Book 1 Chapter 4

I

(Book 1 / Chapter 4)  

 COGNITO, ERGO; SUM / WHY ME"?

9:30

   

           

 HIGH SKY      

                            

            Well, this is the last chapter of part one; so I'll go visit Daisy after this fourth chapter.  I went pee and saw Ants making an Ant Hill.  These books might take longer than we thought but as my boss's mom says, "Rome wasn't built in a day;" or "Put one foot in front of the other."

            I'm looking to my left, at the northeast corner of our two acres; where we've been going to the bathroom lately.  Whenever I go over there I always study the desert behind the Sheds and that seems to make me appreciate being here.  Dawn and Blinky are barking next door. 

       Going to the bathroom also has the added benefit of "Marking" my territory to let everyone around here know that I'm around.  Mr. Steve talks about, "killing two Birds with one stone."  I wonder sometimes how it's even possible to kill two different Birds with just one rock? 

  

MR. STEVE'S PARENTS

PHOTO BY RODERICK CÓRDOVA

             As I went pee I thought about one of the times Mr. Steve's parents visited us.  But, too bad now they're too old to drive all of the way up here from Sylmar.  Speedy Gonzalez just zoomed through the right vertical slot on the side of the gate between Manny and Moe the Sheds.

           I remember that morning when Mr. Randy told my boss his dad used to say the old saying "Behind every great man is a great woman" should be "beside every great man."  I noticed how Mr. Steve kind of chuckled at that.  He then also said his father would "most likely agree."  

           Over the next three days I'll write about some of the old sayings Mr. Steve's mom told her family and Girl Scout Troops.  Daisy heard most of them in Mr. Steve's phone conversation, but I heard him mention the one about not not putting the cart before the Horse.  Heathcliff crowed.                                           

      HEATHCLIFF II / HENS       

                                               

          Well God, thank You for this first day of Spring where I've already learned a lot in these first three chapters.  I kind of have a feeling the next three days are going to be good.  A breeze      just brought Heathcliff and his Hens' scent floating in to me over here on my couch Elvira.         

         Thank You God for inventing sunlight.  Judging by where the Sun is now, and the shorter shadows; I'd say it's about nine thirty.  That Tongvan lady Mr. Steve met at the San Fernando      Knights of Columbus Hall said "Taamet" means "Sun" and "Mwaar" is "Moon."                        

          Hey God!  Dais and I want to believe in magic and things like that, even though Mr. Steve doesn't.  Boy!  Sunlight makes me feel so alive.  Daisy thinks life is magic but, "ebbs and flows"  with "ups and downs;" often a "balance" of "highs and lows" or "peaks and valleys."                  

  

HIGH DESERT "MARIGOLD" FLOWERS  

PHOTO BY S. SAMPSON    

       

           Ah!  The mid-morning air is so clear right now, so breathing in deep breaths of fresh air through both nostrils is making me feel glad to be sitting back here on the Patio.  I can't wait for  all of the desert wildflowers to come out this year.  But, this is only the first day of Spring.            

          Besides Eddie Spaghetti, who plays his drums with no arms over there in Phelan; we also know that other guy named "Eddie" too,  I said earlier how he lives in "Lake Los Angeles" and  Daisy and I really like when he visits us.  He has a New York City accent I've noticed.                    

          Mr. Eddie, who's originally from "Staten Island;" has a one man "Taxi Service" up here in the High Desert.   I mentioned earlier how he sells things my boss gives him, like artwork and      things like that; so they both make money.  Heathcliff crowed which makes me feel good.                                  

         DESERT "PRIMROSE"             MISS HELENA                    "JOSHUA" TREE                                                                               PHOTOS BY TONE HELENA TORGERSEN                                                                                                                                                                                     

            Mr. Eddie's Landlady Miss "Helena," who's from the country of "Norway;" takes good photos Mr. Steve thinks.  Daisy told me he enjoys talking with her, and has complimented how she uses "Vertical" framing on some of her pictures.  Dawn's barking, and I smell Blinky.             

         Boy Elvira!  I'm so lucky to have you as my favorite couch, even though you are  getting kind of "old and frayed" as Mr. Randy jokes.  But I would never ever sell you for any amount of money, even a million dollars.  Daisy's so right in saying you're one of our best friends now.         

       Dais and I heard Mr. Randy say, even though it was a wetter Winter; that's good for the Spring plants around here.  Flowers "grow good roots" he said, trees can "bud slowly" and the    perennial flowers "get the rest they use to get ready for Spring."  I love how it's Spring!                

          

MID-MORNING HIGH DESERT SKY

          Birds are flying to the northeast up in the sky.  There are a few thin clouds up in the sky, which Mr. Steve's mom calls "wispy."  Judging by the lengths of the shadows, and where the Sun is over the eastern horizon behind the Sheds; I'd say it's probably about 10:30 right now.              

         All of a sudden I just thought of all the times last year when Daisy and I watched the slow moving puffy clouds.  Mr. Steve enjoys watching thick clouds moving slowly across a high sky.      He thinks they look like slow moving "glaciers" or "icebergs;" especially huge formations.           

         Hey God!  I remember that time Dais and I were here on the Patio sitting on Elvira, being amazed by the unbelievable cloud shapes moving slowly across the sky.  We felt You.  Andy and    Helen were using their cute little hands to chew something really fast the way Squirrels do.                                                       

WOMAN RUNNING ON THE BEACH

       

       Someday, when I overcome my fear of being trapped in an enclosed area with only one escape route; I'll get to see the inside of my boss's office the way Daisy already does now.  I can't  wait!  Daisy told me Mr. Steve often sits at his desk and uses one of those computer machines.      

          Water is "calming and meditative" Mr. Steve says, and his mom thinks that too.  Dais says on Mr. Steve's big "Monitor" computer screen; his "Desk Top" page shows a girl running along a beach.  I guess Mr. Steve told his mom he's seen that image of the girl in some dreams.               

         Over the next three days Dais has me scheduled to learn and then write about some of the different Lakes, Oceans and things like that Mr. Steve and his family have seen.  Mr. Steve and    his father hope they're wrong but, think future wars may be fought over water.  I smell Sage.                                            

         RÉNE DESCARTES (1596-1650)        

              PAINTING BY FRANZ HALS                        

                            

        All of a sudden I just thought of that one 17th century French Philosopher named Réne Descartes.  He's the one who I got the title of my three books from, "Cognito, Ergo; Sum."  And,  according to my good Latin Dictionary; that would just mean, "I think, Therefore; I am."            

          One time Dais, and that other Dog Millie who I replaced; were in the house and heard Mr. Steve talking with Mr. Ralph.  Over the years they've both read things Réne Descartes wrote.  A few of our neighbor's Ducks are quacking over there next door, but Daffy is much louder.             

      This Encyclopedia calls "Descartes" the, "Father of Modern Philosophy." Over the next three days I'm scheduled to learn more about him and other Philosophers.  Daisy says Mr. Steve told Mr. Ralph how his father in College read some of Descartes' "mathematical" ideas too.                                                                  

           SAINT TERESA OF ÁVILA (1515-1582)               MR. STEVE'S MOM                                                                     PAINTING BY A.J. VALENTINI                                                                                 PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

         Mr. Steve's father thinks a girl named Teresa of Ávila is an example of how females often "don't get as much credit for things" as males do.  She was one of those Catholic Nuns like Sister Rita Joseph and Daisy says Mr. Steve's mom has read things she wrote.  Libby whinnied.              

      One of my boss's mom's friends, also Roman Catholic and a Girl Scout Leader too; used Teresa of Ávila as the "Patron Saint" of her troop.  Over the next three days I'll be writing about some of the different "Field Trips" their girls went on.  Libby's now looking at me.                        

        Hey St. Teresa!  If you just might be up there in Heaven mind-reading me down here right now; I want you to know I hope to be just as smart as you must've been.  Daisy thinks you were probably just as smart as Mr. Peabody.   You wrote about the subject of "Self-Knowledge."                       

        "KNOW THYSELF"                                 RUINS OF "DELPHI," GREECE

     

         In my three boos I'll learn about ancient Greece and Rome.  And one thing I'll find out about is the Greek city of "Delphi."  People went there to have a girl predict your future I guess. Fannie and Freddie the Crows, talking to each other; are flying over Manny, Moe and Jack.         

           Hey St. Teresa!  Like you, one thing Descartes also wrote about was self-knowledge.  But, Daisy heard Mr. Steve's dad say his ideas sure "seem a lot like" what you said fifty years before  that.  Yet, he's the one people think of as being the "Founder" of modern philosophy.                    

        Daisy told me in human history males, mainly because when life was so brutal they were bigger and stronger; have had almost all of the power in society.  But, "Behind the Scenes" as      they say; they've had "a lot of influence."  At least that's what my boss and his dad think.                

MISS BEATRICE                                     LARRY WITH SON

        Mr. Steve's mom's best friend since childhood back there in New Mexico has been her Cousin "Beatrice."  Her family also moved out here to Los Angeles, settling in the town of "Pico Rivera."  Over the years the two families have had a few what are called "Get Togethers."           

           Daisy heard Miss Beatrice and her husband "Placido Castillo" have two sons, "Larry" and "Mike;" with a daughter named "Carol."  They all had kids too and all three of them still    live in L.A.   My Spanish Dictionary says Castillo would be translated to be "Castle."                    

         One time my boss and his mom talked about how our last name "Cordova," and her "Maiden" name "Trujillo" are "Derived" from the names of cities in Spain.  My Encyclopedia    says St. Teresa was from the city of "Ávila," in the "Kingdom of Castile."  I smell Blinky.             

    

KING / SAINT FERDINAND III (1199?-1252)          

                PAINTING BY BARTOLOMÉ ESTEBAN MURILLO                                                                                                                            PAINTING BY STELLA CÓRDOVA                                        

        If we go in the living room on Saturday morning to watch cartoons I'll see Mr. Steve's mom's big tall painting of King Ferdinand III.  I guess, when she did it she used Mr. Steve's        face.  He joked with Miss Susan how, "That was when I was young and not so ugly."                     

         Oh!  My Encyclopedia says King Ferdinand III died on May the 30th, which is also my boss's Niece Raqquel's birthday too; according to my list of dates.  He led "Castile," where St.      Teresa lived about three centuries later.   The Sun's warmth is making me feel so good.                  

          Hey St. Teresa!  It says here you believed "self-knowledge" was important.  Right now, in looking at the eastern desert behind Manny, Moe and Jack; makes me understand why you saw  God in nature or what seems "ordinary" everyday life.   Heathcliff crowed to my right.                 

                 

 "THE URANTIA BOOK"       

        

           One time Dais heard Mr. Steve talking on the phone with his father about that guy René Descartes, who my Encyclopedia says was not just a Philosopher but also a Scientist too.  From    what Dais says he was good at math.  Heathcliff crowed and I also hear his Hens clucking.            

       Mentioning Descartes makes me think of "The Urantia Book."  Daisy heard it tries to "unite" spiritual and religious concepts with science.  My Encyclopedia says it deals with three    main topics, "man's origins," the "meaning of life" and also "man's place in the universe."          

            Hey God!  It says here, the "authors" of The Urantia Book believe You "operate" on both a "personal" and "impersonal" level.  The Urantia logo, of three circles; is called the "Paradise Trinity."  The three circles represent, "infinity," then "eternity" and finally "universality."                         

JIMI HENDRIX                                                 MR. MARK     

PHOTO BY HENRY DILTZ                                                                                                                                                         

          

          Mr. Mark in Hawaii admires Jimi Hendrix's guitar playing.  He and Mr. Steve have talked about how Jimi Hendrix went everywhere with a Bible and a copy of The Urantia Book.  There    are Christian, Buddhist, Islamic, Jewish, Hindu, Shinto and Confucian ideas in that book.            

         Dais says Mr. Steve one time told Mr. Mark about the big 11 x 14 color photo Stephanie's boyfriend Mr. Rich gave him.  It shows Jimi Hendrix at "Woodstock" wearing this red bandana  and blue pants I guess.  Andy's over there sniffing the air, to see if Goliath or Cher are around.    

         That print of Jimi Hendrix hangs in my boss's bedroom from what Daisy's told me.  Mr. Steve paid this man in Wrightwood named Mr. Oimette to "Matt and Frame" it.  Anyway, I'll    come back to The Urantia Book over the next three days in what are going to be long books.                                                                      

KRIS KRISTOFFERSON         

PHOTO BY LYNN GOLDSMITH                      

                

           Hey Lord!  Dais says Mr. Steve told Mr. Dave on the phone how he shook hands with this  guy Kris Kristofferson one time.  I guess, Kris Kristofferson is a "Country" music Musician who wrote some good songs about self-knowledge.  He even wrote one called "Why Me Lord?"           

      Daisy heard Mr. Steve did artwork for a guy who went to "Pomona College" with Kris Kristofferson.  He said in the early 1960's Kris Kristofferson, for the U.S. Army; was stationed in West Germany.  The four Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral and she's looking at them.          

           Mr. Steve's mom's two younger brothers, "Celedon" and "David;" were both also based in West Germany during the early 1960's.  Celedon was in the Air Force, my boss's Uncle David in  the Army like Kris Kristofferson.  I'll come back to Kris Kristofferson in my three books.                               

DAVID AND GOLIATH        

                              

          Aha!  I knew I smelled Goliath the Gopher Snake, and there he crawling under Moe the middle Shed.  He's named for the giant "Philistine" Soldier killed by that kid who turned out to  be King David later.   Mr. Steve has read many of the "Psalm's" or poems David wrote.                

         Daisy told me Mr. Steve has a book written by a "Presbyterian" Minister named Eugene Peterson.  Because he knows languages like Hebrew and Greek, Eugene Peterson translated the  Old and New Testaments into more current understandable language.  I smell Mesquite.               

          This customer in the State of "Montana," where Eugene Peterson lives with his wife; told Mr. Steve they have a house near a Lake in "Kalispell."  King David's Psalm's were all put in      what's called "Modern Idiom" by Eugene Peterson.  Boy!  I'd like to read those someday.                                               

 EUGENE PETERSON WITH WIFE JAN           

            PHOTO BY GREG FROMHOLZ                          

                                

          Dais heard the Parts Manager in Montana say Eugene Peterson's wife "Jan" is also really smart too, and has helped him a lot.  He's a "Pastor" who was born in 1932 just like Mr. Steve's father was.  Andy's guarding their hole and I can tell he knows Goliath is under Moe.                    

          My English Dictionary says how a "metaphor" is, "A figure of speech in which one thing is spoken of as if it were another."  I guess, like King David; Mr. Eugene is also a Poet too and the    Parts Manager said he likes that 19th century Poet Emily Dickinson.   Heathcliff crowed.              

         I guess Mr. Eugene says you should "re-read" the Psalms, and the "Proverbs;" a few times because the meanings might not at first be "apparent."  He jokingly calls it like a Dog who keeps "gnawing on" and "enjoying" the same bone.  Boy!  He's so correct about that alright.                                                                           

  "VAPOR" TRAIL            

                 

          Oh!  I just glanced up and see one of those "Vapor Trails" Mr. Randy and my boss talked about that time.  I first saw them when homeless but knew they were different from clouds.  I      can see my good collection of things to chew on over there at the end of the Patio to my left.          

          "Contrail" and "condensation" were the words Mr. Randy used when we all looked at a vapor trail last Summer.  Out in that field it scared me when I noticed they were extending, but    now I know vapor trails come out of the back of Jet Airplanes.  I like looking at them.                   

       This good English Dictionary says condensation is, "To make more dense as when gas is converted into liquid."  Mr. Randy said vapor trails from Planes happen when water is formed    through  the "combustion" of fuel.  Ah!  I can smell the two Twin Joshua trees right now.                                        

MR. RANDY  

     

        I noticed how Mr. Randy, who used to live in the State of "Arkansas;" said "conspiracies" when he talked about vapor trails.  Mr. Steve was filling up the water basin below the Mulberry  tree back here.  My boss's friend Mark in Hawaii's family was originally from Arkansas too.        

     Mr. Randy saw some pictures where Passenger Plane's seats were replaced with big tanks containing chemicals, but my boss said he doubts the government is doing what they call "geo"    or "climate engineering."  Oh!  I smell Blinky.  I like it and wonder if he likes my scent?               

        As he watered the Mulberry tree, my boss told Mr. Randy it's easy to make "fake" pictures that "look real" on computers now.  Mr. Randy mentioned the drought we're in and how Bees      are dying, but Mr. Steve said he doesn't think it's "Chem Trails."  Heathcliff crowed.                    

         

"VIETNAM" WAR     

          

           My boss told Mr. Randy how, in the "Vietnam War" the U.S. did try to "manipulate" the weather through "Cloud Seeding;" or kill forests with chemicals.  In book three Daisy has me      scheduled to learn about it.  Mr. Steve was almost "Drafted" to go fight over in Vietnam.             

         Dais says Mr. Steve, and his dad too; think it's "likely" someday countries will "deploy" biological or chemical "agents" in a war to kill enemy Soldiers and civilians quickly.  I feel like    writing about that now but I'll just wait.  They used a lot of "Gas" back in World War I.              

           Because in Capitalism you "almost have to worship money," many will "turn a blind eye" if paid to "ignore certain things" my boss's father believes.  Mr. Randy said that's why "Those    who know things usually don't tell those who don't."  A little Lizard went running bye.                 

                   

      THREE "WISE" MONKEY'S    

                   

         I also recall my boss and Mr. Randy discussing what they call "Three Wise Monkeys."  That stands for the saying, "See no Evil, Hear no Evil; Speak no Evil."  I can hear Heathcliff the Rooster crowing over there next door, which for some reason suddenly makes me feel good.          

       Mr. Randy asked my boss what that saying means.  Mr. Steve said in our culture which worships money it can mean "ignoring, or pretending not to know;" about other people doing      bad things.  In the "Holocaust," some Germans did that for other reasons too he thinks.               

           A lady once told Mr. Steve the "original" Buddhist saying was meant to say; don't look or hear bad things which "may" make you do bad things.  It's "Represented" by three Monkeys.      One covers its eyes, another blocking its ears; and a third with its hands over its mouth.                   

CONFUCIUS ( 551-479 B.C.)             ZOROASTOR (?)                  GANDHI (1869-1948)    

                               

          In my books I'll learn about religion because my boss is interested in that and I want to like what he likes.  He told Mr. Randy "Zoroastrians" believe in three things; good "Thoughts," "Words" and "Deeds."  Hey!  That kind of sounds to me in some ways like Buddhism too.            

          That lady told Mr. Steve the ancient Chinese "secular philosopher" named "Confucius" wrote about the concept of three Monkey's.  In my books, I'll learn more about him.  It says here Confucius had another saying Mr. Steve's dad likes, "Eyes are useless if the mind is blind."          

           Over the next three days I'll find out about a 20th century Indian man named Mahatmas Gandhi.  It says here, like a "Socialist" he didn't believe in having "material possessions;" but    did own a little statue of the three wise monkeys.  I smell Libby over there in her Corral.                                    

     "GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS"

                             v      

        Someday, when I get over my fear of being trapped; I'll be able to do like Daisy and go all the way down the hallway.  Then, I'll be able to watch more tv and hear more music.  Dais told    me of a good cartoon she saw one time about this little girl and a family of three Bears.                 

        Dais told me the "Goldilocks and Three Bears" story has things in threes.  In that story the girl gets lost in a forest, but finds a father, mother and baby bear's house; when they're not at      home.  Boy God!  Seeing the Sun over the eastern horizon is making me feel really good.               

       I guess, the little girl Goldilocks finds three bowls of "Porridge" on this kitchen table.  She tries to eat but in the first bowl it's too hot, the second too cold; but the baby Bear's porridge in    the third bowl is just the right "Temperature."  Daisy told me that porridge is "soup."                                                          

   "SOLAR" SYSTEM        

                                

        One morning, as he watered the Mulberry tree up in the front yard; I heard my boss tell Mr. Mike about what they call the "Goldilocks Principle."  Daisy thinks it might stand for the      idea of something being "just right," like the porridge in that old story.  I smell Sage.                    

       Dais and Millie saw a tv show about the "Fundamental Forces" of "Nature" or, as the tv show said; "the forces that govern the Universe."  I guess, there are now three "Known" forces;  "Gravity," "Electro Magnetism" and "Nuclear."  Some divide Nuclear into two forces.                 

         This one Encyclopedia says "Gravity," the "weakest" force; "effects" the "motion" of all "celestial objects."  And, I guess that means things like Planets; or those "Satellites" circling up  there around the Earth down here.  Heathcliff just crowed and his voice is so comforting.                                                                      THE UNIVERSE                  

                           

          I'll learn more about those fundamental forces of nature in what now looks like will be long books.  Daisy says Mr. Steve's dad jokes, because science is "difficult to understand;" it's a  "good thing" there are people like Albert Einstein around.  A Lizard went waddling bye.              

          Hey God!  Did You make Earth just far enough from the Sun, ninety three million miles away; to have "Life?"  We're the third planet from the Sun in our "Solar System," and it takes    sunlight eight minutes to get here.  Is life simply an accidental "Chemical Reaction?"                   

           We have "Life" on Earth.  Any closer to the Sun's "Life Giving" energy would be too hot just like "Venus," any further away and we'd be too cold like "Mars."  So, Earth is called the      "Goldilocks" Planet I guess.  On that morning Mr. Mike called it the "sweet spot" I notice.       

                         

"SOLAR WIND"    

( "MAGNETIC FIELD SURROUNDING EARTH)     

 PAINTING BY CLAUS LUNAU        

                  

          Hey God!  I heard my boss and Mr. Mike talk about the Earth's "Magnetic Field."  Wow!  A painting in this Encyclopedia shows the Sun's rays being "deflected" from hitting us, which is "protecting" the Earth from being too hot.  Boy!  The Earth looks so small in the painting.           

        Mr. Steve says he "doesn't really understand" exactly how Earth's magnetic field is made, except it has something to do with Earth's "Rotation" on its "Axis."  He's just  glad it's there in order to allow for the creation of our Planet's fragile environment.  Heathcliff just crowed.           

        Was it You God who made it so the Sun's "Charged Particles" and "Solar Wind" can't hit us down here on Earth?  Dais thinks it was probably You alright because the other Planets in our Solar System aren't like that.  In these books I'll learn about things like the "Ozone" layer.                                                

     STEPHEN HAWKING AND FAMILY       

                                

          Hey God!  As You know already, throughout my books I'm going to learn about that guy from England named Stephen Hawking.  Mr. Steve has read things he's written about.  But, it's    too bad Stephen Hawking says he doesn't believe in You the way I really want to do.                      

            I guess, one thing Stephen Hawking wrote about is called the "Habitable Zone."  And this Encyclopedia says that means, "Range of orbits around a star within which a planetary surface    can support liquid water."  Which is really rare, except for maybe us here on Earth?                     

         My boss said the idea of "just the right amount" is used in math and medicine.  His father used it in teaching "Economics" at his 1960's school for "Stockbrokers."  I notice how Stephen    Hawking spells his first name differently than the way my boss Mr. Steve spells his name.                                                      

HAWK CARRYING PREY

                                 

             Oh!  I just glanced up in time to see the first Hawk of this new year flying bye out there in the eastern desert behind the three Sheds.  It's carrying either a headless Mouse or Gopher  in it's really sharp beak.  It's kind of hard to tell from this far away down here on the Patio.              

            The up and down motion of a little Lizard doing pushups caught my attention out of the corner of my eye.  It's over there standing on a wall to my right, near the sliding glass door going into the dining room near the kitchen.  It's hanging just above our steel water bucket.                    

            Ah!  Speedy Gonzalez the Squirrel just ran at full speed through the right vertical slot on the side of the gate.  It's so amazing how he, or Jack the Jackrabbit; don't hit their heads on one of the metal pipes when they do that.  His dust is floating up in the air near the gate.                                                     

      DAISY / MAGGIE CÓRDOVA    

                                                        

           Mr. Steve likes how Dais and I know a lot of words.  I learned the difference between "lay down" and "go lay down" by watching Daisy.  When my boss says "lay down" he means "right here," while "go lay down" means to move away or; to go and lay down somewhere else. 

         I wonder when Mr. Steve will give us our first snack of the day?  I'll bet Daisy is wondering too.  We have a fun game we play where Mr. Steve throws pieces of Hot Dog or Dog Biscuits to us and we then catch them with our mouths, which I've become really, really good at doing.    

        When people visit, Mr. Steve gives us a snack to "Show Off" our ability to catch food.  Daisy has bad eyes so he toss's the food in the "general area" of her mouth.  But not me!   Daisy taught me to stand up on my back legs in catching food, which I can tell makes my boss happy.  

               

                                         ROY ROGERS / TRIGGER / DALE EVANS

                         

           I guess that guy Roy Rogers and his wife Dale Evans, who used to live near us; had a lot of kids.  A picture in this Encyclopedia shows their really smart Horse named "Trigger" standing up on his "Hind" legs.  Someday I want to be able to "count numbers" like Trigger did.    

          If Mr. Steve says "up!" Daisy and I "Rear Up" just like Roy Rogers Horse Trigger.  When we play our game catching pieces of food he throws the food to us as a reward.  We're both good at catching food on two legs but, I have to admit; I'm way better at it I've noticed.

         When we play our fun food catching game, if I'm doing good Mr. Steve begins to throw the pieces of food faster and faster; and from side to side.  People laugh in seeing me catching all of that food, and not dropping it; no matter how fast he goes.  I just hate to waste good food.  

       

"MAX" THE HUMMINGBIRD

                   PHOTO BY TOM GREY                          

                           

            Max the Hummingbird zoomed bye.  One time when I was in a "Zone catching food in my mouth" a girl who checked our "Gas Meter" saw me doing it, and laughed at how I didn't even drop not one piece of Hot Dog.  I remember Max and 99 flew bye when back then too.

           Mr. Steve thinks, when I'm catching food fast I look like a Baseball Player who's "Taking Infield" before a game, or a Hockey Goalie being "Warmed Up."  Mr. Steve sometimes does hit infield practice to kids before their game.  I really, really like when my boss is proud of me.

       Mentioning Roy Rogers' Horse makes me think of Willie Nelson, this Country Music Singer from Texas.  He named his guitar "Trigger" and a customer told Mr. Steve it's so old that, over about fifty years; Willie Nelson has worn a hole right in it.  Ah!  I can smell some Juniper.  

          

                                                               WILLIE NELSON

                                                                                                       PHOTO BY GARY MILLER

                  

           Mr. Steve heard Willie Nelson's "Frankenstein" guitar is a "Martin" with "Baldwin" parts.  Willie Nelson likes its "soft tone" and jokes Trigger is like a "Stradivarius" so he'll retire when it does.  Willie Nelson says most people "have the same basic concerns" in their lives.

          The man who talked with Mr. Steve about Willie Nelson Dais says, is the Parts Manager at a Ford Dealership in Spring, Texas.  He said Willie Nelson is from a small town called "Abbott," and one of his ancestors fought back in the Revolutionary War.  Heathcliff just crowed. 

         Daisy told me about a Hard Rock Texas band called PANTERA.  Two of the members are brothers whose last name is Abbott just like the name of Willie Nelson's home town.  According to my Latin Dictionary pantera would be translated as being that big Cat called a "Panther." 

 

                                     1980'S                            PANTERA                            1990'S

                         

                Dais heard our boss tell that kid Jason who plays guitar, PANTERA'S brothers grew up in "Arlington" Texas.  Mr. Steve's brother Rock, and his sons Rocky Jr. and Jacob; also live there.  Mr. Steve read PANTERA'S Guitarist "Darryl" was born on August the 20th like his mom.

           I've never heard any PANTERA songs but Daisy has.  One time, when she and that other Dog Millie who I replaced were in Mr. Steve's bedroom; they heard played loud a PANTERA song about walking around and getting respect.  Mr. Steve really likes "Aggressive" songs.

           One of his Ford customers told our boss Pantera "Sports" Cars were made from 1971 through 1992 by an Italian company.  He said they were "designed" in Italy, but had Ford V8 motors in them; so were fast "Muscle" Cars.   A Sparrow carrying a twig just ran bye.          

           

    1973 DE TOMASO "PANTERA" ( "L"-"LUSSO")

    

           I guess, the two brothers in PANTERA just liked how the name sounded.  Daisy and Millie heard the Ford Parts Manager tell Mr. Steve, in the early 1970's; Italian Pantera Cars were sold  at "Lincoln-Mercury" dealerships.  Libby is walking slowly around her Corral to my right.         

         Dais heard Mr. Steve and Mr. Rick talk about the 1968 "Chevelle" Mr. Steve's dad bought for him from Mr. Rick.  That was before the 12th Grade at Sylmar High School, and Mr. Steve    later had an "SS" version.  Mr. Steve was told chevelle is French for "Bold and Beautiful."          

         Willie Nelson's old guitar Trigger must be male because he's named for Roy Rogers' boy Horse.  In glancing to my right I see Libby the Horse walking slowly around in her Corral.  You can tell that she's getting kind of old just by how carefully she moves around over there.   

  

                                    BRIAN MAY                                                 KEITH URBAN

                                                                                                                                                              PHOTO BY JOHN SHEARER

   

         Earlier I mentioned how QUEEN'S Guitarist thinks of the guitar he and his father built as a girl.  Mr. Steve was told that this one Country music guitar player named Keith Urban has a boy guitar he named "Clarence."  Keith Urban is from down there in "Australia" I guess.

        My boss's customer in "Louisiana" named Clarence said Keith Urban named a guitar after the Angel in a Christmas movie called "It's a Wonderful Life."  In all my books I'll write about the Airplane Designer Kelly Johnson, whose real first name was Clarence.  Libby neighed.     

       Someday, when I get over my fear of being trapped; I'll go all the way down the hallway and see my boss's bedroom and office.  And, I can also see and smell the guest bedroom; and the two main bathrooms too.  Then, like Dais does now already; I can then watch a lot more tv.

               

                                                         "IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE"

                   

                Dais told me It's a Wonderful Life is about a man who tries to kill himself but, is saved by Clarence the Angel; after he tells him he wishes he had never been born.  Fannie and Freddie are standing over there.  Oh!  They just hopped, to gain momentum; and are flying away.     

          Clarence, who's an Angel "2nd Class;" shows that sad man how if he had never been born it would have effected others.  As boys he saved his brother from drowning, then in World War II that exact brother saved other Soldiers from a Japanese "Kamikaze" Pilot.  I smell Sage.    

         Because the sad man was never born; his brother wasn't around to save the Soldiers.  That movie It's a Wonderful Life was made in 1946, the year after the Second World War ended.  Dais told me QUEEN have a song where the guy tells him mom he wishes he had never been born.

                                                                  

GUARDIAN ANGEL "STANLEY"

      

            Hey Stanley!  Thank You for being a good Guardian Angel in watching out and being my friend.  And thank You too God for sending Stanley to help  guide me in not doing wrong things in my life.  The four Pigeons just now flew out into the eastern desert behind the Sheds.

           Daisy says, in that movie It's a Wonderful Life; Clarence the Angel rescues the sad man from drowning after he jumped off this bridge.  By saving him Clarence earns his "First Class" wings after he gets back up there to Heaven.  I really want to see that movie someday.  

          Blessed Mother!  Thank You for coming down to me in that dream last night with Daisy's  Guardian Angel "Ramona."  When Ramona told me not to worry about writing my three books I felt so much better.  It will take a lot of time and hard work but no matter what I'll do it.    

  

                       NIGHTMARE                                  LILITH                                            EDDIE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ARTWORK BY DEREK RIGGS

        

        Hey God!  My boss told Mr. Mike he's glad he hasn't had a "Nightmare" dream lately, where the dark Praying Mantis shaped shadow tries to stab him.  Oh!  I wonder when I'll see the first green Praying Mantis Bug this year?  I see Libby the Horse over there in her Corral.             

            Daisy and I haven't had any bad dreams lately either God.  My bad Angel "Lilith" hasn't been around since the beginning of Winter and neither has Dais's bad Angel "Eddie."  Looking    over to my right, I see those "San Gabriel" mountains to the west; beyond Libby's Corral.           

        Someday, when I'm not afraid to go down the hallway; I'll go in my boss's bedroom and watch that amazing tv machine way more.  And one show I'll watch is the one Mr. Steve copied    in naming our Pigeons Lucy, Ricky and Fred and Ethel.  Some of the Ducks are quacking.                           

                                                                                                         B.B. KING   

                         

        Even though I'm mainly scheduled to learn about the history of "Blues" music in book three, on the  day after tomorrow; I kind of feel like mentioning how this guy named B.B. King    plays girl guitars named "Lucille."  Heathcliff crowed.  He makes me kind of feel happy.              

            Mr. Steve told that kid Jason B.B. King plays black or red "Gibson ES-335's."  They were "Modified" without "f-holes" to reduce "Feedback," and B.B. King saved his first Lucille from  a Dance Hall fire; risking his life for a thirty dollar guitar.  I think that's a lot of money!                

           Besides wanting to impress my boss, I'm good at catching food because I'd do anything for food. Well, not everything but; almost anything.  Later today I'll learn about this Russian man    named Ivan Pavlov, who's scientific "Experiments" Dais says our boss read about in College.     

           

                              IVAN PETROVICH PAVLOV(1849-1936) WITH FAMILY

                     

        What the heck!  I'll mention Ivan Pavlov now.  A picture in my Encyclopedia shows him with his family, and the caption says for "ten years after they married" he and his wife "lived in  poverty;" and their first two children "did not survive to adulthood."  Oh!  That too bad!            

        My boss thinks, likely because "Pavlov's" wife "Sara" had "trust and respect" for him; their marriage survived.  It says here how Pavlov was a Scientist and, in the early 20th century;  used Dogs to work on things like "conditioning a Response."  I can smell some Creosote.              

         Daisy jokes how Mr. Steve thinks he's conditioning us to do tricks using food as a reward for what he wants us to do.  But, in a way; we're "reverse conditioning" or training him because  when we do good he gives us even more food.  Boy God!  The sky is now so blue up there.                               

               "SEA WORLD"              

                              

            In the mid-1970's, when my boss and his brother Rock visited their Uncle Marty's family in San Diego; they'd go to a place called "Sea World."  Daisy told me how the "Trainers" there use Mr. Pavlov's ideas to get Dolphins and "Orca" Whales to do tricks.  Heathcliff crowed.

           Hey God!  I guess Pavlov, like Stephen Hawking; was an "Atheist" who did not believe in You.  He lived at the time of the Russian "Czars," and later the "Communists" too; who also do not believe in You either.  Ah!  I just now took in a full breath of fresh air and feel so good.

          Some think it's dumb to believe in You God but Dais and I don't care because we just feel better thinking You love us.  Mr. Steve doesn't think You "Intercede" in things down here, but I want to believe maybe sometimes You do; and do things for a reason.  Daisy thinks like that.

                                                     

                          (WITH DOG)           ALDOUS HUXLEY (1894-1963)      (WITH WIFE)

                          

            My Encyclopedia says the English Writer Aldous Huxley, who lived with his wife near us in Llano for years; knew about Mr. Pavlov's Dog experiments.  In writing his 1932 "Dystopian" novel "Brave New World" he was "influenced" by some of those ideas.  Dawn's now barking.     

              Daisy says Mr. Steve's father was born in 1932; his mom three years later.  The "Great Depression" was going on, so almost everyone was really poor I guess.  I'll learn a lot about those years over the next three days, and also about some "Utopian" and "Dystopian" novels too.   

            I guess a Utopia is a possible "Better" future world while a Dystopia is a "Worse" one.  A 16th century British man named Thomas More wrote the first Utopian novel, and it's even called "Utopia."  Daisy says his head ended up being cut off by that one English King Henry VIII.

  

                                                          RUINS OF "LLANO DEL RIO"

                                                        PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                                               PHOTO BY TONE HELENA TORGERSEN

             At the beginning of the 20th century a "Socialist Utopian community" was started in the area where Aldous Huxley and his wife lived.  At that time it was called "Llano del Rio" but now is just called "Llano."  My Spanish Dictionary says that means "Plains of the River."   

               When Dais and I put together my three outlines we decided I'd mainly learn about Llano del Rio tomorrow in my second book but, I can mention it now too.  In Socialist systems no one is "In Theory" higher in "Rank" or "Class" than anyone else.  Llano del Rio failed I guess.

            Lately Mr. Steve has used that guy Pavlov's ideas by rewarding us with food for barking if he says "Say hello" or "Say Goodbye."  I smell the "Arborvitae" tree in front of the Patio, about ten feet away from me sitting over here on Elvira.  I smell a lot of things when I dream. 

         

WILL  DURANT (1885-1981) / ARIEL DURANT (1898-1981)

   

                 Daisy told me two of Mr. Steve and his father's favorite Writers were a husband and wife team named Will and Ariel Durant.  They wrote about history, and also Philosophy too; from an "Overall" perspective, as opposed to "Specific" and particular studies.  Dawn's barking.

             A tv show Dais saw said Will and Ariel Durant were married for seventy years, and died within a week of each other.  Mr. Steve has seen that happen before, and wouldn't be surprised if one of his parents might "will" themselves to die after the other's gone.  I can smell Blinky.     

            Will and Ariel Durant were "Collaborators."  Ariel was actually a nickname given to her by her husband based on a Shakespeare character in "The Tempest" Daisy says.  Boy!  I'm so tempted to write about Will and Ariel Durant now but I'd better just follow my outline.       

                                               

 "ARBORVITAE"     

                                 

             Ah!  The Arborvitae tree's smell makes me so feel good.  This guy who visited our house one time told my boss what Arborvitae trees, which stay green even in Winter; were called.  Up there in the front yard, near to the front door entrance; are four or five Arborvitae's.

            That man who came to our house was German and noticed the Arborvitae trees.  He used the words "drought-resistant" and "evergreen" to describe them, and told Mr. Steve about this one town in Germany called "Fischerhäuser."  They grow Arborvitae trees there I guess.   

            According to my German Dictionary I think Fischerhäuser means "Fisherman's Houses" in English.  The German man said the town with that name is in the State of "Bavaria," near the city of "Munich."  Daisy heard how that guy Adolph Hitler had a big house in Bavaria too.

                                                     

                                              JOHN BELL HOOD "C.S.A." (1831-1879)  

                                       

              Instead of giving gifts at Christmas Mr. Steve donates to "Charities," and told the man he's given money to "Fisher Houses;" who help wounded Soldiers.  One is at "Fort  Hood" in      Texas.  That Fort is named for a Civil War Confederate General who my boss drew as a kid.        

          Oh wow!  My Encyclopedia says during the Civil War John Bell Hood lost "use of" an arm, and a leg was "amputated" too.  Daisy says, in 1977; Mr. Steve and his brother Rock stood right near the place in Gettysburg where his arm was almost torn off.  A Crow just cawed.           

              I guess, those Fisher Houses let injured Soldier's families live near their Hospital as they "recuperate" from major injuries.  This customer of Mr. Steve's told him there's a Fisher House  close to "Camp Pendleton." In 1951 Mr. Steve's father's Marine "Boot Camp" was there.                                 

    AMERICAN CIVIL WAR (1861-1865)       

                 

            Oh!  This picture shows what the caption says is a "burial detail," where the dead from a Civil War battle are "reburied properly."  The man is wearing a wool hat like the ones my boss,  Miss Babette, Susan and Karin sell.  Hey!  We should invent some "Beanies" for  us Dogs!            

         I heard my boss tell Mr. Randy how over 600,000 men died during the four years of the American Civil War.  And way more than that were wounded I guess.  This English Dictionary    says the word "Casualty" is defined as those, "killed, wounded or captured" in a war.                 

             I can't wait to "Stretch my Legs" and go see Daisy after this fourth chapter.  As I've said, besides celebrating and eating of course; running is my favorite thing to do.  Boy God!  So far in these first full three hours of working on my book the time has gone bye pretty fast I'd say.   

                        "BEAR" DOG                                                             DAISY CÓRDOVA

ARTWORK BY SHANNON BUTLER                                                                                                                                                                                            

 

             Oh my God!  A painting in this one Encyclopedia shows an ancient "Bear Dog" and it looks a lot like a mean version of Dais.  I've mentioned how some people think Daisy kind of resembles a small Bear at times.  A group of Finches is flying to the east way up there in the blue sky.

         Wait until Daisy sees this picture of the Bear Dog.  I'll bet she'll be amused, and agree it does sort of look like a short-faced but bigger version of her.  Dawn's barking and I smell her, Blinky and Rosie too.   Ah!  Now little Blinky is barking too and I like his strong voice.

        Wow!  According to what the caption below the painting of the Bear Dog says, they used to grow to be about eight feet long and weigh over one thousand pounds.  But, unfortunately; Bear Dogs went "extinct" about nine million years ago.  Ah!  A good stiff breeze just blew in.   

                                             

   "HOLY SPIRIT"

                                        

            Oh!  The chimes are ringing and I hope it's You Holy Spirit.   I still have nine hours of work to do today so, thank You if You're using the chimes to give me energy; and remind me to work even harder.  I'll bet my boss is in his office working on something good right now.

           Max the Hummingbird startled me by dropping vertically out of the sky, and is hovering there looking at me here on Elvira.  I can tell he's mad Mr. Steve didn't fill up the glass feeders with red liquid juice food.  There he goes zipping to my left and going over the north fence.   

            Alpha Company of Quail is filing through the two vertical slots on the sides of the gate to come in from the desert.  The "Scouts" are dashing ahead, to make sure the "Coast is Clear."  I  guess the Tongvan lady my boss met at the Knights of Columbus said "Kakaar" is Quail.

                         

ANGELINE WITH BABIES      

                  

                 Angeline and her babies are over there, which reminds me how Daisy said Mr. Steve told Miss Susan he named our three Quail groups in the way some military units are named.  He said "Alpha" is the first letter of the Greek alphabet.  It can also represent the "value of one."

           Mr. Steve was told one time by an older lady how the letter alpha was probably "derived" from the earlier "Phoenician" alphabet.  Daisy and Millie heard that lady say it's very possible our last name "Córdova" is also Phoenician in origin too.  Andy's guarding their burrow.

           Alpha Company are now going around the northeast corner of the house, over there to my left; at the far end of the Patio.  And now Angeline and her babies, for more safety; are following them.  They'll all go see if there's any Bird seed left underneath my boss's office window.       

                                               

  "MESQUITE"     

                                            

           Oh!  For the first time this new year I just picked up the scent of one of those plants Miss Susan calls "Mesquite."  Sometimes they grow into trees I've noticed but the ones in the eastern desert behind our three Sheds are more like bushes.  Some have sharp thorns Dais says.     

            In chapter one I wrote about the older Shoshone Indian man who my boss met over at the Phelan Library.  That man said there are many types of Mesquite.  One he called "Honey" and I guess you can even make some pretty good food from the parts of Mesquite he told my boss.

       That Shoshone man told my boss, some Mesquite stay small; if the soil is "shallow."  But, in deep soil; the roots can grow down into the ground and become a tree.  Mr. Steve read, since way back in the 16th century; the Spanish have used Mesquite wood for a lot of different things.     

                      

          SPANISH /AZTEC COMBAT  

                                                                     

              Throughout my three long books I'll write about, or refer to; 1519-1521 when that Spanish guy Hernán Córtes conquered the "Aztecs" down in what is now called "Mexico."  My boss is so  interested in that subject.  He and his dad think it was a very important event in history.  

          Mr. Steve's friend Mr. Ralph told him how the English word "mesquite" comes from the Spanish word "mezquite."  And mezquite is "derived" from the Aztec "Nahuatl" language, it being pronounced "mizquiti."  I just smelled that batch of Cholla cactus behind the Sheds.

         Daisy says at one time Mr. Steve sold things to this Auto dealership in "Mesquite," Texas. That's east of "Dallas," near Arlington where his brother and sons now live.  It's "Known" as the "Rodeo Capitol of Texas" and also "Tree City."  Boy!  I really like all of our trees God.

            

     THE UNIVERSE                            EARTH                         HUMAN EVOLUTION

                                   

            All of a sudden I just thought of Mr. Steve's 6th Grade Teacher Sister Rita Joseph.  Hey God!  Sister Rita Joseph thought there were three important times in this physical world, when You created the "Universe," the "Earth" and then "Life" down here.  Dawn's barking.

            Sister Rita Joseph believed in the significance of 3 and said there were three important times in Earth's history.  The first was when hot water mixed with "inorganic matter," to form "single cell" life.  Hey God!  Did You send life here to Earth in a frozen water "Comet?"

           God!  The second "turning point" was when You created "multi-celled" organisms, the third when You gave "consciousness" to those life forms, especially humans.  That Tongvan lady said, in her language "Star" is called "Shuur;" while the word "Tovaangar" means "World." 

PLANET "EARTH'S" TIMELINE 

                   Hey God!  As of course You already know, one of my goals over the next three days is to learn about the Universe You created.  I guess, that was about fourteen and a half billion years ago; when You caused that "Big Bang" event to happen.  Blackbeard and Anne flew bye.

             Boy!  I think I'm beginning to better understand why my boss and his dad like studying maps, charts and things like that.  A good diagram in this Encyclopedia shows how the Earth, and our "Solar System;" was formed about four and a half billion years ago.  I smell Sage.

             Wow!  In looking at the "Timeline of Earth" chart I notice how human beings didn't even show up until almost the very end of the Planet's history.  And it's just a tiny sliver of the Earth's "Evolution."  Daisy and Millie saw a tv show about an early human named "Lucy."

   

                                                        "LUCY" THE EARLIEST KNOWN HUMAN

                            (3.2. MILLION YEARS OLD /  AFRICA / "AUSTRALOPITHICUS AFARENSIS")

                                                                                                                                                   ARTWORK BY MICHAEL HAGELBERG   

 

               On the tv show Daisy watched the man said what it also says here in this Encyclopedia, how the oldest "fossil" evidence of human beings was found back in 1974; the  year after Mr. Steve graduated from Sylmar High School.  She was named "Lucy."  Dawn's barking.

            Lucy's bones were dug up over in Africa, where the country of "Ethiopia" is now.  Oh!  I guess, she got her name because the Archaeologist's who discovered her remains were listening to the BEATLES song "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds."   I smell little Blinky.

            Anyway, because my boss and his mom are interested in this subject; I'll learn a lot more about it over the next three days.  I now realize It's going to be harder to keep to our schedule of writing one chapter per hour of sunlight.  So, I have to be disciplined and not waste time.   

                          

                       "ANDY GRIFFITH" SHOW                                 ANDY / HELEN

                            (SHERIFF ANDY / GIRLFRIEND HELEN)                        (ON THEIR FAVORITE BOULDER)                                                                    

                                               

          Andy and Helen the Squirrels are standing together on their favorite boulder.  Daisy says Mr. Steve named them after tv characters on "The Andy Griffith Show."  You can really tell how Andy and Helen are best friends, and how Andy protects, defends; and watches out for her.      

          I guess Andy is named after "Sheriff Andy" on The Andy Griffith Show, while Helen on the show was Sheriff Andy's girlfriend.  Daisy and Millie are lucky because they saw "Episodes" of The Andy Griffith Show.  Boy!  I can't wait for the time when I can watch a lot of tv. 

          Oh my God!  I can tell by how Helen ran down into their burrow, and Andy took up guard position on top; there are babies down there.  Wow!  Hopefully that's another sign this is going to be a special year.   Yup!  Andy's sniffing the air, and is now definitely in his "Guard Mode." 

     

BABY SQUIRRELS     

                   

                 Baby Squirrels are so cute!  I can't wait to take a longer break after this fourth chapter so I can go up front to visit Daisy, and tell her about how I think Andy and Helen already have new babies.  I know for sure she's wondering how things are going this morning back here.

             Virgin Mary!  It must be so great to have some babies to raise and teach how to survive in life.  I like when Daisy, who's had two "Litters" of babies herself; always tries to support and encourage me by saying things like she thinks I'll be a good mother.  I smell Mesquite.

             Feeling the Sun's energy absorbing into me sitting here on you Elvira really makes me appreciate how you were so warm on those cold nights this Winter.  Boy!  I'm so glad I have you around here that's for sure.  Andy's sniffing the air and is now looking in this direction.

  

ANDY AND HELEN

PHOTO BY IAN MERRILL

        Piñon Hills Squirrels live down there in burrows, but during this Winter I noticed a few times how Andy and Helen kept each other warm up in the Mulberry tree over there.  It did get  pretty cold sometimes.  By next Winter I'll be able to go inside the house like Daisy does.               

           I remember that time Mr. Mike and Mr. Randy helped my boss load Rex the Truck to go to the dump.  Mr. Randy said, when he lived in "Arkansas;" on cold nights "ice crystals" called "Hoar Frost" would "form" on everything.  A flock of Birds flew over Libby's Corral.                  

       Mr. Mike said people often compare Hoar Frost to "Rime Rice."   The first happens on "clear, calm nights" he said, Rime Rice crystals "created in freezing fog" and being "denser."      Boy!  I feel so good right now in hearing Heathcliff crow and his Hens cackling over there.                     

"HOAR FROST"

PHOTO BY MARK RACKERBURY

        Mr. Mike and Mr. Randy told my boss Hoar Frost in Winter makes trees look like their "foliage" or leaves have turned pure white.  But actually, it's those big frozen crystals that are      hanging down.  Boy!  I'd sure like to see that, even though I would have to be really cold.              

            Dawn's barking over there next door and, glancing to my right; I see Libby the Horse walking slowly around near the back of her Corral next to Primavera Road.  At times I kind of nervously worry a lot but, seeing her makes me feel calmer somehow.   I like Libby.

             Andy's sniffing the air and I can tell by his body language that he's totally alert just in case there's any danger around to he and Helen's new Spring babies down there in the burrow.  Someday I want to see that Andy Griffith tv show.  Daisy thinks I would really like it.

                                        

                                                                                             ANDY / BARNEY     

               

            Daisy says The Andy Griffith Show "Takes Place" in a small North Carolina town called "Mayberry."  She told me Sheriff Andy's "Deputy" named "Barney" is funny because he thinks he's so talented but really isn't.  Barny's really nice girlfriend is named "Thelma Lou." 

           My boss told Mr. Mike he met Andy Griffith when he was in a tv show called "Matlock," and filmed at one of Mr. Steve's dad's properties in Sylmar.  Andy Griffith really was from North Carolina.   Mr. Steve has told Mr. Mike about this place called "Franklin Canyon."   

               A nice breeze blew in the Twins' scent from out there in the eastern desert behind the three Sheds.  Glancing to my right at Libby's Corral, I see that so far this new year there are no Flies flying around her yet.  Boy God!  I wish You'd never created those bothersome Flies!

          

        ANDY GRIFFITH / GEORGE LINDSEY 

                        

              One of Mr. Steve's mom's friends, Mrs. "Lindsey;" was also a Girl Scout leader and her husband played "Goober" on the Andy Griffith Show.  She used to jokingly say, "It's nice to be important but more important to be nice."  I can now smell Andy and Helen over there.

             George Lindsey was born in the State of "Alabama," where Mr. Steve's customers buy  "N.A.S.C.A.R" Baseball hats.  N.A.S.C.A.R., which I'll write about in my books; stands for the name "National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing" Dais heard.  Daffy's quacking.

  

                                   MONTREAL, QUEBEC                           MONTREAL "CANADIANS"

             In 1950 Mr. Steve's mom, when fourteen; visited "Montreal" Canada as a Girl Scout and found out about a 17th century Native-American girl who's a Catholic Saint.  Her "Algonquin" Indian mother "Converted"  to Christianity, her father a "Mohawk" Warrior.  I smell Sage.

           

                                        SAINT CATHERINE TEKAKWITHA (1656-1680)

  

                 Even though I'll mainly write about her tomorrow, I feel like saying St. Catherine was "Adopted" by my boss's mom's Troop as their "Patron" Saint.  Mr. Steve met a Catholic girl from "Santa Clarita," which is near Sylmar.  Her "Parish" is dedicated to "St. Catherine."  

                 When up in Canada Daisy says Mr. Steve's mom went to "Mass" at a Montreal Church also dedicated to that girl St. Catherine, who died at a young age.  Anyway, over the next three days; I'll be talking about Mr. Steve's mom's trip as a Girl Scout.  Heathcliff just crowed. 

           Ah!  Speedy Gonzalez the Squirrel ran bye, but I won't chase him the way I usually do.  For the next three days, like Daisy told me; I'll show discipline instead of doing just all the usual fun things.  But showing "Restraint" while learning some new things is kind of fun too! 

                              

      "NASCAR" AUTO RACING           

                                  

         Dais has me scheduled to write about some of the different kinds of "Auto Racing" over the next three days.  Many of Mr. Steve, Babette, Susan and Karin's customers like Racing.  As I've mentioned, the second of my boss's two 1968 Chevelle's was a special "S.S." version.                     

       One time my boss and Mr. Mike talked about Chevelle's.  I guess the 1968 and 1969 versions had the same "Body Style" but the "Tail Lights," and a "few" other things; were different.  His  first Chevelle, which he drove in 12th Grade; had a "Small Block 327-cubic inch" motor.             

 Mr. Steve's "Super Sport" version had this 396-c.i. "Big Block" engine, with 360 "Horse Power."  But Mr. Steve's friend "Tim" worked on it and got it up to near 400 "h.p."  A Jewish      lady told our boss "Chevelle" is a girl's name and in Hebrew means, "My  God is a vow."             

          

1968 "S.S." CHEVELLE LIKE MR. STEVE'S       

          

        I'm afraid to ride in Cars, but like hear to about them. I guess Mr. Tim, who's now an Auto and Boat Mechanic; put "Hooker Header" exhaust pipes on Mr. Steve's S.S. Chevelle.  Mr. Steve was told that one Jewish lady how Chevelle can also mean a "Strong Horse" in French.                

        I wonder what a "Carburetor" is?  Whatever it is, that guy Tim put a "Holley 4 Barrel" on an "Edelbrock" intake manifold" in the S.S. Chevelle and; also installed what's called a "12-bolt "Positraction" rear end axle too.  I now can hear some Pigeons cooing out in the desert.                

       As I understood it, when Mr. Steve was talking to Mr. Mike; in most Cars only one rear tire turns to "propel" the vehicle forward.  But, a Positraction makes both tires "grip" the road to    go ahead.  Mr. Steve's S.S. Chevelle was royal blue and had a black "Vinyl" roof Dais says.          

    

             1968 S.S. CHEVELLE LIKE MR. STEVE'S           

                                                

          Mr. Steve told Mr. Randy that morning how 1968 and 1969 Chevelle's were "Fastback," with "Short Deck" body styles.  Anyway, I'll write more about my boss's Chevelle's over the next three days.  Two of the Pigeons came in from the desert and landed on Moe the middle Shed.       

       Looking up makes me think of how the color "Sky" blue is the "Official" State color of North Carolina.  Mr. Steve, and also Miss Susan have customers in North and South Carolina.    I'll learn more about "Tar Heel" blue tomorrow when I write about the American Civil War.       

          One morning my boss was filling up the water basin below the big Mulberry tree up in the front yard.  I heard him tell Mr. Mike he, and his friend "Tim;" used to take his two Chevelle's    to  the "Street Races."  The Pigeons are now both lifting off and flying toward the northwest.              

"DRAG" RACING

    

          As I've said, I'll write about our last name Córdova in my books.  Towns and cities around the world use our name and Mr. Steve was told this town in the State of  "Illinois" has a "Drag    Strip" for racing Cars.  From what Dais heard; that guy Abraham Lincoln was from Illinois.       

         Way back in the 1500's the Spanish explored North and South America, mainly looking for gold.  And wherever they went our last often went with them too.  Some "Conquistadors" named either Córdoba or Córdova probably made it all the way up into Illinois my boss thinks.               

     People in our area, because of the bad economy; have what are called "Garage Sales" to make money.  Mr. Steve bought a miniature "Die Caste" model Chevelle at one and I guess it    really does look exactly like his old 1968 S.S. Chevelle.  Except that it's a 1969 Chevelle.                   

        "DIE CASTE" 1969 S.S. CHEVELLE                              1968 S.S. CHEVELLE LIKE MR. STEVE'S   

      

         I guess that Die Caste, after Mr. Steve cleaned it; is sitting on one of the bookshelf's  in the guest bedroom now.  Just like my boss's Chevelle, it's royal blue, has an S.S. hood, a black vinyl roof and what are called "Slot" rims on the tires.  Heathcliff crowed over there to my right.          

        Someday, when I overcome my fear of being trapped inside an enclosed area with only one escape route; I'll ride in our Cars Barney and Theodora like Daisy.  She also goes with Mr. Steve in our Truck Rex, even though it's hard to get her up there.  She's pretty heavy all right.               

       My favorite color is royal blue just like our food bowls but, in looking toward the eastern horizon beyond the eastern desert; I'm starting to really like "Sky" blue too.  Our Sheds Manny, Moe and Jack are mainly "Navy" blue and white.  Daisy loves anything in the color red.               

  

      LED ZEPPELIN                       DEEP PURPLE                     BLACK SABBATH     

           Since a kid Dais says, Mr. Steve has liked aggressive music, like "Hard Rock" and "Heavy Metal" for instance.  Three early 1970's English bands he likes are BLACK SABBATH, DEEP      PURPLE; and LED ZEPPELIN who I mentioned earlier.   Speedy Gonzalez just ran bye.           

       On DEEP PURPLE'S  album "Machine Head" is a song, "Smoke on the Water;" about a Swiss Casino burning down.  I guess, this dumb guy shot one of those "Flare" guns in a Theater; starting an "Out of Control" fire.  Daisy told me she sure wouldn't want to be that guy.                

      One time on a "Freeway," in his first Chevelle; Mr. Steve and Sandy listened to Machine Head.  "Like an idiot" he says, he drove way too fast during the song "Highway Star."  Another time he did the same stupid thing hearing QUEEN'S "Great King Rat" he told Mr. Dave.                

               DEEP PURPLE  (1971)                                                FRANK ZAPPA                     

     

         Dais heard Mr. Steve tell Mr. Grant, on the night of the Casino fire in Switzerland, Frank Zappa from Antelope Valley was playing a concert.  Usually it's very illegal "To yell Fire" in a crowded Theater but, on that night; Frank Zappa did it legally.  Mr. Grant chuckled at that.        

        I guess the Casino was in "Montreux," Switzerland; near "Lake Geneva."  It happened on December 4th, my boss's Niece Stephanie's birthday.  The "Riff" from DEEP PURPLE'S  song    "Smoke on the Water" is learned by many Guitarists.  Frank Zappa died on December 4th.         

       Mr. Steve told Mr. Dave in New Mexico many people have heard Highway Star and Smoke on the Water from Machine Head.  But over the years, to see their reaction; he's played people    "Pictures of Home" which few have heard.  The reaction has often been amazement he says.        

    

        "SABBATH BLOODY SABBATH"                                                                    

      

         Mr. Steve plays people some BLACK SABBATH, DEEP PURPLE or LED ZEPPELIN songs, or parts of songs; just to see their reaction.  Some give him a sense of "Rhêma."  Over the years he's played people "lesser known" songs from LED ZEPPELIN'S fourth album.                  

       Daisy says Mr. Dave laughed when Mr. Steve told him how people react in hearing the "middle section" of BLACK SABBATH'S song "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath."  There's "no way" a bass and guitar can get any "heavier" he says.  Mr. Mark in Hawaii has played that song.             

        I've mentioned how my boss's favorite QUEEN album is the one they made first, and Dais says that song "Great King Rat" is on it.  It has good guitar, Mr. Steve particularly likes the fast paced second solo.  The drumming on the first QUEEN album was really good too I guess.                

                         QUEEN I (1973)                                                       QUIET RIOT (1976)                  

    

         Back in the mid-1970's Mr. Steve and Sandy met the band QUIET RIOT, and it was at one of their rehearsals my boss realized how good Guitarist Randy Rhoads was.  In between songs      he was talking to people and casually "Noodling."  He was playing the Great King Rat solo.         

        Someday I really want to hear the QUEEN I album.  Dais says Mr. Steve told Mr. Dave in New Mexico he likes the Tolkien type "mystical" themes done in a Hard and Progressive Rock    way.  But there's also a few kind of softer style Folk music influences on it too I guess.                    

          A while back Mr. Steve got a phone call from a guy named "Gilbert" who he hadn't spoken in thirty years.  They "Reminisced" and one of the things they talked about was their old Cars.    I guess Gilbert, who's a pretty good Auto Mechanic; used to have a 1962 Chevy "Impala."                                                                                       

1962 "IMPALA" ("LOS ANGELES RIVER BASIN")         

                                                                      

             This Encyclopedia shows a 1962 "Lowrider" Impala in the "concrete channel" of the "L.A. River."  In my books I'll learn more about that River, and other things having to do with water.  I notice how the Impala is one of those "Convertible" Cars Daisy told me about.           

            Mr. Steve and Gilbert talked about the 1970's when kids "cruised" their Cars up and down  "Whittier" and "Van Nuys" Boulevard's to "Show Off" their Cars.  I guess Mr. Gilbert's Impala had  "Hydraulic Lifts" so it could "sway, jump and dance."  I can smell a Lizard.             

           The first Car my boss ever had was that 1968 Chevelle his dad bought for him from his friend Rick, with the small block motor in it.  Impala's are also "Chevrolets," or "Chevys."  The idea of  "Lowering" Cars began in Los Angeles but has now spread to the world Daisy heard.                                   

     N.W.A.   

                                    

        I guess, in the 1960's; it was mainly "Mexican-Americans" who first thought of the idea of lowering Cars.  But then, later; some black guys started doing it too.  Mr. Gilbert told my boss a  1980's singing group from "Compton" called "N.W.A." must've liked Lowrider Cars too.             

    Mr. Steve has never really listened to much "Hip Hop" or "Rap" music, but a few of his  Nieces and Nephews do.  I guess the five guys in N.W.A., which stands for "NIGGERS WITH      AN ATTITUDE; sing what's called "Gangster Rap."  I see a Lizard standing on the wall.             

      Back in the 1970's some of the Mexican kids who "Customized" Lowriders called their Cars "Ranfla," and asked each other "Que Rifa;" or "Where are you from?"  Mr. Steve and Gilbert    talked about that too I guess.  "Chicano" is just another name for a Mexican-American.                   

ALLMAN BROTHERS                                                           WAR              

     

          Mr. Steve told Gilbert he and Rick used to "Cruise" Van Nuys Boulevard listening to that   "Southern Rock" band the ALLMAN BROTHERS.  Mr. Gilbert liked WAR, who from "Long    Beach."  That one Lizard just skittered down the wall and is running out into the dirt.                 

        Back in the late 1970's my boss saw the ALLMAN BROTHERS and GRATEFUL DEAD play concerts on the Football field at U.C.S.B.   That's where his sister Susan went to College for a few years.  Dawn's barking at something over there, and I smell her, Blinky and Rosie.               

         One time I heard my boss and Mr. Mike talk about how in the 1970's some bands used two Drummers.  The ALLMAN BROTHERS and GRATEFUL DEAD did and Daisy says so did this other band Mr. Steve likes called the DOOBIE BROTHERS.  I can smell Joshua trees.                          

GRATEFUL DEAD                                                       DOOBIE BROTHERS

 

         I heard Mr. Mike say the GRATEFUL DEAD and DOOBIE BROTHERS were both from northern California.  I wonder if the GRATEFUL DEAD want to be dead?  An orange boy Finch Bird coming from the west flew bye over top of the house and went out into the back field.            

        My boss told Mr. Mike about a DOOBIE BROTHERS album cover.  It had pictures of the band taken on a destroyed section of the 14 Freeway in Sylmar after the 1971 earthquake.  The    members wore 19th century clothes and rode on one of those old "Stage Coach" Wagons.             

       Mr. Steve heard the GRATEFUL DEAD took their name from a "Folk" story about a guy who pays for a "Penniless" dead man to be buried.  So the dead man's spirit is grateful.  I wrote before how my boss and his father have donated money to bury some poor people too.                                          

CHER     

                                        

          Oh!  I just glanced up in time to see our neighbor's Cat Cher using the right vertical slot on the side of the gate to go out into the eastern desert behind the three Sheds.  She's moving as    if she's hungry right now.  I don't think she knows yet about Andy and Helen's new babies.          

          Cher's a good hunter, sometimes you don't even know she's around until all of a sudden you smell or see her being still.  Cher is not very friendly so Daisy and I just leave her, and her    really sharp claws and teeth; alone.   Andy watched her going out into the back field.                     

          I guess, back in the 1970's; one of the ALLMAN BROTHERS married the Singer Cher who our neighbor's Cat is named after.  I've never heard any of the real Cher's songs, but Daisy  says she's got a good voice; and Mr. Steve thinks she's pretty.  I smell Libby the Horse.                  

               

THE ANIMALS       

           

        Dais says that band WAR have a song about Lowrider Cars.  She heard Mr. Steve tell that kid Jason how WAR'S first Singer had been in this British band called the ANIMALS.  Mr. Steve played him their songs on the Stereo.  Ah!  The smell of Spring is making me feel so alive!             

        That morning, when he was out here working; my boss played the ANIMALS' song about a house in Louisiana where I guess you can see the Sun come up.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve thinks it    might be about "Gambling Away" all of your money.  He always tells people never gamble.          

       Daisy and I wonder why that band picked the name WAR, and if there has ever been a band with the name of PEACE?  Later today I'll write about this band called DEATH.  Mr. Dave back in New Mexico got to meet one of WAR'S "Percussionists" named Sal Rodriguez Dais heard.           

          WITH SAL RODRIGUEZ                MR. DAVE                       "DRUMMER" DAVE                                           

                    

        I mentioned earlier how my boss's friend Mr. Dave, who also plays the drums; moved from here in California to New Mexico.  In my books I'll write about "Kennedy" High School, near      Sylmar, where Sal Rodriguez and Mr. Dave went.  Two Pigeons landed on the roof above me.       

       Hey Holy Spirit!  What a coincidence that, just when I'm about to write how Mr. Dave says that guy Sal Rodriguez is also Christian like us, two of the Pigeons show up.  You know I kind of  associate Pigeons with You.  Ah!  Those Pigeons now cooing which makes me feel good inside.      

       As of course You know Lord, Mr. Dave says Sal Rodriguez believes in You just like us.  Dais says, on this thing called the "Internet;" Mr. Dave has a "Web Site" which has a picture of him    with Sal Rodriguez.  And both look like friendly, basically decent people of "Good Will."                

"FACEBOOK"

  

      Daisy says she and I have a "Facebook" page on the Internet, with pictures of us and the front yard; where she's at now.  Mr. Eddie, who sells things for Mr. Steve and lives in "Lake Los Angeles;" built it one time when he visited us here in Piñon Hills.  The Pigeons flew away.             

        Boy!  Someday I hope to see our Facebook website which will be interesting because I don't even know what my own face looks like.  The website is under my name Maggie Córdova.  Mr.      Eddie set up a website for Mr. Steve but it's totally blank without anything even being on it.       

        Oh!  Cher, with this dead Mouse in her mouth; just used the right vertical slot on the side of the gate to come back in from being out there in the eastern desert.  Now she just jumped up on  Moe the middle Shed's roof.   There are a few Birds darting around behind the three Sheds.            

      MOOKIE WILSON CÓRDOVA              MISS EMILY                                   "MOOK"

                                                                               

          For some reason seeing Cher suddenly reminds of that time when my boss told Miss Susan about his boy Cat named "Mookie Wilson."  I guess, he was all white; and lived with Mr. Steve    down there on Hagar Street in Sylmar.  He was given his name by Miss Emily in the 1980's.          

         As I said in chapter one, over the next three days one thing Daisy has me writing about are some of the other Dogs and Cats who've lived with our boss over the years.  I smell Cher really clearly.  I also smell that little dead Mouse who was totally alive until just a minute ago.                

       My boss's ex-girlfriend Miss Emily, who grew up in New York City; named Mookie Wilson after a New York "Mets" Baseball Player.  Like Mr. Steve calls us "Dais" and Mag," they called  him "Mook."  Daisy told me she heard Mets is short for the name "Metropolitans."                                  

 MOOKIE WILSON                                                               PEARLJAM       

                                                                                                                                                                                    PHOTO BY PAUL BERGEN

   

       Daisy says our boss told Miss Susan, the girl he taught to be a Salesperson; about his Cat Mookie Wilson.  They also talked about this 1980's movie called "Do The Right Thing."  One of the main characters in that movie was also named "Mookie" too from what Dais told me.             

          Over the next three days I'll write more about Mookie Wilson the Cat, Do The Right Thing, and some Mets Players.  And I'll learn about "Grunge" music too.  I can hear all the little bones  crunching as Cher is now chewing on and then eating that Field Mouse she killed for food.           

        A customer at an Auto Dealership in the State of "Washington" once told Mr. Steve about a 1990's Grunge band called PEARLJAM.  Their original band name was MOOKIE he said.  Max the Hummingbird just went whizzing bye and is now darting out into the eastern desert.                                                    

    EMINEM    

             

        What the heck!  Even though they're not on my outline in this spot I just kind of feel like mentioning that movie Do The Right Thing and another movie about this "Rap" Singer from the city of "Detroit" called EMINEM.  Cher is still up on Moe eating that one Mouse I notice.            

         Daisy heard our boss on the phone tell that girl Miss Susan at work about a freezing cold Winter night when he watched Do The Right Thing.  I guess the movie takes place on a boiling    hot and humid New York City Summer day.  Mr. Steve watched it from "Under the Covers."       

       And another time on a really hot Summer day, with a fan blowing; he watched this movie about that Singer EMINEM.  That movie took place during an extremely cold Winter period in    Detroit.  EMINEM was born on October the 17th just like Mr. Steve's brother Rock in Texas.                                                  

   CELINA CÓRDOVA (1962-2004)       

     

           I guess my boss watched Do the Right Thing under four blankets, the top one a "Quilt" made by his sister Celina who died.  Like other girls in our family, she was a good "Seamstress"       or; she could "Sew."  Hey Barry, Robin and Maurice, you guys are good loyal blankets.           

          Mr. Steve tells people he always knows it's Winter when he pulls out his sister's quilt.  He pays a nice South Korean lady, who works at the "Cleaners" in Phelan; to "resew and clean" it    every few years Daisy told me.  That lady is also good at sewing too Mr. Steve thinks.                    

          I've never heard any Rap songs like the one's EMINEM does, but Daisy has and says they kind of talk sing where the words sometimes rhyme and go fast.  Cher is up there on Moe licking her paw and then wiping down the top of her head with it.  She just noticed me over here.                                                                     JIMI HENDRIX                                                      DICK DALE                        

            PHOTO BY HENRY DILTZ                                                                                                                                                                                   

                    

          In my books I'll write about two left-handed Guitarists, Jimi Hendrix and Dick Dale.  The night before he died in 1970 Dais heard, Jimi Hendrix "Jammed" with WAR at this Nightclub in England.  His first Manager was the ANIMAL'S bass player.  Cher is going to take a nap.             

         Someday I'll go in Mr. Steve's bedroom like Dais, and see the 11 x 14 color "Print" of Jimi Hendrix at "Woodstock."   It's on the wall near the drums, and I guess my boss paid this man in Wrightwood, named Mr. Oimette; to "Double-Matt" and "Frame" it.  Mr. Oimette died.              

       The picture of Jimi Hendrix was given to him by Mr. Rich, his Niece Stephanie's boyfriend who grew up back east in the State of "New Jersey."   Many people call him "Richie," which is    how he went by when playing guitar in that Heavy Metal band DRAGPIPE.  I smell Sage.            

    

                   DRAGPIPE                                   ALBUM (2003)                                       MR. RICHIE                                                                                                                   

                                            

        I guess, from what Dais told me; DRAGPIPE put out a good album back in 2002 and Mr. Rich was one of DRAGPIPE'S three Guitarists.  I guess, sometimes Mr. Steve plays drums along  to that album, even though he's not as good as DRAGPIPE'S Drummer.  Cher's asleep.                 

         Someday I really want to hear that DRAGPIPE album.  Dais says Mr. Steve likes this song about going on what's called a "Cruise," which means traveling on a Ship; to different parts of    the world.  I don't know if I'd like that, seeing as how I don't know if I can even swim.               

      Dais told me our boss has "Magnets" sticking to the front of this amazing machine called a "Refrigerator."  They're "Souvenirs" from cruises his boss Steve Banks and his wife Ronna took before he died.  Miss Susan, and Babette and Karin; also have some of those magnets too.            

                          

              METALLICA               

                                                                  

          Mr. Steve likes "Hard Rock," so thinks Dick Dale's song "Nitro" is kind of early "Heavy Metal."   He wonders what a band like METALLICA would think of it.  METALLICA, who are from California; have a Bassist whose last name is "Trujillo" like his mom's "Maiden" name.     

           In my three books I'll write about the KINKS.  Mr. Steve likes their song "You Really Got Me" and thinks their Guitarist was influenced in 1964 by the VENTURES and Dick Dale's "Surf Rock." I guess his ex-girlfriend Miss Emily's sister and brother-in-law know the VENTURES.     

         Even though my boss doesn't really follow it anymore, over the next three days I'll learn and write about "Sports."  When we were putting together my outlines Dais and I decided that    I'd write about the Los Angeles "Rams" professional Football team.  Libby just whinnied.                                                      

   "FEARSOME FOURSOME"        

(LOS ANGELES "RAMS" / 1960'S)        

                                          

      In the mid-1960's Mr. Steve saw the L.A. Rams defensive "Front Line," the "Fearsome Foursome;" play.  Mr. Gilbert saw their singing band "open up" for WAR at a North Hollywood Nightclub.  My boss's ex-girlfriend Miss Harriet still lives in North Hollywood I guess.                  

             Dais heard Mr. Steve and his brother Sam in Littlerock talk about the Rams moving to "St. Louis" in 1995.  I guess from 1935 through 1946, the year after World War II ended; they      were the "Cleveland" Rams.  Boy!  I like the Rams' helmets with the white horns on them.           

             All of a sudden I just thought about this girl named Danica Patrick, who Daisy told me is a Race Car Driver; and Mr. Steve thinks is so pretty.  Cher woke up, jumped down from Moe;    and is now using the right vertical gate slot to go out into the back desert.  Daffy's quacking.                                                                                                                                                                                            DANICA PATRICK                                                                                                                                                                        PHOTO BY SEAN GARDNER                                                                                                           

                                                       

          Mr. Steve admires how that girl Danica Patrick not only races in the N.A.S.C.A.R. "Stock Cars," but also drives what are called "Open-Wheel" Cars; like at the "Indianapolis 500" for      example.  Oh!  Speedy Gonzalez the Squirrel just sprinted bye.  I smell some Mesquite.                 

          I guess some criticize Danica Patrick because she doesn't win that many races but, like my boss says; how many men have the concentration to drive a Car five hundred miles while going    about two hundred miles per hour?  He couldn't do it he says.  Dawn's barking next door.            

        Daisy heard Mr. Mike say Danica Patrick, like Mr. Mark who now lives over in Hawaii; is originally from the State of "Wisconsin."  Mr. Steve lost a few customers from Wisconsin during the economic recession.  Libby the Horse is walking slowly around over there in her Corral.            

MR. MARK                        MR. MARK / WIFE KIM           DYLAN / MARK / TAJ

                                          

         Mr. Mark, my boss and Miss Helen sold advertising and tickets for those sports teams in the 1980's.  Mr. Mark, with wife Kim and son's Taj and Dylan; now live over on Hawaii's "Big    Island."  My right nostril just picked up Libby's unique scent coming in from my right.            

           I guess Mr. Mark is a good Musician of many influences.  He likes the music of Prince and Jimi Hendrix but also Jazz, Heavy Metal and Rhythm and Blues too.  Mr. Mark first came out    here to California from a big city in Wisconsin called "Milwaukee" in 1980 Daisy heard.              

          Dais told me how Mr. Steve, Mr. Mark and that older lady Miss Helen; sold things for the Basketball "Lakers" and Ice Hockey "Kings."  But they also sold for the "Strings" Team Tennis  and "Lazers" Indoor Soccer .  Ah!  I think I smell an unfamiliar Sage plant around here.                                                 "BIG ISLAND REPORTER" COVER                       BLUE TURBAN STONE             

                 

           After working for the Lakers, Mr. Mark went to work for another Basketball team called the "Clippers."  Later he sold advertising for the "Hollywood Reporter."  Dais says now he has this Hawaiian "Internet" Newspaper and is a one man band called BLUE TURBAN STONE.      

        As I said earlier, over the next three days I'll write about Mr. Steve's life and those of his family too.  I'll learn about their New Mexico relatives and people they've known.  Fannie and      Freddie the Crows, talking to each other as they so often do; are flying toward the east.                 

         One time Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve and his brother Rock talk on the phone about how Mr. Mark was on a tv show called "Love Connection," so got to go on a date with the  girl.  And I guess on Saturday mornings he used to dance on this other tv show called "Soul Train."                                                                                      

     DALE EARNHARDT SR. (1951-2001) WITH WIFE            

                                              

         I'm still thinking of Auto Racing.  Daisy says Dale Earnhardt Sr. was a "North Carolina" Driver who died in a crash, but his son "Dale Jr." still races.  Mr. Steve thinks "Dale Sr.'s" wife    "Teresa" seems smart and he's heard her "Late" husband trusted her "Business" instincts.         

      Some time back Mr. Steve had a dream where his mom was working with her Girl Scout Troop doing what they call "Crafts."  As I've mentioned, Mr. Steve's mother is very artistic and    so enjoys teaching others.  A few of her big giant paintings are hanging inside of our house.         

         Dais told me one of the "Field Trips" Mr. Steve's mom and Mrs. Lindsey's Troops went on was to this town called "Solvang." Mr. Steve sister Susan has some fond memories of field trips    she and Celina went on with Girl Scouts.  I can smell Dawn, Blinky and Rosie over there.                                                   

                                                                   "SOLVANG"         

                                                                        

       Solvang is Danish for "Sunny Field," and is near the city of "Santa Barbara," or "Saint Barbara" in English.  Daisy heard it  looks like a 19th century town with "Windmills." In my      books I'll learn about the "Scandinavian" countries "Denmark," "Norway" and "Sweden."        

           Over the next three days I'll find out about Santa Barbara, where Mr. Steve's sister Susan went to College at "U.C.S.B." or; "University of California Santa Barbara."  Their family took    vacations to the "Miramar" Hotel near there.  Miramar is Spanish for saying "Ocean View."       

        I just used my English Dictionary to look up the word "excursion," which is defined as a "brief  pleasure trip."  I guess one time Mr. Steve and his mom talked about their "Day Trip" to "Catalina" Island, which his Nieces Cristina and Samantha went on too.  Daffy's quacking.          

2014 FORD "EXCURSION"

        I remember the time when our Auto Mechanic Mr. Ramon came to our house to look at Theodora's motor.  He drives a big "Ford" Car called an "Excursion."  Daisy heard Mr. Steve    talking on the phone one time with Miss Karin at work about Excursions.  I like Daffy.                 

        A Ford customer told Mr. Steve Excursions are "assembled" in the State of "Kentucky," and are at times used as Limousines.  Because of their large "Heavy Duty" size, governments use them as Armored Cars, and New York City's Fire Chief drives around in one.  I smell Sage.          

           Andy used the right vertical slot on the side of the gate to go out into the desert behind the Sheds.  Helen, at the entrance to their burrow; took over guarding their new babies so he can go get some food or maybe go to the bathroom.  Ah!  I smell that one old Rosemary bush.

                             

       "ROSEMARY"             

                              

             Hey Blessed Mother!   I sure hope smelling Rosemary means You might be thinking of me down here.  That Israeli lady told Mr. Steve Your husband Joseph "most likely" used Rosemary plants to keep Bugs away and make things like clothes smell better. I love to smell Rosemary!

           Lord!  That lady said it was Your dad's "responsibility" to protect You, so he "probably" put Rosemary in Your bed.  And there's a good chance she said, that girl Mary Magdelane went to Your grave to put Rosemary in there.  A flock of Birds is flying to the north up in the sky.

          Hey Mother Mary!  As You know, Daisy heard the lady from Israel tell our boss about how Rosemary symbolizes "Remembrance."  And, that's what it and You now also represent to me; mainly because I recall good times when I was smelling some Rosemary.   Dawn's barking.          

                                                                  

         "SCANDINAVIA"           

                               

                  A map in my Encyclopedia shows how Denmark is the smallest Scandinavian country. Some "Vikings" came from there, and during World War II the Germans conquered Norway and Denmark too.  I've mentioned that Miss Helena in Lake Los Angeles is from Norway.

           Mr. Steve and his first girlfriend Miss Sandy visited Solvang one time.  Her father's family were originally from Norway.  It was Sandy's mother who first told them Solvang meant Sunny Field.  Daisy heard that Miss Sandy has two younger sisters named "Suzie" and "Stacy."

          Hey Lord!  I heard Mr. Steve tell Mr. Randy about this "Lutheran" Christian Church in Solvang.  I guess, unlike Catholic Churches like Saint Ferdinand's; "Protestant" Churches are plain inside with no statues or pictures Dais says.   Two of the Pigeons are flying to the east.  

     

                                                 "SAINT FERDINAND" CHURCH        

                              PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                        

                   

          Hey Lord!  As You know, my boss and his mom one time talked on the phone about the  three statues of Saints above the alter in St. Ferdinand's.  Above them is a "Life Size" statue of    You nailed to that cross.  I at times wonder what the inside of a Church would smell like.              

          Mr. Steve said the Solvang Lutheran Church has a model sailing Ship hanging inside, in "honor" of Denmark's "maritime" history; like the Vikings for instance.  It's the "Exception to the Rule" about Protestant Churches.  Mr. Steve has a miniature Viking "Long Ship" I guess.     

            I wonder what it's like to swim or smell a Lake or Ocean?  Daisy says Mr. Steve has been to Lakes and some Oceans too.  I guess that one Tongvan lady my boss met over at the Knights of Columbus Hall in San Fernando told him how in her language "Moomat" means "Ocean."   

                                       

                                                                     RICK STEVES

                                                       (NORTHWEST ITALIAN COASTLINE)                      

                                

        Daisy told me Mr. Steve sometimes watches a tv show where this guy named Rick Steves travels around Europe.  I guess,  Rick Steves and his family live in the State of "Washington;"      even though he was born in up "Barstow" to our north.  Two of the Pigeons just flew bye.            

          A customer told my boss Rick Steves is a "Lutheran" who helps the poor and his ancestors, like Mr. Steve's ex-girlfriend Sandy's family; were from "Norway."  Daisy noticed Rick Steves    is a good piano player.  Mr. Eddie's Landlady Miss Helena in Lake L.A. is from Norway.              

       Daisy heard Rick Steves say his favorite European country is Italy.  I've mentioned how, in 1985; Mr. Steve's St. Ferdinand's Tour Group visited Italy and Israel.  Daisy says our boss has a  big eight foot wide painting of the Italian coastline hanging on the south wall of his office.                                        

                                   EXTERIOR              "SAINT PETER'S" BASILICA          INTERIOR DOME                        

( ROME. ITALY)       

              

         Mr. Steve visited "St. Peter's" in Rome.  Daisy said one time Rick Steves joked, if you're Protestant like himself you should "temporarily become Catholic" when going inside; because    most "Protestant Lutheran's don't like statues and images in the Churches.  I smell Sage.            

        Hey God!  My boss says Protestant's believe images "distract" from praying, and people like Rick Steves likely think Saint Peters is a big "Waste of Money."  For a few years, Mr. Steve's Niece's Cristina and Samantha went to Lutheran "Private" Schools.  Sage smells so good!            

        Speedy Gonzalez the Squirrel ran into the back desert, zipping through the right vertical slot on the side of the gate.  I smell Alpha Company of Quail, especially Angeline's new babies;    under Jack the big Shed.  All four Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral and moving west.                           

THEODORA      

          

          I just glanced up from my work to see Theodora the Thrasher Bird standing over there on her favorite Creosote bush.  She probably hasn't noticed me here on the Patio yet.  Boy!  Thank  You so much God for giving me my really comfortable couch Elvira to do all my work on.            

       Creosote bushes, even in Winter; keep their yellow flowers I notice.  Mr. Steve has just let Theodora's bush near Jack the Shed grow so it's gotten kind of big.  Ah!  My left nostril just now picked up Theodora's scent right now and that makes me feel pretty good for some reason.           

        Thrasher Birds, and black Cow Birds like Benjamin; can fly but often prefer to run on the ground like Roadrunners.  I've noticed how Theodora uses her long curved beak as a tool to dig  into piles of fallen leaves poking around for some food.  Dawn and Blinky are both barking.                                                         WOODPECKER               NEW MEXICO WOODPECKER                   MR. MIKE                                                             PHOTO BY DAVE KOZIOL                                        

                 

         Oh!  A "Woodpecker" Bird just now flew bye.  Mr. Dave in New Mexico took pictures of a Woodpecker near his house in Taos Daisy heard.  Their beaks are used as a "Chisel" cutting tool to dig holes in trees Mr. Mike said, some for nests; others to store food Squirrels try to steal.         

         Piñon Hills Woodpecker's are light brown, those in the San Gabriel mountains to our south  where Wrightwood is located; have red heads.  One morning, a red-headed Woodpecker wasn't    watching where it was going so crashed right into our house "Head First."   It's neck broke.         

        Dais, whose favorite color is red; says Millie was so amazed at how the red feathers looked on that dead Woodpecker's head.  And Woodpecker beaks are "pretty impressive" too Mr. Mike said.  Sometimes I've wondered what it would be like to have a long beak for my mouth?                                

      MISS JULIANNE (DOG "LING" ON RIGHT)                               MR. DAVE PLAYING DRUMS                                                                                         

          Before the economic recession Mr. Dave did the same job my boss and Miss Babette, Susan and Karin still do.  He and his wife "Julianne" moved to "Taos" in New Mexico, where that Dog "Ling" lives with them.  Mr. Dave says Ling means "Dog" in the "Hupa" Indian language.          

       From what Mr. Dave says, to the Hupa tribe located up there in Northern California; red-headed Woodpeckers are considered "Sacred."  They make "Capes" out of their red feathers, to wear only on special occasions.  I'll bet Daisy would wear a red Woodpecker feather cape.             

     Both Mr. Steve and his friend Dave, probably because they play the drums; hear a certain kind of "musical pattern" when Woodpeckers dig holes in tree trunks.  I just thought again of      that town Solvang.  Some of the Ducks are quacking but of course Daffy's much louder.                                            

                           VIKING "RAID"                                                    MISS HELENA                            

                                                           

           Writing about Solvang makes me think of Vikings.  Miss Helena from Norway knows the Vikings, in the 8th century A.D.; "stormed" out of Scandinavia to "Raid." Daisy says that means to kill and steal things or, as Mr. Ralph one time jokingly called it; to "smash and grab."   

            I just noticed Alpha Company streaming around the northeast corner of the house, to my left; at the far end this Patio.  I'll bet they're going up front to see if there's any food left under Mr. Steve's office window.  Daisy told me Mr. Steve has a replica Viking axe in his office.    

            Daisy says Mr. Steve has a big flag of Sweden draped over the guest bedroom door.  On the coffee table in the living room I notice he has a lot of little miniature flags, which Daisy told me are from every country in North, Central and South America.  I smell some Creosote.

                                                              VIKING STATUE

                              

          Someday when I work up the courage to go down the hallway I'll see Mr. Steve's bedroom and office.  Daisy says there's a two foot tall statue of a Viking our boss painted in his office.  It has wings on the helmet, even though I guess most Viking helmets were just rounded on top.

          Mr. Steve still occasionally likes to build and paint little military figurines.  I've only seen the ones he has sitting on the coffee table in the living room, but Daisy says he has more of them in his office and the two bedrooms.  All four of the Pigeons are flying bye going to the east.

            Since being a kid Mr. Steve gets what they call "Therapeutic" value in doing art, and his mom is the same.  All the models and miniature figurines it took Mr. Steve a long time to build were destroyed in the 1971 earthquake in "less than a minute" he says.  Heathcliff crowed.   

                        

SANDY / MR. STEVE

(SANDY'S "PROM" / 1975) 

             Mr. Steve was a seventeen year old 12th Grader when he met Miss Sandy, who was in the 10th Grade and fifteen.  They were together for six years and Daisy says Mr. Steve's father calls her parents "good people."  Mr. Steve's dad was seventeen, his mom fourteen; when they met.

             I just thought of that man from Egypt Mr. Hussein, who has a Coffee Shop in Sylmar called "Coffee & Cream."  Mr. Steve's dad also calls him "good people," and enjoys going there to eat.  One time Dais heard Mr. Steve and his mom talk about Mr. Hussein's sandwiches.

            Daisy says Mr. Steve and his father enjoy talking to Mr. Hussein, who knows about many different things.  Over the next three days I'll be writing about some of the conversations they've had with him.  He has a "Fresh Water" Fish Tank so Mr. Steve talks to him about the Fish. 

           

                   "COFFEE & CREAM"                     MR. HUSSEIN                       "COFFEE & CREAM"                                             

         Mr. Steve says his mom, being a good Painter; "more than most" can appreciate fully how talented Mr. Hussein is in doing people's "Portraits."  Daisy heard he did paintings of the Singer Michael Jackson and the Basketball Player Kobe Bryant.   There are wispy clouds in the sky.       

       When it comes to "copying things" Mr. Steve jokes he's "pretty good." But, being able to "get likeness" of a person he "can't do."  But not Mr. Hussein I guess, because Daisy heard Mr.    Steve tell his mom the paintings of Michael Jackson and Kobe Bryant were good alright.              

       One time this "Realtor" in Sylmar named "Bicycle Bill," and his wife; played music and sang  for Mr. Steve's father's birthday party at Mr. Hussein's Coffee Shop.  Mr. Steve's mom I      guess really likes how Bicycle Bill's wife's singing voice sounds.  She also likes to sing too.                        

"BICYCLE BILL"       

           

         Daisy told me they call that guy Bicycle Bill because, as a Realtor; he rides around in Sylmar on his bike.  Mr. Steve told him "you must be in good shape" because he doesn't think he himself could do it now at his old age.  Mr. Bill practices "Martial Arts" Dais heard.                      

               In putting together my three long outlines Daisy and I decided I'd mainly write about World War II tomorrow in book two.  As I said earlier, Miss Sandy's dad was a "Gunner" on the Aircraft Carrier "Lexington" at the big 1942 "Battle of the Coral Sea."  It was sunk.

                    What the heck!  I can look up the Battle of the Coral Sea now and also write about it in book two tomorrow as well.   This one Encyclopedia says that "naval engagement" took place in May of 1942.  Mr. Steve's father was only ten years old back in 1942, his mom just seven.  

       

                                                              U.S.S. "LEXINGTON"

          

            The Lexington's nickname was "Lady Lex."  As I've mentioned a few times, Mr. Steve has at times wondered why some people, like himself for instance; come to think of an "Inanimate" object like a tool as having a "Gender?"  Heathcliff just crowed over there next door. 

         One time, as he watered the big Mulberry tree up there in the front yard, my boss told Mr. Mike he's had some of his tools for over thirty years.  He's come to think of his old "Scythe" as a " loyal" and "dependable" male friend.  Two of the Pigeons are flying bye right now.

         Daisy says Mr. Steve has repaired his scythe many times over the years.  A while back when the blade got dull he took it down to Sylmar so Mr. Rich could sharpen it.  I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve's Niece Stephanie's boyfriend Mr. Rich is an extremely talented person. 

            

   "KITTY HAWK" NORTH CAROLINA                      U.S.S. "KITTY HAWK" CV-63                                      (DECEMBER 17, 1903)                                                                            ("FLYOVER" / 1993)                                                                                                                                                          

        Mr. Dave in New Mexico served on the "Supercarrier Kitty Hawk" in the Navy.   It was named after the place in North Carolina where those two Wright Brothers first flew an Airplane in 1903.  My boss and Mr. Dave have at times talked about that big Battle of the Corral Sea.        

           The U.S.S. Kitty Hawk was "commissioned" in 1961, when Mr. Steve was six; and it was "Decommissioned" in 2009.  In 1961 my boss's family had just moved to Sylmar; and President Kennedy was in power.  Mr. Dave said the Kitty Hawk was involved in important events.

           I've mentioned how my boss wonders why people think of their countries as feminine or masculine.  For German's it's the "Fatherland" while in Russia, Germany's enemy in the Second World War; it's the "Motherland."  Mr. Steve read Adolph Hitler used to say Motherland.

            

                                                        WORLD WAR II / 1939-1945 

                                                             ("RUSSIAN"/ "EASTERN"  FRONT")

                                                      

                 The two 20th century world wars, and years in between; will be a big part of what I now realize are going to be long books.  So, I'll learn about the Second World War's "Eastern" front; by far the largest in "Scale" combat in all of human history.  A Crow is clucking faintly.

             Daisy says Mr. Steve and his father know about the war between "Nazi" Germany and "Soviet Union" Russia.   When World War II began in 1939 Russia and Germany were "Allies."  But when they fought each other millions of people, and not just Soldiers; died in four years.

            My Encyclopedia says the U.S.S. Lexington "entered service" in 1928, and originally it was "designed" to be what they call a "Battlecruiser."   But she was "redesigned" as one of the first U.S. "Aircraft Carriers."  I smell the Joshua trees near Libby's Corral, to my right.         

                               

                                                                "PEARL HARBOR"   

                                                             (HAWAII / DECEMBER 7, 1941)

                                      

                   Oh wow!  I wonder if my boss knows that, in the 1930's during the Great Depression; the Lexington was used a few times in "exercises" that "staged" attacks on the Hawaiian Harbor at Pearl Harbor.  And I guess they were "successful" too.  I can hear some Crows now cawing.

                Some people think it suspicious that, "By Coincidence;" when Japan attacked the U.S. "Pacific Fleet" at Pearl Harbor in 1941; all three Aircraft Carriers just happened to not be "in port."  That means they weren't "Sitting Ducks" in that big harbor over in Hawaii.      

           The Lexington, with Sandy's father on board; was taking Planes out to "Midway" island on December the 7th.  Boy God!  The sky is so blue right now and that really makes me feel very happy to be down here on the Patio.  Oh!  Thank You for providing me with my Elvira.  

      

PRESIDENT FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (1882-1945)                          MR. IVAN                                     

   

                 Mr. Steve heard about a 1940 "Position Paper" written by Arthur McCollum and given to President Roosevelt to read.  That was over a year before Pearl Harbor, and had eight things the U.S. could do to "provoke" Japan into a war.  Two of the Pigeons are flying bye right now.

            I guess all eight of those "suggestions" in the "McCollum Memo," or secret "Intelligence Memo;" ended up being "implemented."  In 1940 Nazi Germany was taking over almost all of Western Europe.  Now the other two Pigeons are also flying toward the northeast too.

            Later today I'll write more about that "Mexican War" of 1846-1847.  I guess some people think President "Polk," who was in power then; "lured" a weak Mexico into a war it could not win.  And that ended up getting us a lot of land which is now many of the different "States."

          

    JOSEPH KENNEDY SR. (1888-1969) WITH FAMILY               CHARLES LINDBERGH (1902-1974)

                 In October of 1940, the year that McCollum Memo was written; the "Battle of Britain" was going on.  And, I guess there were a lot of Americans then who absolutely did not want for the U.S. to get into the Second World War.  They were called the "Isolationists" Daisy says.

             Mr. Steve and Mr. Randy one morning talked about this group called "America First."  In 1940 Isolationists Joseph Kennedy Sr. and Charles Lindbergh were members of that "anti-war" organization.  I heard my boss say both believed that Germany would win the war.    

            Two subjects I'm scheduled to learn about over the next three days are "Code-Breaking" and "Cryptography."  Mr. Steve and his father are both interested in that subject and think it's one of the main reasons the "Allies" won World War  II.  Some Crows are squawking. 

 

ADMIRAL ISOROKU YAMAMOTO (1884-1943)

       

     As I said in chapter three, it was Admiral Yamamoto who planned that Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.  Daisy says Mr. Steve has a book about him.  Two of the Pigeons flew in from the desert, and are going right over the top of the house above me going west.            

      Partially educated in the U.S., Admiral Yamamoto was hoping to sink the three American Aircraft Carriers. Mr. Steve's dad thinks the attack "was a success" except for the Carriers, and "not destroying the Ship repair areas and big fuel tanks."  I like Admiral Yamamoto's medals.     

        The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor got the U.S. into the World War II.  On Saturday in book three I'll learn about how, until then; many Americans didn't want to fight.  But, after      that; even the "Isolationists" just wanted to get revenge and kill Japanese Daisy heard.                   

                                             ADMIRAL YAMAMOTO KILLED (1943)         

PAINTINGS BY RON COLE

             Paintings in my Encyclopedia show how, in 1943; we killed that guy Admiral Yamamoto by shooting down the Plane he was in.  The caption below the paintings say the U.S. knew where he would be because we'd broken Japanese "radio codes."  I can smell the Twin Joshua trees.

            I can't wait to learn more about the subject of "Aviation" over the next three days.  I notice in the paintings the Plane used to kill Admiral Yamamoto was a "P-38" which Daisy thinks sort looks like two Planes just glued together.  As a kid my boss built a P-38 model I guess. 

        Mr. Steve not only puts out Bird Seed and Chicken Scratch for the Birds to eat, he also puts Peanuts for the Crows.  Anne Bonny the Crow dropped a little metal Angel on the Driveway and Dais thinks it was probably a gift for Mr. Steve.  It's now hanging above his office desk.

             

FANNIE AND FREDDIE  

                      

         Oh!  Fannie and Freddie are over there.  When he lived in Sylmar some kids threw rocks at Crows who from then on recognized their faces, and bikes; so dive-bombed them.  I've noticed a few times how some Crow couples are best friends in the way Mr. Steve's parents are.

         Crows stash or re-hide food they themselves stole I notice.  Freddie uses twigs to fish Bugs from holes and makes "Alliances" with other Crows.  Daisy jokes Cher the Cat found out "the hard way" how much it hurts if Fannie and Freddie beaks are used as stabbing weapons.

         Fannie and Freddie talk, groom, play and then squabble with each other.  At night they "Roost" with other Crows but during the day go off on their own.  Hummingbirds like Max and 99 play in the same way Andy and Helen the Squirrels wrestle around with each other.      

        

                                         WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART (1556-1791)

                            BIBIOTEQUE DE L' OPERA. PARIS                                                                                      ARTWORK BY ALLEN HALL                                             

                

          Mr. Steve read the Austrian Composer "Mozart" had a pet "Starling" Bird who imitated his music.  Down in Sylmar his father's friend Mr. "Ivan" has this talking "Parrot"  Boy!  I like  the wig Mozart has on in the painting of him, and would wear a wig if someone gave it to me.       

       Daisy told me, when it died; Mr. Steve buried that one-legged Crow Mr. Wilt gave him.  Mozart wrote his Starling a poem, and even gave it a funeral; when it died.  I wonder if it's true    what Dais heard, how Mozart  hated the sound of my favorite musical instrument the flute?       

           In that town of "Solvang" Mr. Steve ate "Danish Sausage" and sweet "Pastries."  Oh!  If there are no restaurants for us Dogs, we should start a "Dog Cuisine" restaurant ourselves; and maybe even make money!  Dawn and Blinky are barking at something over there next door.   

                    

   HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSON (1805-1875)

                      

       Throughout my three long books I'll write about Writers my boss likes.  This Danish Writer named Hans Christian Anderson wrote "Fairy Tales" and over the years Mr. Steve's mother read some of his books to children like her Girl Scouts.  Someday I want to read a Fairy Tale.

       I wonder if there's such things as "Goblins" "Trolls," or even "Gnomes?"  I'd love to smell a real "Mermaid" even though Mr. Steve doesn't think there are any.  In these books I can't wait to find out about things like "Minotaurs;" that half man and half Horse Daisy told me about.

      Tomorrow I'll write about Sharks like the rare deep water "Goblin" Shark.  My boss met a man from Japan who called them "living fossils."  I mentioned how Mr. Steve is afraid of Sharks and "to this day" says his heart "races" when he thinks of being eaten by a Shark.    

         

                                                              "GOBLIN" SHARK

                                                                                                                                ARTWORK BY ERIN MCCARTHY

         

        I'll write about Sharks in book two, but thinking about Hans Christian Anderson makes me want to mention them now.  Oh!  A picture in my Encyclopedia shows how their head does look kind of like an evil Goblin alright.  That Japanese guy called them "Elf" Sharks Dais says. 

       Goblin Sharks, who have "retractable" jaws; have three rows of teeth and a "Third Eye" on their heads.  Daisy thinks their weird-shaped heads must help them catch food somehow.  I'll be coming back to writing about weird things that live in the water in books two and three.    

       Oh!  I wonder if my boss knows this?  My Encyclopedia says Hans Christian Andersen's last words before dying were; "Most of the people who will walk after me will be children, so make the beat keep time with little steps."  Oh wow!  Was he talking about his own "Funeral?"

         

      SAMSON AND DELILAH    

                   

          If Mr. Steve doesn't know that Hans Christian Andersen quote he'll be happy I found it.  I've mentioned how, for some reason; he's interested in the last words people say before dying.  Oh!  Samson and Delilah the Ravens are flying back in from being out in the eastern desert.  

          This one Encyclopedia says some think Hans Christian Anderson may have been "slightly Autistic."  In chapter three I wrote about that Football player Doug Flutie's son who has Autism too.  A Motorcycle zoomed bye out there on Primavera Road, leaving dust floating in the air.

          In the 1980's, down in Sylmar; Mr. Steve was driving his S.S. Chevelle with three kids.  A boy named Michael was in front, his younger sisters "Sonia" and "Becky" who's Autistic in the back.  They drove past a man riding a Horse, and he was wearing Cowboy boots and a hat.  

                          

                                                MR. STEVE'S 1968 S.S. CHEVELLE  

                                

            Driving by the man on his Horse Mr. Steve joked, "There goes a Cowboy with no Cows;" just like his dad used to say.  In the back seat Becky said, "Mr. Steve, you talk funny."  Michael's eyes got really wide, and he turned around; while in the back seat Sonia kind of giggled. 

            Becky was seven and seldom talked to anyone except her family but, like that girl Doris who I wrote about in the last chapter; eventually learned to feel less awkward around strangers.  I guess Mr. Steve has known a few girls named Becky.  Dais says Becky's short for "Rebecca."   

           As I wrote earlier, my boss Mr. Steve is fifty eight years old and never had kids; but still likes being around children.  But Daisy says, as much as he enjoys helping kids do Reports and things like that; he enjoys being alone just as much.  Boy!  I'd like to have kids someday.                                                                                                                        CHARLES DICKENS (1812-1870)                                           

                                                           

           Over the next three days Daisy has me scheduled to write about that one British "Author" named Charles Dickens.  My Encyclopedia says Hans Christian Andersen met him a few times.  Speedy Gonzalez the Squirrel bounded bye but I won't chase him today.  No way! Ugh Ugh!

         It's hard to resist the temptation to chase Speedy Gonzalez but, as Daisy says; I have to be disciplined for three days if I want to be the first Dog to write books.  I wonder if Mr. Peabody has written any books?  If he did then I'll just have to be the second Dog ever to do it.

        Hey God!  I really like that one song called "Sunrise" Mr. Steve played on his Boombox this morning as the Sun came up.  It's by a British band called URIAH HEEP who have such good Singers.  I guess, back in 1977; my boss and his sister Susan saw a URIAH HEEP concert.        

                   

URIAH HEEP         

               

            Mr. Steve likes Three Piece bands like CREAM or ZZ TOP.  But, when some people say a "real" Hard Rock band can't use keyboards; he plays them URIAH HEEP who have a good song about a Wizard Daisy says.  A flock of Birds is flying toward the east up in the sky.

           My boss told Miss Susan Uriah Heep is a "Character" in a Charles Dickens' book "David Copperfield."  Some think that character might be "based on" Hans Christian Anderson.  Cher the Cat is coming back in from the eastern desert, holding tightly a dead Bird in her mouth.

          URIAH HEEP'S music has been described as being, "Soaring harmonies over thunderous riffs."  To see their reactions, Mr. Steve plays people URIAH HEEP'S songs "Easy Living" and their song about a girl named "Loraine."  That's Mr. Rick's mom's first name Daisy heard.  

                                

                                                      "COPENHAGEN" HARBOR     

                                        

        My Encyclopedia says Denmark's main city is "Copenhagen," which has a big Harbor that Boats sail in and out of.  A picture shows a statue of the "Little Mermaid" in that Harbor.  The  caption says how the Mermaid is a character in one of Hans Christian Anderson's book.      

        According to my boss, there's a miniature version of the Little Mermaid statue in Solvang.  I guess another name for a Harbor is a "Port."  Ah!  To my right, a little grayish brown Lizard is running up the wall; over there near the sliding glass door going into this dining room.    

        Later today I'll write about "Santa Catalina" Island off the coast of Los Angeles.  Dais says our boss has been to its Harbor a few times and also to Harbors in Long Beach, San Diego and New York City.  My Spanish Dictionary says Santa Catalina means "Saint Catherine."          

                         

                                                     "SANTA CATALINA" HARBOR    

                                                    

             In my books Dais has me scheduled to write about "Catalina" Island.  It's located about twenty six miles "Off the Coast" of Long Beach Harbor.  Mr. Steve  had a dream about the time he and Miss Harriet went to Catalina, and when he his mom and Nieces spent a day there.

            I would be kind of afraid of going into deep water like in a Harbor, mainly because of the fact that I don't know if I can swim; or even float.  Daisy knows how to swim and told me all you have to do is "paddle" your four legs back and forth.  That will "propel" you forward.      

            A girl who went with Mr. Steve's mother's troop to Solvang was blind.  She enjoyed doing "Crafts" and, in fact Mr. Steve says; in some things became better than the other girls.  That girl used her hands to feel my boss's face, and was so fascinated by how the shaved parts felt. 

                                                                                                        

                                                        MR. GRANT / MIGGIE

         

             As I said earlier, my boss's friend Mr. Grant's girl Dog Miggie is blind.  But when they visit us Miggie jumps down from Mr. Grant's "Van" and runs right over to our bathroom area near the clump of Joshua trees up front.  Her nose remembers exactly where we go pee. 

            I mentioned this morning how my boss Mr. Steve "Flunked Out" of Law School.  But I guess Mr. Grant didn't and one of the things he does is work as a Lawyer.   I remember that one morning when my boss told Mr. Randy an "Attorney" is allowed to "represent" people.

           Boy God!  It would be so terrible to be unable to see, hear, smell, feel or taste things.  I'm so grateful for You bringing me over here to live, but also for having all my senses.  As she goes more and more blind Daisy says she always tries to appreciate every new day of seeing things.  

                                

                     HELEN KELLER (1880-1968)                                   MR. EDDIE                   

                                                                                                                                                   PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

                    

       Tomorrow I'll write about a smart, brave girl Writer named Helen Keller who, I guess; was blind and "Deaf" too.   She was from Alabama like George Lindsey, and her Grandmother was    Robert E. Lee's Cousin.  Ugh!  Wow!  It would be so terrible to be unable to see and hear.             

      I just thought of that guy Eddie Spaghetti who I mentioned was born without arms but still plays drums, and sings; in the Parking Lot near the McDonalds restaurant in Phelan.  Boy God!  Thank You for letting me be born with four good-working legs.  I smell some Creosote.                 

    Someday, when I get over my fear of enclosed areas hard to escape from; I'll go all the way down the hallway to listen to music in my boss's bedroom.  Daisy does it all the time and tells me how great it is.  I can also see Mr. Steve's office, which is where he probably is right now.                         

PETE TOWNSEND (THE WHO)  

  

         Mentioning that girl Helen Keller makes me think about an album Daisy heard by a band from England called the WHO.  It's about this boy who's blind and deaf like Helen Keller but is  "Dumb" too.  That doesn't mean he's not smart but just means he can't talk Dais told me.            

        Not only is the boy on the WHO album not dumb Dais says, he must be smart because he knows how to play this game called "Pinball."  Daisy's not sure what kind of game it is, but she    heard Mr. Steve's Uncle Celedon was good at it too.  Maybe it's sticking a pin into a ball?             

        As I said before, Mr. Steve's mom's Girl Scout troops sang a lot.  She taught her girls older songs from her era, but also enjoyed learning "Current" songs like the ones made back then by a brother and sister band called the CARPENTERS.   Dawn's barking over there to my right.              

                                                   RICHARD / KAREN CARPENTER                           

                                                                               

         Hey Lord!  As You know, I want to hear some CARPENTER songs someday.  I guess the CARPENTERS were a brother and sister "Duo," the girl "Karen" being the Singer, and her      older brother "Richard" played keyboards.  They believed in You too just like us down here.       

         That blind Girl Scout loved singing CARPENTER'S songs.  Boy!  I can't wait to someday hear those songs which Daisy, and Millie too; thought just make you feel good because of Karen Carpenter's pretty voice.  But I guess Mr. Dave thinks she was also a "talented" Drummer.          

        Mr. Steve was once told the Carpenter's family were "Methodists."   Over the next three days I'll learn about the two main "Types" of Christianity, the Catholics like us; or Protestants    like Baptists, Lutherans and Methodists.  Oh!  There are Eastern Orthodox Christians too.                   

  "CRUCIFIXION"

      

          Hey Lord!  Mr. Steve thinks the number 3 was important in Your life, dying at age 33, Your "Ministry" lasted 3 years; and You were killed by the Romans at 3 in the afternoon.  Oh!    And and Your horrible suffering lasted 3 hours too.  Wow!  That is a coincidence alright.              

           Ah!  Hearing Heathcliff crow right now reminds me Lord of how You predicted correctly Your "Apostle" Peter would "deny" You three times.  On the night You died before a Rooster      crowed three times he did it.  If you're mind reading me St. Peter I know you were forgiven.         

        Lord!  When You rose from the dead after three days, You asked Peter three times if he loved You.  And when he said he did, that gave him the chance to make up for him having denied You three times on the night of Your crucifixion.  Two other men were killed alongside You.                                        

                       OPEN MID-MORNING SKY                        

                                                                       

          Ah!  I took a deep breath of fresh air through both of my nostrils.  It makes me feel good and so happy to have this opportunity to learn how to read and write.  Hey God!  Looking out to the desert from this Patio, seeing the high blue sky to the east; reminds me of other times.            

        Daisy says Mr. Steve drew the CARPENTER'S logo back in the 1970's.  Someday, when I get over my fear of being trapped inside enclosed areas; I'll be able to go into my boss's bedroom to watch tv and listen to more music like Daisy does now.   Boy!  I can't wait for that time!            

       A tv show Daisy saw about the CARPENTERS said they started as a "Trio."  In the 1980's Mr. Steve's brother Rock, and their friend "Vic;" used CARPENTER songs as "Soundtracks" for Wedding Videos they filmed.  Mr. Steve used them on Video Collages of his photos too.                  

        KAREN CARPENTER (1950-1983)

           

          Daisy says Karen Carpenter was originally only the Drummer but, when everyone heard her sing they told her to just do that instead; which she "reluctantly" did.  That tv show said she had a "three octave" vocal range.  The four Pigeons flew over Libby's Corral to my right.            

          Oh wow!  It says here Karen Carpenter died just before turning thirty three and weighed less than one hundred pounds.  Daisy told me she was afraid of getting fat but the things she did to be skinny may have end up killing her.  Lord!  You were 33 when the Romans killed You.          

         Mr. Steve's 1970's friends made fun of him for liking the CARPENTERS and the Swedish band ABBA.  But he didn't care as his girlfriend Sandy liked them.  Daisy says ABBA did a "sad  happy" song called "S.O.S." and Karen Carpenter's voice is kind of sad and happy too.                                                                                        

    METALLICA                                                              DAVE ALVIN           

                                                                               PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

       

          It says here the CARPENTERS parents, like our boss's mom and dad; decided to move to Los Angeles.  They had been living in "Connecticut" where, as I've mentioned; Mr. Steve's sister Susan now lives with her  sons Dalton and Austin.  The Carpenter's "settled" in "Downey."         

        Mr. Dave in New Mexico read, before METALLICA moved to the "Bay Area;" the Singer lived in Downey.  In the 1980's, for "Music Connection" Magazine; Mr. Steve and Miss Harriet saw this guy named Dave Alvin play guitar.  He and his brother are from Downey too I guess.      

       Daisy says Mr. Steve was told the oldest "surviving" McDonalds restaurant is in Downey, which is also what they call the "birthplace" of "Taco Bell" too.  She heard this really funny guy named "Weird" Al Yankovic is still living in Downey.  Ah!  The air is so clear right now.                                           
                                                            

                    REDD KROSS                       

PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

  

             The BEATLES John Lennon and Paul McCartney liked Karen Carpenter's singing.  At the "John Anson Ford Theater" Mr. Steve and Miss Harriet saw REDD KROSS, who what they call "Covered" a CARPENTERS song.  The BEATLES liked ABBA'S "S.O.S." Dais says.           

          Daisy says our boss once met a girl who went to the private school in "Sherman Oaks" where Karen Carpenter last sang, before dying a few days later.  Mr. Steve's friend Mark Ritter, who also died; lived with his parents in Sherman Oaks for a while.  Dawn's now barking.             

          Mr. Dave read, seeing the BEATLES Drummer Ringo playing "Ludwig" drums on the "Ed Sullivan Show;" that's what Karen Carpenter wanted too.  Dais told me how Mr. Steve has  shiny black "Tama" brand drums in his bedroom.  Ah!  I can smell little Blinky over there.                                                                          

         TONY DANZA / DICK VAN PATTEN           

                        PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                       

                                                                                                                                                                                                                           The tv show Dais saw said Karen Carpenter, who died young; wanted to get married and have kids.  She dated this Actor named Tony Danza, who Mr. Steve took pictures of in the 1980's at a Forum Boxing match or "Card."  Two of the Pigeons just flew toward the northeast.              

         Daisy says in one picture Mr. Steve took of that guy Tony Danza he's posing with another Actor named Dick Van Patten.  Both were always friendly to Mr. Steve and Dick Van Patten told  him he lived in Sherman Oaks.  Now Dawn and Blinky are both barking over there next door.     

       One time, at the Forum's restaurant; Mr. Steve heard Dick Van Patten say, "How do we know right now isn't the good old days?"  Daisy, and Mr. Steve's dad; also joke about that too.    Boy God!  I promise to appreciate all of the moments of learning in the next three days.                                                                                         "WEIRD" AL YANKOVIC                              

                   PHOTO BY BEN KAYE                  

                          

         Dais told me about "Weird Al," who's from Downey, and makes funny "Parody" songs of  other Musician's songs.  He plays this thing called an "Accordion," which I guess all Mr. Steve's four Grandparents liked; and Dais thinks I would also like the sound of.  I smell Mesquite.           

       Weird Al writes funny lyrics and renames the songs with funny new names on his Videos. His version of Michael Jackson's song "Beat It" is "Eat It," and he "makes fun of" a NIRVANA and this one girl Singer named MADONNA.  Dais told me about a movie called "Spinal Tap."     

         In chapter one I mentioned how that girl "Session" bass player Carol Kaye played guitar on Ritchie Valen's song "La Bamba."  In the 1960's, she was one of the "Studio" Musicians now  called  the "Wrecking Crew."  They played "Anonymously" on many famous songs I guess.                                         

                                   HAL BLAINE                                        TOMMY TEDESCO / CAROL KAYE                                                                                                     

           I'm tempted to write about the Wrecking Crew but I'll wait.  In book three I'll write about how they played on Phil Spector's early 1960's "Wall of Sound" songs, and also on the BEACH BOY'S album "Pet Sounds."  And they played on some CARPENTERS' songs too I guess. 

          This morning I mentioned how Mr. Steve was told Carol Kaye now lives in the town of "Rosamond," where Mr. Grant and Miss Laurie have a house.  Rosamond is near to Edwards Air Force Base.  Oh!  Andy's back so Helen just now ducked back down into their burrow. 

          Boy! Thinking of that lady Carol Kaye makes me feel like writing more about her.  But, I'll just wait and do it on Saturday in book three; because that's when Daisy and I decided I'd learn about Session Musicians.  Ah!  I see an orange boy Finch sitting over there in a Joshua tree. 

        

FINCH NEST                                                       MALE FINCH      

          

                 Daisy says when Finch's make their own nest it's usually in the shape of a cup.  But they at times just rebuild another Bird's abandoned nest.  When a boy Finch tries to "be with" a girl Finch he becomes more colorful and uses food to prove he's a "good provider" Dais jokes.  

           When Finches "Court" a girl Finch will peck at the boy Finches beak to get him to throw up some food from his stomach according to Daisy.  But he doesn't do it right away and fakes her out a few times before finally giving her food.  Girl Finches flutter wings in happiness.

          Sometimes groups of Finches what they call "Perch," or gather; in our two big Mulberry trees.  But during Spring, or this time of year; boy Finch's will fight each other for the right to be with a girl Finch.  Oh!  That one orange boy Finch just flew off into the eastern desert.

                       

                                                                                                FUNK BROTHERS

       

             Even though I'll mainly learn about "Session Musicians" the day after tomorrow in my third book; I can mention a little bit about them now too.  Mr. Mark, who now lives over there in Hawaii with his family; knows a lot about the FUNK BROTHERS.  I smell Andy over there.

                 I guess the FUNK BROTHERS were good Musicians from the city of Detroit, who played the music on a lot of famous 1960's "Motown" songs.  In all my three books I'll write about LED ZEPPELIN.  Their Guitarist named Jimmy Page was once a "Freelance" Session Musician.

            Ah!  I'm hearing the flute in GENESIS'S song "Musical Box," which makes me feel so inspired to work hard.  Boy!  I think I understand why my boss finds the New Testament feeling of  "Rhêma," or "Living Word;" in some music.   Musical Box is over ten minutes long. 

                                                             GENESIS                                                                 PHIL COLLINS          

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

           

                 I can only listen to music when my boss does yard work and brings out his  Boombox, so Daisy's heard more GENESIS songs than me.  She told me about GENESIS'S album "Nursery Cryme," which Musical box is on.  Someday I'll hear that song about the "Giant Hogweed."

           Mr. Steve took pictures of GENESIS' Drummer Phil Collins' band at the Forum.  Unlike Karen Carpenter, Phil Collins played drums on a few songs too but the primary Drummer was Chester Thompson; who my boss met one time.  Ducks are quacking over there next door.  

          Dais heard our boss tell Mr. Dave, unfortunately for him; when you take pictures of more famous bands you often can do it only for the first three songs.  And, in those first three songs of the concert; Phil Collins only sang and didn't play drums.   I smell the baby Cholla cactus.

                               

                                                                    LEVON HELM                                                                   

                                                                                                                                          PHOTO BY LEE EVERETT                                                                                                                                                                                               

                                   

          Mr. Steve and Mr. Dave one time talked about the BAND, and another Los Angeles group called the EAGLES.  I haven't heard their songs but Daisy and Millie did and think both are so    good alright; both with Drummer's who also sing "Lead" too.  Ah!  I like Cholla cactus scent.      

        Daisy heard how the BAND were that guy Bob Dylan's Musicians, and Mr. Steve's Niece Stephanie and her boyfriend Mr. Rich saw the EAGLES play one time.  Karen Carpenter at first played her drums but eventually was told to only sing.  Heathcliff just crowed over there.            

       I can't wait to someday hear more music.  Daisy really likes the sound of this thing called a "Mandolin," and noticed the BAND'S Drummer sometimes plays one on some songs.  It's sort of like a small guitar and that British band STEELEYE SPAN use one on their song "Jigs."                                                         

           DON HENLEY  (THE EAGLES)           

                        

         My boss told that kid Jason, who plays guitar; it must be hard to play drums and sing at the same time like the guy in the EAGLES.  He joked, even if he could sing, which he can't; he    "couldn't do it."  Speedy Gonzalez the Squirrel sprinted bye and left a small cloud of dust.           

        Solvang's "old atmosphere is so great" Mr. Randy said that one time.  I mentioned earlier how it's a recreation of a 19th century Danish village.   Speedy's gone but all the dust he raised    bounding bye is still lingering and floating softly in front of the three Sheds over there.                 

     I just thought of Solvang's "Wind Mills," and how in book two I'll learn about that one monster "Frankenstein;" who Daisy says was burned by an angry "Mob" inside of a Wind Mill.  I'll learn of "Don Quixote" in my books.  BLACK SABBATH have a song about a mob.                                                                    

 FRANKENSTEIN'S "BRIDE"                          FRANKENSTEIN MONSTER        

                

           Someday, when I get over my fear of going into my boss's bedroom; I can watch more tv.  Daisy says I'm so silly and don't realize what I'm missing.  She told me about about how, in this    one other Frankenstein movie; some Scientists built a pretty girlfriend for the Monster.                 

          Even though this isn't the spot on my outlines where I'm supposed to learn about that girl named Mary Shelly, I suddenly kind of just feel like mentioning her now too.  I guess, back in the early 19th century; she wrote the original "Frankenstein" book.  I hope to read it some day.         

       Dais heard our boss tell a customer on the phone one time he's never read Mary Shelley's book.  But, in College he knew this girl named "Olivia" who did; and they discussed it.  Fannie    and Freddie are flying bye and, as they so often do; are talking back and forth to each other.                                   

    MARY SHELLEY (1797-1851)

PAINTING BY RICHARD ROTHWELL

         Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve tell his customer that girl Olivia thought part of what Mary Shelley wrote about in her book was how "irresponsible" it was to "create life" and then "simply abandon" that life.  Oh wow!  That's kind of like me!  Thank You God for my life.           

          From what Dais heard, Mary Shelley's monster had no name.  Even the movie "Credits" just says "The Monster."  It was actually the Doctor who created or built the monster out of the  different body parts who's name was "Frankenstein" in the book and later movies too.                 

       That girl Olivia also thought Mary Shelley wrote partially about male "Womb Envy." I guess some males are jealous of how us females get to have the babies so, in some ways; "control their future."  There are now some thin clouds spread across the sky over the back desert.                                    

       LORD BYRON (1788-1824)            

       PAINTING BY THOMAS PHILLIPS                   

             

        Oh what the heck!  Even though I'm not really scheduled to write about that girl Mary Shelley right now, I just feel like doing it.  Her husband was that guy Lord Byron's friend, and    Mr. Ralph thinks she "may have been" the very first writer of "Science Fiction" stories.               

          Wow!  My Encyclopedia says Mary Shelley's mom died giving birth to her, and Dais says Mr. Ralph said it was because the Doctor wasn't clean enough.   Boy!  Three of her four kids died young, and her husband died by drowning.  Two Crows are fighting out there in the desert.          

          Mr. Steve told Mr. Ralph that girl Olivia was smart.  She believed Mary Shelley's sad life "influenced her writing."  Frankenstein was published in 1818, but her later "Dystopian" book "The Last Man" was even more Science Fiction-like than Frankenstein Miss Olivia thought.                   

CHARLES DARWIN (1809-1882)                    WIFE EMMA WITH SON           

PAINTING BY GEORGE RICHMOND                                                                                                                                                       

            

         Dais heard Mr. Steve tell his mom on the phone about that girl Olivia, who thought Mary Shelley "imagined" things Charles Darwin would say later.   And in her book The Last Man she  even talked about "Air Ships."  A group of Birds is moving to the west over top of the house.        

         Mr. Steve read Charles Darwin's last words before dying were to thank his wife Emma for being such a good wife and mother to their ten children.   Hey God!  I guess, even though he was  one of those "Agnostics;" Charles Darwin's wife believed in You a lot.  Daffy's quacking.              

        "Loss and loneliness" were subjects of Mary Shelley's books Miss Olivia thought.  In early 19th century England, "because she was female" Frankenstein was put out "anonymously;" and she had to write "through the eyes of a man."  Mr. Ralph called her writing "flowery prose."                                                   RUDY THE ROADRUNNER       

                              

           Rudy the Roadrunner is running bye with a dead Lizard in his mouth.  I won't chase him because I have to keep on working and, besides, I'm comfortable sitting here.  Hey God!  Thank You for having my boss buy my couch Elvira from his friend Mark before he went to Hawaii.      

          Even though you're old and have a few rips in you Elvira, I still like you and would never ever want to get rid of you.  No way!  This is my favorite spot in the whole world, and sitting here makes me think of how right now I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.  Thank you God!              

       Daisy saw this tv show about the real Elvira, who wears all black, and has black hair and fingernail's.  Elvira, I really don't know why I named you that, except I just sort of like how that name sounds.  Hey!  I wonder how I would look with all of my toenails painted royal blue?                                                        

        "ELVIRA" ("MISTRESS OF THE DARK")         

                                       

         My Dictionary says "macabre" means; "Having to do with death, the gruesome, grim or horrible."  Dais told me the tv show used that word to describe Elvira, who's called the "Horror Hostess."  Boy!  It's kind of weird how the word macabre has a silent "r" in it I think.                  

         Hey Blessed Virgin!  As You know; someday I'd like to have a boyfriend.  I mean, Dais is really great to be around, but I'm curious about a boy Dog like Blinky over there next door.  He's sort of small in size but, seems brave and; I am beginning to kind of like how he smells.                 

           Dais says Mr. Steve's customer in the city of "St. Paul," in the State of  Minnesota;" likes this Three Piece band from there called HÜSKER DÜ.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve bought, and then  resold a copy of their 1984 vinyl record "Zen Arcade."  It's about a boy's bad dream I guess.                           

    HÜSKER DÜ     

          

         Mr. Steve told that Parts Manager about 1981, when he and a girl from "Minneapolis" named "Denise;" drove in his S.S. Chevelle up to Solvang.  "En Route" as they say, she played    HÜSKER DÜ songs on the Car Stereo.  She also played songs by the REPLACEMENTS.             

          Dais says in 1981 Mr. Steve had heard of HÜSKER DÜ and the REPLACEMENTS, but "knew none of their music."  Some think they influenced the early 1990's "Grunge" music and    bands from "Seattle" like NIRVANA.  A flock of Birds is going bye up there in the sky.                

          HÜSKER DÜ and the REPLACEMENTS began as 1970's "Punk" bands but, then in the 1980's; evolved  into "much more" that Parts Manager said.  All three guys in HÜSKER DÜ sing Daisy heard.  And like the BAND and EAGLES, their Drummer sings lead too.  I smell Sage.                         

     HÜSKER DÜ    

PHOTO BY MICHAEL OCHS

        

      The Parts Manager told Mr. Steve, in concert HÜSKER DÜ'S Guitarist uses "tone and sustain;" to make it sound like three guitars playing "simultaneously."  That's just another way of meaning or saying, "at the same time."  I even looked that long word up a while back.              

          On HÜSKER DÜ'S album Dais heard, the boy's life gets worse after he runs away from home and the "grass was not greener" but; luckily it turns out to be just a bad dream.  Boy!   I    would never ever want to run away from these two acres.  No way!  Uh! Uh!  Forget it!                 

         Daisy says the Parts Manager thought HÜSKER DÜ'S song, "Data Control;" is about the loss of  "Privacy."  My Dictionary says that can mean, "Time in seclusion" or, "Not open to the public."  I guess those two guys Aldous Huxley and George Orwell wrote about privacy.             

                     

       JACK, MOE, MANNY   

                          

        Looking up, I see blue sky above the eastern desert behind the three Sheds.   I mentioned earlier how Manny and Moe are the smaller Sheds, and Jack the big Shed is to the left as I face    them sitting over here on Elvira.  Theodora the Thrasher Bird just now went flying bye.               

         Max the Hummingbird zoomed bye but saw again how Mr. Steve didn't put that red drink in their glass feeders.  I just thought of the Hummingbird-themed "Stained Glass" windows in    front doors going into our house.  Hummingbird images now represent our house.                         

       I guess that girl Denise thought HÜSKER DÜ and REPLACEMENT songs had "three" things that, since the 1950's; are important to "Rock and Roll."  Those things were, "melody,      power and anger."  Daisy thinks that girl Denise sounds "observant" like Miss Harriet.                                                                                          

    DEAD KENNEDY'S      HÜSKER DÜ          BLACK FLAG             

           

         Dais heard that girl Denise said two 1970's California "Punk" bands, BLACK FLAG and  DEAD KENNEDY'S; liked and tried to help HÜSKER DÜ.  Mr. Steve saw BLACK FLAG paly but, I'll write about those bands over the next three days.  Heathcliff crowed to my right.              

       Since growing up down there in Sylmar Mr. Steve has done line drawing logos of different bands and things like that.  Daisy told me one time he showed a kid to do it by practicing making the DEAD KENNEDY'S and BLACK FLAG emblems.  Now the other two Pigeons flew bye.       

        Hey!  I just thought of how proud my boss would be of me if I ever became the first Dog in history who can draw.  But, first I'll learn to read and write over the next three days.  Boy!   I'm  really starting to get used to how these totally amazing pencil devices feel in my right paw.                                                                                "CONVENTO" BUILDING                            MR. STEVE'S MOM                            

                                                   DRAWING BY STELLA CÓRDOVA                                                                                 PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                                                                                          

          Mr. Steve still likes to draw and color.  Daisy thinks he obviously inherited that from his mom who did some black and white drawings for their 1990's Art Exhibits.  One was of that long "Convento" building, which I guess is at the very front of the "San Fernando" Mission.                

         Daisy heard Mr. Steve's mom's drawing of the Convento building is now hung on a wall of their house down in Sylmar.  She told me, in the guest bedroom of our house; is this green pencil  drawing she did of a "Rhinoceros" Beetle.  Boy!  I really want to see that drawing someday.         

      Mark Ritter, who died; knew a lot about Rocks, Reptiles and Insects too.  Mr. Steve's mom drew her green Rhinoceros Beetle from a black and white photo he took over there in Arizona      one time.  Oh!  Speedy Gonzalez the Ground Squirrel just ran bye but I won't chase him.                                                                 

ROCKY JR. / MISS AMBER   

        

           Mr. Steve's Nephew Rocky Jr. grew up in California but now lives in Texas with his dad and brother Jacob.  I hear he and his girlfriend "Amber" are good at "Business," and Rocky Jr. is a  talented "Tattoo" Artist too Daisy heard.  I'm still thinking of that band HÜSKER DÜ.         

           "Hüsker dü" means"Do you remember?" in Danish and Norwegian Denise said.  I guess a lot of Germans and Scandinavians live up in Minnesota, where Mr. Steve has a few customers.    This Spanish Dictionary says "Recuerdas?" is how you would say "do you remember?"               

         Oh!  Speedy Gonzalez just ran through the left vertical slot on the side of the gate, and is now running out into the eastern desert behind the Sheds.  Boy!  It's a miracle he doesn't hit his    head on the steel pipes when he goes so fast like that.  I smell Libby the Horse to my right.                                                                       

        "CALTROPS"              

               

       Two Crows are fighting, which reminds me of the time I got a big sticker stuck in my paw and then stabbed my tongue trying to lick it back out.  Crows were fighting out there in the back desert too I remember.   I just used my English Dictionary to look up the word "Caltrop."            

          It says here how a caltrop is, "A spiked device designed to immobilize a Horse or vehicle by puncturing a foot or tire." Ouch!  Daisy says caltrops can even stop giant Elephants.  One of the things Mr. Steve has on the living room coffee table is that one sharp black metal caltrop.             

       Mr. Steve and Miss Denise, in 1981; visited a Solvang "Ostrich" Ranch.  My Encyclopedia says Ostrich's live in Africa, and are the "largest" Birds "in the world."  Wow!  I guess an adult Ostrich can grow up to be nine feet tall, and they can often weigh over four hundred pounds.                                             AFRICAN "WATER HOLE"                            OSTRICH / HUMMINGBIRD                

                                                                                    

           My Encyclopedia shows Ostrich's "sharing a waterhole" with "Gazelles."  A "Trainer" at that Solvang Ranch said Ostrich claws can easily "disembowel a person," and Daisy heard one    almost killed the Musician Johnny Cash with claws.  Ooh!  Disemboweled sounds so bad.             

           Right now a little Lizard is standing on one of the big boulders around the bottom of the big Mulberry tree.  But it's too late to drink because the water in the basin, which was full three hours ago; has sunk down into the ground already.  I can smell Theodora's Creosote bush.  

          The Trainer said Ostriches also have powerful beaks that can "do a lot of damage."  As a big and powerful fast runner they "don't need to to be able to fly" I guess so, like with Bears; it's better to just stay still and resist the urge to run away.  Boy!  That would be so hard to do.     

                                                                            

                                                                   DRAWING  BY STELLA CÓRDOVA

        

           Mr. Steve's mom, in black ink; copied one of his black and white photos of this Ostrich at the Zoo.  A guy at the Ostrich Ranch said it's not true Ostriches stick their heads in the ground to hide.  At times they do eat food near the ground and you just can't see their heads he said. 

             I guess my boss has two huge Ostrich eggs in the kitchen.  Boy!  Someday I do want to see the kitchen.  Daisy told me it has astounding machines, like an "Oven" and "Stove;" where you can even control fire.  I guess that Tongvan lady said in her language "Fire" is "Chaavot."

          Someday, if I ever do overcome my fear of enclosed areas; I really want to see those big giant Ostrich egg shells.  Daisy says when Mr. Steve shows them to people he says they're from one of Heathcliff's Hens.  Some people know what they are but a lot of young kids don't.   

                           

    "CHARLIE BROWN FARMS"                                    SAM'S FAMILY                   

                                                                                                                                                                                                              

            According to what Dais says, Mr. Steve got those two giant Ostrich eggs at a Store called "Charlie Brown Farms."  It's over there in "Littlerock," where his brother Sam lives with his wife Yolanda and their kids; Mathew, Sammy Jr. and Raqquel.  Dawn's barking next door. 

            I feel like writing about "Charlie Browns" but, I'll wait and do it tomorrow according to schedule.  A few years ago Mr. Steve and his Nieces Cristina and Samantha went there.  Daisy heard Charlie Browns sells some unique things, like suits of armor for instance.  Wow!

           Dais says, some people ride Ostriches like a Horse or Camel; and there's even such a thing as Ostrich racing.  I wonder if a Dog could ride an Ostrich?  In 1985 at "Jericho" in Israel, my boss and his sister Susan rode a tall Camel; and they say it's "not at all" like riding a Horse.    

                          

       "DEL MAR" RACE TRACK                          MR. STEVE'S SISTER SUSAN           

                          

           Mr. Steve has been to Los Angeles' "Santa Anita," and also San Diego's "Del Mar" Race Tracks.  I remember last Summer when my boss and Mr. Mike talked about how powerful Race Horses are.  Mr. Steve's father for years rode this dark brown girl Horse named "Poco."    

           Susan, my boss's sister; keeps Horses in Connecticut and goes to Santa Anita sometimes when she visits California.  In the 1970's, when my boss's Uncle Marty and Aunt Josephine lived in San Diego; they took Mr. Steve and his brother Rock to Del Mar.  Heathcliff crowed.

           This one Spanish Dictionary says Del Mar could be translated in English as "Of the Sea" or "Near the Sea."  I can't wait to take my first big break of the day after this chapter and tell Daisy how much I've used the Dictionaries she found in the garage.  Two Pigeons flew bye.

                        

                                                             "I LOVE LUCY" (1950'S)  

                           

         That guy William Frawley, who played Fred Mertz on the I Love Lucy show; is buried at the Mission Cemetery like Mr. Steve's Grandmothers and sister Celina.  I've mentioned how Mr. Steve's friend Rick's son Gino is also buried there too.  My boss's parents have Crypts there.        

      Miss Susan who ran the local Newspaper told my boss Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez, who played Lucy and Rickie on I Love Lucy; in the 1950's vacationed in "Wrightwood" near us.  I      guess over the years so have other Actors and Actress's too.  Many come to go snow skiing.           

          I heard Miss Susan say Desi Arnez "financed" Horses who raced down there at Del Mar.  Mr. Steve told her the lady who played Ethel Mertz was from New Mexico and one time Lucille  Ball's Train stopped in Belén.  She was really friendly and waved at everyone Daisy heard.                                                                          "MINIATURE" HORSE                                                      LIBBY                                 

                                        

         Mr. Mike's mother "Miss Phyllis" also has two and a half acres, raising her "Miniature" Chickens and Goats; and a small Horse named "Nakoma."  She knows about the "Quicksilver" Miniature Horse Ranch up in Solvang.   Oh!  Libby's over there looking in this direction.             

          One time on the phone Miss Phyllis told Mr. Steve miniature Horses have been bred to be small for "about" three hundred years.  Daisy told me they're small, but strong; and can even      pull a person around in one of those Wagons or "Carriages."  Heathcliff crowed over there.         

         Miss Phyllis says Nakoma is "Chippewa" Indian for "I do as I promise or say."  She read a 19th century "Poem" by the Writer Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who I'll learn about when I    find out about that famous wooden Ship called the "Mayflower."  The Hens are cackling.                                     

      HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW (1807-1882)

          

        My boss, who jokes about himself now being "elderly;" likes talking to Mr. Mike's eighty year old mom Miss Phyllis.  Like Mr. Randy's mom, who's ninety; she has "a lot of  experience" he says.  Hey God!  As You know, I hope I live a long time just like my boss's old Dog "Lady."      

         That Writer "Longfellow" was born in the State of "Maine" my Encyclopedia says, and in the early 19th century it was still a part of of "Massachusetts."  Mr. Steve's sister Susan, and her two sons Dalton and Austin; live in "Connecticut."  Dais heard Maine is pretty big in size.            

        Daisy told me Mr. Steve still has a few customers left in "New England," but not nearly as many as he had before the economic recession we're in.  Looking to my right, I can see Libby the Horse walking slowly at the back of her Corral; next to Primavera Road.  I smell Creosote.          

                   "BARREL" RACING      

         

           Dais says Mr. Steve's sister Susan has ridden Horses since she was a young girl, and still has Horses in Connecticut.  Mr. Steve told her about a "Rodeo" he went to where "brave young girls" skillfully ride Horses fast in a competition called "Barrel Racing."  Daffy's quacking.         

         Mr. Steve and Miss Phyllis talked about Barrel Racing, and how the Rider is "Timed" as she guides her Horse around three "55 Gallon Drums" in a "Clover-Leaf" triangle pattern or    "course."  Mr. Steve has ridden Horses but says he "couldn't do it."  Libby smells good.               

          Barrel Racers use "Horsemanship" skills to control the Horse's great strength.  A lady at the Rodeo told Mr. Steve the Horse's "athletic ability" and "willingness to please," along with a lot of "teamwork;" is important.  Dais and I make a good team in guarding our land I think.                               

"BARREL" RACING  

PHOTO BY DARREN NATHANSON

       

          The lady at the Rodeo said Barrel Racing Horse equipment is "slightly different."  The "Bit" in the Horse's mouth is "tighter" so, when you pull back on it; the Horse "knows" right      away you want it to slow down or stop.  The rider's feet "Stirrup's" are more forward too.           

            I guess Barrel Racing "Saddles" are smaller and lighter, with a high "Horn" for holding on to.  The "Reins" are what they call "Connected," and Dais heard Mr. Steve tell Miss Phyllis    the way "Cinches" and "Saddles Pads" are used is really important.  Heathcliff crowed.               

           My boss went fast in some Cars when young, and on Horses too; but not nearly as fast as in Barrel Racing.  Daisy heard him tell his Niece Samantha he's now a "Defensive" driver, who "accelerates" and "brakes" gradually.  There are two 55 Gallon drums next to our driveway.                         

KING LOUIS XIV (1638-1715)

("PALACE OF VERSAILLES" / "HALL OF MIRRORS")

PAINTING BY HYACINTHE RIGAUD

 

          Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve talking  on the phone with Miss Susan at work.  He told her high heels on Cowboy boots are meant to give the rider a better grip on the stirrups.  In the 18th century French people like King Louis XIV wore shoes with high heels Daisy heard.              

           In the 1700's high-heeled shoes was a "Signal" that the person was above common people, and didn't need to wear practical shoes and things like that.  Daisy says the man on this tv show  said King Louis XIV was short and wanted to look taller too.  I'd for sure wear Dog shoes.            

         I guess, according to what Daisy heard Mr. Steve say; since about the 15th century high-heeled shoes were worn by people who fought on Horses.  It was easier to shoot arrows or throw  spears from a running Horse with a more solid "Platform."  I can see Libby in her Corral.           

   

                      "SOLAR" SYSTEM                                                     "PLUTO"                                      

       Writing about Miss Phyllis's tiny Horse Nakoma makes me think of the "Dwarf" Planet called "Pluto."  My English Dictionary says a "dwarf" is, "An unusually small person, animal or plant."   Daisy and Millie saw an interesting tv show about smaller "White Dwarf" Stars."           

          I notice Pluto is not shown on the Solar System diagram in my Encyclopedia and, I guess that's mainly because some Scientists don't think it's a planet because it's small.  Wow!   It says    here Pluto is even farther away from the Sun than Neptune is.  Libby neighed over there.              

          Boy God!  I'm glad You didn't make me a dwarf,  I'm satisfied being the size I am but; if I were a dwarf I'd accept it and do my best to be the best dwarf in history.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his mom once talked about a dwarf couple who Mr. Steve's father "prepared taxes" for.        

                                                                              

            "GOLDMEMBER"         

                         

        One time Daisy, and that Dog I replaced Millie; were in Mr. Steve's bedroom and saw a funny "Spy Movie" called "Goldmember."   I guess it's about a British spy, and the bad guy had a dwarf assistant named "Mini Me;" who looks just like the "Villain."  Heathcliff crowed.           

         Dais says in that movie Goldmember the main spy is from the 1960's, but has this special Car to time travel forward into the 1990's.   Tomorrow, in book two; I'll write about this other movie Dais and Millie saw  called "Back to the Future."  It had a time traveling Car too.            

       From what Daisy heard, there are actually three spy movies about that English spy, with Goldmember being the third one.  She thinks, because I do like Mr. Peabody's cartoons;  I would like Goldmember and Back to the Future too.  Ah!  I can smell some new Spring Mesquite.           

              

JAMES BOND (007)

   

      In books two and three I'll write about World War II, and one thing I'll learn about is "Espionage."  Tomorrow, in my second book; Daisy has me scheduled to learn about the Second World War "Intelligence Agencies" called "MI6" and "O.S.S."   I like how Mesquite smells.        

         Mr. Steve and his father think, besides America's "Industrial Capacity;" the main reason the Allies won World War II was "Intelligence Gathering" and "Code-Breaking."  A man named Ian Flemming worked for MI6 at "Bletchley Park" in England.  Dawn's barking next door.         

        After the Second World War Ian Flemming wrote books about a spy named James Bond, who was "Agent 007" Daisy says.  I guess, a 1960's movie based on one of the books was called    "Goldfinger," and Goldmember was a "Parody" of it.  Oh! Now Blinky's also barking too.                              

 GOLDFINGER     

          

          A few years ago Mr. Steve did artwork for a pretty girl who also went to College at Cal State Northridge.  She told him about an L.A. band called GOLDFINGER, but didn't know if      they got their name from the James Bond movie.  They believe in "Animal Rights" I guess.          

         Dais says that girl told Mr. Steve how, in the 1990's; GOLDFINGER started as a "Ska" band but then later more "Punk."  She said their songs were used in Skate Boarding Videos and even played on the C.S.U.N Radio Station.  Max the Hummingbird just whizzed on bye.               

         The girl played Mr. Steve this GOLDFINGER song called "Superman."  He told her the horns on that song kind of reminded him of this 1970's band he saw called OINGO BOINGO,      but the melody sort of sounded like a GREENDAY type song.  Boy!  The high sky is so blue.                                                  

EDDIE GAEDEL (1925-1961)    

      

          Mentioning Goldmember's Mini Me makes me think about the shortest Player in Baseball history.  A tv show Daisy saw said in 1951 the St. Louis "Browns" Eddie Gaedel, as a "Publicity  Stunt;" made an "At  Bat" and "Walked" on four pitches.  Mr. Steve drew the Browns logo.        

        Wow!  My Encyclopedia says Eddie Gaedel, a "Midget;" was three feet seven inches tall.  His "Strike Zone" was only an inch and a half so, it was almost impossible for a Pitcher to throw a "Strike" to him.  Some of our neighbor's Ducks, like Daffy;  are quacking over there.                 

        Mr. Steve, as a teenager; "Umpired" the Baseball games of seven and eight year old kids.  And I guess this one small boy named Davy, like Eddie Gaedel; was told never to swing the bat.  Mr. Steve's Nephews Mathew and Sammy Jr. also work as "Officials" for the different sports.           

                  BILL VEECK (1914-1986)                    

(INTRODUCING WHITE SOX 1976 UNIFORMS)

      

           Dais told me the tv show said back in 1951 the St. Louis Browns "owner" was Bill Veeck.  To get attention for his bad teams he used "Gimmicks."  In 1977 Mr. Steve and his brother Rock saw a game at "Yankee Stadium" and Bill Veeck's Chicago "White Sox" team wore all black.      

      One time on the phone Mr. Steve and Mr. Rick talked about the "terrible" uniforms Bill Veeck's White Sox wore in the mid-1970's.  Sometimes they wore "Cut Off Shorts" like the girls wore in their World War II era teams.  I guess Mr. Steve drew the White Sox logo as a kid.           

         That little guy Eddie Gaedel wore the number "1/8" on the back of his Browns jersey.  One member of the 1985 St. Ferdinand's "Tour Group" to Italy and Israel was Mr. Caliguire, who in the early 1950's played for the Browns.  He admitted that those teams were "not very good."                                            

PLUTO /HADES                                              CERBERUS         

                                                                                                                                     ARTWORK BY BORIS VALLEJO

           

      Oh!  I forgot to mention how the planet Pluto was named after the ancient Roman God who ruled the "Underworld."  Before that, in ancient Greece; Pluto was called "Hades." Hey Lord!  I guess the Underworld is kind of like "Hell" for us Christians who live in the physical world.        

     This one Encyclopedia says Pluto's brothers were "Jupiter" and "Neptune," or "Zeus" and "Poseidon" to the Greeks.  The vicious three-headed Dog "Cerberus," who I mentioned before;  was Pluto's pet.  This good painting shows that guy "Hercules" trying to control Cerberus.          

   It says here one of Pluto's Moons is named after Cerberus, and two of its other Moons are called "Charon" and "Styx."  Mr. Steve saw this band called STYX play a concert, and likes an  early 1970's SCORPIONS song called the "Sails of Charon."  I smell some Joshua trees.                                                

             KOBE BRYANT                    

      PHOTO BY ANDREW D. BERNSTEIN              

                        

      Earlier I mentioned how my boss Mr. Steve and his friends Mark and Helen, for a few years in the 1980's; worked as Salespeople for the company that owns the "Lakers" Basketball team.  One of their current Players is named Kobe Bryant.  Two of the Pigeons just now flew bye.           

       Daisy says our boss told his brother Sam he thinks Kobe Bryant, who is Roman Catholic like us; seems to have studied ancient Greece and Rome.  Mr. Steve has heard him refer to things like the three-headed Dog Cerberus.  Mr. Steve was told Kobe Bryant grew up over there in Italy.      

     My boss doesn't really follow sports anymore but "knows" Kobe Bryant "must be good" as he "went straight from High School" into the "N.B.A." or "National Basketball Association."  I see Blackbeard and Anne Bonny the Crows flying bye.  The mid-morning sky is so beautiful.                                                     

H.M.A.S. "CERBERUS"       

          

        Even though I'm not scheduled to write about a late 19th century Australian "Warship" called the H.M.A.S. "Cerberus" right now, I'll mention it because of its name.  I just glanced up and saw a little Bird holding a twig in its mouth scamper bye.   I'll bet it's building a nest.             

          My Encyclopedia says the Cerberus Warship was "equipped with heavy artillery."  It was this metal "Monitor type Ironclad vessel" used since the American Civil War.  My boss was told by Mr. Eber, who's from "Brazil;" there's still one "patrolling" on the "Amazon" River.              

         Monitor Warships have round "Turrets" with canons inside, which "swivel" or "rotate" to shoot "in any direction."   My boss and Mr. Mike one time, as they loaded Rex the Truck to go to the Dump; talked about Monitor Ships.  Ah!  A nice breeze just floated in from the desert.                                           

  "BATTLE OF HAMPTON ROADS" / "IRONCLAD" SHIPS

(VIRGINIA / MARCH 9, 1862)  

                                

         A painting in my Encyclopedia says in 1862 the first naval battle in history where the Ships were made of, or covered by metal; was fought during the American Civil War.  It ended in one    of those "Draws," mainly because neither could sink the other.  The chimes are ringing.               

      It says here, in the "Battle of Hampton Roads" the "Union" Ship  was actually named the "Monitor;" the "Confederate" Warship "Merrimac." The Monitor had one of those big round    rotating turrets, and both were powered by "Steam" engines.  Boy!  I feel so good right now.        

       "Ironclad" just means made out of iron instead of wood.  In 1862 the "Rebel" Ship's other name was C.S.A. "Virginia" but, anyway; I'll come back to that famous battle tomorrow.  I'm still thinking of the Australian warship named after that one three-headed Dog Cerberus.                                      

H.M.A.S. CERBERUS

(NOW USED AS A "BREAKWATER") 

     

       I guess "H.M.A.S." stands for "Her Majesties Australian Ship," and refers to that lady Queen Victoria.  I'll be learning a lot more about her over the next three days that's for sure.  I    can smell Libby over there, and now see her walking carefully near the back of her Corral.          

        Too bad!  It says here how that warship Cerberus, after "many years of service;" became "obsolete" so was "sold for scrap."  To block waves, like at "Caesarea" in Israel; what's left of      Cerberus was sunk at the entrance of an Australian Bay.  In 1985 my boss visited Caesarea.       

         Australia was a British "Colony" up until 1901, when it became its own country.  I'll learn a lot about the Australian "Continent" over the next three days.  But, right now I can see on my outline I still have to write a little bit more about ancient Greece and also the name Pluto too.                                                             

  "CHARON"

            (CROSSING THE RIVER "STYX")    

                              

         My Encyclopedia says, in ancient Greece when a person died their Soul had to "cross over the river Styx;" before getting to the "afterlife."  That river was the "boundary" line between up here on the Earth, and the "Underworld" down there below.   I smell that old Sage bush.              

        Oh!  A picture shows "Charon," who Pluto's Moon is named after.  He looks like that other guy the "Grim Reaper," but his job was to "ferry" or row all the dead people's Souls across the  River Styx.  Two Crows are fighting over something way out there in the eastern desert.               

        I don't think I would ever want to actually meet someone who looks as scary as Charon.  No way! Ugh! Ugh!  But if I ever do I'd kind of want Mr. Steve and Daisy to be with me.  All four of  the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral over there to my right, and are moving eastward.         

                   

                 HERÓDOTUS  (c.484-c.425 B.C.)                   EDITH HAMILTON (1867-1963)                    

                                        

         In these three books I'll learn about that ancient Greek Historian "Heródotus.   Dais and Mr. Steve saw this tv show about him, and she noticed how the man said Herodotus wrote about that place called "Hades;" which kind of sounds like our "Hell."  Heathcliff just crowed.              

         One time in Mr. Steve's office Daisy and Millie heard him talking to his dad on the phone. They discussed a book written by a lady named Edith Hamilton, which they've both read some    parts of.  It's mainly having to do with ancient Greece and other things like that Dais told me.      

       Dais told me the man on the tv show called Herodotus' writing "influential."  I guess Mr. Steve read him in College, and so did his mom in one of her ancient history classes at Cal State    Northridge.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve say he still has some of his old textbooks from C.S.U.N.          

                    MARY BEARD              FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS              MARY BEARD

                         (ROME / COLLOSEUM)                          (c.37-c.100 A.D.)                  (ROME / CONSTANTINE I STATUE)                                               

          I just thought of a Jewish Writer named Flavius Josephus, or who my Encyclopedia calls "Josephus."  Mr. Steve's father read him.  He wrote about the bloody war in Israel when ancient Romans under Vespasian, and then his son Titus; destroyed the big "Second Jewish Temple."      

         Someday, this Summer for sure; I won't be afraid to go all of the way down the hallway to see my boss's bedroom and office.  Then I can watch more tv, and one show I want to see is by a  British lady named Mary Beard.  A small group of Birds is flying over Libby's Corral.                  

        Daisy and Millie one time were in Mr. Steve's office and heard him talk to his mom about that girl Mary Beard.  She knows a lot about ancient Roman history, and Dais says you can tell    Mr. Steve likes watching her episodes while doing what he calls "busy work."  I smell Sage.              

     SCORPIONS                                                                         STYX             

                                                       

           In my books I'll learn about German Hard Rock, like that band SCORPIONS; who in the 1970's did that song "Sails of Charon."  I've never heard it, but Daisy has and I guess Mr. Steve likes it a lot.  He joked with Mr. Dave one time how he's "tried" to play it on his drums.                

          According to Dais, Mr. Steve thinks Sails of Charon sounds to him like a song that 19th century Composer Richard Wagner might have written if he had lived in the 1970's.  I'll learn a lot about the different Classical Composers in my books.  Theodora just went running bye.          

          When I get over my fear of being trapped I'll go in my boss's bedroom to hear music like Dais does now.  STYX are named after that Underworld River, and Daisy says they have a few pretty good songs.  Mr. Steve and his sister Susan saw a STYX concert down at the Forum.                            

                          

            I've only seen a few cartoons, the ones shown on Saturday mornings; but Daisy has told me about some I haven't seen.  She and Millie liked the ones with a funny Dog named "Pluto" in them, whose boss is that Mouse "Mickey" I mentioned earlier.   I smell the Mulberry tree.            

           According to Dais, that one Dog Pluto sometimes get kind of jealous, especially when his owner Micky has other pets.  And, he really gets mad when this Bulldog named "Butch" tries to take away his "Dachshund" girlfriend named "Dinah."  This is such a beautiful morning!            

         Even though I'd say it's already about 11:00, Libby the Horse is still eating what's left of her breakfast hay.  Unlike myself who eats fast, Libby nibbles her food and take her time when    she eats.  Daisy, who also eats slowly; thinks maybe some of Libby's teeth hurt to chew.                                  

      OPERATION "PLUTO"                      "D-DAY" / "NORMANDY" INVASION 

(CROSS CHANNEL FUEL LINES)                                                   (JUNE 6, 1944)                           

            

         In putting together my three outlines Daisy and I decided I'd mainly write about World War II tomorrow, and World War II in book three.  But I can mention some things now too.  Up in the mid-morning sky there are two slowly extending vapor trails moving toward the south.      

       The  "Allied" forces, us Americans included; in the fifth year of World War II; invaded "Nazi-occupied Europe" on "D-Day."  This Encyclopedia calls it "Overlord" and one part of it was named "Operation Pluto."  D-Day is also called the "Normandy Invasion" I guess.                 

        Operation Pluto was a British plan to lay two "underwater pipelines" across the English Channel, in order to supply fuel oil to the invading troops.  I heard my boss tell Mr. Randy how it "seemed like a good idea" but ended up being "ineffective."  Ah!  I love Spring scents.                             

                                                            "BAMBI"                                                                     

                  

         From what it says in this Encyclopedia, the two underwater fuel pipelines for D-Day's Operation Pluto were named after "Disney" characters; one being the girl Deer "Bambi" Daisy  told me about that time.  She says there's dirt road kind of near which is called Bambi.                 

        I guess, in June of 1944; P.LU.T.O. stood for "Pipe Line Underwater Transportation of Oil."  Anyway, I'll come back to writing about D-Day tomorrow in my second book when I read and then learn more about the Second World War.  Thank You God!  I can't wait for that!            

         Speedy Gonzalez just ran through the right vertical slot on the side of the gate to go out into the back desert.  Mr. Steve jokes I'm as "agile as a Gazelle," if I don't want to be touched or caught.  It's amazing how, going so fast; Speedy doesn't ever hit his head on the metal pipes.                                            

     LANCE ALWORTH (SAN DIEGO "CHARGERS")     

                        

        One morning, as he watered the Mulberry tree up there in the front yard; my boss and Mr. Randy talked about this Football player named Lance Alworth.  Daisy heard his nickname was "Bambi," because of how "Nimble and Agile" he was catching a Football.  Dawn's barking.         

      Even though Mr. Steve doesn't follow entertainment much any more, in my books I'll still learn about that subject.  I guess, back in the 1960's; Lance Alworth played for the San Diego      "Chargers."  They were in the "American Football League," or just "A.F.L" for short.                 

    Daisy's heard the Chargers are now in the "N.F.L.," which stands for "National Football League." Mr. Steve's Nephew Sammy Jr., who lives over there in Littlerock; likes the Chargers.  Daisy says our boss has drawn, and also colored; Chargers logos and other sports logos too.                                               

                                                                 REPLACEMENTS    

PHOTO BY MICHAEL OCHS      

       

            I just thought again of that band from Minnesota the REPLACEMENTS.  I guess, from what Daisy heard; that girl Denise used the word "shambolic" once to describe the way the band members lived.  Oh!  Freddie's fighting another boy Crow and Fannie is also helping him.

           Mr. Steve says some bands influence other later bands who make money, but don't make that much money themselves.  Denise thought the REPLACEMENTS were kind of like that, but mainly because they took drugs and drank too much.  Their Guitarist even ended up dying.

          In 2001 this guy played Mr. Steve a GIN BLOSSOMS song and then a REPLACEMENTS song which had obviously influenced the GIN BLOSSOMS.  But, I guess the GIN BLOSSOMS made money, the REPLACEMENTS did not.  Daisy says our boss told that guy about Denise.                                      

                                                          "MULBERRY" HARBOR

                                                                   (D-DAY / JUNE 6, 1944)

PAINTING BY STEPHEN BONE   

            

                  Ah!  I just picked up the scent of the big Mulberry tree over there.  What the heck!  Even though I'm not scheduled now to write about what my Encyclopedia calls "Mulberry Harbors," I kind of feel like mentioning them now too because I can also learn about them tomorrow.

            The caption below a good painting of D-Day shows how Mulberry Harbors are made of  "prefabricated sections towed to France to create temporary harbors."  The Allies expected the German defenders of the beaches on D-Day to fight "To the Death" as they say.  I smell Sage.  

           In my books Dais has me scheduled to learn about "Building Materials" like stone, wood, bricks and cement.  And I'll learn about "Harbors" too, like "Caesarea Maritima," an ancient Harbor in Israel Mr. Steve's Tour Group visited in 1985.  The Romans made it of cement.   

                                  

     "SYLMAR" EARTHQUAKE" / "VETERAN'S" HOSPITAL

(FEBRUARY 9, 1971 )     

            

            Oh!  I think I just felt a small earthquake but, maybe not.  Mr. Steve says his father is the "heart and soul" of the family and they're lucky he's "strong-willed" or they may not have made it after the big 1971 "Sylmar" earthquake.  I wonder if Dais felt the earthquake up there?            

          Mr. Steve and his mom talked on the phone about the 1971 earthquake, when forty nine people were killed at the Sylmar "Veteran's" Hospital; where Mr. Steve's father used to go.  Boy! I sure do hope Piñon Hills never has a big giant earthquake.  That would be so bad I think.          

           There was a family whose kids went to St. Ferdinands like Mr. Steve and his brothers and sisters.  On the morning of the big earthquake their "Great Dane" Dog "Alcindor" was "Acting Up."  So, I guess the mom had to call up her work and tell them she'd be coming in late.                                                                   

"GREAT DANE"   

                

         Oh wow!  Rosie just barked, which she seldom does; so maybe that was an earthquake?  Ah!  Now Dawn and Blinky are barking too so that could've been  a small earthquake alright.    All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral and moving together toward the east.        

          In 1971 the mom of the family in San Fernando worked as a Nurse up at the "Olive View" Hospital in Sylmar.  Hey God!  People died when the "Wing" she worked in collapsed, so it may  be like Mr. Steve's mom thinks, and You used Alcindor the Dog to save her.  I smell Sage.              

        Because she "Called in Late" for work God, Dais also believes You saved the lady's life; so now I kind of want to think that too.  At the end of the 19th century, and beginning of the 1900's; Sylmar was known for olives.  Mr. Steve's parents still have two old olive trees in their yard.                         

                        1971                   "OLIVE VIEW" HOSPITAL                   NOW                        

(SYLMAR, CALIFORNIA)

  

          Wow!  My Encyclopedia has a black and white photo which shows the wing of Olive View Hospital which fell down.   That's where people were killed and where that lady in San Fernando might've been in 1971.  I just glanced up and see Libby over there in her Corral to my right.        

         One time Daisy and Millie were in Mr. Steve's office and heard him talk with Mr. Dave in New Mexico on the phone about the Sylmar Earthquake.  Mr. Steve said, even though it was only a "6.4" level earthquake; it "felt like 8.0" on their Hagar Street Cul-de-Sac.   A Crow cawed.       

        Daisy heard Mr. Steve say in 1971 the doors and windows of their house were "bent to the side," so couldn't be opened easily; making it "hard to get out of the house."  In that earthquake all the models and miniature military figurines my boss had built for years were destroyed.                

"SYLMAR" EARTHQUAKE

      

            I guess, Mr. Steve's mom sometimes mentions how something like a wall "takes a lot of time and effort" to build, but can be knocked down "in the blink of an eye."  So, my boss lost in a few seconds all the time he had put into building his model collection.   Heathcliff crowed.         

           Dais says one time Mr. Steve talked with his mom on the phone about his dad helping to get the Olive View Hospital rebuilt after that 1971 earthquake.  He, a "Democrat;" worked with  the "Republican" Los Angeles County "Supervisor" Mike Antonovich on it.  I smell Sage.            

           Alpha Company of Quail are right now using the vertical slots on either side of the gate to go out into the back eastern desert behind the three Sheds.  They must've been resting under one of the Sheds.  Andy the Squirrel, in guarding he and Helen's burrow; is now watching them.                                              

   KAREEM ABDUL JABAR (ON LEFT)

                                  

        I've mentioned how, in the 1980's; Mr. Steve and his friends Mark and Helen worked for the Los Angeles sports teams.  One Player on the Lakers' Basketball  team was Kareem Abdul Jabar who my boss took pictures of.  A Lizard is standing on the wall near the sliding glass door.            

     I heard my boss say Kareem Jabar was his second name.  In the 1960's, when he played in College at U.C.L.A.; he was Lew Alcindor until he "Converted" from Christianity over to Islam.  I'll write more about him and his College Coach named John Wooden, who my boss met.              

     The family in San Fernando's dad was a "Gardener" at U.C.L.A. and that's how their Dog got his name.  Dais heard "Kareem" is seven feet tall, and Mr. Steve tells kids to try to learn his "Hook" shot.  I mentioned before how my boss's old girlfriend Miss Emily works at U.C.L.A.                                           

               BILL HANDEL AND FAMILY ("MASADA," ISRAEL)                       

   

         Mr. Steve gets up early and listens to Vivaldi's La Primavera as he brushes his teeth.  Dais told me he often listens to, on a Los Angeles "Talk" Radio station "KFI;" this funny Jewish man  named Bill Handel.  Mr. Steve has called and talked to Bill Handel on the Radio a few times.        

       Daisy says Mr. Steve saw this picture of Bill Handel's family taken over there in Israel.   I guess he and his wife "Marjorie" have "twin" daughters, and Mr. Steve thinks one kind of looks like how his Niece Samantha looked in High School.  Oh!  I can smell the Twin Joshua trees.        

         Cristina and Samantha, Mr. Steve's Nieces; went to a "Lutheran" school in San Fernando.  They graduated from a Lutheran High School.  Mr. Steve and his mom talked about how he took the "Principal" of  that one Elementary school, Miss "Peggy;" to her High School "Prom."                                             

    MR. STEVE / MISS PEGGY (1972)                SAMANTHA / MISS PEGGY (2010)   

                                                                    

         I guess my boss has listened to KFI for years and, even though KFI is from Los Angeles; still comes in clear up here in the desert.  One time "On the Air" that guy Bill Handel mentioned how his mom also worked at the Olive View hospital in Sylmar in 1971.  Heathcliff crowed.          

          Daisy says Mr. Steve was out here doing yardwork when he heard Bill Handel talk about his mother.  When Bill Handel referred to the Olive View Hospital his "Ears perked Up" as they  say.  I guess Mr. Steve has asked questions on Bill Handel's "Legal Advice" Saturday show.          

          Like that Nurse in San Fernando, Bill Handel's mom also went in late to work on the day of the huge earthquake; so wasn't there when it hit.  Hey God?  Did You also cause Bill Handel's  mom to be late too?  Daisy told me  she "wouldn't be surprised" if it was You who did that.                                                                         

        MIKE ANTONOVICH / MR. STEVE'S FATHER         

                                      PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                         

                                   

          Mr. Steve's father is important in Sylmar's history.  After the 1971 earthquake he and his best friend named Bill Garcia worked with L.A. County "Supervisor" Mike Antonovich to get    Olive View Hospital rebuilt.  Mr. Dave in New Mexico has hiked in the hills near Olive View.        

         Working again with Mike Antonovich and Mr. Garcia, in the 1980's Mr. Steve's dad was able to get money or "Funding" to build "Mission" Junior College a "Permanent" campus.  Up  until then it had only "Satellite" classrooms in Sylmar and San Fernando.  I smell Sage.               

        Mission College's "Official" name is "Los Angeles Mission College," or  "L.A.M.C." for short.  The campus is now located on the land where Mr. Steve, his brother Rock and friend Rick too; used to play "Little League" Baseball on for years.  Heathcliff just crowed over there.                                     

      L.A.M.C.                                                                     S.I.B.L.         

    

         For ten years Mr. Steve, brother Rock and Mr. Rick played "Organized" Baseball at the "Sylmar Independent Baseball League."  The abbreviation for that would be "S.I.B.L."  When    Mission College's campus was built Mr. Steve's father then had to help relocate S.I.B.L.                

          The street where S.I.B.L. was and Mission College is now is "Eldridge," where one of Mr. Steve's St. Ferdinand classmates "Chris's" family lived near.  They learned to ride Motorcycles    in fields near Eldridge Dais says.  Mr. Chris got me my blankets Barry, Robin and Maurice.         

        Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his father talking on the phone one time about a man named Frank Modugno.  He worked with Mr. Steve's dad on projects like Olive View Hospital and also Mission College.  A little Bird carrying a twig in its mouth just ran bye out there in the dirt.         

                                     

THE "MODUGNO" BROTHERS    

(FRANK MODUGNO (1920-1995) /  SEATED WITH PEN IN HAND) 

    

         Besides Mr. Frank, there were four other Modugno brothers; all of whom played Football at San Fernando High School.  Like Mr. Rick's family, they were Italian-American.  The Sylmar "Metrolink" Train Station is now named "Frank Modugno Drive" from what Daisy heard.          

        Mr. Modugno's daughter "Maria" was a classmate of Mr. Steve's at St. Ferdinands.  Both my boss and Mr. Rick always thought she was a really pretty girl, and a nice person too.  Ah!  A    Freight Train just whistled really faintly way out there in the desert far to the northeast.               

         I guess, from what Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve's dad say that time, since the 1950's the Modugno brothers ran a "Beer Distributorship" in the city of San Fernando.  The smells and scents of Spring are making me feel good and have energy.   I feel so fortunate to be alive.             

        

U.C.L.A                               MISS EMILY                          ROSE BOWL 

          Daisy says Mr. Steve's ex-girlfriend Miss Emily has now worked in the U.C.L.A. Athletic Department for a long time.  She got that job while with Mr. Steve, and in those years would stay at his house on Hagar Street on some weekends.  Andy's looking at me over here on Elvira.          

         I guess, Mr. Steve and his brother Sam in Littlerock one time talked on the phone about Miss Emily.  Sometimes, when U.C.L.A. had Football games at the Rose Bowl; Miss Emily came over to Sylmar for the game.  They would drive down to Pasadena on Saturday morning.             

         An "Alumnus" is a person who "graduated" from a school, Mr. Frank one of those from U.C.L.A.; as was that lady Miss Helen who worked with Mr. Steve and Mr. Mark at the Forum.   Boy! "Tailgate" parties sound fun.  My boss's brother Sam's family like them Daisy heard.          

            

"ROSE BOWL"     

     

          Back in the mid-1980's College Football games started at one in the afternoon so, before that Miss Emily helped prepare good food in the "Alumnus Tent."   People like Mr. Frank and    Miss Helen ate there before the game.  Hey God!  Thank You for giving me enough food.              

         While Miss Emily worked in the Alumnus tent Mr. Steve read a book, and met nice people having what his mom calls "get togethers."  I guess, Mr. Frank donated the drinks, and not just  the beer; for the Alumnus.  He died on April the 9th, which is Miss Emily's birthday too.               

         Mr. Steve told his parents he met this nice Italian lady who said the name "Modugno" is like our last name "Córdova," in being "derived" from a European city.  Ours is over there in   Spain, but Modugno is a small town in southeastern Italy.  I love how Sunlight feels on me.                 

                     "MODUGNO," ITALY                                             "VIA TRAIANA"                           

(EARLY 20TH CENTURY / 1905?)                                                                                                       

      

           Boy!  No wonder my boss and his father like maps so much, as they make things easier to understand.  This map of the "Boot" of Italy shows the ancient Roman roads coming down from the biggest city of "Rome," and ending up at the coastal city of "Brindisi."  Dawn's barking.       

          When they were sitting in the living room and talking, Daisy says you could tell Mr. Steve was interested in hearing that Italian lady talk.  She said Modugno is a "small town" on a road    called the "Via Traiana," shown in red on the map.  Little Blinky has a really strong scent.           

       This Encyclopedia says the Via Traiana was built by the Emperor "Trajan" in about 109 A.D.  The lady told Mr. Steve it was meant to be a "shortcut in time" for the usual route to the    coast "by way of" the "Via Appia" to Brindisi.  An orange boy Finch flew over the Sheds.                  

                                 "ROMA"                                                      "COLLOSSEUM"                                                             

          In 1985 Mr. Steve's St. Ferdinands Tour Group visited Rome, seeing all the famous sites and then walking on the famous ancient Roman road the "Via Appia."  My Encyclopedia says it was built three centuries before the Via Traiana where the town of Modugno is.  I smell Sage.      

         Yup!  It says here what that lady said too, before that town Modugno got its name it was called "Medunium;" which my Latin Dictionary says means "medium."  It's "halfway" between "Benevento" and "Brindisi" that lady said.  So, on the map it might be near to "Bitonto."            

          The Via Appia, or "Appian Way;" was built about three centuries before the Via Traiana. Daisy heard Mr. Steve, his sisters Susan and Celina and parents and Grandma Córdova; walked on that ancient road in 1985.  Mr. Steve's father was impressed by the engineering I guess.                                  

             "APPIAN WAY"                                       MARCHING LEGION                 

PHOTO BY STIJN NIEUWENDIJK                                                                                                                                                                  

       

        The lady told Mr. Steve the Via Traiana was good for "merchants who wanted to conduct trade."  But "more importantly" she said, it was a "much faster way to get soldiers to Brindisi;" from where they "could be sent to anywhere" in the huge empire.   Heathcliff just crowed.           

        Because it's "about halfway" between Benevento and Brindisi, the lady thinks Modugno was "probably a rest stop for soldiers."  Daisy told me she mentioned, in that part of Italy; they make "excellent wine" and "grow very good olives."  The Hens over there sound so happy.          

         Libby's walking around slowly in her Corral, and I see what Daisy means in saying now that she's old Libby has to be "more careful" in how they move around.  As Mr. Steve told Mr.    Randy that time, "Injuries I got when young would be much worse now."  I smell Sage.                

                              SYLMAR OLIVE'S            

                                                                                                       PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

                                              

        The lady and Mr. Steve talked about how that town of Modugno, like Sylmar for a long time; was "known for" having "very good olives.  For ancient Greeks, and Romans; olives were used for a few things so were kind of important Dais heard.   Ah!  I love this mid-morning air!     

        According to what Daisy heard our boss tell that lady, Mr. Frank worked with his father after the big 1971 Sylmar earthquake.  They helped people fill out the paperwork in applying for loans and things like that I guess.  There are some thin, wispy clouds up there in the sky.               

       In 1971 Mr. Steve's family's house was "Condemned" and torn down.   In the "Short-Term," things were kind of hard for my boss's father; with a wife and five kids to "Look After." Oh!  Daisy told me he also had to take care of this light brown girl Dog named "Cuddles" too.              

MR. STEVE'S FAMILY / 1977

(CELINA-CHIHUAHUA DOG "CHINO" / MR. STEVE'S MOM / SUSAN / MR. STEVE)

ROCK / MR. STEVE'S FATHER / SAM JR.

  

        Mr. Steve thinks, in the "long-run;" things "worked out" for his family after that 1971 earthquake. He told Miss Susan at work his father is an example of that saying, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."  I've mentioned how he saw combat during the Korean War.      

            I guess Mr. Steve's dad joked an earthquake "paled in comparison" to war, and was just grateful his family was "Safe and Sound" so made "Lemonade out of Lemons."  As "hard" as it  was he said, 1971 was a "Cake Walk" in comparison.  Boy!  I wonder what a cake walk is?           

         The Friedrich Nietzsche quote just came into my head, "That which does not destroy me only makes me stronger!"  In 1971, for a week; Mr. Steve's family all lived in a "Hotel" near the      San Fernando Mission and Alemany High.  They had "Blind Faith" in Mr. Steve's dad.                 

BLIND FAITH

         Daisy and Millie one time were in Mr. Steve's bedroom and saw a tv show about a guitar player named Eric Clapton, who was in that band CREAM.  Mr. Steve and Miss Emily saw his    concert at the "Universal Studios."  After CREAM Eric Clapton was in BLIND FAITH.               

          Back in 1969 Eric Clapton joined BLIND FAITH, and Daisy says our boss liked the bands called FAMILY and TRAFFIC; who the other three Musicians in BLIND FAITH came out of.      He still has vinyl records of some of their old albums I guess.  The air is so clear right now.           

        Mr. Steve told that kid Jason he had an English "Import" version of BLIND FAITH'S one and only album.  But he sold it before his mom saw it because a naked girl was on the front.  In    1974 Mr. Steve and Miss Sandy saw TRAFFIC play a concert at the "Long Beach Arena."                  

                         

     "THE WONDER YEARS"             

                                           

           As I wrote earlier, before the 1971 earthquake Mr. Steve's neighborhood in Sylmar was  a lot like the "Suburbs" shown on that tv show The Wonder Years.  Kids rode Bikes and played all the different sports but, it was all destroyed in less than a minute.  A Crow is cawing faintly.         

          Daisy heard Mr. Steve, like "Kevin" on The Wonder Years; was also thirteen in 1968 when the show takes place.  In one episode Kevin was playing Football and he tried to "Show Off" for that girl he liked named "Winnie."  He pretended not to notice her watching them play.                

         In the "Huddle" that kid Kevin begged his older brother, who Daisy says is kind of mean; to "pass" him the ball.  He said okay but told Kevin "you'd better catch it."  One time in 1968, when he was thirteen; Mr. Steve showed off for a girl at St. Ferdinand's named "Sheri."                                                        

KEVIN / WINNIE

      

          Daisy says on The Wonder Years Kevin drops the ball so his brother runs up and really yells at him, and right in front of that girl Winnie too.  It was so embarrassing she told me.  Hey!  We should start a Dog Football team, as I could be the "Receiver;" and Daisy a "Lineman."        

        In 1968 Mr. Steve was in the 6th Grade, and one time was playing "Center Field" in a "Kickball" game.  That girl Sheri, and some other girls; were watching the boys play from the      "Sidelines."  Like Kevin on the Wonder Years he pretended to not care about girls then.             

          A "Routine" fly ball kick, which he could've easily caught; flew out to Mr. Steve.  But, to impress Sheri; he "made it more difficult than it needed to be."  He told Mr. Rick he made an      "Over the Shoulder" running catch like a one Willie Mays is famous for making in 1954.                                          

   WILLIE MAYS (1954 "WORLD SERIES")

                    

          I guess, just like Willie Mays did when his team the New York "Giants" was playing in the "World Series" in 1954; Mr. Steve made a "Spectacular" catch.  The problem was, he then hit a  bench which "Jackknifed" him to the asphalt ground.  Heathcliff just crowed to my right.            

        The corner of Mr. Steve's mouth was cut halfway to the ear.  But he later joked how he at least "held onto the ball."  One morning, as he watered the Mulberry tree up in the front yard;    I heard my boss telling Mr. Mike about that "very embarrassing" day way back in 1968.              

         Daisy heard, for a month or so after the Kickball game at St. Ferdinand's; Mr. Steve had to adapt to living with over thirty "Stitches" healing his cut.  He ate and drink a different way but it "wasn't so bad" he told Mr. Mike.  He used to have a scar but over the years it's faded away.           

DR. MARY ODA IN FRONT OF MURAL

(PACOIMA / SHE AND BROTHER DR. SAKAGUCHI SHOWN)

      

          In all my three books I'll write about a brother and sister, who were Mr. Steve's family's Doctors.  One was Dr. Oda, the other her older brother Dr. Sakaguchi.  Mr. Steve still has many memories of being in their San Fernando office, like when President Kennedy was killed.              

         Over the years growing up in Sylmar Mr. Steve visited Dr.'s Oda and Sakaguchi's office a few times, breaking his wrist once and another time having Dr. Sakaguchi repair a broken arm.  More than once stitches were needed to close cuts he got.  Samson and Delilah just flew bye.         

          Daisy heard how Mr. Steve's "Routine" in the Doctor's office was to lay on his back as they worked on him.  He still remembers  Dr. Sakaguchi saying, "Okay, you know what to do."  That meant look right, and concentrate on this wall clock's moving "Second" hand going around.           

                          DAWN                                                                            BLINKY                        

                                                     

          Dawn's barking over there next door and now little Blinky is barking too.  You know, I'm beginning to kind of like Blinky's voice.  Even though he's sort of small in size, I can tell Blinky's a brave boy Dog who I think for sure would fight hard to protect our neighbor's property.            

       My boss and Mr. Mike laughed, and cringed; in thinking about what "idiots" they were when young.  I noticed how Mr. Steve joked one "silver lining" of cutting his mouth in 1968 was the girls in his class at St. Ferdinand's were "a lot nicer" to him.  Two Pigeons flew bye.                

         The famous Willie Mays catch my boss imitated happened in the 1954 World Series, when the Giants played the Cleveland "Indians."  Just like the Kansas City, and later Oakland "A's;" were Mr. Steve's favorite team, the Indians were his dad's favorite team.  Heathcliff crowed.                                                         

     MIKE GARCIA                                          BOB FELLER                

                               

          The Indians became my boss's favorite team in the years after World War II, especially during the Korean War and early 1950's.  Dais heard him tell Mr. Steve his favorite Players were Pitchers Mike Garcia and Bob Feller, both right-handed.   Mr. Steve drew the Indians logo.          

           Like my boss too, Mr. Steve's father doesn't really follow Baseball that much any more; except for the "Dodgers" a little bit Daisy says. Mr. Steve also drew some of the different Giants logos too. I smell new Spring Mesquite, which is making me feel so full of energy right now.          

         I just thought of that Boxer Mr. Bobby, who they said was from "Pacoima;" but whose family actually lived in "Lake View Terrace."  Mr. Bobby was twice World Champion.   Daisy heard in the 1990's Mr. Bobby was almost homeless so Mr. Steve and his dad helped him.                                    

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

                   

        Daisy has heard Mr. Steve talking on the phone about Boxing with his father, and also Mr. Ralph and Mr. Gary the Barber too.  At times they discuss Mr. Bobby's career.  Both Mr. Ralph and Mr. Gary are like "Boxing Historians" according to what Daisy and Millie heard.                   

        In that book Mr. Steve wrote about Bobby Chacon, he said, after a fight; Bobby's face had to be sewn up "just like a piece of upholstery."  When Bobby asked, "How did you know?" my    boss told him about cutting his mouth in that Kickball game.  Ah!  I love how Spring smells.        

       I just thought about how, on Saturday in my third book; Daisy has me scheduled to write about people born on our boss's birthday of July 9th.  One is the famous Football player named "O.J." Simpson, who Mr. Steve thinks killed his wife.  Thank You God for how I feel.                             

          JACK WHITE                       O.J. SIMPSON             TOM HANKS AND WIFE

   

         One time Mr. Steve found out the Actor who played Kevin on the Wonder Years was also born on July 9th.  Wow!  What a coincidence that is.  On Saturday in book three I'll learn about  a Musician named Jack White, and Actor Tom Hanks; who were also born on July 9th too.          

          I think I'll mention that guy Jack White's band WHITE STRIPES now too.  I heard their catchy song "Seven Nation Army" once on my boss's Boombox, and really like the drums.  Daisy heard Mr. Dave tell Mr. Steve he read Jimi Hendrix's Drummer was born on July the 9th.            

         Right now, because I'm afraid to go in the house except for Saturday mornings to watch cartoons; I can only hear music when Mr. Steve comes outside to do yard work and plays his Boombox.  Ah!  A big    Lizard is chasing a smaller Lizard near the Mulberry tree.   I'll bet it's a boy Lizard chasing a girl.                         

WHITE STRIPES

    

          Oh what the heck!  I can write about Jack White now.  Daisy's favorite color is red, so likes the WHITE STRIPES uniforms.  Mr. Steve was told he and his Drummer wife "Meg" are from "Detroit like Iggy Pop and Ted Nugent.  Jack White seems to see the importance in "3."               

        Mr. Steve's Niece Samantha also likes Seven Nation Army, which only has drums with Jack White on guitar and singing.  Jack White's guitar is tuned to kind of sound like a bass.  That kid Jason heard Jack White uses  "Foot Pedals" to change the "Pitch" of some guitar sounds.            

        I guess, a "Whammy" Foot Pedal" is like using a "Whammy Bar" up on the body of the guitar.  Jason heard an advantage of a whammy pedal is you don't have to "Tune" anything.  I    saw Speedy Gonzalez the Squirrel streak in front of the back fence behind the three Sheds.             

            MEG WHITE          

                        

           I sure hope Mr. Steve plays Seven Nation Army again soon.  Daisy's lucky because she and Millie heard it a few times when Mr. Steve plays drums along to it in the house.  Daisy told me      she and Millie could both tell Mr. Steve and that kid Jason think Meg White is very pretty.           

       Mr. Steve told Samantha Meg White's drumming is "simple but steady."  She provides a "solid platform" for her husband to then supply the guitar and singing.  Mr. Dave back there in  Taos one time mentioned her "Floor Tom" and "Snare" drum playing on Seven Nation Army.     

        Daisy heard when Mr. Mark and his family lived in "Green Valley," before moving to out  Hawaii; Mr. Steve and Samantha drove in Barney the Ford Escort to visit them.  A cassette they listened going there was by the WHITE STRIPES.   It had Seven Nation Army on it.                                            

ITALIAN SOCCER ("FOOTBALL")

    

 

          Mr. Steve was told Seven Nation Army, which is "Anthemic;" is played at Italian Soccer "Stadiums."  For two years at Sylmar High he played Soccer but wasn't good at "Dribbling" the  ball.  But, he could take the ball away and then make quick "Outlet" passes to a teammate.  

         Hey God!  My boss's dad believes in that Old Testament saying about You  helping those "who help themselves." His mother thinks, after the Sylmar earthquake in 1971; You sent Mr.      Anthony, who "Rented" them the Van Nuys house; as a Guardian Angel.  Heathcliff crowed.        

          For over a year Mr. Steve and his family lived in Van Nuys at a house which was too small for seven people and this girl Dog named "Cuddles."  Dais heard that girl Marilyn Monroe lived in Van Nuys too for a while.  Living in Van Nuys was a "Tight Squeeze" for my boss's family.                 

MARILYN MONROE (1926-1962)

                                              

           Someday, when I get over my fear of being trapped I'll see the big four foot wide "Poster" in a glass frame of Marilyn Monroe looking out a window.  It's hanging on the south wall in my    boss's bedroom I guess.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve got it in a a trade with this one older lady.              

        I'm not scheduled to write about Marilyn Monroe right now but I just thought of how, in 1985 after he got back from Israel; Mr. Steve's dad was Los Angeles' "Grand Jury Foreman."    But he was "Fired."  He recommended Marilyn Monroe's 1962 murder case be "Reopened."       

         Since 1985 Mr. Steve has read about Marilyn Monroe.  Like his father he thinks she was a very "Insecure" person, who realized being so famous was dual in nature; as bad things came along with all the good things she got.  The four Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.                                                                      

        "THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH" (1955)     

     

         Mr. Steve thinks good things come with the "Potential" for a "Proportionate" amount of bad.  Daisy thinks that means, the bigger the good; the equally big possibility for bad things to    happen too.  But, the opposite is also true so there's potential for opportunity in misfortune.        

      Daisy and Millie saw a tv show about Marilyn Monroe.  This Encyclopedia says her real original "Birth" name was "Norma Jeane Mortenson," but at times she called herself "Norma    Jean Baker."  Heathcliff crowed and I hear his Hens clucking happily over there to my right.       

         I guess Mr. Steve, who didn't watch it; thinks the 2008 Football "Super Bowl" game shows the duality of things.  The New England "Patriots" went into that championship game with a perfect record of 18-0.   So of course they were "Highly Favored" to easily win that game.                                                    

                                         HIGH SCHOOL               TOM BRADY       NEW ENGLAND "PATRIOTS"                                                                          

           Dais heard Mr. Steve tell his father on the phone one time about Tom Brady, the Patriots "Quarterback" who grew up in Northern California.  I guess, he's Catholic like us and went to  "Junipero Serra" High School.  A flock of Birds is flying to the east way up there in the sky.        

           Boy!  Learning new things is turning out to be kind of fun.  Thank Everyone up there!  At first it was sort of hard figuring out how to hold a pen with my paws but now I'm really starting  to "Get the Hang of It" as they say.  Wait until my boss finds out what I'm doing back here.          

           From what Daisy heard, in 2008 the New England Patriots "Opponent" was the New York "Giants," who barely made it into the "Playoffs" only as a "Wild Card" team with a mediocre    record.  In most years they would not have even qualified for what they call "Post Season."              

2008 "SUPER BOWL"

PHOTO BY DAMIAN STROHMEYER

     

           The 2008 Patriots went into the Super Bowl as twelve point "Favorites" as they say, so the Giants were what's called the "Underdog."  I've mentioned before how Daisy's favorite cartoon    is that brave Dog Underdog who can fly.  Boy!  I really like how this day has smelled so far.           

          Dais heard in 2008 a Giants Player made what Patriots' fans thought a "Lucky Catch" to help win so, even though the Patriots had the best season ever; it was "Perceived" as a "Total        Failure."  It all "Went up in Smoke" and the season became merely a "Footnote" in history.         

         Living in Connecticut, the Patriots are Mr. Steve's Nephew's Dalton and Austin's favorite team.  So they didn't like it when the Giants "Receiver" made his famous catch.  Hey God!  Did    You cause that ball to stick to the guy's helmet to teach about not getting too overconfident?         

                                                                 "PATRIOT" MISSILE                                       "PERSIAN GULF" WAR                  

           (MIM-104 "PATRIOT")                                                          (1991 / "HIGHWAY OF DEATH")      

    

       Even though Dais doesn't have me scheduled to write about the two "Persian Gulf" wars right now, I just thought about those "Patriot" missiles Mr. Steve talked to his father about one    time on the phone.  They've killed a lot of people in the world I guess.  A Crow cawed.                    

         Mr. Steve and his dad both watched a tv show about the history of "Missiles," from World War II until now.  Daisy and Millie watched it with Mr. Steve and Dais says it showed how they    can bomb and kill you from far away.  Mr. Steve's father used the term "surface to air."                

       Daisy's the one who told me Mr. Steve's father's first name is "Samuel," but everyone now just calls him "Sam" for short.  I've mentioned how my boss's brother Sam Jr., with his wife and kids; live in Littlerock.  "S.A.M." is the "Acronym" for Surface-to-Air missiles Dais told me.       

                                              

                               1972 MIAMI DOLPHINS                                   

       

         I guess, until 2008; the only other team to go into the Super Bowl undefeated was the 1972 Miami "Dolphins."  But they were only 16-0 and won their Super Bowl.  Daisy says the Patriots  and Dolphins have old and new logos and our boss has done line drawings of all four of them.       

       That girl Marilyn Monroe lived kind of a sad life my boss thinks.  She may have had what they call a "Borderline Personality Disorder," and was "troubled" he says.  She never knew her dad and her mom, who had some "Mental Problems;" didn't seem to really love her either.           

        I heard my boss tell Miss Susan he thinks Marilyn Monroe sometimes probably "tried too hard to please."  So some people "Took Advantage" of that and, "used" her while pretending to  be her friend; which made her gradually less trustful.  A Crow cawed faintly out in the desert.                         

                                  (WITH MOM)                MARILYN  MONROE              (AGE SIX)                                                 

                 

             This one Encyclopedia shows Marilyn Monroe with her mother.  And in another picture she's six years old.  Mr. Steve told Miss Susan at work her real hair color was "reddish" but was dyed blonde to be a Movie Star.  Libby the Horse is walking around over in her Corral.               

             Yup!  As Mr. Steve told Miss Susan, when Marilyn Monroe was a kid; her mom was put in a "Mental Hospital" so she had to live in a "series of orphanages."  And then, she was sent out to live with a few of what they call "Foster" families.  Ah!  The air is so clear right now.                 

         Mr. Steve said Marilyn Monroe was afraid she might've "inherited" her mom's mental illness.  And he's been told David Bowie the Singer was also scared of that happening to him too.  The four Pigeons just now flew as a single group out into the eastern desert behind the Sheds.                                                         

  "METROPOLITAN" STATE HOSPITAL (NORWALK)   

          

           In 1995, Mr. Steve worked for his friend Rick's Mechanical Contracting company, and they put in big pipes at "Metro" State Hospital in "Norwalk."  Mr. Steve said "Metro State" is    the exact same Mental Hospital Marilyn Monroe's mother was sent to.  Dawn's barking.               

           I guess, some believe Marilyn Monroe was "Murdered" at the age of thirty six; back in 1962.  Mr. Steve thinks she might've accidentally killed herself by taking too many sleeping pills.  But powerful people had the "Motive, "Means" and "Opportunity" to kill her he says.                  

        Over the next three days I'll write about Mr. Steve and his father's "Theories" on how Marilyn Monroe died.  And I have a feeling she'll be like that guy Adolph Hitler in coming up as I think about other subjects.  I can smell the clump of Joshua trees near Libby's Corral.                                                 

    AS YOUNG GIRL            MARILYN MONROE           AS A TEENAGER        

("NORMA JEANE")    

                 

          Mr. Steve told Miss Susan what it says here in this Encyclopedia.  From the age of nine, until she was sixteen; Marilyn Monroe had to live with those Foster families.  Daisy heard Mr.      Steve tell Miss Susan how some of those families were mean to her, which made her sad.                

            Japan attacked the U.S. on December the 7th, 1941, bringing  America into World War II which had begun in 1939.  In 1942, Marilyn Monroe was going to "Van Nuys" High School.  Her foster father got a job "Out of State" but California law prevented them from taking her.             

           Throughout my three long books I'll learn about the different "Asian" countries, and one is "Japan;" who was on the side of Germany and Italy in the Second World War.  As I've said      before, the U.S. fought "Imperial" Japan out in the "Pacific Theater."  I can smell Mesquite. 

                            

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

                     

       After Japan's surprise attack on the U.S. in Hawaii everything changed.  For Marilyn Monroe, it seemed like she'd have to go back to the Orphanage; which she really didn't want to    do.  Samson and Delilah the Ravens just flew bye and are flapping toward the northeast.               

        In early 1942, the "Solution" to Marilyn Monroe's "Problem" was to have her marry a twenty one year old guy on her neighborhood; named Jim Dougherty.  So, after her sixteenth        birthday they got married.  And later he volunteered for service in the "Merchant Marines."        

     Mr. Steve joked with Mr. Randy one time about how  that guy Jim Dougherty "hit the jackpot" when Marilyn Monroe "fell in his lap."  But some people say her foster parents didn't    want her anymore and simply "foisted" her on the first guy they could find.  I smell Sage.                 

WEDDING DAY                     NORMA JEANE DOUGHERTY             CATALINA         

        (1942 / 1943)            

           

         Pictures in my Encyclopedia show Marilyn Monroe at the time of her 1942 wedding, and then another one shows her in 1943 standing on Catalina Island; in the Harbor of the town of      "Avalon."  Her hair was darker.  Daisy heard she wanted to have kids and be a family.                 

           I guess Jim Dougherty did his "Basic Training" on Catalina so Marilyn Monroe went with him.  I'll learn about the "Channel" Islands, off of California's coast; in my books.  Dais told me Mr. Steve's father's did his Marine "Boot Camp" at "Camp Pendleton" near San Diego.               

        Mr. Steve told Miss Susan how one thing that made Marilyn Monroe sad was the fact that she never had a baby.  In the 1942-1943 period she "wanted nothing more" than to just be a good "Traditional" housewife.  Oh!  Speedy Gonzalez the Squirrel just ran bye right now.                                                     

    NORMA JEANE MORTENSON

      ("VAN NUYS" AIRPORT / 1944)     

       PHOTO BY DAVID CONOVER                

                        

           Mr. Steve told Miss Susan how, when her husband was sent out to fight the Japanese in World War II Marilyn Monroe moved back to Van Nuys to live with his parents; and got a job at the "Van Nuys Airport."  In my three books I'll learn about ladies called "Rosie the Riveters."     

             It says here, in 1944;  an Army Photographer was given the assignment to take pictures at Van Nuys Airport for a "military publication."  He right away saw how pretty Norma Jeane was so asked her to take some pictures.   Two of the Pigeons just now flew over Libby's Corral.            

           I heard my boss Mr. Steve tell Miss Susan how the thing Marilyn Monroe was working on at V.N. Airport was one of the first self-flying "Drone" Planes.  I'll learn more about Drones in      my three books.  Libby's over there nibbling little pieces of hay that fell onto the ground.               

              

                  DRONE                                     RONALD REAGAN (1911-2004)      

               

           Miss Susan said "Oh really?" when my boss told her it was Ronald Reagan,  a "Captain" in 1944; who gave the Photographer the assignment to take pictures at V.N. Airport.  He would be the California "Governor" and U.S. "President" later.  A Sparrow is chirping happily.             

           I'm looking forward to learning about all of the different American Presidents in my three books.  I know Mr. Steve is interested in that subject so when he later reads what I wrote he'll be kind of impressed.  At least that's what I hope and Daisy says she's pretty sure he will be.              

         I guess that one Photographer helped Marilyn Monroe, who was still called Norma Jeane; get jobs as a "Model."  Sometimes she used the name Norma Jeane "Baker" when she worked as a Model.  Baker was the last name of one of her mother's husbands according to Mr. Steve.                                                                               

        MARILYN MONROE            

                                                    

          In the late 1940's right after the Second World War, when her Managers changed her name; they used Norma Jeane's mother's "Maiden" name "Monroe."  One of her first modeling jobs, before she dyed her hair; was an advertisement for Dog bandages.  Heathcliff crowed.          

            As a blonde-haired "Marilyn," in the 1950's when Mr. Steve and his brother Rock were born; Norma Jeane became a famous Actress.  But, like other Entertainers then; by the early      1960's she took drugs to sleep and then stay awake too.  That's "not good" Mr. Steve says.            

           Dais says our boss is never late for meetings and in fact is always early.  At the end of her life Marilyn Monroe was often late for appointments,  a "bad sign" he says.  There have been a    few different "Theories" about Marilyn Monroe's death back in 1962 from what Daisy heard.                                     

                  SAM GIANCANA (1908-1975)                  FRANK SINATRA (1915-1998)                            

        Daisy heard our boss and his father talk on the phone one time about all of the different theories regarding Marilyn Monroe's death.  Some say it was the famous "Kennedy" family who had her killed, other people think the Mafia's Sam Giancana did it.  Heathcliff crowed.                 

        Marilyn Monroe tried to kill herself before, so the idea of "Suicide" was "plausible" Mr. Steve thinks.  Her life was going badly so Frank Sinatra said he told her to just "start life over"    but she then said, "Why bother?  I'm not going to be here much longer."  I like Heathcliff.            

          I guess, Marilyn Monroe was going to have a "Press Conference," and "Word" got back to some very powerful people.  She might've just been announcing how she and Baseball Player Joe DiMaggio were reuniting.  But "she knew things" she probably shouldn't have my boss thinks.                                                                   MR. STEVE'S FAMILY  (1996)         

            SISTER-IN LAW YOLANDA /  MR. STEVE'S DAD /  MOM  

            BROTHER SAM / GRANDMA CÓRDOVA /  MR. STEVE   

        MATHEW /  SAMMY JR. / SAMANTHA

              

         Even though that house in Van Nuys was way too small, Mr. Steve's mother has a way of making things comfortable.  Mr. Steve and his brothers stayed outside playing "Street Hockey."  They used to ride on their bikes over to this one place called "Goodman's" Sporting Goods.          

         Because he fought in the Korean War, Mr. Steve's father earned this thing called the "G.I. Bill;" which helped him buy the house that got destroyed in 1971,   A few years later he bought a  second house on that Hagar Street Cul-de Sac.   And it's a good thing he did Dais heard.                

         I've mentioned before how Hagar Street was "Circular" with five houses in it.  Hagar, and another Cul-de-Sac called "Alexander;" were built off of "Hunnewell" Avenue which also had      houses on both sides of it.  Samson and Delilah the Ravens are flying over Libby's Corral.                                                

                                                   

HOUSE ON "HAGAR" STREET

           After the 1971 earthquake many of the neighborhood families moved away.  That second house on Hagar Street had been damaged, but was "still fixable" my boss says.  So, when it was   repaired in 1972; Mr. Steve's family moved back in and lived there for about three years.             

           "Hunnewell" Avenue is steep so Mr. Steve and his brothers and friends went up and down on bikes or "Go Carts."  A  smart kid named "Bob" showed everyone how to turn a children's    "Tricycle" into a "Hot Wheel" way before there was such a thing.   I smell a Joshua tree.              

          In 1971 the earthquake damaged houses on Hunnewell and some were torn down, while on Hagar Street four of the five houses, except for that second house; had to be "Bulldozed." That was the only one "Salvegable" as they say.  Mr. Steve's model collection was destroyed.                              

"SYLMAR" EARTHQUAKE (FEBRUARY, 1971)  

             

          Four of the five Hagar Street "Lots" had cracks running through them, so were labeled "dead;" which means expensive to rebuild on.  But Mr. Steve's father borrowed money from a Bank in San Fernando and bought all four for "Cheap" as they say.   Dawn's barking.                   

         As I've mentioned, before the 1971 earthquake Mr. Steve's family had a "Suburban" life like that kid Kevin's family had in 1968 on "The Wonder Years."  But, in less than a minute; it all "ended abruptly" my boss told Miss Babette one time on the phone.  I can smell Blinky.           

           Dais says one time Mr. Steve and his mom talked about how most of families who lived on Hunnewell Street and the two Cul-de-Sacs moved away in 1971.  A "little community" came to an end Mr. Steve says.  At times he dreams about some of the things from when he was a kid.                                                      

"ALEMANY" HIGH SCHOOL (NEW CAMPUS)   

                          

    After graduating from 8th Grade at St. Ferdinand's back in 1968, I guess my boss Mr. Steve then went to "Alemany" High School which was also a Catholic school.  Mr. Rick had been there since the year before.  Samson and Delilah the Ravens just flew bye and seem so happy.                 

   My boss and Mr. Randy talked about how "Public" High schools here in California begin in 10th Grade while Catholic schools start in the 9th.  So, at Alemany's "Old" campus; Mr. Steve    began High School in 1969.  My right nostril just now smelled Libby the Horse over there.            

    I'll write more about Alemany High School over the next three days.  As I've mentioned, Mr. Steve's family moved out to California in 1960.  That was when many of the roads in Sylmar, like "Hubbard" Street for instance; were still just dirt roads like our back road Primavera.                 

                

                                        "LIBBY"                                      

                                                                                                          

           In glancing to my right I can see Libby standing in her Corral.  I mentioned earlier how Mr. Steve's sister Susan, who lives back east in "Connecticut" with her sons Dalton and Austin; keeps Horses that she rides.  Max the Hummingbird just zoomed bye going to the northeast.        

        Mr. Steve was told, in 1960 there were about "ten thousand" people living down there in Sylmar; only slightly more people than Piñon Hills now.   In 1960 Mr. Steve's parents paid about $17,000 dollars for that first house on Hagar Street.  That's low compared to now Dais says.         

         Four of the five houses on Hagar Street were what they call "Red-Tagged" after the 1971 earthquake.  Then, for the next thirty years there were four empty "Dead" lots; used mainly for "Storage."  Boy!  Seventeen thousand dollars seems like a lot of money for just one house.                                                                "MOCKING" BIRD

                        

          Oh!  What I thought was a happy Robin chirping away is actually one of those impostor Mockingbirds who imitate other Birds around here.  Daisy says Thrasher Birds like Theodora at times do that exact same thing too.  Wow!  I can't wait to someday see that with my own eyes.       

         Mr. Steve's dad is grateful for Bankers who trusted him to pay back loans even though it was "Risky" to buy those two houses on Hagar Street.  Daisy says one time Mr. Steve and his mom talked about how, until 1971 the second house had been "Rented Out."  I smell Sage.           

         One morning my boss was filling up the water basin below the big Mulberry tree up there in the front yard.  He told Mr. Randy the houses on either side of the surviving house on Hagar Street were destroyed as "a ripple went underneath."  It then "came out on "the other side."             

SAMMY HAGAR   

                     

         Mentioning Hagar Street makes me think of a Musician from California named Sammy Hagar.  He, as the band's second lead Singer; also played guitar for that band from "Pasadena"  VAN HALEN.  In 1984 Mr. Steve saw VAN HALEN'S "Sound Check" down at the Forum.           

           Mr. Steve and his friend Chris, in the mid-1970's; saw this band named MONTROSE play at the "Shrine" Auditorium in Los Angeles.  They "Opened Up" for GOLDEN EARRING, who  are from the "Netherlands" I guess.  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; flew bye.              

           I still have a few things to write about in this fourth chapter, but really have to go pee and besides; I want to run up front to tell Daisy how well things are going.  I'll use my three blankets Mr. Chris got me and Elvira's three couch cushions to hide my materials.  Heathcliff crowed.