Book 1 Chapter 1a

     I        

   "COGNITO, ERGO; SUM"        

       Why Me?               

           

       (Book 1 / Part 1 / Chapter 1)            

                                                               -"ZETA" ORIONIS-                                                                                                                                                                               

                       7:30 A.M. /  THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2014 / "VERNAL EQUINOX"

                                             

                        

SUNRISES OVER THE CALIFORNIA "MOJAVE" HIGH DESERT       

                                                                                                                                                PHOTO BY TONE HELENA TORGERSEN

                       

       "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference."                                                                                                                                                                                 Reinhold Niebuhr  (1892-1971)               

                                                                                      MAGGIE CÓRDOVA                                             

                                                                           

           Hello! My name is Maggie Córdova.  I'm a one and a half year old girl Dog, even though I don't really know exactly when my birthday is.  Boy!  It's too bad I can't talk, because I'd like to  tell my boss "Mr. Steve" things I've been thinking about over the last few days but; I sure hope    he'll be kind of impressed when he someday finds out I'm learning how to read and write.            

       I have a lot to say.  Hey God!  Sometimes, I know I "Daydream" too much; and kind of waste time "Dwelling" on unimportant things.   As You know of course, at times I do feel kind of like one of those awkward "Misfits;" but I want to believe You might have plans for me.               

          Oh!  I smell things which you usually don't smell on the first day of Spring?  I hope that's a "Good Sign."  Having now been alive for a year, I think I prefer hot to cold weather; and right    now the soft glow of morning light is making me feel so good and just happy to be alive.                                            

"CREATION" / "SPARK OF LIFE"

  MICHAELANGELO BUNORATTI ("SISTINE" CHAPEL / "VATICAN CITY-ROME)           

                                       

          Thank You God!  The scents are strong, Birds sing, the Sun to my front over the eastern desert is "Casting" long shadows leaning towards me.   Oh!  Our neighbor's "Rooster" named  "Heathcliff  II" just crowed over to my right, next door.  Some of his girl Hens are clucking.         

            Ah!  Hearing Heathcliff reminds of that other time when his voice suddenly made me feel a part of our life down here on Earth.  I'm happy because the Winter was kind of cold, but now the weather will heat up.  No matter what, I want to believe the next three days will be good.       

       For most January the 1st is "New Year's Day" but not for us because my boss Mr. Steve considers today, this first day of "Spring;" to be our New Year's Day.  And I want to like what he likes so he'll like me.  I'll celebrate, even though he doesn't celebrate that much anymore.                                                                

                                  THE "TWINS"                                                  

                       ( 2 /II / DUALITY) /TWO SIDES)                             

                                                                                                                 

             Oh!  I smell those two "Joshua" trees out there in the eastern desert so, maybe that is another sign this will be a good year?  I sure do want to think so.  Those two Joshua's back there grew up so close to each other that Mr. Steve jokingly began calling them the "Dancing Twins."  

            I'm back here on the "Patio;" sitting on my "Couch" I named "Elvira."  I gave Elvira a name because my boss Mr. Steve, who "Rescued" me; names things.  I guess, another name for a couch is "Sofa;" and Elvira's my "Refuge," "Calming Space," "Solace;" "Place to Unwind." 

           To my left, up near the wooden Patio roof; green and gold "Chimes" hang down and right now a breeze from the eastern desert to my front is making them ring the way I like.  Hey "Holy Spirit," I really hope that's You right causing the chimes to sing right now.   So thank You!

                                                                                                       "BELIEF" / "FAITH"                                

                                                                                                     

            Holy Spirit, even though my boss doesn't believe in "Omens;" I do.  I think I smell, hear, see, taste or feel when You send me messages so, that's why I want to think; maybe smelling the Twins and hearing the chimes are "Good Signs?"  The Chinese believe in "Chi" I guess.

           Ah!  Heathcliff crowed again.  His voice makes me feel calmer, which is so good; because sometimes I get kind of nervous and have a hard time relaxing.  But God, I really want to thank You; for helping me not to "Worry" and even "Stress Out" nearly as much as I used to.  

          I'll bet Heathcliff knows it's Spring, as I notice how he "Announced" the day earlier than usual this morning.  His voice is a really important part of our lives, and mornings just wouldn't be the same without it.  Heathcliff's voice gives me energy, which I'll need for three days. 

       

                      DAWN                                        BLINKY                                        ROSIE

                

             Our neighbor's Dog "Dawn" is barking next door but it's not her "Alarm" bark.  Dawn is light brown and weighs about seventy pounds, ten pounds more than me.  Her right eye does not work that good anymore, mainly because her old mean owner hit it with a belt I guess.

            Dawn was the leader of our neighbor's "Pack" of three Dogs but, one morning little forty pound "Blinky" took over; and "Outranked" her.  Blinky's a brave boy Dog who Mr. Steve calls "Short Biggie."  I guess, since back then Dawn's nickname has now become "Big Shorty."     

           An old girl Dog named "Rosie," who's slow and rarely barks; also lives next door.  She's a "Great Dane," who was black and weighed one hundred pounds; but is now grayer and skinnier. Mr. Steve has jokingly called Blinky, Dawn and Rosie the "Troika;" or the "Triumverat."    

                               

           ANDY AND HELEN                  

                                                             

              Oh!  "Andy and Helen" the Ground Squirrels are standing on that boulder they like.  Mr. Steve says some Squirrels live in trees, but ours live down in "Burrows;" where they sleep in Winter.  Andy and Helen are "Best Friends" who at times wrestle, play; and chase around.  

              I'm having a "Déjà Vu" feeling as another time Andy and Helen sat on their boulder as Dawn barked.  Andy "Watches Out" for Helen, and both are like me in liking to "Celebrate."   Mr. Steve jokes one of a male's jobs is to supply his female with "stability and comfort."  

            Celebrating is my favorite thing to do, except for running fast; and eating of course!  My boss calls when I jump, dance and howl my "Irish Jig."  Mr. Steve is fifty eight and says he's now old but, I've heard him joke about how he's been told that; "Sixty is the new Thirty."

                                  

                                                                                                       "JOSHUA"  

                              

                  Hey God!  Smelling the Twins makes me think about how 19th century "Mormons" from  "Utah" thought Joshua tree's looked like that "Old Testament" guy "Joshua."  He also lifted up his arms in praying to You too.  Joshua led the "Ancient" Jews after You had "Moses" die. 

           We live here in "California," one of the "United States;" or "U.S."  Back in 1985 my boss, and his his two sisters "Celina" and "Susan;" rode Camels at "Jericho." where Joshua's ancient Jews fought.  Andy and Helen just ran away and are now going back down into their hole.

          Over the next three days I'll learn about different world "Religions."  Hey Lord!  We want to  believe in You so are what they call "Christian Roman Catholics." I guess Mormons, who are Christians too like us; prefer to call themselves "Latter Day Saints" or "L.D.S." for short.

                     

                                                             MORMON "TREK" 

                 

             Hey God!  I guess many Mormons, just like Jews too; have often been "Persecuted" and even killed sometimes.  In 1846, many Mormons made a really difficult "Trek" from the State of "Missouri;" to "Settle" out here in "Utah."  Heathcliff's Hens are clucking and sound happy.

            I plan on writing three books over the next three days and one thing I'll learn about is the "Mexican War" of 1846 through 1848.  That's when the "American Southwest," where we live; became part of the U.S.   Boy!  Birds are chirping happily and flying around right now.   

          We had a cold Winter but now it will warm up.  I heard Mr. Steve tell his friend "Randy" he likes it when cold weather gradually starts to "thaw out," and each day gets warmer until the really, really hot Summer finally comes in.  Dawn and Blinky are both barking next door.

              

      JACK  /  MOE  /  MANNY                                         JOSHUA TREES                       

                                                                                                                                             PHOTO BY TONE HELENA TORGERSEN

                     

           Straight ahead, to the east; I see our three "Sheds."  From right to left are, "Manny" and "Moe" the smaller Sheds; while "Jack" is the biggest Shed to my left.  They're all about fifty feet away from this Patio, their "Primary" color "Navy" blue; the "Secondary" color white.

          Jack the big Shed is Mr. Steve's secondary "Office" but, his real office is one of the three "Bedrooms" in the house.  Mr. Randy jokes the three "Bathrooms" in the house are also "semi-offices" too.  Boy!  Someday I really want to see and smell one of those astounding "Toilets." 

          A while back Mr. Randy joked about how, in an emergency; you could actually live in Jack the biggest Shed but, I don't like being "Boxed In;" so prefer open areas because then you can't be "Trapped."  Oh!  "Donald and Daisy," and the other Ducks; are quacking over there. 

                

           DAISY / DONALD                                                    FANNIE / FREDDIE        

                  

          This is so great!  I just noticed "Fannie and Freddie" the Crows standing over there in the dirt.  They're kind of like Andy and Helen the Squirrels in that, if you see one you're likely to see the other; as they're "Inseparable," just like Mr. Steve's parents too.  Heathcliff crowed.

           On this way colder day last year, before my boss went and got me; I was living homeless out in that field.  I'll bet girl Chickens, called "Hens;" like Heathcliff's strong voice.  It says here in this good Spanish Dictionary that "Gallina" is the Spanish name for a female Chicken.        

        I'm so full because we had a bigger Spring celebration breakfast this morning.  Boy!  Thank You God for my "Royal" blue food bowl, there's nothing better than cold "Leftovers" mixed in with regular dry Dog food; and today was "Spam" meat.  In Spanish a Rooster is a "Gallo."

                    

                                           MUSLIM "CALL TO PRAYER" TOWERS                          

                                                                 PHOTO BY REBECCA HOWARD           

                                                                                          

            In 1985 Mr. Steve visited the "Country" of "Israel" and, in the "City" of "Jerusalem;" heard a "Muezzin" call "Muslims" to pray.  He jokes that Heathcliff the Rooster is kind of like having our own morning Muezzin.  Hey God up there in Heaven, are You also "Allah" too?

            An "Egyptian" man named "Hussein" told Mr. Steve "Adhan" is the Muezzin's "Call to Prayer" in "Arabic." "Shukran" means "Thank You" and "Al-hamdu lillah" is "All thanks to Allah."  Back in 1985, in a time of more "Terrorism;" Mr. Steve also visited "Italy."  

           I take good notes, but often have to "Sound Out" words and phrases; especially in all the other different "Languages."  I'm sure glad I have these "Dictionaries" and "Encyclopedias" to look things up.  I guess in 1985 there was "Tight Security" in Europe and the Middle East.     

                                          

JIMMY LENNON JR. / MIKE TYSON / JIMMY LENNON SR.                                       MICHAEL BUFFER

                         PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                

                                                                                

             Well God here I go!  Time to "Buckle Down" as they say.  As a "Photographer" in the 1980's Mr. Steve took pictures of two Boxing "Ring Announcers" who "Introduced" the fights, or "Bouts,"  one used to say "It's Showtime;" the other guy "Lets' get ready to Rumble!"

             To impress my boss I want learn to read and write.  I'll make a quick "Sign of the Cross" and ask for You're help "Father," "Son" and "Holy Spirit."  Oh!  If You're up there right now mind-reading me Blessed Mother, please guide and protect me; and You too "Saint Joseph."      

            "Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with You.  Blessed are You among women, and blessed is the fruit of Your womb; Jesus.  Holy Mary mother of God, pray for me a sinner now; at the hour of my death Amen." Oh wow!  I can smell some "Rosemary."   

                

                      "ROSEMARY"                                                                       "SUN" FLOWERS                       

                 

         Blessed Mother, as You know of course; writing three books is called a "Trilogy."  Mr. Steve used that word and I never forget words.  I have three long "Outlines" that will guide me in the  writing of my three books, and one of the "Themes" throughout will be the number "3."  

         Lord Jesus!  Mr. Steve thinks 3 is important and, I'll write about how Pythagorus and that guy Nikola Tesla did too.  Heat, Water and Nutrients; makes "Life."  Nitrogen, Potassium with Phosphorus; is "Fertilizer."  You died at 33, Your short "Ministry" only lasting 3 years. 

        This British Writer who fought in World War I, and my boss really likes is J.R.R. Tolkien; or just "Tolkien" for short.  He wrote three books, called "Lord of the Rings;" which partly dealt with "War and Peace." My boss jokes, "Maybe peace is the temporary absence of war."  

                                       

                                        J.R.R. TOLKIEN (1892-1973) AND FAMILY                                                                                                                                                           

       Writing my books will show my boss I'm smart and females are as capable as males.  Also,  I can do a three day "Diary" or "Journal" of our lives around here; which Mr. Steve jokes is "not exactly the stuff of a Soap Opera."  Ah!  Heathcliff just crowed again over there next door.

       A Soap Opera must have something to do with singing about soap I guess.  Anyway, I want to make my boss Mr. Steve like and keep me.  Hey God!  I want to believe You had me brought over here for some reason; and then put my entire "Destiny" right into Mr. Steve's hands.   

       Hey God!  Even though some think it's dumb to believe in You I want to anyway.  And I want to believe in an "Afterlife" too.  Mr. Steve jokes that, since no one "knows for sure" it's better to live life as if there really is going to be a "Judgement Day" or; "Just in Case" as they say.

                      

      THE "UNIVERSE"                                "ORION" CONSTELLATION 

       

       Mr. Steve is interested in "Astronomy," so now I am too.  My English Dictionary says it's the, "Natural science studying the physical universe's celestial objects through math, physics and chemistry."  And, the two main "Branches" are called "Observational" and "Theoretical."          

         Even though my boss doesn't really believe in it, over the next three days I'll find out about  "Astrology" too.   It's a, "Pseudoscience utilizing divinatory practices, in an attempt to discern    information about human affairs through the study of celestial objects."  Heathcliff crowed.        

    Hey God!  From what little I've heard about Astrology, it kind of sounds like something I might really be interested in learning more about.  It's one of the subjects we have on my three      outlines to learn about over the next three days.  I smell Dawn, Blinky and Rosie over there.                     

THREE MOON "PHASES"   

        

            I guess, there are three "Earth Cycles" in Astronomy; "Day-Night," the "Moon Phases," and our "Orbit" around the Sun.  Earth's "Nature" has three main "Elements;" sunlight, wind and liquids.  Boy God!  It would be so scary to actually go out there into "Outer Space."               

            Mr. Steve wonders God why, when You created the "Universe" 14 Billion years ago; You put our "Earth" the third "Planet" away from the Sun?  Was it so we could maybe be the only one in the "Solar System" to have "Life?"  I can hear Heathcliff's Hens clucking over there.  

          I guess "Venus" is closer to the Sun than us, so is way too "Hot" for an "Atmosphere" able to "Sustain" life; while "Mars" is too "Cold."   The Sun's strong "Gravity" pulls and makes all of the Planets out here circle around it.  I sense You God when I look at, or feel; the Sun.

             

                      "SOLAR SYSTEM"                                            "VERNAL EQUINOX"  

                                                                            

           Today's called the "Vernal Equinox."  My Latin Dictionary says vernal means, "concerning Spring" or "youthful;" while equinox is defined as "equal;" and I guess that means today there is going to be about twelve hours of sunlight and twelve hours of darkness.  Dawn's barking.

        A good "Diagram" in this Encyclopedia shows how, on the day of the Vernal Equinox; the Sun is "directly above" the "Equator."  The equator is the line that goes around the Earth in the middle.  Today the Sun "Rose" in the east to my front, and will "Set" directly to the west.

        I've noticed, in the coarse of a year; the Sun "Rises and Sets" between two extreme ends of the horizon but today it does those two things near the middle.  Each of my three books will be divided into three "Parts," of four individual "Chapters;" or a total of twelve chapters.   

                                                                      

  MR. STEVE'S PARENTS            

       (CÓRDOVA / TRUJILLO)                

     PHOTO BY RODERICK CÓRDOVA              

                                       

           Mr. Steve's father is thankful the females in his family were "resilient in adversity" and had the "ability to cope."  He and my boss believe in what's called the "Sacred Feminine," and think females can be the "Healing Rock" in males' lives.   We're often the family's "Glue." 

          Hey God!  I remember that time last Summer when my boss was working outside in the morning before it got too hot.  As he watered the big "Mulberry" tree up there in the front yard he and Mr. Randy talked about females in their families.  Ah!  The air is so clear right now.    

         Mr. Randy said he believes You God "designed" females to connect "Heaven and Earth." When pregnant and growing babies they're "conduits" to You Guys up there he thinks.  My boss kind of chuckled at that idea, and even used that really long word "intermediary" I noticed.   

                          

         SUNRISE OVER THE DESERT                                      MR. RANDY                                 

               

            Hey God!  As You know, my boss and his father believe You gave many of us females an "Instinctive," or "Intuitive sixth Sense;" which males don't often have.  It's not "Logical," but is more of an "Emotional Gut Feeling;" which at times I'm pretty sure I have.  I feel so good!

           Mr. Randy joked his mom has a sixth sense.  Thinking of the sunrise this morning is now giving me energy and enthusiasm for learning to read and write; which I can tell is not going to be so easy.  But I have a feeling if I do a good job my boss will like me more and keep me.     

           I feel like writing about a guy named Julius Caesar but I'll wait.  He's "Associated" with March 15th, the "Ides of March;" when his wife warned him not to go into work that day but he ignored her and was killed I guess.  Mr. Steve's sister "Susan" was born on March the 16th. 

                                     

             GAIUS JULIUS CAESAR (100-44 B.C.)                 

                                                      

        One reason I'll write my books is to leave a partial family history so maybe, hopefully; future generations might know a little bit about our "Ancestors."  Everyone has a "life story        worth telling" my boss thinks.  I have no memories of mine so will "Adopt" his family.                  

       It might seem ridiculous but I'll try to what they call "Channel" Mr. Steve's thinking in my writing.  So I'll learn more about years in his life like 1955, 1968 and 1977; or the 1960's, 1970's    and also the 1980's too.  I've wondered what it means to, "Suspend one's sense of disbelief?"        

       Boy God!  It will be a "Miracle" if I can finish my books but, as Mr. Steve joked; "At times life itself seems like a miracle." I won't be lazy, will try my best; and not expect it to "Come so    Easy."  In fact; I kind of have a feeling the next three days will be, at times; kind of hard.                                                                                                                                     

                      MR. STEVE                               

                 

          My boss graduated from College with a "Bachelor of Arts," or "B.A." degree in "History." But he also studied "Philosophy" and "Political Science" so, now I'll be interested in those three subjects too; and will learn about them over the next three days.  I can smell little Blinky.     

          Mr. Steve's biggest failure was when he "Flunked Out" of "Law School" so I'll write about it over the next three days.  But, his friend Mr. "Grant" became a "Lawyer;" and sometimes he and his blind girl Dog named "Miggie" visit us.  God!  Thank You for my good eyesight.  

          Dawn's barking over there next door and I smell her and Blinky standing right next to her.  I'll bet Rosie, who's little by little going blind; is probably somewhere nearby.  Even though he's sort of small in size, more and more I'm kind of starting to really like Blinky's unique scent. 

               

   CALIFORNIA "HIGH" DESERT       

                                                                                                                                                                    PHOTO BY TONE HELENA TORGERSEN                 

                                                       

        Looking east, I see the color light brown or "Khaki;" and my favorite color blue.  My boss's favorite Baseball team, the Oakland "A's"  or "Athletics," use green as their "Primary" color; with white and yellow as their "Secondary" colors.  So now I also want to like green too!

            One time I was listening to my boss and Mr. "Mike" talking as they cut up a Joshua tree the wind knocked over.  Mr. Mike said he doesn't understand it when people from big cities describe deserts as being "Empty."  Sometimes it can get really windy around here where we live.

        Mr. Mike joked, "To some people empty means no noise, crowds or Cars and worse; where do I buy my overpriced coffee!"  Mr. Steve told him what an older lady said a while back, "Some look at a desert and see nothing; I see everything."  Oh!  I really want to agree with that!

         

"MOJAVE" DESERT

("SAN GABRIEL" MOUNTAINS TO THE SOUTH)

             

             My boss Mr. Steve thinks many people define a desert by "what it is not," and it's not a big city.  Boy God, as of course You already know; someday I'd like to smell a city even though I'm not complaining and like how our small town smells too.  I like my life better now!

             Mr. Steve does "Artwork."  Since 1999 he's sold "Apparel" and "Promotional Products" so has to be aware of things like colors.  A customer once described khaki as "non-descript" and "boring" because, it's not "Bright" but; I'm khaki in color and don't think I'm boring.

            Another "Dull" color is "Gray," which Mr. Steve's friend "Rick" joked is the color of cities.   The walls of our house and Patio floor below me are gray, and "Tan" is just another name for khaki; while "Beige" is "grayish-tan."  I'll learn more about "Concrete" in my books.

    

                                                                              MR. RICK / MOM                                            

       

                Mr. Rick is about a year older than my boss and, Mr. Steve and Mr. Rick think Mr. Steve was six when they first met.  Mr. Rick's "Italian-American" family had moved from the city of "Pittsburgh" out here to Los Angeles.  Ah!  The clear Spring air is making me feel so good.

            It was at Saint Ferdinands school where my boss met Mr. Rick, who married a girl named "Linda;" they ended up having three kids.  Mr. Steve, his brother Rock and Mr. Rick all played "Little League" Baseball together down there in Sylmar.  A lot of Birds are singing happily. 

           To Mr. Steve, in his mind he associates Mr. Rick with color pattern of black as the primary color; white and yellow as the secondary colors.  That's because the three professional sports teams from Pittsburgh use that "Color Pattern."  Mr. Steve likes green, white and yellow.       

                                             

         "OUR HOUSE" (FRONT YARD)                

                                  

                A long gray "Gravel Driveway" leads from the front of our house out to the road.  Ah! I just noticed a long line of Ants marching bye down there on the Patio floor.  Daisy says Ants, like Birds; tell you what's going on. They always know when to seal and unseal their holes. 

          Those Ants are going toward the north just on the other side of an old coffee table given to Mr. Steve by his ex-girlfriend Miss Emily.  Looking at the eastern desert to my front, and seeing Spring green; makes me think about my boss's mom.  She loves the color green like he does.

          Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his mom talking on the phone about a "Color Wheel," which is a tool she used when she was still painting.   A color wheel makes it easier to understand all the different color "Categories" I guess.  A small Bird with a twig in its mouth went running bye. 

                                                    

  "COLOR WHEEL"                                    ISAAC NEWTON (1642-1727)  

         

                My Encyclopedia says that English man Sir Isaac Newton "conceived" the idea of a color wheel in 1704.  Red, blue and yellow are "Primary" colors, orange, purple and green being the "Secondary" colors.  There are six what they call "Tertiary" colors on the color wheel.

           I'll be learning about Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein over the next three days, mainly because Daisy thinks Mr. Steve will be really impressed if I do a good job in writing about them. Ah!  A nice cool morning breeze came in from the eastern desert.  The chimes are ringing. 

          Daisy heard one of Mr. Steve's customers tell him white and black, "in that order;" are the "two most popular new car colors."  Gray, red, blue and green are the next most popular that Parts Manager said.  Mr. Steve thinks white is "easier to maintain" in appearance than black.  

        

           HENRY FORD (1863-1947)  WITH "MODEL T"           

    

          In my three books I'll learn about Henry Ford who used an "Assembly Line to built one of the first Car; the black "Model T."   He joked you could get his Model T "in any color as, long as it was black" Daisy heard.  My boss's brother Rock made Cars on assembly lines I guess.

         Mr. Steve's mom thinks white represents "purity and being young," black "mystery and power."  To her green symbolizes "rebirth and hope," red "passion and energy;" and "calmness and wisdom" is what she sees in blue.  Blue is definitely my all time favorite color for sure. 

         Writing these books will be sort of hard God but, Mr. Steve's been called a "Quick Study;" so I want to be that too.  I "Catch on Fast" and learned in English what "stay," "sit" and "lay down" meant.  And, I know a lot of other words too; especially any "Food" related words. 

            

                 CALIFORNIA "HIGH" DESERT                    

                             

           Mr. Steve what they call "Rescued" me from a field my first owner dumped me into last year.  I was "Homeless," my life bleak but; now I have hope and what they call a new "Lease on Life" as they say.  Thank You so much God for any "Peace of Mind" You might grant me.    

           Hey Lord!  As You know, I was angry and felt "Sorry for Myself" but my boss doesn't like to blame bad luck on others; or think of yourself as a "Victim."  Like my boss's mom says, "We all have Crosses to Bear."  Hey God!  Why did I survive when so many other Dogs don't? 

           I don't expect life to be fair anymore God.  I know about "Free Will" now and agree with it but, sort of also want to believe; You maybe at times "Intercede" down here.  I agree with Mr. Steve's Niece "Samantha" who said, "Uncle Steven, it's just not fair that life is not fair!"   

                   

"NIGHTMARE"      

                  

             I haven't had bad dreams lately about being homeless and, in fact; had a pleasant dream last night.  At times, I dream about how much it hurt my ribs; when those boys hit my side with hard rocks.   But, I'm not mad at them any more God; and have decided to forgive them. 

            Mr. Steve, who thinks "Some" dreams are important; told Mr. Randy he still occasionally has dreams about the times he's broken his bones or had big cuts.  I notice he called bad dreams "Nightmares."  Over the next three days, I'll write about good; and also bad dreams too.      

           When I first came over here, because I was "Spooked;" Mr. Steve called me "SPOOKIE TOOTH" which is the name of a band.  I've had a hard time trusting, though I'm better now.  I still won't ever turn my back all the way on anyone except my boss.  No way!  Uh! Uh!

              

               "CALIFORNIA"                                     "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA"

                         

             We live in "California" which, on the "West Coast;" is one of  fifty "American" States." Ah!  I really like breathing air through the two "Nostrils" of my nose and right now, in my right nostril; I smell Blinky's good scent from over there.  Boy God!  Thank You for my nose.   

             To write my books I'll need these "Notebooks" and "Dictionaries" we found out in the garage. I'll use the "Encyclopedias" piled out here on the Patio too.  One Dictionary is to look up words in "Latin," while others are for languages that "Came from Latin;" like "Spanish."

             Boy!  How was anyone even able to "Invent" such amazing things like these "Pens" and "Pencils."  Mr. Steve read the 19th century American Writer Henry David Thoreau sometimes made and sold pencils.  Boy!  It would be so great if I had some thumbs like the people do.

             

    "NEW"/ "NUEVO"  MEXICO                                            "BELÉN"                           

                  

             Mr. Steve's parents are from a small town in the State of "New Mexico" called "Belén," "Bethlehem" in Spanish; or "House of Bread" in "Hebrew."  Hey Lord!  In 1985 Mr. Steve's St. Ferdinands Tour Group visited the original Bethlehem where You were born.  I smell Sage. 

             Belén is called a "Hub" town because it's a "Railroad Train Junction."  For over forty years Mr. Steve's Grandpa "Trujillo" loaded "Freight" for the "Santa Fe Railroad," which was why he was really, really physically strong.  I'll learn about "Trains" in my three books.

             I'll learn about many "Topics" over the next three days, and one is "Córdova;" which is our last name.  It's an "Ancient" name, "Traced" to the year 1693 A.D. in New Mexico.  In my books one thing I'll write about is my boss's "Relatives" who still live back in New Mexico.    

                                               

                                                       MR. STEVE'S PARENTS (2012)   

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA         

                              

         Mr. Steve's parents married in 1954, and moved to California in 1955; where Mr. Steve was born.  But they had to move back to New Mexico because of money.  In 1960 they returned out to California "For Good," and settled in "Los Angeles;" which is seventy miles south of us.  

        In 1957 my boss's brother "Rocky" was born in Belén, their brother "Sam" and two sisters "Celina" and "Susan" here in Los Angles in 1961, 1962 and 1964.  They were "Raised" down in "L.A." but now I'm glad my boss Mr. Steve lives up here in the "High Desert."  I smell Sage.  

        Rocky's a "Nickname" for "Roderick," but my boss just calls him "Rock."  All Mr. Steve's  brothers and sisters had children. Mr. Steve never got married or had kids so I guess, in a way; you could say we're kind of like his "Adopted" kids.  So, I want to make him proud of me!  

  

                                                         CÓRDOVA FAMILY (1985)    

                  REAR / CELINA (HOLDING DOG "CHINO, MR. STEVE"S MOM, SUSAN, MR. STEVE

                                                     FRONT / ROCKY, MR. STEVE'S FATHER IN CHAIR, SAM

                                                                              PHOTO BY ARMANDO AGUIRRE

                  

         The area of Los Angeles, where Mr. Steve and all his brothers and sisters grew up; is called "Sylmar."  It's located in the northeast corner of the "San Fernando Valley."  According to this one good Latin Dictionary, the name Sylmar would be "Translated" to be; "Sea of Trees." 

         I'd like to smell a city someday but now all I know is our town called "Piñon Hills."  I guess a city has a lot of people while Piñon Hills only has about seven thousand "Residents."  My boss moved up here from Sylmar back in 2005, and I've lived over here for about a year now. 

        Our worker Mike jokingly calls Piñon Hills a "Village," or "Hamlet;" which I guess means small.  Thank You so much God for bringing me over here to live on these two acres because it's for sure way better than being lonely and homeless out in that field.  Birds are chirping. 

              

                              MR. STEVE'S DAD ON LEFT                                          MR. IVAN    

                                                                                                                               

            Mr. Steve's dad's best friend is Mr. Ivan, both getting married after being "Discharged" from the military in the early 1950's.  My boss's mom's first name is "Stella," her what they call original "Maiden" last name being "Trujillo."   Mr. Ivan's German wife is Miss "Helga."

           Belén is the main town, but Mr. Steve's father was actually from this small village called   "Jarales;" where his brother "Casey" still lives.  "Córdova" and "Trujillo" come from cities in "Andalusia, Spain," and I notice Córdoba is spelled with a "b" instead of "v."   I smell Sage. 

           I guess Mr. Steve's dad's first name is "Sam" or "Samuel" in Spanish, his mother has two younger brothers; his dad like himself the the oldest of five kids.  The "Aunts" and "Uncles" in New Mexico also had children who then had their kids too.  Dawn's barking to my right.

                                                       

   BLESSED MOTHER MARY    

          

            If You're making me smell Rosemary right now Blessed Mother I sure hope it means that You're thinking of me.  You know how afraid I am that I might've "Bitten off more than I can      chew" as they say in writing my books.  Boy!  I love how it smells on this first day of Spring.        

          As You know Virgin Mary, the reason my favorite color is "Royal" blue is because of the pretty flowers on Rosemary plants.  I always think of You when I either see or smell them, like      right now for instance.  Oh Yeah!  Happy New Year up there in Heaven Blessed Mother!               

          My Spanish Dictionary says Los Angeles means the "The Angels."  My Encyclopedia says L.A. is 460 "square miles" in size, and the second "most populated" American city behind "New  York City."  Mr. Steve's sister Susan, and sons "Dalton" and "Austin;" live near "N.Y.C."           

                      

 LOS ANGELES ("DOWNTOWN")

                            

            Wow!  My Encyclopedia has a picture of "Downtown" Los Angeles' tall buildings.  Over the next three days I'll find out about the history of California, and its cities; some of which Mr.  Steve and his family have even been to.  Oh boy!  I think I might be "Afraid of Heights."              

           Oh!  This is interesting Blessed Mother!  L.A., begun in 1781; was named after You and the original name was "El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Angeles de Porciúncula."      The American "Revolutionary War" was also still going on back east in that year 1781.                 

          It says here that, in English; the "Official" name for Los Angeles is, "The Town of our Lady the Queen of the Angels from Porciuncula."  I guess, Porciuncula is a Spanish "River."  I    don't know if I can swim so I'm sort of still afraid of deep water God, as You already know.                          

"IBERIAN" PENINSULA (PORTUGAL / SPAIN)

                              

          Boy!  In Spanish sometimes they have long names, and in German it's the same; except they "Combine" the words.  So, I'm glad I have all of these Dictionaries because there's no way I could just sound out and spell many words myself.  Uh! Uh!  That would be totally impossible.    

       Our name "Córdova" (Core-doe vah) may be "Phoenician" in "Origin."  In the 12th century A.D. the "Islamic" city of  "Córdoba" was one of "the most advanced" cities in "all the  world" from what my Encyclopedia says.  I'll learn about my last name in all of my books.           

            Things are much easier to understand when an Encyclopedia has maps and pictures to go along with the writing, and I do like reading "Caption's."  Boy!  I'm so tempted to learn about    our last name right now but, I'll just wait and do it according to schedule.  I can smell Sage!                                                                                        SAGE                                                               MR. DAVE                                            

                                                                 

        Mr. "Dave," my boss's friend; now lives in "Taos," New Mexico with his wife "Julianne."  They mailed us some New Mexico Sage which Mr. Steve at times burns.  Some Sage is purplish,    or "Morado" in Spanish; and I'm looking forward to learning more about the color purple.         

         Like my boss, Mr. Dave plays drums.  He's "Hupa" Indian and is a "Real" Drummer while Mr. Steve admits he's just a "Bedroom" Drummer.  Mr. Dave and Miss Julianne have a mostly    black Dog named "Ling" which, in the Hupa language; is their word for all of us "Dogs."            

         I guess Mr. Dave says "Blessings to All," and "Mitakuye Oyasin;" which means "All of our Relations."  He worked with my boss and is also from Sylmar.  Hey God, and Blessed Mother; I  kind of like how Mr. Dave at times calls You Guys "Father Sky" and "Mother Earth."                                         

                         FERDINAND III                                     "SAN FERNANDO" VALLEY                  

                                          (c.1199-1252)                                                                  ("SAINT FERDINAND" VALLEY)                      

         PAINTING BY HERNANDO DE ÁVILA                                                                                           

                                                 

          Down there where my boss Mr. Steve and his brothers and sisters grew up there things named "In Honor Of" a 13th century A.D. Spanish King.  My Encyclopedia says, not only was    "Ferdinand III" a King; he was also a "Catholic Saint" too.  Wow!  That is good alright.              

           Mr. Steve and his brothers and sisters went to that Catholic school "St. Ferdinand," which was in the city of "San Fernando;" in the northeast part of the "San Fernando Valley."  All are    named for King Ferdinand III.  Ah!  I feel good back here on the Patio sitting on you Elvira.        

           "Mission Hills," where the actual "San Fernando Mission" is located; is west of the city of  San Fernando.  I guess, Sylmar is to the east of San Fernando; and north of this other city I'll be writing about over the next three days called "Pacoima."   I love the sound of chirping Birds.           

MR. STEVE'S PARENTS / GRANDMA CÓRDOVA

(SAN FERNANDO MISSION / "EAST" GARDEN / "CÓRDOVA" FOUNTAIN)

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA           

      

          Over the next three days I'll learn about the twenty one 18th century "Missions" built up here in "Alta" or "Upper" California.  My boss Mr. Steve and his parents were what they call      "Tour Guides" at the "San Fernando Mission."  I smell Dawn, Blinky and Rosie to my right.       

             Mr. Steve read, if California were it's own "Country;" it would be the world's 6th largest "Economy."  But it's cities are now too crowded with people, Cars; and noise he thinks.  I guess,  California has thirty nine million people; while "Canada" has only thirty six million.                    

          Where we live it's not crowded.  I guess we  live in "Scrubland" or "Chaparral," near the "Foothills;" on the north side of the "San Gabriel" mountains.  Sylmar is in the foothills on the opposite south side of that exact same "Range," and both areas have some "Arroyos."    

         

  FRONT  YARD OF FENCED IN AREA     

(GRAVEL DRIVEWAY)     

                                     

             I'm back here on our Patio on the east side of the house but, in my mind; I'm seeing our front yard on the west side behind me.  "Up in front," Joshua trees and "Yucca Palms" line the gravel driveway going out to the road in front of our house.   Ah! I just love this fresh air!      

            My boss owns our house on his two and a half acres.  My main job is to guard these two "Fenced-In" acres but, I also "Keep an Eye" on" the "Undeveloped" half acre of desert behind the three Sheds to the east too.  Oh!  Thank You again God for all of this good land to guard.

            Rabbits, Birds; and Lizards live out there in what my boss calls our "back half acre."  I'm afraid to walk in the desert, but Mr. Steve isn't; even though Bobcats, Coyotes and Mountain Lions "occasionally" show up.  Bugs, or "Insects;" live around here and I hate all "Flies!"

                                 

                                                 THE BIG "MULBERRY"TREE                                                  

                                                                           

                To my front, about twenty feet from where I'm sitting here on Elvira on our Patio; is a  twenty foot tall "Fruitless Mulberry" tree.  Circled down below it are big "Boulders," with dirt between them; so the water won't flow away when Mr. Steve waters it.  That's a "Basin." 

            Right now the basin's full, and looks like a miniature Lake; with sunlight reflecting off it's surface.  Bugs, Lizards and things like that; drink it's water.  Oh! What looks to me kind of like an inexperienced Sparrow Bird just flew in, landed; and is now looking around cautiously. 

           Hey God!  Thank You for inventing water!  When I was homeless out in the field, at times I was "Dying of Thirst" as they say; so it's a good thing maybe You sent that lady who left me water to drink.  Right now we're in a "Drought" so my boss says we can't waste any water.    

                

                "FREIGHT" TRAIN                        WILLIAM MULHOLLAND (1855-1935)  

                                   

          Oh!  A "Train" just whistled faintly to my left, or the north of us.  A "Railroad Track" goes bye our property, about three miles away; near to the "California Aqueduct" which takes water  down there to Los Angeles.  Boy! The warm morning sunlight feels so good on me right now.        

        A man from "Ireland" named William Mulholland built the California Aqueduct in 1913.  I'll learn about the countries of England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland over the next three days.    And, I'll also learn about New Mexico's old water "Ditches;" called "Los Acequias."                     

        The Train whistled again. God!  How could anyone have even invented a complex thing like a Train?  Boy! I can't wait to use all of these good Encyclopedias to learn more about Trains and things like that over the next three days.  Thank You God for the way I feel right now.                                                                          

"ANGELINE" WITH BABIES        

                                                     

               Oh my God!  "Angeline" the big Quail is standing over there in the dirt with new babies but this is way too early in the year to have babies!  Three groups of Quail "Coveys" live around here and Angeline, and now her new babies; belong to "Alpha Company."  I smell some Sage.

            Mr. Steve named our three groups of Quail, "Alpha," "Bravo" and "Charlie" Companies so we could tell them apart.  Those two brave girl Quails "Laverne" and "Shirley" lead Bravo Company.  Wow!  Seeing Angeline's babies is making me think this is going to be a good year.

           That big boy Quail "Chosin" leads Charlie Company.  Angeline will take her babies to the front yard where Mr. Steve spreads "Bird Seed" and "Chicken Scratch" on the ground below his office window.  He also fills a "Bird Bath" with water.  Angeline's such a big girl Quail!   

                               

  "SURVIVING" DINOSAURS EVOLVE      

                     ARTWORK BY MARK HALLET                             

                                              

             Quail remind me of Chickens.  I guess Birds are "Descendants" of one of two "Types" of "Dinosaurs" who for "millions of years" lived during three main "Periods," the "Triassic," the "Jurassic" and "Cretaceous."  Oh!  Angeline and her new Spring babies are now gone.   

            A little "Wren" Bird just flew in to drink water from the basin below the Mulberry tree.  If I know Birds it will drink but be alert.  Things around here, like our neighbor's Cat named "Cher" for instance; would "Like nothing More" than to "Ambush" and then eat it.

           The Wren just flew away.  Birds are fast, and some are good at what's called "Disguise."  Our Sheds are "Elevated" two feet above the ground so the Quail, Squirrels and Lizards often hide underneath them.  But, unfortunately for them; Snakes also know they go there too.     

     

      "SERENGETI"             

    PHOTO BY VINCENT MEYER                

                  

               One morning, Mr. Mike saw Bugs, Lizards and Birds drinking from the basin below the Mulberry tree; and joked it looked like a "mini Serengeti."  I guess, that's an an area of the big "Continent" called "Africa." I'll find out a lot more about Africa in all of my three books.

            This Encyclopedia has a picture of the Serengeti.  The caption says, "gazelles, zebras and wildebeest share a water hole."  Usually, those three wouldn't be "Hanging Around" one another but being so thirsty; they're a lot more willing to just "Take their Chances" so to speak.    

           One time on a really hot day I saw this Lizard and a Snake drinking water from the basin right across from each other, and Mr. Steve saw it too.  Thank You God for all of the cool breezes on extremely hot days.  In just a few months it will be way hotter up here in the High Desert.                                                                 ZEBRA                                                                      LIBBY

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Sitting here on Elvira, and glancing to my right; I can see our neighbor's Horse "Libby" looking at me from her "Corral."  She's old and, I'd recognize her unique scent anywhere; even in that one dream she was in.  Oh!  A small "Garter" Snake just crawled underneath Moe.  

             Mr. Mike talked about "Zebras," and how he read some think black and white stripes is to keep cool; or confuse predators.   Flies might stay away from that "stripe pattern" too.  Oh! I'd definitely paint myself black and white, or do anything; to make Flies leave me alone.       

               This Encyclopedia says "Serengeti" means "Endless Plains" in the "Maasai" language. Mr. Steve has taken pictures of some Zebras.  A north south "Dirt" road, called "Primavera;" is the eastern boundary of my boss's land out there in the eastern desert behind the Sheds. 

                                                                                                                       

HALLWAY INSIDE THE HOUSE

            

           I love "Music" but I'm still afraid to go all the way down the mysterious "Hallway" in our house.  So, I can only listen to music when Mr. Steve comes outside to do "Yard Work."  While he does his work out here he listens to this totally astounding machine called a "Boombox."

          Someday I'll see that round white and gold "Plaque" at the far end of the hallway.  I guess it shows two faces, the left half a Moon with its eyes closed; and a Sun face with the eyes open on the right side.  Ah!  I suddenly hear the faint buzzing sound of some Hummingbirds.    

         How could anyone have invented such an ingenious thing like a Boombox?  And to think it's powered by "Energy" from those miraculous little things called "Batteries."  Ah!  I hear all of the different types of Birds chirping right now, and they sound happy that it's Spring! 

   

                                        MAX AND 99                HUMMINGBIRDS                    MAX  

                                                                                                                PHOTO BY TOM GREY  

       

              Ah!  I just glanced up from here on my couch Elvira to see Max the green Hummingbird whiz bye.  He just kept right on going toward the north, or my left; seeing Mr. Steve did not fill up the two glass containers with the red liquid in it today.  Max isn't with his girlfriend 99.

          Because the two front doors of our house have those pretty stained glass windows showing Hummingbirds, people give my boss Mr. Steve "Hummingbird Theme" things.  In "Courting" 99 you can see how much they really like each other.  I heard Max coming from my right.   

        My boss's father thinks it's often more important to listen than talk, but one time Mr. Steve found out years later he lost a job because the girl doing the "Hiring" was looking for "a more "chatty" person.  Ah!  I just picked up the scent of that one Sage bush behind the Sheds.      

                    

                                                      ANTONIO VIVALDI (1678-1741)

          

           One time doing yardwork  Mr. Steve listened to a song called "La Primavera," like our dirt road.  This Latin Dictionary says it means ""The Spring," and was written by the Italian "Composer" Antonio Vivaldi.   Mr. Steve used the Greek word "Rhêma" to describe it.  

          I guess, in the Bible one "Interpretation" of  Rhêma is "The Living Word," but my boss thinks it can also be the uplifting feeling some music gives you.  He says music can "change your perspective on time."  Boy!  I love the "Wig" "Vivaldi" is wearing in the painting of him.     

          My Encyclopedia says Vivaldi, like that other guy "Bach;" was a 1700's "Baroque" era "Composer." Oh!  He was buried in a "Pauper's Grave" so was "destitute."  God, I sure do hope I never end up being as poor or "impoverished" like Antonio Vivaldi was when he died.   

                             

  "RHÊMA"       

            

                  Hey God!  As You already know of course, my boss Mr. Steve says Rhêma or The Living Word; probably usually means speaking or writing something.  But he also sees Rhêma in music or things "created from nothing" too.  Ah!  I feel so good sitting here on my couch Elvira. 

                  Mr. Steve jokes at times he feels like an "obsolete Dinosaur," or like this Joe Walsh song says; an "Analog" person in a "Digital" world.   Over the next three days I'm scheduled to learn and then write a lot about the huge subject of "Music."  Boy!  Thank You God, I can't wait!  

                 I guess my boss appreciates "Modern Technology" but, in music; prefers  "spontaneous" yet possibly "imperfect" songs made on musical instruments rather than being "Programmed."   Hey God!  Do You help us when art is created down here?  I have a feeling You do alright.

                                       

          MAGGIE CÓRDOVA                     

         ("THE BARRISTER")                    

ARTWORK BY ALLEN HALL            

                

                 Boy!  If "Given Half the Chance" as they say, I'd definitely wear a wig like the one Mr. Vivaldi has on in the painting of him.  I guess back in those days the Judges also had to wear a wig too when deciding all the different cases.  A small group of Birds is flying to the east.

           Hey Lord!  It says here Vivaldi was "Roman Catholic Christian" like us, but he was also a  "Priest;" or "Cleric" too.  My boss and his dad have given money to help bury people who've died poor.  Mr. Steve often listens to La Primavera when brushing his teeth in the morning.    

          One morning, as he watered the big Mulberry tree over there; my boss told Mr. Randy for "much of history" people took few baths.   So they just shaved their heads and wore wigs to not have hair "Lice."  Boy!  I sure wish I had a good wig to wear, even though I'm really clean.

          

             "STOCK EXCHANGE"                           MR. RICH / MR. STEVE'S PARENTS

        (NEW YORK CITY)                                                                          (CRISTINA IN FRONT)          

             

           In the late 1960's and early 1970's Mr. Steve's father had a school for "Stockbrokers."  In 1977 my boss and his brother Rock were taken by their Uncle Marty to see the "New York Stock Exchange."  Mr. Steve's parents have also visited that Stock Exchange over the years I guess. 

           Mr. Steve's father knows a lot about the subjects of "Capitalism versus Socialism," and "Democracy versus Authoritarianism."  I'll learn a lot about those things too over the next three days.  There are Birds zooming around out there in the eastern desert behind the three Sheds.  

          Boy!  I'm kind of tempted to look up that guy Karl Marx right now but, I'd better just do it according to my book one outline.   His ideas from the 19th century are still influencing people to this very day.  That's what I heard my boss tell Mr. Randy on that morning last Summer.  

                                                               

                                          KARL MARX (1818-1883) WITH WIFE        

                                        

                 I'll mention quickly how Karl Marx was a 19th century "German" Jew, who lived with his family for much of their lives in "England."  He wrote about" Communism and Capitalism," and the "bad" things about "Industrialism."  My boss and his dad both read "Das Capital."

             Mr. Steve thinks many Americans "take things for granted," or assume there will always be enough food and water and shelter.  But "History" shows "Nothing lasts Forever" so, ancient Rome fell.  Most Dinosaurs, who "Ruled the Earth" for millions of years; are gone too.    

             My boss thinks many things have two sides so, every "good" thing has also been used for "bad" purposes too.  A "Gun," helps people hunt food to survive; or kill people more easily.  In history, it has often been the case that life can be "Equal Parts" good; but also bad too. 

                            

   DESERT LIZARD             

                                                  

                  Aha!  I knew I smelled a Lizard and I see it  over there in the dirt doing "Push Ups."  Up and down, up and down but; it better be careful as motion attracts attention from things like the Crows and Ravens.  Ugh!  It would be so bad to end your life as just "Food" for something.

               Piñon Hills doesn't have as many Cars as a city but, they drive too fast on the road in front of our land.  We have a 1977 "Chevrolet" half ton Truck named "Rex."  He was given to us by Mr. Steve's brother "Sam" and his wife "Yolanda."  I can smell some new Spring Sage.

             Mr. Steve's brother Sam and his family live about twenty seven miles to the west of us in the town of "Littlerock." Their oldest son is named "Mathew," and then there's "Sammy" Jr. and his younger sister "Raqquel."  The Lizard just ran and went under a rock over there.       

                               

                                      SAM / YOLANDA                     SAMMY / SAM / MATHEW / RAQUELL                                                                                                                             YOLANDA IN FRONT

              

         One time, as they loaded up Rex with things for the "Dump;" my boss told Mr. Mike his brother Sam played on Baseball teams from Sylmar High School.  One team came within a game of playing down there at "Dodger Stadium" for the "City" Championship.  Heathcliff crowed.    

         I guess, the game Sylmar High lost back in the 1980's was to "Granada Hills" High; and one of their players was John Elway.  He was good in Baseball but turned out to be even better in Football.  I'll learn more about him, and that Baseball game; in my second book tomorrow.          

        A "County" is part of a "State," and we're in "San Bernardino" County.  Mr. Steve says our county is bigger in size but "Los Angeles County," where he and his "Siblings" grew up; has way more of a "Population" of people.  Boy!  I really love how Spring air smells right now!                                                        

     PIÑON HILLS        

                             

           My Dictionary says the word "Sanctuary" means, "A holy place of refuge and protection; particularly in a Temple or Church."  Hey God!  This two acres, but especially here on my couch Elvira; are my own protective sanctuary or happy space.  I feel safe being here on this Patio. 

            I'll learn about the country of "France" in my three books.  A French story is about a guy who's a "Hunchback," and his "Safe Haven" was the Bell Tower of a "Medieval" Cathedral; in that big city of "Paris."  A "Cathedral" is a giant, humongous; Catholic Church I guess.  

         Oh my God!  Freddie the Crow just swooped in from "Out of the Blue" and landed right on a Lizard near Manny the far right Shed.  He killed it fast with his beak, and will fly off to find an area where he and Fannie can eat it "In Peace" as they say.  Boy! That Poor little Lizard.  

            

                                                 "HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME"

                

        My boss likes "Horror" movies.  In this "Silent" movie about the Hunchback he thinks the "Actor" who played the Hunchback was so good at putting on "Make up" like Mr. Steve's Niece named "Stephanie" is trained to do.  Boy!  It would be so bad to be one of those Hunchbacks.

        I guess a silent movie has no sound, like music or talking.  In that one Hunchback movie the people are mean to the Hunchback but a girl "Feels Sorry" for him.  Thank You God for sending that lady to help me, when I was homeless; and was sort of like that Hunchback too I guess.   

        Boy!  I'm tempted to write about that Hunchback.  I guess his job was to ring loud Bells in that giant Cathedral so, he went "Deaf" but, I'll come back to him when I write about that girl Helen Keller.  My boss's first girlfriend Sandy's father, and Mr. Steve's dad; are partially deaf. 

                                                  

                                                         VICTOR HUGO (1802-1885)  

                                                            COLORED BY PHOTOS.COM / JUPITER IMAGES            

                           

            A "Painted" black and white photo in this Encyclopedia shows the 19th century French Writer Victor Hugo.  He wrote the book the Hunchback movie's "Based On" as they say.  At one time I guess, Mr. Steve painted black and white photos he "Printed" on "Silk" paper.

            In my books I'll write about a smart little guy named Homer Lea who, in the early part of the 20th century; wrote two "Influential" books on "Military History."  I guess, possibly because he was dropped as a baby; he was one of those Hunchbacks too.  Heathcliff just crowed.

              Hey Blessed Mother!  It's so interesting how my Encyclopedia says Victor Hugo's book is named "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and, in French the Cathedral is called "Notre Dame de Paris" or; "Our Lady of Paris."  So, that big giant huge Cathedral was named after You!

                                        

                        MARY SHELLEY (1797-1851)                                       FRANKENSTEIN   

                                    PAINTING BY RICHARD ROTHWELL                                                                                                                                                   

                   

            Hey God! I feel like writing about that monster "Frankenstein," who was "Created" with dead body parts.  But I'll wait until tomorrow, when I look up that girl Mary Shelley; and find out about the man who turns into a Wolf.  Mr. Steve really admires Mary Shelley I guess.

        In my three books I'll also learn about "Horror" movies, and this one Actor named Boris Karloff who played the Frankenstein monster and a "Mummy" in another movie too.  I can tell Mr. Steve thinks Mary Shelley must've been smart.  I really want him to think I'm smart too.

       Another thing I'll write about tomorrow is this band called BLACK SABBATH.  Like Boris Karloff and Mary Shelley, they're "English" and their left-handed Guitarist accidentally cut off some of the tips of his fingers.  A hungry Crow is clucking out there in the eastern desert.   

                                                                                                                                                        MR. PEABODY / BOY SHERMAN    

                                                                                   

                   I'm still kind of afraid to go in our house because I'm scared of being trapped in an area with no "Escape Routes."  My boss at times gets kind of upset with me over that.  But, I do look forward to the time when I overcome my fear; because then I can watch a lot more tv.

            At this point I'll only go in the living room on Saturday mornings to watch "Cartoons" on that amazing "TV" machine.  I guess tv is an "Abbreviation" for "Television."  Cartoons are so educational, and my all time favorite is about the world's smartest Dog named "Mr. Peabody." 

            Mr. Peabody and his boy "Sherman" use their "Way Back" machine to "Time Travel," which I'd like to do "For a Living."  Mr. Steve doesn't believe in time travel, but if he did would want to go back to the 1500's or 16th century.  Or he'd want to talk with Mary Shelley. 

          

                                                            "SPEEDY" GONZALEZ

                                                                                                                              PHOTO BY IAN MERRLL

                     

            Oh!  Who should I see when I'm thinking of cartoons?  It's that "Fast-Running" Squirrel Mr. Steve named "Speedy Gonzalez," and he streaked bye in front of the three Sheds.  I guess in "Real Life," Speedy Gonzalez is actually this Mouse; who speaks with a Spanish accent. 

            I've tried chasing "Speedy" but he's just way too fast and agile for me.  I'm fast and agile too but not like him so, I just have fun chasing him; knowing "Good and Well" I'll never actually catch him.  Dawn's now barking over there next door and I can really smell little Blinky.

          When we go in the house on Saturday mornings to watch our cartoons Mr. Steve leaves the front door open so I feel more comfortable and don't worry about being "Trapped."  I've been afraid of "Enclosed" areas ever since I was homeless.  Someday I'll go down the Hallway! 

                                          

   "CRUCIFIXION"        

                                                                                      

          Hey Lord!  Thank You for letting the Romans kill You so You could help us down here and, as You know; I'm partly writing my three books in You Guys honor.   I sure do hope Everyone up there "Smiles Down" on me.  If I could time travel Lord I'd definitely want to go smell You.   

         Oh!  That Jackrabbit Mr. Steve named "Jack" just whizzed bye.  It's good to see him even though I'm so tempted to chase him as he didn't even notice me over here on Elvira.  I sometimes have wondered if Jack's a boy or a girl but Mr. Steve thinks he's "most likely" a boy Rabbit.  

         Lord!  I can't wait until Saturday when I learn about Your "Death Shroud" over in Italy.  I would sure love to smell Your blanket like I love smelling my three blankets!  To "Mock" You, I guess the Romans hung a sign above You saying "King of the Jews" in three languages. 

              

                                                           "SHROUD OF TURIN"

                 

            Lord!  This Encyclopedia shows Your blanket, and it sure does looks like Your image was burned right into it; maybe when You went up to Heaven.  Mr. Steve has worked in Photo "Dark Rooms" so knows about "Negatives."  Boy!  It must've hurt to be "Nailed" onto a cross.    

            Boy!  I just love these three blankets, Barry, Robin and Maurice our friend Mr. Chris got for me.  I'll use them to hide all my materials if Mr. Steve breaks his usual pattern and comes out here to the Patio.  My three blankets are named for those brothers in the BEE GEES. 

           Like my boss, I now give things "Nicknames;" which this English  Dictionary says is, "A substitute or descriptive name given in fun."  I'll never forget that first time when my boss Mr. Steve called me "Mag" because that meant he liked me.  A group of Birds just flew bye.    

  

MR. PHILLIP

            Mr. Steve has a customer in New York State named Mr. "Phillip," who's originally from "Wales."  He calls "England" the "U.K.," short for "United Kingdom;" which also includes the countries of "Scotland" and "Ireland" too.  Mr. Phillip calls a nickname a "Pet" name.  

           Boy Elvira, I's so glad I have you to be with me for the next three days as I write my three books.  I'm so happy my boss bought you from Mr. "Mark" before Mr. Mark moved his family out there to "Hawaii."  Mr. Mark's wife is named "Kim," their sons are "Taj" and "Dylan."

           I already know what an "Island" is because I looked it up a while back.  Boy!  It would be so interesting to smell an island I think.  But I'll bet Hawaiian Dogs would wonder what a desert like what I'm smelling right now might smell like.  A little Lizard just went running bye.      

       

AMERICAN "SOUTHWEST" ("MOJAVE" DESERT)

              

        We live in the "Tri-Community" of Piñon Hills, "Phelan" and "Wrightwood."  Phelan and Wrightwood were named after men.  Miss "Susan," who used to run our local Newspaper; says    Piñon Hills at one time was called "Desmont," and even before that "Barrel Springs."                

       This Encyclopedia has a map of the "Mohave" desert and shows how Los Angeles is to the southwest of us.  This big city, called "Victorville;" is about twenty five miles to the east of Piñon  Hills.  Boy!  I really like looking at maps and can now see why my boss likes them too.       

     Aha!  I knew I was being watched and, I just noticed this Lizard standing on the wall over there; next to the "Sliding Glass Door" going into the "Dining Room."  Sometimes Lizards are    hard to see because they're so good at "Camouflage."  My boss sells camouflage Baseball hats.             

"CHOLLA" CACTUS       

   PHOTO BY RYAN LEE                   

                    

              Wow!  I love how the morning sun makes "Cholla" (Choy-ya) cactus "Glow" and look pretty but, their spines will stab you like needles.  God!  As You know, like my boss I really love that magical time every morning when Crickets stop chirping.  And Birds then begin to sing.      

             Mr. Steve thinks 3 is important but so is the "Duality" of 2, where things have two sides.  With good comes bad with bad comes good, the bigger the good the equal "Potential" for bad; and "Vice Versa."   His father sometimes jokes that's Your ironic joke from up there God. 

             Cholla cactus are called "Jumping Cactus," and I know why because; Mr. Steve had to use a stick to flick off that painful spine.  It stuck to my side like a "Magnet" when I got way too close and I noticed how Mr. Mike used the word "Velcro."   But I "Learned my Lesson." 

                                                                                                         RONNIE JAMES DIO (1942-2010)                                  

                                                                                                                                                          PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA        

        

               Over the next three days I'll learn about a Singer named Ronnie James Dio, who was in RAINBOW and BLACK SABBATH before he had his band.  He "Popularized" and made the "Malocchio" Devil's Horns hand gesture be associated with Heavy Metal.  I smell Sage.    

           Mr. Steve took pictures of Ronnie James Dio, and likes a lot of the songs he sang on in the 1980's.  He writes lyrics about "Sorcerers and Wizards, and the duality of life, one time saying in an interview, "Without darkness there is no light."  A Train whistled faintly over to my left.

          A while back my boss found out Ronnie James Dio was born on July the 10th, while his birthday is on the 9th of July.  He was told "Dio" is buried in Glendale at the "Forrest Lawn, just like that lady Miss Helen who worked with Mr. Steve and Mr. Mark.  A Finch is chirping.   

                                                

                                      YOUNG           CHARLES DARWIN             OLD

                                                                     (1809-1882)

         PAINTING BY GEORGE RICHMOND                                                                          

                  

           That chirping Finch reminds me of that 19th century Englishman Charles Darwin.  Hey God!  I guess "Darwin," who was "Sickly;" described the physical world You created through his "Theory" of "Evolution," or  what he called  "Natural Selection." He studied Finch's.      

           My boss's friend Mark Ritter, who a girl described as "never a dull moment;" died but got to achieve a "Life Goal" by visiting the "Galápagos" Islands like Darwin did.  He knew about "Reptiles;" "Geology" and "Aviation" too. "Deceased" is a nicer way of saying "Dead."  

           According to this English Dictionary, the "definition" of "Temporal" is, "of or part of the physical world" or "temporary, transitory."  I'll learn more about those two things over the next three days.  Oh!  A nice breeze just came in from the eastern desert behind the three Sheds.

                                                                                                                                          "BELIEF"      

                           

            Is that You Holy Spirit!  Just for the "Heck of It" as they say, I looked up "Spiritual" and my Dictionary says one definition is, "Of the spirit or soul."  And another one is, "Not physical or corporeal."  Oh!  I think I sort of like this one other third meaning, "Sacred or Holy."

           Mr. Steve and his friend Mr. Mike were about to take a "load" of things to the "Dump" when they talked about Charles Darwin's idea of "Defense Mechanisms."  Cholla cactus' jump on you to "defend" themselves, and Joshua trees have "Stabbing" tips.  Dawn's barking.   

           I've noticed when Mr. Steve works he wears those amazing "Gloves," mainly because a lot of things around here have jagged edges or sharp points.  How could anyone have even thought of how to make gloves?  Hey!  I'll  bet we could make money inventing gloves for us Dogs!

                

    BLACKBEARD AND ANNE BONNY       

                    

                     Oh!  "Blackbeard," Fannie and Freddie's son; is flying bye with his girlfriend "Anne Bonny."  Blackbeard's missing his left eye and my boss thinks he may have lost it fighting for the right to be with Anne.  Now, just like his parents; they're a couple "For Life" so to speak. 

             Wow God!  In looking at the Sun over the eastern horizon, and feeling its warmth which gives me energy; I sense You.  Ah!  I suddenly feel the exact same way I felt last Spring when the sunlight would absorb into me.  And I was also smelling the new scents coming out too!           

             Boy Crows like Blackbeard, who has a white hole where his eye use to be; fight a lot but girl Crows are tough too I notice.  Crows seem to be able to read your mind, especially if they're trying to steal your food from you.  I wonder what that term "Shrinking Violet" means?      

  

                SAMSON AND DELILAH                                                  "TALONS"                                 

        

             Oh!  Those two "Ravens" my boss named "Samson and Delilah" are now flying bye.  I've noticed how Crow and Raven couple's wings flap "In Unison" as they fly or, as Mr. Randy said; "in synch."   Both Crows and Ravens have really sharp beaks and claws to use in a fight.

            On the ground Crows and Ravens "Waddle" like those "Penguin" Birds that I've heard about.  My boss says Penguins "fly underwater" instead of up in the air.  Wow!  So, they must be able to "Hold their Breath" for a really long time; which seems so hard of a thing to do.    

            Crows caw while Ravens croak.  Mr. Steve had named Samson "Goliath" because of his big size, but Delilah showed up so he was renamed Samson; and that big Gopher Snake became Goliath instead.  I'll learn more about people from the "Old Testament" in my three books.   

                  

 "HIGH MOJAVE" DESERT     

 ("SAN GABRIEL" MOUNTAINS BEHIND)     

              

            A breeze from the east, behind the three Sheds; brought in the scent of Joshua trees.  This one Encyclopedia says they're "Agave" trees and their longer Latin "Scientific" name is "Yucca Brevifolia."  Wow!  Some Joshua trees can live to be over one hundred years old I guess. 

           A Native-American "Cahuilla" lady from near "Palm Springs" once told my boss about "Basket Making," and how you can make shoes from Joshua tree leaves.  I guess you can also eat Joshua tree flowers.  In Cahuillan, Joshua tree is "Hunuvat chiy'a;" or "Humwichawa."

          Over the next three days I'll learn about "Explorers," like a guy named John C. Frémont.  As San Fernando Mission Tour Guides Mr. Steve and his parents studied him and "Wilderness Guide" Kit Carson, who lived in New Mexico.  In the 19th century they "Mapped" the "West."  

                                          

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

                  

                 It says here how in 1840, even before the Mormons named them; John C. Frémont said Joshua trees were "ungraceful" and "repulsive."  Boy God!  I have to totally disagree with John C. Frémont about that.  In fact, I really, really  like how they look and smell to me right now. 

             This afternoon I'll find out about the "Mexican War" of 1846-48, which is important to the history of California and New Mexico.  John C. Frémont and Kit Carson played big parts in that war.  I guess John C. Frémont even stayed at the San Fernando Mission back in 1847.  

             Ah!  I hate it when my tongue gets stabbed trying to lick a cactus spine or "Sticker" out from between my toes.  I've noticed people wear those amazing "Shoes," which we could maybe invent for us Dogs; to make money.  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; flew bye.   

          

"ARBORVITAE"      

            

             I smell one of our "Arborvitae" trees, which look more like bushes than trees.  "Piñon" means "Pine" in Spanish, and my boss thinks "at one time" there were probably more Pine trees in our area; which some have described as being a "harsh landscape."  Heathcliff crowed.  

          My favorite thing to do, except for eating of course; is running.  I used to run fast on the dirt paths we've "Carved Out" in "Making the Rounds" when guarding the "Perimeter" of our  two acres, but now I just "Jog."   I also enjoy celebrating by jumping, howling and dancing.        

          In Winter people "Ski" in Wrightwood, which I guess is sliding down snow-covered hills on skinny wooden boards hooked onto your feet.  Oh!  What if someone could invent skiing for    Dogs?  They could probably make money because we have four legs instead of just two.                                          

AUSTIN / SUSAN / DALTON      

              

         Mr. Steve's sister Susan, and her sons Dalton and Austin; like to ski but I guess my boss has only done what they call "Water Skiing."  That kind of sounds scary because I'm still sort of  afraid of water, especially deep water.  I'm not really sure yet if I even know how to swim.             

            Boy!  I'm really starting to "Get the Hang" of writing and kind of like it.  I practiced a lot using these amazing "Pencils" when putting together my three outlines, and will start using the    permanent ink "Pens" after I practice writing a lot more.  Boy!  "Erasers" are so amazing!         

            Hey God!  I really like learning new things, and now can't wait to work on my books.  I'm sort of embarrassed at how much I "Procrastinated" because of my fear this will turn out to be a lot harder than expected.  But now I think I might be able to do it, with Your help of course.         

                                                               

"FIELD" MOUSE          

                                          

            Aha!  I knew I was smelling a Field Mouse, and now see it standing over there in gravel.  Wow!  You rarely see Mice out during the day but, it better be really careful because if Cher the Cat smells it he or she "Is a Goner" for sure as they say.  Mice have such cute little tiny hands.    

        That Mouse may sense it's Spring so is "Taking a Chance" in coming outside in order to absorb the Sun's warmth.  Not only do Cats eat the Mice, but so do Crows, Ravens, Snakes and    Hawks around here.  Mr. Steve read some of our local Hawks are called "Prairie" Hawks.            

     Oh my God!  "Goliath" the Gopher Snake crawled in from the desert, through the left vertical slot on the side of the gate.  Gopher Snakes look like "Rattlesnakes" without "Rattles," have skinnier heads; and aren't poisonous.  Snakes scare me but, it's nice to see Goliath.                                                                 

    GOLIATH         

        PHOTO BY MATT JEPPSON                

               

         Goliath stopped and flicked his tongue out to pull in a taste of air.  At times Cher the Cat opens her mouth really wide and almost seems to "Drink" in the taste of air.  The Mouse has not  yet picked up Goliath's presence so maybe I should warn it?  Nah, I guess I won't do that.            

         I can mainly tell Goliath by how big he is but, also by his round eyes and the lines on his face; that go from the top of his head around either side of his eyes.  I'd say Goliath is now over    three and a half feet long.  I don't think I'd really like having no legs to walk around on.               

          Mr. Steve's friend Mark Ritter who died knew about Snakes, and said there are six types of California Gopher Snakes.  He had a "Bull" Gopher Snake.  On Saturday I'll write about Mark Ritter's "Gila Monster" who, back in the 1990's; lived with Mr. Steve for about seven years.                                             

 "MOCKING" BIRD       

                            

            Oh!  What I thought was a chirping Finch is actually one of those "Impostor" Birds Miss Susan called a "Mocking" Bird.  They "Imitate" other Birds, and I have a feeling it probably has something to do with food somehow.  The Mouse is gone and I'll bet it smelled Goliath.           

          Mr. Steve gets up early and, like him; I now also like that "Old Saying" the "Early Bird gets the Worm."  We had a good breakfast this morning and, as usual; it was mainly that "Dry" Dog food.  At times I've kind of wondered about what Worms and Bugs would taste like?

         Boy!  There's nothing better than cold "Leftovers" mixed with dry food!  And this morning that delicious meat "Spam" was also in there too.  I smelled it even before I ate it, and I'll bet he put it in because today's a special day; the first day of Spring.  Goliath just crawled away.  

      

MAGGIE CÓRDOVA        

                 

           Eating breakfast this morning I thought of the first time I tasted dry Dog food, when I was homeless and that nice lady gave me food and water.  Thank You God if it was You who sent that lady to help me when I needed it so much.  Boy!  I really, really love to have food and water!  

           Hey God!  I promise I'll never complain again about dry Dog food, even though; at times it gets kind of what they call "Monotonous."  Now I really like dry Dog food!  Whenever I feel like dry Dog food is boring I'll just think about when I was homeless out in that awful field.

           I remember the time I was eating the dry Dog food the lady gave me and that one-legged Crow watched me.  Crows are smart and will steal your food, which I hate; if you're not careful.  Ah!  I can hear two Crows right now squawking and I'll bet they're fighting over some food.

           

                                                             ONE-LEGGED CROW

                                                                 PHOTO BY ROGER VAN GELDER  

             

             I'm pretty good at acting mean so I growled at the one-legged Crow when he kept eyeing my food.  Mr. Steve once had a one-legged Crow which, in the 1980's; was given to him by their family "Auto Mechanic" named "Wilt Walls."  He died a few years ago from what I heard.  

            One morning Mr. Wilt found the Crow with it's leg stuck in a machine so, to "Save" it; cut off its leg and put it in a "Cage."  He gave that Crow to Mr. Steve, who buried it when it died about a year or so later.   Boy God!  I wonder if I'll get to be buried when I die someday?

           My boss remembers the voices of people like Mr. Wilt who've died.  Mr. Wilt grew up in the State of "Texas," where  Mr. Steve's brother Rock now lives with his two sons; "Rocky Jr." and "Jacob."  I smell Libby the Horse over there to my right, which makes me feel good.  

                                                                                                   WILT / DONNA                                                        ROCKY JR. / ROCK / JACOB

                                                                                 STEPHANIE / RICH / CRISTINA            

                   

            My boss says Mr. Wilt was "forthright, honest and fair" and didn't "overcharge." He was a hard-working "basically decent" person.  And, as with Mr. Steve's parents; in order to to "Get Along" with "Wilt" it was a good idea to get along his wife "Donna" who he really trusted.  

           When the one-legged Crow died my boss buried it and was tempted to cut off the leg.  He met an older "Native-American Shoshone" man at the Phelan Library who said, to "venerate" the Crow's strength he would've made an "amulet" out of the leg.  Oh!  I smell Arborvitae.

           I'd wear the Crow leg "Charm" too because it might just "Impart" that Crow's courage, or "heart" as Mr. Wilt said.  You know, when I chewed up Mr. Steve's shoes I kind of felt like I was taking in a part of him but he got really mad at me so I won't do that again.  No way!       

                                               

                                                     RITCHIE VALENS (1941-1959)         

                     

             In my books I'll write about a Singer named Ritchie Valens, from this town near Sylmar called "Pacoima."  In the late 1950's he had "Hit" songs "La Bamba," and "Donna;" like Mr. Wilt's wife's name.  I heard La Bamba once and it makes me want to dance right now.   

             I'm not scheduled to write about the history of that song La Bamba until book two but, feel like mentioning it now too.  My boss's friend named Mr. "Ralph" said it's an 18th century "Jarocho" Mexican song from the "Gulf Coast" region of "Veracruz."  Dawn's barking.     

            Mr. Ralph said Jarocho music "blends" European, African and Indigenous "influences" by using guitar, harp and violin.   He read how some think La Bamba can be "traced" to the 16th century, when the Spanish brought black African Slaves to Mexico.  I like Dawn!   

                  

                    MR. RALPH (SON RORY)                                     CAROL KAYE           

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                                                                                                         

                   

                 Mr. Ralph says "Bamba" is an area in "West Africa."  In my books I'll write about this lady from California named Carol Kaye who, as a "Session" Musician; played guitar on Ritchie Valens' song La Bamba.  Boy!  There are so many Birds chirping happily around here.  

             I guess Carol Kaye was a member of this group of Los Angeles "Studio" Musicians who some people called the "Wrecking Crew."  They played "Anonymously" on many famous songs from back in the 1960's.  Carol Kaye played bass on the BEACH BOYS "Pet Sounds" album.

            Mr. Steve did art for this guy who said Carol Kaye, now "Retired;'" lives in "Rosamond" near "Edwards Air Force Base."  My boss then told him how his friend Mr. Grant has a house in Rosamond.  I'm scheduled to write a lot more about "Edwards" in all of my three books.  

         

    "VAPOR" TRAIL          

                     

                      Oh!  I just glanced up and see one of those long white "Vapor Trails" up in the sky.  Mr. Steve says they come from the back of "Jet" Planes, and maybe that one's from Edwards A.F.B.   to the northwest of Piñon Hills.  I'll learn about the subject of "Aviation" in my books.   

              Because I'm still not totally comfortable going in the house, I can only hear music when my boss brings his Boombox outside.  Sometimes he plays music but, also listens to what I guess they call "Talk Radio."  He's been listening to "KFI" from Los Angeles for many years.

             Another good song which makes me feel like dancing is "The Third Hoorah!," by that English band called JETHRO TULL; who use a "Flute" in their songs.  I really love flute!  The Third Hoorah! also has a "Bagpipe" part in it, and I kind of like how Bagpipe's sound too. 

          

                        JETHRO TULL                                                                    GENESIS                                                                                                             

            Hey Lord!  Later today I'll write about that one 1973 JETHRO TULL concert my boss and a girl named "Angela" saw at the "Forum in Inglewood." It was called "Passion Play" like how they called Your death in the Middle Ages.  Ah!  I love breathing in fresh Spring air.

            I've only heard a few songs but, so far my two favorites are "Musical Box" by  GENESIS and CANNED HEAT'S "Going up the Country."  Both have flute in them, and flute is definitely my favorite musical instrument; and nothing will ever change my mind!  Heathcliff crowed.

           Someday I'd like to hear some songs by this band called the MOODY BLUES.  And that's mainly because, from what I've been told; I guess some of their songs have really good flute in them.  The sound of a flute, sort of like Pigeon's cooing; makes me calm down and relax.

  

     DEVO     

  

              My favorite band, even though they don't play flute; is DEVO.  They wear professional yellow uniforms and have this really good song about a guy with a square head in the shape of a block.  If I had a few fingers instead of just toes I'd definitely try to learn to play a flute. 

            Last Summer Mr. Steve played some DEVO songs on the Boombox, and I've liked DEVO ever since.  I've heard they're from the State of "Ohio," and at times wear shiny red hats.  I like red, but by far my favorite color is "Royal" blue; which is the color of our food bowls.

            A good breeze just now brought in the Twin Joshua trees scent from out there in the back  desert.  That reminds me of when that really cold blast of wind, which hurt my face a lot; blew in with their smell on it too.  Boy Elvira!  I'm so glad I have you around to be my loyal friend.

    

                                                                  THE "FORUM" 

                                                                                                                                  PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA   

                             

           That 1973 JETHRO TULL concert wasn't the only show my boss has seen at the Forum, and in my three books I'll write about other "Venues" where he's seen events at.  Sometimes, he was allowed to take pictures.  A group of Birds just flew bye, and I know what a "Flock" is.

           In the mid-1980's my boss and his friends "Mark" and "Helen" worked for the company that owned the Forum and also the Sports teams.  As "Salespeople," they all sold "Season Seats" and "Advertising."  Back in 1985 Mr. Steve visited the original Forum back in Rome, Italy. 

           A topic I'll learn about in my three books is "Stadiums;" from ancient Greece through the current modern "Sports Facilities" whose roofs open and close.  In 1985 Mr. Steve's Tour Group visited the "Colosseum" in Rome.  The Sun's warmth feels so good falling on me right now.   

                    

      "FLAVIAN" AMPITHEATRE ("COLOSSEUM" / ROME)       

                          

         This Latin Dictionary says "Arena" is "derived" from the word "sand."  Sand soaked up all the blood "Gladiators" and Animals "spilled" for the entertainment of the Roman "masses."  I guess my boss Mr. Steve has a heavy "Replica" of a sword called a "Gladius" in his office.         

        In 1923, Los Angeles built this Stadium called the "Coliseum;" which is spelled different from the one in Italy I notice.  In 1994, my boss and his mom had an "Art  Exhibit" down at the  "Natural History" museum, which is right next door to the Coliseum.  Dawn's barking.                

          The "Inglewood" Forum opened in 1968 when my boss was thirteen.  Basketball, Hockey,  Soccer, Boxing and Tennis matches are held there; and so are "Circus's" which I'd love to smell  someday.  I'm scheduled to learn a lot more about the year 1968 in all of my three books.                                                                                            NEW YORK CITY ("MANHATTAN")                            

                                                        

             Another year I'll find out about is 1977, the year my boss and his brother Rock made a trip back east.  In a "Rented" Car they drove all around New York City, and then visited their Uncle "Marty's" family in "Morristown," New Jersey.  I can smell a Lizard around here.

            In 1977 my boss and his brother drove bye "Madison Square Garden."  And they went to a Baseball game at "Yankee" Stadium.   That "Son of Sam" killer was caught when they were in "N.Y.C.," and the death of "Elvis" was announced when they were driving to "Gettysburg."

            Mr. Steve's Uncle Marty took them to see the "World Trade Centers" in 1977, and they also went to the "Stock Exchange" because Mr. Steve's dad had that school for Stock Brokers. 1977 is the year "The Bronx Burned."  In 2001 the "Twin Towers" were both blown up.

            

                         CREAM                              THE DOORS                        LED ZEPPELIN

                                  

           My boss and Mr. Randy one time talked about Arenas.  Mr. Steve thinks 1960's bands like CREAM, the DOORS and LED ZEPPELIN were lucky to "come along" when they did because "Arenas" are way bigger than just "Auditoriums."  All of those are "Three Piece" bands.

           I guess, in the late 1960's the professional "Basketball" and "Ice Hockey" Leagues added new cities, and larger Arenas were built in 1968.  "N.B.A." is short for the "National Basketball Association," and "N.H.L." means "National Hockey League." The Lizard's now gone.

          Mr. Steve was in 8th Grade in 1968.  He and Mr. Randy talked about how, until the late 1960's; concerts were often "Revues" where many bands played one or two "Hit" songs.   From what I heard, Ritchie Valens did that in the 1950's.  But then big Arenas changed things.

        

                                                                        CREAM  

          

           I guess after 1968, if a band could "Sell Out" bigger "Halls" or Arenas; they made way more money.  In 1968 that "Power Trio" CREAM played the first "Rock" concerts at Madison Square Garden and out here at the Forum.  "Three Piece" means bass, drums and guitar.

          Mr. Steve read, in the late 1960's; bands like JETHRO TULL "adapted" their concerts for Arenas.  Also he says, people like himself began buying "33 R.P.M. Albums" instead of  small "45 R.P.M. Singles."  I guess the three letters R.P.M. just stand for "Revolutions Per Minute."    

          In 1968 Mr. Steve's friend "Doug," who knew Mark Ritter; saw Jimi Hendrix play at "Cal State Northridge" where Mr. Steve, his mom, brother Rock, sister Susan and Nephew "Mathew" went to College.  In that year CREAM played at "C.S.U.N." too.  I'd love to go to College.          

                                                                                                                                   CLAIRE ROTHMAN 

                                           

           My boss had a dream about a lady named Claire Rothman who, in the 1980's; "Managed" the Forum.  Like Grandma Córdova, who drove a School Bus in Belén; she was a nice but "No-Nonsense" person.  No one "Acted Up" around them as neither "Suffered Fools" easily.   

           At times Claire Rothman gave my boss "Photo Passes," or permission; to take pictures at the Forum.  She was a friendly but serious person, kind of like his Grandma Córdova.  Fannie and Freddie the Crows, talking to each other; are flying towards the northeast right now. 

           I guess one time a Spanish language "La Opinion" Photographer jokingly called that lady Claire Rothman "El Ultimo Jefe," and "La Jefa de Jefes."  And my Spanish Dictionary says that might mean "The Ultimate Boss" or "The Female Boss of Bosses."  Ah!  I smell new Sage. 

                                                                              

             MISS SANDY                                 MISS EMILY                         MISS HARRIET

            Mr. Steve has had three girlfriends, "Sandy," "Emily" and "Harriet."  He met Sandy as a 12th Grader  at "Sylmar High," when she was in the 10th Grade.  They were together seven years.  I guess Miss Sandy's mom was a "Nurse," and her father fought in World War II.  

           Sandy's mom's "Personality," in "Holding things Together;" was like Grandma Córdova and Claire Rothman.  Her laugh even resembled Claire Rothman's laugh.  In the early 1980's our boss met Miss Emily out here at Law School, but she grew up in "Long Island" New York.

                  Miss Emily works in the "Athletic " Department at U.C.L.A., which is a big College in Los Angeles.  Miss Harriet's job is to "Lay Out " pages on one of those "Computer" machines I've heard about.  She does that for a Magazine which sells "After Market" Car parts.       

                                              

                                                                    CANNED HEAT

                           

              Later this afternoon I'll write about a Los Angeles band called CANNED HEAT.  They did one of my favorite songs "Going up the Country," which I like because of the Singer's great voice and the pretty flute they play in it.  Some Ducks are quacking over there next door.

             My boss told Mr. Mike, back in 1972 when he was seventeen; he met CANNED HEAT'S Bob Hite in "Topanga Canyon" at a "Barbecue."  Bob Hite looked like "Blackbeard the Pirate" he thought.  I guess Mr. Steve was in the 11th Grade and going to "Sylmar High" in 1972. 

             CANNED HEAT'S other song "On the Road Again" uses "Harmonica," which I like too but not as much as flute.  Mr. Steve likes their "Heavier" and more aggressive sounding song "Let's Work Together."  Over the years he's tried to play along on the drums to those songs.   

                   

                            MR. STEVE (1984)                                                          MR. DAVE   

     PHOTO BY ARMANDO AGUIRRE                                                                                                                                                                                      

         

          I guess my boss told Mr. Dave in New Mexico, who also plays drums; he likes to play along to CANNED HEAT'S song Going up the Country because it gives him a chance to play "Snare" drum more.  JETHRO TULL'S happy song The Third Hoorah! also has snare drum in it too.

         CANNED HEAT and GENESIS' Drummers, both "Left-Handed;" have "light touch's" in how they play.  CANNED HEAT'S Drummer is a "Mexican-American," or "Hispanic / Latino;" like Ritchie Valens and Mr. Steve too.  My boss does many things left and right-handed.       

         Mr. Steve met a "Native-American" lady who's "Tataviam."  She said "Pacoima," the town Ritchie Valens was from; is "Gabrieliño" for "Running Water."  I guess 18th century Spanish, who came up to California; called Tataviams in the San Fernando Valley "Fernandeño's."   

                                  

 NEWSPAPER (RITCHIE VALENS DIES / 1959)

                        

             In 1959, when my boss was four; Ritchie Valens was one of three famous Musicians who died in an Airplane crash.  Mr. Steve was told Ritchie Valens was afraid of flying and so am I.  As a matter of fact, I'm still very scared to ride in any of our three what they call "Vehicles."  

            I hear Birds singing and that makes me feel good.  I'm so glad You created Birds God as life just wouldn't be the same without them and right now, looking at the eastern desert behind the three Sheds; I see a lot of them darting around.  Heathcliff just crowed over there.

                Ritchie Valens and his mom are buried at the "Mission" cemetery, about thirty feet from Mr. Steve's parent's two "Crypts" ready for when they die.  My boss's Grandmothers, and sister "Celina;" are at Mission cemetery,   Mr. Steve's friend Rick's son "Gino" is there too.

                                  

                                              RITCHIE VALENS / MOTHER'S GRAVES    

                                                        ("SAN FERNANDO MISSION" CEMETERY)                                                                                                                             PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA   

                                                                                                                                                               

          Ritchie Valens real last name was "Valenzuela."  From 1977 through 1989 Mr. Steve's dad bought "Season Seats" for the Los Angeles "Dodgers" Baseball team.  Later this afternoon I'll write about it so will find out about this one guy from Mexico named Fernando Valenzuela.

         Over the next three days I'll learn about what they call "Sports."  Mr. Steve and both of his brothers played Baseball a lot when growing up, and Mr. Steve still plays "Slow Pitch" Softball.  His "Sister-in-Law" Yolanda in Littlerock was a good Softball Player too from what I heard. 

         Hey God!  To my boss Spring represents hope.  In Baseball his favorite team the Oakland "A's," as usual; need young players to do better than expected to "Compete" this season.  They don't have as much money as "Big Market" teams like the Yankees, Red Sox or Dodgers.       

                   

                            BERNARDO PINANGO / FRANKIE DUARTE (THE FORUM / 1989) 

                                                                                                            PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA    

                                 

          Back in the mid-1980's my boss, Mr. Mark and also Miss Helen all sold things for the L.A. Basketball "Lakers," Ice Hockey "Kings" and Indoor Soccer "Lazers."  Oh!  And I guess also    for the "Strings" Team Tennis too.  Ah!  I really love the how I feel right now here on Elvira.        

        Mr. Steve took pictures of some events at the Forum, like a World Championship fight in 1989 between this guy named Frankie Duarte and Bernardo Pinango.  A photo of Mr. Frankie      throwing a right hand punch was published in a few Magazines.  Two Pigeons are flying bye.       

      Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his dad talking about how that picture of Frankie Duarte was used to make this ten foot tall painting.  That big painting was later shown on the front of what they call a "Program" printed for a fight Mr. Frankie was later in.  A Freight Train whistled.          

           GRANT FUHR (1985)     

    

      When we go in the living room on Saturday mornings to watch cartoons I see this Hockey stick in the front dining room.  It was given to Mr. Steve by a "Goaltender" named Grant Fuhr,  who had broken it in a practice.  Dais says Mr. Steve has a "Goalie" mask near his drums.           

        The year Mr. Steve got the Goalie stick from Grant Fuhr was 1985.  I guess, he took the old tape off, re-glued the broken wood; and then re-taped it.  Daisy says one time Mr. Steve told his    brother Sam over there in Littlerock how Grant Fuhr was a really nice and friendly person.         

     Mr. Steve told his mom in a dream he hugged Miss Helen and told her he wished he could have said goodbye to her.  Mr. Steve is six feet tall, she was six feet one; and joked "gravity was    shortening her."  He drove her to some of the U.C.L.A. Football games at the "Rose Bowl."                

                WITH WIFE "KIM"                           MR. MARK                    WITH SONS "TAJ" / "DYLAN"                                            

           Mr. Mark, who grew up in "Milwaukee" Wisconsin; moved with his wife Kim and their sons Taj and Dylan out to Hawaii.  Miss Kim grew up in "Oakland."  Mr. Mark plays guitar and keyboards too, and also sings songs as a one man band he calls BLUE TURBAN STONE              

             On the "Big Island" of Hawaii, Mr. Mark operates an "Internet" Newspaper.  Over the next three days I'll write more about Mr. Mark, who danced on a tv show called "Soul Train;" and also one time got a "Date" on "Love Connection."  Boy!  The fresh air is so clear now.  

            Over the next three days I'll write about Mr. Steve and his family's lives, and also people who have influenced them.  I heard my boss tell Mr. Mike how, the older he gets; the more he thinks about things like that.  Boy God!  I really like breathing clear air through my nose.  

                          

 RITCHIE VALENS PLAYING DRUMS          

            

        In this Encyclopedia the caption under a "rare" picture of Ritchie Valens playing drums says he's "filling in" when another Drummer got sick.  Someday, I'll go into his bedroom and        watch my boss play his drums.  Hey God!  I think right now I can feel You in the sunlight.          

           I'm so tempted to write more about Ritchie Valens now but I'll just wait.  Right behind the three Sheds this fence separates our two acres from Mr. Steve's back half acre.  A "Gate," which is sort of like a see through door; is right in between the two smaller Sheds Manny and Moe.  

         Mr. Steve uses that gate to go into the desert.  It's so amazing how Rabbits or Squirrels run at "Full Speed," and go right through the two vertical "Slots" on either side of the gate; without hitting their heads.  "Vertical" means "up and down," while "Horizontal" is "side to side."

               

AUDIE MURPHY (1924-1971)

                                                                                                                                                               PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

           

             Mr. Steve and his parents all think "Cemeteries" are special so I'll learn about some of the ones they've been to.  In July of 2008 they visited the "Arlington National Cemetery" back there in "Washington D.C."  I guess the letters "D.C." just stand for the "District of Columbia."

          In 2008 Mr. Steve took pictures of Audie Murphy's grave, a guy who in World War II won 33 "Decorations."  For years Mr. Steve's father knew his "Widow" Pamela, an "Advocate" for the "Veterans" at the "Sepulveda Veterans Hospital."  Mr. Steve has a friend named "Pam." 

         Wow!  This Encyclopedia says Audie Murphy "earned" thirty three decorations during the Second World War.  Fighting mainly in Italy, and then France; he "received every U.S. military combat award."  A small group of Birds went  flying bye above Libby's Corral, going east.

                                                                 

 AUDIE MURPHY ("AWARDED" A MEDAL)

                               

                 A picture in this Encyclopedia shows Audie Murphy, who was from Texas like Wilt the Auto Mechanic; getting "awarded a medal."  Boy God!  My boss would be proud of me if I got a medal.  Mr. Steve's brother Rock, and his son's Rocky Jr. and Jacob; live in Texas too. 

             In my books I'll learn about the history of "Metal."  A "Helmet," just like the one Audie  Murphy's wearing in the photograph; is near the "Fire Place" in the "Living Room" among my boss's collection of military helmets and hats.  I'd want a metal helmet if I'm ever in a war!       

             Even though I'm mainly going to write about that guy Audie Murphy later, I'll say now how he also got "Prestigious" medals from France and Belgium too.  This Encyclopedia says he was a "heroic" person.  Wow!  At the age of  nineteen he earned a "Medal of Honor."    

                    

             "BUFFALO" BILL CODY (1846-1917)          ANNIE OAKLEY (1860-1926)    

                                  

            This is interesting.  My Encyclopedia says Audie Murphy's parents died during the Great Depression so, he learned to shoot guns "accurately;" to help "support" his eleven brothers and sisters by hunting Squirrels.  Hey!  That one girl named Annie Oakley also did that too!

           Mr. Steve thinks Annie Oakley proved girls can shoot guns as accurately as males and she was even in Buffalo Bill's "Wild West Show."  With a .22 rifle; my boss used to be a good shot.  During the 1930's "Great Depression" his Grandpa Córdova shot Jackrabbits with a .22.

          Oh!  It says here Audie Murphy became an Actor after World War II and, in 1955 the year my boss was born; "played himself" in a movie about fighting in Italy and France.  In the early 1950's he fought in the Korean War just like Mr. Steve's father.  I smell Libby next door.

            

                                                                BOBBY CHACON                                                                                                                                                                                                 

      I suddenly feel like mentioning my boss's friend named Bobby Chacon.  Twice he was a "World Champion" Boxer and, like Ritchie Valens; grew up in Pacoima too.  In 1997 Mr. Steve    wrote this short book about Mr. Bobby's family and also his very interesting "Life Story."            

          Well, I'd better just stick to my three outlines and write about Bobby Chacon according to schedule.  But I will say now how, in the mid-1990's; Mr. Steve and his father helped him when    he was almost homeless.   I see, and now smell; Libby standing over there to my right.                   

        Mr. Bobby has "Brain Damage," partly from Boxing I guess.  In the 1970's he was World Champion as a "Boxer/Puncher" but, having lost "Foot Speed;" in the 1980's "Adapted" and      became a World Champion "Counter-Punching Brawler."  So he had to get hit a lot more.                                            STEVE BANKS (1953-2009) / WIFE "RONNA"       

                            

           Mr. Steve's boss Steve Banks died in 2009.  1999 was a bad year for my boss, as he made dumb mistakes so lost a lot of money; but Steve Banks helped him get back "On his Feet."  His company was called "S&S Enterprises" back then; and now goes under "A Thread Ahead."

           Just like Mr. Steve's father, Steve Banks knew about the sport of "Boxing;" and both were good "Poker" players.  Steve Banks is buried at "Eden Memorial" Jewish cemetery, right across the street from the Catholic Mission cemetery.  Mr. Steve spoke at his "Funeral" I guess. 

          In a Jewish burial "Attendees" shovel dirt onto the "Coffin" and, as he threw dirt on Steve Bank's coffin; my boss heard "Alemany" High School's Football team practicing.  He thought of an old saying, "Time and life stop for no one."  Mr. Steve went to Alemany for two years.  

                                         

   ROMAN CATHOLIC "NUNS" (IN "FULL HABITS")      

                                            

          From first through eighth grades Mr. Steve went to Catholic "Parochial" school next to the St. Ferdinand's Church.    Besides California, there are places all over the world named for King Ferdinand III.  Mr. Grant says "San Fernando" is a common name in the "Philippines."

          Some of Mr. Steve's Teachers were "Nuns" who, in the 1960's; wore heavy black and white "Habits" or layers of "Veils."  Even on really hot Summer days they were often out there on the School playground keeping an "Eye on Things."  They just accepted it as "Doing Penance."

          My English Dictionary says the word penance means, "Voluntary self punishment to show repentance for wrong-doing."  Hey Lord!  I guess all us Roman Catholics have a long history of doing that type of thing.  I'll learn about what's called "Self Flagellation" in my books. 

     

                                                                         MR. RICK   

  

           At age seven my boss met his friend Rick at St. Ferdinand, when Rick's family moved out here to California from the city of "Pittsburgh;" in the State of "Pennsylvania."  Rick was eight and "On and Off;" they've known each other ever since.  Heathcliff just now crowed.

          Rick and his wife Linda's son "Gino" is also buried at the Mission Cemetery too.  My boss thinks, if Gino had not died as a teenager; he may've made it to the Baseball "Major Leagues."  His "Natural Ability," and "Instinctive" skill in "Fielding;" impressed a lot of "Scouts."

          Because of "Peer Group Pressure" Mr. Steve tried to ignore the Nuns.  But, "In Reality;" it was those Nuns who taught him "Guiding Principles" and made a "Lasting Impression" on him.  Saint Ferdinand is a "Parish," so one thing that means is how it has a good "Church." 

                                                                        "SAINT FERDINAND" CHURCH   

                                               PHOTO BY GARY FREDBURG                                                                                                         PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                                                                                                

            Hey Lord!  Like the other Nuns who taught him at Saint Ferdinand, Mr. Steve's 6th Grade Teacher "Sister Rita Joseph;" is dead.  In 1966, when he was eleven; she told him the difference    between "Subjective" and "Objective."  There's a long white vapor trail up there in the sky.      

         I guess subjective means each person is "Entitled" to an opinion so I like blue, you prefer red.  But objective means there is no opinion or, "It is what it is;" as Sister Rita Joseph used to say.  Two plus two will always "only equal four" and there is only "one correct answer."

         Sister Rita Joseph also explained the difference between "Sympathy" and "Empathy."  I can "Sympathize" or feel sorry for you, but if I've experienced what you're going through then I can "Empathize" with your exact same situation.  I've "Walked in Your Shoes" so to speak.   

                                  

         "FLOCK" OF BIRDS           

                                           

          Hey God!  Sister Rita Joseph, who's alive in my boss's head; said to love and fear You.  I do fear disappointing You, Mr. Steve fears disappointing his family; and I want to be what she said was an "Inquisitive Lifetime Learner."  She talked of the "excitement of the unexpected."      

          Sister Rita Joseph said no group has a "monopoly" on "good or bad," there being only two types of people; "decent or indecent."  She said people have "more in common than they have differences."  In a dream Mr. Steve apologized to her for being such an "Idiot" back in 1966. 

         In the dream Mr. Steve told Sister Rita Joseph he'd "qualify" her belief about people.  He thinks people are "basically decent" or "basically indecent."  Those with a "Conscience" don't always do the right thing, and "Sociopaths" don't always do wrong; as everyone is "Flawed."   

            

"CREATION"     

"SISTINE" CHAPEL (MICHAELAANGELO)       

                 

              Hey God!  Sister Rita Joseph thought You sometimes "Interceded" in life but usually don't because of "Free Will."  She thought it important to at least try to lead a "Meaningful" life, but  that's not "easy to do" she said.  Most people die just hoping their lives had some meaning.          

          Way back in 1966 that lady Sister Rita Joseph read her class a saying, "Disappointment is unavoidable in this life but discouragement is a choice."   Hey God!  No matter what, I'm going to work hard; and even harder when things don't "Go my Way" over the next three days.  

         Dawn's barking over there next door and her voice makes me feel good.  I can kind of tell she's not that smart but, little Blinky sure seems to be and; I'm starting to kind of like Blinky's unique scent even though he's small in size.  I know for sure Dawn and Blinky are brave. 

                                   

                                                LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) 

PAINTING BY JOSEPH KARL STIELER

        

                Besides Vivaldi's song La Primavera, Mr. Steve at times listens to music by a German man named Ludwig van Beethoven" as the Sun comes up.  I guess his "6th Symphony" is called the "Pastoral."  "Beethoven's" 9th Symphony has that one good part called "Ode to Joy" in it. 

          Mr. Steve's Niece Samantha learned Beethoven songs on "Piano."  One is the first sad part of a three part song called "Moonlight Sonata," which Mr. Steve called a "lamentation." And, she learned "Für Elise;" about this girl Beethoven liked.  Boy!  That girl was so lucky!

          I feel like writing about Beethoven now but I'll wait and do it later.  My boss says he "went "deaf," which means he lost his hearing; and tomorrow I'll look up this brave girl named Helen Keller who was not only deaf but also blind too!  I wonder if a Dog could play a piano?

                                                                                                                 RICHARD STRAUSS (1864-1949) WITH FAMILY                                     

                                 

              A song Mr. Steve sometimes plays in the morning is "Thus Spoke Zarathustra." According to my Encyclopedia it was written by a German Composer named Richard Strauss at the end of the 19th century.  The really strong smell of Cholla cactus just blew in from the desert.

         In my books I'll write about a 1968 movie Mr. Steve likes called "2001 A Space Odyssey," which is partly about this one "Computer" named "Hal;" who is smarter than the people who built him.  My boss was thirteen in 1968.  I guess Mr. Steve uses an office computer a lot. 

         Hey God!  I've only heard Richard Strauss's song Thus Spoke Zarathustra once but can see why my boss likes it.  It makes me think of Your "Awesome" power in creating life down here on Earth.  Mr. Steve told Mr. Dave back in New Mexico he likes the "Timpani" drums on it. 

               

                                                FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE (1844-1900)

                                                                                                              

            My Encyclopedia says Richard Strauss was "inspired to compose"  his song Thus Spoke Zarathustra by a book written by that German "Philosopher" Friedrich Nietzsche.  I'm going to learn a lot more about him over the next three days.  I can hear a Raven croaking faintly.   

          As You know God, I used to feel "Sorry for Myself," a "Victim" of being dumped out in the field to die.  But now I really want to believe in what "Nietzsche" said, "That which does not destroy me, only makes me stronger!"  Ah!  The smell of this first day of Spring is so great!  

        God!  I want to agree with "Nietzsche" but it's too bad he said You were "Dead."  Mr. Steve thinks in the 20th century some of his ideas were "misinterpreted" and influenced Germans to do bad things.  The same is true of that British guy Charles Darwin, who influenced Nietzsche.  

         

FEEDING BABY BIRDS   

           

             Oh!  Bonnie the Bird just flew is now throwing up a Bug from her stomach to feed to her and Clyde's babies.  They again built their nest near the Patio roof this year and my boss was so shocked at how early they had their babies.  Wow!  That might be another good sign I'll bet.

             It's kind of gross how the baby Birds eat whatever their parents have stored up in their stomachs. Yuk!  I don't think I'd like that, unless of course I was starving; as then I'd probably eat almost anything.  I did at times think of eating Bugs when I was homeless in that field.

            Last year, when Bonnie and Clyde built their first nest up there; Mr. Steve had just read a Newspaper article about the real 1930's "Great Depression" era "Gangsters" named Bonnie and Clyde.  His brother Rock had brought a Texas Newspaper to California.  Heathcliff crowed. 

                                          

                                              CLYDE BARROW / BONNIE PARKER 

          

             The real Bonnie and Clyde were from Texas like Mr. Wilt.  In 1994, Mr. Steve's brother Rock moved over to Texas with his three kids; daughter "Stephanie" and sons "Rocky Jr." and "Jacob."  Mr. Steve's parents called Rocky Jr. "Rocky Michael" I noticed that one time.

            "World War I" ended in 1918 and "World War II" began in 1939.  Back in the 1920's the  American "Economy" was "Roaring" so people had money.  But I heard my boss say during the 1930's "Great Depression" most of the people were poor, and some even "Starved to Death."   

          Over the next three days I'll learn about the two World Wars and also the years "Between the Wars" too.  Mr. Steve, and his father; think all three periods are equally important so I want to find out about them.  Boy!  I just love how sunlight feels when it's sinking down into me.          

                                  

  MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO (106-43 B.C.) 

                              

          In my three books I'll learn about "History," and my Encyclopedia says this one ancient Roman Writer named "Cicero" said, "Historia magistra vitae est."  My Latin Dictionary says    that  translates as, "History is life's teacher."  Boy!  It's too bad Cicero's head got cut off.             

            I guess that guy Cicero knew Julius Caesar.  It says here he "influenced" the 16th century European "Renaissance," the 18th century "Enlightenment" era; and American  President's like Thomas Jefferson and Harry Truman too.  Clyde just now flew away from their nest.                    

           Tomorrow in book two I'll learn about the Italian "Mafia."  That guy Al Capone lived in a town near "Chicago" called "Cicero" where, before this economic "Recession" we're in; I guess  Mr. Steve had a customer.  Boy!  It would be so great to have something named after you.                                                      

  1930'S "GREAT DEPRESSION"          
                

           A picture in my Encyclopedia shows a 1930's Train carrying "destitute hobos" during the Great Depression.  Mr. Steve says in those days millions of people were "desperate."  Oh!  What a coincidence that a Train just now whistled faintly to my left, or out in the northern desert.  

          My Dictionary says a "Hobo" is a "migratory worker or tramp," and a tramp "travels as a vagrant."  The definition of a "Vagrant" is, "A person who wanders from place to place with no job;" like Mr. Steve's mom's Uncle James did in the 1930's.  Everyone was poor then.

          Blinky's barking.  Hey Blessed Virgin, hearing Bonnie and Clyde's babies chirping makes me think about someday being a good partner with a boy Dog and having babies we could raise together as a team.  Boy!  Even though  he's kind of small I'm starting to sort of like Blinky. 

                                      

      GRANDPA/ GRANDMA TRUJILLO               GRANDPA / GRANDMA CÓRDOVA

                                                             

           My boss thinks the Great Depression influenced his Grandparents and parents too.  In a dream he heard Grandma Trujillo saying, "Only God knows;" which she said often.  Mr. Steve's parents have been together for years because they genuinely trust and respect each other.  

          As I mentioned, I want to show how females can be capable so; will write about the capable females in Mr. Steve's family in my three books.  Mr. Steve's Grandma Córdova, though short; was once described as being "indomitable."  I guess she had a "Mind of her Own" as they say.

          Over the years Mr. Steve has dealt with many "Couples," often for "Business."  He likes it when he can tell the wife something, confident it will get clearly told to her husband.  His parents are that way so, talking to one about something important; is just like telling the other. 

                     

ROCKY JR. / MISS AMBER            

                  

           Back there in Texas Mr. Steve's Nephew Rocky Michael is a good "Tattoo" Artist and his girlfriend named "Amber" has a "Beauty Shop."  Both seem to have a "Head for Business" in the same way my boss's Grandma Córdova had.  I can see a vapor trail up there in the sky.

          Mr. Steve told his brother Sam in Littlerock he can tell their brother Rock in "Arlington" Texas is proud of his three children in the same way Sam and Yolanda are proud of their three kids too.  They all have a lot of "Potential."  Susan is also proud of  sons Dalton and Austin.

         Grandma Córdova was a good partner who saved money.  Mr. Steve says his family's lucky the latest generation of girls in our family are good "Helpmates" too.  Hey God!  My boss's dad thinks You might've made it so many females want to "feel needed" and important to others.       

               

               "MISSION" CEMETERY                               MR. STEVE'S PARENTS CRYPTS

          

            Mission Cemetery, where Mr. Steve's parents have their Crypts and his sister Celina and Grandmothers are buried; is behind the old San Fernando Mission.  That's where Mr. Steve and his parents were what they call "Docents."  That means they showed people the Mission.

            In my three books I'll learn about the twenty one "Alta" California Missions.  In the 18th century they were kind of like giant Farms run by Spanish "Franciscan" Priests.  In the Spanish language the word "Alta" means "upper," while "Baja" is how you would say "lower."  

            Boy!  It's so great having all of these Dictionaries for looking words up.  A lot of words are kind of hard to spell, especially in the other languages; but once I spell a word I'll never forget it. Thank You God for giving me a good memory, which will help me in writing these three books.  

          

                                                      "SAN FERNANDO" MISSION                             

                             DRAWING BY STELLA CÓRDOVA                                           PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                       PAINT ON MARBLE BY STELLA CÓRDOVA

                      

            As "Tour Guides" at the San Fernando Mission, Mr. Steve and his parents learned about the twenty one Alta California Missions.  They were "Established" in the late 18th century by Father Junipero Serra, and later by Father Férmin de Lasuen.  Heathcliff just crowed.     

            In the 1700's the Spanish "Colonized" California, over a century after "Settling" in New Mexico.  Only "Native," or what my boss calls "indigenous" people; were here then.  Boy!  I'm sure glad I have all of these really great Dictionaries that we found up there in the garage.  

         The Catholic Priests who "Ran" the Missions, "Friars" or "Padres" in Spanish; were all members of the "Franciscan" Order.  Padre means "Father."  Over the years I guess Mr. Steve went to a few different Baseball games down there at the San Diego "Padres" old Stadium.    

                                                

                                                     SAINT FRANCIS (c.1181-1226)  

       

        According to my Encyclopedia, that guy Saint Francis was from an Italian town called "Assisi;" and is "one of the most venerated religious figures in history."  Bonnie finished feeding her babies and then flew away so now the chicks will probably just go back to sleep again.            

            If I had a "Time Machine" like Mr. Peabody I'd go back to the 13th century to smell you Saint Francis.  My Encyclopedia calls you the "Patron Saint" of us Animals.  Mr. Steve might go back so his wiser older self could advise and warn his dumber younger self about things.   

           Hey Saint Francis!  I sure hope You're looking down and "Mind Reading" me.  Please help me over the next three days so I can honor us Animals.  If I do a good job hopefully my boss will be really proud of me, and maybe I could even help others to learn some new things too!    

                                              

                                                    CELINA CÓRDOVA (1962-2004)  

          

          Too bad life isn't fair God!  Mr. Steve says it's sad both of his Grandma's ended up buried out here in California, while their husbands got "Interred" in New Mexico.  In 2006 Mr. Steve, and that Boxer Bobby Chacon; walked around the Mission Cemetery and saw the graves.  

              One time, as he watered the big Mulberry tree up there in the front yard; my boss told Mr. Randy about his sister Celina who died.  He said he thinks of what a good "Seamstress" she was when, in cold weather; he uses a warm "Quilt" blanket she made for him.  Heathcliff crowed.

          I guess, when they were at the Mission Cemetery; Mr. Steve and Bobby Chacon visited the graves of Ritchie Valens and Mr. Steve's friend Rick's son Gino.  They saw the metal nameplates on the front of my boss's parents Crypts too.   Speedy the Ground Squirrel sprinted bye.   

                                                              

MR. DOUG / WIFE SUSAN      

             

             My boss and his friend Mr. Doug, who's wife "Susan" died; talked on the phone one time about how females often live longer than males.  I guess Mr. Doug has known Mr. Steve since the late 1970's, when they met through that guy Mark Ritter.  Boy!  I love this time of morning!

             In 1985 my boss Mr. Steve met a famous Basketball "Coach" named John Wooden; who had U.C.L.A. teams that won a lot of championships.  My boss and a guy named "Paul" were at the "Anaheim Convention Center."  A flock of Birds are flying toward the east right now. 

            Mr. Steve and Paul, for the company that owned the Forum; were "Manning" this booth trying to get "Sales Leads."  In the half hour talk with Coach Wooden they both noticed how he mentioned his "good" wife a few times.  My boss found out later that his wife had died.

                     

GRANDMA TRUJILLO / CELINA CÓRDOVA (GRAVESTONE)

  

            Mr. Steve and his family go to the Mission Cemetery to clean and put flowers on all the family graves.  Celina's daughter Samantha visits her mom.  On the north side of of the cement slab driveway, in front of the garage; is our little cemetery with some Dogs already in it.

            I guess my boss's sister Celina made quilt blankets for other people in the family too.  So, as Mr. Steve says; in a sense she's alive when they think of her while using those quilts.  I guess, Mr. Steve's mother  thinks of cemeteries as being the physical site of "Hallowed Grounds."  

           Hey God!  At times Mr. Steve has nice dreams where he hugs his Grandparents and sister Celina.  I believe in "Ghosts" but my boss doesn't, saying he'd "pay money" to see one.  Me too!  But, I'd kind of want to be around Mr. Steve if we ever do happen to see a real actual ghost.  

               

"I LOVE LUCY"         

                     

             In my books I'll learn and write about this 1950's tv show called "I Love Lucy," but I can mention it now too.  I guess it's mainly about two couples who are friends, "Lucy and Ricky" and "Fred and Ethel;" the names of our four local Pigeons too.  Boy!  The air is so clear now.

            The Actor who played "Fred Mertz" on I Love Lucy was Catholic and, like Bob Hope and Chuck Connors; is buried at the Mission Cemetery.  Mr. Steve thinks he'll likely be buried down there at the Mission Cemetery too, but "hasn't decided yet."  I smell some Joshua trees.    

           What a coincidence that, just as I'm thinking of that tv show I Love Lucy I see our four Pigeons who live around here.  They just flew in from being out there in the eastern desert, and all landed on the Patio roof; directly above me down here down on Elvira.  Dawn's barking.

                                                       LUCY AND RICKY / FRED AND ETHEL                       

                                    

               Hey Holy Spirit!  As You know, I now associate You with "Doves," which I heard was just another name for Pigeons.  Oh!  The chimes are beginning to ring so I sure hope that's You Holy Spirit coming in on the wind with the Pigeons up there.  Doves symbolize "Peace" I guess.

         If You're there Holy Spirit, thank You for showing up to give me moral support as I know I'll need help over the next three days.  I'm a little scared of trying to learn how to read and write and know it will be really hard to finish my books.  Ah! I can smell all the Pigeons now.

        Oh my God!  I just noticed a cute little Cholla cactus just to my right growing out there in the dirt.  I hope it's another good sign for the coming year.  The four Pigeons above me are now walking around up there, and their "Cooing" voices is making me feel really good right now. 

                                     

   MIKE TYSON     

                                                              PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA   

                

              One time, at ringside; my boss sat next to the then Heavyweight Boxing Champion Mike Tyson.  A few years ago this guy from "New York City," where I guess Mike Tyson is from too; told Mr. Steve Mike Tyson likes "Raising" Pigeons.  I'll bet he likes the sound of their voices.

              Today's Thursday so right now I'll bet my boss is in his office working.  Since 1999 his job has been calling "Auto Dealerships" trying to sell them "Apparel" or "Promotional Products." I guess, that mainly means "Clothes;" and the things with the business's information on them. 

          When he was Office Manager my boss hired Mr. Dave to work at the company down there in San Fernando.  He then trained him to be a Salesman, in the same way he hired and taught Miss "Susan" how to "sell on the phone."  Mr. Dave had a lot of "Motorcycle Shop" customers.  

  

                     MISS BABETTE                           MR. JULIO                               MISS KARIN

                 (WIT HUSBND DAVID)                      (WITH WIFE ROSARIO)                           (IN HER OFFICE)

             

                  I guess, Mr. Steve and Miss Susan mainly sell to "Parts" Managers at the Dealerships; and so do these two other girls named Miss "Babette" and Miss "Karin."   Sometimes they deal with "Service" Managers, "General" Managers or even the owner.  Heathcliff just crowed.

            Whatever "Orders" everyone "Submits" are what they call "Fulfilled" by a man named Mr. "Julio."  That means he "Embroiders" whatever is necessary to do for the order.  That one morning I heard my boss tell Mr. Randy how "talented" he is.  The air is so clear today! 

            When the economic recession of 2008 happened it hurt everyone at Mr. Steve's company, in his case losing almost forty "Honda" Dealerships.  Miss Babette lost a lot of "Toyota" stores but Mr. Dave was "Hit the Hardest" as they say.  He lost almost all of the Motorcycle Shops.

                                 

"NIGHTMARE"     

       

         1999 was a bad, maybe the worst; year for Mr. Steve.  He was dumb, lost money; so had to make more.  Since then he's occasionally had Nightmares where this shadowy "Praying Mantis" tries to stab him, which is such a coincidence because I have that same exact dream too!   

             Mr. Steve is forever grateful to Steve Banks for hiring him, and helping him "Start Over;" in September of 1999.  In a dream he told Steve Banks how he helped a girl and her kids in Steve Banks' memory.  Steve Banks wife is named "Ronna," his daughters "Amy" and "Lori."  

         Eden Memorial Jewish Cemetery, where Steve Banks is buried; is "Elevated."  So you can look down on the Mission Cemetery across the street.  Hey God!  As You know, as he threw dirt down on Steve Banks' coffin Mr. Steve looked at the Mission Cemetery and thought of life.  

     

                                            "EDEN MEMORIAL PARK" CEMETERY       

                                                                                                                              PHOTO BY HANS GUTKNECHT  

              

          Mr. Steve felt obligated to speak at Steve Banks Funeral.  I'll write about 1999 and other of my boss's bad years, but I'll also write about some good years too.  In his dream he hugged Steve Banks, and still remembers how his hugs kind of reminded him of his own father's hugs.  

          Hey God!  In the dream my boss thanked Steve Banks who, when told Mr. Steve gave that girl and her kids money; was happy.  The Pigeons are all walking around up there on the Patio roof above me down here.  Boy!  Hearing their cooing makes me feel so good right now.     

          As You know God, Mr. Steve's mom jokingly told her kids to help others so if someday they needed help You might guide someone to help them.  The Nuns at Saint Ferdinand, like Sister Rita Joseph; also said to do that too.  Hey God!  I want to help others learn new things.   

             

"GANESHA"     

ARTWORK BY MALGORZALA KISTRYN            

              

               Hey Lord!  Over the next three days I'll learn about other religions.  Mr. Steve says that in "Hinduism" they believe in the "Concept" of "Karma," which is sort of like how You said; "You reap what you sow."   And this "Secular" saying is, "What goes around comes around."   

              This painting in my Encyclopedia shows the "Elephant-Headed" God "Ganesha," and the caption below says; in the "pantheon" of Hindu Deities Ganesha is worshiped as the "Remover of Obstacles."  Oh wow Blessed Mother!  That's kind of like how I also think of You too!

          I notice how, in the picture of Ganesha; "Swastika" logos are in the top corners.  Because I know there's a long history to that logo, I feel like writing about Swastikas now but I'll just wait and do it according to my outlines.  Another name for a logo is an "Emblem" I guess. 

    

MR. MARK / KARMA

           

          Hey Lord!  Mr. Steve gives money to that homeless man Mark and his girl "Yorkie" Dog "Karma."  They've adapted to living in the desert outside Phelan, and Karma makes Mr. Mark    happy; in the way I want to make my boss happy too.  Mr. Steve gives "Socks" to the poor.         

        Mark and Karma are best friends, and Mr. Mark "carved out" a "Makeshift Shelter" in between three Joshua trees.  Lord!  When my boss helps poor people he thinks of what You said, "Whatsoever you do unto the least of mine, you do unto me."  The Pigeons just flew away.           

           I looked up the "Concept" of "Karma" and it can mean "Fate" but, another definition is; "The totality of one's good and bad acts in each stage of one's existence."  In Buddhism, and in    Hinduism too; they believe in that exact idea.  The sky is getting a lot bluer right now.                                                           

"HIGH" SKY     

                                           

      Hey Lord!  If my boss sees Mark and Karma walking toward Phelan he gives them a ride into town; and thinks of You.  I'm glad we're not poor.  Ah!  I just used my two nostrils to take in a big breath of clean, fresh air so; thank You God for giving me some good things to smell.            

        Mr. Steve met a Chinese guy who said some Buddhists worship Ganesha as the "Patron" of  "Arts and Sciences," and also "Learning and Writing."  This Encyclopedia says Hindus pray to  Ganesha for "New Beginnings."  Hey Blessed Mother!  I sort of think of You as being that.           

     From 1st through 10th Grades Mr. Steve "Attended" Catholic schools.  His "Elementary" school, 1st through 8th; was Saint Ferdinand.  Then after that he went to "Alemany" for 9th and 10th Grades, but in 1973 "Graduated" from "Sylmar High;" which is a "Public"  School."          

                    

      "SYLMAR" FROM ABOVE          

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA               

       

        When my boss had Mr. Wilt's one-legged Crow, he played jokes on visitors to his house in Sylmar.  After that person, or persons; were sitting in his living room; he'd "excuse" himself and leave.  I heard my boss and Mr. Mike talk about a one-legged Quail who lived around here.          

           Mr. Steve would go in his bedroom, and quietly open the Crow's cage; so it would jump out.  The look of surprise on peoples faces when a one-legged Crow hopped into the living room was funny Mr. Steve says.  My right nostril just picked up Libby's scent from over there.  

          In seeing the Crow most girls jumped up, screamed and tried to run away; whereas guys would freeze and then chuckle or laugh.   In a dream, Mr. Steve found out that one-legged Crow was female; which he and Mr. Wilt had wondered about.  They never named that Crow. 

                     

                                         LADY CÓRDOVA / MR. STEVE (1984)   

  PHOTO BY ARMANDO AGUIRRE                       

                                  

         For almost nineteen years Mr. Steve had a girl Dog named "Lady," who was half "Pit Bull" and half "Doberman" but; knew Mr. Steve didn't want her to be "Vicious."  To this day my boss has dreams about Lady, who was a good guard.  I wonder if he ever dreams about me?  

         Because one "Dog Year" is equal to seven people years, Lady was one hundred and thirty three when she died.  In the 1980's visitors to Mr. Steve's house, who didn't know Lady; would "Honk" their Car horn; not sure if she would bite.  Now people have those "Cell" phones.    

        Hey God!  Lady's my "Role Model."  Mr. Steve kept her old pink collar and it was this man from Egypt named Doctor Makkar, who owns the "San Fernando Pet Hospital;" who "Put her to Sleep."   That's just a nicer way of saying how they had to go ahead and kill her I guess.    

                           

                                                "SAN FERNANDO PET HOSPITAL"                                                                                                                         

           Mr. Steve says Lady wanted to "contribute" and guard until the end; just like old Rosie next door.  Since I really don't know who my "Ancestors" were I've kind of adopted Lady as my "Admired and Worthy" ancestor.  Oh!  A little gray Lizard is standing on the wall over there.  

           My Dictionary says a "Pet" is "A domesticated companion," and "domesticated" means "accustomed to or devoted to home life."  Yup!  That's me alright as I definitely want to be Mr. Steve's friend and, now love these two fenced in acres.  That Lizard is doing some pushups.

           In the 1980's Mr. Steve had two Cats, one this pure white boy Cat his girlfriend "Emily" named "Mookie Wilson."  The other was "Miss Foot," who had thick gray fur while Mookie had shorter hair.  You know, I haven't seen our neighbor's black and white girl Cat "Cher" today.   

                

            MOOKIE WILSON CÓRDOVA                              MISS FOOT CÓRDOVA

                        PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                   

                            

             Mr. Steve's girlfriend Emily grew up in New York City and, in 1985; named Mookie Wilson after a "Mets" Baseball Player.  Miss Foot, still "Agile;" had an extra toe on each foot so also a few extra claws too. I guess Mets is just an "Abbreviation" for the name "Metropolitans."    

        From what my boss says, Mookie and Miss Foot were "Total Opposites."  Miss Foot wanted to be petted and tried to get into everyone's lap, but the only one Mookie Wilson allowed to touch him was Emily and Mr. Steve; but especially Miss Emily.  I now like to be petted more too.

       I'm so glad I haven't had any bad dreams lately.  The worst one is when I bark, to warn my boss about an invader but; no sound even comes out of my mouth.  So I sort of panic and just go ahead and start biting around like crazy, but in the process break off a lot of my teeth.  

  

ALICE COOPER                                                       ALICE COOPER BAND

                

           Lord!  I guess, that "Christian" Singer Alice Cooper has good songs called "Welcome to my Nightmare;" and "Halo of Flies."  I'm always so relieved when it "Dawns on Me" I'm just having a bad "Imaginary" dream.  Boy!  I sure hope there aren't too many Flies this year.

           I used to have more Nightmares, usually about being homeless; but most of the time I have pleasant dreams now.  Last night I was so nervous about today, and hardly slept at all as at times my mind "Races;" and I get really worried about everything.  Dawn's barking to my right. 

            Last Summer a "Mountain Lion" walked up Primavera Road.  Dawn and I noticed it first but "Molly the Mule," who later died; kicked the back Corral fence really hard so got "Credit."  At first I was sort of jealous, but then wasn't when I thought about us working as a team.             

                    

                       "MOUNTAIN" LION                                         MOLLY THE MULE                                  ("PUMA" CAT)                                                                   (LIBBY IN BACKGROUND)      

            

          Mr. Steve says, in an "emergency;" we have plenty of wood to burn for cooking or heating our water to "prepare" the extra food and water "stored" in our garage.  In my three books I'll learn and write about "Natural Disasters."  I hear Dawn still barking over there next door.

         In 1971 Mr. Steve's family survived what's now called the "Sylmar Earthquake."  It was so strong it destroyed their house.  Oh!  The scent of that one really tall Joshua tree just floated in, and I like it's smell so; thank You God for all the different Joshua trees who live around here.

         Mr. Steve was told, if a Joshua tree grows straight "up" like the one I'm smelling; that must mean it has never "Bloomed."  When Joshua trees bloom they have little white and green flowers that come out.  Fannie and Freddie the Crows, talking to each other; flew bye right now.    

                

MAGGIE CÓRDOVA     

                           

           Aside from eating, and running; my favorite thing to do is celebrating.  Like Dawn next door, I have a sad "Howl" and a happy howl but, Dawn doesn't dance like I do.  My boss thinks my dancing kind of looks like an "Irish Jig" because I sort of hop around in little circles.  

          To the left, at the far end of this Patio; is my valuable collection of rubber balls and wood logs which I chew on to relax.  For some reason, chewing on things just makes my teeth feel good and gives me something to do; or a "Project" to work on.  Mr. Steve always has projects.  

       I have sharp teeth and can bite down hard.  I hid my old torn up Soccer ball so Mr. Steve doesn't throw it away like he always does to my old things.  Boy!  I really hate when he does that but, I have a brand new green rubber ball I'm saving to chew on as a "Reward" for later.             

                                        

                                                                 FLOCK OF BIRDS  

                                   

            My book one outline says I should write a little bit about the area we live in up here in the High Desert.  A flock of Birds is flying toward the northeast; or my left.  Up here in Piñon Hills there are only a few "Business."   Mr. Ramon the Auto Mechanic works up on the highway.     

        To buy groceries or "Hardware" Mr. Steve drives to Phelan, which is about seven miles away.  A "Stater Brothers" store, and also a "McDonalds" restaurant; is there.  In the 1970's some wanted to rename Phelan "Magic;" but I guess that idea was "Rejected" as they say.        

        Mr. Steve one time overheard a little girl defending our "Primitive" area to another little girl who was obviously from a city.  She said, "Oh no!  We not only have a McDonalds in Phelan, we have a good Burger  King too!"  I guess the city girl said, "Really!  That is good alright!"                                                              "NEWS PLUS"                                                MR. DON                               

              

             That lady Miss Susan, operated the local "Community" Newspaper called "News Plus" for years; and now a guy named Don does it.  Both know a lot about the Tri-Community area.  I hear Donald and Daisy the Ducks quacking about something over there next door to my right.  

             Miss Susan is over eighty years old.  I guess, she and my boss sometimes share "Reading Material;" as they're interested in some of the same things.  She gave Mr. Steve a book about the history of the High Desert up here.  I'll write about some of the things that book talks about. 

           I guess Miss Susan, like Mr. Steve's parents; was a child during World War II so has some memories from the 1940's.  Those "War Years" made as big an impression on them as the 1960's, 1970's and 1980's made on my boss.  Boy!  I'm sure glad we live in "Times of Peace."     

             

                             COMBAT                  "KOREAN" WAR        MR. STEVE'S DAD IN MIDDLE         

(1950-1953)

      

           People from the country of "South Korea" live in our area now and Mr. Steve has told a few of them how his father, as a "Marine;" fought in the "Korean War."  An older lady told him to thank his dad.  North and South Korea are on a peninsula the way Spain and Portugal are. 

          My Encyclopedia says "technically" the Korean War never "officially" ended and wasn't a "declared" war.  It was called a "Police Action" by the "U.N." or "United Nations," and in 1953 ended with an "Armistice."  I guess, that means a "Tie" or; like a "Draw" in Boxing.  

          In 1953, with the "cessation of hostilities;" it was agreed to "revert" back to there being two Korea's on the peninsula.  "North" Korea was "Communist, supported by Stalin's "Soviet Union;" and Mao Zedong's China. "South" Korea was "Democratic," and supported by us.

     

"TRADITIONAL" KOREAN MEAL      

           

             This Korean lady told my boss about how, in Korean meals; "Kimchi" are side dishes of things like "Garlic" or "Onions" that everyone shares.  "Banchan Sharing" is important for the Korean "family" she says.  Boy!  Mentioning that food kind of makes me hungry right now.

             Over the next three days, I'm looking forward to learning about the Korean Peninsula's long history.  Thank You God for this huge opportunity so, for sure I'll do my best; and try not to let anyone down.  It will take a lot of work but, I kind of like learning all these new things.

             In writing my three books I'm determined to keep my focus but, of course I'll take a few what they call "Breaks" when I have to go to the bathroom.  But, I want to be "Disciplined" and resist the urge to chase that Roadrunner "Rudy;" or Speedy Gonzalez.  No matter what!

         

                                                                  "VICTORVILLE"   

             

         The biggest "City" to us, to the east;  is over twenty miles away and is called "Hesperia." I guess an even bigger city called "Victorville" is about thirty miles from Piñon Hills; and to south of us is the really big city of "San Bernardino."  I smell a Lizard somewhere around here.            

          Victorville is where this old road called "Route 66" used to come through all the way from the "Midwest."  I'm kind of tempted to write about Route 66 now but, I'd better just wait and do it according to my outlines.  Aha!  I see a totally motionless Lizard over there in the dirt.

         Even though I'm not going to learn about Route 66 right now, I will mention how it's a part of New Mexico history too.  Miss Susan knows about that "Highway," and Mr. Steve has learned many things from her.  The Lizard just sprinted fast under a rock near the Mulberry tree.

                                             

"3"  

               

             Hey God!  Mr. Steve sees importance in 3 so, I now look for things in three's too; like in how Phelan, Piñon Hills and Wrightwood are called the "Tri-Community."  And then I heard my boss tell Mr. Randy how he's been told that You said to pray three times a day.  So I do! 

          I'm so glad I have a lot of  Notebooks to write my three books, and I'll look things up in my Dictionaries and Encyclopedias.  Some are for other languages.  I used my Spanish Dictionary to look up the name San Bernardino and, as I expected; it means "Saint Bernard" in English.  

         To my left, on the other side of my couch Elvira; is a pile of Encyclopedias and Mr. Grant's obsolete "Legal Research" books.  "Computers" replaced them for looking things up.  Mr. Steve has them all covered up with dark green "Tarps" and doesn't even know I'm using them.  

                          

     DRAGONFLY      

                           

            I knew I heard something coming and it was a big "Fluorescent" blue "Dragonfly" which just zoomed bye.  It's going from north to south; or from my left to my right.  The buzzing sound Dragonfly wings make is kind of like the sound Hummingbird wings make too I've noticed.          

           Hey God!  Thank You for all of these pens and pencils, and I have a whole "Cigar Box" of them I can use.  This cigar box might be special to my boss because it was in a "File Cabinet" up there in the garage.  Boy!  How could anyone have even invented such a thing as a pen?  

           It's kind of hard holding pens and pencils in my right paw, but I'm starting to get used to it.  Over the next three days I'll practice using them, in learning to write and; might even try to write a few times with my left paw.  Mr. Steve can do some things with either hand.

          

 MAGGIE CÓRDOVA 

                     

           If I can become the first Dog in history to write a book Mr. Steve will be so proud of me.  If I can learn to read and write then he'll never, ever want to get rid of me.  For a short time he was thinking about giving me away because he thought I might be just a little bit too "Wild."

           As I mentioned earlier, Mr. Steve and his brothers and sisters grew up down there in Los Angeles.  But in 2005 Mr. Steve moved up here.  My main "Duty;" which I do "Take Seriously;" is to guard these two fenced in acres.  So, even though I'm working I'm still staying alert too.

       Looking straight ahead I see our three Sheds Mr. Steve had built.  As I've said, in a "Dire Emergency;" we could live in Jack the big Shed on my left.   I've stuck my nose inside the Sheds to sniff curiously around but, I'm still kind of afraid to actually go all of the way inside.                                      

"MAX" THE HUMMINGBIRD

  PHOTO BY TOM GREY        

        

             Ah!  "Max" the boy Hummingbird just whizzed bye and I heard him coming.  But, too bad Mr. Steve didn't fill the three "Feeders" with that red drink so; he just kept going.  Usually you  would see his girlfriend "99" with him so maybe she's too busy building this year's "Nest." 

               Dawn's barking, which makes me feel like going to see what's going on but no; it's not her alarm bark.  Rosie's old and sort of quiet now but little Blinky's so cute.  I'm starting to like his totally unique scent and, actually; would kind of like to get to know him better this year.      

          Mr. Steve was told that Dawn's old owner hit her hard with a belt, and the buckle might've injured her eye.  Blackbeard the Crow has no left eye, so cocks his head to the side in order to see with the good eye; Dawn does that so her left eye sees.  Thank You God for my two good eyes!  

   

MAGGIE CÓRDOVA

   

            If one of those "Burglars" I've heard about ever tries to sneak into our neighbor's land I know for sure Dawn and Blinky would attack and bite them hard.  And I know Rosie would try to "Pitch In" and help out.  I'd for sure fight off a burglar who invaded these two acres too.

          Sometimes Dawn barks sort of mean at me but I kind of bark mean back at her.  Mr. Steve yells at us and tells us to be friends.  We both now get the message even though it's kind of fun to show Dawn I'm brave too but, "Truth be Told;" I really kind of want to to impress Blinky. 

          Our neighbors say Rosie's about sixteen and, sadly; My boss thinks she'll die  soon.  Wow!  In Dog years Rosie's about one hundred and twelve.  My boss said she's named after this song by that Australian band AC/DC, who I've heard have the best dancing Guitarist in history.    

              

                                                                             AC/DC

 

            My boss drew AC/DC's logo.  "A.C." means "Alternating Current," while "D.C." stands for "Direct Current" and tomorrow I'll learn about Nikola Tesla; on Saturday about that Greek guy named "Pythagorus."  Both of them saw great importance in the "Pattern of 3."

            At times Mr. Steve plays drums to songs by bands like AC/DC.  I've heard AC/DC songs he's played on that Boombox.  I like "Back in Black" and "Thunderstruck," but can't wait to someday hear that song about the girl named Rosie.  Ah!  I just love breathing in fresh air.

          Hey God!  Looking east; the Sun is slightly above the eastern horizon.  As it's warmth now sinks in on me down here I think I can better understand why so many cultures have worshiped You in the "Form" of the Sun.  I'll learn more about that subject in all of my three books.  

                           

                                                  AKHENATEN (1319? B.C.-1336? B.C.)

 

          God!  Later today I'll learn about the ancient Egyptian "Pharaoh" named "Akhenaten." At a time when people worshiped many Gods, he's the first "Known Monotheist" who prayed to a single God like You; in the "power" of the Sun or "Aten."  A Pharaoh is like a King I guess.

          A picture in my Encyclopedia shows Akhenaten and his wife "Nefertiti" holding their three babies with Sun rays hitting them.  Akhenaten's "Original" name was "Amenhotep IV."  God!  I kind of wonder if he may have "Influenced" the later Jews who decided to just believe in You?   

         Hey God!  I'll bet Akhenaten worshiped You, and Mr. Steve joked he wouldn't be surprised if You're also "Zeus," "Jupiter," "Odin" and "Allah" too.  Feeling the sunlight suddenly makes me for some reason think about how those "Celts" built that "Stonehenge" over in England.

                                                      

   TUTANKHAMEN (c.1332? B.C.-1323 B.C)

                   

         Mr. Steve has read about that other Pharaoh "Tutankhamen;" or "King Tut" for short.   He and his mother are both interested in the subject  of "Archaeology."  I guess, King Tut died    young; and is thought by some Archaeologists to have been Akhenaten and Nefertiti's son.           

        Boy God!  I'm tempted to write about King Tut now but, I'd better not and will just wait, and do it as scheduled.  I can't wait!  I've been really looking forward to learning  about him for a long time, ever since I found out that Mr. Steve and his mom were interested in him.                   

         Andy and Helen the Ground Squirrels just ran bye.  They're what's called "In Synch" and it's like "Seeing Double" when Helen just follows in what Mr. Randy calls Andy's "Wake."   She just trusts his judgement; the way Mr. Steve's mom trusts in his father's judgement too.                                                 "PEP BOYS"                                                         THE SHEDS           

                           ("MANNY, "MOE, JACK")                                                              (JACK, MOE, MANNY")                                                          

           

              Our three Sheds are named after an "Auto Part's store" called "Pep Boys," or "Manny," "Moe" and "Jack."  In my books I'll learn about "Cars;" especially "Vehicles" driven by my boss and his family over the many years.  Boy!  "Motors" are so totally amazing to me!  

          In 1972, when in the 11th grade at Sylmar High; Mr. Steve's dad bought him his first 1968 "Chevelle" from his friend Rick.  It was "Forest" green and had a "307 cubic inch Small Block" motor.  From what I've heard Mr. Steve say, forest green is a "darker shade" of green.

          Mr. Steve and his brothers grew up on the same neighborhood as this guy named "Tim."  I guess he's an Auto Mechanic and partially learned things by working on Mr. Steve's Cars.  Tim's now also a good Boat Mechanic too so will likely always have a way to "Earn a Living." 

                                                                  

                                                  MR. STEVE'S 1968 "CHEVELLE'S"                            

                    

           I guess, my boss Mr. Steve actually had two 1968 Chevelle's; the second one what they call an "S.S" version.  It had a "396 Big Block" motor, was "Royal" blue with a black vinyl roof; and a "Raised" S.S. hood too.  S.S. is just an abbreviation for the term called "Super Sport."  

          Even though I'm scheduled to write about it later today, I think I'll write about Mr. Steve's three current vehicles now too.  One is a little 1993 "Ford Escort" who my boss's Niece, when she was six; named "Barney."  I just glanced up to see a gray Lizard run bye out in the dirt.   

         As they were driving along Samantha asked, "Uncle Steven!" is this a boy or a girl Car?   I guess, after thinking about it for a moment; he said "A boy Car" so Samantha asked to name it after Barney the Dinosaur.  That Lizard ducked under a rock near the big Mulberry tree.   
                           

                                                   "BARNEY" (1993 "FORD ESCORT")    

       

         Right now Barney is sitting under a big tree up there in the front yard.  Mr. Steve should've gotten rid of little Barney but feels a sense of loyalty for her getting him through "Hard Times."  Mr. Steve used her to teach his Niece Samantha and Nephew Mathew to drive a "Stick."

         As I mentioned, when I wrote about that guy Steve Banks; 1999 was a very bad year for my boss. At the time he was driving a Cadillac, which used too much gas so; he bought little Barney from his customer in Mission Hills because of the "Gas Mileage."  Libby's nibbling some hay.  

        My boss showed Mr. Mike how our 1977 Truck Rex has a "350 small block" motor, and the "Stick Shift" is up near the steering wheel instead of "On the Floor."  Mr. Mike told my boss the small block motor first came out in 1955.  That's the exact same year Mr. Steve was born.

        

        "REX" (1977 "CHEVROLET" 1/2 TON)                  SAM / YOLANDA'S FAMILY                                                                                                              

         

             Rex was given to us by my boss's brother Sam and his wife Yolanda; who live with their kids to the west of us in "Littlerock."  I guess their town has about ten thousand people, while Piñon Hills over here has about seven thousand.  Two of the Pigeons are flying to the east. 

            My boss and Mr. Mike talked about how Rex has two twenty gallon "Gas Tanks."  Back in the 1970's there were "Gas Shortages," where Mr. Steve and his friends slept in Cars waiting to get gas in the morning.  This man named Jimmy Carter, a "Democrat; was President.  

            If gas is ever "Scarce" again we can "Store" forty gallons in Rex and in an emergency, like if an earthquake happens; we can sleep in Rex's bed Mr. Steve says.  This Latin Dictionary says "Rex" means "King."  I'll learn a lot more about the 1970's over the next three days.                                     

                                                          CHRYSLER "CORDOBA"

      

                Mr. Steve met a man from the city of "Detroit."  In 1975 his parents bought a small gold "Chrysler" Car called a "Cordoba;" a "Luxury" Car then.  It had a gold leather Interior," and when "Brand New" cost four thousand dollars; "a lot of money back then" Mr. Steve says. 

            The man told my boss the Cordoba had a "383 Cubic Inch V-8" motor, and was built in Canada; or across a river from "Detroit, Michigan."  I'll learn about cities in my books.  I notice Chrysler spells Cordoba with a "b," and doesn't put an "Accent" over the first "o" like we do.

           Mr. Steve was given a silver metal "Nameplate" from a 1976 Cordoba Car and then made a "Line Drawing" of it.  I guess, in 1979 and 1980; Cordoba's were used in "N.A.S.C.A.R. racing but didn't win any races.  Mr. Steve's dad didn't like how Chrysler pronounced our name.      

                    

"THEODORA"     

       

        Oh!  Just as I'm about to write about our Car "Theodora" who do I see?  That one girl   "Thrasher" Bird Mr. Steve also named Theodora too.  She's sitting on her favorite "Creosote"     bush, which I notice Mr. Steve lets grow larger; just to the left of Jack the biggest Shed.               

            Thrasher Birds have long curved beaks, run on the ground like Roadrunners even though they can fly; and at times imitate other Birds the way Mockingbirds do.  Mr. Steve wasn't sure if Theodora was a boy or girl but saw her holding a twig to build a nest so gave her a girl name.      

              Crows were circling out there over the eastern desert behind the three Sheds.  But now all of them just dove down to the ground so there must be something dead to eat; like an old Rabbit maybe.  Or maybe a Snake or Lizard might've made a mistake and came out into the open.  

        

  "THEODORA" (1993 "LINCOLN TOWN CAR")      

                

          The Car my boss mostly drives, also named "Theodora;" is our white 1993 "Lincoln Town Car."  She was given to him by his parents and is "solidly built" Mr. Steve says. Miss Susan told him boy Thrasher Birds help build nests so we're not really sure now if Theodora is a girl.            

        According to what my boss told Mr. Randy, in 1993 our Car Theodora was what they call "State of the Art."  She's still a really good Car I'd say, even though I'm afraid to ride in Cars.      Hey God!  As You know already, someday I'll overcome my fears; with Your help of course.        

       Mr. Steve had already named his Car when Miss Susan told him about Thrasher Birds so, the Car became "Theodora 1;" the Bird "Theodora 2."  My favorite band DEVO's two guitar      players are named "Bob 1" and "Bob 2."  They're the brothers of other DEVO members.                                                  

 THEODORA "SCOLDING" HUSBAND JUSTINIAN (532 A.D.)

ARTWORK NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC           

             

        At the time when Mr. Steve named our Car Theodora he was reading a book about what they call the "Byzantine" Roman Empire.  And it had a chapter about that "Emperor" named    "Justinian I."  I guess, my boss admires his really brave wife; the "Empress Theodora."               

        This Encyclopedia has a painting showing the Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora.  The caption says she's "scolding" and "shaming" her husband into not "fleeing" from the city    of  "Constantinople."  Theodora the Thrasher Bird just went running away right now.                  

       It says here in 532 A.D. a big "riot" broke out in Constantinople and angry "mobs" killed people and burned things.  "Justinian" was scared, about to "escape" on a Boat; but his wife got mad and embarrassed him right in front of everyone!  Some of the Ducks are quacking.                

           

"BEN HUR"

     

             I guess the Constantinople riots "erupted" at a "Chariot" race.  Mr. Steve likes a movie called "Ben Hur" which has Horse-Racing Chariot scenes.  Two of my boss's favorite Actors are Charlton Heston, and Peter O'Toole; who I'll find out more about in all my three books.               

          Wow!  Maybe, because he was mad; Justinian killed thirty thousand people to take back Constantinople after the "Nika" riots.  My Greek Dictionary says "nika" is "victory" and Dais     heard "Nike" is a "Brand" of shoes.  Purple was the "Royal" color of the Byzantine Empire.      

           Alpha Company of Quail are filing through the two vertical slots on each side of the back gate, so they can go out into the eastern desert behind the three Sheds.  A fence is absolutely no barrier to them.  Boy!  Angeline seems much bigger than the other adult Quail in her group.                                           

  "HAGIA SOPHIA"        

("CONSTANTINOPLE"/ NOW "ISTANBUL")      

        

             I feel like writing about the Christian Roman / Greek Byzantine Empire now but I'll do it according to schedule.  Justinian I built a giant Church called "Hagia Sophia."  Mr. Steve's been to "Saint Peters" Basilica and the "Pantheon" in the city of Rome, which are really big too.         

        Mr. Steve says some think he's weird for giving things names, or thinking of his Cars as male or female but; he "doesn't care" and admits he's weird.  I now like to give things names so I guess I must be strange too.   Heathcliff the Rooster just crowed over there to my right.              

         In my books I'll learn about bands Mr. Steve likes.  One is a British band called QUEEN, whose Guitarist and his father built the red electric guitar he still uses.  Mr. Steve, and girlfriend Miss Sandy; saw QUEEN play twice way back in the mid-1970's when they first came out.                                                                    

          BRIAN MAY           

                            

         Mr. Steve was amused, got a "Kick out Of;" reading QUEEN'S Guitarist thinks of his guitar as female.  On Saturday I'll talk about some of the best Guitarists my boss has personally seen play.  He and Harriet once got to see Stevie Ray Vaughn play a concert with Jeff Beck.          

             I guess at times Mr. Steve and his dad have wondered why some countries, like Germany for instance; say "Fatherland."  But others, like the Russians; refer to their nation as being the    "Motherland."  Mr. Steve's father was once told how Adolf Hitler used to say "motherland."       

           Dawn's barking to let others know she's there, and I don't blame her as at times I'm kind of nervous too about someone getting past us and attacking our boss.  Boy!  That would be bad, we might even get "Fired" if that happened.  Mr. Phillip from Wales calls it being "sacked."                                                              FIRST ALBUM                                    QUEEN                             EARLY 1970'S                          

                                  

          My boss's favorite QUEEN album is their first one, which came out a few days after his eighteenth birthday in 1973.  He'd just graduated from Sylmar High School.  Over the years, to    see their reaction; he's played that QUEEN I album for people who have never heard it.               

           Because I can only hear music when my boss Mr. Steve brings his Boombox outside, I've only heard that one really good QUEEN song about the rhapsody.  But someday, when I get over my fear of being trapped; I want to hear more music in the house.  That will be so great!              

          Boy God!  I really want to overcome my fear of doing things like going all the way down the hallway in the house or riding in a Car.  I see Cars and Trucks going bye on the road in front  of our house with Dogs in them and they're not afraid of riding in Cars.  I can smell Sage.                                                         

  BERTHA BENZ (1849-1944) / "MOTERWAGEN"

            

           Even though I'm not scheduled to write about her now, I sort of feel like mentioning this German lady named Bertha Benz.   My Encyclopedia says her husband Karl Benz built the first "operational motor car" in history.  Boy!  Smelling Spring Sage makes me feel so good.                

          A picture shows Bertha Benz and her daughters.   The caption says they're sitting in her husband's first Car, which only had three wheels I notice.  Mr. Steve's friend Mark Ritter, who    died already; knew a lot about about the "Mercedes Benz" company from what Dais heard.         

         Mark Ritter heard Bertha Benz, like my boss's mom and Grandmothers; was what they call a "problem solver" who "proved" her husband's idea worked.  I guess Karl Benz was kind of a "Perfectionist;" and at times timid in "Promoting" himself.  Dawn's barking over there.                                  

 BERTHA BENZ / TWO SONS (AUGUST, 1888)

            

          Mr. Steve says that lady Bertha Benz reminds him of his Grandma Córdova in some ways.  In 1888, if her husband wouldn't do it; then she and her two sons would take the first ever "long distance" Car ride in history.  She had "high confidence" his idea for a "Car" would work.          

         This Encyclopedia says, in 1888; Bertha Benz "drove" her teenage sons from their German town to her mom's town sixty five miles away.  That very first Car had a "Two-Stroke Internal    Combustion" motor I guess.  Boy! Such things like "Engines" seem so amazing to me.                   

        Bertha Benz sounds smart.  After that first trip she told her husband Car's needed an extra "Gear" for going up hills and leather "Brake Linings" for stopping.  Bertha Benz was born and died in May I notice and, in Mr. Steve's family; there's a lot of important dates in May.                               

MR. STEVE'S GRANDPARENTS

                                                                                                

          My boss told Mr. Randy he had a dream where he heard his Grandma Trujillo say "Only God knows," and his Grandma Córdova "Such a blessing."  Mr. Randy mentioned an old saying "A good wife is the wind behind her husbands sails."   Two of the Pigeons are flying bye.               

        Dawn's barking.  One time this Bobcat used a Joshua tree to "Spring," or jump;  into our neighbor's yard and caught Dawn and Blinky totally by surprise.  It was like Pearl Harbor back in 1941.  But, "In the End;" they chased the Bobcat away from the Chickens and Ducks.              

        I remember that beautiful Summer morning when, with my boss's parents visiting; they all admired the desert.  Mr. Steve watered the Mulberry trees as they talked about how Mr. Steve's Nieces Cristina and Samantha went to the "Lutheran" Elementary School.  We're Catholic.          

 MR. STEVE / MISS PEGGY      SAMANTHA / MISS PEGGY        STEPHANIE / CRISTINA   

 

         The Lutheran Elementary school is located in the city of "San Fernando, and sometimes Mr. Steve would pick Cristina and Samantha up after school.  It turned out by coincidence he      took the "Principal" Miss Peggy to her Sylmar High School "Prom."  Heathcliff crowed.              

          One time my boss and his Niece Stephanie talked about how lucky their family is that Mr. Steve's father wants to pay for "Parochial" school educations.  Mr. Steve said he and Mr. Rick    both now "appreciate" the Nuns at St. Ferdinands.  I feel good hearing Heathcliff's voice.            

         As I said earlier, in 1960 when Mr. Steve was five and his brother Rock three; their parents "Picked Up" and moved from New Mexico to California.  I can hear Crows fighting for food out there in the desert.  Ah!  A little grayish brown Lizard is standing on the wall over there.                                

  "VETERAN'S MEMORIAL" PARK (SYLMAR)          

             PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                        

                    

          Mr. Steve says Sylmar once had a lot of "Olive" trees,  and is why according to my Latin Dictionary "Sylmar" means; "Sea of Trees."  I heard my boss's parent's still have an old Olive    tree in their backyard.  Speedy Gonzalez the Squirrel zoomed bye in front of the three Sheds.      

         Back in the 1970's and 1980's Mr. Steve's father helped to get the "Olive View" Hospital "Rebuilt" after the 1971 earthquake.  In the 1980's he and others got a "Permanent Campus"        for "Mission" Junior College. The Lizard ran down the wall and is running into the dirt.            

           In 1960, when Mr. Steve's parents moved out here to California; Sylmar was "Rural" with some "Paved" dirt roads and a few people even riding Horses.  Now my boss thinks Los Angeles is way too crowded.  It's "much harder to peddle" Bikes on dirt roads Mr. Steve jokes.                                                  

       "14 FREEWAY          "SYLMAR" EARTHQUAKE      ("VETERAN'S" HOSPITAL)        

     (FEBRUARY, 1971)           

               

           The 1971 Sylmar earthquake destroyed the house Mr. Steve's family lived in, and some of the other houses on their "Neighborhood" too.  People died at the "Veterans" Hospital where, as a "Patient;" Mr. Steve's father used to sometimes go to.  Some Birds are chirping happily.            

       At times I'm pretty sure I feel some small earthquakes.  I've never been in a "Big One," where buildings even fall down and things like that.  I can just tell how our house was built to be strong, and is well made; so I feel really secure with my back to this east side of the house.            

         I mentioned earlier how Mr. Steve's father fought in the Korean War.  That has proven to be both good and bad because, he "Made good Friends" but; suffered "permanent injuries."  He has some "Long-Lasting" good and bad memories but, has accepted them as a part of life.                                                                    LEE IACOCCA / MR. STEVE'S PARENTS (1988)      

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA        

       

         Mr. Steve's parents once got invited to a downtown "Auto Show" at the "L.A. Convention Center."  They met Lee Iacocca, the "Chrysler C.E.O."  Chrysler had made the Cordoba Car so Mr. Steve's father jokingly told him about how to correctly pronounce our last name I guess.       

        C.E.O. means "Chief Executive Officer," or the "Boss."  Fannie and Freddie landed near that flat rock, with a wiggling Lizard hanging from Freddie's mouth.  Oh!  He just killed it with his really sharp and powerful beak.  And now he and Fannie can share their meal together.          

        Even though I'm not scheduled to write about that guy Lee Iacocca until tomorrow in book two, I feel like mentioning him now.  I can always write about him later too.  It says here in this    one Encyclopedia that Lee Iacocca was an "Engineer" and that's why he designed Cars.                                   

    "BULLITT"         

         

           That guy Lee Iacocca seems kind of smart.  This one Encyclopedia says how, back in the 1960's for "Ford;" he "developed" the "Mustang" Car.   Mr. Steve has done line drawings of the different Ford logos, but over the years has also done some of the "Chevrolet" emblems too.        

        My boss likes a 1968 movie where a man named "Bullitt," in a dark green Mustang the color of his first 1968 Chevelle; chases a "Dodge Charger" through the streets and hills of that    city up there called "San Francisco."  It's near that other city of "Oakland."  I smell Sage.           

           I guess, when the Spanish first came up here to "Alta" California back in the 1700's; they named  San Francisco after St. Francis.   Fannie and Freddie are done eating.  Taking a few little hops the way Crows and Ravens sometimes do, they're both lifting off and flying away.                                                                                                                                         LEE IACOCCA                             

                                                        

           I heard my boss tell Mr. Randy one morning how, in the 1980's; Lee Iacocca "rescued" the "Chrysler" Car company from "Bankruptcy."  I guess, he "revived" it by "advocating" for  U.S. "business exports."  God!  Thank You so much for having my boss go rescue me too.             

            My Dictionary says "Tariffs" are "protective taxes assessed against exports or imports."  I guess Lee Iacocca, and another guy named John Delorean; were both from "Detroit."  I'll learn a lot more about the different American cities over the next three days.  Boy!  I can't wait!            

          At Ford Lee Iacocca developed the Escort like our Barney.  In the 1980's his "Jeep" was the first "Sports Utility Vehicle."  But his 1970's "Pinto," like it's "Rival" the Chevy "Vega" my boss's brother Rock used to drive; was less successful.  Those were bad Cars Dais heard.                                           "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN" (P-51 "MUSTANG")      

PAINTING BY COLIN PARKER                                                                                                                                                                                

       

          Over the next three days I'll learn about Airplanes.  One was the American "Fighter" P-51 "Mustang."  In book three on Saturday, I'll look up and write about these black Pilots called the "Tuskegee Airmen;" who flew P-51's during World War II.  I smell a Lizard around here.            

       I guess Lee Iacocca's Car was "Named After" the P-51 Mustang. The Germans called the Tuskegee Airmen "Red Tails" because the rear of their Planes were red and this painting in my    Encyclopedia shows it.  Aha!  I see a Lizard standing in the dirt near the Arborvitae bush.            

       For some reason I just thought of that one guy Christopher Columbus.  My boss Mr. Steve thinks he's important in history.  He may've been Italian, and in 1492 sailed three wooden Ships all the way from Spain here to what "Europeans" then after that called the "New World."                                                 

       CHRISTOPHER COMUMBUS (1451-1506 A.D.)     

      ARTWORK BY MONICA NORIEGA                

                   

           A painting of Christopher Columbus in my Encyclopedia shows a map behind him and the route he took in 1492 in what would be the first of four "Voyages of Discovery."  That first one    "Changed the World," for good and bad; Mr. Steve says.  The little Lizard just ran away.             

         These kind of long outlines will guide me but I can add things too as I go along.  I've heard "Jazz" Musicians what they call "Improvise."  In 1978 my boss and a girl named "Monica" saw  a GRATEFUL DEAD concert.  They stayed only for the first three hours before leaving early.      

        We also made this list of important dates in Mr. Steve's family, "Birthdays" and things like that.  And, I just noticed Columbus died on May the 20th; which is Mr. Steve's Nephew Austin in Connecticut's birthday.  Mr. Steve's parents "Wedding Anniversary" is the 24th of May.                            

 SUSAN WITH HORSE "BRITELING"                       EAST COAST (U.S.A.)               

   

      My boss's sister Susan, with her sons Dalton and Austin; live "Back East" in the State of "Connecticut."  They have a girl Dog my boss jokingly calls "Bella 1," because his parents own    a Pit Bull named Bella too; so she's "Bella 2."   That band DEVO have Bob1 and Bob 2.               

          I guess, like it does around here at times; Winters can be really cold back east.   On a map I guess you can see how Connecticut is in between "Boston" and "New York City."  Boy God!  I  feel so good right now, in seeing and feeling the sunlight coming in from the east; to my front.      

        In the 1990's Mr. Steve's sister Susan was a "Set Decorator," for tv shows like "Roseanne" or "The Bill Cosby Show;" and now has an "Interior Design" business.  Mr. Steve's family think she's so talented.  And she still really enjoys riding Horses and has two of them now I guess.              

GRATEFUL DEAD (1982)

PHOTO BY JOEL EISENBERG

     

         In the 1980's, Mr. Steve's sister Susan went to College at "U.C.S.B;" or the "University of California Santa Barbara."  It was on the U.C.S.B. Football field where Mr. Steve, and that girl Monica;  saw the GRATEFUL DEAD concert.  Boy!  What an unusual name for a band.         

         Over the next three days I'll write about places my boss's family have been to, like "Santa Barbara."  Near the "Pacific Ocean;" they went there on vacations.  My boss told Mr. Grant on "clear days" you can see the "Channel Islands" from the U.C.S.B. campus.  I smell Sage.             

         Hey God!  As You know already, someday it would be so great to be able to smell an actual Ocean; or maybe even a Lake maybe.  That Aqueduct taking water down to Los Angeles is near    us, over there to my left; or to the north.  Ah!  I feel so happy to be here sitting on you Elvira.             

"SANTA BARBARA," CALIFORNIA

("MIRAMAR" HOTEL)

   

         Even though it's not on the outline right here, I sort of feel like mentioning how the city of Santa Barbara.  One morning my boss told Mr. Randy how his family has "fond memories" of    Summer vacations spent at the "Miramar" Hotel.   Daffy's quacking over there to my right.       

       One time Mr. Steve and his father remembered some of the cities they've visited, like New York City for example.  Mr. Steve told him he had a "nice" dream where he and the Miramar      Hotel's French Lifeguard "Jacques" "reminisced."  I'll write about him in my three books.          

         Boy!  I'm so tempted to write about my boss's 1977 trip to New York City but, I'll wait until tomorrow.  His Uncle Marty took he and his brother Rock to see that "Statue of Liberty" in the Harbor, the "World Trade Centers;" and "N.Y. Stock Exchange" too.  Heathcliff crowed.                                          

                                  SAM JR. / WIFE YOLANDA                                    

       

          I just thought about how my boss's brother Sam, with his wife Miss Yolanda and their three kids; live over there in "Littlerock" which is about twenty seven miles to the northeast of Piñon Hills.  Some Birds are chirping out in the desert behind the Sheds.  Heathcliff crowed.        

             All of Sam and Yolanda's kids, like they were when young; are what they call "Athletic."  Mr. Steve thinks his "Sister-In-Law Yolanda helps his brother a lot and is a good partner.  God! I really love to breath in deep breaths of fresh air through both nostrils of my wide open nose.        

          Mr. Steve's brother Sam's family have Dogs named "Ozzie" and "Tito."  Like Bella1 and Bella2, they're really good guards.  I've mentioned before how DEVO's two Guitarists, named      Bob1 and Bob2; are both the younger brothers of two of the other members of the band.                  

   BLACK SABBATH       

               

         I guess, Ozzie the Dog is named after a guy named Ozzie Osbourne; the original Singer in that British band BLACK SABBATH.  I'll write a lot about them over the next three days.  I've    only heard a few of their songs when Mr. Steve's plays music out here on his Boombox.               

          Mr. Steve likes playing drums along to all different types of music and one's called "Heavy Metal."  That's the type of band BLACK SABBATH have been since the early 1970's when Mr. Steve was in High School.  He likes playing along to their good song called "Paranoid."                 

         My boss likes "Heavier" versions of "Original" music.  He likes Bob Marley's "Raggae" but "prefers" the POLICE.  He appreciates John Lee Hooker but likes 1960's British "Blues"      better.  He and Harriet saw Jeff Beck and Stevie Ray Vaughn, he and Emily Eric Clapton.            

                           

ROCK'S FAMILY (1985)  

(ROCKY JR. /ROCK /STEPPHANIE – JACOB IN FRONT)

   

         I'll learn about the State of "Texas" in my three books.  Mr. Steve's brother Rock lives there with his sons Rocky Jr. and Jacob.  I mentioned how Rocky Jr. is a good "Tattoo Artist,"    and his girlfriend "Amber" is a talented "Beautician."  They're a "good team" my boss says.      

           My boss says in Texas they have big "Tornadoes" where the wind is so strong it can blow down your house.  We have little "Funnel Clouds" up here in the desert but nothing that strong.  But, at times; we do have some heavy winds which can almost knock you down alright.                

           I'm so tempted to look up and write about the famous "Battle of the Alamo."  It happened in 1836, when Texas was part of the country of "Mexico;" but they broke away and became their own country or "Nation" for about ten years.  I can smell a Lizard somewhere around here.                                                 

BATTLE OF THE "ALAMO" (1836)     

DRAWING BY MICHAEL MITCHELL

          I'll just wait until tomorrow to write about the Alamo.  I might mention it a little bit later today when I learn about the "Mexican War" from 1846-1848.  I guess my boss, and his father;    think both events were really important in the history of the United States and Mexico too.           

        Oh!  I looked up and see one of those long white vapor trail clouds.  I hear Dawn barking over there and that makes me think how brave she is and how I sure wouldn't want to fight her.  Aha!  A Lizard is standing on the wall near the sliding glass door going into the dining room.       

      About fifty miles to the northeast of Piñon Hills is "Edwards Air Force Base," which I'll learn a lot about in my books.  I'll bet the Plane who made that vapor trail is "Stationed" there.  Back in the year 1996 Mr. Steve worked  for his friend Rick's company inside of "Edwards."                                    

"EDWARDS" A.F.B.

  PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

 

           Mr. Steve is interested in "Aviation," and as a kid growing up in Sylmar built "Model" Airplanes.  His friend Mark Ritter who died also studied the "History of Flight," especially these Planes called "Flying Wings."  This company near us called "Northrop"  now makes them.          

          Seeing the vapor trail reminds me of my boss and Mr. Dave talking about Planes. Some Birds just flew bye and that makes me think about how amazing it is to be able to actually move all around way up in the air.   Boy!  It would be so scary not to be standing on the ground.            

          Hey God!  I sort of like the color "Sky" blue!  Mr. Steve says some don't like it.  He has customers in "North Carolina," where light "Tar Heel" blue is the "Official" State color; and      in my books I'll find out about that State and a Basketball Player named Michael Jordan too.                          
               
   "WRIGHT" BROTHERS                                "ANGLES OF ROTATION"   

    

          I'm so tempted to write about the "Wright Brothers" who, in 1903; built and flew in the first Airplane.  But, I'd better just wait and learn about them according to the outlines we made.  My boss's family saw that Wright brothers Plane in 2008, in a museum in Washington D.C.          

          "Diagrams" really help explain things, like this one here which shows "angle rotation" in "three dimensions;" what's called "Pitch, "Roll" and "Yaw."  That's what the Wright brothers    had to know about to make that very first Airplane fly.  A flock of Birds is going bye.                     

          The Wright brothers built bicycles; and studied "Flight Dynamics" to create what's called a "Fixed Wing" Aircraft.  Anyway, over the next three days I'll be coming back to the Wright      brothers and the history of man's attempts to fly; or "Aviation."   I smell Andy over there.           

                                                                        KING FERDINAND III                 

        PAINTING BY STELLA CÓRDOVA                                                                                                                                              

                                               

              I said earlier how the "San Fernando Valley" is named after that one 13th century A.D. Spanish King, and Saint; Ferdinand III.  When we go in the living room on Saturday mornings    to watch tv we get to see Mr. Steve's mom's big paintings.   A small flock of Birds is flying bye.     

           Mr. Steve's mom did a tall painting of King Ferdinand III, which she used Mr. Steve's face on it; and I noticed it right away even the first time I even saw it.  That big painting is hanging    on the wall near the kitchen entrance.  I smell the Twin Joshua trees out there in the desert.          

             In the 8th century A.D. Muslim "Moors" came up from North Africa to conquer most of the "Iberian" peninsula, areas now the countries of "Spain" and "Portugal."  It says here, for      the next seven centuries; Christian and Muslims fought many "bloody wars."  I smell Sage.                        

   "IBERIAN" PENISULA (8TH CENTURY A.D.)                   CHARLETON HESTON ("EL CID")           

       

          A good map in my Encyclopedia shows in green how much of Spain the Muslim Moors "overran" in the 700's.  I notice it was called the "Caliphate of Córdoba."  Daisy says Mr. Steve told his sister Susan it's "entirely possible" there's Moorish or Jewish blood in the family.         

         For those seven hundred years, after the "Muslim Conquest;" the Spanish fought to push the Muslim Moors back down into North Africa.  This Spanish Dictionary says "Reconquista,"    means says just means "Re-Conquest."  Thousands of people died during those years.                   

        Charlton Heston, one of my boss's favorite Actors; played the part of this Spanish Soldier named "El Cid."  King Ferdinand III, who fought the Moors; was related to him I guess.   Over the next three days I'll learn more about some of the different movies Charlton Heston was in.     

                                              

KING / SAINT FERDINAND III                FRAY JUNIPERO SERRA     

(1199-1252 A.D.)                                         (1713-1784)  

                                                                                                                                          PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

    

          Mr. Steve thinks it "only natural" St. Ferdinand's Parish was named after King / Saint Ferdinand III.  Franciscan Priests, like Father Junipero Serra; first came up here from "Baja" California in the 18th century.   Father Serra set up the first nine "Alta" California Missions.      

          The caption underneath a painting of Ferdinand III says he was from the "Kingdom" of "Castille."  Oh!  He died on May the 30th which, in looking at my list of dates I see is Mr. Steve's Niece Raqquel's birthday too.  In our family Raqquel is spelled with two Q's instead of one.         

        As San Fernando Mission "Tour Guides," my boss and his parents learned Father Serra was the first "Presidente" of the Alta California Missions.  It says here how, when he died Father Fermin de Lasuén, a "Basque;" took  over.  Twenty one Missions were "Established" here.                  

         DRAWING BY STELLA CÓRDOVA                       MR. STEVE WITH MOM                       PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA     

        In the 1990's Mr. Steve and his mom had "Art Exhibits" about the Missions at different places around Southern California.  The one I mentioned earlier was downtown at the "Natural  History Museum" near the Coliseum and U.S.C. campus.  Donald and Daisy are quacking.          

        On Saturday mornings, if we go in the living room to watch cartoons; I get to see the big paintings Mr. Steve's mom had in the Art Exhibits.  I'm so silly for being too afraid to go all of  the way down the hallway in the house.  The living room has high fifteen foot tall "Ceilings."       

        Mr. Randy used the word "superimposed" to describe how Mr. Steve's mom used his face on that painting of King / Saint Ferdinand III.  It's hanging on that wall between one of our two "Dining" rooms.  That painting was not in any of the different Art Exhibits from the 1990's.        

                                            LIVING ROOM                               "SAN FERNANDO MISSION CHAPEL BELLS" 

             

           Hanging over the couch in the living room is a big painting Mr. Steve's mom did of bells at at the San Fernando Mission.  It shows the bell's in a tower of the "Chapel," which I guess is just another name for a smaller "Church."  Hearing chirping Birds makes me feel so good.                 

         Ah!  The green and gold chimes hanging from the Patio roof, which were given to my boss as a gift; are now ringing because a breeze just came in from the eastern desert behind the three Sheds.  Boy!  I sure hope that's You Holy Spirit.  I'm having fun learning so thank You.                 

         From 1st through 8th grades my boss went to Saint Ferdinand's Catholic School over there in San Fernando.  San Fernando is an "Independent" city "Within" Los Angeles so, has its own Policemen, Mayor and City Council too.  Oh!  I smell that old Sage bush behind the Sheds.                       

FAITH     

         

         Hey Lord!  My boss's 6th Grade Teacher Sister Rita Joseph told her class about that one "Golden Rule" You talked about, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  Boy!  I totally agree with You on that good idea Lord.  I think I'll always try to do that in my life.       

       Lord, Sister Rita Joseph said other religions, like Hindu's "Kharma;" also believe in the same "general" idea You did.  And in China "Confucius" said, "What you do not want to have    done to you do not do to them.  A "Secular" saying is, "What goes around comes around."           

              Mr. Steve says, if he could talk to Sister Rita Joseph now; he'd apologize to her for all of the "idiotic mischief" he and his friends did.  Sister "Clara" Joseph was his 7th Grade Teacher and,  like Sister Rita Joseph; was "Scotch-Irish." She's also dead too but alive inside of his head.                    

         "JACK" THE JACKRABBIT      

PHOTO BY B. KATZUNG    

       

         Oh!  I glanced up just in time to see Jack the Jackrabbit running from my left to right out there in the eastern desert behind our three Sheds.  I'll bet the new Spring Sun is giving him a lot of energy just like it's doing to me too.  The sky is so beautiful right now and I feel so great!          

          I'm kind of looking forward to keeping a three day Journal of our life here in Piñon Hills.  I like our lives but noticed how my boss used the words "mundane," or "non-eventful" one time  to describe how we live.  "Our ordinary lives would never be a tv drama entertainment show."    

       Writing about the Nuns at St. Ferdinand's makes me wonder if there would ever be such a thing as a Dog Nun?  If there is, I'd want to be one because I think I could be a good Teacher for  my class.  The very unique scent Jack left behind just floated into the nostrils of my nose.                                                                

                               "SAN FERNANDO MISSION" CHAPEL INTERIOR                                        

           PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                    

                         

          Mr. Steve has taken many pictures of the San Fernando Mission, not all of which were used in he and his mom's 1990's Art Exhibits.  This statue of King / Saint Ferdinand III above    the Chapel "Altar" was used by my boss's mom for her painting.   We have some statues.             

             Hey Lord!  As You know, Mr. Steve jokes one reason King Ferdinand III was made into  a Saint is because he killed Muslims in Your name.  This Spanish Dictionary says "Matamoros"  means "Muslim killer."  My boss, and his dad; think violence will likely always be normal.           

           All of a sudden right now the sights I'm seeing, things I'm smelling and hearing; remind me of other times.  The food I tasted in my royal blue food bowl this morning made me think of that time the Lizard watched me eat too.  I sure do hope we have Spam for dinner tonight.                

"WARROR / MONK" STATUE

     

           God!  Thank You again for bringing me over here to live on this two acres because I have a feeling I'd probably be dead by now if You hadn't done that.  But now, I have more hope and a "Direction" in life.  And I'd like to try to turn my own good luck into something even better. 

           My boss at times dreams of his Dog Lady and Mookie Wilson and Miss Foot the Cats.  He told his mom how, as long as he has his "memories;" in a "Philosophical" way; they're all still alive.  Sister Rita Joseph taught him that and now my boss thinks of her in that way too. 

           I just thought of how Mr. Steve's friend Mark Ritter died.  They met in the 1970's, when Mr. Steve was in "Junior" College.  They worked for "Laser Images," who did a "Light Show" using "Lasers" called "Laserium."  That was at the "Griffith Park Observatory" I guess.

   

                                                                 "LASER IMAGES"

  

           Laser Images office's were in the San Fernando Valley city of  "Van Nuys," right near an Airport.  Mr. Steve jokes he was a "Go for" at Laser Images, because he had to "go for this;" or "go for that."  But mainly, this pretty girl named "Debbie" hired him to be the "Janitor."  

          I guess that girl Debbie went to the "University of Southern California," or  just "U.S.C." for short.  Their biggest "Rival" is U.C.L.A. where my boss's ex-girlfriend "Emily" works in the "Athletic" Department.  And that stands for the "University of California in Los Angeles."

          Since 1999 my boss has done his job and is grateful his boss Steve Banks who died helped him recover "Financially."  He told Mr. Randy he "made stupid mistakes," and "has no one to blame but myself."  Some Ducks are quacking, Daffy being louder; over there to my right.
            

                              WHEN YOUNG                 LADY CÓRDOVA                     AS BABY

   

          I just thought about my boss's Dog Lady, who lived to be nineteen.  Although she was half "Doberman" and half "Pitbull," she wasn't mean because Mr. Steve didn't want her to be.  Lady was the "Runt" of  the "Litter," and I have this weird feeling I was one of those runts too.    

          Like with us there were times when Lady's "Duty" was to "Act" aggressively, to be a good guard; and that's why I want to be like her.  Hey God!  I hope I live a long time too but if I don't that's okay.  Boy!  If only I could time travel back to the 1980's and meet Lady in person!  

         Oh!  Our neighbor's Cat "Cher" just used the right vertical slot on the side of the back gate to slink out to the eastern desert behind our three Sheds.  Her what they call "Body Language" tells me she's hungry.  Much of the time during the day Cher sleeps and saves up energy.

        

                                                                    "CHER" THE CAT

     

          Seeing Cher right now suddenly makes me think about how amazing Cat "Reflexes" are. I've seen with my own eyes how quick Cats can be, and told how they can sometimes catch Birds by "Ambushing" and "Intercepting" them in midair.  Boy!  I'd really like to see that alright.   

          Miss Emily, Mr. Steve's second girlfriend; named "Mook" after a 1980's Baseball player on the New York Mets.  Mr. Steve met Miss Emily in "Law School," and I guess she had this job to raise money to fix the "Statue of Liberty."  She's from "Long Island" in New York City.

          On the day after tomorrow in book three I'll learn about New York City and things like the Statue of Liberty.  But I have this feeling the subject of New York City will come up before then too.  A Sparrow with a twig in it's mouth, to build a nest; is hopping bye out there in the dirt.

                                                                          

                   SANDY                                           EMILY                                 HARRIET

    

            Mr. Steve has "Dated" different girls but considers that he's been a "Couple" with just the three I mentioned earlier.  During the 1970's in High School, and the years after; he was with "Sandy."  When they broke up she eventually got married and ended up having some kids.  

            After Mr. Steve met "Harriet," he and Emily "Went their Separate Ways" so to speak.  I guess, in the late 1980's and early 1990's; he accompanied Miss Harriet on her "Assignments" as a "Music Reviewer."  She wrote the articles while he took pictures to go along with her work.

                                                                       ELEANOR ROOSEVELT WITH HUSBAND AND MOTHER IN LAW                             

                               

            Over the next three days I'll learn about the "Roosevelt" and "Kennedy" families.   I like a quote by a lady named Eleanor Roosevelt, who was married to the President during the 1930's "Great Depression" and World War II.   It will help me in trying to write these three books.         

       Mrs. Roosevelt said, "You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.  You must do the thing you think you cannot do."    Hey God!  Learning to read and write and do these books will be hard so please help me.              

           Wow God!  I'm finished with chapter one, so eleven to go today.  This chapter was longer than we thought but, as Mr. Steve's mom says, "Life is often what happens when you're planning something else."  I'll hide things under my blankets Barry, Robin and Maurice and go pee.