Book 1 Chapter 2

 II

(Book one / Chapter 2)

                                                                                       "COGNITO, ERGO; SUM"

 7:30 a.m.

 

                                  

                                                               DAISY CÓRDOVA      

                               

           Well, I'm back!  I went pee in the northeast corner of our fenced in two acres and now will begin chapter two.  After my fourth chapter, or end of Part One; I'll take a longer bigger break and go visit my best friend named "Daisy."  She's staying up there in the front yard today.

                Daisy, or "Dais" as Mr. Steve calls her; helped me put together my three outlines and will bark to signal me if Mr. Steve comes outside.  I like it when Mr. Steve calls me "Magg," because then I feel as if he likes me.  Boy!  It looks like my books will be a lot longer than I thought.

                 I'll bet Daisy is probably laying on the cement slab in front of the garage.  She's old, and has this thing called "Arthritis;" so today's warm sunlight will make her paws and hips feel a lot better.  Daisy sometimes jokes the "only permanent thing in life is almost constant change."

        

                                                     DAISY / MAGGIE CÓRDOVA  

           

           Daisy's sensible, and convinced me to learn to read and write.  Like myself, she also goes by Mr. Steve's last name "Córdova."  Hey God!   She wants to believe maybe You brought us to this two acres to "bring out the best" in Mr. Steve.   Ah!  The sunlight feels so great!

           Much of what I'll write about over the next three days will be from conversations Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve have on the phone.   Unlike myself, Daisy doesn't fear the unknown; saying "nothing comes easy."  She said what I'm attempting is will be really hard to do.

           People have told Mr. Steve that, judging by her eyes and teeth; Dais might be sixteen years old like Rosie next door.  She's going blind but her sense of smell and hearing at times seem to be getting sharper.  Because I wrestle with her, I know how Daisy's still really physically strong. 

       

FRONT YARD (DAISY / MAGGIE CÓRDOVA)

           Today Daisy will mainly rest on the cement slab in front of the garage.  But she'll also rest below Mr. Steve's office window, because from there she can see if he stands up from his desk; if he comes outside she'll bark to let me know.  A group of Birds is flying over Libby's Corral.

          From the end of the cement slab, or "Driveway;" a long road of gravel goes out to the road in front of our property.   Sometimes Dais and I like resting under that tree on the south side of that "Gravel" driveway.  A Freight Train just whistled faintly way out there to the north.

          On many days Dais stays in the area Mr. Steve prepared for her in the back of the garage, between the refrigerator and door going into the "Utility Room."  That's where those amazing machines which automatically wash and dry clothes are at.  I smell Alpha Company of Quail.  

       

THE BEE GEES   

   

             I love my blankets Barry, Robin and Maurice, who Daisy suggested we name after three Australian brother Singers.  Mr. Chris got them for me, and he also got Daisy her "Barney the Dinosaur" blanket.  Someday I'll hear some BEE GEES songs as Dais says they're amazing.

            Over the years I guess my boss has enjoyed showing people BEE GEE Videos, "just to see their reaction."  Black people are often surprised the BEE GEES are white.  Beyond that, it's the BEE GEES "talent and skill level"  singing "in harmony" that impresses people Mr. Steve says.

            Daisy says one time she heard Mr. Steve kind of chuckle when Mr. Dave in New Mexico said on the phone, "Can you imagine what it must be like to be a male in an audience of women at a BEE GEES concert?"  That's because the BEEGEES have good "Love" songs Dais says.    

             

        "JACK" / "MOE" / "MANNY"                                   "JOSHUA" TREES                  

                                                                                                                                                                 PHOTO BY TONE HELENA TORGERSEN

     

              Well God!  Looking out into the eastern desert behind our Sheds, feeling the morning Sun giving me warmth and energy; makes me think of You.  I smell Joshua trees, which makes me think of how today, the first day of Spring; is our New Year's.  Happy New Year Everyone! 

               Daisy was also "Rescued" by Mr. Steve because, like myself; her owner just didn't want to keep her anymore.  She has so much "Experience," and I always listen to her when she tells me things; because I really trust her opinion.  Fannie and Freddie are flying bye to the east.

          This morning for breakfast Daisy also really liked how Mr. Steve mixed in that new Spam meat with leftovers and dry Dog food.  For her Arthritis, he puts a little thing called a "Bufferin" pill in her food.  She also often licks her big hairy paws too, which makes them hurt less.

          

"CREATION"          

MICHELANGELO                      

                 

                  Well God, I have a feeling these books are going to be longer than I expected so; I'll just say a quick prayer and begin chapter two.  I like practicing reading and writing, but learning new things is even better.  Daisy says in my books I've got to have good "time management."

            Hey Lord!  I say "Hail Mary" prayers to Your mom too.  Dais told me Sister Rita Joseph influenced Mr. Steve in asking Your Father for a "Gift of Grace" in, if he knows he's about to die; giving him just enough time to say a quick Hail Mary.  Daisy and I hope for that too!  

               Boy!  Daisy was so right in saying it's a good thing I got plenty of practice holding a pen or pencil in putting together these three long outlines.   Having only toes, it would be so great if I had a few fingers but, I'm getting used to it and not complaining.  Dais told me about thumbs.  

                

                                              HENRY DAVID THOREAU (1817-1862)

           

             I'm glad Daisy explained how to use the "Erasers" on the ends of these amazing pencils.  In my three books I'll learn about Writers my boss likes.  That guy Henry David Thoreau and his family, to earn some money back in the 19th century; made wooden pencils Daisy heard.  

            In chapter one I used pencils and erasers a lot, and can now tell by how long that chapter turned out being; I'll need them in these three long books.  I can't wait for chapter five, when I use the "Pens" Daisy found in a "File Cabinet" up there in the garage.  Heathcliff crowed.

           Based on how it feels, I think I might be what they call "Right-Handed."  But maybe I can be like my boss who, for some things like playing drums; is "Ambidextrous."  In Baseball, he can "Throw" and "Bat" right or left-handed; and can use eating "Utensils" with either hand.

             

                       "HIGH" DESERT"                                                     "JOSHUA" TREES                                         ("SAN GABRIEL" MOUNTAINS BEHIND)                                           (CALIFORNIA "HIGH" DESERT)                                                                                                                               PHOTO BY TONE HELENA TORGERSEN

          

            I mentioned in chapter one how Piñon Hills is near the "Foothills," on the north side of the "San Gabriel" mountains.  Sylmar, where my boss's family grew up; is in the foothills on the south of the same exact mountain "Range" on the other side.  Some Sparrows just flew bye.  

           Based on how the shadows look, and where the Sun is; I'd say it's about eight thirty.  I feel so lucky to have my big project to work on and the ability to do it.  I'll bet that Daisy up there in the front yard is also already wondering too when we'll get our first food snack of the day.

               Heathcliff just crowed God!  And I really kind of want to see his crowing more than usual on this first day of Spring as a good luck sign for me in writing my three books.  Mr. Steve, and Daisy too; look for "Symbolism" in things and I'm starting to do that more and more too.

   HUNGRY BABY BIRDS

              I glanced up because Bonnie the Bird flew back in from the desert and is now throwing up the Bugs in her stomach to feed their new babies.  Wow!  Besides her and Clyde, Alpha Company also had their new Spring babies so early this year.  Boy!  That must be a good sign I think!

          Chirping baby Birds symbolize for Daisy the three part, reoccurring; "Cycle" of nature, "Life, "Death" and "Rebirth."  I notice one of Bonnie and Clyde's "Chicks" chirps louder, and more often; than the others.  Mr. Steve's dad jokes, "The squeaky wheel often gets the grease."

          Mr. Steve's parents,  married for fifty eight years; think "Forgiveness" and a "Sense of Humor" are  important.  My boss never married but likes women and children and is just more happy right now being alone.  He jokes about how he's "circled the Sun" fifty seven times.

      

                                                            MR. STEVE'S PARENTS

                                                                                                                                  PHOTO BY RODERICK CÓRDOVA

           

            Daisy says on April the 8th of 1950 Mr. Steve's parents met in High School and one reason they're still together is because they're a team who help and "Complement" one another.  Oh!  I notice on my list of dates how Miss Emily was born on April the 9th.  Dawn's now barking. 

           The happy feeling of "Romance" is great but is usually "temporary" Mr. Steve says.  "In the "Long Run" he thinks, it's better to find a partner who helps and supports you; as "Looks" fade for almost everyone.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonney are flying bye and seem happy.  

          After raising five kids Mr. Steve's dad encouraged his wife to go "Back to School."  She did and, at "Mission" Junior College and "Cal State Northridge;" graduated as what's called "Cum Laude."  Daisy told me she never got anything lower than an "A" grade in any of the class's.

            

RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS        

             

               One time Dais and Millie were in our boss's office and heard him talking on the phone with his mother about the music Mr. Steve's parents like.  In the early 1960's they liked songs by Singers from "Orange County."  They called themselves the RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS. 

            Daisy heard how Mr. Steve's parents "favorite" tv show are all "reruns" of 1950's and 1960's "Lawrence Welk Show" episodes.  Mr.  Steve told Miss Susan his parents still like to hear Elvis singing " that old song called "I Can't Help Falling in Love With You."  I smell Sage.

            I guess, from what Dais heard; Miss Susan told Mr. Steve her parents also really liked the way Elvis sang I Can't Help Falling in Love With You.   I'll be learning a lot about the subject of "Music" over the next three days.   I feel like looking up Elvis but I'd better just wait.   

                                                                    

                                                             MR. STEVE'S MOM

         

           When young  Mr. Steve's mom was a "Girl Scout" and later, for many years; a "Leader" of a few "Troops."  In my books Daisy has me scheduled to write about "Field Trips" they took.  If there was such a thing as "Girl Scouts" for us Dogs I would definitely want to join up. 

          My boss told Mr. Randy a good example of his father caring for his wife is how he allowed her to hold troop meetings at their house.   Mr. Steve's mom loves to sing so, of course; her girls sang a lot.  His dad, even watching tv sports; prefers silence with no "background" noise.

          While her meetings were going on Mr. Steve's dad would simply go work in his office and close the door.  My boss jokes about how, to both he and his father; the concept of "Karaoke" is "incomprehensible."  Neither one likes to sing but, realizes; they're "In the Minority."

                                                    MAGGIE / DAISY CÓRDOVA

          My boss is in the minority too in now preferring to be alone, but thinks too many prefer bad "Relationships" to no relationship.  Dawn and I howl, but not Daisy, Blinky or Rosie.  Daisy and I like to pray, and I kind of  want to agree when she jokes singing is "praying double."

          Dais heard Mr. Steve talk on the phone with Mr. Rick, and they remembered how Rick's dad who died used to joke, "A happy wife is a happier life."  Mr. Randy chuckled when my boss told him about Mr. Rick's dad.  A while back Mr. Steve had a dream about him Daisy says.

          It's "normal" for families to "argue and disagree" Mr. Steve thinks.  "It would be great" he says if things were "always going perfectly" but, unfortunately; that often does not happen. I just glanced up in time to see two white crisscrossed and extending vapor trails up in the sky.

                       

                                          THE KINKS                                                                 OASIS    

  

        A British band Mr. Steve and his brother Rock liked when growing up was the KINKS, whose brothers, Ray and Dave Davies; were famous for fighting.  But Daisy heard now, in their "older age;" they've "made up."  Heathcliff just crowed, and all of his Hens seem happy.              

          "Oasis" Road goes bye in front of our house, up there in the front yard; where Daisy will be today.  Mr. Dave in New Mexico, on the phone; told Mr. Steve the two brothers in that other    English band OASIS dislike each other.   "At times families fight" Dais heard Mr. Dave say.         

          After my first owner dumped me out in that field, there were a few times when I felt kind of lonely but; really didn't know what I was missing.  But now my boss, Daisy and I are a family; so I would never ever want to go back to being homeless.  No way!  Ugh Ugh!  Forget it!                

                           

                                   NEWS PLUS                                              DON FISH 

                

        Daisy says Mr. Steve told his mom how our local Newspaper "News Plus" is now being "well run" by that guy Mr. Don.  Miss Susan, who lives in "Phelan;" sold it to him.  I guess Mr.  Steve has a "File" of the good articles Miss Susan wrote about our area.  Dawn's barking.            

           My boss told Mr. Mike he can tell Miss Susan, who's in her eighties; was a good mother.  Like his mom, it's obvious she's a "patient" person who likes "to share knowledge."  Boy God!    I'd really like to someday be like her and Mr. Steve's mom if I ever have to teach someone.           

           Boy God!  The air is so clear and fresh on this very first day of Spring, it's not cold like it was last year at this time.  I'm feeling optimistic about this upcoming year so thank You so much for the way I feel right now here on Elvira.  Thank You for providing me this project to do.               

    LADY CÓRDOVA (c.1978-1997)

                     

             I just thought of my boss's old girl Dog "Lady."  I want to be like her so I'll also be what some cultures call a "Worthy" ancestor.  Dais says to have "short and long term" goals, and one of my goals is to make Mr. Steve so proud of me he'll never, ever want to even get rid of me. 

            A short term goal of mine is to show my boss, by writing these three long books; I can do something other Dogs can't do.  But Dais is so right in telling me it's not going to be easy and will at times probably even seem really difficult.  Just learning to read and write will very hard.

            Daisy's up there in the front yard to bark when Mr. Steve comes outside, which he does a few times each day.  But maybe he won't leave his office today, which sometimes happens too.  If he does I have my blankets Barry, Robin and Maurice; who our friend Mr. Chris got for me.   

                                       

   "DONALD" / "DAISY" DUCKS    

                        

                 Those Ducks Mr. Steve named "Donald and Daisy" are quacking.  Daisy says he named them after a real life cartoon Duck couple.  I want to see that cartoon someday because I guess Donald the boy Duck wears this professional looking uniform in my favorite color blue.

            Daisy says Donald's girlfriend Daisy has big eyelashes, a bow stuck on her head; and has special shoes made only for Duck feet.  Daisy the cartoon Duck likes to get flowers, dancing; and to kiss.  Our Daisy says Donald and Daisy have two hands they can use just like a human.

           The girl cartoon Duck Daisy seems more "sophisticated" than Donald; who has a hard to understand voice I guess.  He also wears a blue "Beret" hat likes the ones Mr. Steve has in the living room near the fireplace.  "Daffy" next door's voice is louder than all the other Ducks.     

            

"MICKEY" / MINNIE" MOUSES    

              

                   Boy! Daisy is so lucky, because she goes in the house a lot more than me; so gets to hear more music and see more tv too.  She told me Donald and Daisy the cartoon Ducks have Mouse friends named "Mickey" and Minnie."  The four Pigeons are flying toward the northeast. 

             Dais told me Mickey and Minnie the Mouse's also kiss, and really like each other.  Unlike other Mice, they have big feet and hands; so have custom made shoes and white gloves.  Up there in the sky skinny white clouds are forming and starting to slowly spread out and stretch.

             I guess the cartoon Daisy and Minnie have bows attached to their heads, so my Daisy thinks they must be able to stick onto feathers or fur.  Boy!  Someday I won't be afraid of being trapped in an enclosed area, so will get to see more tv.  Boy! I love smelling Sage right now. 

               

"ELMER FUDD" / "BUGS BUNNY" / "DAFFY DUCK"    

                

                Yup!  Right now some Ducks are quacking but Daffy's louder.  Daisy told me in real life Daffy the cartoon Duck tries to compete with this smart Rabbit named "Bugs Bunny."  But, he always gets so frustrated and upset when no matter what he does; Bugs Bunny beats him.

            According to Daisy, there's this Hunter named "Elmer" who isn't very smart, and always wants to hunt Rabbits but over and over again keeps getting tricked by Bugs Bunny; who eats a  lot of carrots I guess.  Our Daffy has by far the loudest and most unique quack over there. 

           One time Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve talking to his mom on the phone about one of his classmates at St. Ferdinands named John Jones.  He died a few years ago but my boss still at times thinks of him.    A flock of Birds is flying over Libby's Corral over there to my right.

           

                                             CHARLES "CHUCK" JONES (1912-2002)                      

    

           Dais heard Mr. Steve tell his mom about that kid John Jones' Uncle named Chuck Jones.  He was an "Animator" for "Warner Brothers" and drew all of the Warner Brothers "Loony Tunes" cartoons.  A Freight Train just whistled faintly way out there in the northern desert.

          I guess, Mr. Steve met Chuck Jones a few times at John Jones family events; and heard him talk about being "fired" from a job.  He was born up in the State of "Washington, " but is "Associated with Los Angeles; having gone to "Cal Arts."   Two of the Pigeons flew bye.

         Mr. Steve heard that guy Mr. Chuck say he and his sister began drawing "as kids" because his family had "a lot of extra sheets of paper."  Mr. Steve also met Chuck Jones' wife, and their daughter; who were really friendly.  Now the other two Pigeons are flying toward the east. 

  

THEODOR GEISEL (1904-1991) WITH WIFE

  

                   One time Daisy was in Mr. Steve's office and heard him talking to his sister Susan about that man Chuck Jones.  They discussed how, during World War II; he and this other guy named Theodor Geisel did "Propaganda" art for the government.  The four Pigeons are flying bye.

                  Dais told me how Theodor Geisel's other name was "Dr. Seuss."  Someday I won't be so afraid to go all the way down the hallway because of what Daisy calls my "irrational" fear.  I'd like to see some of the different cartoons based on children's books written bye Dr. Seuss. 

             Mr. Steve told his mom he remembers reading the "Obituaries" of both Theodor Geisel and later Chuck Jones.  Seuss was Theodor Geisel's middle name Mr. Steve read, and Dais says he wrote a book about a Cat who must live in a hat.  And his other book is about green eggs.

  

"HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS"

  

                  I'm so tempted to write about that Dr. Seuss story Daisy and Millie liked.  It's about this mean "Grinch" who doesn't like Christmas, and makes his little Dog pull around loads that are way too heavy.  But, I'll stick to the outline Dais and I put together during the cold months.  

            Chuck Jones began at Warner Brothers all the way back in 1933 so Mr. Steve heard him say he was "grateful to have had a job" during the Great Depression.  Mr. Steve's dad was born in 1933, his mom then in 1935.  Wow!  It looks like this is going to be a really warm day.

            Oh!  Both Adolph Hitler in Germany, and Franklin Roosevelt back here in the U.S.; came into power in 1933.  I feel like looking that up now but I'd better not as Dais says the only way I can accomplish my huge three day task is to be disciplined.  I just love how Sage smells!     

                                                                            ROBIN CROSBY                                "KUMEYAAY" INDIAN  "PETROGLYPHS"                            

      

         Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell his dad on the phone Theodor Geisel ended up living in "La Jolla," which is south of Los Angeles, along the Pacific Ocean coastline.  It's almost to that big      city of "San Diego."  Mr. Julio, and my Spanish Dictionary; say "la joya" means "the jewel."      

          Mr. Steve met this big blond-haired guy named Robin Crosby, who in the 1980's was the "Rhythm" Guitarist for a "Glam" Heavy Metal called RATT.  He told my boss he was from La    Jolla, and it turned out Mr. Steve and his parents read his dad's book.   Dawn's barking.               

         "It may be" Mr. Dave says, the Spanish "sounded out" the "Kumeyaay" Indian name for La Jolla.  Mr. Steve's family used to know "Viejas" Kumeyaay Indians.  Mark Ritter who died    studied Kumeyaay "Petroglyphs" from what Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell Mr. Dave one time.                                  

                                                           CALIFORNIA (U.S.A.)   

                    

            As I said in chapter one, besides writing about our area up here in the "High Desert" over the next three days; I'm also going to learn about our State of California and the overall United States too.  These books are going to be a lot longer than Dais and I expected.  I smell Sage.

           Mr. Steve thinks California has way too many people.  There are now more people in our State as live in the entire "Country" of Canada he was told.   L.A. "County" alone has a bigger "Population" than thirty eight of the other fifty American States Daisy heard.  I like Sage.

          This Writer who "Focused" on California was named Carey McWilliams.  Mr. Steve read he thought "Change" in California, like in the world; was usually "gradual."  But at times it was fast, like in the 1849 "Gold Rush;" or finishing of the 1869 "Trans-Continental" Railroad. 

                                                                        

                                                   CAREY MCWILLIAMS (1905-1980)

                                   

        This Encyclopedia has a good quote by that guy Carey McWilliams.  He said at times, "California has not grown or evolved so much as it has been hurtled forward, rocket-fashion, by a series of chain-reaction explosions."  Mr. Steve's dad has read Carey McWilliams books.           

              Carey McWilliams is called a "journalist" in the caption below his photo, which I know means he wrote in Newspapers.   Anyway, I'd better stick to my outline; and learn about Carey McWilliams later.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny the Crows are flying bye up there.

              Daisy says it will impress Mr. Steve if I learn about "Indigenous" or "Native" cultures, who may have lived in North and South America for thirty thousand years. I guess, people now called "Indians;" mainly came here at the end of the last "Ice Age.  Dawn's barking.

    

                                                    "MIGRATION" OF PEOPLE FROM "SIBERIA (c. 10,000 B.C.)

  PAINTING BY DE ANGOSTINI                                                                                                                                                                       

   .   

                 This Encyclopedia has a good map that shows how, in maybe 10,000 B.C. at the end of the last "Ice Age;" people from an area now called "Siberia" walked across a "Land Bridge."  Then they "Migrated" or spread southward.  I guess a small "c." before a date means "About." 

                  Someday I want to go to a "Library."  Daisy says Mr. Steve has been to many Library's  and a while back learned new things from an older "Shoshone" Indian man over at the one in Phelan.  He knew a lot about Indian "Tribes" and Native "Bands" around here.  

           Daisy told me how the Shoshone man thinks the "original" Americans were "most likely "chasing game" across that exposed land bridge.  They were "Nomadic Hunter-Gatherers."   Dais says "Game" is just another word for Animals people hunt and kill for food to eat. 

          

                       "TONGVA" VILLAGE                                  "CHUMASH" VILLAGE

                 PAINTING BY MARY LEIGHTON THOMSON                                                                                PAINTING BY OLGA FERNANDEZ                              

       

            Daisy says Mr. Steve and that Shoshone man at the Library talked about Indian groups, like "Tongvans" and "Chumash;" who've lived in California for thousands of years.  "Mojave,"  "Chemehuevi" and "Southern Paiute" are from our area.  Oh!  And the "Serranos" too.   

           A subject I'll learn about over the next three days are the "Pictographs" or "Petroglyphs" Native peoples have made on rocks.  Daisy says Mr. Steve's friend Mark Ritter who died knew a lot about things like that.  I guess Mark Ritter also studied about Reptiles and Geology. 

          My Encyclopedia says "Civilization" began "about" 4,000 B.C., when "nomadic hunter-gatherers" who "followed the seasons" for food; "settled" in one area.  "Writing," "Farming" and the "Domestication of Animals "Characterize" civilization.  I can smell Libby over there.  

               

                               FOUR OF KNOWN ORIGINAL AREAS ("CIVILIZATION")

               

          I really love it when my Encyclopedia's have maps that go along with the "Text" because it makes things so much easier to understand.  This good map shows four areas where civilization first began, China, India, Mesopotamia and Egypt.  All were very near to some big Rivers.

         Boy God!  Thank You so much for having Dais find, in those file cabinets in the garage; all these Notebooks, Dictionaries and writing supplies.  And, also for these Encyclopedia's Mr. Steve piled out here on the Patio.  Daisy thinks You might've had those things happen on purpose.

         In the front yard are statues and stelae's which represent those four areas where civilization began.  Near the front entrance to the house is this really heavy "Assyrian" statue of a part Lion, part Eagle; with the head of man.  The four Pigeons just now flew in from the desert.  

                

MAGGIE                              (FRONT YARD)                         DAISY               

         

                 Up there in the front yard are two statues representing China.  A "Warrior Monk" on a little hill with big boulders piled around it holds a sword, and the other one is a sitting or praying "Buddha" on a smaller hill.  The four Pigeons just landed up on the Patio roof above me. 

                 After chapter four or Part One I'll take a bigger break and go visit Daisy, who Mr. Steve jokes is built "like a barrel."  She's old but is still strong in her neck and; is "Young at Heart" as that old saying goes.  This French Dictionary says "Joie de Vivre" means "Joy of Life."

            Some people think Daisy looks like a small ninety "Pound" furry Bear but, although she's still solid and strong; she believes she's gradually shrinking "Day by Day."  Mr. Steve says that I weigh "about sixty or so" pounds.  Boy!  I wonder who figured out how much a pound is?

                           

"CHICXULUB" IMPACT ("YUCATÁN" PENNINSULA)       

ARTWORK BY PHIL WILSON                                                                                                                                                                         

        

         In my books I'll learn about "Mammals," which is what us Dogs and people are.  Sixty five million years ago a huge six mile wide "Asteroid" flew in from Outer Space and slammed right into the Earth, killing most Dinosaurs.  God!  Five times life has almost ended on Earth.

        A circle on this map shows where the Asteroid "impacted" in what is now an area of Mexico called "Chicxulub;" on the "Yucatan" peninsula in the "Gulf of Mexico."   Boy!  Hearing those Pigeons up there cooing is making me feel good.  Hey God!  Thank You for Pigeons. 

           Daisy, who gave me the idea of learning to read and write; is like Mr. Steve in being curious. Sister Rita Joseph told her class to be "Lifetime Learners," joking it's a way to "exercise your brain muscle."  Hey God!  It was Sister Rita Joseph who said to look for You "in everything."     

                                                                                           SD.Kfz.166 "STURM PANZER" ("BRUMBAR")      

                 

           Dais has really thick black fur, whereas I have short; khaki-colored hair.  Mr. Mike jokes, because she's built like a little "Tractor" or "Tank;" her nickname should be "Panzer" just like  those Second World War German Tanks.  The Pigeons are now all walking around up there.        

         I like to learn because Daisy, who's not selfish in sharing knowledge; also wants to learn new things.  I try to be calm, confident and practical like her but; at times I worry too much and "Dwell" on unimportant things.  Ah!  I think I might smell a new Spring Sage plant.                      

         The Dog I replaced, when she died at age three; was named "Millie."  Daisy told me how she heard Mr. Steve tell people she was a mix of "Labrador" and "Doberman."  Millie, like me    enjoyed running fast; and Daisy thinks "curiosity" was something we both "had in common."     

             

MILLIE CÓRDOVA (2009-2012)

           

           According to Dais, on a really, really foggy morning; Mr. Steve opened the gate to pull our Car Theodora out and then drive to the San Fernando Valley.  It was about five in the morning    and he was going to his office at work.   He didn't notice Millie getting out because of the fog.       

          I guess, when he got home at four that afternoon Mr. Steve had a "bad feeling" when only Daisy met him at the gate.  He glanced to his left, saw Millie's body; and told his mom one time    he had "that sinking feeling" people sometimes talk about.  Wow!  That would feel bad.               

       One night, Daisy and Millie were in the living room and saw a good tv show that used the phrase a "Thirst for Knowledge;" which is the same phrase Sister Rita Joseph said to her class    at St. Ferdinand's.  Millie's now buried in our little graveyard up front, next to the driveway.                                                                        OUR LITTLE GRAVEYARD         

                           

          I just thought of how Daisy told me about the "Yin/Yang" and "Ankh" logos.  She says a Chinese girl Mr. Steve had "Brunch" with said, to her; the "two-sided" black and white circle    teardrops symbolizes "Reality."  Daisy says brunch is "breakfast and lunch" together.  Wow!      

           To Mr. Steve Yin and Yang represents the two sides of "Nature."  To the ancient Egyptians the Ankh logo symbolized "Life," or "Eternal Life."  In Buddhism Yin and Yang means "duality of life," white in black, black in white; the "inevitable, unchanging cycle of life and death."          

        I just thought of how New Mexico's yellow flag has this red four-sided "Zia" logo on it.  I guess, Mr. Dave read that emblem originated in artwork of a "Pueblo" Indian tribe living near    he and Miss Julianne in New Mexico.  The Pigeons flew off and are now heading to the east.         

                       

           "NEW MEXICO" STATE FLAG                      MISS JULIANNE / MR. DAVE                                                                                                          

         Seeing the Sun above the eastern horizon makes me think how Dais heard Mr. Dave say to the "Zia" people "4" is "Sacred," and "represents the Sun."  Mr. Steve has drawn the Zia, Yin    and Yang and Ankh logos.  Boy God!  Thank You so much for providing the Sun for us.                 

        My Encyclopedia says to the Zia people 4 symbolizes the four "points on the compass," the "four seasons" of the year; and four "periods of the day.  And I guess that Zia emblem stands      for "childhood, youth, middle and old age."  The Sun's warmth makes me feel so good.                 

        Daisy will be interested in how it says here Zia people believe in four "obligations," the first to have a "strong body;" the second to keep a "clear mind."  Trying for a "pure spirit" is  also    important too.  Mr. Steve joked with Mr. Dave about that being "easier said than done."             

                              

                         "KACHINA"                                "WHITE BUFFALO" DANCERS            

                                                   

          I guess, in a three day "Ceremony;" Pueblo Indian Dancers pray for "Kachinas" to give them rain so they have enough "Crops" to survive.  Hey!  I wonder if those Kachinas are kind of like our Angels?  This one Encyclopedia says how the Zia people call themselves "Tsiya."              

          Hey Lord!  The fourth Zia obligation is to help others like You said to do.  That's why my boss helps that homeless guy Mr. Mark and his little Yorkie Dog Karma.  Daisy says Mr. Steve      did line drawings of Zia logos with either three or four sun rays coming from the circle.                

         Dais says you can "lose by winning" or "win by losing" and at times you learn more from losing than winning.  She talks about being a "victim of your own success." Later today I'll look up this one ancient Greek King named "Phyrrus" who fought a war against the Romans.                                                    

   FLOCK OF BIRDS        

               

              Ah!  A flock of Birds flying to the northeast up there in the sky.  I can hear Dawn and Blinky barking at something over there to my right and I'll bet old Rosie is standing right near     them.  Boy!  I'm beginning to kind of like Blinky's brave-sounding voice more and more.             

            Hey God!  As You know of course, the first thing I remember smelling when I came here to live was Daisy's scent, which I can imagine it right now as a matter of fact.  As Mr. Steve put    me on the ground, up there in the front yard; I was really scared.  Dawn's barking.                        

             On that very first day here Dais came over and sniffed my rear because, you can tell a lot by smelling back there.  She welcomed me with "Open Arms," or paws in her case.  She took me "Under her Wing" so to speak, and now treats me just like her "Long Lost" younger sister.          

        

FANNIE AND FREDDIE     

               

         Fannie and Freddie the Crows are flying bye, talking to each other as they often do.  Daisy says they're actual full names are "Fannie Mae" and "Freddie Mac."  Today, as the first day of    Spring; they'll have about another eleven hours of sunlight to "Forage" or look for food.              

         Dais may be up there laying on the cement driveway, licking her paws so the Arthritis isn't too painful today.  She loves the "Barny that Dinosaur" blanket Mr. Chris got her, in the garage near the utility room door.  For three days she'll bark when Mr. Steve comes outside.                     

       At the end of that cement slab, in front of our garage; Mr. Steve put those little gray rocks called "Gravel" out to the front gate.  It hurts Daisy's feet to walk on gravel so she avoids it but I think it makes me run even faster than usual.  Boy!  I suddenly do really feel like running.                           

        RUDY THE ROADRUNNER                                      MR. RANDY                               

              

          Oh!  The Roadrunner Mr. Steve named Rudy is over there with a squirming Lizard!  If I know him he'll "Body Slam" it on the ground to knock it out, and break the bones; so it will be    easier to swallow.  Yup!  Rudy threw the Lizard hard to the ground alright, which must hurt.       

           I wonder if Rudy's a boy or girl Roadrunner?  Mr. Steve told Mr. Randy, because Rudy's way too fast to catch and look; he just gave him a name that starts with the letter "R."   I know    one thing, Rudy's a fast runner, and I usually chase him but not for three days.                               

          Hey Elvira!  Daisy will bark to signal me when our boss comes outside to give us our  snacks.  I've practiced using your three cushions and my three blankets to really quickly hide my materials if Mr. Steve comes out to the Patio.  The shadows are leaning toward me.                        

                         

                          BENJAMIN THE BRONZE COW BIRD                       

                                 PHOTO BY STEPHANIE SMITH                           

                                                                        

        Oh!  I'm glad to see "Benjamin" the "Bronze Cow" Bird made it through Winter.  Miss Susan told Mr. Steve what type of Bird Benjamin was.  Daisy says Benjamin was named after      that guy Benjamin Franklin, even though we don't really know for sure if Benjamin's a boy.        

          Cow Birds, like Thrasher Birds; can fly but often run on the ground instead. Dais told me one time a Cow Bird ran in the house when Mr. Steve left the sliding glass door over there to my right open.  But, I guess it eventually ran back out of that dining room and escaped.                      

      When Mr. Steve took me down from the Car and put me on the ground on that first day I tried to escape in panic.  I didn't know if I was being what's called "Kidnapped" or what.  I was  "Dazed and Confused," just like in that one LED ZEPPELIN song Daisy told me about.               

                                                      

  "SPIRIT OF 76"             

       PAINTING BY ARCHIBALD M. WILLARD                        

                                        

            One time Daisy and that Dog Millie who I replaced were in Mr. Steve's bedroom and saw this tv show about the "Revolutionary War."  There was a song in it called "The World Turned    Upside Down," which is how I felt when I was first brought over here.  Heathcliff crowed.            

            Thank You God for making me sense my boss was helping me so I let him catch me.  Dais says I'm "silly," and don't know what I'm missing in being afraid to go all the way in our house.  Rudy ate the Lizard so is running around the northeast corner of the house to my left.                   

           It was Daisy who, for about three months; helped me put together my three long outlines and list of dates.  Hey God!  As You know, she believes one reason You might've brought us over  here was to help Mr. Steve be more happy.  And now I sort of really want to believe that too.                                                         

   "HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME"        

                             

          Blessed Mother!  It was Daisy who told me about that movie where the Hunchback takes "Sanctuary," or protection; in Your Catholic Cathedral in France.  She says, in the Hunchback    movie; they used the phrase "Safe Haven."  And now, this two acres is like our safe haven.           

          On my first day over here Dais tried to introduce herself by licking my face but I was too scared to let her.  Now, we lick each other's faces all the time.  Hey God!  As You know, I've had a few dreams about that first day; and have wondered if I dream more than the other Dogs?           

         I'm lucky Dais has a good memory, which helped me put together my outlines and list of birthdays; and important family dates.  She jokes I might have a "Photographic Memory," but hers seems pretty good too.  All of a sudden for some reason I just thought of "England."                                                                               QUEEN VICTORIA (1819-1901)                   CHARLES DICKENS (1812-1870)       

PORTRAIT BY ALEXANDER BASSANO                                                                                                                                                       

                       

         Daisy says Mr. Steve read a book about the "Christmas" holiday, written by that British guy Charles Dickens; who lived during the "Reign" of "Queen Victoria."   I look forward to        learning about all the different holidays!  Daisy says a dirt road near us is called "Holiday."         

          Oh!  My Encyclopedia says Queen Victoria was born on May 24th and looking at my list of dates I see how Mr. Steve's parents "Wedding Anniversary" is on that same day.  I guess Charles Dickens said the 19th century was the "Best and Worst" of times.  Heathcliff just crowed.             

         Dais says our boss told Mr. Mike a Bible quote about being a "stranger in a strange land."  And that's just how he felt when he moved up here to the High Desert from Los Angeles back in  late 2005.  I sort of felt that exact same way too for a little while but now not anymore.                                              

    "WREN"  IN "CHOLLA" CACTUS                

                                         

          I just glanced up and noticed one of those Birds Miss Susan called "Wrens" standing on a Cholla cactus, out in the desert; behind the three Sheds.  Thank You God for Daisy, and also for  making all of the Birds around here.  Heathcliff crowed and his Hens are clucking happily.           

      Dais showed me around at first, explaining what would be expected of me; and what my "Rights and Duties" were.  Hopefully when Mr. Steve, who Daisy has started to call "Chief;" is    able to read my books he'll be proud of me.  And I really want to impress Daisy too.                       

          On the first day here at first I ran around like a "Chicken with its head cut off."  But, with no escape because of all the fences;" I went down on my stomach and let my boss sit next to me.  Daisy says some dead headless Chickens really do keep on running all around.  Oh wow!                                                     

     "YOGI" BEAR                                                             MR. PEABODY         

              

         I've mentioned how I only go in the house on Saturday mornings to watch cartoons.  We like "Yogi" who's "Smarter than the average Bear" and I like it when Dais jokes about how I'm  smarter than the average Dog.  My right nostril just picked up Libby the Horse's scent.                

         Boy!  It would be so great to someday be as smart as Mr. Peabody.  If I had his Way Back Time Machine I'd see who my mother, whose scent I "Vaguely" remember; was.  Daisy is lucky    to have known both of her her parents, so I know she'd rather travel to the future.                         

          Dais thinks Mr. Steve would time travel to the 16th century if he could so that's why in my books she has me scheduled to learn a lot about the 1500's.  Daisy jokes that I've "bonded" onto  Mr. Steve as sort of my "substitute" mom and dad.  And she might just be right about that.                                                     

          ROBERT E. LEE(1807-1870)                              JAMES LONGSTREET (1821-1904)                                                                           

         I'll learn about the American Civil War in my books.  Even though he was a "Rebel," my boss admires Robert E. Lee, who relied on the judgement of his "Subordinates" like James    Longstreet.  There were over a million "Casualties," dead or wounded; in the Civil War.              

           That Chinese girl told Mr. Steve Yin represents "dark" while Yang symbolizes "light."  Mr. Steve told her Generals like James Longstreet, and "Stonewall" Jackson; were "the Yin's to  Robert E. Lee's Yang.  I smell Dawn, and Blinky and Rosie; over there to my right.                        

          I notice the "Circular" picture of James Longstreet.  Daisy told me Mr. Steve, when he worked in "Dark Rooms;" at times used "Masks" in "Printing" black and white photos.  When he lived on "Hagar" Street down in Sylmar, one of his three bedrooms was a Dark Room.                                                      

   THOMAS "STONEWALL" JACKSON (1824-1863)

                                    

        Hey God!  In my books I'll learn about Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, who was Robert E. Lee's best "Confederate" General.  In 1860, after Abraham Lincoln was elected U.S. President;    many of the "Southern" States went ahead and broke away from America.  A Crow cawed.          

         A big flock of Birds is flying bye, moving to the northeast.  You can tell by where the Sun is hanging over the eastern horizon, behind the three Sheds; that it's between seven and eight in the morning.  Boy! So far, I really do kind of like learning; and reading and writing too.                      

        Daisy says on this tv show one of Robert E. Lee's Soldiers said, "I'd charge the gates of Hell itself if old Master Robert said to do it."  Boy God!  I sure hope I'll never have to see Hell.  But,  as Daisy says; if Mr. Steve goes there then we'll just have to follow him right in there too.                                                                                                                       "HERCULES CAPTURING CERBERUS"                

                PAINTING BY BORIS VALLEJO                             

                                      

          Mentioning Hell makes me think of ancient Greek "Hades," which Daisy says is part of the  "Underworld."  I guess that guy "Hercules" captured "Cerberus," a "Three-Headed Dog"  with a Snake's tail; who's job is to guard Hades gate.  Dais thinks Hades is like our "Hell."           

            This painting in my Encyclopedia shows Hercules holding Cerberus, who the caption calls "ferocious" and "vicious."  I'll learn a lot about ancient Greece and Rome in my books, and will  come back to Hercules later.  Boy!  To fight Cerberus it would be three against one.                        

         When Steve told Mr. Randy Robert E. Lee once described James Longstreet as a reliably consistent methodical "Old War Horse," I remembered him jokingly call Daisy that.  Boy!  It's    so great when he refers to us as "his girls."  We really "Complement" each other I think.                               

DAISY / MAGGIE CÓRDOVA 

     

           Lately I've started calling Daisy "Dais" like my boss does.  I was so happy that first time he ever called me "Magg" because it showed he likes me.  Daisy jokes about, at her "advanced" age it's better to work "smarter rather than harder;" and I want to learn to do that too.               

           Daisy and I have way different personalities.  She's calm, careful and thinks about things before doing it; whereas I tend to "Shoot from the Hip" and "Overreact."  Mr. Steve calls me      "jumpy" and "high strung," as at times I worry and don't trust; even when I should.                    

         Ah!  Seeing Fannie and Freddie the Crows standing over there in the dirt makes me think of how Mr. Doug and his wife Susan, who died; always loved to watch Birds together the way we do too around here.  Thank You God for inventing the Birds.   Fannie and Freddie cawed.             

                 FANNIE AND FREDDIE                                      MISS SUSAN / MR. DOUG                

                                                                                                                                

             Daisy told me when Mr. Doug said Miss Susan thought "Hope" was important Mr. Steve mentioned how his mom told her Girl Scout troops that too.   I was hopeless living homeless out in that field but not anymore.  My boss's mom thinks hope is "energy" or "fuel" I guess.              

              Hey God!  As You know, Mr. Steve's mom thinks "Hope keeps you going forward," even if you don't end up getting to where you had wanted."  She jokes how hope "reminds us" that      "miracles can at times happen."  My surviving could be considered a miracle I'd say.                    

             I'm trying to be more like Daisy, a "Realist" who says "Don't kid Yourself;" the way Mr. Steve's dad at times does.  Mr. Steve jokes, the older he gets the more "Pessimistic"  he becomes but; he's still "relatively optimistic."   Heathcliff's Hens sound happy clucking over there.                                                              

                                   ROBERT E. LEE ("TRAVELLER")                                        

                       

               Oh!  My right nostril just picked up the scent of Libby the Horse over there in her Corral.  And that makes me think about how, during the American Civil War; Robert E. Lee rode a gray boy Horse named "Traveller."  Robert E. Lee was more "Loyal" to his State of "Virginia."          

         This picture in my Encyclopedia shows Robert E. Lee sitting on Traveller, who looks like a kind of big Horse.  I notice it's a black and white "Painted" photo; like the "Prints" Mr. Steve at one time used to color too.  I'll learn a lot more about "Photography" in my three books.              

         Dais says deal with things "as they are," and "not how you want them to be."  She says to have an "open mind as nothing is set in stone," as "life is often what happens when "planning      something else."  Mr. Steve and his father change their mind if it turns out they were wrong.                          

ST. JOSEPH TEACHING SON JESUS CARPENTRY     

PAINTING BY DEL PARSON             

         

              Hey Lord!  I'll bet Your dad St. Joseph taught You things like Dais does with me because both of them are sort of like "Coaches."  Dais says, if possible; try to have a "backup plan" or a "fallback position."  Ah!  Smelling Libby right now makes me think of last Summer.                     

           Daisy says have "self-confidence" but not be "arrogant or cocky," and Mr. Mike used the term "excessive pride."  When young, you feel "bullet proof" or "invulnerable" she says; with a  false "sense of security."  She told me about "Narcissus" from that ancient Greek story.                

        Hey Blessed Mother Mary!  I'm now beginning to be just like Daisy and Mr. Dave in New Mexico in thinking of You as "Mother Earth."  I mentioned how he and his wife Juliane now live in "Taos."  Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell his mom how people call Mr. Dave "Drummer Dave."                                             

"MONARCH" BUTTERFLY      

           

         Oh!  A black and orange Monarch Butterfly, which Daisy heard bring good luck; is now fluttering bye.  She saw a tv show that showed how they begin life as a worm but "evolve" into a Butterfly.  I'm so glad I have my Dictionary to look up long words like "Metamorphosis."            

          Aha!  I knew I smelled a Lizard and now can see it over there to my right, standing on the wall near the sliding glass door going into this dining room.  It's now doing some pushups.  Boy!  There are so many Birds flying around out there in the eastern desert behind the Sheds.               

           As strong as Daisy is Virgin Mary, she jokes not even that guy Hercules can beat "Mother Nature."  One time I jumped way too high and landed awkwardly on my side so; it really hurt a lot.  I had sore ribs for a week but learned my lesson and will never do that again.  Nope!                                            

AS PLAYER                   STU LANTZ          WITH "CHICK" HEARN 

                                                                                                                                   PHOTO BY ANDREW BERNSTEIN

               

        Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve talking on the phone with Mr. Mark in Hawaii.  They remembered this guy named Stu Lantz, the Basketball Lakers' "Color Commentator" on their    Radio and tv broadcasts.  He's an ex-Player who worked with a man named "Chick" Hearn.       

          One time my boss heard Stu Lantz say, no matter how big and strong you are, "You can't beat Mr. Floor."  I can now empathize with that, and know Mr. Steve can too; because he's fallen and hit the ground really hard I guess.  I just noticed how that one Lizard is now gone.                 

       Mr. Steve and his brothers, Rock and Sam; played Sports like Baseball when growing up down there in Sylmar.  Mr. Steve told Mr. Ralph how he still occasionally dreams about the time  he broke his arm in hitting the ground while playing Soccer.  Some Crows are cawing.                                                                                 "TUMBLEWEEDS"              

                        

          A strong breeze just blew in from the eastern desert behind the three Sheds and, for some reason; that makes me think about those round prickly "Tumbleweeds."  I remember that one    morning when we heard Miss Susan call them "Russian Thistle."  We always avoid them.             

         Miss Susan said some Russian Thistle seeds were "accidentally" brought to America in the late 19th century, inside "Flax" from Russia.  I remember that windy day when Dais thought it so funny as a big tumbleweed seemed to be chasing me.   I was scared but I'm a fast runner!        

         It's amazing how such a small plant in one year can grow so huge like Tumbleweeds.  In the "Fall" they break off and roll around, which Miss Susan says "spreads their seeds;" so new baby Tumbleweeds can be born I'll bet.  My boss doesn't like Tumbleweeds either I've noticed.                                                               GREEK "PHILOSOPHERS"      

                   

        Throughout my three books I'll learn about the "Ancient" world.  In Greece these three Philosophers named Socrates, Plato and Aristotle lived.  Plato was Socrates' student, he taught    Aristotle; who "In Turn" tutored "Alexander the Great" before his conquests I guess.                   

         I kind of like being Daisy's "Pupil" as I'm a fast learner.  She told me how Mr. Steve and his father like an old saying by that guy Socrates, "The more you know, the more you know you don't know."  Ah!  I can really smell that one Sage plant from last year behind the Sheds.             

     Mr. Randy kind of chuckled that afternoon when he heard Mr. Steve call me and Daisy "Maginowski" and "Dasinovich." Mr. Steve has also called me "Magasaurus."  I'll  be finding    out a lot more about the country of "Poland," and Dinosaurs too; over the next three days.                                                                                               BEDE (672-735 A.D.)      

                

        Hey Lord!  I'm so glad Daisy and that other Dog Millie saw a tv show about the history of using the letters "B.C." and "A.D." to date things.  Dais says "B.C." stands for "Before Christ"  while "Anno Domini" is Latin for "In the year of our Lord."  Dawn's barking over there.             

        My Encyclopedia has a picture of this one 8th century A.D. "Anglo-Saxon" Writer named "Bede."  Lord!  I guess he was a Christian Monk, the "Father of English History."  Way back in the early 700's he wrote of a date being "Before the incarnation of Christ;" or also "B.C."            

      This is interesting Lord.  It says here using the letters B.C. and A.D. to date things did not "take root" until the 18th century.  Before that dating things was "confusing."  Daisy heard Mr. Steve say the ancient Egyptians, and Romans; also had "complicated" dating systems.                                                      

"SIR" ISAAC NEWTON (1642-1727)     

                              

        Yup Lord!  My Encyclopedia says what Dais told me.  One reason why people use Your birth to describe specific dates is because of that really smart English Scientist Isaac Newton.  I guess, from what it says here that, "The times are set down in the years before Christ."                 

          Daisy says Lord that some people don't like using Your life to date things, so another way of dating events is "B.C.E." and "C.E.;" short for "Before the Common Era" and "Common Era."  Daisy heard Isaac Newton was not a very friendly person, and had almost no friends.        

      My English Dictionary says one definition of the word "Chronology" is, "The science of measuring time and dating events."  Another one is, "The arrangement of events in the order of  occurrence."   A small Wren holding a twig in its mouth just went running bye in the dirt.                         

 JACOB CÓRDOVA  

     

            Oh!  I just noticed how that guy Bede died on May the 26th, and in comparing it to my list of dates; I see Mr. Steve's Nephew Jacob was born on that day.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve and    his mom talking about how Jacob grew up out here in California.  But he now lives in Texas.        

           I guess Jacob was in the Air Force for a time.   Daisy heard Mr. Steve and Jacob's dad Rock talking about how Jacob was stationed near the border of North and South Korea, and        later was sent to Italy and Iraq.  I smell Alpha Company of Quail out in the eastern desert.           

            Hey Lord!  This Encyclopedia says "Sir" Isaac Newton was born on December the 25th like You, even though Mr. Steve and his father think "Christmas" probably wasn't your actual    birthday.  Shepherds would not be out watching their flocks during a cold Winter they think.                                                            "CRUCUFIXION"                           

                                        

         As You know Lord, Daisy and I decided I'd use the letters B.C. and A.D. in writing all my three books.  We just want to think the year "1" is probably the year You were born.  The four    Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral over there to my right, and are moving to the east.             

       Out in the dirt a small Lizard just went waddling bye, and there's a long line of red Ants marching along the Patio floor.  They're on the other side of the coffee table Miss Emily gave our boss.  Boy!  What a beautiful warm morning it has turned out to be on this first day of Spring.     

          Ah!  Jack the Jackrabbit just ran out into the desert, through the right vertical slot on the side of the gate so; must've been hiding under Manny the far right Shed I guess.  Daisy explained the ingenious concept of "doors" and "gates" to me.  Boy!  A smart person invented them.                                                          ANDY AND HELEN               

                  

         I just noticed Andy and Helen the Squirrels near their burrow, just to the right of Manny the Shed; beneath that clump of Joshua trees.  Oh!  Now they're singing, which makes me feel      like howling because it's Springtime; and the weather will get warmer.  Happy New Year!             

        For the next three days Dais will bark to warn me if Mr. Steve comes outside.  He usually gives us snacks near the front door but I've practiced hiding things in case, "One in a Million;"    he comes back here to the Patio.  Boy!  I feel good right now hearing Andy and Helen.                   

        When Mr. Steve got me down from the Car that first day I noticed Dais, who's got what's called "Command Presence;" because of the "self-assured" way she stands.  She seemed bigger  at that moment for some reason.  I smell the Twin Joshua trees above Andy and Helen's hole.                                                                        

    "HOPE"          

                    

           Hey Lord!  Looking at the clear skies above the eastern horizon, beyond the three Sheds; makes me imagine You for some reason.  Daisy says Mr. Steve, and his father too; think You and Your family must've been really poor when You lived down here in Israel.  Dawn's barking.         

       My boss says Lord, if You were like most first century A.D. people; from age twelve You worked to help the family "Survive."  Did You have brothers and sisters?  Mr. Steve and his dad think You probably did, large families and short lives being "the norm" back then.                        

        One time Daisy and Millie were in Mr. Steve's office and heard him talking on the phone with Mr. Dave in New Mexico.  Lord!  Mr. Dave heard You might've been an "Essene" who was  actually born at a place called "Qumran."  I'll learn about the "Dead Sea Scrolls" later.                                                    

 "DOME OF THE ROCK"

("TOUR GROUP" / JERUSALEM / 1985)       

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA    

   

       Hey God!  In 1985 Mr. Steve's parents organized that trip to Italy and Israel.  Their Tour Group visited Jerusalem, where they got to pray at the Jewish "Wailing Wall;" and then walked up to what Muslim's call the "Dome of the Rock."  Heathcliff just now crowed over there.            

       Lord!  One place the Tour Group didn't get to go see in 1985 was the town of "Nazareth," where You were born.  Daisy says the "Tour Guide" named "Haim" said after You died, some    people joked; "Can  anything good come from Nazareth?"  It was a "Backwater" town.               

         Blessed Mother!  That guy Haim told Mr. Steve's Tour Group of the "Roman" town called "Sepphoris," which is near Nazareth in the "Galilee" region; and north of the "Jezreel" valley.    I guess there are some people who think that You might've been born over in Sepphoris.                                     

 NAZARETH        

           

          Someday, I want to hear a Scottish band called NAZARETH.  Daisy told me they have a good Singer, and says Mr. Steve used to play drums along to their "Razamanaz" album.  Two of the Pigeons just flew back in from the desert and went over top of the house in going west.            

          Dais says NAZARETH have a sad song about a guy waking up in the morning to find out someone had killed his Dog and Cat.  And, not only that she told me; on the same day his house    even burned down too.  Boy!  What a really bad time that must've been for him I guess.                

          I just thought of how my boss's parents are from Belén in New Mexico.  Mr. Steve's dad's brother "Casey," sister "Lydia" and some of their kids live there; and so does Mr. Steve's mom's brothers "David" and "Celedon" too.   I'll write about "Jarales" and "Los Lunas" later.                                              

MARY MAGDALENE         

   PAINTING BY PIETRO PERUGINO                      

                    

         Lord!  Mr. Steve thinks You might've married that girl Mary Magdalene.  I can't wait to learn about her when I write about the "Cathars" in book three on Saturday.  I'm tempted to do it right now but I'd better just wait and learn about her according to our outline schedule.            

        But, if you might just happen to be up there mind-reading me right now Miss Mary, my boss read you're "mentioned" in the "New Testament Gospels" twelve times; more than some of  the other twelve male "Apostles."  I can't wait to learn about you.  Two Pigeons flew bye.             

         Hey Miss Mary!  Dais heard you were from a "Noble" Jewish family, but gave it up to be with our Lord; even though He didn't have money.  Oh!  In that way you were like St. Francis, and I don't blame you as I' do it too.  If I could time travel I'd want to smell all You Apostles.                                                                                     "CARING PARENTS"                               

                              

       This is interesting Lord.  My Encyclopedia says, in the "Book of Mathew" You and Your "Foster" father St. Joseph were called "Tektons" in Greek; which might mean You were "Day    Laborers."  A painting shows Your dad holding You as Blessed Mother sleeps behind.                    

         Hey Lord!  My boss thinks, from age twelve to thirty; You helped Your dad making things from wood and wonders if You ever dug ditches?  Mr. Mike, like Mr. Steve's Niece's boyfriends    Rich and Rick; are "Handymen."  Maybe that's what You and Your father might've been?           

          Tomorrow in book two Dais has me scheduled to write about a Mexican Worker Mr. Steve hired for three days.  His name was "Esteban," which is Spanish for "Steven;" my boss's name.  Blessed Mother!  I really want a "Necklace" with a "Medal" like the one Mr. Esteban wore.                                            

"OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE" (1531)

PAINTING BY CHAMO

   

        Mr. Esteban's medal was dedicated to You Blessed Virgin.  Tomorrow I'll write about that time in the 16th century when You came down and visited an Indian man named Juan Diego in    Mexico.  Mr. Esteban said how Your image was "imprinted" right on Juan Diego's cloak.             

         Lord!  If I owned something You and Your dad built I'd protect it the way I protect my boss or my rubber ball collection.  My Dictionary says a "Relic" can be a, "souvenir" or; "venerated  remains."  My boss jokes how he's the third type of relic, an old "survivor from the past."            

       One time Daisy was in Mr. Steve's office and heard him and his friend Mr. Ralph talking on the phone.  Mr. Ralph is so knowledgeable about a lot of things, and that's why Mr. Steve enjoys  talking to him.  Dais says Mr. Ralph's son named" Rory" also seems to be really smart too.                       

  MR. RALPH         

                                   PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                        

                                          

           Daisy told me Mr. Ralph, who was born in Mexico City and now works for the city of Los Angeles; said "Tilmàtli" in the Aztec "Nahuatl" language means" Cloak," while "Tilma" is how you'd say it in Spanish.  Heathcliff crowed.  Boy!  What a good day this has been so far!                

        Hey Blessed Mother!  As You know, I think it would be so great to go down to Mexico and smell and see that guy Juan Diego's cloak with Your picture now on it.  But, first I'd have to get    over my fear of riding in a Car because I guess Mexico is way far away down to the south.            

         Ah!  I just now breathed in a full breath of fresh morning air through both of my nostrils.  I can't wait to go up front to visit with Daisy at the end of chapter four.  I feel like doing it now but I know for sure she would want me to be more disciplined and just stick to our schedule.                                                                                                     "THE ANNUNCIATION"        

 PAINTING BY JULIE DONNELLY            

                      

          Ah!  This breeze just brought in the scent of Rosemary from behind the Sheds out in the eastern desert.  Hey Blessed Mother!  If You're mind reading me thank You for influencing Dais  in wanting to teach me new things like where the best breezes are on really, really hot days.          

        Did You have babies as a teenager Blessed Mother?  My boss says that was normal back then when "Life Expectancy" was about thirty and a "hardscrabble" life of death and hardship  was a common thing.  A little Wren holding a twig in its mouth ran bye out there in the dirt.         

         Alpha Company of Quail, who were under a Shed; is now filing orderly through the wider right vertical gate slot to go out into the desert.  Hey Lord!  Mr. Steve and his family do help the poor just like You said to do.   We like helping Mr. Mark and his Yorkie Dog Karma too.                                                   

                EDDIE "SPAGHETTI"                 

                                                PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                 

                                                                                                                                     

          Dais says another person Mr. Steve helps is Eddie "Spaghetti."  He was born with no arms but still plays drums and sings to make some money.  Mr. Eddie is allowed to set up his drums,    and also a "P.A." system too; out in the parking lot of the Phelan "Stater Brothers" store.            

         I guess that guy Eddie Spaghetti puts on "Prosthesis" arms, onto which he attaches sticks; but mainly plays drums with his feet.  His shoulders move the fake arms around I guess.  Daisy    told me how she heard Mr. Steve one time say how P.A. just stands for "Public Address."             

        Mr. Eddie sings along to music where the "Vocals" are removed.  Like Mr. Steve, he plays drums right-handed so uses his right foot on a "Pedal" to play the big "Bass" drum.  Dais says    Mr. Steve really admires Mr. Eddie for not being lazy and instead being a "Busker."                      

        

"FIVE PIECE" DRUM "KIT"

         

           Someday, when I get over my fear of being trapped; I'll go in his bedroom and watch Mr. Steve play drums.  One of those diagrams in my Encyclopedia shows a "Standard five Piece" set or "Kit" of drums.  Daisy's told me our boss has what are called "Tama" brand drums.                

        Daisy explained how a right-handed Drummer, like our boss and Mr. Eddie; use their left foot to play a "High Hat."  It's two matching metal "Cymbals" open, and close; by using a "Foot Pedal."  Like all "Percussion," a High Hat can be be played "hard or soft;" or "fast or slow."      

        My boss told Mr. Eddie about this concert he and his friend named Steve saw in the mid-1980's.  It was by an English band called DEF LEPPARD, and was at the "Sports Arena;" down there in Los Angeles.  DEF LEPPARD'S Drummer lost his left arm in a bad Car accident.            

                   

         DEF LEPPARD                                                             RICK ALLEN          

                                                                                            

           Mr. Steve told Mr. Eddie he thinks, after the Car accident DEF LEPPARD'S right-handed Drummer uses foot pedals to "trigger" sounds his left hand used to play.  One time Dais told me about what a "Snare" drum is.  And she said those metal "Cymbals" can be really loud.               

        Daisy says a few years ago Mr. Steve did artwork for a man from "Sheffield," England.  I guess, that's the city DEF LEPPARD is from; so they talked about DEF LEPPARD, the "Sheaf" River, parks and the "Pennine" mountains.  He wanted to know about California history.            

        "Pittsburg," where Mr. Rick's family is from; has been a "Steel Town" like Sheffield too.  I'll be learning about "Industrialism" in what I now know will be three really long books. That man told my boss Sheffield is famous for making metal knives and other things like that.                                

                     SHEFFIELD "FOOTBALL" CLUB (1857)                          

                               

        Daisy says the man said the oldest "Soccer," or what the world calls "Football" team; is from Sheffield.  An old black and white picture in my Encyclopedia shows that team from back in 1857.  Wow!  That was even four years before the big American Civil War broke out.              

       One morning last Summer Mr. Steve played that good Johnny Cash song called "Ring of Fire" on his Boombox.  I'll learn about "Country" and "Western" music, and Johnny Cash; in    book two when I look up "Sun Records."  Birds are chirping out there behind the Sheds.              

         I guess, that guy Eddie Spaghetti plays drums and sings along to the music of Ring of Fire; and Mr. Steve likes his "version."  Daisy says one of Mr. Steve's customers told him Ring of Fire was written by Johnny Cash's wife named "June."  I smell Libby the Horse right now.                          

JOHNNY / JUNE CASH

         My boss thinks Johnny Cash's wife was a good Singer too, and her "Maiden" name was "Carter."  In the 1980's Mr. Steve sold Basketball Laker's "Season" seats to a Baseball Player      named Gary Carter.  I guess, from what Daisy says;  he was on the New York "Mets" then.          

          Eddie Spaghetti's poor.  Lord!  Dais explained what the "Least of These" means, so we've both wondered if we're considered that?  Daisy thinks we probably are and, I believe her when it comes to things like that.  I just noticed a small Lizard out in the dirt next to a pile of rocks.         

         Rabbits, Squirrels and other things use bushes for what they call "Cover," and I would too if I were them.  Snakes like Goliath know they're there but, at least Hawks can't see them.  Cher  the Cat always checks under bushes I notice, to see if she gets lucky and finds a lazy Mouse.                                                                        MR. EDDIE                                                WALL OF VOODOO  

                                       

              At times my boss helps Mr. Eddie set up his drums and P.A. System, then puts money in his "Busking" bucket.  He told him about WALL OF VOODOO, this band he took pictures of in the 1980's.  Their version of Ring of Fire is "dark and spaghetti western sounding" he says.          

           Hey Lord!  As You know, Mr. Eddie's a Roman Catholic Christian just like us, and asks You and Your mom for the strength to make it through each day Daisy heard.  A man made him a Van where he can drive with his feet I guess.   Wow!  Thank You God for my good legs. 

           We have another friend named "Eddie," who lives in "Lake Los Angeles; a small town to the northwest of us over here in Piñon Hills.   Mr. Eddie is from "Staten Island" New York, and sells things for my boss through his one man "Taxi Service."  I hear Sparrows singing.                      

MISS HELENA  

PHOTOS BY TONE HELENA TORGERSEN

     

            Daisy says Mr. Eddie's "Landlady" is Miss Helena, who's originally from the country of "Norway;" and has a son named "Cesar."  Mr. Steve really likes the pictures she takes of the      desert we live in.  Norway, one of the Scandinavian countries; is way colder than our area.         

            Hey Lord!  I guess some think, back in Your days a Tekton like You and Your father were even lower "In Status" than "Peasants;" mainly because You didn't own a "Plot" of land.  I'll      learn about "Ownership" in my three books.  Boy!  Being a peasant sounds kind of bad.               

            As You know Lord, Dais thinks God could've had You be born into some rich or powerful family, instead of a poor one with no what's called "Influence."  So, You "must've been special" she believes, and I now totally agree with her on that completely.  I love the morning air.                                                            

  FRONT YARD  (DAISY / MAGGIE CÓRDOVA)           

            

        For some reason I just thought about the amazing machines inside the house.  Daisy one time told me "Refrigerators" keep food cold, or frozen too; so it won't "Rot."  In my  books I'll    find out about the history of "Salt," which my boss and his father think is really important.         

         Boy!  How could anyone have even invented those incredibly complicated  "Washer" and "Dryer" machines inside the utility room?   Someday I'll have the courage to go in the kitchen,  where Dais says Mr. Steve cooks food; and has one of our two refrigerators.  I smell Sage.             

         Daisy licks her paws for her "Arthritis."  She really believes in the power of that one little Bufferin pill Mr. Steve puts in her food.  On Saturdays, when we go in the living room to watch    our cartoons; Daisy's by far favorite is about that handsome boy Dog named "Underdog."                                                                                

"UNDERDOG"          

                    

          Dais thinks Underdog is so good looking and, because her favorite color is red, likes how his uniform looks; while my favorite color is blue so I prefer his cape.   Underdog has this special pill in a secret compartment of his ring.  This guy named "Popeye" eats "Spinach" Dais says.      

          I'd wear clothes with the initial "M" on them, the way Underdog has a "U" on his chest. Daisy told me my favorite band DEVO wear yellow uniforms with the band name on them.  In    book two I'll write about this tv show she and Millie saw called "Laverne and Shirley."                

         Daisy likes how Underdog helps others and can even fly.  I think she has a "Crush" on him and is envious when he protects his girlfriend "Sweet  Polly Purebred."  I really admire how he,  like Mr. Peabody; has the incredible ability to walk "Upright" on only his two rear legs.                                               UNDERDOG / SWEET POLLY PUREBRED                              MR. PHILLIP                                                           

        It's so obvious sometimes that Daisy is jealous of Underdog's girlfriend Polly and, as Mr. Steve's customer Mr. Phillip from Wales says; she "fancies" him.  When people from the "U.K."  say "smart," it means something "looks good" Dais says.  U.K. stands for "United Kingdom."     

         When a person from England says they're "keen" on something, that means they "like it" Daisy told me.  Ugh!  Libby's over there in her Corral, looking over here in this direction; and I    just noticed how her skinny black tail swatted away a Fly.  Dais and I really hate all Flies!          

         Because of her Arthritis; Daisy's big paws hurt when she walks on the gravel driveway that goes out to the road.  Mr. Mike jokes she doesn't run but "lumbers."  I really love running fast,    and thinking about it suddenly makes me kind of feel like running now as a matter of fact.                       

MAGGIE / DAISY WRESTLING 

        

         Sometimes Dais and I wrestle and, even though she's old; she still has a lot of strength in her thick neck.  She's hard to move when her feet are firmly "Planted" as they say, but at times    she just lets me climb on her in practicing my wrestling.  Fannie and Freddie just flew bye.           

       Mr. Mike joked that Daisy at times "ambles" like an African "Hippopotamus."  And my Dictionary says to amble means, "To move with an easy gait."  Yup!  That's Daisy alright, as she  never seems to be wasting hardly any energy at all; even when she runs or moves around.             

        Dais says Mr. Steve is interested in "Old Sayings" and "Slang," so now we're interested in that too.  When we were making my three long outlines it was amazing how many Dais knew.  It was her who told me Mr. Steve and his father think "everyone has a story worth telling."                        

BLINKY   

      

        Ah!  I just picked the scent of our neighbor's boy Dog Blinky over there next door.  Daisy and I kind of admire little Blinky because, he's small but brave; and would bite a Burgler if  one ever tried to invade them.  Daisy thinks he has kind  of an attractive smell and so do I now.           

         One time Mr. Steve said "You can't have your cake and eat it too" but I don't get why you wouldn't eat food?  Daisy thinks it means you can't have it "both ways" and, she's usually right    in explaining when things aren't "What they Seem" as they say.  Blinky sounds brave.                

        Another saying is, "The grass is always greener on the other side;" and Daisy thinks that means to appreciate what you have even though nothing's perfect.  Life can be a "cold-blooded" and an "unpredictable struggle" she says; full of "stress."  I wonder what grass tastes like?                                        

  "ALPHA"  COMPANY       

                     

          Oh!  Angeline and her new babies, with Alpha Company; are going around the northeast corner of the house at the far end of the Patio to my left.  My ball collection is over there. They're going up front to eat some of the food my boss spreads on the ground below his office window.     

          Dais also liked the new Spam meat we had for breakfast, and thinking about it makes me hungry.  We each have a royal blue food bowl and, as I said earlier; for the next three days she'll be my "Lookout" to warn me when Mr. Steve comes outside.  Dawn's barking over there.             

           I'm being "so silly" Dais says, in being too afraid to go all the way down the hallway.  I go in the living room on Saturday mornings to watch cartoons but, someday I'll be able to smell my boss's bedroom, office; and the guest bedroom.   And I'll smell those amazing toilet chairs.                                                                                    

                   "YOGI" BERRA                            

                                                                  

         In my books I'll learn about sports like Baseball.  I just thought of a guy named "Yogi" Berra.  Dais heard Mr. Steve tell his brother Sam his real first name is "Lawrence," and he was  from "St. Louis" but is "associated" as the "Catcher" for the 1950's New York "Yankees."          

           This picture shows Yogi Berra squatting down ready to catch the pitch.  Mr. Steve has a few "Mitts," and I kind of like the one Yogi Berra is using in the photo.  Daisy thinks I would be a really good Baseball Catcher, seeing as how good I am at catching things in my mouth.              

           Oh!  This Encyclopedia says Yogi Berra was born on May 12th, which is Miss Yolanda's  birthday too.   Yogi Berra is in the "Hall of Fame," and Dais says Mr. Steve has visited St. Louis and New York City too.  Heathcliff just now crowed over there and his Hens sound happy.                                                   YOGI BEAR                        MR. RICK / MOM              SAM/YOLANDA'S FAMILY                                             

          Yogi the Bear steals "Picnic Baskets" with food in them  and Daisy jokes he's clever like a Crow.  And, even more impressive to me; is how he can run fast on two legs.  I wonder if we'll go in the living room to watch tv on Saturday morning as I'm supposed to do book three then.          

         Mr. Steve, his brothers and Mr. Rick played Baseball growing up in Sylmar.  And I guess Mr. Steve's "Sister in Law" Yolanda was a good "Softball" player too.  My boss still occasionally plays on a "Slow Pitch" softball team, but knows pretty soon he'll be too old to do it anymore.     

         That guy Yogi Berra was a smart "Field General."  H e said funny things like, "It's hard to make predictions, especially about the future;" or "It's like déjà vu all over again."  One time he said about a New York City restaurant, "No one goes there anymore because it's too crowded."                                             

ROGER MARIS / YOGI BERRA / MICKY MANTLE

    

          I've written how  "Déjà Vu means, " having a feeling one has experienced a thing before." Another time, smelling Libby like I am right now; I thought of Mr. Peabody or "Mister Know it All" as his boy Sherman calls him.  He, like my boss's Dog "Lady;" is my "Role Model."             

      Mr. Peabody says clever "Puns," wears a red bowtie which Dais likes; and also glasses.  I wonder what I'd look like wearing glasses, because it makes you kind of look smart.  Oh!  Maybe we should invent some glasses for Dogs and Cats, and possibly even make some money?                

         Lady is my "Hero" but, now so is Mr. Peabody because of how calm and "Sophisticated" he is.  He went to "Harvard" College, speaks eight languages; and like Yogi the Bear can even      walk around only on two legs!  A Freight Train whistled faintly to my left out in the desert.           

  

UNCLE MARTY 

  

          One time Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve talking on the phone with his father about Mr.  Steve's Uncle "Marty."  After serving as a "Medic" during the Vietnam War he then also went to College at Harvard, getting a "M.B.A."  That means a "Master of Business Administration."       

          I guess, Uncle Marty is the youngest of five children in his family; my boss's dad being the eldest just like Mr. Steve is the oldest of five kids.  In my three books I'll be writing about Uncle Marty and his wife and kids.  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; just flew bye.                  

         Daisy heard Mr. Steve's father say he was proud of how his youngest brother was "one of the first Hispanics to get an M.B.A. from Harvard."  Mr. Steve and his brother Rock visited he     and his brother Rock visited his family in San Diego and then New Jersey.  Heathcliff crowed.                                   MAX THE HUMMINGBIRD                                    "STUKA" DIVE BOMBER          

                                                                                                  ("JUNKERS Ju 87")                      

                              PHOTO BY MICHAEL LEVINE                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

                      

         Max the Hummingbird, still without 99; glanced at the empty feeders so whizzed bye.  He's aggressive, so was almost named "Napoléon;" and in the "Courtship Ritual" shows off  to 99 by  zooming up in the sky.  Before that he sings and puffs up while hovering right in front of her.       

    Once Max has 99's attention he dives down to the ground as if he's one of those German "Stuka" dive-bombing Planes from World War II.  Daisy heard Hummingbirds go sixty "Miles    per Hour."  At times Max uses his cute little flapping wings to make some sounds 99 likes.            

         Oh!  The shiny blue Dragonfly whizzed bye.  I guess Dragonflies need water, where the girl Dragonflies can lay all of their eggs.  How weird to have babies in eggs like Birds.  In my books I plan on learning about the different unique Animals who "Evolved" down in "Australia."                                               

       "DRAGONFLY"       

                                                                       

          I've noticed how male Dragonflies are like boy Hummingbirds in defending girlfriends.  Miss Susan said millions of years ago Dragonflies had thirty inch "Wingspans," and today there are some people who even eat them.  Yuk!  Uh Uh!  Unless I was totally starving of course.            

           According to Miss Susan, in the countries of "Japan" and "China;" Dragonflies are killed and "ground up" to make medicine.  She says over in Japan Dragonflies have come to symbolize "courage and strength."  But in European "Folklore" they're considered to be "sinister."             

          That "California Aqueduct" to my left, or north; takes water to Los Angeles and goes bye three miles to the north of us.  I guess, it's where the girl Dragonflies might go to lay eggs to have their new babies.  Mr. Randy one time called that aqueduct a "cement river" I noticed.                   

       WILLIAM MULHOLLAND (1865-1935)               "CALIFORNIA" AQUEDUCT              

                                                                                                                                                      PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

 

          That man William Mulholland built his Aqueduct in 1913.  When he "Opened the Gates," to let water go down into into Los Angeles for the very first time; the hill above Sylmar is where  he did it.  A small group of Birds is flying bye up there in the now high blue morning sky.              

         Dawn's barking over there next door, but she's just letting everyone know she's there; and "On Duty" as they say.  I sometimes get too nervous but, for some reason; hearing her right now makes me feel really calm.  Boy!  I'm so glad to be alive and sitting here on you Elvira.                  

       I replaced Millie after she was killed that night, Daisy took the place of "Lucy;" a really friendly gray " "Staffordshire" Pit Bull.  Lucy was given to Mr. Steve by his Niece Stephanie,      boyfriend Rich; and their daughter Cristina.  Millie and Lucy are buried in our graveyard.                            

 OUR "GRAVEYARD"       

                                       

         Because she got old Daisy's owners didn't want her anymore.  She, like myself; believes You God "Graced" us in getting us over here to live on these two acres.  Thinking "nothing" is totally "predictable," Dais sort of wants to believe in the idea of some things being "Pre-Ordained."       

        I'll bet Daisy's up in the front yard hoping we have Spam for dinner tonight.  Me too, even though I'm still full from breakfast.   I wonder if  Mr. Steve will give us our first snack of the day sooner than usual just because of how it's Springtime and this is such a very special day?              

      Daisy is my "Mentor," and that name comes from an ancient Greek story the "Odyssey;" which was "Recited" by the blind Poet named "Homer."  As I said earlier, Daisy thinks at times  in life you learn more by losing than winning.  I can smell the Twin Joshua trees out there.                                                      

            "TELEMACHUS" / "MENTOR"                 HOMER (c. 8TH CENTURY B.C.)                                                                                                                                                                   

            I guess the Odyssey is a "Myth" about brave "Odysses," who fights in the long "Trojan War" but; then has a hard time getting back home to "Thrace."  His son "Telemachus" has this "Tutor" named "Mentor."  Daisy heard Mr. Steve has his father's copy of the "Odyssey."            

        Later today, and in my other two books; I'll learn about the Odyssey and also this other book called the "Iliad."  I'm so tempted to do it now but, I'd better just wait and do it according  to the three day schedule Daisy and I agreed on.  The Twin Joshua trees smell so good!                  

     For some reason, thinking about a mentor makes me feel like writing about this Jewish "Gangster" from New York City named Arnold Rothstein.  In the early 1920's, after World War  I; one of his "Proteges" or Students was "Lucky" Luciano.  Ah!  The sky is so blue!                                                                               

       ARNOLD ROTHSTEIN (1882-1928)                      CHARLES "LUCKY" LUCIANO (1897-1962)    

             

         According to my outlines, I'm supposed to talk about the "Mafia" in book two.  But, I can mention it now too.  That way, hopefully; when I get to the "Cosa Nostra" tomorrow it might be a little bit more understandable.  Italian gangsters called Arnold Rothstein the "Brain."               

        Lucky Luciano is called the "Father of American Organized Crime" but my boss and his father think that should be Arnold Rothstein's title.  In 1919, a year after World War I with the "Spanish Flu" pandemic going on; he "Fixed" the "World Series."  Heathcliff crowed.                 

       Back in 1919 the Chicago "White Sox" played the Cincinnati "Reds" in the World Series. And I guess that guy Arnold Rothstein "Paid Off" some of the "Underpaid" White Sox Players    to "Throw" or lose games.  So now it's known as the infamous "Black Sox Scandal."                                      

    1919 CHICAGO "WHITE SOX"    

                                                                                 

           A picture in my Encyclopedia has circles drawn around the White Sox Players who threw the 1919 World Series.  Daisy saw a movie which showed how "Cheap" the White Sox's owner      was so the Players weren't loyal at all.  My boss has drawn the White Sox and Reds logos.           

         Two German words my boss thinks important are, "Zietgeist" and "Weltanshauung;" or "Sprit of the Times" and "World View."  Daisy's "Joy of Life" gratitude for every day reflects    her "Point of View."  Boy! Thank You so much God for this really great German Dictionary!       

         The main reason why I'll be learning so much about those German words is because Daisy says our boss and his father think a "Philosophy of Life" can often be what they call a "Sign of   the Times."  Heathcliff crowed.  His Hens clucking makes it seem like they're all happy.                      

GEORGE HERMAN "BABE" RUTH (1895-1948)

                 

         This one Encyclopedia says the "post" World War I public "disliked" Baseball after 1919 but, during the good economy of the "Roaring" 1920's; "Babe" Ruth's "prodigious" home runs  "brought fans back."  He symbolizes the Zeitgeist of his times, like the 1960's BEATLES.             

          Dais explained to me what the name "Cheapskate" means when we were doing this part of my outline.  Mr. Steve and  his dad think in "Capitalism" too often people "Worship" money.  In 1919 those White Sox Players were willing to "Compromise" their beliefs for the money.               

         Anyway, I'll come back to Arnold Rothstein tomorrow and will also learn about these other two Jewish Gangsters named Meyer Lansky and "Bugsy" Segal too.  Meyer Lansky was Lucky    Luciano's "Bookkeeper."  He inspired a "Fictional" character in the "Godfather" movie.                                   

           MEYER LANSKY (1902-1983)                           BENJAMIN "BUGSY" SEGAL (1906-1947)        

                          

           In the early 1990's Mr. Steve's family was involved in the "Gaming" industry so he visited the city of "Las Vegas."  After World War II, Bugsy Segal built the "Flamingo" Casino on what is now called the "Strip."  My boss jokes "gaming" just "sounds better" than "Gambling."         

          It was mainly from Dais's memory that I was able to put together my list of dates that are important to Mr. Steve's family.  As I go along I'll compare the list to things I read in all of these  really good and valuable Encyclopedia's.  The four Pigeons just flew over Libby's Corral.             

        Daisy thinks it's so ridiculous how I'm afraid to go all of the way down the hallway in our house.  In my "Heart of Hearts" as they say, I know she's right but it's sort of hard to give up old habits.  I would kind of really like to sniff around in Mr. Steve's bedroom and office alright.                                                                        MR. RANDY                                                           MR. MARK                                                                   

           Mr. Randy lived in the State of "Arkansas" just like Mr. Mark in Hawaii's relatives.  He laughed at how scared I was the first time I saw water come out of a "Hose," and it now seems    embarrassing I was afraid of you Elvira.  I'm so glad my boss bought you from Mr. Mark.          

          I see a vapor trail up in the sky.  Hey God!  As You know, I could've finished my outlines in less time but, kept adding new things and; "Procrastinated" in beginning my books.  But, like      Bertha Benz did with her husband; Daisy put "Her Foot Down" and said nothing's perfect.     

        Daisy told me about a saying she and that other Dog Millie heard on tv one time that went, "Nothing ventured, Nothing gained."  Mr. Steve's father used to say, "The only ones who never    fail are those who try nothing."   He and Daisy both think you can learn by making mistakes.                                                  

  NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN (1869-1940)         

         

           Over the next three days, I'm looking forward to learning about those two 20th century "World" wars; and years in between.  Mr. Steve and his father think those wars influenced the    way history went.  Daisy saw a tv show about the British "Statesman" Neville Chamberlain.        

         That tv show talked about the 1938 "Munich Conference," where Neville Chamberlain tried his best to avoid war.  Dais told me how he said, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try and    try again."  Boy!  I really, really, really want to believe in what Neville Chamberlain said.             

          I remember that cold night when Daisy told me about the time she and Millie heard one of those Basketball Player's say on tv; "You can't make the shot if you don't take the shot."  I want to believe in that saying too now.  Boy!  You can learn so much through the old sayings.                               

(PLAYING TOGETHER)            HUMMINGBIRDS                       (NEST)                    

                                                                                 

             Max the Hummingbird just zoomed bye and still his girlfriend 99 isn't with him.  I like to watch them play when they look like they're dancing.  Daisy heard Hummingbirds usually have  only two babies per year, and told me about how they make really cute, tiny little nests.                 

            Boy Hummingbirds will fight even bigger Birds over food, territory; and girl Birds.  I like how Max protects 99, and it's surprising Mr. Steve didn't fill up the their feeders with red liquid, seeing as how this is the first day of Spring.  I've wondered what that red drink tastes like?           

          Dais is still strong but says she's "shrinking" as she gets older and older.  Mr. Steve's High School girlfriend Sandy's mom, a Nurse; joked "in the end gravity always wins."  The scent of Libby the Horse just came floating into my right nostril from over there in her Corral.                 

                                         

                     ISAAC NEWTON (1642-1726)                ALBERT EINSTEIN (1879-1955)                                   

      

         Over the next three days I'll learn a lot about "Science" so, of course; I'll have to find out about Isaac Newton.  About two centuries after he lived his ideas influenced that other German Jewish guy named Albert Einstein.   Libby's walking around slowly over there to my right.           

         Hey Lord!  My Encyclopedia says You and Isaac Newton were both born on December the 25th but, my boss says that probably wasn't the date You were born.  It may be, in order to get    more "Gentiles" to convert; A Roman "Winter Holiday Festival" was "appropriated" he says.    

        Daisy is still strong, especially in her neck.  When we wrestle I'm faster than her so can duck in and out and try to "Fake" her but, "On the Inside" as they say;" she uses "Leverage" to wear me down.  So, when that happens; I simply just jump or spring "Out of Range" from her.                                                                

                                                   "EN ROUTE" TO CRUCIFIXION                                                        

                                                  ("SIMON OF CYRENE" FORCED TO HELP CARRY THE CROSS)                                                       

                                                                                                                     

          Hey Lord!  I wonder if You knew how to read and write?  I now know it's hard to do but as Daisy says, many things are "just a matter of practice."  If we could time travel Lord Daisy and I would definitely go back and help You carry Your cross the way that guy "Simon" got to do.     

       Looking up into the sky Lord I can see some thin white clouds which makes me think how You described "Heaven" as the "Kingdom of God."  If us Dogs are allowed, Daisy and I would    definitely want to go up there with all You Guys.  But, of course; we'd have to earn it first.            

      "Dais" is a name that just sort of fits Daisy's "Personality."  Like Grandma Córdova, and that lady Clair Rothman who ran the Forum; she's "Firm but Fair."  If I'm ever a leader I want  to be that same exact way too, and will always remember back to how she is with me now.                       

           MAGGIE  CÓRDOVA           

                                      

          The first time my boss ever called me "Magg" my heart almost burst with happiness, as it proved he liked me enough to give me a Nickname.   I remember how Daisy called it a "turning    point," or "milestone" moment; and I sure did know it right away too.  Thank You God!              

         Dais says our boss eats these sweet things called "Cookies."  Some are from the country of "China," and have messages on paper inside; that might give you good advice.  She told me how a lucky "Fortune Cookie" once had the saying on it, "Time is often the best adviser in life."         

         In my books I'll learn about China, which Daisy says our boss has read about.  I think the idea of a fortune cookie is "Ingenious," and really do believe we should maybe invent "Fortune Dog Biscuits" and make money.   A Sparrow with a twig in its mouth just now hopped bye.                                                           

    PIÑON HILLS DESERT       

        

          Looking at the eastern desert behind the Sheds makes me think of when Daisy explained the "Concept" of "Money," and how it's so important to us.  Mr. Steve thinks in "Capitalism,"  many people do bad things for money.  He sometimes jokes about it being "our real religion."      

          The more I think about it the more I believe we should give advice in Dog biscuits.  It may work because a lot of Dogs, like Dais and I for instance; would buy it hoping to maybe find out about our future!  But we'd have to figure out how to make hollow Dog biscuits Dais says.          

        Heathcliff crowed again, which makes me think about how my boss described his voice as "reassuring."  I'll bet Heathcliff feels as good this morning as we do over here because it's finally a new year again after a cold Winter.  Thank You God up there for the Sun's warmth!                   

          

"SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO" MISSION

PAINTINGS BY STELLA CÓRDOVA 

                                                          

        Mr. Steve met a "Juañeño" Indian lady at "San Juan Capistrano Mission," where he and his mom had an Art Exhibit.  I'll learn about "Capistrano" in my books.  Daisy says at the  end of the hallway, near a bathroom in our house; is Mr. Steve's mom's painting of Capistrano.          

         Someday, when I overcome my fear of enclosed areas; I'll see the painting of the San Juan Capistrano Mission.  Daisy told me it shows bells, and another one of Mr. Steve mom's paintings has Mr. Steve's Nephew Jacob as a kid holding a white Pigeon near a fountain.  I smell Sage.        

         The Juañeño lady said you can use Sage as medicine, or for "purifying the air of any bad or evil Spirits."  Hey God!  I just thought about how I haven't even seen my bad Angel "Lilith" for  a really long time now.  She visits my dreams, trying to get me to do bad things like stealing.                                                           

        "LILITH"                                                 "STANLEY"                

                       

         As You know God, I'm afraid of dark spirits; like my bad Angel Lilith.  But thank You for sending my "Guardian Angel" named "Stanley," to protect and watch over me; though it's been a while since I've needed you Stanley.  Mr. Steve has a "Dream Catcher" net in his bedroom.       

       Daisy's Guardian Angel is "Ramona," while her bad Angel looks just like the band IRON MAIDEN'S "Mascot" named "Eddie." She heard Mr. Steve joke with his mom he thinks his bad Angel is named "Iago."  Thank You so much Stanley for helping me when I was homeless.            

      Mr. Steve has given money to "St. Joseph's Indian School," run by Catholic Priests in the State  of "South Dakota."  Daisy thinks maybe some of the kids who go there might be orphans who don't have any parents.  Hey!  Maybe you could say that's kind of like me and Daisy!                        

   19TH CENTURY            "LAKOTA" / "SIOUX"        ST. JOSEPH STUDENTS   

                                                       

         Dais says Mr. Steve has customers in "North" and "South" Dakota.  His Dream Catcher net was made by the kids at St. Joseph's, and he gave some of the other ones they've sent him to his Nieces; keeping the biggest in size one for himself.   I'd sure like to have one out here.             

          The Indian Students at St. Josephs are "Lakota" or "Sioux."  Over the next three days I'll learn about the three Indian Sioux groups, the "Dakota," "Nakota" and "Lakota."  From what    Daisy heard Mr. Dave in New Mexico say on the phone, he's known a few Lakota people.            

        Some people have told Mr. Steve the Priests at Saint Josephs "Exaggerate" in trying to get you to donate money, but Dais told me he doesn't care even if they do.  I guess, like Daisy said on that cold morning; Mr. Steve has now become sort of like our parent now.  I smell some Sage.                                     

                            SAGE                                                        "SAGE OFFERING"                   

                                                                                PAINTING BY CATHERINE KEYT        

         

            Mr. Dave in New Mexico says the Sioux burn "Sacred Bundles" of Sage, "Cedar" and "Sweetgrass."  He told Mr. Steve one translation of Sioux is "friend" or "ally."  In my books, I'll find out a lot more about that big 1876 "Battle of the Little Big Horn" or; "Greasy Grass." 

           Boy!  I'm so tempted to look up and then write about the Battle of the Little Bighorn but, I'd better just stick to the outlines Dais and I put together.  Mr. Steve, brother Rock in Texas and also Mr. Dave; are all interested and have studied that battle.  Heathcliff crowed over there.

           Hey Stanley!  Thank you again for being such a good Guardian Angel in protecting me from Lilith.  I used to have a lot more bad dreams but now that hasn't happened in a long time.  Dais and I are like Mr. Steve in liking to look at clouds, which now there are a few up there.

                    

              MISS MARIA / MR. RICH / NIECE STEPHANIE                     THEIR FOOD                                                   

       

            Hey God!  As You know; my boss Mr. Steve thinks You don't interfere in this "physical" or "tangible" world You created.  But, if You did he says; it was when You sent his family "Miss Maria."  She's from Mexico and keeps Mr. Steve's parents house really, really clean I guess.

            Miss Maria also helps Mr. Steve's Niece Stephanie and boyfriend Mr. Rich in their food catering business.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his brother Sam talking about how Mr. Rich at times "Slow Cooks" meat underground.  He and Stephanie "are a good team" Mr. Steve says.

           Mr. Steve's mom calls Miss Maria a "Godsend."  She is now more than a very intelligent "Housekeeper" to Mr. Steve's parents, who consider her a daughter. When Grandma Córdova was old she lived with Mr. Steve's parents and Maria took good care of her until she died.

  

                                                  "SAN JUAN CPISTRANO" MISSION

                                                                   PAINTINGS BY STELLA CÓRDOVA

 

           That Juañeño lady said her "descendants" helped the Spanish build San Juan Capistrano Mission back in the late 18th century.  Crows that were hovering over the desert just dove to the ground and I'll bet it's for some food.  It might be a now too slow older Rabbit they're after.

            Ugh!  All of a sudden I just thought about that time, when I was living homeless out in that awful field; and saw those Crows fighting over a dead Squirrel.  They were viciously using their beaks and claws in trying to stab and slice each other.  One of them did get a big cut.

            Daisy says today, as the first day of Spring; represents "new beginnings."  But it can also be the end of things like old Rabbits, she says Mr. Steve's mom likes this old saying about "one door closing as another door opens."  Hey God!  I wonder if "Reincarnation" is true?

   

MR. MARK / KARMA

   

            Mr. Mark, that homeless man who lives near Phelan; I guess named his little Yorkie Dog "Karma" because she was given to him soon after his other Dog died.  Hey God!  Mr. Mark is convinced You sent his old Dog's spirit back to him in the form of Karma.  I smell Sage.   

           Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell Miss Susan at work about Mr. Mark and Karma, and how he told Mr. Mark he "mixed up" the concepts of Reincarnation with Karma.   His first Dog's name had been "Doris," so Mr. Steve joked maybe he should have named Karma "Doris 2?"  

          I'm now a Catholic like Mr. Steve, and we're not supposed to believe in Reincarnation; but we've all kind of wondered about it.  This English Dictionary says Reincarnation is, "The Soul in another body."  I guess the "Buddhist" and "Hindu" religions both believe in that same idea.

  

HOVERING CROWS      

PHOTO BY CARLA FUNK        

               

               Yup!  I can tell by the Crows arguing with each other that they're fighting over some food out there in the desert.  Seeing them "Wheeling" around up in the sky, and then diving down; is  the exact same thing I've seen before as I smelled Sage like right now.  Dawn's barking.                

           Daisy thinks Reincarnation might be where a "Soul" has more than just one chance, and can do a lot better "The next Time."  But, she heard if you do bad "this time;" you "come back" at a "lower level" which makes it harder to get up to the highest level.  I like how Sage smells.

                For some reason, sitting here on Elvira makes me suddenly think about Mr. Mark over in Hawaii.  I mentioned how he worked with my boss and Miss Helen at the Forum in the 1980's.  I guess he now runs that "Internet" Newspaper he created called the "Big Island Reporter."

     

 (WITH WIFE KIM)                         MR. MARK                    (WITH GUITAR)    

           I'm sitting here on this couch Elvira, who Mr. Steve bought from Mr. Mark just before he moved his wife Kim and their boys Dylan and Taj out to Hawaii.   Daisy says Mr. Mark is a good Musician, and makes music as a "One man Band."   It's called BLUE TURBAN STONE.             

           Hey God!  Dais heard in Reincarnation; you can come back as an Insect if you don't do good in your "Current" life.  I like learning about other religions because Mr. Steve and Dais do too so I'm looking forward finding out about so many new things over the next three days.  

         Dais says one time this man from India joked with Mr. Steve in saying Reincarnation gives the Soul another chance if it keeps on losing as, the "Law of Averages" means "The odds Are;" it "has to win" eventually.  Mr. Steve and his dad, knowing bad sports teams; chuckled at that.   

  

                             BLACK SABBATH ALBUM COVER ("HEAVEN AND HELL")

          

           Hey God!  Why is it in some "Western Traditions" of religion you only get "One Shot at the Apple" as they say?  Why must it be either "Black or White?"  In book two, I'll learn about that English band called BLACK SABBATH; and their album called "Heaven and Hell."

           God!  Mr. Steve prefers to think You're "Benevolent" so Daisy does too.  Oh!  Fannie and Freddie are flying bye, which reminds me of how my boss met that lady from the "Country" of "Iceland;" who liked LED ZEPPELIN.  Dais told me they have a good song about Vikings.

          Daisy says that lady from Iceland said her family believes dead relatives can come back as a Crow.  Her mom was convinced the father tried to return in the form of one.  I'll be learning  a lot more about the "Viking Age," and some of the different famous Vikings in my three books.

           

                                                                         BJÖRK   

                    

           Dais told me about a girl Singer from Iceland named Björk.  She wears unusual costumes and I want to hear her music someday.  Burr!  Iceland sounds like it would be a really cold place to live but, after leaving "Scandinavia;" those very brave Vikings "Colonized" that area.              

           It was cold this Winter but today, the first day of Spring; it's been beautiful so Thank You God for doing that.  Thinking about this Winter makes shiver as I have short hair while Daisy is so lucky to have really thick fur for when it's cold.  But I'm luckier in the hot Summer.                  

        Right now, sitting here on my couch Elvira; I can see Birds zipping about over the eastern desert right behind the three Sheds.  The Sun, which has been up for about an hour and a half, is making  me feel really, really good right now.  Thank You God for this "Moment in Time."                                

CAPTAIN BEEFHEART(1941-2010)                        FRANK ZAPPA (1940-1993)       

       

           In my books I'll learn about people from the High Desert, like those guys Frank Zappa and his "Antelope Valley" High School friend Captain Beefheart.  Mr. Steve's brother Sam and    his family live in "Littlerock," near Antelope Valley.  Captain Beefheart is not his real name.        

           Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart, both now dead; made "Experimental" or "Avant-Garde" music according to what Daisy's heard.  It's "not really for everyone" Mr. Dave joked      one time.  This French Dictionary says how avant-garde just means "advanced-guard."                

       Like that girl Singer Björk, Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart's music "Pushed the Envelope" so to speak.  Mr. Steve prefers more "Melodic" songs.  Dais told me that this British    "Progressive" Rock band, GENTLE GIANT; have an album called "Acquiring the Taste."                                                  

                STEPHANIE / MR. RICH                                 DRAGPIPE                               

                         

         Dais heard Mr. Steve tell Mr. Dave Frank Zappa died on December 4th, which is also his Niece Steph's birthday too.  Daisy and Millie  noticed how Mr. Steve just calls  her "Steph" for    short.  I mentioned earlier this morning how there some people who call Mr. Rich "Ritchie."       

        Mr. Rich, a "skilled handyman" Mr. Steve says; is from "New Jersey" and was in a Hard Rock band called DRAGPIPE.  Someday I want to hear their 2002 album, which they played on  a "Tour" of Europe.  With Steph's daughter "Cristina," they live down there in Sylmar.               

        In my books I'll learn about a Cowboy Singer named Roy Rogers who, with his wife Dale Evans and their kids; lived in "Apple Valley;" to the east of Piñon Hills.  I guess, Roy Rogers had a really smart Horse named "Trigger."  His Dog "Bullet" was also smart too Dais told me.                                          

                      ROY ROGERS  (1911-1998)                             ALDOUS HUXLEY (1894-1963)

           WITH WIFE DALE EVANS(1912-2001)               WITH WIFE MARIA NYS (1899-1955)

                     

              West of Piñon Hills is a small town called "Llano," where a British Writer named Aldous Huxley used to live with his wife.  Over the next three days I'll learn about him, and his Student Eric Blair; who I guess later was known as George Orwell.  Boy!  The air is clear right now.

               My Spanish Dictionary says Llano means "Plains."  Dais heard Llano is even smaller than our town of Piñon Hills, which has seven thousand people.  Boy!  I'm kind of tempted to learn about Aldous Huxley and George Orwell but, I'll just wait.  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.

          Daisy's told me about those "ruins" up on "Highway 138," on the road going west in the desert.  I guess, they're all that's left of an early 20th century  "Socialist Utopian Community" called "Llano del Rio," or "Plains of the River."  A Freight Train whistled faintly to my left.

  

"LLANO DEL RIO" RUINS 

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA        

    

               One time Dais and Millie were Mr. Steve's office and heard him talking on the phone with his brother Sam over there in "Littlerock."  They discussed Llano del Rio, which Daisy has me scheduled to learn about over the next three days.   The ruins are on the way to Littlerock.  

          Mr. Steve's father had that school for Stockbrokers, so has read things having to do with "Capital;" or money.  He believes "Socialism" and "Capitalism" both have good and bad ideas.  I'll be learning a lot more about the subject of those two systems over the next three days.

          Boy!  I'm tempted to look up those two British Writers Aldous Huxley and George Orwell, who wrote those famous books "Brave New World" and "1984."  Mr. Steve's father thinks both "had to be influenced" by "Imperialism," "Fascism" and "Communism."  I smell Sage.

                                                                    

  WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (1644-1616)                         WASHINGTON D.C.                    

                                THE CHANDROS PORTRAIT                                                                                                           PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                     

                               

          There's an old saying I wrote down on this outline, "The Past is Prologue."  It's by that one English Writer Shakespeare from his play the "Tempest."  In 2008, in Washington D.C. near the "Archives" building; my boss saw a statue with that quote carved right onto its pedestal.  

          My boss thinks "Human Nature" hasn't changed much in history so hate is more common than love.   As I've said, he believes many things are "Dual" in nature; with good comes bad and with bad comes good.  So, often; you can't have one without possibly getting the other too.

         Hey God?  Was it You who made duality "Proportionate," so good is often accompanied by the "potential" for the same amount of bad?  My boss never had any kids but thinks "proof" of duality is children.  They often provide "the greatest joy," but also "the greatest sorrow."

             

"DUALITY"       

             

            My boss thinks most good "Inventions" have two sides.  Guns are used to hunt food for survival, or kill greater numbers of people accurately from longer "Range;" because people will always be cruel and hateful and generous and loving.   "Humans Beings" have "Free Will."

            What I'm hearing, seeing and smelling right now tells me it's Spring.  My old dull yellow couch Elvira is so comfortable.  There's no other place on Earth I would rather be than here on you right now Elvira, so would never, ever want to replace you.  No way!  Ugh!  Ugh!   

           Daisy says Mr. Steve thinks the 16th century was important for "good and bad."  Europe was in the "Renaissance" or intellectual "Re-Birth;" following the "Medieval;" or "Dark" Ages when life was often very difficult and short.  The 1500's is also the "Age of Exploration."  

                              

            CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS (1451-1506)               

      PORTRAIT BY SEBASTIANO DEL PIOMBO                                                                     PAINTING BY PAOLO LORENZINI                                

         

            In 1492 that guy Christopher Columbus sailed three Ships west from Spain to "Discover" what is now called the "New World."  Mr. Steve thinks, like so many people; Columbus was both good and bad Daisy says.  Two of the Pigeons just flew bye and are flying over the Sheds.

            Mr. Steve thinks you can't "Judge" people from the past by today's "Moral" standards.  Today Abraham Lincoln would be "Racist" in wanting to send black people back to Africa.  He said "Amalgamation," or what they called "Race Mixing" to have babies; was "disgusting."    

           In my books I'll learn about "Pre-Columbian" people who had lived here for thousands of years before Columbus' first voyage.  In the 1500's, with the "Protestant Reformation;" some of the Europeans "Broke Away" from the Catholic Church.  The 16th century was important.

         

                                                          MAGGIE CÓRDOVA

               

            My favorite thing in life, other than eating of course; is to run "Flat-Out" as my boss one time described it.  But over the next three days I have to do as Daisy says and force myself to be disciplined and concentrate just on writing only.  Oh! Another thing I like to do is "Howl."

           Ah!  I can smell Alpha Company of Quail.  Daisy told me about Mr. Steve's friend Miss Helen who died.  She worked with him and Mr. Mark at the Forum in the mid-1980's, and Daisy says she can tell Miss Helen left a really big impression on Mr. Steve; even to this very day. 

          Miss Helen, who's last name was "Graham;"  was in her eighties when she died.  She went to U.C.L.A. where Mr. Steve's ex-girlfriend Emily now works. Mr. Steve learned a lot from her, and wishes he'd had the chance to say goodbye.  Daisy says "Passed Away" means you died. 

                    

                                                   AMERICAN CIVIL WAR (1861-1865)

               PAINTING BY MORT KUNSTLER                                                                                                       PHOTO BY ALEXANDER GARDNER                

           

            Mr. Steve thinks the 19th century, especially the "American Civil War" period, was very "pivotal." Queen Victoria's British Empire, at the "Forefront" of the "Industrial Revolution;"  had the most powerful Navy with the best weapons so dominated the world.   A Crow cawed.   

            In my books, because my boss is interested in that subject; I'll learn about the history of "Weaponry."  That means, from thrown rocks to today's "I.C.B.M." missiles.  Three things have always been important, "Knockdown Power," "Suppressing Fire" and "Force Multiplier."  

           Things like "Repeating Weapons," "Observation Balloons" and "Submarines" were first used in the 1860's American Civil War.  That war influenced how warfare would be fought sixty years later in World War I.  I see a long vapor trail up in the sky, which makes me feel good.

                           WARS OF THE MIDDLE EAST (1980'S-1990'S)        

                                        

       There have been many wars over there in the "Middle East" since 1948, when Israel first became a country again.  Recent wars involved "Iraq," ruled by this mean man named Saddam Hussein.  When people ask if someday there will be no more war my boss says he "doubts it."      

       Dais saw a tv show about "Iraq's" Saddam Hussein, a "Sunni" Muslim who in the 1980's Iraq fought a "Political" war against "Shia" Muslim "Iran" under the "Ayatollah" Khomeini.    In 1991, and then 2003; Iraq fought us in the "Persian Gulf" wars.  A Train whistled faintly.        

          Hey God!  Daisy says the man on the tv shows said in 2009 "Saddam" was "executed" by being "hung."  Anyway, I'll be learning about the history of the "Middle East" in my books.  It must be "so painful to be strangled" by a rope" Daisy thinks, and I totally agree with her. 

             

                       "TENOCHTITLÁN"                                  HERNÁN CÓRTEZ LEADS SPANISH  

ARTWORK BY GIOVNNI MARTINEZ                                                                                                                 ARTWORK BY ART STATION                                  

            

            In my books I'll learn of the Spanish after Columbus's 1492 "Discovery" of the "New World."  In 1521 Hernán Córtez conquered the "Aztecs" in "Tenochtitlán," this city built on a Lake; now "Mexico City."  My boss would want to see Tenochtitlán from way up high.     

           By 1600 Spanish "Settlers" came from Mexico up to New or "Nuevo"  Mexico.  But, then  in 1680 some of the Indians revolted, killed a lot of Spanish; and drove them out.  Our last name "Córdova" can be "Traced" to 1693 when the Spanish returned and reconquered the region.

          Mr. Steve thinks, based on his list of "possessions;" the first Córdova in New Mexico was a Soldier who fought in the "Reconquista" or "Re-Conquest" of New Mexico in 1693.  That was in the year after the famous "Salem Witch Trials" back east.   I can't wait to learn about them.

               

"PERROS DE GUERRA" ("DOGS OF WAR")

      

           My Spanish Dictionary says "Conquistadore" means "Conqueror," and is what Soldiers were called in the New World after Columbus' first 1492 voyage.  Daisy saw a tv show that said 16th century Spaniards used Dogs in war.  The Indians were really afraid of them I guess.

           According to what my boss told Mr. Randy, Dogs have been used in war since the ancient world.  The "Assyrians" and "Romans" had "War Dogs" or "Perros de Guerra" in Spanish.  In  1693 our possible original ancestor might've come from what is now called the "El Paso" area.

          All of a sudden I just now thought about how cold it was this Winter, and that makes me kind of shiver.  People come up here to ski in Wrightwood, which is good because our economy is bad; and the people in business there need to make money.  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.     

      

            AUSTIN / MR. STEVE'S SISTER SUSAN / DALTON                               SUSAN'S HORSE "HEINZ"

            Mr. Steve's sister Susan in Connecticut, and her two sons Dalton and Austin; like to snow "Ski."  Dais told me she wouldn't ski unless there was a good way to "brake" and not be "out of control.  I sort of agree with her on that, even though I do kind of like going fast sometimes.

            Daisy heard Mr. Steve talking on the phone with his mom about how his sister Susan has a few Horses.  They recalled when, as a girl; she and her "Pony" named "Dinky" used to "jump over barriers."  I guess Miss Susan also had another big brown Horse named "Shanique."

            Mr. Steve and his mother also talked about how, back in the late 1980's and early 1990's; his sister Susan worked as a "Set Decorator" for tv shows like "Roseanne" and "Bill Cosby."  I guess, back in College she learned a lot about "Interior Design;" and other things like that.  

       

    "DOG SKIING

       

          Daisy saw a tv show about Dogs who snow and water ski, and told me she might've tried it when young but not now.  I'd try skiing if for no other reason than it would probably impress my boss.  Mr. Steve one time met a pretty girl who's Dog would ride around on a "Surf Board."

          Mr. Steve's parents still live down in Sylmar with his Niece "Samantha" who's mom, Mr. Steve's sister "Celina; " died in 2003.  I like living up here in the desert even though, like Daisy and Mr. Steve say; no place is perfect.  But no way now would I trade my life with anyone!  

         My first owner abandoned me in that awful field so Daisy jokes we're both kind of like Mr. Steve's kids.  He's already fifty eight years old so "The odds Are" he'll never have his own real children.  A flock of Birds is flying over Libby's Corral and are moving toward the east.

                         

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

                               

                Daisy says one time Mr. Steve's two Niece's Samantha and Cristina visited our house.  It was when Millie, who died and was replaced by me; was still alive.  Millie accidentally scratched Cristina's arm in wanting to be friendly, and not because she was mean or anything like that.

           Samantha and Cristina went to "Elementary" school at a "Parochial" Lutheran school in San Fernando.  Daisy heard our boss and his mom talk on the phone about how Mr. Steve took the "Principal" of that school named Miss Peggy to her High School "Prom."  I smell Sage.  

          Mr. Mike, who has two kids; said one time his mom joked after you have kids it seems like "You're days are longer while the years get shorter."  Speedy Gonzalez ran around the northeast corner of the house to my left, at the far end of this back Patio.  Daffy the Duck is quacking.

      

MR. STEVE'S MOM

   

             As they loaded Rex the Truck to go to the Dump one morning Mr. Steve told Mr. Mike, who you can tell is proud of his mom Miss "Phyllis;" about his mother.  She raised five kids and then went back to College.  She graduated with a 4.0 "G.P.A.," or "Grade Point Average."

            Mr. Steve, his brother Rock and sister Susan as well as their mom; all went to "Cal State University Northridge." And now Mr. Steve's Nephew Mathew is going to "C.S.U.N." too.  Mr. Steve's parents scents blend together well I notice.  And Daisy also agrees with me on that.

           Daisy heard Mr. Steve's parents met on April 8, 1950, when she was only fourteen and he was eighteen; and have been together since.  They "Complement" and help each other.   Oh!  On my list of dates I see how my boss's ex-girlfriend Miss Emily's birthday is on April the 9th.   

                                     

                              MR. STEVE'S FATHER ON LEFT ("KOREAN" WAR / 1951)

               

           In 1953 after Mr. Steve's dad fought in the "Korean War" he was "Discharged" from the Marines, got married in New Mexico; and for a short time lived in Los Angles where my boss was born.  But they moved back to New Mexico.   In the late 1950's they lived in "Denver."    

          Because Mr. Steve's parents were often low on money after they had him and his brother Rock, there were some "tough times" his father says.  But, Mr. Steve's parents have "Trust and Respect" for each other; so "Weathered the Storm" so to speak.  Libby just now whinnied.

          Denver is in the State of "Colorado," and my boss's father went to school there.  By then they had my boss and his brother Rock.  Daisy heard Denver is a mile up in the air, so it's harder to breath.  In sports, sometimes the teams from Denver have this "Home court Advantage."  

                        

         "DENVER" (COLORADO)                

                  

            Mr. Steve and his dad took a business trip to Denver in 1993 and in walking around they "Reminisced."  Mr. Steve was really young but remembers a time when he was "bundled up" in a jacket while sitting in the back seat of an "idling" Car.  Daffy's now quacking over there.

           Daisy told me Mr. Steve had this dream about he and his brother sitting in that Car.  As it "Warms Up" his mother uses an "Ice Scraper" to clean the front window while his father was in back shoveling away snow.  As "Promotional Products," Mr. Steve sells Ice Scrapers now. 

           As they walked around downtown Denver Mr. Steve's dad said he had "Mixed Emotions" about their time in Denver.  It was really cold in 1993 but not snowing.  Mr. Steve's father said he has helped other people over the years in memory of those who helped his family back then. 

                                      

                                                        "SAN FERNANDO" VALLEY                                                                                                                                                 

          In 1960, when my boss was five; the family moved back to California.  Mr. Steve's dad used this thing called the "G.I. Bill" to buy a house on a "Cul-de-Sac" called "Hagar" Street, down in Sylmar.  This French Dictionary says cul-de-sac means, "Bottom of the Sack."

          Another definition of cul-de-sac is, "A blind alley."  I guess Hagar Street was a "circular" road, with five houses around it; so kids played Baseball on that cul-de-sac.  In 1961, Sylmar was a "Rural" community; with some "Unpaved" dirt roads just like up here in Piñon Hills.

          In late 2005 Mr. Steve moved up here to the High Desert, and Daisy was brought to these two acres in 2009; right after Millie got here.  I replaced Millie in February of 2013 when, luckily for me; my boss got me from that cold field.  I was abandoned in mid-December of 2012.      

         

"SPEEDY" GONZALEZ        

PHOTO BY IAN MERRILL                

              

            Oh!  Speedy Gonzalez, who's rarely so still; is standing over there.  "Ground" Squirrels, unlike Squirrels who live in trees; have skinny not "Bushy" tails.   Boy!  I'm so tempted to stop working and go chase Speedy right now but, I'd better not; because I have to be disciplined. 

            Speedy just darted off but left behind a small cloud of dust.  He probably smelled or saw me sitting over here on my couch Elvira.  I kind of like to watch or look at Squirrels but one time I remember how Mr. Mike described the Squirrels as being what he called a "nuisance." 

            I just thought of how Mr. Steve's Niece Stephanie, Rock's daughter; lives in Sylmar with Mr. Rich and Cristina.  Daisy heard their Dogs, "Angus" and "Betty;" are friendly "Pit Bulls."  Daisy thinks Angus was named after one of the brothers in that Australian band AC/DC.

                                                                                                                                

                                                                    MISS SANDY    

                  

          Mr. Steve has "Gone out With" a few girls but has only had those three girlfriends I wrote about in chapter one.  In 12th Grade he met Sandy, who was in 10th Grade.  They were together for six years, and he still thinks about her and her two younger sisters "Suzie" and "Stacy."   

         Occasionally my boss dreams about "Mortality," and in one he met Sandy's parents; who both died.  Sandy's mom was a "Nurse," her father a World War II Navy veteran who fought in the 1942 "Battle of the Corral Sea."  All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.

         I'll learn a lot about World War II tomorrow in book two.  Miss Emily's dad was in George Patton's "Third Army" in that war while Harriet's father, like Mr. Steve's father; fought in the Korean War.  I smell the clump of Joshua trees to the right of Manny the far right Shed.

                                                                                                                                                    MISS EMILY

 

             After College Mr. Steve went to Law School but "Flunked Out" after three years.  And, that's where he met his second girlfriend Emily, and Mr. Grant too.  Emily grew up "Back East" in "Long Island;" which has some of the five "Burroughs" of New York City Daisy told me.  

            Since the late 1980's Miss Emily has worked in the "Athletic" Department at U.C.L.A., which stands for "University of California in Los Angeles."  Mr. Steve used to go with Emily to Football games at this place called the "Rose Bowl." It's in that city called "Pasadena."

           My boss met his third girlfriend Harriet when both worked at a small "Local" Newspaper called the "San Fernando Sun."  Harriet and Emily are both good Writers.  Miss Harriet lives in "North Hollywood" which, like Sylmar; is part of Los Angeles in the San Fernando Valley. 

                                                                                MISS HARRIET                                         MUSIC CONNECTION

         

            In the 1980's Miss Harriet had a job writing band "Reviews" for an L.A. Magazine called "Music Connection." She got permission for Mr. Steve, as a Photographer; to go with her on the "Assignments."  They primarily covered the local "Club Scene" down there in Los Angeles.    

           I mentioned earlier how, besides writing about history, Mr. Steve's family and things like that; I'll keep kind of a "Diary" too.  Mr. Steve says our lives are "ordinary and uneventful," but I like it.  For sure it's way better than being homeless, as I was before Mr. Steve got me.

          Mr. Steve once used the word "mundane" to describe our lives, and Miss Susan joked how a "straight and narrow" life is not "eventful" like a tv show.  I noticed my boss told her, "in his old age" he doesn't "mix" with people nearly as much as he used to; but is "okay with that."    

           

"SPARK OF LIFE"       

                                                                                                                                                                          MICHAELANGELO                  

                

           Hey God?  Are You a boy or a girl?  As You know already, Mr. Steve jokes how we really don't know for sure but; prefer to think of You as a "Father Figure."  In the "Real World" down here on Earth, my boss's main "Guidance Counselor" is his dad;" while Daisy is mine.     

           I know one thing for sure, whether You're male or female God, because Mr. Steve says he prefers to think of You as wise, patient and forgiving; Daisy and I do too.  A tv show said Isaac Newton thought that You were a "Rational" God, who created a "rational physical world."

           Hey Lord!  Like my boss I want to think maybe the Bible word "Rhêma" can also mean a good feeling music gives you, as well as some spoken words.  Daisy heard our boss talking on the phone with his mom.  She thinks maybe at times music can be a connection to You up there. 

             

 "PIGPEN"    

                                       

          Aha!  I knew I smelled that Gopher "Pigpen" and it's good to see him popping out of a hole near the Mulberry tree .  Like my boss,  I couldn't live in an underground  "Tunnel," for      fear it might "Cave In."  Pigpen was named for a member of the GRATEFUL DEAD.                   

            Hey Lord!  Mr. Steve doesn't like "Small Spaces," and my English Dictionary says how "Claustrophobic" means a "fear of enclosed areas;" so I must have that.  In 1985 my boss went to the "Tomb" of Your friend "Lazarus."  We still have "Open Spaces" here in Piñon Hills.  

           In Israel, because it got so narrow; Mr. Steve was unable to go all the way into Lazarus' tomb.  So, he turned around and went back up; not even caring if others made fun of him.  I think Pigpen, who has bad eyesight; smelled me so went back down into his hole right now.

                                                      

                                                     "THE RAISING OF LAZARUS"   

                                                                                                                                     PAINTING BY CARL BLOCH      

                                                                       

            Boy Lord!  I wish I could've been there when You raised that guy Lazarus from the dead. To Daisy and I it's kind of funny how back in 1985 Mr. Steve was too scared to go to the bottom of Lazarus' tomb tunnel.  To us he seems like a person who isn't afraid of very many things.  

          The big Mulberry tree, which gives us shade in Summer; has no leaves yet.  The water in the basin is totally gone now but a little Finch just landed on one of the big boulders, looked all around; and then flew away really fast.   I can still smell the bad scent Pigpen left behind. 

          We're in a "Drought" but my boss jokes the "good part" is there are less weeds to cut.  My Dictionary says a drought is "prolonged dry weather," so we can't waste water.  I see our silver steel water bucket to my right, over near the sliding glass door going into the dining room. 

                                      

       "VAPOR" TRAIL                   

                        

            A vapor trail is up in the sky.  Boy!  I think I kind of like learning how to read and write by doing my books, and my boss will be so surprised when he reads my work.  I know for sure Daisy is up there in the front yard wondering how everything is going for me back here. 

            I can't wait to see Mr. Steve's reaction when he realizes how smart I am and hopefully, or "God Willing" as Grandma Trujillo used to say; he'll hug me.  He says there's "no such thing" as a perfect place to live but "overall," where we live is "pretty good."  Heathcliff crowed.

           Mr. Mike agreed the High Desert has more "positive" than "negative" things in it, as long as you "adapt" to the hot and cold windy weather.  And, sometimes we have "Thunder Storms;" which really, really scare me a lot.  Mr. Steve and Daisy always have to calm me back down.

         

"THOR"    

         

               Thinking of storms makes remember how today, "Thursday;" is named after the Viking God "Thor."  Daisy saw a tv show that said he carried a big powerful hammer around and was the God of "thunder and lightning."  I'm scheduled to learn more about Vikings tomorrow.

          Boy!  I'm so tempted to look up Thor, but I'll wait and write about him when he comes up on the outlines Dais and I put together.  She explained to me what "Comic" books are, and how Mr. Steve read them as a kid; and still has a few  left.  Boy!  I'd love to read a Comic book.   

          During Summer Mr. Steve does "Errands" early before it gets too hot.  When he moved up here this man joked how one night he'd be "sleeping in underwear on top of his covers with a fan blowing."  A short time later he'd wake up on a cold night curled up in a "Fetal Position."

   

  "MOTOCROSS"    

        

           Oh!  A "Motorcycle" machine my boss calls a "Dirt Bike" went bye out in the desert on Primavera Road.  When younger, Mr. Steve's Nephew Mathew "Competed" in "BMX;" which I guess is "Motocross" for "Bicycles."  They also jump and go fast on dirt too Daisy told me.  

          My boss owned a Motorcycle once but, because he was bad at "Shifting" gears; sold it to his friend Tim who was much better at it.  Mr. Steve knows what it's like to fall or hit "Asphalt," and says, "It's no fun."  He told Mr. Ralph it's like a "meat grinder going bye below you."    

         Most of the time you hear Motorcycles on the days called "Weekends."  Mr. Steve thinks that could be because it's mainly young boys who are "into" Motocross but have to go to school on "Weekdays."  Daisy says she's positive one time she smelled this girl out there riding too. 

         

                                                      BARUCH SPINOZA (1632-1677)  

                   

            God!  As You know, Mr. Steve is a "Theist" and a "Deist;" and thinks both "reason" and "spirituality" are "compatible."  He "feels more comfortable" hoping there's an "Afterlife."  In my books I'll learn about Baruch Spinoza, a Jew whose view of You Albert Einstein believed in.

           My boss "Senses" God that You, who "Existed before Time;" was the one who "set up" or "set in motion" the Universe.  In a Deistic way, he thinks You then don't "get involved" in this "Physical" world.  But he, and us too; also want to think of You as a "Personal" God too.

          Mr. Steve believes in "Free Will;" even if it's led to some terrible things in our "Temporal" world of the five senses.  People, religious and atheist, have done awful things.  Although raised a Roman Catholic, I can tell that my boss likes talking to people of the other "Faiths" as well.

            

                                                                                                     "BELIEF"       

               

           Hey God!   My boss thinks many religions have things "In Common."   I'll  always put my trust in You, and accept anything if "Pre-Destination" turns out to be true.  Mr. Steve believes in Free Will but knows of "pivotal" times in history when it sure seems like You "Interceded."

          That American Civil War General "Stonewall" Jackson said God, Your will was what they call "inscrutable;" maybe understandable later or never.   I used to be resentful for being tossed out into that terrible field.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying over Libby's Corral.

          Daisy says a Jewish lady told Mr. Steve "anger is the opposite of happiness."  And so now, because I definitely want to happy, I'm not mad at anyone anymore.  Using the right slot on the side of the gate, Speedy Gonzalez just zoomed out into the eastern desert behind the Sheds.

                 

                               LOU GEHRIG                                 STEPHEN HAWKING     

                

           In my books I'll learn about a smart British Scientist named Stephen Hawking.  He's has   "A.L.S." or "Lou Gehrig's disease.  Lou Gehrig, who I'll learn about too; during the "Roaring" 1920's and 1930's "Great Depression was a Baseball player for those New York "Yankees." 

           On a tv show Dais heard Stephen Hawking say he isn't mad at being "Dealt a bad Hand" in life, as they say in Poker.  Mr. Steve likes his "self-deprecating" humor.  He and Lou Gehrig  were and are now "blessed" to have "decent minded" wives this lady once told my boss.  

          Hey God!  I'm like Stephen Hawking in not being bitter about unfairness.  He jokes if he, "Didn't laugh he'd have to cry."  Like my boss, he thinks "Mankind" may destroy itself through "Nuclear War" or  "Global Warming;" or maybe by computer's "Artificial Intelligence."

      

                                                        "2001 A SPACE ODYSSEY"

    

           Dais says in his office Mr. Steve has an incredible machine called a "Computer."  I guess, Stephen Hawking thinks someday computers will be smarter than people; and might even "Take Over" so to speak.  And this may just happen way sooner than expected my boss thinks.  

           I'm tempted to write about that 1968 movie "2001 A SPACE ODYSSEY," which Mr. Steve likes.  Mr. Steve thinks advancing "Technology" is good but, like most things; with good comes a "Potential" for an equal amount of bad.  All four of the Pigeons just flew out to the desert.   

          Mr. Steve told Mr. Grant, who knows about computers; the "Internet" is like a "Library in your house," but "con artists are also there too."  My boss used to spend  time in Library's, but now goes only when he wants to.  I'm so glad he piled all these Encyclopedia's out here.

                 

                        "BLACK HOLE"                                         "GAMMA RAY BURST"

                                                                                                    ARTWORK BY "ALL ABOUT SPACE"    

      

           Stephen Hawking, who spells his first name differently than Mr. Steve, knows about these things "Black Holes" and "Gamma Ray Bursts;" which I'll learn about.   Daisy says, in hearing his "Artificial" voice you realize just how "fragile" life is.  A boy near us died in his sleep.      

          Hey God!  As You know, that kid who died was a good Athlete, so his death totally shocked everyone.  Mr. Steve tries to make every day "Productive" and hearing about that boy made him "Reflect" on "Mortality and Time" even more.   Boy!  I really want to be productive too!            

          Mr. Steve's father likes this old joke "Adage," "It's a matter of mind over matter.  If you don't mind then it doesn't matter."  My English Dictionary says an adage is, "An old saying or proverb."  An "Aphorism is, "A concise truthful statement using an adage or maxim."  

                

   UNITED STATES "REGIONS" 

                

         Over the next three days I'll learn about the States of New Mexico and California, but I'll also find out about the other fifty States too.  And, I'll follow my outlines but; if I just happen to  think of something as I go along I'll just "Wing It" as they say.  Boy! I like learning things.           

           Glancing up and seeing a vapor trail in the sky made me look up the word "Aviation" and it's defined as, "The science of flying machines."  That mainly means Airplanes, Jets and those other amazing things we at times see around here called "Helicopters."  Heathcliff crowed.

           In book three on Saturday I'm scheduled to learn about all of the German World War II "Advanced" technology.  The "Nazis" built the second "Operational" Jet, the "Me-262." "Me" is just short for "Messerschmidt," which Dais heard is the last name of a German family.

        

                              "ME-262"                                                           "V-1" ROCKET    

            

               Someday, when I overcome my fear of being trapped in an enclosed area, I'll be brave like Dais and go in the kitchen to see all the astounding machines like that "Oven."  On a "Divider" between the kitchen and dining room sits this one plastic model of an Me-262 Daisy told me.

          Mr. Steve and his dad think it's incredible how many things the Germans either created or developed in the Second World War.  The first "Rockets," the "V-1" and "V-2's;" were used in that huge war.  Anyway, I'll be coming back to this same subject over the next three days.  

                 Since he's been a kid Daisy told me, Mr. Steve has built "Miniature" models or "Military Figurines."  He's doing a little "Samurai" Warrior now as a matter of fact she says.  And inside of his office my boss has a few swords, spears and knives; some of which are also Japanese.    

                                      

    CHUCK YEAGER ( "BELL X-1" / 1947)              "EDWARDS" AIR FORCE BASE

                                                                                                            PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

                            

                  "Edwards Air Force Base," to the northwest of us; is where famous Airplanes were tested.  In 1947, two years after World War II; a "Test Pilot" named Chuck Yeager broke the "Sound Barrier" for the first time there.  Mr. Grant has a nice house near "Edwards." 

                  Daisy says in 1996, for Mr. Rick's company; Mr. Steve worked inside of Edwards A.F.B. replacing this huge obsolete Second World War era "Hot Water Boiler."   To do it he had to pass a "Background Check."  A flock of Birds is flying bye way up there in the morning sky. 

                Mr. Steve knew he'd pass the background check because in 1987 he passed the same thing done by the "Secret Service."   That was before being allowed to take pictures of Pope John Paul II over there at the "San Fernando Mission."  I'll write about that time in my three books.

                              

"SACRED FEMININE"     

                          

                In chapter one I mentioned how my boss believes in the "Sacred Feminine."  His dad says if the women in our family had not been as "shrewd" and "resourceful" as they've been "we may not have made it."  Mr. Steve's four Grandparents survived the 1930's "Great Depression."

                 My boss thinks, because life on Earth down here has often been a  "struggle to survive;" male's "physical strength" has been important.  So, they've also "held" most of the "Political" power" too he says.  But very often, in the background; was the influence of a female.         

               Daisy says Mr. Steve likes a 19th century poem by William Ross Wallace from the State of "Kentucky" called, "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle is the Hand That Rules the World."  It's from 1865, the year the American Civil War ended.  Abraham Lincoln liked that poem.

             

   NANCY HANKS LINCOLN (1785-1818)                                   SARAH BUSH LINCOLN (1788-1869)

             

                Those "Dream Catchers" I talked about were hung above a baby's bed, which is what a cradle is called.  My Encyclopedia has a Abraham Lincoln quote, "All that I am, or hope to be; I owe to my mothers."  His "Birth" mother died young so he also had a "Step" mother too.  

                Mr. Steve thinks the "impact" or "imprint" made on males by us females has influenced history, especially if those females had humor, character and courage.  He and his dad have seen women be better "consensus builders" who negotiate "win-win" situations.  I smell Sage.

          One morning as they loaded Rex to go to the dump I heard Mr. Mike say how women can be society's "bell weathers" and "conscience."  He and my boss don't like it when someone says, "She's only a housewife."  Being a "Home-Maker" is a hard and important job they think.

        

   NAPOLÉON BONAPARTE (1769-1821)       TEDDY ROOSEVELT (1858-1919)          WINSTON CHURCHILL 91974-1965)

     

              I'll learn about Napoléon Bonaparte, Teddy Roosevelt and Winston Churchill over the next three days.  Mr. Steve, who's been called a "Momma's Boy;" says all three were "heavily influenced" by their mothers.  And so were Franklin Roosevelt and Adolph Hitler too.

           Mr. Steve says his mom provided a "well-run" household which allowed his dad to focus on "Earning a Living."  That created a "Stable and Secure" environment.  Mr. Steve's brother Sam and his wife Yolanda, and his Niece Stephanie and Mr. Rich; all help each other.  

               In the early 1970's, Mr. Steve told his and Sandy's mom how; they were in part "Domestic Engineers."  They thought it was so funny even though both of them at times held jobs outside of only raising kids and running a household.  Sandy's mom was a "Nurse" for many years. 

  

                                MARGARET THATCHER (1925-2013) AND FAMILY

 

            I'm named "Maggie" because my boss read a Magazine article about Margaret Thatcher, a 1980's British "Prime Minster;" whose nickname is Maggie.  So Dais thinks, my name would actually be "Margaret Córdova."  Mr. Steve's mom's "Middle" name is also Margaret too.

           Daisy says Mr. Steve described Margaret Thatcher as "fearless."  So that's what I want to be and show how females are, in most ways except physical strength; the equal of males.  Maggie Thatcher was called "The Iron Lady" who, in the 1980's'; even beat Argentina in a war. 

               As "Prime Minister" of England, like Winston Churchill during World War II; Maggie Thatcher was a "Conservative."   Daisy thinks she's proof females can be as mentally capable as males.  But, "as usual" my boss says; no one is without "Critics" so some don't like her.

        

                           "PRIME MINISTER" (1979-1990) MARGARET THATCHER 

         

                Wow!  My Encyclopedia says Maggie Thatcher was not just the only female British Prime Minister, she was the "longest serving"  20th century "P.M.;" too.   It says in my Dictionary one definition of a critic is, "One who finds fault."  Dawn's now barking over there next door.

                Mr. Steve's father, who had a school for Stockbrokers in the early 1970's; knows about the history of "Capitalism versus Socialism."  He likes a Margaret Thatcher quote, "The problem with Socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money."  I smell Blinky.

              Dais saw a tv show about a girl Writer named Jane Austen who, like Margaret Thatcher; was English.  My Encyclopedia says she had six books "published," four in her lifetime; and two after she died at the age of only forty one.  My boss read her book "Pride and Prejudice."

                                                    

                                                            JANE AUSTEN (1775-1817)

FROM DRAWING BY SISTER CASSANDRA  AUSTEN         

       

            It says here there were "eight children" in Jane Austen's family, her father was what's called a "Rector," which is probably like a "Priest" in "Anglican Protestant" Christianity.  I've mentioned how our family is "Roman Catholic."  Boy!  I like Jane Austin's blue dress.                  

             I guess it was "rare" in late 18th and early 19th century England to educate females but Jane Austen and her sisters were "Home-Schooled" by their father.  Mr. Steve says you can tell Jane Austen was really smart.  She was very "observant" of British society he thinks. 

            The caption below a good  painting of Jane Austen says she used "irony and satire" to describe England's "landed gentry."  Wow!  Two of her brothers became "Naval "Admirals."  My English Dictionary says the word "gentry" means, "people of high social standing."

    

                       FRENCH "ARTILLERY"                               NAPOLÉON BONAPARTE

             

          Oh!  Jane Austen's two brothers fought in those "Napoléonic Wars" I'll learn about.  An Admiral is like a "General" in the Army.  Wow!  No one even knew Jane Austen wrote her books during her life as it was thought "inappropriate" for females to be Writers in those days.              

            Jane Austen's brother had four of her books "published anonymously," but at least she was "better off financially" than most English people then.  I guess female Writers were kind of like that lady Carol Kaye and the WRECKING CREW Session Musicians.  Dawn barked. 

           It was only after Jane Austen died that others realized what a good Writer she had been.    One reason she wrote was to impress her father I guess, and she enjoyed reading her books out loud to her family.  Wow!  I also want to impress my boss too so he'll like me more.

                                            

                                      "MONTY PYTHON" ("THE HOLY GRAIL" / 1975)    

            

           Dais says one time Mr. Steve met a girl at the Sylmar Library who knew a lot about Jane Austen.  She thought Jane Austen influenced that British comedy group called "Monty Python."  Mr. Steve likes their humor so I'll learn about them in what I now know will be long books.    

            Oh!  The "Epitaph" that Jane Austen's brother had put on her grave's "Headstone" was, "Extraordinary Endowments of Mind."  Dais says Mr. Steve knows about the "Brontë" sisters, Charlotte, Emily and Anne; also 19th century Writers.  His ex-girlfriend was named Emily. 

           Mr. Steve jokes I'm like a "Phoenix rising from the Ashes."  I think a Phoenix is a Bird but in some pictures it sort of looks like a "Dragon."  Daisy and I do believe in Dragons, even if    Mr. Steve told this kid he "doubts" there's ever been an actual "fire-breathing" Dragon.                                                          

"PHOENIX RISING"

           

           This Encyclopedia has images of a "Rising Phoenix," including that black and white one Daisy says Mr. Steve drew as a kid.  I guess Mr. Grant's mom lives in this city over there in the State of "Arizona" named "Phoenix."  Hey!  Maybe I could even learn to draw someday?

           As I've mentioned before, I was abandoned.  At times what are called "Stray" Dogs run "Back and Forth" on the road in front of our fenced in two acres.   I have a duty to bark at them but, if the "Truth be Told" as they say; Dais and I kind of feet sorry for them out there.  

          Hey God!  At times I wonder why I'm still alive when so many other Dogs die every day?  I hope You have a higher purpose for me like Daisy says.  I just thought of that one scared black boy Dog who, like Millie; was hit by a speeding Truck and killed out there on the front road.

      

                                                              OUR GRAVEYARD    

         

           Mr. Steve used his "Cell" phone to call the government to get the Dog's body but then just got it himself.  That Dog, whose rear we smelled so know he was a boy; he named "Blackie" and is buried in what my boss calls "our little graveyard."  Mr. Phillip calls cell phones "Mobile."  

           Because of my situation I have "Empathy" for abandoned Dogs and feel grateful God for a place to protect!  And just because I'm back here sitting on my couch Elvira doesn't mean I'm not alert for any intruders onto our land.  Daisy, and Dawn and Blinky too; are guarding.

          Mr. Steve jokes he's "tried" to play drums along to some LED ZEPPELIN songs Daisy says.  Like Jane Austen, Margaret Thatcher and Winston Churchill; they're from England too.  I mentioned their song "Dazed and Confused," which is how Blackie looked on that day.

  

                                                                    LED ZEPPELIN

            Homeless Dogs run "Up and Down" the road, south to north and then north to south; not knowing which way to go.  And, all the time they're being barked at by all of us Dogs; even old Rosie too.  LED ZEPPELIN'S Singer was born on August the 20th like Mr. Steve's mom.

            In chapter one I mentioned how Mr. Steve's 6th Grade teacher Sister Rita Joseph told her class the difference between sympathy and empathy.  I know from "Personal Knowledge" it's no fun being hungry or thirsty.  So, I really have more empathy for Dogs who feel so hopeless.    

             Mr. Steve's dad is a generous and helpful person so, over the years; has shown sympathy and empathy for others.  He and my boss have both donated money to help pay for the burial of poor people like that guy Antonio Vivaldi.  My boss read Mozart also died really poor too.    

         

                                                     "KOREAN" WAR  (1950-1953) 

                

           Mr. Steve's father is a "First Marine Division" combat veteran of the "Korean War."  In that war they wanted to "Amputate" his feet from "Frostbite" so he empathizes with others with "War Injuries."  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are flying toward the north.

           Examples of my boss's father's sympathy were when his mom had her kids.  During the "Delivery Process" he was even more nervous than his wife and almost felt her pain too.  I guess one of the six babies Mr. Steve's mother "Delivered" died right away and didn't survive.   

          Mr. Steve's mother is a "Calming Presence."  Mr. Steve jokes, like James Longstreet was to Robert E. Lee; she's the "Yang" to his dad's "Yin."  Mr. Steve's father is usually patient, but at times can seem tough and demanding.  As they say, "Once a Marine, always a Marine."

       

                                 ROCKY JR. ROCK / STEPHANIE / JACOB IN FRONT (1985)

             

            I guess some men, like his brother Rock; want to be in the Delivery Room as their kids are born.  Mr. Steve thinks, if his dad had been in there he would've been "bossing" the Doctors all around; which would have "made things impossible."  Heathcliff just crowed over there.  

           When my boss told him about his father Mr. "Ramon," who fixes our Cars; nodded his head and said he was the same way when his children were born too.  Boy!  I'm looking forward to writing more about sympathy versus empathy.   Ah!  I remember Blackie the Dog's scent. 

          Blackie was out there on the road running back and forth so, we couldn't tell whether he was a boy or girl.  But before he was buried, as he lay in the wheelbarrow; Dais and I smelled his rear area so know for sure he was a boy alright.   I kind of like the way boy Dogs smell. 

     

                                                   GRANDPA / GRANDMA CÓRDOVA

            Mr. Steve dreamt the other night of his Grandma and Grandpa Córdova.  I had a really weird dream, where Blackie was back alive; and we smelled each other's rear areas but smelled exactly like the same thing to each other.  It was sort of scary but then I woke back up.  

            As he helped my boss bury Blackie Mr. Randy said, "At least he died instantly so didn't suffer that much."  He didn't see the Truck coming so "never knew what hit him" as Mr. Randy said.  Blackie ran from one Car only to be hit by a Truck coming in the opposite direction.

           The big Truck that killed  Blackie was going way too fast.  If I were ever elected President I'd make it against the law to go so fast and, it would be "Illegal" to just keep on driving without even stopping after you hit a Dog by accident.  And I know for sure Daisy agrees with me.

                      

                                         "EVOLUTION" OF THE "TELEPHONE"     

                                    

           Boy!  "Telephones" are so amazing.  Last Summer, sitting in our trench on the north side of the house; Daisy told me there two types; and I guess Mr. Steve has a traditional "Land Line" connected by wires in the house; and also one of those "Cell" phones too.  I smell Sage. 

           So Blackie's buried in "our growing little cemetery" as my boss calls it, next to "Millie" and "Lucy."  At first, Mr. Steve was only going to move his body to the side of the road but then changed his mind.  Blackie's in an old blue blanket Mr. Steve wrapped all around him.   

          Mr. Randy said most Dog "corpse's," and many dead people; aren't buried but are simply "cremated."  Daisy told me that means they just burn up the bodies.  Mr. Randy joked, at least Blackie, Lucy and Millie have graves; so might "possibly" be remembered someday.

       

                                        GRAVE ("BLACK DEATH" / 1348 / ENGLAND)

         

            Writing about Blackie makes me think about how, in the 1970's; Mr. Steve did a College "Research Project."  It was on a "Plague" or "Pandemic" that hit Europe way back in the 14th century.  The "Bubonic" plague caused what they now call the "Black Death" I guess.

            This Encyclopedia says, from 1347 through 1351 A.D.; "millions" of people died.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve say some think half the population of Europe "may have died."  So many people died in such a short time they couldn't "keep up" with "disposal" of all the dead bodies. 

          Daisy thinks, if I do a really good job in learning and then writing about "Epidemics" and "Pandemics;" Mr. Steve will really be impressed.  After World War I there was a pandemic that may have killed over sixty million people.  Some Ravens are croaking out there in the desert. 

                                                    THE "BLACK DEATH" (1347-1351)  

           Wow!  A black and white cartoon drawing in this Encyclopedia shows Workers picking up the dead bodies during the Black Death.   It was like a regular "trash pick up" Mr. Steve says.  Boy!  They were buried in "Unmarked Mass Graves" no one will ever know who they were. 

           Dais says, for Millie, Lucy and Blackie to have a "Marked" grave is a small thing; but for my boss seems important.  God!  I'm hoping to be buried in our graveyard someday, but not for a long time I hope.  All of a sudden, I can really remember Blackie's totally unique smell. 

          On the Highways and paved roads in Piñon Hills at times Rabbits, Squirrels or Snakes get killed by Cars.  One morning I heard Mr. Randy joke about how, "At least for a little while all of the Hawks, Crows and Ravens will have some extra food."  I can smell Blinky over there.

             

                                      "SPANISH" INFLUENZA PANDEMIC (1817-1919)

            

         When that huge pandemic hit right after the First World War I guess my boss's Grandma Trujillo was five years old.  Yet she must've "absorbed the fear" in the air my boss thinks.  She      made Mr. Steve and his mom promise to make sure she wasn't accidentally "buried alive."         

          Boy God!  It's so amazing how, eventually; all that's left of dead Animals are "bleached" bones which are then just blown away by the wind.  Someday, when I get over my fear of being trapped; I want to hear a song Daisy told me about called "Dust in the Wind."  I smell Sage.

         In about 1974 Dais says, Mr. Steve and his girlfriend Sandy went with another couple to see a concert by a British band called the KINKS.  It was held at the "Shrine" Auditorium.  And this band called KANSAS, who wrote Dust in the Wind; what they call "Opened Up" for them.

                                THE KINKS                      "SHRINE" AUDITORIUM                   KANSAS

  

         Mr. Steve and his friend "Chris" had seen the KINKS before, and knew after one song by KANSAS  they were in trouble.   My boss likes "Three-Piece" bands of bass, drums and guitar.    Daisy told me she noticed one time in a picture how KANSAS has six members total.                     

           Daisy told me Mr. Steve likes 1970's and 1980's "Progressive" Rock bands like GENESIS, YES and GENTLE GIANT.  That band KANSAS, from the State of "Kansas;" is also called a "Prog" Rock and so is this other band from Canada called RUSH.  Heathcliff just crowed.

           Over the next three days Daisy has me scheduled I'll learn about music, and one subject I'll write about are those bands RUSH and KANSAS.    Mr. Dave back there in New Mexico also likes those two bands, mainly because of their Drummers of course.  I hear Hens cackling. 

  

     NEIL PEART (RUSH)                                          PHIL EHART (KANSAS)    

PHOTO BY MIKE LAWRIE                                                                                                                                                                              

       

          Daisy says Mr. Steve and Mr. Dave one time talked about how, often Drummers and Bass Players just provide the "Bottom" or "Platform" or "Foundation" for a song.  They stay in what is called "The Pocket," with "Nothing Fancy."  But RUSH and KANSAS are different.  

          I guess, from what Dais can tell because she's heard so many more songs than I have; in a lot of songs the Drummer and Bassist are the "Rhythm Section."   In many songs the Guitarist, Horn Player or Organist play "Lead" on top of the rhythm.  I can't wait to hear more music. 

         Mr. Dave mentioned this thing called "Fills," which Daisy thinks are the parts Drummers play in between different sections of the song.  I guess, KANSAS' and RUSH'S Drummers are known for fills; "even though both only use one bass drum" Mr. Dave said.  I feel so good!

  

                                                                  GARTH BROOKS

   

            In a tv show Daisy saw "Country" Musician Garth Brooks say KANSAS' Drummer is so good he "plays notes."  In many songs the Drummer just "Keeps Time" but in some bands, like RUSH or KANSAS; they actually "create music" my boss says.  Ah!  The air is so clear.  

           Daisy heard Mr. Steve say, soon after the KINKS / KANSAS concert; he and Chris went out and bought KANSAS' first album.  I'll learn about KANSAS and the actual State of Kansas too over the next three days.  Thank You God for giving me this good project to work on! 

          "Sure enough" Mr. Steve told Mr. Dave, KANSAS' "far more polished musicianship blew away" the KINKS.  My boss and his friend Chris had seen the KINKS deliver their "informal," almost "sloppy" show.    Their Manager made a mistake having KANSAS play before them.  

              

                            FIRST ALBUM (1974)                      KANSAS                        KANSAS IN CONCERT

                        

             Someday I'll hear KANSAS' first album, which shows a pre-American Civil War anti-slavery guy named John Brown.  Hey Lord"  In one hand he's holding a Bible, but in the other a gun.  The 16th century Spanish conquered the New World with the "Sword and Cross."  

            Daisy says KANSAS' Violinist is a good Singer too.   Mr. Steve told Mr. Dave he "thinks" KANSAS first song that night was "Can I Tell You," but it might've been "Belexes; both really great songs according to Daisy.  All four of the Pigeons are now flying over Libby's Corral. 

           KANSAS first album is from 1974.  But Mr. Steve told Mr. Dave on the song "Journey from Mariabronn," the last "Crescendo" song they did that night; one section sounds like Phil Ehart is playing "Double Bass."  KANSAS' lyrics have "mystical" or "spiritual" ideas. 

          

CALIFORNIA "HIGH" DESERT ("PIÑON HILLS)       

         

          Hey God!  As You know of course, even though we're what's called "Roman" Catholics, I  like knowing about other religions too.  My Encyclopedia says that, since the early 16th century; there have been three "types"  of  "Christianity."  Before that there were two main types.

              Lord!  Over the next three days I'll learn about the differences between us "Catholics" and those "Greek Orthodox" Christians; as well as the "Protestants" too.  I can't wait!  Daisy says if I do a good enough job of writing it all down then our boss will definitely like and keep us.

         It says here Lord, our "Western Roman Catholicism" from Italy is influenced by "Latin;" the  "Eastern Orthodox Christians" are more "Greek."  Daisy heard one main difference is the Greek Orthodox Christian's are led by a "Patriarch" and not the "Pope."  I smell Sage.

                          

                        "POPE"JOHN PAUL II                      "PATRIARCH" OF GREEK ORTHODOX

                                                           PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

             

           Hey Lord!  You told St. Peter to lead Your Church so, it seems like maybe You'd support the Roman Catholic tradition more.  But Mr. Steve and his dad think both sides believe in Your same "basic" ideas.  Thank all of You Guys up there for making me feel good right now.

           Boy God!  It's too bad sometimes religions have wars against each other in history, like how the two types of Muslims, "Sunni" and Shia;" have fought each other.  Maybe all religions should just try to "Get Along."  On Saturday I'll learn about the 1992 "Rodney King" riots.

           Maybe there should be a rule that all religions have to just "Make Friends?"  Dais heard Mr. Dave likes a song by WAR called "Why Can't We Be Friends?"  Daisy thinks WAR is kind of a weird name for a band, and has me scheduled to learn about a band called DEATH.

   

MARTIN LUTHER (1483-1546)

PAINTING BY SERGIO ANDRES SEGOVIA

    

           My Encyclopedia says in the early 16th century, that German guy Martin Luther "led" a "break" from the Church located down there in Rome.   The people who followed him since then are called "Protestants."  They protested against things the Catholic Church was doing.  

          The 16th century in Europe was important for being the "Renaissance" period, and also the "Age of Discovery" after the time of Christopher Columbus' first 1492 voyage.  But Daisy heard Mr. Steve's father say the "Protestant Reformation" was important.  I smell Sage.

          I'm kind of tempted to write about the wars between European countries since the time of Columbus.   I guess, some were over things having to do with money and power, but other wars were between the Catholics and Protestants.  Anyway, I'll come back to it later in my books.

                                    

MISS BABETTE /  HUSBAND DAVID

           Daisy heard Mr. Steve talk with Miss Babette at work on the phone.  He told her, "over the years;" he and his dad have known "Armenian" Greek Orthodox people.  Some lived in "Glendale," a city I'm looking forward to learning about.  Miss Helen lived there too.  

          Hey Lord!  Daisy says one time Mr. Steve and Miss Babette, who's Armenian and really believes in You; talked about how both Roman and Greek Christians are all taught that "Golden Rule" Sister Rita Joseph talked about.  Miss Babette is a really good Cook Daisy heard.   

         Well, I kind of got "Off on a Tangent" talking about Christianity.  But, maybe that's a good thing because of what I'll learn about over the next three days.  Hey Lord?  Was it You who just made me do that right now?  I guess I'll only know that later; if You want me to that is.                                                             

"HEALED SOUL" 

ARTWORK BY SALLIE KEYS         

         

             Oh!  The caption below artwork in this Encyclopedia says the triangles and circles in it "symbolize the unity, wholeness and illumination the soul needs in order to heal itself."  I don't really understand what that means but want to believe in the idea of a Soul.  Daisy does too.

             God!  I guess, on a tv show Dais saw the man said Buddhists talk of  "impermanence" in life.  I want to accomplish something before I turn  back to dust and with Your help I now believe I can actually write what I know now are going to be long books.  I smell some Creosote.

            For my boss Spring represents the "Cycle" of  "Life, Death and Rebirth" or  the "tension between old and new that just comes with change."  Grandma Trujillo said "Life can be a mixed bag," joking "getting old is often no fun."  She believed "Death is just part of the process."    

          

                                                                                                  MORNING SKY  

         

            I'd say it's almost nine thirty judging by the Sun.  I feel so good right now God and kind of better understand what living "In the Moment" means.  Mr. Steve thinks, like his parents and the Nuns at St. Ferdinand; there's no such thing as a "Perfect Life" without problems.

           Mr. Steve met a girl who used to say, "It's all Good."  He and his boss Steve Banks would look at each other and chuckle knowing life is often at least partially bad.  But that's okay and you just have to "deal with it."  A guy ended up stealing all of that girl's money Dais heard.  

            In 1999, due to his own "dumb decisions" he admits; my boss had the "rug yanked from under him" financially.  But "thankfully," and with the help of  Steve Banks and also Mr. Grant; he "picked himself up" and kept going.  I'll write about how terrible 1999 was for my boss.  

       

                                                                 MAGGIE CÓRDOVA   

         

           Thank You God for giving me two good nostrils, eyes and ears.  I'm so lucky to be sitting here in this back Patio, on my couch Elvira; and wouldn't trade places with anyone in the whole world!  No way!  Absolutely not!  Ugh! Ugh!  Steve Banks used to say "Forget about it."  

           When he moved up here from Sylmar in 2005; a man said in Summer "you'll be sleeping on top of the covers in your underwear with a fan blowing."   And in the Winter he said, "You'll be wearing thick underwear beneath a few blankets.  A little Lizard just now ran bye.

           If it gets cold at night my boss puts on pajamas, and sleeps underneath blankets, the top one being a thick "Quilt" his sister Celina made for him before dying.  When Daisy sleeps in the house she's near his bed on her Barney the Dinosaur blanket.  Mr. Chris got Barney for her.  

           

                                               EARLY SPANISH "EXPLORATIONS" 

                    

             Daisy saw a tv show about the 16th and 17th century Spanish "Voyages of Exploration" up here to "Alta" California.  This Encyclopedia says, until the 18th century it was thought to be "remote and forbidding;" with nothing "worthwhile" here.  But the Indians sure liked it.

             In the desert we sometimes have what my boss described as "fierce" winds.  It can be so strong your face "stings," and might even become "numb" too.  It's on those cold days when Mr. Steve really feels sorry for that one homeless guy Mr. Mark, and his little Yorkie Dog Karma.  

             I remember the first sights, sounds and scents from the day when Mr. Steve unloaded me  and put me on the ground up there in the front yard.  Boy Elvira!  I like you even though you're old and have areas that were torn when that other Dog Lucy chewed on you.  I smell Sage.  

        

FLYING PIGEONS       

       

             Two of the Pigeons are flying bye right now.  Hey Elvira!  To think how I almost named you "Carla" but, when Daisy told me about the girl who shows the Horror movies; I just sort of liked how her name sounded a little bit better.  And I still do but, I like the name Carla too.   

             I'll bet some would think I'm dumb Elvira but, the feeling I sometimes get in sitting on you makes me think of how you're supposed to feel around your mom.  Hey Blessed Mother!  As You know, I sometimes have that same exact feeling thinking of You too.  Dawn's barking.       

            Hey God!  Daisy and I want to believe in You even if others think You're just tricking us.  Mr. Steve and his mom think, in really hard times; it "seems easier" to deal with it if you think you have "Someone" or "Something" to "Lean On" or "have hope in."  I think that too! 

                                                                                     

                                                                  SAINT PAUL (c.5-c.64/65 A.D.)                                                                                               PAINTING BY BARTOLOMEO MONTAGNA                                                                                                                              

               

             Oh!  All of a sudden I just thought of that guy Saint Paul who Daisy told me about.  Hey Lord!  Mr. Steve thinks, more than even Your "Apostles;" he "sold" Your ideas to "Non Jewish" or "Gentile" people.  He used "Roman" roads to walk around the "Mediterranean" world.  

             Mr. Steve's father believes a person should think they have someone or something to be "accountable and grateful" to.  He thinks it can sometimes be true that, "Those who believe in nothing often believe in anything."  That's a joke I guess but sometimes it's true Dais thinks.

            Hey Lord!  Daisy saw that tv show about St. Paul where he said how those who believe in You can, when life is hard; get "solace" or "an easing of grief or loneliness."  When we're sad we can maybe feel a sense of "comfort or consolation."  I smell Libby over there in her Corral.

                          

"JOURNEYS OF ST. PAUL" (FIRST CENTURY A.D.)

          

        Hey St. Paul!  If you might just happen to be mind-reading me I like this map showing where you walked around telling people about Christianity.  I heard about the letters you wrote  back in your time.  Daisy thinks you must've been "in good shape" to walk so many miles.            

         Oh wow St. Paul!  I really like this quote of yours, "Tribulations produce perseverance, perseverance produces character; and character hope." If you are listening to me up there St.      Paul I want to believe you.   What may be a boy Lizard is chasing what may be a girl Lizard.       

             Hey God!  I guess St. Paul also said, "Ever since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what He has created."  I totally agree!  I sense You when I smell, hear and see things in "Nature." 

                    

SAINT PAUL'S CATHEDRAL (ROME / 1985)  

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA             

             

         Hey St. Paul!  As you probably already know, back in 1985 my boss's St. Ferdinand's Tour Group visited your Cathedral in Rome.  I'm so glad you convinced the early Christians in Israel  to let "Gentiles" and not just other Jews be Christian.  Thank you so much for doing that.            

         I guess at first St. Paul you were called "Saul," and didn't really like Christians; and even "persecuted" them.  But then Lord, on his way to "Damascus;" You had a lightning bolt hit and  blind him.  I'm so glad St. Paul, when you could see again; you totally changed your mind.           

          Dais says the tv show said, back in the first century A.D.; a Gentile was "any person not a Jew."  In those days that mainly meant Greeks and Romans in the Eastern Mediterranean area.  I just now looked up in time to see all four of the Pigeons flying right over Libby's Corral.                                       

     HIGH DESERT SUNRISE        

             

            Hey God!  This morning Heathcliff crowed way before Sunrise.  I felt what Dais senses in "Nature" as a "connection" between us here on Earth; and You Guys up there.  She told me the tv show on St. Paul said he called nature, "a conduit connecting the temporal and sacred."     

            Boy St. Paul, it says here your four "Journeys" took thirty years.  But, as my boss and his father both think Lord; the work he did for You "sewed the seeds" for what has happened since.  Through Your good ideas he gave people living in "hopelessness and misery" some "Hope."        

           Hey Blessed Mother!  Thank You and Daisy for showing me how to not be afraid of my boss petting or even holding me, Mr. Randy used the term "gun shy."  He joked how, in Daisy's "perfect world;" she'd like to be petted twenty four hours a day.  Yup!  That's her alright!

           

  DAISY CÓRDOVA         

                                         

             When Mr. Steve asks "Want me to pet you?" Daisy lays on her side.  She's too big to be a "Lap Dog," but would if she could I know.   St. Paul!  You used the Roman's own roads to "Sell" them Christianity.  Daisy told me about a book called "The Greatest Salesman in the World." 

            Bonnie the Bird just flew in and is now throwing up some Worms for her babies to eat. Boy!  It would be so bad to be the food for something else.  But, like Dais says; someone has to be the food because if no one ever died there would end up being way too many things around.

           Mr. Randy read about the real Bonnie and Clyde in the 1930's "Great Depression."  He suspects, as much as Clyde Barrow led that gang; Bonnie Parker sometimes "called the shots," or "held the keys."  I can tell our Bonnie and Clyde are both what's called "Bread Winners."  

                                                                   "FÁTIMA" (PORTUGAL / 1917)            

                    

            Ah!  I smell Rosemary Blessed Mother, and that makes me hope You're up there thinking of me.  Daisy saw that tv show about 1917, the last year of World War I; when You came down to Portugal and visited with those three kids taking care of their Sheep.  Heathcliff crowed.

           That girl Miss "Babette," who works with my boss; is so lucky Blessed Virgin because her family visited "Fátima" where You talked to those kids.  Boy!  If I ever do get to time travel I'm definitely going back to 1917.  And I just know for sure Dais would want to go with me too. 

           My Encyclopedia says how Portugal "shares" the "Iberian" peninsula with Spain.  Both languages are  "derived" from Latin, brought in when ancient Rome "conquered the area."   A Motorcycle, leaving behind lingering dust; just zoomed bye out there on Primavera Road.

                

"LUCIA" / FRANCISCO" / JACINTA          

               

              Wow!  A painted photo shows the three lucky kids at Fátima.  The caption says the oldest girl is "Lucia," her two younger cousins are "Francisco" and his little sister "Jacinta."  Blessed Mother!  I guess You told them three secrets about how the world could be more peaceful? 

              I see how in Portuguese the name they gave you Blessed Virgin was "Nossa Senhora de Rosário de Fátima."  And that just means, "Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima."  That's mainly because I guess You told everyone to say the series of prayers which is called a "Rosary." 

            Daisy says Mr. Steve, along with other things like medals; has "Rosary" beads he got in Italy hanging above the desk in his office.  He has some Hummingbird wind chimes and an Ankh medallion hanging up there too.  I can't wait to someday see my boss's bedroom and office.

                                                                   WORLD WAR I (1914-1918)                                 

(ADOLPH HITLER ON RIGHT) 

       

          The U.S. "entered" the First World War in 1917, the year You came to Portugal Blessed Mother.  The caption below a picture of World War I Soldier Adolph Hitler says gas was used so he trimmed his "handlebar" mustache to "better fit" a "Gas Mask."  Heathcliff crowed.              

         In the picture Hitler is with his Dog named "Fuchsl," which in German means a "Little Fox."  He was "adopted" by Hitler during World War I and Mr. Steve read that, along with a      "Portfolio" of Hitler's artwork; was later stolen.  The four Pigeons are flying bye right now.         

       Mainly as a "Dispatch Runner" in a time before Radio Communications;" it says here Hitler was wounded, gassed and awarded two "Iron Cross" medals for bravery.  He survived      huge battles in "Belgium" near the town of "Ypres."  That's close to the "English Channel."      

           

 MISS BABETTE / HUSBAND DAVID

         

           Daisy heard Mr. Steve talking on the phone with Miss Babette about her trips to Fatima.   I guess people go there to "refresh" their "bodies, minds and souls."  Miss Babette's husband  "David," is her best friend; and seems to be an "honest and decent" person my boss thinks.    

           A few years ago, almost by accident my boss and Miss Babette found out their father's, as "Democrat" party fundraisers; have know each other for years.  Miss Babette and Mr. David sell pumpkins for Thanksgiving, and trees at Christmas time.  A Train whistled faintly.

               Blessed Mother!  According to Daisy "Saying a Rosary" means "reciting" prayers in a certain order.  At both of his Grandma's funerals Mr. Steve led everyone in saying a Rosary.  I'd like to learn how to say a Rosary and would do it a lot like You told those three kids to do.

             

MALE DESERT QUAIL       

PHOTO BY NANCY CHRISTENSEN              

                  

            Alpha Company of Quail is out in the back desert behind the the three Sheds.  Dais is so right in thinking Quail look like little Chickens with "Head Plumes."  Oh!  Heathcliff just now crowed over there to my right, and I can sort of tell his Hens are happy today is Spring. 

           From his office window Mr. Steve at times uses these special glasses called "Binoculars" to look closer at Birds.  I remember that morning, as he watered the Mulberry tree; he told Miss Susan a boy Quail's "feather patterns" resemble Islamic art or calligraphy.  I smell Sage.

           Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his mom talk on the phone about Islamic lettering, which he's done and she studied in College at Cal State Northridge.  In my books I'll read about religious "Icons" or images, and the huge "Mosque" in "Córdoba" Spain.  Sage's scent is so great!      

                 

              FROM MR. STEVE'S WINDOW                                       DRIVEWAY

            Even though he's close in distance from them below his office window, Mr. Steve at times uses those amazing "Binoculars" to study the Birds; especially the Quail.  Daisy says binoculars allow you see see things up close.  I wonder what Dais is doing up there in the front yard?  

           All of a sudden I'm thinking about Sylmar, where my boss and his brothers and sisters  grew up.  I remember that morning when we heard Mr. Steve tell Mr. Randy he heard Sylmar  once described as being a "Suburban Bedroom Community."   A little Lizard ran bye.

           In 1971 the "Sylmar Earthquake" happened.  Sylmar was one of the "hardest hit areas" of that earthquake, according to what my boss has read and been told over the years.   I guess, Mr. Steve and his brother Rock were sleeping in "Bunk" beds on the morning it happened.

       

"SYLMAR / SAN FERNANDO" EARTHQUAKE" (FEBRUARY 9, 1971)

    

            Daisy says one time Mr. Steve and his brother Rock remembered the big earthquake, and how when it hit their bunk bed kept on pulling away from and slamming into a wall.   A tv show Dais and Millie saw said how Sylmar was at the "Epicenter."  Bunk beds are connected.  

           The earthquake was measured as being "6.4," and in less than a minute Mr. Steve and his family's whole world was "Turned upside Down" like that song says.  A life similar to that shown on this tv show called "The Wonder Years" was all over.  They had "Taken it for Granted."    

           Mr. Steve and his family all now look almost "Nostalgically" at the "Pre-Earthquake" life they had.  Playing sports, going swimming and hiking around the "Riverbed" at the end of this road called "Maclay" Street; it now seems "Idyllic" he thinks.  Two Crows are fighting. 

        

     "THE WONDER YEARS"            

         

          Someday, when I overcome my what Daisy now jokes is an "irrational fear" of being in an enclosed area with no escape routes; I want see that tv show "The Wonder Years."  I guess Mr. Steve thinks it "depicts" how he and his family lived in 1968.  I can smell a Cholla cactus. 

          Mr. Steve jokes he now sort of thinks of those "abruptly ended" pre-earthquake days as his "Utopia."  He, his brothers and friends; did fun things like riding down hills on those "Go-Carts" Dais told me about.  But in 1971 his father said, a "dose of harsh reality" happened.    

          I wrote earlier how in Latin "Sylmar" means "Sea of Trees.  My Encyclopedia says, at the "turn" of the 20th century; the northeast corner of the San Fernando Valley was "covered" in "Olive" trees.  One is still living in Mr. Steve's parents back yard from what Dais heard.

          

   SYLMAR  (EARLY 1970'S?)       

       

            This is so interesting!  I guess Sylmar, which became a city in 1893; was originally called "Morningside."  Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his mom talk on the phone about this Elementary school in San Fernando with that same name.  Donald and Daisy are quacking over there.

           Because Sylmar is located up in the northeast corner of San Fernando Valley, Mr. Ralph was told its nickname has become the "Top of L.A."  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying bye. They're talking to each other as they go along, the same way Fannie and Freddie so often do.    

          It says here how, in 1940 or year after World War II started; Sylmar had 3,500 people in it.  By 1960, the year my boss's family moved there; there were 10,000 "residents."  Daisy says Mr. Ralph was told recently how there are now over 100,000 people living  in the Sylmar area.  

                    

JIM MORRISON (1943-1971)

                                    

            All of a sudden I just of how, even though he doesn't wear jewelry; Daisy says Mr. Steve has good things.  Someday, I want to see that "Zuni" Indian "Concho" belt;  with "Turquoise" rocks in silver.  Mr. Steve told Mr. Dave it's "just like" the one the DOORS' Singer wore.  

           Daisy told me Mr. Steve also has this "Bolo" tie, and some rings and silver bracelets; with those pretty bluish green turquoise stones in them.  One time he and Mr. Dave talked about New Mexico's blue corn, red and green chile; and small brown piñon nuts.  Heathcliff crowed.

           Mr. Ralph admires my boss's father because he knows how, after the 1971 earthquake; he and others helped the "Olive View" Hospital get rebuilt.  And, he was also later an important part of getting a "Permanent" campus for "Mission" Junior College too.  I smell some Sage.

      

MR. STEVE'S SISTER SUSAN      

                         

              In the 1970's Mr. Steve's sister Susan had a "Pony" named "Dinky;" and later a Horse "Shanique."  Mr. Steve's father's Horse was "Poco."  People ride Horses around us but have to be careful of Cholla cactus's, and the Horses need metal shoes because of rocky ground. 

,             One time Mr. Steve's father remembered how, in the late-1970's; he and Susan rode up  "Foothill" Boulevard to "Hansen Dam."  You couldn't do that now.  If someone on a Horse goes bye our house we bark, which hopefully proves to Mr. Steve we're "On the Job" and not lazy. 

             Daisy says Mr. Steve is interested in "Slang" words or phrases. so now I want to also be interested in that too.  You'd be surprised how you can learn things from old sayings Dais says.  Speedy Gonzalez ran through the wider right vertical gate slot to go out into the back field. 

  

 DAISY CÓRDOVA

         It was Daisy who told me to appreciate even ordinary dry Dog food, because  it's better than having no food at all; or "Beggar's can't be Choosers" so to speak.   She told me now I have good teeth but someday I'll be old and will have to be more careful when chewing on things.         

            Daisy's "Second in Command" to Mr. Steve, so for the "Time Being" until I'm a leader someday I have to do what she says.  But I don't mind at all because she's a good leader who I'd follow no matter what.  Samson and Delilah the Ravens are flying bye going to the north. 

          Hey God!  Thank You so much for putting me with Dais.  One of my "Long Term" goals is to be more calm like her, and not panic when things "Go Wrong."  I tend to get excited, but I've  learned from Daisy how to first take a deep breath, pause; and then react to the situation.                                                                

"HIGH" DESERT       

          

            Boy!  What a great day this has been so far.  I can't wait to go visit Daisy after chapter four, or Part One.  She's so calm and never gets "Rattled," but my Dictionary says rattled means "A series of sharp, short  sounds;" so the slang meaning must be "To be emotionally effected."    

           Daisy says one time Mr. Steve heard his father tell his mom, "If panicking made things better it might be okay.  But it makes things worse so I need to have confidence in you to handle  problems when I'm not around."  And she always did "Handle" things alright Dais says.              

            I guess my boss "Suffered" a few injuries as a kid.  But he always felt calmer by  seeing his mom being calm when she saw some bad things.  A big flock of Birds way up there in the high blue sky is moving together over the eastern desert, and all are flying toward the northeast.                                              

"FORTUNE" COOKIES   

       

          I just thought of those amazing Chinese "Fortune" cookies again.  What an ingenious idea to put a piece of paper with good advice written on it right inside of the cookie.  Now I'm really    wondering if we could invent Dog biscuits to guide you and maybe even predict your future.        

       Daisy says the problem with my idea for Dog fortune biscuits is that they're solid and not hollow like a  Chinese fortune cookie.  But, if somehow we could figure out a way to make them    hollow; we could make money!  One fortune cookie said, " You are original and creative."            

        Hey God!  Do you ever send messages through fortune cookies?  According to Dais two of fortune cookie messages told Mr. Steve, "You appreciate art and music;" and "A happy event is  in your near future."  Boy!  I'd so love to get a fortune cookie with those messages inside.              

              

                                           PIGEONS                                                   

             

        What looks like a group of Pigeons is going bye up there in the sky.  I've mentioned before how Pigeons, or "Doves;" have come to symbolize "Peacefulness."  I know Daisy and I sure do like how their soothing voices usually make us both feel, which is calmer and more relaxed.          

         Sister Rita Joseph said "at times the journey itself is more important than the end result," and you can "grow through disappointment."  It will be so hard to learn to read and write.  Mr.  Steve's father got through his Marine "Boot Camp" by thinking just "one day at a time."            

      It was Sister Rita Joseph who first made Mr. Steve think about the concept of "Duality." How, many things come with the "potential" for both good and bad.  My boss still remembers      her upbeat voice saying how, "At times the right thing to do is not the easiest thing to do."            

                                            

        UNITED STATES 2014           

                                                                                                                                                                       In the late 1960's until the mid-1970's Mr. Steve's father had a school for what they call "Stockbrokers."  I guess those are the people who my Dictionary says, "buy and sell stocks and bonds."  Mr. Steve's father sometimes jokes, "Don't call it gambling, it's just speculating."   

            Daisy has me scheduled to learn in my books about the differences between "Capitalism" and "Socialism" and "Communism."  In 2014 we're Capitalists here in America, and Dais heard in that system "The Bottom Line" is often all that matters.  That just means making money.

            Hearing Dawn barking over there makes me think about that tv show Daisy and Millie saw about Dogs.  I guess, we're "Descended" from wild Wolves; even though most Dogs now do not look like Wolves.  I can also smell Blinky and Rosie standing next to Dawn over there. 

               

SOUTH AMERICAN "BUSH" DOG

                     

        Dais says the tv show talked about the different types of modern, but still wild; what they call "Bush" Dogs.  I guess Bush Dogs are examples of Charles Darwin's theory of "Evolution"    through "Natural Selection."  They've "Adapted" for surviving in their own "Environment."      

         In Africa's particular environment the wild Dogs need good hearing so, over thousands of years; have evolved big ears like Rabbits.  The ones in South America don't need large ears, but  do need really powerful jaws Daisy says.  Down in Australia they're called "Dingo" Dogs.             

       Mr. Ralph read, some people who study "Genetics" say Dogs may have "separated" from Wolves about thirty three thousand years ago.  It might've happened over in China.  Dais heard  Mr. Steve tell Mr. Dave on the phone he thinks "progress rarely happens in a straight line."                          

     HELMUT NIEBUHR      REINHOLD NIEBUHR        URSUALA NIEBUHR       

                               (1894-1962)                                           (1892-1971)                                              (1907-1997)                                    

                                                                                  

          Oh!  I just thought of that "Serenity" prayer.   Mr. Steve's mom has it on the front of her big refrigerator down there in Sylmar, "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot    change, the courage to change the the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference."        

         Hey Lord!  My Encyclopedia says Reinhold Niebuhr, the "German-American" man who wrote that one Serenity prayer; was a "Protestant" Christian whose wife "Ursula" and brother  "Helmut" were also "Theologians." I smell the clump of Joshua trees near Libby's Corral.          

         Dais heard Reinhold Niebuhr's ideas have influenced later people.  I guess, a group called "Alcoholics Anonymous" uses his Serenity prayer to help people, and the current U.S. President  Barak Obama likes his ideas too.  Anyway, I'll come back to Reinhold Niebuhr in my books.                                                                                WINSTON CHURCHILL (1874-1965)                                                   

                                                

          Boy God!  I want to do like Reinhold Niebuhr says in the Serenity prayer.  Mr. Steve's dad  has thought of it, like one time when he was reading about that guy Winston Churchill had to go through during World War II.  Ah!  Little Blinky has such a strong and pleasant scent.                 

        I'll be learning about the main world leaders at the time of the Second World War.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve's father say "its interesting" how, after "helping save the free world," Winston    Churchill kind of got "Fired" after World War II.  A Train whistled faintly to the northeast.         

      When the British people "decided to change leadership" Mr. Steve's father thinks, it was kind of the second time that guy Winston Churchill was "Let Go" as they say.  The first time was in World War I when his idea to invade Turkey was a big disaster.  A little Lizard ran bye.            

    

MR. PHILLIP

         Over the years my boss and Mr. Phillip from "Wales" have talked about things having to do with British history, and one was Winston Churchill.  Mr. Phillip is a "Parts Manager" at a    "Honda" Auto Dealership to the north of New York City.  The morning smells so beautiful!          

        Daisy has heard Mr. Steve and Mr. Phillip talk on the phone a few times, and you can tell Mr. Steve enjoys doing it.  Mr. Phillip's wife is named "Shirley," so Mr. Steve told him he and his brothers and sisters have a Cousin named Shirley.  Mr. Phillip's teenage son is "Christopher."     

         People from the "U.K." like Mr. Phillip call being fired "Sacked."  Mr. Steve told him he, and his dad; have both been fired from jobs.  Winston Churchill and Adolph  Hitler saw combat during World War I, with Hitler being "blinded by gas" in 1918; or final year of the war.                               

       WORLD WAR I (1914-1918)             

                     

          I'll mainly learn about Word War I on Saturday in my third book, but can mention a few things about it now too.  A map shows how the "Central Powers" of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Turkey; fought against the Allies of England, France and Russia.  I like the smell of Sage.      

       This Encyclopedia says another name for the Allies was the "Triple Entente."  Daisy and Millie saw a tv show that said at the start of the war both sides, like in the American Civil War;  were "overconfident" and even wanted war.  Two Crows are fighting out there in the desert.        

         Mr. Steve's father thinks it "Ironic" that when younger Winston Churchill had what they call a "Speech Impediment," yet made some famous speeches he thinks created that feeling of      "Rhêma," or "Living Words" I mentioned earlier.   The Crows may be fighting over food.           

                

  WM. TECUMSEH SHERMAN (1820-1891)             SHERMAN'S "MARCH TO THE SEA" (1864)  

   

        When World War I began in 1914 many on both sides, like in the American Civil War earlier; believed there was "Glory in War."  Daisy heard Mr. Steve's dad say that guy General    Sherman told people "War is Hell."  Mr. Steve's father says "Don't kid yourself" I guess.             

           This Encyclopedia says the First World War began with "obsolete" 19th century ideas about war.  Still often using Horses, modern things like machine guns; Artillery, gas and barbed wire "made traditional tactics outmoded."  So millions and millions of Soldiers had to die.           

              It says here, when "the dust settled" after the "initial massive clashes" of World War I; a "deadlock" or "stalemate" created "Trench Warfare."  When the U.S. got into the war in 1917 that "tipped the balance" in favor of the Allies.  I can smell Alpha Company around here.            

                

        WORLD WAR I           ADOLPH HITLER         WORLD WAR II            

 (1889-1945)   

    

        I guess Adolph Hitler fought in World War I battles in "Ypres" in "Belgium.  A picture shows his handlebar mustache before he trimmed it to fit a gas mask.  Daisy says Mr. Steve met a French lady from near the "English Channel" who told him it's pronounced "EE-pruh."              

      Daisy says that lady told Mr. Steve it's EE-pruh in "Flemish," and "Ieper" in "Dutch."  There are war cemeteries there now she said.  According to my Encyclopedia, during the First      World War Hitler was awarded those two "Iron Cross" medals as a "Dispatch Runner."              

       It says here in 1917, from July through November; Hitler fought in the bloody "Battle of Passchendaele."  Wow!  There were "more than half a million casualties," with "thousands" of    "unidentified bodies" or "pieces of bodies;" left from an "epic" battle.  A Crow cawed faintly.                    

   "POPPY" FIELD           

                                                     (NEAR "ANTELOPE" VALLEY)                                                                                                                                                                                                     

        The lady said she saw "Poppy" flowers growing on Belgian battlefields, and read a famous poem about it.  Mr. Steve told her he and his mom have seen Poppy's near Littlerock where his    brother Sam's family lives.  Mr. Ramon the Auto Mechanic's favorite color is orange I guess.        

        I just thought of Winston Churchill's World War I failed idea to invade Turkey, which he incorrectly thought was the "Soft Underbelly" of Europe.   It turned out "Ottoman" Turkey was able to fight off or "Repulse" the British invasion force.  I can smell the Mulberry tree.                 

       The Turks, under this man named Mustafa Kemal, later the leader of "Post War" Turkey; "held" and were "dug in" on "high ground" so "repelled" all the British attacks at "Gallipoli."  It was a total slaughter I guess.  This Encyclopedia calls the campaign a "complete fiasco."          

    

"GALLIPOLI" CAMPAIGN (1915-1916) 

                                                                                                                                                                       PAINTING BY JASON ASKEW

 

          Dais saw a sad movie about the Gallipoli campaign, where at the end two friends have to make a "Suicidal" charge; so both get killed by the Turks.  Even though they won the  battles at Gallipoli, the Turks were on the losing side of World War I.  Dawn's barking over there.               

          It says here after the First World War, Turkey's Ottoman Empire was "carved up" and "divided" between the "victor nations" of England and France.  It had survived for over seven    hundred years.  But losing the war made their land what's called the "Spoils of War."                   

         A man named Mustafa Kemal, "Atatürk " or "Father of the Turks;" was Turkey's first "President" after World War I.  He wanted more of a "Secular" government, without "Islamic" or religious influence.  Wow!  It says here how he was one of thirteen children in his family.                                                                              MUSTAFA KEMAL (1881-1938)                       SABIHA GÖKCEN (1913-2001)                                                               

        Daisy says a tv show mentioned how Mustafa Kemal's daughter was one of the first girl Pilots.  She must've been brave Dais thinks, because she was even "in combat;" so must've been shot at way up there in the air.  I like the fancy hat Mustafa Kemal's wearing in the photo.           

           Sitting here on you Elvira makes me think of how amazing a house is.  How could anyone have even thought of moving water around in pipes, or invented a way to make it hot inside the    house the way Dais says Mr. Steve does.  I can't wait to see a "Tub" and "Toilet" someday.           

       Over the next three days I'll learn about "Civilization," when "Hunter-Gatherer" people stopped moving around to get food. This Encyclopedia says in China, India, Mesopotamia and    Egypt people "settled" in "one single location."  All those areas are near to Rivers I guess.                 

                                      FOUR ORIGINAL "CIVILIZATIONS"  (c.4,000 B.C.)                                                                                                                                                                                                It says here, Civilization "may" have begun "about" 4,000 B.C.; "characterized" by the development of writing, farming and the domestication of Animals.  Daisy says Mr. Steve's dad    jokes writing was probably created in order to "keep track of taxes."  Heathcliff crowed.              

           To "settle" in one area and "live in towns," rather than "roaming" around "following the food; it "became necessary" to "bring" in and then "dispose" of dirty water.  You can really tell Mr. Mike knows a lot about "Plumbing." Blackbeard and Anne Bonney the Crows flew bye.        

        Daisy explained to me how, using "Gravity;" water flows through the astounding skinny tubes called "Pipes."  A tv show she saw said, pipes "dated" to about 2,000 B.C.; were discovered in the area now called "India" and "Pakistan."  Donald and Daisy the Ducks are quacking.                                                             BUILDING AQUEDUCT       "ROMAN" AQUEDUCTS               "CAESAREA"                                                                                                                                            PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

                                                                                                                                                                    A few thousand years after Civilization began, Roman Engineers built "Aqueducts;" to bring "Fresh" water; and take away "Waste" water.   In 1985, in Israel; Mr. Steve took pictures  of an aqueduct the St. Ferdinand's Tour Group saw.  The "California" Aqueduct is near us.         

          This Latin Dictionary says "plumbing" means "lead;" which I guess is what the Romans made water pipes out of.  It's now known lead is really bad.  Mr. Dave says AC/DC'S Guitarists    Angus and Malcom Young are short because as kids in Scotland they drank lead in water.            

          "Sanitation" is very important in history.  During the "Middle Ages" people just dumped their dirty water out the window and right onto the street.  But in modern houses like ours Dais has explained to me, all of the old dirty water is just "Drained" or taken away automatically.                                                                                                        "TRAP" PIPE SYSTEM                                               

                   

          The tv show said, for a long time even if you drained dirty water away; some gasses still would come back out of the pipe to possibly make you sick.  But then, this late 18th century man from Scotland thought of the "S-shaped Trap pipe."  Samson and Delilah are both flying bye.      

            I love good diagrams which make things so much easier to understand.  One shows how a "trap pipe system" works.  I guess, water at the bottom of the elbow pipe keeps the gasses from going backwards.  My left nostril just picked up the scent of Theodora's Creosote bush.                

         Back in the 1990's, when my boss was working  for Mr. Rick's Mechanical Construction company; one of his duties was to keep track of the "Inventory."  That meant all of the tools, but also the parts like pipes and fittings too.  Daisy heard how there were hundreds of things.                

MILLARD FILLMORE (1800-1874)             WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT (1857-1930)

 

         That tv show mentioned how, back in the 19th century; the first plumbing at the "White House" in Washington D.C. was "installed" by President Fillmore's wife. I'll never forget how I  thought it was magical for water to come out of a hose.  It was actually kind of scary at first.        

          Daisy told me how, early in the 1900's; President Taft was so overweight he got stuck in a bathtub at the White House.  He was also one of those "Supreme Court Justices" from what the  tv show said.  A little brown Wren Bird just ran bye holding a really long twig in its mouth.          

        Someday I'll smell those astounding "Bath" rooms in our house.  Daisy says in the one at the far end of the hallway is a tub and shower, the one in his bedroom has only a shower; a third bathroom only has a sink in it.  Boy!  The sunlight sinking into me is making me feel so good.       

                                

 QUEEN ELIZABETH I (1533-1603)                       JOHN HARINGTON (1561-1612)        

                 THE DARNLEY PORTRAIT                                                                                                 PAINTING BY HIERONIMO CUSTODIS                      

             

          I just thought of those special chairs Daisy told me about in our bathrooms.   The tv show called them "Flush" "Toilets," and said the first ones were invented in the late 16th century by    an Englishman named John Harington.  He was that lady Queen Elizabeth I's "Godson."             

        Over the next three days I'll learn about Queen Elizabeth I and her "Tudor" family.  Her father was that guy King Henry VIII, and I guess many famous people, like that Writer William Shakespeare; lived during her "Reign."  I really love the fancy clothes they wore back then.         

         Last Spring, as we were going pee up in the front yard near those Joshua trees next to the driveway; I told Dais I've wondered why we never see Mr. Steve going to the bathroom.  She told me about bathrooms and those incredible toilet chairs.  Dawn's barking over to my right.             

                 

"TOILET"         

            

           I still remember how astounded I was when Daisy, as she kicked dirt backward to cover up her pee; told me about toilets.  Not only do people not have to go to the bathroom out here she said, they have a special room for doing it.   I smell Blinky and Rosie standing next to Dawn.        

         No wonder I've never smelled my boss's bathroom I thought when Daisy told me about those special white chairs.  I was astounded when she said after you're done you push a handle so water can just wash everything away.  That guy John Harington must've been a genius!                

          My Encyclopedia says how, as far back as the "Bronze Age" about three thousand years ago; "non flushing" toilets have been found in India and that Mediterranean Sea island called      "Crete."  I'll learn about those two areas, and ancient Rome too; over the next three days.                                                                  DAISY CÓRDOVA                                         

                                                                                                 

         I'll bet Dais is up there laying near the front door in case Mr. Steve comes outside and she can then bark to signal me back here.  I've been practicing using my three blankets and Elvira's  cushions to hide all of my materials.   But I know Mr. Steve rarely gives us snacks back here.       

         Hey Blessed Mother!  As You know, when Mr. Steve got me from that field I had "Mixed" feelings.  "On the one Hand," I sensed he wouldn't hurt me but "On the other Hand;" I couldn't know absolutely for sure.  Boy!  Thank You so much for guiding me ever since back then.             

         Daisy taught me when to whimper to get Mr. Steve's attention but, we can't do it too much as then it won't work she thinks.  One time Mr. Steve was watering the Mulberry tree when Mr. Randy said "nothing motivates him like a crying woman."  Mr. Steve just nodded his head.         

        

CALIFORNIA "HIGH" DESERT      

("SAN GABRIEL" MOUNTANS)        

        

                Looking to my right, beyond Libby's Corral; I can see those "San Gabriel" mountains to the south.  "Sylmar," where Mr. Steve and his brothers and sisters grew up; is on the other side of the mountains.   Ah!  The air is so clear today, which makes me happy to be alive right now.  

           When I was first brought over here Mr. Steve sat down on the ground, which did make me feel a little bit more comfortable.  Dais was there but was non-threatening.  My boss hardly ever raises voice even when he's mad, and on that first day here he kept saying, "It's alright."

           Daisy taught me how to know what Mr. Steve wants by watching his what they call "Body Language," like how he stands and moves his arms.  I learned quickly the different whistles he uses to call us.  When he slaps the top of his thighs that just means to come closer to him.    

           

   HIGH DESERT         

         

           Looking at the eastern desert behind the three Sheds makes me feel good.  A minute ago Fannie and Freddie flew bye and, as usual; were talking to each other as they went along.  My boss and Mr. Randy laughed that time Fannie went to the bathroom on Daisy's head.

          I now think there are times when I can almost "Read" Mr. Steve's mind as they say.  Dais didn't think it was funny when Fannie accidentally went to the bathroom on her head but it was okay and Mr. Steve's just cleaned her up.  She liked it later because he then petted her a lot.

         Fannie and Freddie's kid Blackbeard, with his girlfriend Anne Bonny; are flying out into the desert.  I always know it's them by seeing the white hole where Blackbeard's right eye used to be.  Anne Bonny is named after a girl "Pirate" from way back in the early 18th century.  

  

       HENRY MCCARTY  ("BILLY THE KID")

(1859-1881)  

           

                 Because I'll learn about the history of what is now the State of "New Mexico," of course I'll find out about that guy "Billy the Kid."  Daisy and Millie saw a tv show about him, which said his real original full name was Henry McCarty.  Heathcliff just crowed over there.

           The tv show said one of the "alias's" Billy the Kid used was William H. Bonney.  He and his brother came from "Ireland" with their mom, who then died; making them orphans.  My good English Dictionary says how the definition of "alias" is, "a false or assumed name." 

            I notice how Billy the Kid spelled his last name "Bonney," while that girl Pirate from the early 1700's spelled hers "Bonny."  This Encyclopedia says she married a Pirate and helped him by being a good fighter.  I'll learn more about her and this other girl Pirate Mary Reid later. 

    

                            ROXY MUSIC                                                            JUDAS PRIEST    

       

             There's a kid named "Jason" who's nineteen years old and is learning how to play the guitar.   He "Jams" with Mr. Steve on drums, and noticed how different Dais and I are; one time jokingly asking my boss what songs "matched our personalities."  I smell Libby the Horse.

             After thinking about it for a minute, Mr. Steve said my song would be ROXY MUSIC'S song "Virginia Plain," while JUDAS PRIEST'S "You've Got Another Thing Coming" would be for Daisy.  When she runs, or "Lumbers;" she sort of resembles a German "Panzer" Tank.

             I can only hear music when my boss plays his Boombox out here so I don't know many songs yet.  But I've heard Virginia Plain and You've Got Another Thing Coming.   In fact, right now I'm hearing what my boss describes as the "flittering" oboe used in Virginia Plain.  

                  

LIBBY    

      

            Aha!  I knew I was being watched, and sure enough I just glanced up and see Libby over there to my right looking in this direction.  It was a cold Winter and I'm sure, like I am; she's so glad the weather will now start to get a lot warmer.  Smelling Libby makes me feel good.

           Mr. Steve told Jason because ROXY MUSIC is a "quirky" band, my personality fits their music; especially Virginia Plain.  Jason chuckled when he described my hopping in circles dance as my "Irish Jig."  I'm hearing JETHRO TULL's song "The Third Hoorah" right now.  

           The first time Jason came over and called Mr. Steve on his cell phone from the front gate, he was kind of intimidated seeing me sprinting toward him barking frantically.  Daisy "Brings up the Rear" but her size gives people the impression of being threatening.  I like Libby.

            

 DAISY / MAGGIE CÓRDOVA         

          

                  I can't wait until the end of chapter four, or Part One of this first book.  That's when I'll hide everything and run up front to visit with Dais and tell her how things are going back here.  I figure that will be about eleven thirty because each chapter takes me about an hour to write.

           Mr. Steve thinks it's funny when she wants to look bigger Daisy will puff herself up.  She weighs about eighty five pounds, and resembles a male Lion with a big hairy "Mane" when she puffs up.  Some Bugs, and Lizards too; can also make themselves look bigger I've noticed.    

           One time Mr. Randy jokingly described Daisy as being a "little tractor" or "steam roller." I know one thing for sure because I wrestle with her, even though she's so old; Daisy still has a lot of strength in her neck.  All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral moving east.

    

             THE "FORUM" ("INGLEWOOD")              

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA          

         

        I wrote in chapter one about how, in the mid-1980's; my boss, Mr. Mark and Miss Helen worked as "Salespeople" for the company which owned the Basketball "Lakers" and Ice Hockey "Kings."  The same company owned the "Forum" where those teams played.  I smell Sage.          

       Dais heard Mr. Steve and Mr. Mark talk on the phone about how, before they worked in offices across the street from the Forum, for a time their offices were on "Wilshire" Boulevard in "West Los Angeles."  That's where Miss Emily lives from what Dais heard Mr. Steve say.              

         The 1980's Basketball "Lakers" had good teams with some talented Players like "Magic" Johnson and Kareem Jabbar.  Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Mark call them "Show Time," which  Daisy thinks might be mainly because of how fast they ran around.  Daffy's quacking.                                                                                           

ERVIN "MAGIC" JOHNSON                                MARCEL DIONNE               

 PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                

              

        One "Fringe Benefit" of working at the Forum in the 1980's was that Mr. Steve got to take pictures he says.  One time he and Mr. Mark talked about the color scheme of using purple as the "Primary" color, with white and yellow being the "Secondary" colors.   Dawn's barking. 

       Daisy says Mr. Mark, who's a good Musician; likes the music of Jimi Hendrix and Prince.  Prince is from the city of "Minneapolis" in the State of "Minnesota."  Mr. Mark grew up in the    city of "Milwaukee" in the nearby State of "Wisconsin."  I smell Dawn, and Blinky too.                

     Jimi Hendrix and Prince are now associated with purple.   Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his sister Susan talk on the phone about "Louisiana State University, who use purple as a primary    color.  In the 1850's, even before the American Civil War; General Sherman led that College.          

JIMI HENDRIX                                                     PRINCE        

PHOTO BY HENRY DILTZ                                                                                                                                                           

  

          Someday I'll go into Mr. Steve's bedroom and see the color print of Jimi Hendrix playing at "Woodstock."  Daisy says it was given to him by Mr. Rich, and in it he's wearing blue pants.    Even though royal blue is still my favorite color, purple is starting to look pretty good too.            

      Mr. Mark thinks some get that uplifting "Rhêma" feeling in listening to music by Jimi Hendrix and Prince.  Dais heard Mr. Steve tell his mom on the phone he paid a man named Mr.  Oimette in Wrightwood to "matt and frame" that 11 x 14 Jimi Hendrix photo.  I smell Sage.        

         The job Mr. Steve, Miss Susan, Babette and Karin do means that they have to be "more conscious" of colors than most people.  Purple isn't what's called a "Stock" color so Mr. Julio,      who makes the hats; just orders it only "when necessary" Mr. Steve says.  Sage smells good.         

                   

                                                         OAKLAND "ATHLETICS"  (1970'S)                                                                                                      

          Glancing up from here on Elvira, I see a lot of green behind the three Sheds; out there in the eastern desert.  That reminds of how Mr. Steve's favorite Baseball team the Oakland "A's"    use green as their primary color, white and yellow the secondary colors.  Dawn's barking.             

        Daisy and Millie one time were in Mr. Steve's office and heard him talking on the phone with his mom about the color "Teal," which I guess is greenish-blue.  Mr. Steve and Mr. Julio      have talked about that color Dais says.  Boy!  I have a feeling this is going to be a good year.         

        Over the next three days I'll learn about Popular Culture entertainment like sports, even though my boss Mr. Steve doesn't really follow it anymore.  But he likes hearing about it from    other people; like his Nieces who do still "keep up on it."  I love how the air feels right now.           

              

MR. RICK        

              

          Seeing Blackbeard and Anne Bonny flying bye makes me think about how Mr. Rick and his family are originally from Pittsburgh.  They're "Italian-American" and their ancestors came to the U.S. at the very end of the 19th century.  I'll learn about "Ellis Island" in my books.           

          I guess Mr. Rick and his wife Linda's kids are Ricky Jr., Nicole and Gino.  Gino is buried at the "Mission" cemetery, where my boss's Grandma's and sister Celina are.  I've mentioned      how Ritchie Valens and his mom are both buried really near Mr. Steve's parent's two Crypts.      

      Daisy heard Mr. Steve and Mr. Rick talk on the phone about how Pittsburgh is the only "Major" U.S. city where the professional sports teams all wear the same "Color Scheme."  I'm    almost done with this second chapter, and I see on my outline this is the final thing to do.              

                                        PITTSBURGH SPORTS TEAMS                             

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

                Daisy heard Mr. Rick say he likes how all the Pittsburgh sports teams wear black as their primary color, with white and yellow as secondary colors.  From what Dais heard Mr. Steve say, "at one time or another" he's done line drawings of those teams logos.  I smell Creosote.   

               A while back my boss had a dream about Mr. Rick's dad who died.  He had a good "sense of humor," and he and Rick's mom are what Mr. Steve's father calls "good people;" as is Mr. Rick's sister "Michelle."  As kids, during the hot Summer Mr. Steve swam in their pool.

           In 1979 the Baseball "Pirates" won the "World Series," the Football "Steelers" have won a few "Super Bowls; and the Ice Hockey "Penguins also were champions a few years ago.  In my books Dais has me scheduled to learn more about some of those teams.  Daffy's quacking. 

             

SISTER SLEDGE

   

        Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Rick talk about how, when the Baseball Pirates won the World Series in 1979; their "Theme" song was "We are Family" by SISTER SLEDGE.   I look forward to hearing it someday because Daisy told me Millie liked it.

           I guess, SISTER SLEDGE are four sisters from "Philadelphia;" like Pittsburgh a city in the State of "Pennsylvania."  Dais thinks if I ever do hear We are Family she knows I will want to make it our theme song too. 

            Mr. Steve talked about "Disco" music one time with Miss Susan at work.  Daisy heard him her say she thinks the one reason so many liked SISTER SLEGE'S song is it "simply made them feel happy."  Mr. Steve told her about about word "Rhêma" I mentioned before.                  

          

                         JAMES BROWN                    (1974)                    FOREMAN / ALI

                                  

            Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell Miss Susan in 1974 Muhammad Ali fought George Foreman in Africa.  Before the fight SISTERSLEDGE and this other guy name James Brown did concerts. 

            I guess, one of Miss Susan's customers told her all of the four sisters in SISTER SLEDGE also graduated from "Temple" University.  I heard Mr. Chris tell my boss a relative went there too.  Boy!  I'm so glad Mr. Chris got me you guys because you're all really good blankets.

          Mr. Dave in New Mexico joked, besides being "talented" Singers; SISTER SLEDGE was "good to look at" too.  Mr. Steve thinks they had "nice legs."  He and Miss Harriet saw a guy named Luther Vandross, who sang on We are Family; do a concert at the Forum one time.   

    

HIGH DESERT SKY

   At times   feel  sad.  But  Daisy  Mr. make  feel better.     She said, even though  no such thing as perfection, compared  other Dogs  got it  good.

      

          

      

      

 

        

       

    

      

                                                                        

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