smell Blinky and Rosie standing next to Dawn.                                                           

        DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE (1886)

          One night Dais and Millie were in the living room and watched this good movie based on another book written by that guy Robert Louis Stevenson.  It's called "Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde,"  and I guess is about a Doctor over there in England.  All four of the Pigeons are flying bye.           

         Daisy told me the tv show said, ever since he quit drinking; that guy Alice Cooper has had to become a "Split Personality."  In real life he's the average person but as an "Entertainer" he's a "Bigger than Life" performer.  Now he's learned to keep the two parts totally separate.              

      In that movie about Robert Louis Stevenson's story the Doctor drinks this thing called a "Serum."  It turns his nice friendly personality into this really mean monster.  My Encyclopedia says how an "Allegory" is when something is used in a story to make a "broader statement."                       

 ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON (1850-1894)               MR. RALPH / SON RORY                 

           Mr. Ralph read Robert Louis Stevenson's book "Treasure Island."  He says whenever it has been made into a play or movie they add and or change a lot with "Artistic License."  Daisy has heard Mr. Steve talk on the phone with Mr. Ralph's son Rory who seems really smart too.      

            This Encyclopedia says Robert Louis Stevenson was born on November 13th and died on December the 3rd.  I've mentioned how Mr. Steve's Nieces Samantha and Stephanie were born    on November 15th and December the 4th "Respectively."  A Train just now whistled faintly.         

         Oh!  What a coincidence that Blackbeard and his girlfriend Anne Bonny the Crows just happen to be flying bye right after I mention Pirates.  Boy!  Some day I want to read Treasure      Island."  You can always tell Blackbeard by the white hole where his left eye should be.                      

MR. RICK   

            I just thought about Mr. Rick, and how he also went to St. Ferdinand's in the 1960's.   Rick's Italian-American family moved to L.A. from the city of "Pittsburgh."  So, as I've said;      his all time favorite sports teams are still to this day the ones who represent Pittsburgh.                

              Most Italians, like Hispanic families; are Roman Catholics like us.  That's why Mr. Steve and Mr. Rick were able to meet each other as kids.  Over the next two days, according  to these    outlines; I still have a lot more to learn about some of the other different world religions.              

          Well, it looks like this is the end of chapter one, which is good because I'm a little bit thirsty and want to go drink some water.  So, I'll hide everything and go do that.  Heathcliff just crowed, and I can hear and now smell all of his girl Hens; who sound happy again today.                   

II   

(Chapter 2 / Book Two)

8:30     

MORNING SKY      

           Ah!  I feel so great right now!  I pulled everything back out and now can't wait to do this second chapter, which according to my outline will 

        Well Everyone up there, it looks like this is going to be another good day; that's if You all will that of course.  I sure do hope You Guys will help me down here on Elvira just like You did    yesterday.  I'd say it's about eight thirty based on the Sun and how the shadows are looking.        

       Oh!  I forgot to mention how QUEEN'S lead Singer Freddie Mercury's family were in the "Zoroastrian" religion.  In 1991 when he died; though he wasn't religious; Freddie Mercury was buried in a Zoroastrian funeral.  As I've said, Nietzsche called Zoroaster "Zarathustra."                                                              

      ZOROASTER (?)     

       From what is says here in this Encyclopedia, Zoroastrians believe in three things, having good "thoughts," good "words" and doing good "deeds."  Even though he wasn't religious that  guy Freddie Mercury wanted a Zoroastrian funeral for some reason.  Heathcliff crowed.               

           I guess, no one really knows when Zoroaster lived but, it might've been in the 7th century B.C.  It says here Plato "mentioned" him, and the religion he started was "dominant" in ancient "Persia," and still has followers in modern "Iran."   Here in California too Daisy heard.               

         Dais told me our boss and that girl who knew about Classical Music talked about how, in some ways; Zoroastrianism "influenced" the later religion of Islam.  Zoroastrians also pray five  times a day, and cover their heads while doing it too.  Boy God!  I feel so happy again today.                                                                          

 ABU ISHAQ (1029-1087 A.D.)         

            I just looked up an 11th century A.D. Muslim Astronomer named Abu Ishaq who lived in that Spanish city of Córdoba I wrote about yesterday.  I guess, he watched the Planet Mercury    closely.  I just noticed a little Lizard over there, standing on the wall doing some pushups.             

          Wow!  That guy Abu Ishaq's real name, "Abu Ishaq Ibrahim Ibn Yahya al Zarqali;" was so long.  My Encyclopedia describes him as an "inventor," probably like those later guys Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla who I'll write about today.  He made some "precision instruments."        

          All of a sudden I just thought about that thing called "Astrology."  Daisy saw this tv show about it and, even though our boss doesn't believe in it; she thinks there "might be something to it."  It's described here in this Encyclopedia as being belief in "divinitory practices."                     

"ZODIAC" OF THE "HOROSCOPE"

           Mr. Steve one time told his Niece Cristina he knows wanting to believe things are "fixed" can be "reassuring."  And reading about a better future might help some people deal with stress, but it's not a good idea to "base" everything you do on a "Horoscope."   Heathcliff crowed.          

         Our boss understands why thinking positively is good, but that doesn't guarantee a good result.  There's a reason why Astrology is called a "Pseudoscience," and Newspapers put those    "Disclaimers" right below the section he says.  Anyway, I'll come back to this subject later.           

          Right now, sitting here on my couch Elvira; the Sun's warmth is making me feel so alive.  And in my head I'm suddenly hearing Antonio Vivaldi's song "La Primavera."  Mr. Steve played it really loud on his Boombox this morning when he came outside to feed us our breakfasts.                                               

   "SERENGETI" WATERING HOLE               

           A Lizard is over there standing on one of the big boulders Mr. Steve has piled around the bottom of the Mulberry tree.  Sunlight is reflecting off the surface of the "Shiny" water.  So far    this morning I've seen a few Bugs and different Birds drinking water from that "Basin."               

         Yesterday I mentioned how Mr. Cliff jokingly called the water basin below the Mulberry tree a "mini Serengeti."  What he meant was that things who normally aren't around each other will share water just like over there in Africa.  That one Lizard just ran down the wall.                  

       Oh!  Mentioning Africa now reminds me that I totally forgot to write about those things called "Hippopotamus's" yesterday.  They usually live in the water or around the Water Holes in the Serengeti.  Two little Wrens just flew in, and are now taking turns drinking some water.                                                

       HIPPOPOTAMUS         

           Oh my God!  According to what it says in the caption under a picture of a Hippopotamus in this Encyclopedia, some males can grow to be three tons!  So, that means six thousand pounds in weight total!  Those two little Wrens who were drinking some water just darted away.               

        It's interesting how, it says here in my Encyclopedia that "Hippo's" at one time lived all over the whole world.  Wow!  I guess, some of their ancient "Fossils" from "thousands" of years  ago; have even been found even in what is now England.  Dawn and Blinky are barking.              

         Ah!  My Encyclopedia says what Dais heard.  It is true that those huge giant Hippo's have special nostrils that aim upward, and can even close when they go under the water.  Wow!  And    it's also true that Hippo's are all able to "hold their breath" for about five full minutes.                                        

              "SEA WORLD"                    

        Oh!  I can't wait for my first big break after chapter four, so I can run up front; and tell Daisy Hippopotamus' aren't related to Pigs at all.  It says here how their closest "relatives" are    actually Dolphins and Whales!  Yesterday I wrote about "Sea World" in San Diego.                       

           In the early 1970's, when Mr. Steve and his brother Rock visited with their Uncle Marty's family in San Diego; they went to the Zoo and Sea World.  Daisy and I, but only from a distance  of course; would kind of like to smell a Killer Whale.  Dais says they would kill us for food.           

          I've mentioned how Uncle Marty is Mr. Steve's dad's brother.  A medical "Corpsman" in the Vietnam War, he then got an "M.B.A." College degree from Harvard.  It was that Corpsman from Canada who "Saved" Mr. Steve's father's "Frostbitten" feet during the Korean War.                            

     "VIETNAM" WAR           

         Daisy's the one who told me our boss still has his tattered old "Draft Car" from 1973.  Mr. Cliff fought in the Vietnam War and, if that war had lasted another year; Mr. Steve would've had to go fight in it too.  Anyway, I'll be learning more about that war in these last two books.              

          Oh!  I just thought of that guy Anthony Bourdain.  As I said yesterday, he's a "Chef" from New York City and from what Daisy heard; is a good Writer too.  He has that tv show like Huell  Howser's and Rick Steve's so gets to travel all around the world and eat all types of food.              

       I guess, in one episode Anthony Bourdain went to South Vietnam so of course ate some of their good food.  Wow!  I totally agree with Dais when she joked about how it must be great to be paid to eat as much as you want with no limit.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny just flew bye.            

        ANTHONY BOURDAIN                 

           I've mentioned in my first book how Mr. Steve's mom used to cook a lot when her five kids were growing up.  But, unlike Anthony Bourdain who cooks at a big Restaurant; she made food    mainly for her family and their friends.  A Train just whistled faintly over there to my left.            

       Daisy and Millie heard our boss tell his mom a while back he had a dream about her soft, thick and fluffy flour tortillas.  He also mentioned how a lady he sold things to volunteers to feed  Victorville's homeless.  That big Dragonfly who was hanging around here yesterday flew bye.       

        Mr. Steve told his mom how, on a "much bigger scale;" that lady from Victorville uses this recipe for "Potato Soup" very similar to what she used to make.  And her "Arroz con Pollo," or    "Rice and Chicken;" also resembles his mom's too.  I can smell the new baby Cholla cactus.         

     STEPHANIE / RICH                             SUSAN                              SAM /YOLANDA                                                                                                                        

            Yesterday I mentioned a few times how there are a lot of good cooks in Mr. Steve's family.  His Niece Steph and Mr. Rich are both really good cooks like that guy Anthony Bourdain, whose tv show they love to watch Dais heard.   Mr. Rich even cooks meat slowly under the ground.         

         Mr. Steve's sister Susan back in Connecticut, and his brother Sam and wife Yolanda over there in Littlerock too; cook really good food according to Daisy heard.  Mr. Steve likes how the females in the family make things like his mom did when they were growing up.  I smell Sage.      

        Daisy says Mr. Steve one time told his brother Rock in Texas how it seems like all three of his kids, Stephanie, Rocky Jr. and Jacob; have good "business sense."  Rocky and Amber are a    really good team too in the running of their business.  And Jacob also seems to be smart too.                                  

DRAGPIPE (2002)                                           MR. RICH                    

          Yesterday I wrote about how Mr. Rich, who some people call "Richie;" grew up back east in the State of "New Jersey."  He played guitar in that Heavy Metal band DRAGPIPE, and Mr. Steve listens to the album they put out in 2002.  Mr. Rich's parents are from down in "Cuba."      

         Stephanie and Rich make a good team.  They've developed their business selling what Mr. Rich cooks slowly.  Once a week they go and sell the food at that "Farmer's Market" in "Santa Clarita."  All four of the Pigeons just now flew past Libby's Corral over there to my right.         

        Mr. Rich, being so good at working with his hands and things like that; sets up that big tent where Steph can then sell the food.  He just provides the "Platform" for her to "Execute" their    business.  She's probably much more comfortable working "with the public" Daisy thinks.           

HIPPOPOTTAMUS      

          After chapter one, I not only drank some water out of the water bucket; I went pee too.  As I did it in the northwest corner of our property I saw Goliath crawl bye out in the desert.  Oh!  I  forgot to write a few more things about those big Hippos who live over there in Africa.                   

       Daisy and Millie saw a good tv show that said some Mammals, like Hippos, Dolphins and Whales; have evolved to live in water so their nostril's face upward.  This lets them go up to the    surface, and not have to "expose" their whole heads by sticking them out of the water.                   

        Oh!  It says here Hippo's are also like Dolphins, and Whales in being able to sleep in water by using only "half" of their brains.  Hey!  I'm kind of like that too because of when I was living  homeless out in that field, and couldn't "Afford the Luxury" of deep sleep.  I smell Sage.               

       "PREHISTORIC" WHALE         

PAINTING BY ALBERTO GENNARI

           Wow!  A really good painting shows what Whales used to look like millions of years ago, when they first went from land out into the Oceans.  And now, they could never go back; but it    doesn't matter because they get way more food out in the Oceans Dais thinks.  I smell Sage.          

           I just glanced up at the now high blue sky and see that there are two crisscrossed vapor trails way up there.  That reminds me of another time when Dais and I looked at vapor trails as    we smelled Sage.  I so feel good right now, and have a feeling this will be another good day.           

           It says here how Hippopotamus' spend about eighty percent of the time in water, mainly because they have "sensitive skin;" just like Mr. Steve and his mom.  For "as much as" sixteen    hours a day they sleep.  A Hippo opens it's mouth really wide and has "razor-sharp" teeth.                            

HIPPOPOTAMUS      

         Oh wow!  A picture shows boy Hippo's yelling at each other and the caption says they'll fight over a girl Hippo.  Daisy says Mr. Steve met this man at the Sylmar Library who knew a lot about Africa.  He said Hippos can at times be extremely "aggressive and unpredictable."              

         Another photo shows this man running from a Hippo.  The guy at the Library, who was from South Africa; said Hippo's can "cut you in half" if they get you in their powerful jaws.  On  land Hippo's can run from twenty to thirty miles per hour even if they look fat he said.                  

      Daisy told me how that man at the Library said Hippo's "herd" together for protection against things like Lions or Crocodiles.  Even though he said, they have a "short fuse" and are "nervous by nature;" so can become very violent themselves.  I'd like to smell a Hippo.                 

          "RHINOCEROS"               

           I guess, from what it says in my Encyclopedia; Hippo's are like those other things in Africa called "Rhinoceros's" in having "poor eyesight."  So, that man from South Africa thinks; both    are aggressive to "overcompensate."  Oh wow!  Rhinos could stab you with their nose horn.         

          Dais says that man saw Hippo's have really bloody fights.  One time a little Bird landed on the back of a male in a group of resting Hippo's.  It "startled" him, he got really angry; so tore a huge hole right out of the neck of the "unfortunate" smaller Hippo who was next to him.               

         Oh, what the heck!  Even though I'm scheduled to learn and write about World War I in book three tomorrow, since I'm writing about Hippopotamus's; I might as well talk about a big    Italian cannon called "Hippopotamus" now.  I know Dais would want  to smell a Hippo.               

    EUROPE (WORLD WAR I / 1914-1918)                 

          When the First World War broke out in 1914, as I mentioned yesterday; France, England and Russia were against Germany, Austria-Hungary and Turkey.  In 1917 the U.S. came in on      the side of England and France.  At the very end of 1917 the Russian Revolution happened.          

       My Encyclopedia says in 1914 Italy actually had a "treaty" with the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but Mr. Steve's father thinks they switched sides believing the "Allies" were more likely to win that war.  Then they'd get more of those "Spoils" I've mentioned.  Heathcliff crowed.         

           Germany and Italy only became "Countries" in the late 19th century but, since the time of Napoleon I early in that century; Italians thought some of their land "had been stolen."  Today    Daisy has me scheduled to learn about "Nationalism."  Our boss thinks it's very important.                                              

WORLD WAR I ("ALPINE" CAMPAIGN)     

          A good picture shows Italian Soldiers climbing up the "Alps" mountains to fight against the Austro-Hungarians.  It says here they fought in some the most "brutal" conditions in history, so "thousands" would die from the "extreme weather" and "avalanches."  A Crow cawed.            

           Dais and Millie one time were in our boss's bedroom and saw a tv show about the Italians in World War I.   Many people know about what happened in the battles on the border of France and Germany, but the war on Italian Austria border was just as horrible.  It was very cold.           

            Adolph Hitler fought on the "Western Front" in World War I while Benito Mussolini saw combat in battles against Austria-Hungary.  Both were wounded, Hitler was gassed.  But Hitler loved being in a war whereas Mussolini didn't like the hardship, pain and suffering at all.

                                                             2013 "AVALANCHE"  

             I guess, from what Daisy told me; an avalanche is when mud or snow is pulled by gravity to fall from higher places to a lower area.  She told me there's this big "Chevrolet" Truck called "Avalanche." She and Millie heard our boss talking with one of his customers about it.                  

           The Parts Manager told Mr. Steve how all those Avalanche Truck's were made in Mexico and were only built from the years 2001 through last year.  He said there were two "generations" of  Avalanche's.  All four of the Pigeons are flying together out into the back field right now.          

           Dais heard our boss say "Full Size Pickup" Truck when talking about those Avalanche's.  They must be big because, I guess they can carry five or six "Passengers;" and have four doors    like our Theodora and Barney Daisy thinks.  Mr. Steve has sold a lot of Chevy Truck hats.            

  MR. STEVE'S FATHER (LEFT) / "KOREAN" WAR  

               Yesterday I mentioned how Mr. Steve's father fought in the Korean War and he often did it in really hot or cold weather.  He got that "Frostbite" in his feet, and the Doctor's wanted to cut    them off but luckily for him; he was able to keep both of them.  A Crow is cawing faintly.              

          It says here the "Alpine Front" in the First World War was called the "Guerra Bianca," or "White War;" by the Italians.  It was the biggest war ever fought in all of history at the "highest altitude."  Those big battles were fought at "twelve thousand feet above sea level" I guess.            

     During the five years of World War I about "nine million" Soldiers died, and twenty one million more were "wounded."  Up in the Alps each side lost "half a million" dead and had to dig amazing tunnels to live underground from what Dais heard.  Now two Crows are fighting.            

                        WORLD WAR I        ERWIN ROMMEL (1891-1944)        WORLD WAR II                               

          Later today I'll write about that guy Erwin Rommel.  In World War I he was sent by the Germans to help the Austro-Hungarian Soldiers fight the Italians way up there in the mountains between Austria and Italy.  Two Pigeons just flew bye and are now going over Libby's Corral.      

           In the Second World War Erwin Rommel became one of the best Generals in history, just as smart "Strategically" and "Tactically" as Robert E. Lee.  In North Africa, the British feared    him; so called him the "Desert Fox."  I guess he really knew how to use "Armor," or Tanks.         

           Boy!  I'm so tempted to write about Erwin Rommel now.  But I'd better just wait and do it later today.  I mentioned yesterday how Erwin Rommel, that Painter Georgia O'Keefe; and Mr.  Mark in Hawaii were all born on November the 15th like Mr. Steve's Niece Samantha too.                                                               

          "HIPPOPOTAMUS" GUN ("ADAMELLO" RIDGE)          

                    PHOTO BY STEFANO TORRIONE                             

          It says here, in 1915; Italian Soldiers died and "broke bones" getting this huge Howitzer canon up to the top of a mountain.  I guess they called it the "Hippopotamus" because it was so    heavy carry.  In book one I mentioned how Howitzers shoot at a higher "Trajectory."                    

          Mr. Steve read that, when the First World War ended in 1918; the Italians just left the big canon up on the mountain and it's still there.  During the Mexican War Robert E. Lee was given that hard job of lifting artillery up a mountain before a battle.  Libby whinnied over there.           

         Oh!  That big Dragonfly just zoomed in and landed on a boulder around the bottom of the Mulberry tree.  I heard it coming in my right ear from over there near Libby's Corral.  But, it's    too late because all the water in the basin is now all gone and has absorbed into the ground.                          

                                                               THE BEATLES       

             Seeing the Sun to the east makes me remember Mr. Steve playing that BEATLES' song "Here Come the Sun" on his Boombox.  Daisy likes that song, which our boss thinks has Indian influences in it; and now so do I too.  I've mentioned before how the BEATLES are British.  

           Here Comes the Sun, which uses one of those "Moog" synthesizers; has a "Clapping" part and mentions a "long cold lonely Winter."  We had a cold Winter around here too in Piñon Hills. Daisy told me how years ago our boss used to play his drums along to Here Comes the Sun.

           The BEATLES 1967 album was called "Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."  In the picture I like the BEATLES colorful uniforms, would definitely wear the blue one; and know for sure Daisy would like the red one.   I really, really like how shoulder epaulets look. 

   "SERGEANT PEPPER'S LONELY HEART'S CLUB BAND"

PHOTO BY PETER BLAKE             

              I guess the 1967 BEATLES album shows the BEATLES posing in front of a big collage of people they thought were important.  I mentioned yesterday in my first book how Mr. Steve did a BEATLES logo line drawing, and has created many collages over the years.  Dawn's barking.

          Oh!  One image behind the BEATLES was of that guy Aldous Huxley who lived in Llano.  I wrote about him yesterday, and know he'll come up over these next two days too.  I've mentioned before how he was George Orwell's French Teacher at Eton College over there in England. 

           Daisy says this tv show called that 1967 BEATLES album cover a "pop art classic," with "Surrealistic" elements.  Mr. has a vinyl copy of that album and thinks every song is good.  Hey Lord!  You were originally in the collage but they decided against You and Mahatma Gandhi.     

HITLER IN ORIGINAL COLLAGE

               Dais told me how the man on the tv show said that guy Hitler was also going to be in the BEATLES album cover too.  But, I guess they decided it might be way too "controversial."  Mr. Steve thinks some of Adolph Hitler's "aesthetic" taste is still influencing things in art.

           Writers like Stephen Crane, Edgar Allen Poe and H.G. Wells are shown on the BEATLES' big collage, ans so is Marilyn Monroe too.  The tv show said the BEATLES' songs on that album were "musically innovative" Dais told me.  I'll learn about Stephen Crane in chapter three.

            I guess, in the final version of the album cover picture that guy Albert Einstein ended up being blocked out by John Lennon, and the Actress Bette Davis is behind George Harrison.  Mr. Steve was told it took about three hundred hours of work to make that album.  I smell Sage.   

"WATTS TOWERS"                                  SIMON RODIA (1879?-1965)

            One time Daisy and Millie heard our boss talking with Mr. Chris about these things called the "Watts Towers."  I guess, for about thirty three years, from 1921 through 1954; this Italian man named Simon Rodia built seventeen tall towers.  He's also in the BEATLES collage too.

            I've mentioned before how Mr. Chris, who grew up in "Watts" right near Simon Rodia's sculpture; gets us things we need like Daisy and I's blankets for instance.  Daisy says it was Mr. Chris who got us that amazing refrigerator machine.  Dais and I both really like Mr. Chris! 

            One time Mr. Steve told Mr. Chris about that girl Judy Baca, who was his Art Teacher at Alemany High School; and supervised the creation of that "Great Wall" mural I wrote about in my first book.  Judy Baca grew up in Watts too.  Frida and Diego just flew bye right now.                                         

JUDY BACA                                                         MR. RALPH        

           Judy Baca moved from Watts to Pacoima, where Richie Valens and Mr. Bobby are from too.  Mr. Ralph, from what Daisy heard; at one time worked in Watts for the city of Los Angeles.  Boy God!  I really love my blankets Barry, Robin and Maurice; who Mr. Chris got for me.            

          All of a sudden I just thought about how good my three blankets feel and smell after Mr. Steve washes and then dries them in those astounding Washer and Dryer machines.  I just now    noticed Andy over there sniffing the air.  He's alertly guarding the entrance to their burrow.         

          Dais says our boss told Mr. Ralph about this "Photo Exhibit" he and Miss Harriet saw at down at the Watts Towers in the late 1980's.  The pictures were taken in Africa by that other Mr. Dave from when he lived in "Kenya."  I've mentioned how Mr. Dave's a good Photographer.                                        

  MR. DAVE                                             GIRL IN KENYA       

                                                                                                                         PHOTO BY DAVE BLUMENKRANTZ

           I guess, our boss has this Kenyan flag Mr. Dave sent him from Africa.  Mr. Ralph called the Watts Towers' area "South Central," and said the Watts Towers are called "Nuestra Pueblo" or "Our Town" in Spanish.  Simon Rodia is next to Bob Dylan on the BEATLES' album.               

           Mr. Steve has photos taken in "Kenya" by Mr. Dave, and show a man with Elephantitus" of the foot.  Mr. Steve's says his "enlarged" foot is "grotesque," and he shows them to depressed  people and asks, "Would you trade places with this guy?"   They have Hippo's in Kenya. 

         One time Daisy and Millie heard our boss talking on the phone with Mr. Chris about this Singer named Barry White.  Like Mr. Chris, he was from Watts and from what Daisy tells me he sang "Love Songs."  All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral moving to the east.                                     

BARRY WHITE (1944-2003)

        PHOTO BY MICK HUTSON

          I guess, that guy Barry White ended up living in "Sherman Oaks," near to where Mark Ritter's parents used to live.  Mr. Chris heard Barry White was in gangs, but one time when he    was in Juvenile Hall heard Elvis on the Radio and decided to change his life.  I smell Sage.            

         Mr. Dave over in New Mexico jokingly called Barry White the "Walrus of Love," mainly because he was a big sized man.  Daisy saw a picture of him and noticed for a time he had kind of a unique looking beard and one of those long braided ponytails.  A Train whistled faintly.              

       A lot of Barry White's fans were female from what Dais heard, and the man on a tv show described Barry White's voice as "velvety and soulful."  His "lush ballads" were popular in the    1970's when Mr. Steve was with Miss Sandy.  A small little Lizard just went running bye.                

        MR.MARK                                                  "SOUL TRAIN"   

         One time Our boss was talking with Mr. Mark in Hawaii about that tv show he used to go dance on called "Soul Train."  I guess, from what Mr. Mark said; Barry White sang on that show a few times back in the 1970's.  Dawn's barking and I smell Blinky and Rosie next to her.              

       Mr. Mark jokingly called Barry White the "King of Love Songs," whose tunes Mr. Chris said were "timeless."  Dais says the man on that tv show described his voice as "baritone," and    his songs as being "orchestrated."  Libby whinnied over there and I just picked up her scent.       

         I remember that one late afternoon when we heard Mr. Chris tell our boss, who's the same size as he is; Barry White was "built like" a Football Lineman.  He and his wife of many years,    who's also a Singer too I guess; had two kids and were good parents.  A Train whistled faintly.                          

                  LUTHER VANDROSS (1951-2005)                                   MISS HARRIET                                                                        

          Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Mark in Hawaii he and Miss Harriet saw this Singer named Luther Vandross at the Forum one time.  Like Barry White, he also sang Love Songs and was a    big sized man too.  A few before that Mr. Mark had met him at the Forum according to Dais.        

        A few years ago a guy told Mr. Steve Luther Vandross was born in New York City on the  same day in 1951 that guy General MacArthur and his wife were given one of those "Ticker-Tape Parades in the city.   And that was April the 20th, which had been Adolph Hitler's birthday.          

         That man also told our boss how Luther Vandross, who's already died; was hired to sing in two of those "Super Bowl" Football games.  Daisy heard Mr. Mark says he did a few songs with people like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and Barbara Streisand.   And also "Cat" Stevens.                            

                                    MID-MORNING HIGH DESERT                                        

        Ah!  I love to take in deep breaths of fresh mid- morning air through both nostrils of my nose.  Like yesterday at this time the air is so fresh and is making me really appreciate the warm  weather.  Last year at this time I remember how cold it was on these first two days of  Spring.       

          Oh!  I just noticed, when I wrote about that Simon Rodia and his Watts Towers; I was also  supposed to talk about this other man in Florida named Edward Leedskalnin.   My Encyclopedia says, like Simon Rodia; he was an "immigrant" too.  A small flock of Birds is flying bye.                

        It says here, over a "twenty year period;" that man Ed Leedskalnin built this thing called the  "Coral Castle" back in "Homestead," Florida.  A tv show Dais and Millie watched with Mr.  Steve said what he did "seems to almost defy physics."  Andy's over there sniffing the air.              

                      "CORAL CASTLE"                                EDWARD LEEDSKALNIN (1886-1951)                              PHOTO BY MONICA 666                                                                                                                      

             Mr. Steve's customer near Miami one time joked how Ed Leedskalnin's Coral Castle in Homestead is "not a castle," and "isn't made out of coral."  Mr. Steve told him that joke about    the Medieval "Holy Roman Empire" not being holy, Roman or an empire.  I smell Mesquite.        

          I guess, in 1920; that guy Mr. Ed came to America from "Latvia."  Dais heard he was "dumped" by a girl he was to marry, so built his Coral Castle to take his mind off of that; and  not be depressed.   Mr. Steve was also kind of sad when Miss Harriet broke up with him too.         

           Wow!  My Encyclopedia says that guy Ed Leedskalnin "quarried, sculpted and erected" "over one thousand tons" of Limestone to make his castle, and didn't use any cement.  Latvia is    one of the northern European countries near the "Baltic Sea."  A little Finch flew bye.                  

      BUILDING "TOOLS"         

            I guess Ed Leedskalnin was five feet tall and weighed one hundred pounds.  So some think he must've had "Magical" powers to have done what he did.  But, one morning our boss told Mr. Mike he thinks he most likely simply knew how to use tools; and what they call "Leverage."        

         Mr. Steve joked it was "hard work" and not "mysticism" that created Coral Castle.  I've mentioned all those six "Mechanical Devices" people use, and how Thomas Edison said his work  was, "One percent inspiration and ninety nine percent perspiration."  Heathcliff crowed.              

         Writing about those two guys Simon Rodia and Ed Leedskalnin makes me think of a giant World War II German "Crane."  It was captured by the Allies and after the war was shipped to  "Long Beach" Harbor where it was used until 1992.  Now it's down at the Panama Canal.                                     

         WORLD WAR II                                                             LONG BEACH HARBOR (1980)          

  "HERMAN THE GERMAN" CRANE ("SCHWIMMKRAN nr.1")      

         My Encyclopedia has two photos of that huge crane built by the Nazis, which the caption says was renamed "Herman the German" by the Americans.  A black and white picture shows it lifting a big Boat right out of the water.  Frida and Diego just flew over Libby's Corral.                 

         Wow!  This color picture shows Herman the German about to lift that giant wooden Plane called the "Spruce Goose."  I mentioned the Spruce Goose in my first book, and will learn a lot    more about it tomorrow when I write about that guy Howard Hughes.  Daffy's quacking.              

          I mentioned yesterday how the World War II Nazi Navy was called the "Kriegsmarine."  It says here Herman the German is a three hundred and fifty ton "floating crane."  I guess it was    used to lift those heavy "U-Boat" Submarines out of the water so they could be worked on.                                           

ROMAN ENGINEERING      

 ARTWORK BY PETER CONNOLLY                                                                                                   PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                   

         I wrote about how ancient Romans used engineering to first conquer and then occupy an area.  In many of the places they conquered big bridges and water Aqueducts are still standing to this day I guess.  Mr. Steve and the St. Ferdinand's Tour Group saw them in Italy and Israel.        

         During a war, machines like those "Catapults" allowed the Romans to knock down walls; and their arrow firing crossbow "Ballista's" killed at a longer range.  Being conquered by a guy  like Julius Caesar was bad but then you got modern things too.  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.       

         Oh!  I just thought about something I totally forgot to write about yesterday in book one.  It's a math "Formula" called the "Fibonacci Sequence" and, since the 1200's; has been used in a lot of areas like music, art and architecture.  Ah! I can smell some of the Beavertail cactus's.                                              

 LEONARDO DA PISA (1170-1240?)         

      I just looked up this Italian Mathematician named Leonardo da Pisa.  As I've written, in Spanish "de" in front of a last means "from."  In Italian "da" is used in the same exact way too.  Like Mr. Steve, it says here Leonardo da Pisa "saw much significance" in the number 3.                

         Leonardo da Pisa "introduced" the Fibonacci Sequence to Europe even though it was first thought of way back in 6th century A.D. India.  It's definition is, "When any number is the sum    of the two preceding  numbers.  Some examples would be, 0+1=1, 1+1=2, 1+2=3, 3+2=5 etc.           

       Daisy told me Mr. Grant knows about that Fibonacci Sequence.  It says here Leonardo da Pisa was, "One of the most talented of the western mathematicians to emerge from the Middle      Ages."  Unlike his dad and Grandma Trujillo; Mr. Steve says he "just gets bye" in math.                                                                      

LEONARDO DA VINCI (1452-1519)  

         I guess that guy Leonardo da Vinci, who lived during the late 15th and early 16th century "Renaissance;" used the Fibonacci Sequence in drawing the human body.  Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Grant it was part of the "plot" in a book called the "Da Vinci Code."  I smell Sage.           

        Mr. Steve's mom studied the Fibonacci Sequence in College at C.S.U.N., and so did his his sister Susan for "Interior Design."  Their dad taught people to be "Stockbrokers" and used it in their study of "Technical Analysis" in "Market Replacement Levels."   Dawn's barking.               

        My Italian Dictionary says "Fibonacci" means "Son of Bonacci."  Leonardo da Pisa is also known for, in the "Western" world; "replacing the ancient Roman numbering system" with the "Hindu-Arabic" system "now used" in banking and accounting.  It's way better I guess.                                      

      FIBONACCI        

           In my first book I wrote about how, in the 1980's; Mr. Steve took pictures of bands from Los Angeles like WALL OF VOODOO.  But, one band also around then he didn't take pictures    of was called FIBONACCI.  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are now flying bye.           

         Mr. Steve was told by that girl Jennifer, who  I mentioned yesterday; that FIBONACCI's "Art Rock" music is a "mix of influences."  Some of their songs have Jazz, Progressive Rock and New Wave "elements" in them she said.  Ah!  I just smelled the baby Cholla cactus over there.     

          That girl Jennifer told our boss how FIBONACCI sometimes use some "unusual" musical instruments on some of their songs.  They at times play things like mandolins, clarinets and use a Mellotron.  I wrote yesterday in book one about those Moog Synthesizers and Mellotrons.                                        

    BEATLES                              MOODY BLUES                   KING CRIMSON        

           One time Daisy and Millie heard this BEATLES, on the Sergeant Pepper album; about a field of strawberries.  I guess a Mellotron is used to create an "Atmospheric" feeling.  Daisy says    other British bands, like the MOODY BLUES and KING CRIMSON; use Mellotrons too.           

          I'm still thinking about how the Fibonacci Sequence uses 3 numbers in it.  In this second book Dais has me scheduled to write about that guy Nikola Tesla, who believed 3 was a "part of    nature's code."   Hey God!  Some people call 3 a description of the "Divine Proportion."               

         Daisy says that girl Jennifer said there were actually two bands called FIBONACCI, the one I mentioned; and another "Folk" band.  Andy's taking a break from guarding their burrow, and going to the bathroom behind Manny.  Helen's now guarding the burrow entrance.                                                                                          

         "LEANING TOWER" OF PISA            

           In 1985, when Mr. Steve and the Tour Group from St. Ferdinands went over to Italy; they did not get to see the city of "Pisa" where Leonardo da Pisa was from.  If they'd gone they could  have seen a "Bell Tower" that "Gravity" is making gradually lean over.  I smell Mesquite.            

        Oh wow!  A picture in my Encyclopedia shows that Bell Tower in Pisa, and it is leaning to one side alright.  Boy!  I sure hope it never falls over.  The caption says that tower was built from the years 1173 all the way through 1372 A.D., so that just means during the Middle Ages.              

           Yesterday I mentioned a few times how both Germany, and Italy too; didn't become actual "Countries" until later in the 19th century.  Until then Italian cities, such as Pisa and Florence; were like ancient Greek "City-States."  Andy's now back guarding the burrow entrance.                                                      

         JOHN HANCOCK TOWER (BOSTON)           

                 PHOTO BY STEVEN DONALDSON  ( A VIEW ON CITIES)                          

             Writing about the Leaning Tower of Pisa makes me think of a "Skyscraper" in the city of Boston named after that one Founding Father John Hancock.  Mr. Steve's sister Susan and her    boys Dalton and Austin live near Boston.  And so does Mr. Grant's sister Amy too I guess.             

            A customer in "Rhode Island" told our boss about about "engineering flaws" in the John Hancock skyscraper, which was built in the 1970's.  I guess one time really strong winds damaged and almost blew over the "John Hancock Tower."  Donald and Daisy are both now quacking.       

           Daisy says sometimes our boss's sister and her sons use Boston's Airport when they come out here to visit California. Someday Dalton wants to be a Pilot like his father according to what Daisy heard him tell Mr. Steve on the phone one time.  I smell a Lizard somewhere nearby.           

                                               WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART (1756-1791)                                     TOOL                                                        

           I'm still thinking about the Fibonacci Sequence.  That girl Jennifer heard Mozart used it in some of his music and, I guess this  band called TOOL even wrote a song using that sequence    of three numbers.  Boy!  I kind of wonder what that TOOL song would even sound like?                

           I feel like writing about a band called OINGO BOINGO.  Dais says our boss saw them at that place called the "Country Club" in "Reseda."  It's near "Tarzana," where Mr. Steve's sister  Susan's old Condominium was totally destroyed in that big 1994 "Northridge" earthquake.          

            I've never heard OINGO BOINGO but Dais saw our boss play drums to their song about a "Lad" who did bad things.  Mr. Phillip, that Welsh Honda Parts Manger; says in the "U.K." males are "Blokes."  Mr. Steve really likes the drumming at the beginning of that song.                                                                           

 OINGO BOINGO      

          Daisy told me that girl Jennifer seems smart.  She's kind of like Mr. Steve's ex-girlfriend Harriet in knowing a lot about music.  She mentioned how OINGO BOINGO'S Singer has red or orange hair.  They have a really good "Horn Section" in OINGO BOINGO Dais noticed.               

           That guy bill Handel, who Mr. Steve often listens to on the Radio in the mornings; said he went to High School with OINGO BOINGO'S Singer.  He mentioned how their name came from this one old tv show called "Amos n' Andy."  I can smell Theodora's favorite Creosote bush.         

          I like how the name OINGO BOINGO sounds so Daisy jokes, if I started a band; it could sound and look like DEVO but with a name like OINGO BOINGO'S.  Our boss told Mr. Dave he can only "approximate" how OINGO BOINGO'S Drummer plays.  He's really good I good.         

            CAB CALLOWAY              DUKE ELLINGTON            DJANGO REINHARDT       

                    (1907-1994)                              (1899-1974)                                (1910-1953)                                                                                                            

         According to what Daisy heard that girl Jennifer say, OINGO BOINGO was originally what's called a "Musical Theater Troupe."  And I guess, during the first period; their full name    was  the MYSTIC KNIGHTS OF THE OINGO BOINGO.  Dawn's barking at something.             

        Daisy noticed how Jennifer used the words "cabaret" and "avant-garde" to describe the songs the first version of OINGO BOINGO did.  She said they performed live music few do any    more. I mentioned those guys Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington yesterday in my first book.         

           Later this afternoon Dais has me scheduled to write about that band from England called BLACK SABBATH.  And I'm also going to write about this other guy named Django Reinhardt  too.  The MYSTIC KNIGHTS played some of his songs I guess.  I smell Beavertail cactus.                                                BLACK SABBATH                                                       FRANK ZAPPA                   

       Daisy heard our boss and that girl Jennifer discuss how Frank Zappa liked the MYSTIC KNIGHTS OF THE OINGO BOINGO.  This Dictionary says the term "Avant-Garde" means,    "Leaders of a new movement, especially in artwork."  Samson and Delilah just flew bye.               

        According to what Dais heard, the "MYSTIC KNIGHTS" were "Contestants" on a 1970's tv show called the "Gong Show."  Very "Unusual Acts" had the goal of not getting "Gonged" or  kicked out before you finished.  I just picked up Libby's scent from over there in her Corral.        

     Just like Mr. Steve met his friend Rick at St. Ferdinand's, Mr. Steve's sister Susan met her friend "Tammy" there too.  I guess Tammy's boyfriend, back in the 1970's; worked for the man    who "Produced" that old Gong Show.  A Train just whistled faintly over there to my left.                                                                                                       

DREAM FRONTIER  

                PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                          

            Daisy says one time, at "Madame Wong's West;" Miss Harriet was given an assignment to review a band from West L.A. called DREAM FRONTIER.  Their leader was named "Andrew" and he became a friend of theirs.  I guess he sang and played the guitar on all of their songs.         

        Mr. Andrew, who one time bought this acoustic guitar from OINGO BOINGO'S Singer; wrote DREAM FRONTIER'S songs.  Daisy thinks our boss thought his band was good and had a few "catchy" songs.  That Robin Bird Finley is sitting alone over there on the Mulberry tree.        

       Back in the early 1990's Mr. Grant built Andrew a computer for his "Tape Duplicating" business.  Mr. Grant, who's also  a Lawyer; knows a lot about computers.  I've mentioned a few times how Mr. Steve graduated from College at C.S.U.N. but "Flunked Out" of Law School.                                                                             

DREAD ZEPPELIN      

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA           

            Dais says our boss and Harriet also saw DREAM FRONTIER at that one Nightclub down in Hollywood called "Club Lingerie."  Another L.A. band Mr. Steve and Harriet saw play there    was called DREAD ZEPPELIN.  All four of the Pigeons just flew over Libby's Corral.                   

      Mr. Steve hasn't seen Mr. Andrew for a while, and at times thinks about he and his wife "Anna;" and their kids "Daniel" and "Valerie."  Dais thinks I'd like DREAM FRONTIER, and  DREAD ZEPPELIN; whose Singer dresses and sings like Elvis Presley.  I smell Creosote.              

         Someday, when I get over my fear of enclosed areas; I want to hear DREAD ZEPPELIN.  Dais says they do "Reggae" style LED ZEPPELIN songs.  That one kid Jason, who plays guitar;  really liked DREAD ZEPPELIN'S version of the "Immigrant Song" about the Vikings.                 

HURRICANE "ANDREW" (FLORIDA / AUGUST, 1992)

      Even though it's not on my outline right now, mentioning Mr. Andrew suddenly makes me feel like writing about a famous "Hurricane" storm that hit the State of Florida back in 1992.  I  guess it was named "Andrew" too.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying bye up there.              

       Wow!  Two pictures in my Encyclopedia show the damage Hurricane Andrew did.  Not only did the 175 mile per hour winds bring in a lot of water from the Atlantic Ocean, they also totally  destroyed many of the houses too.  Ah!  I just love breathing in fresh air through my nose.             

       Mr. Steve and Harriet first met Andrew, and his band DREAM FRONTIER; in 1988.  And in 1992 they all talked about the storm that hit southern Florida.   Hurricane Andrew hit Florida kind of near to where that one man Edward Leedskalnin had built his "Coral Castle."                  

"HURRICANE ANDREW" 

        Boy!   I just love it when my Encyclopedia's have maps and things like that to go along with the writing parts.  A map shows Hurricane Andrew's "route," and the caption says how it began as a "Tropical Storm" out in the Atlantic Ocean.  Frida and Diego the Bluebirds flew bye.            

        It says here Hurricane Andrew happened in August of 1992 and was a "Category 5 Event." I guess that means it was really, really strong.  I mentioned a few times yesterday in my first book how Mr. Steve's mom, and sister Celina who died; were both born in the month of August.            

     I notice how, by the time Hurricane Andrew went through the "Bahama" islands where in 1492 Columbus first landed; it was a "full-blown storm event."   In this "Satellite" image, taken  from out there outer space; you can see how big it was when it went bye southern Florida.                        

HURRICANE "ANDREW"

PHOTO BY MICHAEL FREIFELD                                                                                                               PHOTO BY RON MAGILL                        

         Oh my God!  Pictures show how Hurricane Andrew "effected" the Animals in Florida too.  It says here wind "destroyed" a "facility" where "Burmese Python" Snakes were kept, so they    escaped out into those "Everglades."  I guess "Burma" is a country  in "Southeast Asia."              

        Wow!  An unbelievable photo shows two men, who recaptured a Python after the storm was over; holding it so it can't get away again.  The caption says Burmese Pythons can grow up to be  eighteen feet long.  Wait until Daisy sees this photo, as we're both kind of afraid of Snakes.            

       Another picture shows pink "Flamingo" Birds "riding out" the storm in a Zoo bathroom.  Mr. Steve took pictures of Flamingos and when I get over my fear of going down the Hallway I'll see the Flamingo photo his mom had "Matted" and Framed."   It's in the hall bathroom.                       

"SYLMAR" EARTHQUAKE (FEBRUARY 9, 1971)        

        Yesterday in book one I wrote about how Mr. Steve, and his family; survived that "Sylmar" earthquake.  One time Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Rick, who's family was also able to make it  through the earthquake too; talk on the phone about it.  Heathcliff just crowed over there.            

     The "Magnitude" 6.4 Sylmar earthquake happened back in 1971, in the early morning of February the 9th.  It only lasted about half a minute whereas, I guess; it took Hurricane Andrew a full day to pass over the whole State of Florida.  Two Pigeons just flew over Libby's Corral.       

       Even though Hurricane Andrew caused way more "Property Damage," 27 "Billion" versus only 550 "Million;" sixty five people died in Sylmar whereas in 1992 fifty four were killed.   I've    mentioned how one billion is equal to "one thousand millions."  I can smell a Joshua tree.             

CALIFORNIA "HIGH" DESERT

           A breeze just blew in the scent of some Joshua trees out there in the eastern desert behind the three Sheds.  Boy God!  We're so lucky that You're having us live up here in the High Desert.  We now wouldn't want to live anywhere other than right here in San Bernardino County.             

          Yesterday in book one I mentioned how in 1994 Harriet met another guy so, because she's an honest person; broke up with Mr. Steve.  For about a year, Mr. Steve then "Went out With"    Debra; who had a pretty little girl named "Talia."  Mr. Andrew "Introduced Them."                     

        Tomorrow in my third book I'll write a lot about that Football Player O.J. Simpson, who was born on July the 9th just like Mr. Steve.  Mr. Steve thinks he killed his second wife back in 1995.  Max the Hummingbird just zoomed bye and I heard him coming from my right.                                         

       O.J. SIMPSON ("BRONCO CHASE")                          "SEPULVEDA PASS"                                                         

         I'm tempted to write about that guy "O.J." now but I'd better wait and do it according to how Daisy and I made my outlines.  I guess, back in 1995; the Los Angeles Police chased him in    his Ford "Bronco" Car.   Wow!  A good picture in this one Encyclopedia even shows it.                  

          Dais says on the Sunday when the Police chased O.J. Simpson our boss was driving to West L.A. to visit Debra and Talia.  He knew something was different by how empty the #405 Freeway was on that particular day.  Anyway, I'll come back to O.J. Simpson again tomorrow.                  

        I mentioned how OINGO BOINGO'S Singer sold that guy Andrew an acoustic guitar.  At the time both lived in Topanga Canyon.  Back in 1972 Mr. Steve and the girl in his class went to that good "Barbeque" in Topanga Canyon and got to meet CANNED HEAT'S Singer.                                                                                                                                                          JOHN AVILA ""FOOD FOR FEET"                                       BILLY ZOOM                                      

              PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                             

          Daisy says OINGO BOINGO's bass player is a Mexican American guy named John Avila.  Mr. Steve thinks he's really talented and one time he and Harriet met him outside this Nightclub in North Hollywood called the "Palomino."  That's where they saw Billy Zoom play too.                

          I guess, when our boss and Miss Harriet talked with John Avila in the Palomino's parking lot; he was loading up equipment into the trunk of a 1968 Chevelle.  Mr. Steve told him about his two Chevelle's.  A flock of Birds is flying toward the northeast way up there in the high sky.          

        John Avila is a friendly person Mr. Steve says.  On the night he and Harriet met him they were there to review his band FOOD FOR FEET.  The Drummer in FOOD FOR FEET is also in  OINGO BOINGO too, and Mr. Steve told Mr. Dave how he's a really talented Drummer.                                             

METALLICA (ROBERT TRUJILLO IN MIDDLE)

            Another good Mexican-American bass player from Los Angeles is Robert Trujillo, who's in that Heavy Metal band METALLICA.  I mentioned a few times in book one how "Trujillo" is Mr. Steve's mom's "Maiden" name.  I can smell the new baby Cholla cactus over there.                 

         Daisy says our boss was told Robert Trujillo has a young son who's also learning to be a bass player just like his father.  I'll learn more about "Thrash Metal" over the next two days.  I   glanced up in time to see Rudy the Roadrunner jogging bye in front of the three Sheds.                 

         About a month after meeting John Avila in the Palomino parking lot our boss was at his brother Rock's Condominium in Sylmar.  For some reason, the conversation turned to OINGO    BOINGO.  I just looked up and see Theodora over there sitting in her favorite Creosote bush.                                  

   THEODORA     

           When Mr. Steve mentioned John Avila and his Chevelle Rock said, "I'm pretty sure that's the same guy who borrowed my camcorder the other day."  Yesterday, I wrote about how Rock    did the Video's for weddings he and Mr. Steve worked on together.  I can smell Theodora.             

        Daisy says our boss thinks it was probably John Avila who borrowed his brother's video  recorder.  If it was him he knew Rock's neighbor's family at the Condominium complex.  Daisy    told me how that same exact camcorder is now "packed away" in one of the hallway closets.         

          Mr. Steve wasn't sure if Theodora was a girl, but when he named her she carried twigs for a nest and, even though she doesn't mind being looked at; was so "aggressive" like the Emperor  Justinian's wife who she's named after.  Theodora's curved bill is almost as long her head.             

FLYING PIGEONS   

         Two of the Pigeons flew bye.  Oh!  That reminds me of another time I smelled Theodora's bush while seeing Pigeons.  I hear Theodora totally unique voice over there as she's now singing. Thrasher Birds, who run as much as fly; have kind of short little wings but extra long tails.           

       I used this Spanish Dictionary to look up "Cuicacoche," which means "Songbird."  Mr. Esteban, the Worker; said that's what Thrasher Birds are called down Mexico.  Thrasher Birds, though not as much as Mockingbirds; at times imitate or "Mimic" some of the other Birds.        

        I just looked up another John Ávila.  But this John of Ávila lived in the 1500's and was a Catholic Priest who's described here as an "author" and "mystic."  Dais says our boss told Mr.    Ralph he was told how that earlier or first John Ávila saw a lot of importance in dreams.                                                            

 SAINT JOHN OF ÁVILA (1499-1569)

  PAINTING BY EL GRECO         

            Oh!  "Saint" John of Ávila is called the "Apostle of Andalusia."  Yesterday I wrote about the area of southern Spain called "Andalusia," and how the city of "Córdoba" is located there.  I guess that guy Saint John of Ávila was one of those "Converso" Jews I mentioned before.             

         I wonder if Mr. Steve knows that St. John of Ávila died in that city of Córdoba?  And I guess, from what it says in my Encyclopedia; he also "founded" a "Seminary" in Córdoba too.    As I wrote yesterday, a seminary is a school where you go to learn how to become a Priest.            

         In book one I mentioned how the title of my three books is "Cognito, Ergo; Sum" which that French philosopher Réne Descartes said way back in the 17th century.  In Latin it means, "I  think, therefore; I am."  Theodora jumped down from her Creosote bush and then ran away.                                            

                     SAINT TERESA (1515-1532)                   SAINT IGNATIUS (1491-1556)                     

                                                             PAINTING BY A.J. VALENTINI                                                                                 PAINTING BY PETER PAUL RUBENS                                                                                   

         Mr. Steve and his father think sometimes females don't get the credit they deserve.  Saint Teresa, in the area of what they call "Self-Knowledge;" is one example of that happening they      think.  I hear Dawn barking, and I can also smell Blinky standing next to her and Rosie.                

          Réne Descartes lived after St. Teresa but his phrase Cognito, Ergo; Sum could have easily been written by her.  That's what Mr. Steve and his father think.  I guess, from what it says in my Encyclopedia; that girl St. Teresa also came from the Spanish city of Ávila like St. John.                

      It says here St. John of Ávila was a friend of St. Teresa, and another Saint named Ignatius Loyola.  I guess St. Ignatius was was a "Basque" Soldier, who became a Priest; and "founded" the "Jesuit" order of Roman Catholic Priests.  A Train just whistled over there to my left.                                                             

        "LOYOLA MARYMOUNT" UNIVERSITY       

          Dais and Millie one time were laying in our boss's office and heard him tell Mr. Ralph on the phone about walking around the campus of this Catholic College in West Los Angeles called  "Loyola Marymount."  Two of the Pigeons are flying over the top of the house right now.              

          I guess that College was named after St. Ignatius because, in the 16th century; he started schools too.  There's also this Catholic "boys" High School in Los Angeles, and schools all over    the country too; called Loyola.  Loyola is the name of a castle in Spain Daisy told me.                     

          Daisy heard that Loyola Marymount is near "L.A. International Airport" and from some of the buildings you can even see the Pacific Ocean.  On the campus they have a "Chapel" which is just as nice inside as a bigger Church.  Boy!  I'd really like to smell an Ocean someday.                                          

  KOBE BRYANT          

          Mr. Ralph said the Basketball Player Kobe Bryant is Roman Catholic like us.  I guess one time our boss met a lady who's son was excited about going to a "Clinic" held by Kobe Bryant at Loyola's Gym.  So Mr. Steve told him, "Remember, shuffle so you don't cross your feet."               

               Because he doesn't often watch professional sports anymore, Mr. Steve has only seen Kobe Bryant play a few times.  But, he's heard he was raised in Italy; so it's understandable why he's    Catholic and speaks Spanish.  Daisy says Kobe Bryant is a really great Basketball Player.              

         Mr. Steve was told Kobe Bryant has daughters and one is a good Basketball Player like her dad.  And, probably because of his daughter Daisy thinks, Kobe Bryant even "Promotes" girl's    Basketball a lot to other people he sees.  Heathcliff just crowed over there next door.                                                                                  HOWARD HUGHES (1905-1976)           

            Dais and Millie heard our boss and Mr. Ralph talk about how part of Loyola Marymount campus used to be buildings of the "Hughes Aircraft" company.  Tomorrow in my third book I'll write a lot about that man named Howard Hughes.  A Robin is singing out in the desert.               

           Our boss told Mr. Ralph how Mr. Grant, as a "Locksmith;" worked for a company whose buildings, at one time; were also part of Hughes Aircraft too.  Mr. Grant has many skills besides being a Lawyer.  I can now smell, and also see; Libby standing over there in her Corral.                

         I guess, Mr. Grant and our boss one time talked about how, while recovering from one of his Airplane crashes; Howard Hughes made "Recommendations" for his Engineers to make a      few "Improvements" on the then existing Hospital bed.  That was in 1946.  I smell Sage.                

MODERN HOSPITAL BED                              POPE JOHN PAUL II

         Mr. Steve thinks, because Howard Hughes was what's called a "tinkerer;" having to be in the Hospital for a long time probably made him think about ways to make Hospital beds better.    Mr. Steve's Niece Stephanie's boyfriend Mr. Rich is a tinkerer too.  Mr. Steve says he's not.           

          All of a sudden, for some reason I just thought about that guy Rick Allen who plays drums for DEF LEPPARD.  He took existing technology and adapted it for his purposes because of how he lost his left arm in that Automobile accident.  Howard Hughes' bed was made for his body.      

         I just thought of Mr. Eddie.  As one of those "Buskers," even though he was born with no arms; he still plays drums and sings over there in the Phelan Stater Brothers parking lot.  Just as DEF LEPPARD'S Drummer had to adapt, so has he too.  Mr. Steve admires Mr. Eddie a lot.                                                 

EDDIE SPAGHETTI

PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA      

           Looking at Manny, Moe and Jack the Sheds right now makes me think of other times I've thought of  Mr. Eddie while looking at them.  Mr. Eddie uses what they call "Prosthesis" arms to play his drums, but mainly uses his feet.  Mr. Steve and Mr. Randy admire his courage.                 

         Mr. Eddie also sings along to some "Pre-Recorded" music of famous songs with all of the "Vocals" removed.  Daisy told me how our boss, and Mr. Randy too; always puts money in Mr. Eddie's plastic bucket.  I can suddenly smell the big Mulberry tree over there right now.                

           I'd like to hear Eddie Spaghetti play and sing that song called "Ring of Fire."  In book one I wrote about how our boss likes Johnny Cash's original version, but actually prefers WALL OF VOODOO'S heavier cover version from the 1980's.   Dawn and Blinky are both barking.                           

RICK ALLEN (DEF LEPPARD)    

          In book one I wrote about how, back in 1986; our boss and his friend named Steve saw DEF LEPPARD'S one-armed Drummer play.  Rick Allen, who's right-handed like Mr. Eddie;      lost his left arm in that Car crash.  So he "Adapted" and "Relearned" how to pay drums.             

             Mr. Steve admires how that guy Rick Allen built his own "Semi-Electronic" drum kit.  It has four "Foot" pedals to "Trigger" sounds of parts he used to play with his now gone left arm.    Mr. Eddie and Rick Allen are both good examples of what that guy Friedrich Nietzsche said.        

         Both Mr. Eddie and DEF LEPPARD'S Drummer Rick Allen have a light touch and what they call "Fast Feet."  Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Dave Rick Allen and Eddie Spaghetti have    "nimble" feet.  Later this afternoon I'll learn about Tony Iommi and Django Rheinhardt.             

STEVE APPLEFORD       

         Daisy says our boss told Mr. Dave about a Writer named Steve Appleford.  He's the one who went with Mr. Steve to that DEF LEPPARD concert down at the "Sports Arena.  Not only is he a talented Writer, Steve Appleford is also a skilled Photographer from what Dais heard.           

            According to Daisy, Steve Appleford is a friend of that other Photographer Dave who had the exhibit at the "Watts Towers."  I guess Mr. Steve hasn't talked to either of them for years but at times sees their work in Newspapers or on the Internet.  Oh!  I hear some Pigeons cooing.         

          Steve Appleford wrote a review of DEF LEPPARD'S concert for the "Los Angeles Times" Newspaper.  And from what Daisy says, he's also written for some other famous "Publications;"  like the "Rolling Stone" magazine for example.  Boy!  Pigeon voices make me feel so good.                                

          ROLLING STONES' BOOK        

         According to Dais, Steve Appleford is such a good Writer; he even got to write a whole book about that band the ROLLING STONES.   And, I guess he's "Interviewed" or taken pictures of  other famous people too.  Oh!  The Pigeons are now flying back out into the desert again.              

      I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve is about six feet tall.  He told Mr. Dave on the phone that Steve Appleford is taller than he is.  Daisy also heard him say how, before the big economic    "Recession" of 2008/ 2009; he had a customer back in Pennsylvania called "Apple Ford."             

         It's only the second day of Spring so, there aren't any leaves on the Mulberry trees but; this Summer they'll give us shade when it's so hot.  What little water is left in the Mulberry tree basin over there is reflecting sunlight.  A Wren is standing on one of the boulders around the trunk.                                                                              "FRUITLESS MULBERRY" TREE     

        Daisy says Miss Susan, who ran the "News Plus" local Newspaper; told our boss one time how Mulberry trees are very "hardy."  They can survive in really hot or cold weather like we at times get up here in the High Desert.  Libby, who's looking in this direction; just whinnied.           

         According to Miss Susan, there are about 150 types of Mulberry trees in the world.  On the east coast, where Mr. Steve's sister Susan and her son's Dalton and Austin live; their Mulberry    trees have fruit on them while ours out here don't.  Libby has such a distinctive smell.                    

       One time Dais heard Miss Susan say in China Mulberry tree bark is used for medicine and "Silk Worm" food.  Oh!  Little Blinky's barking.  Daisy joked around with me last night when I told her about how Blinky's scent is more and more beginning to be very attractive to me.                                                            

ANDY AND HELEN          

       This Winter when it snowed Daisy and I noticed how Jack the Jackrabbit, and Andy and Helen the Squirrels; hung around our Mulberry trees.  Daisy thinks they might've been low on    food so ate tree bark.  I can smell Theodora the Thrasher Bird's Creosote bush over there.            

        Piñon Hills Squirrels mainly live down in the ground, and sleep during Winter; but a few times this Winter Andy and Helen were up in the Mulberry tree.  Daisy and I shared body heat    this past Winter.  Boy!  It was very cold at night but now it's Spring so, Happy New Year!             

         Oh!  A Lizard is standing in the dirt over there near the Mulberry tree.  Mr. Steve's friend Mark Ritter who died said "Cold-Blooded" Reptiles have to "absorb" sunlight in the morning so their muscles have energy to move around.  The Lizard just ran and hid under this rock.                                                         

                  HIGH DESERT LIZARD                  

       Dais says Mark Ritter, who knew a lot about Aviation, Reptiles and Rocks; also knew about growing grapes to make "Wine."  He joked that on "foggy" or "overcast" mornings grapes are    like Lizard's in taking longer to "wake up."  Hey!  We're like that too on cold mornings.               

      I've mentioned how Mr. Steve's "Clock Radio" automatically goes on at fifteen minutes to five in the morning.  He usually gets right up but jokes how he "procrastinates" on really cold      mornings.  Daisy and I now both like to get up early too just like our boss usually does.                  

        Oh!  Laverne and Shirley, with Bravo Company and the new babies; are over there near the Sheds.  This is the only second day of Spring, yet both Able and Bravo Companies now have    what Daisy calls "Little Ones."  Daisy will say she wants to think it a good sign.  Me too!                                                 

                                                                                            "ABLE" COMPANY"  

          I just love that sound of chirping Baby Quail!   Someday if I ever have my own babies I'll be guarding them really good the way Laverne and Shirley are doing right now.  I wonder if Daisy saw Bravo Company this morning when they went to the front yard?  I sure hope she did.  

       Daisy told me about how our boss named Laverne and Shirley after two girls who were best friends on a tv show from the 1970's.  Daisy and that other Dog Millie saw it and thought it was funny.  Oh!  Rudy the Roadrunner is sauntering bye right in front of the three Sheds. 

       I guess the original Laverne and Shirley lived in the 1950's when Mr. Steve and his brother Rock were born.  And they were from the city of Milwaukee like Mr. Steve's friend Mr. Mark in Hawaii.  Daisy says our boss told Miss Babette he still has a few customers in Wisconsin.  

                                                      "LAVERNE AND SHIRLEY"

              Dais says Laverne and Shirley on the tv show have accents like Mr. Steve's friend Eddie in Lake Los Angeles and his Niece Stephanie's boyfriend Rich.  I wrote yesterday how Mr. Eddie's from New York City's Staten Island and sells things for us.  Mr. Rich grew up in New Jersey.

           From what Daisy told me, that girl Laverne has the letter "L" on the front of her shirts.  If Dogs ever start to wear clothes I'd definitely want an "M" on all of my things.  My favorite band DEVO has the name of the band right on the front of their professional yellow uniforms.   

             On Laverne and Shirley, Dais says their friends are named "Lennie" and "Squiggy."  And I guess Squiggy is one of those "Greaser" guys I mentioned yesterday in my first book.  Mr. Mike kind of chuckled when he overheard our boss call me "Squigmire" on that one morning.   

                                                                SUSAN / AMBER

              I've mentioned how, in the mid-1980's and early 1990's; Mr. Steve's sister Susan was a "Set Decorator"  for some tv shows like "Bill Cosby" and "Roseanne."  She and her sons Dalton and Austin live back east in Connecticut but come to visit California.  I smell some Mesquite.  

             Mr. Steve's brother Rock, and his son's Rocky Jr. and Jacob; sometimes come from Texas to California.  "Rocky Michael" is married to a girl named "Amber" who's a "Beautician."  Mr. Steve says Rocky and Amber seem to have good "heads for business" which he doesn't. 

            Boy!  Writing about tv shows makes me want to hurry up and get over my fear of going all the way down the hallway in our house to go in the three rooms.  Then I can watch as much tv as Daisy gets to do right now.  Hey God!  As You know of course, I can't wait for that time.

                                                 "A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN"    

             Dais says that girl Laverne also "Directed" movies.  One called "A League of Their Own" was about two sisters on a female Baseball team from the time of World War II.  I'm tempted to write about it now but I'd better just wait and do it tomorrow according to our schedule.

          One girl in A League of Their Own was named "Betty Spaghetti" Daisy says.  That's just like our Eddie Spaghetti who plays the drums in Phelan.  Mr. Steve told his Niece Samantha Tom Hanks, who was in A League of Their Own; was born on July the 9th just like he was. 

          One thing Daisy liked about that tv show about Laverne and Shirley is how the girls helped each other.  They work at the same Beer company and, like most families and friends; sometimes will disagree and argue about things.  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; flew bye.

ANDY AND HELEN

            Andy's over there guarding their burrow.  He and Helen were playing earlier, and then took what Daisy jokingly calls their "ritual dirt bath; and then "Groomed" each other.  But right now they both went right back to taking care of all their new Spring babies down there.

           The Sun makes me think of  how my Encyclopedia says a 18th century  Jewish Rabbi Baal Shem Tov said, "The world is new to us every morning.  This is God's gift and every man should believe he is reborn each day."  In Hebrew, "Shahar" means "darkness;" and "dawn" too.  

           It says here Baal Shem Tov's real name was Israel ben Eliezer, and he and his wife and children lived in the "Ukraine" area of Russia. That was in the "Baroque" period, and also when the Enlightenment began.  I'll write about Ukraine, and World War II; in this second book.

                               ISRAEL BEN ELIEZER / "BAAL SHEM TOV" (1698-1760)

               According to what is says here, that guy Israel ben Eliezer is known as the "founder of Hasidic Judaism."  Hey God!  He believed every "act" should be done "in the spirit" of prayer or worship to You.  Wow!  And that's just what Daisy thinks we should try to do too!

            Hey Mr. Baal!  If You just happen to be up there listening to me I do want to tell you how both Daisy and I totally agree with your idea that everyone should always try to make a "direct connection" with God.  According to this one Encyclopedia I guess it's called "d'vekut."

            Your idea Mr. Baal, about "appreciating each day" reminds me of Chief Tecumseh, who believed in that too.  For the British back in the War of 1812; Chief Tecumseh fought against the United States.  Donald and Daisy are both quacking over there next door.      

                                                      CHIEF TECUMSEH (1768-1813)   

                                                                                                                               PAINTING BY BENSON JOHN LOSSING    

            I just thought of that Chief Tecumseh quote again, "When you arise in the morning give thanks for food and the joy of living.  If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself."  Hey God!  As You of course already know; Daisy and I are thankful for things.

              Daisy says our boss used to have this customer in "Arkansas," who was part "Cherokee" Indian and said their word for being grateful is "Otsaliheliga."  That Parts Manager said it can  mean to "remember your blessings."   Mr. Dave also believes in that exact same idea too. 

           Mr. Steve told Mr. Randy, who lived for a time in Arkansas; some of the Cherokees went to Oklahoma and Arkansas even before President Andrew Jackson's "forced Indian removals" of the 1830's.  Max the Hummingbird just zipped bye.  I heard him coming from far away.

                                                          "CHEROKEE" WARRIOR

   PAINTING BY DAVID WRIGHT        

          A painting shows a Cherokee Warrior with his face painted red holding a gun, and one of those "Tomahawks;" to club things with.  Boy!  I don't think I'd want to fight him in a war, and I see he has a nose ring.  There are eight hundred thousand Cherokees in the U.S. I guess.                

           Mr. Steve's customer in Arkansas told him, about a thousand years ago; some really smart Cherokee women created a new type of Corn.  I've written about how, for thousands of years in  Native-American groups; females planted while males did the hunting.  Dawn's barking.               

         It says here the Cherokee people are called one of the "Five Civilized Tribes" who lived in the "Southeast" part of what is now the United States.  They not only "Farmed," but also lived    in one spot instead of being nomadic.  Wow!  They even have an "Alphabet" for writing.                         

2014 JEEP "CHEROKEE"    

      Daisy says our boss and his customer in Arkansas one time talked about how, since 1974 when they both were just out of High School; the Jeep company has made Cars with the name of  "Cherokee."  The four Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral, and going toward the east.             

           I guess, in 2014 Jeep Cherokee's are what's called "Crossover" Sports Utility Vehicles; but at first were "Full Size" and then "Compact" later.  The Parts Manager said there have been five "Generations" of Cherokee vehicles in that "Line."  Those Cars are named for the Indians.          

        Aha!  I knew I was smelling Angeline and her new baby Quails, and there they are standing in the dirt near Manny the far right Shed.  It is kind of strange how they're not with the rest of    Able Company for more safety.  Libby just neighed and whinnied over there in her Corral.                                       

 ANGELINE WITH BABIES     

         Oh!  Angeline is leading her babies into the back desert through the right vertical slot on the side of the gate.  I now see Able Company, and Angeline and her babies will follow them out into the back desert.   Boy!  It's a lot of responsibility to have to take care of so many kids.            

                That Jewish lady told Mr. Steve "Hasidic" Jews often have "a lot of kids" in the same way some Mormon families do.  I just looked up and see Blackbeard and Anne Bonney flying back in from the desert.  Boy!  Just like it was yesterday, the air is really clear so far again today.               

           I've mentioned before how Crows are good mates, who both collect material; and build the nests.  Daisy told me a tv show said girl Crows prepare the nest for her "Hatchlings."  Over in England when two men are friends they sometimes call each other "Mate" Daisy heard.                                              

HIGH DESERT CROW

             Oh!  An unfamiliar Crow is standing over there.  Boy!  It would be so weird to live in an egg before you're even born.   I wonder why a group of baby Crows is called a "Clutch?"  That    one Crow just lifted off and is now flying out into the eastern desert behind all of the Sheds.          

             Dais says for the first month of their lives, the girl Crow is the one mainly responsible for taking care of the babies; who have to grow up really fast once they're born.  Oh!  Bonnie and      Clyde just flew in.  Their babies just woke up and I can tell they're really hungry for food.            

             Sometimes more than one generation of Crows will share a nest Daisy noticed.  When a girl Crow needs a break, to go to the bathroom or something; the boy Crow protects all of new      baby Crows.  Yesterday in book one I wrote about how Crows are different from Ravens.              

FANNIE AND FREDDIE     

            Fannie and Freddie are flying toward the southwest up there in the sky, and as they often do, are talking to each other as they go along.  Crow couples clean each other's feathers and help each other.  That Dragonfly who's been hanging around here just whizzed bye right now.              

           Daisy says one time a girl Crow lost the top part of her beak somehow, but survived with the help of the boy Crow.  Like Friedrich Nietzsche said, "That which does not destroy me only    makes me stronger."  Bonnie's now throwing up some food and feeding her babies up there.         

         At times Crows let Ants crawl on them Daisy told me.  She thinks the Ants probably get something good out of it, but the Crow gets between its feathers cleaned.  And I'm sure the Crow  can eat some Ants too!  I just now noticed a long white vapor trail way up there in the sky.            

"PILOT" FISH WITH "OCEANIC WHITE TIP" SHARK

         Yesterday I mentioned those "Symbiotic" or "Mutually Beneficial" relationships.  Some Insects eat things from flowers, then accidentally spread the pollen stuck on them to other areas; so there will be baby flowers.  Daisy told me things like that happen out in the Ocean's too.           

           Mr. Steve, and a Florida customer who likes to Fish; one time talked about "Pilot" Fish.  I guess, they eat the "Parasites" off off of Shark's skin; and in return get to eat the leftover scraps from Shark kills.  Daisy told me our boss's dad sometimes jokes about "Quid Pro Quo."             

           Dais heard our boss and the Parts Manager talk about how that guy Ernest Hemingway in his writing used Pilot Fish to represent or symbolize "Opportunism."  The Parts Manager said in some parts of the world Pilot Fish are used as "bait" to catch other Fish.  Dawn's barking.            

    ERNEST HEMINGWAY (1899-1961)                 EDITH HAMILTON (1867-1963)          

       Daisy heard that lady Edith Hamilton wrote about this ancient Greek story where Apollo punished a Sailor by turning him into a Pilot Fish.  Another Fish that hangs around Sharks and    things like that are called "Remora's."  I can smell Blinky over there standing next to Dawn.        

      I guess, those Remora Fish have "Suction Cups" on the top of their bodies; which can be attached to Sharks, Rays, Turtles and things like that.  So, they get to save energy by just being    pulled along in the water by whatever it's connected to.  That's what Dais heard our boss say.      

         My Encyclopedia says "ray-finned" Remora's are also called "Sucker" Fish too.  Dais says they're good swimmers when they need to be.  It says here Columbus may've seen Pilot Fish on    his second voyage in 1493.  That pretty orange and black Monarch Butterfly just went bye.           

                                               "REMORA" FISH                                       WITH "GRAY REEF" SHARK      

PHOTO BY PAULA JONES                                                                                                                                                                                         

            Wow!  This picture shows a "Remora," and I see the suction cup.  It says here the ancient Romans believed they could "stop a Ship," and in Latin "remora" is to "delay."  As with Pilot      Fish, Sharks don't eat Remora's because they also eat all of those parasites on their skin.               

       The Parts Manager in Florida joked Remora's are the "hitchhikers of the sea's."  Daisy thinks the "drag" in water must be less, because it would be so hard up here to always be pulling extra weight around.  I just noticed good old Libby over there, walking slowly in her Corral.        

          Daisy says our boss thinks Remora's are an example of Charles Darwin's idea of "Natural Selection."  Over thousands of years, to "Survive;" their head has "Evolved" and "Adapted" to its particular environment by creating the suction cup.  Mr. Mike called it "Velcro" I guess.                               

"MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE"

         Hey God!  Daisy says the Jewish lady called You "Master of the Universe," and told our boss how that 18th century Ukrainian guy Baal Shem Tov's name translates to be; "one with a      good reputation."  Oh!  I wouldn't mind if that was my name.  In fact, I'd sort of like it a lot.        

         Hey Mr. Baal!  The lady said your followers believed you were "descended" from King David, like You too Lord.  Daisy heard our boss and his father talking about how now, in 2014;    Ukraine is an area where a war might just break out.  I'll learn more about Ukraine later.             

          Boy!  I'm so tempted to learn more that guy King David right now but, I'd better just wait and do it according to my outlines.  My boss jokes he might've been the first "Blues" Musician in history.  He was first a Shepherd, Poet, Warrior; and then ended up being the King of Israel.                                           

 ANCIENT EGYPTIAN GODS        

           Dais heard our boss tell his mom about the ancient Egyptian Goddess "Isis," who I wrote a little bit about yesterday.  She told all Her "Followers" to see every day as "Sacred;" like Baal  Shem Tov and Chief Tecumseh said to do.  Two of the Pigeons just flew in from the desert.            

          Hey God!  Seeing the Sun behind and above the three Sheds makes me think of You.  This has been another good day, where I learn new things; and practice my reading and writing.  Ah!  I can hear those two Pigeons cooing up there on the patio roof and that makes me feel good.          

          I just just picked up the scent of the Pigeons.  I think it's Lucy and Ricky, but they kind of  smell the same as Fred and Ethel.  Oh!  They just now suddenly lifted off from the patio, and are  now flying together over the top of the big Mulberry tree; towards the northeast direction.            

                                                               "HASIDIC" JEWS

           Oh wow!  A photo is my Encyclopedia shows a "Hasidic" family.  I like the hats the males are wearing, and the caption says "payos" are "side locks" men wear in their hair.  Even though I'm  a girl, I'd definitely wear one of those rounded hats like the ones in the family picture.           

             For some reason I just thought of the time last Summer when that Bobcat was "Snooping Around" our back fence behind the three Sheds.  It had a really unique scent, and it was Blinky next door who first smelled it.  Oh!  I see Cher the Cat slinking bye behind our three Sheds. 

           Of course Daisy and I barked at that Bobcat, and so did Blinky and Dawn too; even old Rosie contributed some good barking to the situation.  After just a few minutes that wily Bobcat finally "Got the Message" so to speak, and ran off into the night.  Boy!  It was so much fun! 

DESERT BOBCAT 

                   I remember that one other time when Dawn scared a Bobcat, which jumped up into the clump of Joshua trees near Libby's Corral.  Finley the boy Finch has been hanging around in that clump.  Boy!  How do Bobcats or Birds sit right on Joshua tree's without being stabbed?      

             What an exciting that night was too!  But Mr. Steve came outside and lured us up into the front yard by feeding Daisy and I as a distraction away from the Bobcat.  When it saw that the "Coast was Clear," the Bobcat jumped down from up in the Joshua trees.  It then ran away. 

             Hey God!  The "Waning" Moon will get thinner and thinner over the next few nights.  As You know already, Daisy and I really like looking at the night sky and thinking about all of You Guys up there in Heaven.  Ducks are quacking but Daffy's way louder than everyone else.

"CHOLLA" CACTUS 

              The Cholla cactus' out in the back desert are glowing, and so is that new baby Cholla in the dirt over there to my right.  The Sun, which is giving me energy right now;, will rise on the eastern horizon more to the left each day.  I smell Cher the Cat hiding underneath Manny.     

            Boy!  Last night Cher caught three things to eat, two Mice; and that smelly Rat we heard really fighting back before she killed it.  At night those Owl Birds also come out to eat, and last night Dais and I heard and smelled one of them.  Oh!  Cher just ran out into the desert.

            Last night this big Scorpion went underneath Elvira but, as Daisy says; if you leave them alone they'll leave you alone too.  As I've mentioned before, I'm kind of afraid of some Bugs who live around here near us.  I wonder if that Scorpion is still down there right below me!

     MAGGIE CÓRDOVA       

            Daisy knows I'm sort of nervous about this second book because today I'll write about the American Civil War and World War II, which our boss knows about.  But, like she says; I'll just do the best I can the same way I did yesterday.  I now smell that new baby Cholla cactus.

            Boy, as I've mentioned before; my three outlines are kind of long.  When Daisy and I put them together I was afraid to start writing my books, so I stalled by adding more and more new things; until Dais forced me to just go ahead and start.  Max the Hummingbird flew bye.    

           Last night Daisy and I reviewed my book two outline before saying our prayers and going to bed.  I was too excited to sleep much so when Blinky started barking at that Bobcat I was awake.  Again today Max is alone, so it must be that 99 is way too busy building their nest. 

                                                                      METALLICA

               Someday I want to hear METALLICA'S song "Enter Sandman," which has one of the bedtime prayers we say at night.  Daisy really likes that song, but says the Video about that kid's nightmare is so scary.  Daisy and I believe in the Sandman even though Mr. Steve doesn't.

             I suddenly feel like saying that bedtime prayer, "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.  If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take." Then we add on, "If I should live for other days I pray Thee Lord to guide my ways, Amen"

            Later today I'll learn about the Nazi German's 20th century "Blitzkrieg" tactics, used to conquer most of Europe in 1939 and 1940.  Dais says METALLICA have a song about Blitzkrieg and the RAMONES do "Blitzkrieg Bop."  METALLICA's Bassist's last name is "Trujillo."  

 "DRAM CATCHER" CRIB ("OJIBWE") 

            PAINTING BY GEORGE CATLIN                

               Oh!  Yesterday I forgot to write about "Dream Catchers," which Daisy told me are round hoops with a webbed net woven inside; and feathers around it.  The Shoshone man at the Phelan Library said they protect the baby from bad dreams.  So, I can just mention them now!    

            A painting shows an Indian baby in a "Cradle" with a tiny Dream Catcher hanging above its head.  Our boss has a bigger Dream Catcher.  I mentioned in book one how Abraham Lincoln liked a poem called, "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle is the Power That Rules the Earth."

            When our boss gave money to St. Joseph's Orphanage in South Dakota, the Indian kids made and sent him Dream Catchers to say thank you; or "Pilamaya" in their language.  He gave two of them to his Nieces Cristina and Samantha.  Boy!  I'd like to hang one over this couch.

"DREAM CATCHER"

                Our boss read Mr. Dave information on the back of a package holding a bigger Dream Catcher.  It came from St. Joseph's, and talked of the "Legend of the Dream Catcher."  It said how Indians from the "Great Plains" say the air is filled with both "good and bad" dreams. 

            The back of the package says Native Americans believe the, "good dreams pass through the center hole to the sleeping person."  The "bad dreams are trapped in the web, where they perish in the light of dawn."  All four of the Pigeons are now flying over Libby's Corral.

            Daisy told me one time a Lakota Sioux girl he met told our boss what it also says on the back of that package.  Dream Catchers were usually, "hung in the tipi or lodge and on a baby's cradleboard."  The scent of Theodora's Creosote bush just floated into my left nostril. 

                                                                                                                               RONNIE JAMES DIO (1942-2010)

                                                                                                                                                                             PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

            Later this afternoon Dais has me scheduled to write about that British Heavy Metal band BLACK SABBATH.  Their second Singer Ronnie James Dio, who Mr. Steve once took pictures of; used to make the "Metal Horns" hand gesture.  Ah!  I can smell a Lizard around here.

           Dais heard our boss tell Mr. Dave how "Dio," as a little kid; saw his Italian Grandmother use the Metal Horns symbol to "ward off" other people's "Evil Eye."  And, I guess she called it the "Malocchio."  I now see the Lizard standing over there on the wall doing some pushups.

           In 1988 at the Forum, Mr. Steve took pictures of Ronnie James Dio.  Dais told me he died, and our boss noticed in his Obituary that his birthday was July the 10th, while his is on the 9th.  I'll learn some more about Ronnie James Dio, and the history of the "Evil Eye" too; later.  

"CREATION"          

MICHAELANGELO BUONAROTTI ("SISTINE" CHAPEL)          

              Hey God!  I feel like writing about "The Lord's Prayer."   That's Daisy's favorite prayer so now I'm starting to like it too, but the "Hail Mary" is still my favorite prayer Blessed Virgin;  and I think I'll say it right now as a matter of fact.  Ah!  I can hear Leo and Cleo singing.

                Looking straight ahead at the horizon beyond the three Sheds, Birds are flying all round in every direction over the eastern desert.  A brown girl Finch just landed on a boulder below the Mulberry tree but it's too late because the water's all gone now.  It doesn't see me over here.

            Dais told me over the years our boss has been to a few Protestant Christian weddings and things like that.  Protestants also say The Lord's Prayer but add on the words; "For Thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever, Amen."  The Finch flew away.

                                                 SAINT JEROME (347-420 A.D.)

PAINTING BY DOMENICO GHIRLANDAIO 

                  Hey Lord!  My Encyclopedia says Saint Jerome was a "scholar" who "translated" the Scriptures, including the "Lord's Prayer" You said; from Hebrew and Greek into Latin.  Boy!  He must've been smart alright to have been able to do that.  I can smell some older Sage.

            In one of my Notebooks Mr. Steve wrote down "The Lawyers Prayer." Daisy says it's a joke, meant to prove a Lawyer can "Over-Complicate" language; so you then have to pay them to interpret "Legalese."  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are flying bye right now.

            Instead of saying "Give us this day our daily bread," The Lawyers Prayer goes; "We now respectfully petition, request and entreat that due and adequate provision be made this day and date first above inscribed, for satisfying of the petitioners nutritional requirements, and for the organizing of such methods of allocation and distribution as may be deemed necessary and proper to assure the reception, by and for, said petitioner of such quantity of cereal products (hereinafter referred to as "bread") as shall, in the judgement of the aforesaid petitioner, constitute a sufficient provision for satisfaction of said petitioners nutritional requirements." 

HEATHCLIFF II WITH HENS  

                Heathcliff just crowed and, like yesterday he started announcing the day way before the Sun even came up this morning.  He's probably like us over here in being extra happy it's now Springtime.  I can hear Heathcliff's Hens clucking and they also sound really happy too.

            Oh!  Jack the Jackrabbit zoomed bye but, like yesterday, today I'll resist the temptation to chase him.  Jack now ran around the northeast corner of the house at the far end of the patio over there to my left.  Some dust he raised is still lingering and floating in front of the Sheds.  

                It was hard to sleep last night because I could hardly wait to start work today.  I didn't have to do my ritual food dance below Mr. Steve's office window this morning because he came out and started doing yard work before sunup.  And he gave us a lot of food for breakfast.

                                                                  URIAH HEEP  

                Hey God!  This morning as he cut weeds with his scraper Mr. Steve played that URIAH HEEP song "Sunrise" loud on his Boombox, and the beautiful singing and organ playing made us think of You.  I kind of like the shoes people wore back in the 1970's.  I'd wear them. 

             Daisy heard our boss say how one time he and his friends saw this URIAH HEEP concert down there at the "Palladium" in Hollywood.  Mr. Steve told Mr. Dave Uriah Heep is the name of a character in one of that guy Charles Dickens' books.  The four Pigeons just flew bye. 

            Someday God, as You know; I'd really like to have a Boombox like the one Mr. Steve has so I could listen to more songs by DEVO.  And I'd also want to hear that AC/DC song about the girl named Rosie.  Boy!  How could anyone have even thought of how to make a Boombox? 

 HIGH DESERT ("SAN GABRIEL" MOUNTAINS BEHIND)

            Oh!  I'm hearing Vivaldi's song "La Primavera" again, which makes me feel "Uplifted" and "Inspired." That other song "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" gives me the same exact energized feeling too.  I want to think I'm beginning to understand "Rhêma" and "Awen" better.

            Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell that kid Jason, who's learning to play guitar; a URIAH HEEP song called "Sympathy" is a "Shuffle."  In playing it on drums it's kind of hard to "consistently sustain" the bass drum part with his foot Mr. Steve said.  Some small Sparrows flew bye. 

          A slight breeze just floated in from out in the eastern desert behind Manny, Moe and Jack the Sheds; and now the chimes hanging from the patio roof are tinkling.  Hey God!  Right now    the Sun's warmth makes me feel grateful to be alive.  I smell Andy and Helen the Squirrels.                                

 ANDY AND HELEN        

           Oh wow !  I just now noticed Andy and Helen standing over there on their favorite rock.  I guess, they're taking another break from guarding their new babies; but I know they're still alert for danger.  I'll bet they're wondering why I'm spending so much time here in the patio.  

           Hey God!  Dais, and me too; was so happy our boss again mixed in that Spam meat with the dry food for breakfast.  We wonder if Spam comes from a Cow, Pig or Chicken.  I can see our filled gray water bucket over there near to the sliding glass door going into this dining room.   

           As usual, Mr. Steve filled up the basin below the big tree just to my front with water.  The sunlight reflecting off of its surface was so pretty and, as I've said before; made it kind of look a little bit like a miniature Lake.  Two of the Pigeons flew bye and are going to the northwest.  

                                                       NIKOLA TESLA (1856-1943)  

             Over the next two days Daisy has me scheduled to find out about that guy named Nikola Tesla who invented things.  Like my boss he thought 3 was important, and in the late 1800's came here to work for Thomas Edison.  A picture in my Encyclopedia shows him with a Pigeon.  

             As I mentioned yesterday, it was Nikola Tesla who invented the "A.C." electrical system. A.C. stands for "Alternating Current," while "D.C." is "Direct Current."  The band AC/DC got their name from their sister's sewing machine which had this plate on it saying "A.C-D.C."

             Dais says you can tell our boss likes talking to his parents, and trusts and respects them even though they don't always agree on everything.  His parent's relationship is an example of how to be a couple who support one another.  They're "Helpmates" but also best friends too.  

MR. STEVE'S MOM       

            Mr. Steve's mom worked hard when he and his brothers and sisters were growing up.  She loves music, like Nikola Tesla she likes to hum; but didn't listen to the Radio because she wanted to hear her kids if they called out for help.  Hey! I kind of wonder if us Dogs could hum?

            In my Dictionary a definition of "Maternal" is, "motherly instinct."  Daisy says over the years Mr. Steve has had dreams where he's sitting at the kitchen table working on something as his mom does things like cooking.  And, as she moves around; she's humming to herself.

            Yesterday I mentioned how our boss thinks his mother "resembled" the character Mary Tyler Moore played on tv; especially the second show from the 1970's.  Mr. Steve's mom "Ran a Household," and all of her Girl Scout troops too; the way "Mary Richards" ran an office. 

MARY TYLER MOORE

             From what Daisy told me, in her show from the 1970's Mary Tyler Moore played the part of an "Organized" and happy Secretary for this kind of mean man.  Our boss told Mr. Mike his mom, as a Housewife or Girl Scout leader; resembled that character.  Libby just whinnied. 

            Daisy says our boss chuckled when Mr. Mike joked about how his mother seemed to have "eyes in the back of her head."  And, it was a good thing she did he said; because she saved him from making a few mistakes alright.  Mr. Steve values his mom's "perspectives" on things.  

           Wow!  What a coincidence that, just after I mention Nikola Tesla who do I see?  All four of the Pigeons are coming back in from being out there in the back desert, and are now going over the top of the house moving to the west.  For some reason seeing them makes me feel good.      

MIKE TYSON    

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                                                                                                                    

            In these last two books Daisy has me scheduled to find out about that Boxer Mike Tyson.  Mr. Steve was told he grew up in New York City and as a kid raised Pigeons up on the roof of a building.  Dais saw a tv show on Mike Tyson and says he usually knocks the other guy out.

            Mr. Steve thought Mike Tyson was a nice person on that night he sat next to him in the late 1980's.  Dais thinks he just acted mean in order to scare his "Opponents," which he did from what the tv show said.  A Train just whistled faintly over there to my left, or to the north.  

            Daisy heard our boss's father, who boxed in the Marines; thinks Mike Tyson "destroyed" opponents as a "Heavyweight" who "swarmed" opponents the way Henry Armstrong did.  And, not only was he more powerful; he was faster too like Blitzkrieg in war.  I smell Mesquite.  

MR. STEVE'S PARENTS

PHOTO BY RODERICK CÓRDOVA

             Mr. Steve's parents have been married for about fifty eight years, but have been together for even longer than that I guess.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve's father broke his nose while Boxing in the Marines.  I just looked up and can see two long vapor trails way up there in the sky.

             Daisy is so right.  It seems obvious when they visit us how much our boss's parents have what's called "Unconditional" love for each other.  Even when she was just fifteen Dais says, Mr. Steve's mom knew already she was going to be with Mr. Steve's father; who was eighteen.

            Mr. Steve's parents, when she was only nineteen; got married when Mr. Steve's dad was discharged from the Marines after the Korean War was over.  Some other people thought she was foolish for waiting for him but she didn't care.  She just "followed her instincts" to guide her. 

                                                           MR. STEVE'S MOTHER

          Mr. Steve's parents met on April the 8th and Miss Emily's birthday is on the 9th.  Because she was waiting for Mr. Steve's dad to return from the Korean War she turned down a few guys for dates.  But, she was really nice to them; and told them the truth about her situation.  

          Mr. Steve says his parents "look out" for each other.  They always support one another but that doesn't mean they agree all of the time on everything.  They have never given the other one a reason to lose any of the complete trust and respect they've built up over the many years. 

          For some reason I just thought of the 16th century Italian guy Niccolò di Machiavelli, who wrote that book "The Prince."  It's a "handbook for power," and was meant to tell a "Leader" how to be "Effective."  He discussed whether it's better for a leader to be "loved or feared?"    

NICCOLÒ DI MACHIAVELLI (1469-1527)

PAINTING BY SANTI DI TITO

            Daisy says our boss and his father have copies of Machiavelli's "Treatise" The Prince.  My Encyclopedia calls Machiavelli the "Father of Modern Political Philosophy."  Since the 1500's a lot of famous leaders, like Adolph Hitler for example; have read The Prince.  Dawn's barking.

           Machiavelli said a good leader must know when to be a "Lion or a Fox," when to use an "Iron Fist or Velvet Glove;" and when to "Caress or Annihilate."  Dais heard The Prince is not a long book at all, and in fact it's called a "treatise" right here.  Three Sparrows zipped bye.  

           I guess Machiavelli thought, when dealing with most people; it was usually more effective for a leader to be feared rather than loved.  Indecent people are not motivated by being loved and some of them see kindness as a sign of weakness.  Love is more effective with decent people. 

"THE GODFATHER"      

            Daisy told me about that movie "The Godfather."  It's about the Mafia and in it the man who became the leader thought about what Machiavelli said.  Mr. Steve's mom used kindness to motivate her Girl Scout troops.  But, in the Mafia I guess; fear is usually way more effective.     

            As a Girl Scout leader our boss's mom was always "Firm but Fair." and she had almost no examples of a girl "Acting Up" or causing problems.  Later today in chapter six Dais has me scheduled to learn about the history of American "Organized" crime.  Daffy's quacking.  

            Hey Blessed Mother!  Our boss thinks, at least in his mom's case; love was more effective as a leader because few want to disappoint her.  Robert E. Lee was the same way as a war leader.  Daisy thinks to this day it would "kill our boss" to see disappointment in his mom's eyes. 

               GEORGE LINDSEY (1928-2012)                       

           Yesterday in book one I mentioned how Mr. Steve's mom had this one friend named Mrs. Lindsey, who was also a Girl Scout leader.  Her husband George Lindsey who played the part of "Goober" on The Andy Griffith Show.  I can smell the new baby Cholla cactus over there. 

           Boy!  Someday I really want to see the Andy Griffith Show.  Daisy and Millie saw it and it's about a small town in "North Carolina," where Goober works at a Gas Station; and is really nice to everyone but doesn't seem very smart Dais told me.  An orange boy Finch flew bye.

          In the Andy Griffith Show "Sheriff" Andy lives with his son "Opie," and his Aunt "Bee;" who's a really good cook Dais says.  If we lived with her we'd probably have good leftovers in our food bowls she jokes.  Boy!  I wonder if Mr. Steve will go back to giving us snacks today?  

          OPIE /AUNT BEE / SHERIFF ANDY                        MISS BEATRICE         

             As I wrote yesterday in book one, Mr. Steve's mom's best friend is her Cousin "Beatrice," whose family lives in "Pico Rivera."  Daisy thinks that Aunt Bee on the Andy Griffith Show's full name is Beatrice too.  that guy Christopher Columbus's wife was also named Beatrice. 

             I mentioned in book one how Mr. Steve's father says if a person has one good friend "in a lifetime" they're lucky.  His best friend was that man Mr. Garcia who worked with him on a lot of community projects but died a few years ago.  Thank You God for Daisy being my friend.

            Hey Lord!  As You know already of course, Mr. Steve's Niece Stephanie has started saying "I love You" a lot lately; and now other's in the family are saying it too.  Mr. Steve's mother likes that and is grateful for the "Gifts of Grace" she thinks You've given her in life.  I smell Sage.    

   STEPHANIE / DAUGHTER CRISTINA         

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA        

              Hey Blessed Mother!  Mr. Steve has a hard time saying "I love you" all the time.  I love Daisy and should tell her more, and in fact that's exactly what I'm going to do after chapter four when I take my first big break of the day and go up front to visit with Daisy.   I can't wait!     

              Last night Daisy and I went over book one sitting below a beautiful clear sky ceiling of Stars. Hey God!  Last night made us better understand why some "Native" People up here in the desert "Sense" You in the Universe You've created.  Boy! Thank You for creating all of us! 

             Hey God!  Daisy and I felt so good this morning as Mr. Steve cleaned our eyes and did his daily checking of our ears and stomachs.  As usual, then we ate breakfast and for the second day in a row some of that delicious Spam was mixed in.  Thank Everyone up there for our food.  

  CRUCIFIXION    

            Well Lord!  As You know of course, I've been thinking about this day for a few months now because You may've died on a Friday.  Hey Lord?  Did You cause Daisy to have that dream last night about when You were killed by the Romans?  She wants to think so and I do too.  

            Hey Lord!  Now I'm supposed to write about how our boss read You might've been born on April 17, 6 B.C.  But first, I'll talk about the subjects of "Weekends;." and will come back to You afterwards.  Ah!  I love inhaling air with my nose so thank You again God for the air.

           Mr. Steve likes Friday's because of the two day weekends; even though he works on those days too if necessary.  In a few minutes I'll write about this good movie Dais saw called "Ground Hog Day."  In that movie every single day is the exact same as every other day Daisy says.  

                                                                                                            FLOCK OF BIRDS             

            Mr. Steve likes the weekends because, if he wants to sleep late he can; especially on cold Winter mornings.  But, as Dais and I know well; he rarely sleeps late and almost always gets up early in the morning.  That one time when he got the "Flu" was an "Exception to the Rule."    

           Daisy and Millie heard our boss talking with his father about how that one holiday called "Labor Day" came about.  This Encyclopedia says it was created in 1894 after thirty "striking" Railroad workers were killed by the U.S. Army.   Oh!  A Freight Train just whistled faintly.

           It says here celebrating a "workers holiday" in America began after the "brutal clashes" between those Railroad workers and "authorities."  Boy!  I'll bet it really hurts to be shot with a gun.  Yesterday, and in these last two books; I'll learn about "Bullets" and things like that.

                                                        "RAILROAD STRIKE" (1894)              

          My Encyclopedia says in 1894 the workers were poor, and wanted better pay and "working conditions;" which I guess were really, really bad.   So they went "On Strike."  In the second half of the 19th century "waves of poor immigrants" could be easily "exploited by employers"

          I mentioned in my first book how the "Industrial Revolution" began in England at the end of the 18th century, when big factories replaced many of the workers.  Then, in the early 1800's; that English "Luddite Revolt" broke out "in reaction to" Weaver's losing jobs.  I smell Sage.

          After the American Civil War ended in 1865, until the end of the 19th century; those men called the "Robber Barons" came into power.  Andrew Carnegie's company made steel, John D. Rockefeller got millions of dollars taking oil from the ground.  Two Pigeons just flew bye.    

KARL MARX (1818-1883)  

           Karl Marx, who wrote about Capitalist versus Socialist systems; didn't like how the poor people being "Taken advantage Of" by the rich.  Workers were "Proletariat," business owners "Beorgiouse."  Daisy heard our boss and his father talk about being "Worked to Death." 

           In the second half of the 19th century, when all those Robber Baron guys were making the most money; it was pretty common for a really tired worker to accidentally get killed or maimed and then just "Let Go."  A tv show Daisy and Millie saw said sometimes it was kids killed.

          Daisy says we should be thankful we live in the United States in 2014.  In much of the rest of the world it's still like it was here in America during the time of those Robber Barons.  If you get "Permanently" injured for life, or even killed; it's "Too Bad!"  You just get "Laid Off." 

"STEEL FACTORY"

            Daisy told me in our boss's office, on the bookshelf behind his desk; are some books about Philosophy and things like that.  On the bottom level is this book called "The Annals of Labor," which describes the terrible "Working Conditions" in the 19th century.  It was bad I guess.  

            Over the years Mr. Steve has known a few people who were "Machinist's" of one type or another.  And, he's had some jobs working around machines; so knows how dangerous they can be. The Guitarist in the band BLACK SABBATH accidentally cut a few of his finger tips off.

           Mr. Steve and his dad one time talked about how, in the late 19th century; there were no "Regulations" or rules about doing business.  You could do any "Dirty Trick" to "Eliminate the Competition," or create a "Monopoly."  Dawn's barking, and I smell Blinky next to him.     

THEODORA     

           Theodora the Thrasher Bird is sitting in her Creosote bush.  In 1973 Mr. Steve got a "Full Time" job at a company that "Printed" color Restaurant "Menus."  They worked ten hours a day, four days a week.  Mr. Steve liked that because he got Fridays off to do his artwork.  

           One of Mr. Steve's jobs was to put ink in the machines, and then clean it out at the end of the day.  Parts of the machines had powerful "Rollers," which our boss was warned about by a "Demonstration" using a rag which got sucked right in.  It "Made an Impression" on him.   

           Daisy heard one day our boss showed up for his morning "Work Shift," and people told him about how a guy on the night shift had his "Pony Tail" ripped right out of his head when he got too close to the rollers on the machine.  Mr. Steve, back in 1973; had long hair too.

                                                 CORNELIUS VANDERBILT (1794-1877)   

           Daisy has me scheduled to write about those 19th century American Robber Barons later today but, I can mention Cornelius Vanderbilt now too.  My Encyclopedia says he owned Boats and later Railroads.  Mr. Steve did art for a nice lady who went to "Vanderbilt" University.

           It says here Cornelius Vanderbilt's Great-Great ancestor came to New York City in 1650, as one of those "Indentured Servants" I mentioned yesterday in book one.  That's where you're a Slave for a while but eventually are "Set Free."  A Train just whistled faintly over to my left.    

           In chapter three I'll learn a lot about the American Civil War.  In late 1862 the "Battle of  Fredericksburg " Virginia happened, and in it Robert E. Lee beat the Union General Ambrose Burnside.  Daisy heard, before the recession; our boss had a customer near Fredericksburg.  

    AMBROSE BURNSIDE (1824-1881)

             I guess, the term "Sideburns" was named after Ambrose Burnside because of the way he wore his beard.  That guy Cornelius Vanderbilt wore "Mutton Chop" sideburns too I see.  In his twenties, for a short time; Daisy says our boss wore sideburns like Cornelius Vanderbilt. 

            My Encyclopedia says "Vanderbilt" is a Dutch name from Holland.  That Painter Vincent van Gogh, who I mentioned yesterday; was also from the "Netherlands."  Oh!  It says here that Ambrose Burnside was born on May 23 which is also Mr. Steve's brother Sam's birthday.      

            Just like yesterday, when I look a person up I see what their birthday is and compare it to the list of Mr. Steve's family dates Daisy helped me put together.  As I mentioned, his family has a lot of birthdays in May.  And, Mr. Steve's parents "Wedding Anniversary" is on May 24th.

                                     MR. STEVE'S PARENTS / GRANDMA CÓRDOVA

                                             ("SAN FERNANDO" MISSION / "CÓRDOVA" FOUNTAIN)

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA             

            When Daisy and I put together our three long outlines we were kind of impressed at how Mr. Steve's parents "Care For" each other.  Daisy told me Mr. Steve once used the phrase "Alter Ego" to describe their relationship.  All four of his Grandparents were the exact same way.

            According to my Latin Dictionary, "Dimidium animae Meae" means; "Half of my Soul" in English.  That's also how someone once described it when a couple is fully "committed" to one another no matter what.  And that's exactly the way Mr. Steve's parents are right now.

            Jacob, Mr. Steve's brother Rock's son; was born on May the 26th and his Niece Raqquel in Littlerock celebrates the 30th as her birthday.  That guy Cornelius Vanderbilt was born on the 27th of May.  Boy! I sure do wish we knew when my birthday was so we could celebrate.  

                                                        NANCY /RONALD REAGAN

HULTON ARCHIVES / GETTY IMAGES           

             Over the next two days I'll learn about that guy Ronald Reagan, who was the Governor of California before being American President in the 1980's.  Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Mike how Ronald Reagan and his wife "Nancy" remind him of his parents.  I smell some Sage.

             Daisy and I both noticed how, to this day; Mr. Steve's parents still sometimes hold hands. I guess Mr. Steve said Nancy Reagan was criticized for openly "Promoting" her husband but she didn't care and said, "If he had sold shoes I would have pushed shoes."  Dawn's barking.

            Mr. Steve's mom is like Nancy Reagan Dais thinks, because she does "whatever it takes" to help her family.  Mr. Steve, his mom and sister Susan visited the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley to see an exhibit about Genghis Khan.  Ah!  I smell  Andy and Helen's baby's.        

BABY SQUIRRELS        

               Oh!  I just now noticed Andy and Helen's cute little baby Squirrels over there near to the burrow's entrance.  Andy and Helen are right over there, and definitely won't dare "Stray" too far away.  Those Squirrel babies are so big already as this is only the second day of Spring.       

             I wasn't going to write about Cornelius Vanderbilt now but, it's okay since I'm writing about the "Railroad Strike."  He was a "business magnate" called the "Commodore."  He died right before that 1894 Strike, when all of those striking workers were killed by the Army.      

           Boy!  It would be so great to have a school named after you! Dais says the lady who went to Vanderbilt University told our boss she didn't appreciate, and "took for granted;" her College  years just like Mr. Steve says he did.  Anyway, I'll come back to Cornelius Vanderbilt later.                           

                                                GROVER CLEVELAND (1837-1908)     

            This is interesting how I guess, to make it up to the workers; President Grover Cleveland "declared" a "national holiday" in honor of those thirty workers killed in 1894.  The picture of Grover Cleveland has been "Painted."  Mr. Steve used to color black and white prints.

            I guess from 1861, and then all of the way through 1933; there were only two "Democrat" Presidents.  Woodrow Wilson was one of them and he was in office before, during; and after the First World War.  And it says here how the only other one was that guy Grover Cleveland, 

           Oh!  Jack the Jackrabbit is standing near Manny the far right Shed.  He doesn't see me but just smelled me over here so is now running away.  Wow!  It's amazing how he runs so fast when he goes through the vertical slots on either side of the gate without hitting his head.

              ABRAHAM LINCOLN (1809-1865)                FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT (1882-1945)

PHOTO BY MATHEW BRADY                                                                                                                                      

             It was Abraham Lincoln who started the many years of Republican domination when he was elected in 1860.  But his election "triggered" the outbreak of the Civil War.  As I mentioned yesterday, before they were called "Republicans;" they were called the "Whig" Party. 

            Franklin Roosevelt became President in 1933 during the Great Depression.  Mr. Randy noticed how Democrats have been in office during the Civil War, both World Wars; and Vietnam too.  But Republicans, George Bush Sr. and Jr.; started the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

            Mr. Steve thinks males often need female "Influence" in their lives, whether as a mother or partner.  As I've said before; President Lincoln liked that one poem; "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle is the Power That Rules the Earth."  The baby Squirrels went back down the hole.

           ABRAHAM LINCOLN          WOODROW WILSON       FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT                                                                               

     As I wrote yesterday, a lot of people don't know that after Woodrow Wilson had a "Stroke" his wife became the real President "Behind the Scenes" as they say.  So, you could say she was      the only female American President.  That's what Daisy thinks and now so do I too.                        

    Today I'll write about World War II so will deal with Adolph Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Winston Churchill and President Roosevelt.  Hitler and Roosevelt were called "Momma's Boys."  When    Mr. Steve learned to ride a Bike the very first person he wanted to show was his mom.                   

      I'll bet Mr. Steve knows that, according to this one Encyclopedia; that guy Grover Cleveland is the only U.S. President in history to "serve" two "non-consecutive" terms.  Boy!  That is kind  of unique alright.  I can smell one of the Manzanita bushes way out there in the desert.                                            JOHN ADAMS / JOHN QUINCY ADAMS          GEORGE BUSH JR. / GEORGE BUSH SR.                                 

           Later today Dais has me scheduled to write about how twice in American history there has been a father and a son as President.  One was John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams, the other time was the two George Bush's.  I see Libby walking around over there in her Corral.

          When I write about George Bush Sr. and Jr. I'll find out about the two wars in Iraq, and also the Afghanistan war.  Mr. Steve has met a few guys who fought in that 1991 "Desert Storm" war to kick Saddam Hussein's Iraq out of "Kuwait" which he had invaded.  I smell Libby.   

          This is very interesting.  My Encyclopedia says President Cleveland tried to "appease" the angry workers by "establishing" Labor Day but, he didn't want to it be on May 1st because that date in 1894 was then "associated" with "Karl Marx-type Communism."  Heathcliff crowed.

             "HAY MARKET AFFAIR" (MAY 3, 1886)                 

             It says here President Cleveland decided to celebrate "Labor Day" on the first Monday in September.  Another reason he didn't put it on May 1 was because it would remind everyone of a 1886 "brutal crackdown" in Chicago of "labor agitators."  Two of the Pigeons just flew bye.    

               In 1894 May 1 was "International Workers Day," which "commemorated" this 1886 riot where workers and Police died in a Chicago Hay Market.  Some "Anarchist" speakers "worked up" the crowd, a bomb exploded; and then a "melee" broke out.  I like how Libby smells.  

          After the "Hay Market Affair" workers were arrested, a few "Put to Death;" but the ones killed in the riot became "Martyrs of Chicago."  Most workers now have "eight hour days" and "weekends off.  My Dictionary says a definition of anarchy is, "disorder and violence."

                                                                                     EMMA GOLDMAN (1869-1940)    

                  Dais and Millie one times saw a good tv show about the history of American "Organized Labor."  It talked about people called "Anarchists," and this one Russian Jewish immigrant girl named Emma Goldman.  She had a Newspaper called "Mother Jones" Daisy told me about.

            In College Mr. Steve and his sister Susan read about Emma Goldman.  It says here in my Encyclopedia she was a "political activist" known as a "writer and lecturer."  Daisy noticed how the Federal Government really hated her because of how she "advocated" for poor workers. 

            That girl Emma Goldman, who lived mainly in New York City after coming from Russia I guess; got angry when she heard about what happened back in Chicago in 1886.  She started to write and "Lecture" against people like the Robber Barons.   A Train just whistled faintly.     

 ALEXANDER BERKMAN TRIES TO KILL  HENRY CLAY FRICK (1892)

DRAWING BY W.P. SNYDER     

                 Daisy told me the tv show talked about how in 1892 Emma Goldman's boyfriend, named Alexander Berkman; tried to kill a man who worked for the big steel company in Pennsylvania. But his gun "misfired."  He then tried to stab the guy but wasn't strong enough Dais says.

            It says here that guy Alexander Berkman ended up going to prison for fourteen years.  He and Emma Goldman were "deported" or kicked out of the U.S. during World War I, because of how they were so against that war.  Samson and Delilah are now flying toward the northeast. 

            I guess, from what Daisy noticed; our boss was impressed when the man on that tv show said Emma Goldman arrived in America with only a sewing machine.  I wrote in book one about "Ellis Island" and the other poor "Ashkenazi" Jews.  The immigrants had almost no money.      

"HOPE"        

        Well Lord!  It's back to writing about You again and now I'll write about why some people think You were born on April the 17th of the year 6 B.C.  As I said yesterday, our boss Mr. Steve does not believe in "Astrology" but Dais and I want to.  I smell a Lizard around here. 

       As You know Lord, Mr. Steve likes Library's.  Yesterday I wrote about the Shoshone Indian man he met at the Phelan Library.  Daisy says he once met a Jewish man at the Sylmar Library who "made a good case" for You being born on April the 17th and not December 25th.    

       That man said Lord, for one thing; in Your time a Shepherd would only be "out in the fields keeping watch over their flocks at night" in the Spring.  Baby Sheep called "Lambs" are born in Spring and need protection against Wolves.  I know Saint Joseph protected You as a kid.

"CHRIST THE PROTECTOR"          

           John the Baptist called You the "Lamb of God" Lord!  Daisy told me for a short time our neighbor's had some Sheep over there, and she still occasionally hears them and Mollie in some of her dreams.  She heard how you can eat Sheep, and baby Lambs taste pretty good too.

           The Jewish man at the Sylmar Library said most Jews don't believe in Astrology but some do.  One of the times when ancient Israel was conquered the Babylonians "Hauled Off" most of the Jewish "survivors" as prisoners to "Babylon."  Aha!  I see the Lizard I've been smelling.     

           I guess, the ancient Babylonians in "Mesopotamia" were like the pre-Columbian Mayan and Aztec cultures; in closely studying the night sky.  Daisy says the man at the Library thought some of the captive Jews "exiled" in Babylon probably started to believe in Astrology then.

          "DEAD SEA SCROLLS"                    "DEAD SEA"                          "QUMRAN" AREA   

           Yesterday I wrote a little bit about Mr. Steve's 1985 visit to Israel and how the Tour Group saw some of the "Dead Sea Scrolls" in a Jerusalem Museum.  As I said in book one, they're old "Documents" found in some caves near the "Dead Sea."  The Lizard is now doing pushups.  

           Hey Lord!  Were You one of those "Essenes" who hid all of the Dead Sea Scrolls from the Romans in the caves near their town "Qumran?"  Some scrolls were from Your time, and a few dealt with Astrology I guess.  They were found in 1947, only two years after World War II. 

          The Jewish man at the Library thought, when the ancient Jews "returned from exile" in Babylon; they could've just brought Astrology back to Israel.  It's too bad the Romans ended up killing all the Essenes.  That Lizard ran down the wall and went behind the water bucket.

"ARIES"       

              Hey Lord!  If You were born in April, that would make You an "Aries;" which the Jewish man reminded our boss in Astrology is symbolized by a Ram.  And a Ram is a boy Sheep.  It says here how Aries are all born between today March the 21st, and April the 20th a month away. 

           Mr. Steve's ex-girlfriend Emily's birthday is April the 9th so she's an Aries too.  Our boss said Mr. Andrew in that band DREAM FRONTIER was also born on April the 9th.  As I wrote yesterday, there are twelve "Signs" of the "Zodiac;" depending on what date you were born.     

          We should buy a Lamb that Dais and I could raise and protect.  As I mentioned yesterday, Sheep are important in the history of New Mexico; and as a kid Mr. Steve's Grandpa Córdova had to guard some Sheep.  Of course we wouldn't eat that pet Lamb.  No way!  Ugh! Ugh!