Book 1 Chapter 5

I

(BOOK 1 / PART II / CHAPTER 5)

10:30

"Cognito, Ergo; Sum"

     

DAISY / MAGGIE CÓRDOVA

     

          Well, I'm back and feel good because I went and saw Daisy, who really praised me for how I stayed disciplined and on schedule; so got four chapters done in four hours.  I feel so energized to do chapter five or Part Two.  Thank Everyone up there for helping me down here on Elvira.    

        I'm so lucky to have Daisy around, as she's been laying near Mr. Steve's office window to alert me if he comes outside; but he seems to be really busy today.  He was on the phone as we      stood below his office window.  Daisy and I made the rounds and checked our property.                

         This morning, as our boss cut weeds; sunlight falling on the Joshua trees was so pretty.  I guess after a Joshua tree "Blooms," a new branch starts to grow; and we heard Miss Susan say  their pollen stuck onto "Yucca Moths" bodies is how the pollinate.  A Train whistled faintly.        

        

"MOJAVE" HIGH DESERT

                      

           The Shoshone man over at the Phelan Library said the "Maara' yam" Indians, who the Spanish called "Serrano;" for hundreds of years used Joshua tree "fibers" to make baskets and "practical things."  Joshua tree "blossoms" were also "traded" with other tribes he said.            

             I remember that morning when, as our boss watered the Mulberry tree; Miss Susan told him how the "Mojave" desert is the "biggest" of California's three deserts.  I guess, Joshua trees can only grow in certain parts of the Mojave desert.  The four Pigeons are flying to the east.         

     All of a sudden I just thought of that June 1985 trip to Italy and Israel Mr. Steve's Tour Group from St. Ferdinand's went on.  The weather was really hot, with "Terrorism" going on.    Hey God!  Do You cause or allow bad things to happen to all of us living down here?                                           

            "VATICAN CITY"                                                 "SISTINE" CHAPEL                    

                                                                             MICHAELANGELO BUONARROTI ("SISTINE" CHAPEL)

                                          

         As You know God, Mr. Steve's mom noticed the section of the "Sistine Chapel" showing You reaching out to shoot the "Spark of Life" into mankind's hand.  Daisy thinks if Mr. Steve's mom could time travel she'd go to the 1500's to help Michelangelo.  Libby's scent floated in.         

           Mr. Steve doesn't believe You intercede down here in the physical world God but Dais and I want to think You might.  I want to believe You caused my boss to go over to that field and get    me, and Daisy thinks You even caused her to be living here too.  We trust Your judgement.            

         One time Dais and Millie heard Mr. Steve talking on the phone with his mom and she was remembering how their Tour Guide in "Rome" called it the "Eternal City."  And that's mainly    because of Italy's long history.  A flock of Birds is flying bye up there high in the blue sky.                           

CITY OF ROME    

      

          I can't wait to learn more about the original ancient "Roman Empire" that developed in Italy, and then the surviving "Byzantine" Roman Empire over there to the east near the Black    Sea area.  Dais says she can tell Mr. Steve's mom studied the art from both Roman Empires.        

       Back in 1985 the Tour Group from St. Ferdinand's took Bus Tours a lot but also had the chance to walk around too.  As a member of the "Time-Life" book club, Mr. Steve took their book on the city of Rome with him.  Daisy told me he also has their books on other cities too.        

     Mr. Steve says in 1985 his Grandma Córdova compared Spanish to Italian, and noticed  "burro" is Italian for "butter" while it's "manteca" or "mantequilla" in Spanish.  Boy!  I'm so    glad I have all of these good Dictionaries.   Both languages came from the Roman's "Latin."                            

CENTRAL ROME AREA        

            

       Daisy heard Mr. Steve remembering with his mom walking around the area of the "Hotel Imperiale" where they were staying in Rome.  That hotel was near the "Metro" Train Station,      and also within walking distance of many of the different sites.  Dawn's barking over there.          

         I guess, in 1985 Mr. Steve and his parents and Grandma Córdova walked around and saw some of the "Piazza" areas near the "Via Venoto."  Daisy heard they even threw coins into the      "Trevi Fountain."   Well, back to writing about my boss's life down there in the Valley.                

        For a year Mr. Steve's family lived in that small house in Van Nuys, but moved back into that repaired house on Hagar Street.  In 1975; his parents bought the big house they live in now  down  there in Sylmar.  I can hear Donald and Daisy are quacking over there to my right.                

   DUCK'S                                                                         FINCH'S         

                 

     Hearing Donald and Daisy reminds me of last Summer.  Daisy says boy Ducks, called "Drakes;" are colorful like boy Finches.  Girl Ducks and Finches are dull in color, probably to    not "attract attention"  from things that would eat it and its babies she thinks.  I like Ducks.        

        Now other Ducks are quacking, Daffy's distinctive voice as usual being louder than the others.  As they say, I think I'm beginning to "Get the Hang" of holding these pens in my right    paw; but maybe later today I'll try using my left.  Dais says I'm probably right-pawed.                  

       Mr. Steve does some things both right and left-handed.  Daisy and I notice how, when he plays "Catch" with people; he throws and catches the ball both ways.  He and his brother Sam    over there in "Littlerock" talked once about him also being a "Switch Hitter."  I smell Sage.                                                                           ROCKY JR. / MISS AMBER                               SUSAN / AMBER                                                          

           I guess Mr. Steve's father is good at what they call "Business."  Mr. Steve isn't and this has at times been a disappointment to him.  Back there in Texas my boss's Nephew Rocky Jr., and      girlfriend Amber; each have business's.  He does tattoos and she has a Beauty Shop.                     

       After that 1971 earthquake, Mr. Steve's dad bought all four of the empty dead lots on the Hagar Street cul-de-sac; which turned out to be a good decision for the family.  Our house was    my boss's parents second "Get Away" house but he bought it.  A flock of Birds is going bye.         

         Mr. Steve, in 1984; took over the payments on the surviving house on Hagar Street.  He also bought the dead lot next to it from his parents.  When he sold them in 2005 he made money.  If it hadn't been for "how smart" his father is that "would've never happened" he tells people.                                                 

                                 "SAINT FERDINAND" CHURCH (SAN FERNANDO)                                      PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                 

           

       During the eight years Mr. Steve attended Saint Ferdinand his family knew other families in the community.  Mr. Steve had a friend named "Paul" and his brother Rock had this friend who was named "Louie."  Their father's both repaired the one surviving house on Hagar Street.         

    Once, in a dream; Mr. Steve remembered helping Paul and Louie's dads repair that Hagar Street house.  I've mentioned before how the city of San Fernando is right next to Sylmar.  And    that's where St. Ferdinand "Parish" has it's Church, Meeting Hall and the school too.                   

   The main road through San Fernando is "Maclay" Avenue.  Mr. Steve and his brothers and friends rode Bikes up and down Maclay, where his friend Rick's father owned a Pet Shop.  Boy!  How could anyone have even thought of and invented such an ingenious thing like a Bicycle?                            

                                       "WASH" AT END OF MACLAY AVENUE                                                 

                                                                                                                                  

           I guess Maclay Avenue goes from Sylmar, through San Fernando; and then ends up in "Mission Hills."  For years it "Dead Ended" in Sylmar, but now goes all the way through; and      there are even houses in what is a "Riverbed" or "Wash."  Heathcliff crowed to my right.          

          When growing up Mr. Steve, and his brothers and friends; hiked around in that Wash.  Daisy heard one time they even found the head of a Deer with the "Antlers" still on it.  Fannie      and Freddie, talking to each other as they fly along; are going right over Libby's Corral.               

          For about ten years, or "Seasons;" Mr. Steve played Baseball at S.I.B.L.  And in some of those years his friend Rick was even on his team.  Mr. Steve's dad, who "Managed" some of his teams; helped relocate the S.I.B.L. fields to the then empty Wash at the end of Maclay.                                                                                                                                           HEATHCLIFF II                                             

                                                                                                         

           We heard Mr. Steve tell Mr. Randy  about the mid-1980's, when his dad and Mr. Garcia got "Mission" College its permanent campus location.  As I said earlier, until then "L.A.M.C."    held classes in rooms around Sylmar and San Fernando.  Heathcliff's Hens are clucking.              

       Daisy used to be around Chickens when she lived on her first owner's land, before they didn't want her anymore.  She heard Miss Susan who ran the Newspaper say girl Chickens have about twenty different things they say to each other in their language.  I can smell Sage.                

        When Chickens, who make a "bwak" sound when they talk; go to the bathroom it smells bad.   I'd sure like to hear a momma Chicken talk to her babies inside their eggs the way Daisy    says they do sometimes.  And I guess the babies even talk back from inside of the egg.  Wow!                                     

      "SYLMAR INDEPENDENT BASEBALL LEAGUE"                  

                                                      

         Since the early 1960's the S.I.B.L. Baseball fields were located on "Eldridge" Street, and one of the most important people was a man named Dick Jackson.  He influenced Mr. Steve like  the Nuns at St. Ferdinands.  Daisy says the name "Dick" is another way of saying "Richard."      

          Mr. Steve and his brothers, and their friend Rick; have fond memories of playing Baseball at S.I.B.L.  But Mr. Steve told his mom one time how during those years they really didn't fully    appreciate those times and "took them for granted."  Blackbeard and Ann Bonney flew bye.      

       From what Mr. Steve told Miss Susan, Mr. Jackson was kind of like his own dad in being "strict but fair."  Both were basically decent men who helped kids down there in the northeast    corner of the San Fernando Valley.  Boy!  Dick doesn't sound anything like Richard.                                                                           

          DICK JACKSON / ASSEMBYMAN ERNANI BERNARDI       

                    PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                     

                               

            Mr. Steve told Miss Susan he had a dream where he met Mr. Jackson and his wife at one of the "Pancake Breakfast" fund-raisers S.I.B.L. used to hold outside of the Vons Grocery Store.  Like his father, Mr. Jackson really trusted and respected his wife's opinions.  I smell Sage.            

          When Mission College was built my boss's father helped relocate S.I.B.L. down into the wash at the end of Maclay.  When Mr. Steve and his brothers and friends were growing up that wash was empty but now, besides S.I.B.L.; there's even some houses there.  Dawn's barking.        

           In Connecticut, where Mr. Steve's sister Susan lives with her sons Dalton and Austin; she still rides Horses.  Mr. Steve told Miss Susan his sister has always loved Horses and and as a girl had a smart Pony named "Dinky."   I see Libby walking around slowly over in her Corral.                   

        SUSAN CÓRDOVA                

                 

         Daisy says in the 1970's Mr. Steve's sister Susan and her boy Pony Dinky competed in events where they had to jump over these "Barriers."  I guess all of the barriers look like fences  made of wooden poles.  Libby's totally unique scent just came floating into my right nostril.         

            In the early 1980's Mr. Steve's sister had a big brown girl Horse named "Shanique."  She and her dad, with his girl Horse "Poco;" used to ride in the wash at the end of Maclay before it    was "Developed."  Both Shanique and Poco were brown what they call "Quarter" Horses.           

          My boss's sister Susan had a young reddish Horse named "Apache," who died in the wash when her front legs sank in "Quicksand" like mud.  Mr. Steve retrieved the equipment.  In this    dream he remembered how Apache died with her eyes wide open but all covered in mud.                                           

         "HANG GLIDING" (SYLMAR)             

                  

         Because Sylmar is located in the "Foothills" on the southern side of the "San Gabriel" mountains, since the 1970's they do "Hang Gliding" there.  In the 1980's; Mr. Steve's father also  helped negotiate an area for them to land in the wash at the end of Maclay.  I smell Sage.              

          Daisy says Mr. Steve one time told Miss Babette at work how, in the 1970's; he and Miss Sandy drove a friends Van down the mountain to pick him up after he hang glided.  One time he crashed but luckily lived.  Boy!  I would never want to hang glide or "Sky Dive."  No way!           

          Tomorrow in book two I'll learn a lot about World War II.  And I'm going to write about this one tv show called "Hogan's Heroes" and a movie "The Great Escape."  Daisy says both are about Second World War Prison Camps that held Allied prisoners captured by the Germans.                          

 HOGAN'S HEROES                                                 THE GREAT ESCAPE     

                    

          I hope someday to see Hogan's Heroes and The Great Escape.  Daisy says Hogan's Heroes is funny, and told me our boss once met the Actor who played the part of "Newkirk;" a British    "Safe Cracker."  He was up on the Sylmar mountain with friends who were Hang Gliders.           

          Mr. Steve has memories of growing up in Sylmar when, as kids; they rode bikes and "Go-Carts" down Hunnewell Street and turned into the two cul-de-sacs Hagar and Alexander.  He      once told Mr. Ralph he "cringes" in thinking about the chances they took.  Dawn's barking.         

          I'll bet Mr. Peabody could ride a bicycle because he walks up on two legs and is so smart.  Boy!  It would be so great to be the first ever Dog in history to ride a bike because then my boss would really like me and never ever want to get rid of me.  I could teach other Dogs to do it.                                                                                         

          CHARLES MACLAY (1822-1890)       

                                 

         Tomorrow I'll learn about Charles Maclay, who San Fernando's main boulevard is named after. In the 19th century, he was a California Politician; and "donated" the land for the city of    San Fernando.  Daisy heard how "Tataviam" Indians had been living on the land before that.      

      One thing I will say about Charles Maclay right now is how he was a Protestant Christian "Methodist" like the CARPENTERS.  My Encyclopedia says in the 18th century the Methodists "broke away" from the "Church of England."  I smell a Lizard somewhere around here.              

      Aha!  The Lizard is standing on the wall over there, near the sliding glass door leading into the dining room.  Now it ran down the wall and went behind the steel silver water bucket.  Boy!    It would be so weird to be able to actually run on the side of walls the way Lizards can do.                        

KING HENRY VIII (1491-1547)       

PAINTING BY HANS HOLBEIN THE YOUNGER

              

      In my books I'll learn of the 16th century "Protestant Reformation," when guys like John Calvin and Martin Luther "Rebelled" against the "Catholic Church" in Italy.  King Henry VIII did the same thing in creating that Church of England.   Dawn's now barking over there.             

         From what I overheard Mr. Steve telling Mr. Randy that time, Charles Maclay started a "Seminary" down there in San Fernando.  I guess that's what they call a school for becoming a    Priest or something like that.  I can smell the clump of Joshua trees near Libby's Corral.             

          Hey God!  As You know, I think if a girl Dog could become a Priest or Nun Dais might be a really good one.  I'll bet she'd be sort of like all of those ladies who were Mr. Steve's Teachers at St. Ferdinands.  Boy God!  I wish I could time travel to go back to meet Sister Rita Joseph.                                                                                             

               "TOMMY TROJAN"                                                                   

                                              (CRISTINA / MR. STEVE'S MOM)                                                                  

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                                                                                        

              

         In my books I'll write about Colleges like "Cal State Northridge" where Mr. Steve, his brother Rock, sister Susan and their mom went to.  Mr. Steve's Nephew Mathew is going there    C.S.U.N. now.  This Encyclopedia says Charles Maclay's Nephew helped "found" U.S.C.            

          Mr. Steve, his mom and Niece Cristina; saw this Exhibit on "Mount Vesuvius."  It was a volcano that blew up back in 79 A.D., on the western coast of Italy; and it destroyed the ancient    Roman towns of "Pompeii" and "Herculaneum."  Crows are fighting out in the desert.                 

      Before they saw that exhibit at the "Science Center" Mr. Steve, his mom and Cristina  walked around U.S.C.  Then, they strolled around the area near the "Coliseum" and "Natural    History Museum;" where my boss and his mom had that Art Exhibit.  I smell Creosote.                     

"VOLCANIC ERUPTION"

     

          Oh wow!  A picture in my Encyclopedia shows what happens when a volcano like Mount Vesuvius blows up.  I guess pressure from down inside of the Earth is released and forces its way out.  Theodora just now ran and then disappeared underneath Jack the biggest Shed.                    

         One day my boss was cutting weeds along the fence on the north side of our two acres.  I heard him and Mr. Randy talk about how we have some small "Dormant" volcanoes near our      house.  I smell that one clump of Joshua trees above Andy and Helen's burrow over there.            

            According to this English Dictionary, the word dormant means "resting or inactive."  Boy!  It would be so terrible if one of those old volcanoes near us ever comes back into life.  Mr. Steve told Mr. Randy there are a lot of those dormant volcanoes over in New Mexico too. 

                       

                  "HAWAIIAN" ISLANDS                                     MR. MARK / MISS KIM                                      

                                    

            Daisy told me Mr. Mark lives with his wife Kim and son's Taj and Dylan on the west coast of the "Big Island" in the State of Hawaii.   And on that island, which I see on the map; is huge volcano I guess.  I notice there are eight islands in what's called the "Hawaiian Chain."

               Wow!  When a volcano "Erupts" things from inside of the Earth blow out of the top and fly way up high in the air.  But then, because of "Gravity;" the "Debris" like rocks and dirt fall back down to the ground.  I'll bet if they happen to land on you they kill you like in a war. 

           The Exhibit at the Science Center had a tape that said if Mount Vesuvius erupted today like in 79 A.D. a lot more people would be killed because there are three million people living in the "Naples" area.  A Train whistled faintly way out there in the desert to the northeast.  

           ,    

POMPEI VICTIMS   

(MOUNT VESUVIUS ERUPTION / 79 A.D.)

          

           Oh!  Pictures in my Encyclopedia show the "remains" of  ancient Roman "victims" killed in 79 A.D., when Mount Vesuvius erupted.  The caption says they were "unable to escape" out of Pompeii so died being buried by ash.  Dais says there's a dirt road near us named "Ash."             

          Dais thinks it's interesting how the Italians didn't even know those dead ancient Romans were still down there until eighteen hundred years later in the 1700's.  That's when both Pompeii and Herculaneum began to be what they call "Excavated."  Heathcliff's Hens are clucking.          

       In 1863, when the American Civil War "Battle of Gettysburg" was going on in America; "liquid plaster" was poured into holes at Pompeii.  When it  dried it turned out the holes were      where the dead people had been, so "casts" were created.  Mr. Steve visited Gettysburg.                

          

B-52'S   

    

          I just thought of that band Daisy's told me about the B-52'S, who are from the State of "Georgia I guess.  Dais thinks I would really like them because they're kind of "quirky" just like me.  They have this really good song about some lava coming out of a big volcano she says.           

           Dais heard, even with the bad economy; Mr. Steve still has customers left in Georgia.  He and one Parts Manager, who plays guitar; talked about the B-52'S being like the DOORS in not having a Bassist.  Their Guitarist just plays his six string guitar in a "deeper tone" I guess.           

          Mr. Steve has played drums along to B-52 songs, one about a Lobster and another about a Planet named "Claire."  Daisy heard that Parts Manager say the B-52'S are not named after the Bomber Plane, but a 1950's hair style which the two girls in the band wear.   I smell Sage.                            

   PINK FLOYD    

             

        Daisy heard Mr. Steve and Mr. Ralph talk on the phone about how a British band called PINK FLOYD did a good concert in Pompeii's now excavated outdoor Roman "Amphitheater."  I guess my boss has seen a few concerts in some modern amphitheaters.  I smell Mesquite.            

     PINK FLOYD also did this outdoor concert in France, at King Louis XIV's "Palace of Versailles."  Over the next three days I'll learn more about PINK FLOYD and also that Palace of Versailles too.  Mr. Steve's sister Susan visited the "Hall of Mirrors" at Versailles one time.          

      Over to my right I can see our silver steel water bucket sitting on the Patio floor near the sliding glass door going into the dining room.  Because here in California we're in a "Drought"    we can't waste even a little bit of water my boss says.  Thank You God for inventing water!                                           CALIFORNIA'S AQUEDUCT'S  

     

        Over the next three days Dais has me scheduled to write a lot about water because our boss and his father have studied  that subject.  And I'm also going to learn about the history of things like "Salt" and "Metals" too.  Theodora the Thrasher Bird just flew out into the back desert.      

       Daisy says our boss's friend Mark Ritter, who died; knew a lot about rocks and metals.  Mr. Steve ended up with his book on "Geology."  Jack the Jackrabbit just now zoomed through the    right vertical slot on the side of the gate to run out into the eastern desert behind the Sheds.         

      In my books I'll learn about William Mulholland who, in 1913; built the Aqueduct that goes bye near us and takes water from Northern California to Los Angeles.  Without it L.A. could not exist Mr. Steve thinks.  Living homeless out in that field made me really appreciate water.                                                WILLIAM MULHOLLAND (1855-1935)                           (SYLMAR / 1913)                                                                                                                   

         Because of water, in 1913 areas like Sylmar wanted to be part of Los Angeles.  But in San Fernando there was "Ground Water" so they didn't need to be.  In the  18th century one reason the  Spanish Priests established the "San Fernando Mission" where they did was that water.        

        I'll learn about those twenty one "Alta" California Spanish Missions over the next three days.  Because my boss and his parents were "Tour Guides" over at the San Fernando Mission,    I'll study it more.  But right now I have to write about my boss's family back in the 1970's.          

        Mr. Steve, sixteen in 1971; says now he sure wishes he'd appreciated those years before the earthquake.  He "took things for granted," and believed his life would always be the same and    never change but; that turned out to be wrong and things changed alright.  I smell Sage.                                                    

      MR. STEVE'S FATHER ON LEFT / BUDDIES (1951)           

                                

         Mr. Steve's father, as an "Artillery Forward Observer" in "Fire Direction;" fought in the Korean War.  He was a member of the "11th Marine Regiment, First Division."  My Dictionary    says how "Fortitude" means, "courage, patience and endurance in the face of adversity."             

        During the Korean War my boss's dad was what they call a "Spotter," who told the people firing the canons where to shoot.  He "Triangulated."  If the first shot was too far left, and the      second too far to the right, he gave them "Coordinates" to readjust and shoot in the middle.        

      "Looking back on it" our boss says, he has "pleasant" memories of that year in Van Nuys because, even though it was crowded; their mom "created a good environment."  He remembers the times he and his brother Rock rode their Bikes around Van Nuys.  Heathcliff is crowing.         

   

ATLANTA   

   

          In 1971, a few months after the earthquake when the family was in Van Nuys; my boss went on his father's "Business Trip" to "Atlanta."  I'll mainly write about it tomorrow but can    also mention now how Atlanta is in Georgia, where the  the B-52'S are from.  I smell Sage.           

           While his father went on his business meetings in Atlanta Mr. Steve did things like going to this Baseball game between the "Braves" and Montreal "Expos."  He told Mr. Rick he was      "lucky enough" to see this guy named Henry Aaron hit a Home Run.  Libby just neighed.            

           Dais heard Mr. Steve and his brother Rock, who I guess liked the Expos as a kid; talk on the phone about that Baseball game in Atlanta.   In 1971 the Expos had an orange-haired Player, "Rusty" Staub; who also hit a Home Run.  Rusty is just a nickname from what Dais heard.                                               

      "STONE" MOUNTAIN (ATLANTA)          

                     

          Tomorrow I'll learn about American Civil War battles.  A big one happened in 1864, or third year of the war; when Atlanta "Fell" and was burned by that guy General Sherman.  Boy!  I can't wait to learn about a 1939 movie Dais and Millie saw called "Gone With the Wind."          

           After the 1971 earthquake, Mr. Steve's father took out loans to buy the four "Dead" lots on Hagar Street; and also two other "damaged" properties in Sylmar.  Both have  houses with    warehouses in back and needed repairs.  Mr. Steve's dad "took a big risk" Daisy heard.               

    Over the years members of Mr. Steve's family, including himself; have lived in those two houses or the house on Hagar Street.  In 1982 Mr. Steve bought the house on Hagar Street and in 2005 moved up here to this property his parents had bought.  He "Paid Off" both houses.                                

   LEE IACOCCA / MR. STEVE'S PARENTS       

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

           

           At times Mr. Steve's dad can be impatient and hard to deal with.  But like Mr. Steve tells others in the family, if he had not been the kind of person he is; their family would not be nearly as well off as they are.  Mr. Steve's dad is "Firm but Fair" like his mother was with him.               

         In addition to buying that house on Hagar Street, Mr. Steve also bought the dead lot that was what they call "Adjacent" to it.  That means "next to" the house Dais told me.  In 2005 my    boss and his dad sold all five lots on the cul-de-sac to a "Land Developer" named "Angel."          

     Goliath the Gopher Snake just used the left vertical gate slot to crawl out into the back desert.  I'm kind of afraid of Snakes and Spiders, especially those "Rattlesnakes" who have two sharp teeth that can stab and then shoot poison into you.   Ah!  I can smell Goliath now.                                                        

       ANDY GRIFFITH (1926-2012)      

                                 

         Well, according to my book one outline Dais helped me put together; I now need to write about 1989 when Mr. Steve met that one Actor named Andy Griffith.  I've mentioned before how he was on the tv show George Lindsey played "Goober" on.  A Train just whistled faintly.            

          Oh!  Just as I'm thinking of Andy Griffith who do I see?  Andy's near the entrance to their burrow, just to the right of Manny the Shed; and I'm sure Helen is down below taking good care of their new Spring babies.  Andy's unique scent just floated over to me here on the Patio.             

      Daisy heard, in 1989; Andy Griffith played the part of an Attorney on this tv show called "Matlock."  And, they used one of the houses Mr. Steve's father bought after the earthquake to        film a few "Episodes;" so Mr. Steve's dad had him  oversee it.  Andy's looking in at me.                                       

       ANDY GRIFFITH ("MATLOCK")          

                              

              In 1989 Mr. Steve's dad rented his then "Vacant" house to the company who made the tv show, Mr. Steve given the job of "Keeping an Eye" on things.  Daisy heard they ended up filming parts of three episodes so were there for three weeks altogether.   A Lizard just now ran bye. 

           Mr. Steve shook Andy Griffith's hand and says he was friendly.  They talked about how Mr. Steve's mom knew Mrs. Lindsey, and Andy Griffith smiled and said "She's a good woman and I always buy their Girl Scout cookies."  So does Mr. Steve from what Daisy's told me.   

          On the Andy Griffith Show "Sheriff" Andy Taylor wore a Police uniform Daisy says.  But in Matlock his character "Ben Matlock" wore a light gray suit and drove all around in a light gray 1988 Ford "Crown Victoria."  Boy!  It would be so great to have a uniform to wear.    

               

 WREN

                      

            Ah!  A Wren is standing inside the Cholla cactus near Jack the big Shed.  Wrens sound like they're saying "Hey, Hey, Hey" when they talk.  I'm still thinking of Andy Griffith and I guess in 1989 one time the guy who held the "Boom Mike" didn't show up for the filming of Matlock. 

          They had to cancel a day of "Shooting" because the man did not come to work, which got Andy Griffith really angry I guess.  Because he was in a "Union" the rules said they couldn't let "just anyone" do his job and only a member of the Union could do it.  The Wren flew away.  

          Tomorrow I'll write about those rich 19th century American "Robber Barons." In this one Encyclopedia the word "exploited" is used to describe how they treated their Workers.  So, laws had to be passed which allowed many of the Workers to create and join "Labor Unions."  

                                                        

                                                           KARL MARX (1818-1883)     

                                       

          In the 19th century Karl Marx wrote of "Collectivism" or Workers "banding together" against employers.  Mr. Steve's dad, who taught Stockbrokers; thinks "Unions" were needed at one time but now have often gained too much power.  Marx called Workers "Proletariat." 

             My English Dictionary says "Socialism" means, "A theory dealing with the ownership and operation of the means of production and distribution, with all members sharing equally in the work and products of their labor."  The four Pigeons flew bye.  Dawn's barking over there.

             "Capitalism" is, "An economic system in which the means of production and distribution are privately owned and operated for profit."  I must be a Capitalist because I want to "Own" things like my rubber ball collection.  I guess "Communism" is just a "Form" of Socialism.    

                                      

                                                      CAPITALISM / SOCIALISM

           

               Anyway, I'll come back to the subject of Socialism versus Capitalism.  I'm still thinking of that man Andy Griffith.  One morning, as he used his old Scythe to cut down some weeds along the front fence; I heard Mr. Steve and Mr. Randy talking about that one tv show Matlock.

         Mr. Steve says when they film at your house they "Cater" or make food and I guess Andy Griffith's Matlock character liked Hot Dogs.  Boy!  I wonder when we'll get our first snack of the day.  Mr. Steve says his Niece Stephanie and boyfriend Mr. Rich are really good "Caterers."  

         A few years ago Mr. Steve met a man who's brother-in-law worked on that show Matlock.  He said one unique thing about Matlock is how at various times it was shown on two of the three major "Broadcast Networks."  A motionless Lizard is standing near the big Mulberry tree.

             

THREE MAJOR U.S. TELEVISION "NETWORKS"

      

             When Mr. Steve and his brothers and sisters were growing up in Sylmar there were three "National" tv "Channels;" "A.B.C.," "N.B.C." and "C.B.S."  They were almost the "Only game in Town," or had a near "Monopoly."  Now there are hundreds of channels Dais told me.

             A.B.C. stands for "American Broadcast Network," N.B.C. and C.B.S. means "National Broadcast Network" and "Columbia Broadcasting System."  Mr. Steve, as a kid; drew the three Network logos.  Daisy says over the years he's met people who worked for the tv stations.

            Daisy totally believes in that Bufferin pill Mr. Steve puts in her food, and wonders who figured out how to make such an amazing thing.  Boy God!  I really like learning new things and practicing to read and write.   I feel "Energized" and have what they call a "Second Wind."         

                   

       "MAKING THE ROUNDS"     

                                 

                Daisy told me her paws felt so good this morning, and she even walked around what Mr. Steve calls the "perimeter" with me on my big break.  We always patrol our two acres, which I heard Mr. Randy call "making the rounds."  Then we stood under Mr. Steve's window. 

                On our quick patrol along the the south fence, where our neighbor has Beavertail cactus; I got a sticker in my paw.  Blinky, Dawn and Rosie were over there on the other side so we sniffed each other.  Dais heard Mr. Julio at work say "En otro lado" is Spanish for "the other side."   

          Andy's over sniffing the air to make sure someone like Goliath or Cher the Cat isn't in the area.  I told Daisy about their new babies and she was really surprised.  Hey God!  So now, like her too; I sort of want to take or interpret that as maybe a good sign for this coming year.   

                         

SQUIRRELS IN WINTER

                                 

           Seeing Andy makes me remember how cold it was at times this Winter.   Even though they slept through much of that time down in their burrow, at times Andy and Helen kept each other warm up in the Mulberry tree too I noticed.  Daisy and I use each other's "Body Heat" too.

          Daisy was surprised at how much I got done this morning and said that maybe someday I'll end up being just as smart as Mr. Peabody.  Then she joked, maybe someday they can even make a Saturday cartoon about me.  Wow!  That would be so great if that ever happened!

          As I've said a few times already, I have to get over my fear of being trapped in an enclosed area.  I'll have the courage to go all the way down the hallway and listen to more music and see tv.  Heathcliff just crowed over there and hearing his voice makes me happy to be alive.  

                 

                                                              ALMA DEUTSCHER     

                               

               One time Daisy, and Millie were in Mr. Steve's bedroom and saw a tv about a nine year old girl from England named Alma Deutscher.  Even though she's young Dais says, she plays piano and violin really good; and you could tell Mr. Steve was impressed.   I smell Creosote.

          I guess, according to what it said on the tv show; besides English that little girl Alma is also able to speak Hebrew and German too.  Boy!  I wish I could do that.  According to what is says in this really good Spanish Dictionary "alma" means, "Soul, heart, spirit" in English. 

         Daisy told me that girl Alma writes songs all by herself and our boss liked how "Melodic" they are.  Some songs are "Dissonant," which this Dictionary says means, "Inharmonious or discordant combination of sounds."  Alma Deutscher proves girls are talented and smart.   

             

       WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART(1756-1791)                              MARIA ANNA MOZART (1751-1829)

                    PAINTING BY JOHANN NEPOMUK DELLA CROCE                                                                                          PAINTING BY EUSEBIUS JOHANN ALPHEN                     

        Daisy told me, in the tv show about Alma Deutscher; they compared her "Talent" to that late-18th century "Composer" Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.  At a young age too "Mozart" and    his sister "Maria," as "Prodigies;" played for Kings and Queens.  A Train whistled faintly.           

         Oh! My Encyclopedia says Mozart was born December 5th and, on my list of dates I notice Mr. Steve's Niece Stephanie's birthday is on the 4th.  Thinking about Mozart's sister Maria is making me think of Mr. Steve's parents worker Maria.  They call her a "Guardian Angel."          

       In my three books I'll write about this guy named Arnold Schwarzenegger.  Like Mozart, and Adolph Hitler; he's from the country of "Austria."  Daisy told me Arnold Schwarzenegger,   who has big muscles; is an Actor in movies but was also "Governor" of California.                                      

                                                                                                      

                    ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER / GOVERNOR PETE WILSON

                                                                                                                                     PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

          

          Boy!  Without this one Encyclopedia it would've been totally impossible to figure out how to spell the name "Schwarzenegger."  I so glad Daisy found all these Dictionaries in the garage.  I now know for sure that over the next three long days they're going to get used an awful lot.

          Dais says our boss once took pictures of "Arnold" in 1991 when Harriet got permission for him to go with her as a Photographer on her writing assignment for "Fitness" magazine.  At that time a "Republican" man Pete Wilson was California's "Governor."  Dawn's barking.  

         In 1991 Mr. Steve and Harriet went to this Elementary School in West Los Angeles to cover an event by the "Governor's Council on Physical Fitness."  Arnold Schwarzenegger at that time "Headed" that group.  There were some famous Athletes there too from what Dais says. 

                            

                                                                           "TWINS"

                          

                One time Dais and Millie were in the living room and watched a funny movie about these two twins who don't even look alike at all, and are different in personalities too.  I guess Arnold Schwarzenegger was one of the twins.  All four Pigeons flew out into the desert.

             Mr. Steve heard during the same period when they filmed the Matlock episodes, that movie "Twins" was filmed at the Von's Grocery Store in Sylmar; where S.I.B.L. held the fund raising pancake breakfasts.  My boss's family still shop at that Von's store down there.    

             Wow!  What a coincidence that, just when I'm thinking about the movie Twins who do I smell?  The scent of the two Twin Joshua trees just blew in on a slight breeze from the eastern desert out there behind the three Sheds.  Ah!  That sort of makes me feel good right now.

                            

       THE "TWINS"           

                          

            The sunlight is now coming down at an angle that makes the shadows look shorter from here sitting on Elvira.  I'd say it's about eleven forty five judging by how they look.  Daisy really was impressed at how well the first four chapters went and that gives me motivation to go on.

        I glanced up from writing in this notebook and see Fannie and Freddie the Crows flying toward the northeast.  Sometimes they look like twins because they're both about the same size.   Dais heard Mr. Steve's mom joke once how "some couples" begin to "look like each other."        

           Boy!  I'm beginning to get more comfortable holding a pencil in my right paw.  My writing is getting better and better but pretty soon I'll have to get another pencil because the end of this  one is getting kind of too flat to write.  Some Ducks are  quacking over there next door.                 

              

                                                         BILL HANDEL AND FAMILY

                Back in chapter four I mentioned how that Los Angeles Jewish Radio announcer named Bill Handel's mom worked Sylmar's Olive View Hospital.  Mr. Steve thinks his twin daughters don't look that much alike, but one kind of resembles his Niece Samantha.  I smell Mesquite.

           Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Mike about this family who also had kids at St. Ferdinands.  I guess their last was "Martinelli" and two of their kids were a brother and sister set of twins.  Mr. Steve's mom joked they "could win" a contest as the two most "Unalike" looking twins.  

          Fannie and Freddie are flying bye and talking to each other.  Hearing them brings back memories of last Spring when Daisy and I heard them doing the same thing.  Oh wow!  I think I'm having one of those "Déjà Vu" feelings again because I smell Libby the Horse too.  

 

DAISY CÓRDOVA      

        

                When I ran up front and was visiting with Dais after part one I told her I've already had a few Déjà vu feelings today.  She says the same exact thing happened to her when she was licking her right paw to help her arthritis this morning.  So maybe that's another good sign?   

              Boy!  I'm so glad Daisy found all of these notebooks and pens and pencils in the garage.  I told her I've already used all of the different Dictionaries too a few times.  Aha!  I knew I heard Max the Hummingbird coming and, sure enough; he just zoomed bye and is gone now.  

          Hey God!  Thank You for having Dais find all of these Notebooks and pens and pencils in the garage.  Over the next three days I'll really need them, and also my boss's old Encyclopedia's piled over to my left.  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies sleeping up there near the Patio roof.

                                                                             

                                                                      MISS EMILY       

                              

          Ugh!  A Fly is sitting on the wooden coffee table given to my boss by his ex-girlfriend Miss Emily.  I wrote how she grew up on New York City's "Long Island."  But, I guess she came out here to California for College and now works in the "Athletic Department" over at U.C.L.A. 

          Boy!  I hate Flies and sure do hope seeing that Fly on the very first day of Spring is not a bad sign.  It's cleaning itself by rubbing its head and body with little arms, kind of how Cher the Cat does when she "Washes Up" as Mr. Steve jokes.  The air is so fresh and clear right now.  

          Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell his mom on the phone one time how he still occasionally thinks of his three girlfriends Sandy, Emily and Harriet.  A while back he even had a dream where they all got together at a restaurant.  Heathcliff crowed and some of his Hens are clucking happily.

           

CLOSEUP  OF A "FLY"     

       

            Daisy told me how when Flies are first born, they start out as Worms or what they call "Maggots;" and Butterflies are the same.  That Fly just flew away and I sure hope there aren't as many Flies around here as there were last year.  Hey God!  I really do hate all Flies!  

           Oh no!  Another Fly just tried to land on my nose but I snapped at it so it flew away.  It's so annoying when Flies try to land on you!  Daisy's sure not going to like it when, on my second big break of the day after chapter eight; I tell her that I've already seen a few Flies today.

          Ah!  For the first time this year I smell the plant Miss Susan called "Juniper."  Right now  there aren't many leaves on the Juniper plants out there in the eastern desert behind the three Sheds.  But now that it's Spring pretty soon they'll be greener and will smell even stronger.  

     

  JUNIPER

   

      From what I heard Miss Susan tell my boss, like "Mesquite;" if they live long enough Juniper plants grow into actual trees.  We have a few of them living out there in our boss's back half acre of open desert.  I'm still kind of afraid to go out there with Mr. Steve but not Dais.          

                   Daisy told me how, a few years ago; Mr. Steve met a South Korean man over in Phelan.   He raises and sells these little Juniper "Bonsai" trees, so Mr. Steve bought one and was growing it for almost four months.  But then that tiny little Juniper tree suddenly died Dais heard.   

            Miss Susan said Bonsai trees, like most babies; are "fragile when young."  Even though he followed exactly all the instructions for growing Bonsai trees it died anyway.  He still has the little dead tree in one of the dining rooms and may even someday get another one Daisy says.  

           

        "VIEJAS" INDIAN CASINO          

                        

             I'm still smelling the Juniper bush.  Back in the early-1990's Mr. Steve, his brother Rock and father worked at a gambling Casino called "Viejas."  It's to the east of the city of San Diego, and the Native people who run it are called "Kumeyaay."  Donald and Daisy are quacking.  

           My Spanish Dictionary says viejas means "Old Lady."  Daisy says this pretty Kumeyaay girl told Mr. Steve her tribe has used Juniper "shrubs and trees" for centuries, eating the berries and grinding them into "Meal" for baking; or making medicine.  Now Daffy's quacking too. 

          As Mission Tour Guides Mr. Steve read about that girl's Kumeyaay tribe.  In 1769, San Diego was the first of what would eventually be twenty one "Alta" California Missions built up here.  I guess, since back in the 18th century the Spanish called the Kumeyaay "Degueño."

        

   INDIAN "UPRISING" (SAN DIEGO / 1775)    

                

         Hey Lord!  I guess after Priests like Father Serra came up here, some California Indians wanted to become Christians but; others did not.  In 1775; Kumeyaay Indians near to San Diego revolted and killed the Franciscan Priests.  Mr. Steve and the pretty girl even talked about it.       

           When my boss and his brother and father worked down there at Viejas Casino they stayed in a Motel located in a town called "Alpine."  And, on a few Sundays; they attended "Mass" at    the Kumeyaay Catholic Church.  Ah!  Breathing clear air through my nose is so great!                  

         In my books I'll write about the subject of "Gambling" or, as Mr. Steve jokes; "Gaming."  One time I heard him tell Mr. Randy, "It just sounds better."  And, that's also why it's better to    just call your "old trade in" Car "pre-owned;" instead of "used" Mr. Randy then joked.                  

"LAS VEGAS," NEVADA

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

 

       In the early 1990's Mr. Steve and brother Rock went with their father on a number of business trips to the city of "Las Vegas."  It's to the northeast of Piñon Hills, and it takes about    four hours to drive there from here Dais heard.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny flew bye.                 

            According to my Spanish Dictionary "las vegas" means "The Meadows," and I guess Mr. Ralph said another Spanish word for "meadowland" is "prado."  Mr. Steve says the area in the State of "Nevada,"  where Las Vegas is located; is similar to our deserts.  I smell Creosote.           

          Because they "Know the Numbers" as they say, my boss and his dad never gamble; and tell other's not to waste their money.  "Insiders" in Las Vegas joke, "How can we separate people from their money without them noticing or minding."   A Train whistled out in the desert.            

  

"CAESAR'S PALACE"  

         One time Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve and his father talk on the phone about those early 1990's trips to Las Vegas.  They met with some some "high level" people who represented    "some of the big organizations" Mr. Steve told Mr. Ralph.  One was from "Caesar's Palace."       

          In those meetings in Las Vegas it was "obvious" Mr. Steve told Mr. Ralph the guys they met with "assumed." or "took it for granted;" they didn't gamble.  And that's mainly because,    as I said before; insiders know the numbers.  A nice breeze just brought in the Twins scent.          

        My boss and his dad met the man who owned the "Gamblers General Store."  They make many of the the tables and machine cabinets in Las Vegas.   He joked how, "You know as well as I do we all exploit the fact that the average American tourist is not exactly phi beta kapa."                                                                            OPEN SKY       

                   

           I feel good today God.  My boss told Mr. Ralph he doesn't think there's such a thing as "Paradise."  But if there is he jokes, our two and a half acres might come close; at least for "us three."  Daisy then heard Mr. Ralph say, "Of course you might be just a little bit biased."             

           Hey God!  I know I've thanked You a lot of times for bringing me over here to live but I just feel like doing it again.  Who knows where I'd be if You hadn't caused my boss to go get me out of that field my first owner dumped me into.  Who knows, I might even be dead by now.         

             My Spanish Dictionary says "Tierra" means "Land."  Sitting on you Elvira, and looking towards the eastern horizon beyond the three Sheds; I feel happy.  Boy!  I really like taking in all of these deep breaths of fresh air because it makes me appreciate being here right now.

                   

                                                                        TIERRA   

            

                One night Daisy and Millie who I replaced were in the living room watching tv and saw a show about bands that have come out of "East Los Angeles" since back in the 1960's.  One was called TIERRA .  Boy God!  I now really love our land so thank You for bringing me here.

            Dais told me Mr. Ralph likes that band TIERRA, who were mainly around during the 1970's and had a horn section.  I guess they used to play on the tv show "Soul Train," where Mr. Mark used to dance on in the 1980's.   Mr. Mark also won a date on "Love Connection."               

              From what Daisy heard on that tv show, some people of "Mexican descent" who live here in America; call themselves "Chicanos."  Mr. Ralph, whose family is from Mexico; knows a lot about the history of that particular subject.  Mr. Ralph sounds like a really smart person.

                             

                                            CANNIBAL AND THE HEADHUNTERS

             

              Daisy says a singing group from the 1960's, CANNIBAL AND THE HEADHUNTERS; was shown on the tv show.  Millie really liked their song "Land of a Thousand Dances," which has really good singing in it.  There are now thin clouds up there in the late morning sky.

              In the late 1970's my boss and his friend Mark Ritter who died saw a "Punk" PUBLIC IMAGE LTD. concert at the "Olympic" Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles.  The band who "Opened" for them was LOS LOBOS, which in Spanish means "The Wolves."  I smell Sage. 

          LOS LOBOS, from East L.A.; got "booed off the stage" that night, and Mr. Steve thinks they were a "bad choice" for opening a PiL concert.  Punks fought Mexicans out in the parking lot.  Mr. Steve's friend Mr. Bobby the Boxer from Pacoima had many fights at the Olympic. 

                    

                      LOS LOBOS                                           SHAM THE SHAM & THE PHARAOHS

                        

          Another band shown on the tv show was called SAM THE SHAM & THE PHARAOH"S.   Daisy says they have a song about a wooly Bull which has really good saxophone and organ in it. Speedy Gonzalez the Squirrel just ran back in from being out there in the eastern desert.              

        Oh Wow!  A picture in my Encyclopedia shows SAM THE SHAM & THE PHARAOHS.  I would definitely wear the hats they have on, and I really like their ancient Egyptian costumes too.  Daisy good Singer according to Daisy.  A Train whistled faintly over there to my left.

       I especially like the blue turban Sam the Sham is wearing.  Dais would probably look pretty good in a red turban like that, mainly because red is her all time favorite color.  I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve's friend Mark calls his one man band BLUE TURBAN STONE.  

                                                           

                                               ARNOLD ROTHSTEIN (1882-1928)      

                                                                                                                    

              I'm still thinking about gambling, and in my three books I'll learn about the history of that subject.  Tomorrow Daisy has me scheduled to write about American "Organized Crime" in the 20th century.  I'll find out about that guy Arnold Rothstein who I mentioned before.   

           Arnold Rothstein was that New York City Jewish gambler.  I guess, during the "Roaring Twenties," when the economy was good; his nickname was the "Big Bankroll."  I wrote how he "Fixed" the 1919 "World Series" by "Paying Off" those Chicago "White Sox" players.

          Daisy is so lucky to be able to hear more music and see tv than I do.  She told me about a Music Video Millie liked called "Your Woman," about this guy being kind of mean to a girl.  Up in the sky a small group of Birds, which look from here like Pigeons; are flying to the east.

            

                                            "YOUR WOMAN" (WHITE TOWN)

                    

                   Dais says our boss told that kid Jason, who plays guitar; a man from India said the guy who wrote the song and made the Video for Your Woman is from India too even though he lives in England.  The Video is part "Electronic" music I guess.  Dawn's barking over there.  

                 The Video for Your Woman, which was made in 1997; was filmed in black and white and not color Daisy told me.  One thing I like best about watching cartoons on Saturday morning is how colorful they are.  I guess both Mr. Steve and his mom still enjoy coloring pictures.

            Mr. Mark knows how the guy who made that song Your Woman played all of the musical instruments himself, and calls himself WHITE HOUSE.  Someday, I want to hear songs by Mr. Mark in Hawaii's one man band BLUE TURBAN STONE.  A group of Finches flew bye.

                     

                                                   JYOTI MISHRA (WHITE TOWN)

   

               In my books, but mainly on Saturday in book three; I'll write about "Punk" music.  Even though Your Woman is not Punk in style, Mr. Steve's customer said the guy in WHITE TOWN is part of this Punk "Subculture" called "Straight Edge."  Two of the Pigeons just flew bye.    

              I guess being a part of the Straight Edge movement means you don't drink alcohol or take drugs.  Hey!  That's like Frank Zappa who grew up near Mr. Steve's brother Sam and his family over there in Littlerock, and this Guitarist named Ted Nugent too.  I smell some Juniper. 

             When Mr. Steve and Jason watched the Video for Your Woman Jason called the song kind of "sad sounding."  Mr. Steve used the word "melancholy" and said Your Woman is "not exactly the typical 4/4 rock or pop song."  A Train just whistled faintly way out there in the desert.    

        

                            KARL MARX(1818-1883)                 LEON TROTSKY (1879-1940)

             

                 My boss's customer from India said, in that song Your Woman; the girl says her mean boyfriend is a "Marxist."  I guess Jyoti Mishra, who's the one man band; describes himself as a a "Trotskyite."  Karl Marx, and Leon Trotsky later; were both "Non-Practicing" Jews.

              As I've mentioned, over the next three days I'll find out about the subject of "Socialism" versus "Capitalism."  Mr. Steve's father, who had a school for "Stockbrokers;" has studied it.  That's why he jokingly tells people, "speculating" is just a nicer way of saying "gambling." 

           Dais says Mr. Steve told that kid Jason he likes the "feel" of  the music on Your Woman and how the video was filmed too.  I guess it looks like one of those old "Silent" movies Dais told me about.  Some of the Ducks quacking about something next door, but Daffy's louder.                                  

                                             "THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY" (1903)

     

             Even though Mr. Steve doesn't follow current "Pop Culture" entertainment anymore, I'm going to write about things from when he did.  And one of those topics is "Western" movies like the ones Daisy's told me about.  Boy!  I really want to see some of those Westerns someday. 

          I guess the first "Silent" movie was this Western called "The Great Train Robbery."  The Your Woman Video uses filming "Techniques," such as "Composite Editing," or "On Location" filming;  and "Cross-Cutting.  That's what the man from India said on the phone that time.   

            Mr. Steve told his mom, who knows about the history of art; the Your Woman Video kind of looks like it was influenced by 1920's "Expressionism."  Daisy says there's a scene where the boy and girl pull on a each end of a rope.  Mr. Dave one time called it "Match Cut" editing.     

         

AL BOWLLY (1898-1941)

                                                                                                      IMAGE HUTTON ARCHIVE

       

        Daisy told me Mr. Steve pointed out Your Woman's "Muted" trumpet parts to Jason.  That trumpet part was "Sampled," or taken from a 1930's song called "My Woman;" by an English Singer named Al Bowlly.  As I've said, the "Great Depression" happened in the 1930's. 

           I guess in the Video for Your Woman a girl with a baby wants to be with the boy but he does not want to be with her.  Mr. Steve told that kid Jason how, in Al Bowlly's original song; it's the girl who's mean.  Dais heard Mr. Dave say he likes the "Snare" drum on Your Woman.

            My boss is fifty eight but has never been married.  One time Dais and I heard him tell Miss Susan he thinks many people would "rather have a bad relationship than no relationship," and seem to "prefer unhappiness over uncertainty."  But that's "not for him" at this "late age." 

  

                                                  "BATTLE OF BRITAIN" (1940-1941)

    

                  Oh wow!  According to what it says here in my Encyclopedia, that Singer Al Bowlly was killed in 1941; during World War II's "Battle of Britain."  He was in his apartment in London. Mr. Phillip, the Parts Manager from Wales; calls apartments a "Flat" from what Dais heard.

                 This is so interesting!   It says here Al Bowlly was killed by a German "Parachute Bomb," which floated down; and exploded above the ground.  He must've been poor like Antonio Vivaldi because he was also buried in a "Mass" grave too.  Two Crows are fighting out in the desert.

            I'm mainly scheduled to learn about the Second World War tomorrow but I'm sure some things will come up today too.  Mr. Steve and Mr. Phillip talked about how the Battle of Britain was the first battle in history fought almost entirely by Airplanes.  Libby whinnied over there.  

                                                                                         

 CÓRDOVA   

                      

              According to my three long outlines, Daisy and I decided I'd write about the subject of "Last" or "Surnames" tomorrow in book two; but I suddenly kind of just feel like doing part of it now too. Daisy and I really like our families last name.  Dawn's now barking over there.

             Wow!  My Encyclopedia says how there are about forty five thousand English surnames.  Some indicate "occupations" like "Carpenter," others tell where you work like in a "Hall."  Last names weren't "common" over in England until after 1066 A.D. from what it says here.   

             In my books I'll learn about the "Norman" King William "the Conqueror" who, back in 1066; sailed from France and conquered England.  I guess before that his Viking "Descendants"  had taken "Normandy" on the French coast.   Tomorrow I'll find more about "D-Day."

                    

                                          WILLIAM "THE CONQUEROR" (1028-1087)

                             

         This Encyclopedia says, in order to "distinguish" people when Europe grew in population; last named were used more.  I guess over in England; some "adopted" last names that indicated "physical characteristics" like "Young," "Strong" or "Gray."  Ah!  The air is so clear. 

         In Germany names like "Rothschild," or "Red Shield;" began to be used so you could tell everyone that you were from the "High Classes.  I'm interested in last names mainly because Mr. Steve is.  Some cultures' last names are based on the men in the family Miss Susan said.    

        Dais says Mr. Steve once met this older "Armenian" lady over at the Sylmar Library, who "Perked Up" on hearing our last name.  She told our boss that many Armenian names end in the masculine "ian."  Speedy Gonzalez the Squirrel just just ran bye in front of the three Sheds. 

                

     ORIGINAL MCDONALD'S (SAN BERNARDINO / 1940)    

          PHOTO BY EFEMÉRIDES                 

                      

           The Armenian lady said the Irish name "McDonald" would be "Son of Donald."  Mr. Steve told her how, in 1940; the first "McDonald's" Restaurant was started in San Bernardino near us by the two McDonald brothers.  The U.S. entered World War II the next year in 1941. 

        I mentioned earlier that the city of San Bernardino is about forty miles south of where we live here in Piñon Hills.  Daisy says our boss told the lady at the Library about a family he knew when growing up, whose last name was McDonald.  Heathcliff just crowed over there.

      The McDonald family lived on "Hunnewell" Street, which the two cul de sacs "Hagar" and "Alexander" Streets were off of.  The parents had three kids, Neil, Kerrie and Robert; and were nice in letting the neighborhood kids use their pool.  They moved after the 1971 earthquake.

       

"BRITISH" ISLANDS    

     

         I guess some families spell their last name McDonald, others "MacDonald."  Mr. Phillip told Mr. Steve it's not true people of Irish descent spell it McDonald, while those from Scotland    spell it the other way.  Fannie and Freddie the Crows, talking to each other; just flew bye.            

         Dais says Mr. Phillip also said it's not true that in Ireland and Scotland the Catholics and Protestants use the different spellings of McDonald and MacDonald.  Mr. Steve, over the years;    has had pleasant dreams about their neighbors the McDonalds.  A Sparrow is chirping.                 

        The McDonald's house, like all the houses on Hunnewell, Alexander and Hagar Streets; were damaged in that 1971 earthquake.  Unlike the houses on Hagar; many of those houses were able to be repaired.  But most of the families who had lived in them ended up moving away.                                              

                                   MR. PHILLIP                                         

                                                                                                              

         I'll learn about the history of the "British Islands" in my three books, or England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland.  Daisy heard Mr. Phillip, who I've mentioned is before is a  "Honda" Parts Manager; call it "U.K."  That's an abbreviation for "United Kingdom."       

         Mr. Steve told that Armenian lady about this time in 1692 when the English slaughtered a group of Scottish people named McDonald.  That guy Rick Steves, on his European travel show; talked  about it one time Dais said.  She thinks I would really like the shows Rick Steves does.      

        Someday I really want to see a movie Dais told me about called "Braveheart."  It's about this 13th century Scottish man named William Wallace.  In the late 1200's he led the Scottish in some big wars against England.  All four of the Pigeons are now flying over Libby's Corral.            

            WILLIAM WALLACE (1270-1305)                                 "BRAVEHEART"

 

               I'm mainly scheduled to write about Scotland tomorrow in my second book, but can do a little bit today too.  Daisy said in the William Wallace movie his Scottish army beats an English army near this bridge partially by using long spears.  Mr. Steve has spears in his office.

         Daisy told me how that guy William Wallace hated the English because they killed his wife, so he got revenge in leading the Scots to independence.  In one battle against the English some of the English Horse got slaughtered running head first into a wall of spears.  Daffy's quacking.

            Uh!  This Encyclopedia says William Wallace was "eventually" captured, killed; and then "Drawn and Quartered."  That means being hung, your body cut into four pieces; and your head put on a long pole or hung from a bridge I guess.  Ouch!  That would be so bad I think!  

                                             

"BLACK WATCH" / "SCOTS GUARDS"      

            Last Summer one morning my boss played on his Boombox some Bagpipe songs by this group called the "Black Watch."   One time he told Miss Babette at work about seeing them do a concert down at the Forum in Inglewood.  Heathcliff just now crowed over there next door. 

              I like the "Bagpipes" in JETHRO TULL'S song "The Third Hoorah," and also how they sound on those Black Watch songs.  But I like flute better, like on GENESIS' old song "Musical Box."  Daisy thinks I'd really like the furry hats some of the Black Watch Musicians wear.     

               Dais says Mr. Steve and his friend Paul, who also went to St. Ferdinand's; in the 1970's saw that Black Watch concert at the Forum.  I guess, according to what Dais told me, Mr. Steve likes the drums in "Marching" bands.  Anyway, I'll find out more about Scotland in my books.  

                                              

                   MCDONALD'S FIRST "FRANCHISE" LOCATION (ILLINOIS / 1955)

PHOTO BY TIM BOYLE                   

                

              What the heck!  Even though I'm not scheduled to write about "Fast Food" Restaurants until tomorrow, I feel like writing a little bit about them today too.  I've mentioned how there's a McDonald's in Phelan.  I guess fast foods means food that you eat fast, which I definitely do.

          Mr. Steve was told in 1955, the year he was born; a man named Ray Kroc started the first McDonald's "Franchise" outside of California.  That location was in the State of "Illinois," or where that guy Ray Kroc was from.  A breeze just now brought in Alpha Company's scent.  

       I guess Ray Kroc grew up poor but became very rich.  Daisy says he ended up buying the whole McDonald's company from those two brothers, because he liked the idea of "Self-Serve"    Restaurants; with no "Waiters" or "Waitress's" he had to pay.  Dawn's barking over there.                          

                                                            RAY KROC (1902-1984) 

      PHOTO BY ART SHAY                       

                         

           Mr. Steve read Ray Kroc operated his business's with a "Three-Legged Stool" theory.  The three legs were the "Franchisee," the "Suppliers" and the "Employees."  Each part was really important, so all three had to operate as a team "for the overall business to succeed" he said.

          I guess, from his first restaurant in Illinois; Ray Kroc ended up growing his company to the point where now there are thousands of McDonald's all over the whole world.  I love when Mr. Steve mixes in McDonald's leftovers with dry Dog food.  A little Finch just flew bye.

         Boy!  Food is so great.  We had such a good breakfast this morning with that new Spam meat in it, and thinking about it is kind of making me hungry.  On my big break Daisy and I were both wondering when Mr. Steve will come out and give us our first snack of the day.    

                      

                                                       MCDONALD'S (DOWNEY)

               

            In chapter four I wrote about how Musicians like the CARPENTERS, the Guitarist from METALLICA and the Alvin brothers; all grew up in the city of "Downey."  And so did that guy "Weird" Al Yankovic.  Alpha Company is moving around in the desert behind the Sheds.

            Before the economic recession Daisy says our boss had a "Hyundai" dealership in Downey he sold Baseball hats to.  The Parts Manager said their McDonald's was the third one started by Ray Kroc.  And it's now the longest continually running McDonald's in the U.S. he said.    

             Miss Susan smiled when Mr. Steve told her he heard a small girl defending our area from this other young girl who must've said we were backward compared to a city.  She said, "Oh no! We even have a McDonald's."  The other girl said in surprise, "Really?  That's good alright."

                   

"TACO BELL"    

   PHOTO BY JOE RAEDLE            

         

         Oh well!  Since I'm already writing about McDonalds now anyway, I might as well also mention this other really good restaurant called "Taco Bell" too.  I just love when my boss gives  us parts of the things he gets from Taco Bell.  Heathcliff just crowed over there next door.             

         Sometimes Mr. Steve takes Daisy with him to Phelan.  We catch pieces of things he gets from McDonalds and Taco Bell in our mouths.  I do love the taste of the Taco Bell burritos and other things like that.   Hearing Heathcliff's voice makes me feel really good right now.                 

          I guess, from what I heard my boss tell Miss Susan that time, the the man who began the idea for Taco Bell was named Glen Bell.  He had a Hot Dog Stand in San Bernardino but in 1962 also opened his first Taco Bell in Downey.  Mr. Steve was only seven years old back in 1962.                                                

     GIDGET         

                    

         Mr. Ralph knows a lot about the history of food and things like that.  One time he and my boss talked about Taco Bell tv commercials where the star was a girl "Chihuahua" Dog named "Gidget."   The Dragonfly just zoomed bye and is now going out into the eastern desert.               

         According to Daisy, Mr. Ralph told Mr. Steve not only was that Dog Gidget in those Taco Bell advertisements; she was also in some actual long movies too.  Boy!  It would be so great to be a big "Star" just like little Gidget.  Then Mr. Steve would probably really like me a lot!            

       Dais thinks I'd be a good Actor, mainly because my almost photographic memory would make it easy for me to memorize of all my "Lines."  Gidget used to say "Yo quiero Taco Bell," which my Spanish Dictionary says is "I want Taco Bell."  That's such a clever thing to say.                     

"GIDGET"     

       

         Daisy says a few years ago our boss Mr. Steve did artwork for a lady who, in the 1960's; liked to surf.  They talked about some movies from that time about surfing.  They were about a pretty girl whose nickname was "Gidget," which that lady said just meant "Little Midget."         

           In my three books I'll write about surfing.  I guess Mr. Steve told that one lady he tried to do it a few times but was "terrible."  The lady grew up in the West Los Angeles coastal city of      "Santa Monica, where Miss Emily lives. Mr. Doug still goes surfing sometimes Dais heard.           

         Mr. Steve likes the early 1960's Surf Rock songs by Guitarist Dick Dale.  He was popular during the same period as those Gidget movies Dais heard.  According to what Mr. Doug said on the phone one time, he saw Dick Dale play at a place near the Malibu Pier a few years ago.                       

                                                                    RAY KROC

PHOTO BY THOMAS S. ENGLAND               

                

             Mr. Steve told that Armenian lady at the Sylmar Library about Ray Kroc and how, in 1974; he bought the San Diego "Padres" Baseball team so they wouldn't move.  They'd been a really bad team who would lose almost all of their games.  Samson and Delilah are flying bye.  

                In 1974 I guess my boss was in his first year of College at "Los Angeles Valley College" in Van Nuys, a local "Community" or "Junior" College.  After two years he transferred over to Cal State Northridge.   I can tell by where the Sun is, and how the shadows look; it's late morning. 

              Daisy's the one who heard how some of Mr. Steve's family went to College at "C.S.U.N.  Mr. Steve's girlfriend Sandy, and friends "David" and "Chris;" also went to Valley College too.  Like my boss's Uncle Marty, Mr. Peabody graduated from that school called "Harvard."   

         

                                                                QUIET RIOT 

             

               Throughout my three books I'll write about music, and one band I'll learn about is called QUIET RIOT.  In 1974 Mr. Steve and Sandy met people at Valley College who knew their Singer from Van Nuys named Kevin Dubrow.  Anyway, I'll come back to QUIET RIOT later.

             According to my Encyclopedia, in 1917 that guy Ray Kroc lied about his age being only fifteen and joined the military to fight in World War I.  He drove an Ambulance.  Hey Blessed Mother!  1917 was the year You came down here, and the Russian Revolution happened too. 

             I'll mainly learn about World War I on Saturday in book three, but can also do it as I go along in these first two books.  Mr. Steve and his father are interested in both 20th century world wars.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny the Crows are right now flying toward the northeast.  

                       

                WALT DISNEY (1901-1966)                   ERNEST HEMINGWAY (1899-1961)

                              

            I wonder if my boss knows this?  According to what it says here in this Encyclopedia, one of the other Ambulance drivers in Ray Kroc's "Company" during the First World War was that guy Walt Disney.  My right nostril just picked up Libby's scent, which makes me feel good.

               The writer Ernest Hemingway was also an Ambulance driver in World War I.  Oh!  All three of Ernest Hemingway, Walt Disney and Ray Kroc were from Illinois.  Boy!  I can't wait to learn more about all of the fifty different American "States" over the next three days.  

              Walt Disney also lied about his young age, sixteen; in order to join the military in 1917.  In my books I'll learn about "Disneyland," which began in 1955; the year my boss was born.  Mr. Steve's father was only nineteen when he volunteered to join the Marine Corps Dais heard.

                

                                             ADOLPH HITLER (WORLD WAR I)

           

                 I just thought of how Adolph Hitler fought and was "Decorated" for bravery in the First World War.  Ray Kroc said Walt Disney was an "oddball" who spent his off time drawing rather than partying like all of the other guys in his unit.   I guess Hitler was the same way too. 

             This Encyclopedia has World War I pictures of Hitler with his "Handlebar" mustache, before he trimmed it so his Gas Mask would fit tighter on his face.  His Dog is in a picture, and Daisy says he and Writer Ernest Hemingway were both wounded in the First World War.

               Mr. Steve used to sell things to a "Mazda" dealership in "Escondito."  Over the years he and this one Parts Manager talked about some of the different "San Diego" sports teams, like the Baseball "Padres" and Football "Chargers."  A Bird carrying a twig just ran bye. 

               

                                                        TED WILLIAMS (1918-2002)

           

              As I mentioned, when Ray Kroc bought the "Padres" in 1974 they were a losing "Major League" team.  In the 1930's, during the Great Depression; they'd been a "Minor League" team in the "Pacific Coast" League.  One guy who played for them back then was Ted Williams.  

                 Over the next three days one thing I'll learn about is the "Rivalry" between Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio, who later married Marilyn Monroe.  Both were really good players during the 1930's and 1940's.  I just glanced up in time to see the Monarch Butterfly going bye.

                 I guess Joe DiMaggio grew up in San Francisco but played for the New York "Yankees."  Ted Williams was from San Diego but played for the Boston "Red Sox."   Mr. Steve's dad thinks Joe DiMaggio was the only one who really cared for Marilyn Monroe.   I love Butterflies!

           

                           TONY GWYNN                              TED WILLIAMS / TONY GWYNN

               

              One time on the phone Mr. Steve and Mr. Rick talked about Tony Gwynn, who played his entire career for the San Diego Padres.  I guess Mr. Steve, brother Rock and Mr. Rick saw him play against the Dodgers a few times over the years.  Fannie and Freddie just flew bye.   

                 Daisy heard Mr. Steve agree with Mr. Rick when he said how Tony Gwynn, just like Ted Williams; was one of the best hitters in history.  A lady told my boss she saw Tony Gwynn help Ted Williams throw a ball in a "Ceremony."  Ted Williams died "soon thereafter" she said. 

           The Padres are named after the 18th century Spanish Franciscan Priests like that guy Father Serra I guess.  As I've said, I'll learn about California's Missions in my books because Mr. Steve and his parents gave Tours of the San Fernando Mission.  Dawn's barking over there. 

      

                                                            1929 WORLD SERIES

                                                             (CHICAGO CUBS / PHILADELPHIA ATHLETICS)

       

             My Encyclopedia says Ray Kroc, in 1929; saw a "World Series" game between his favorite team the Chicago "Cubs" and my boss's favorite team the "Athletics."  But back then the "A's" were from  Philadelphia not Oakland.  1929 is the year the "Stock Market Crash" happened.      

             Too bad!  It says here, just a few months after Ray Kroc died; the Padres went to their very first World Series.  That kind of reminds of how, in 1945; that guy President Roosevelt died just a few months before World War II ended.  A Crow is cawing faintly way out in the desert. 

             Later today, when I write about "Catalina" Island; I'll also write about the Chicago Cubs doing their "Spring Training" there for many years.  Daisy says I would like the Cubs uniforms because my favorite color is royal blue.  The Dodgers also usually wear royal blue too I guess.    

                           

                                                     KARL MARX (1818-1883)

                 

             I've already mentioned that German Jewish guy Karl Marx a few times, and Daisy has me scheduled to learn more about him and his family over the next three days.  Back in the 19th century he wrote about "Socialism versus Capitalism."  I smell the baby Cholla cactus. 

                 Mr. Steve's father had that school for "Stockbrokers" in the early 1970's and believes in Capitalism.  But he also knows it's not a good thing when a person "worships" what he calls the "almighty dollar."  Daisy told me at times he uses words like "ruthless" and "cold-blooded." 

            Wow!  My Encyclopedia says Ray Kroc said "If any of my competitors were drowning, I'd stick a hose in their mouth and turn on the water.  This industry is Dog eat Dog or I'll kill them before they kill me.  You're talking about the American way, of survival of the fittest." 

                              

 SPAIN ( "ESPANA")

                          

                I just thought of our last name "Córdova," and Mr. Steve's mother's "Maiden" name "Trujillo;" both coming from those towns in Spain.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve's father regret not ever being able to visit "Córdoba," and all of "Andalusia."   Andy's guarding their hole. 

            Trujillo, a small town in the Spanish province of "Extremadura;" is not shown on the map in my Encyclopedia the way Córdoba is.  Francisco Pizzaro, who conquered the "Incan" Indians in the 1500's; was from Trujillo.  METALLICA'S Bassist's last name is also Trujillo.

            Because my boss is interested in the 16th century I'l learn about what's called the "Age of Discovery."  The 1500's, or period after Christopher Columbus made his voyages to the "New World;" was also the time of the "High Renaissance" too.  Andy is so brave I can tell. 

      

  ANCIENT ROME                               EUROPE                    MODERN NATIONS      

      

              The ancient Roman Empire started in the 5th century B.C. in what is now the country of "Italy."  The Romans then brutally conquered most of what is now "Europe" and the areas all around the Mediterranean Sea.  Two Crows are fighting way out there in the back desert.

            A map of Europe in my Encyclopedia shows just how huge the Roman Empire was by the 1st and 2nd centuries A.D.  Another map shows Europe the way it is now now in the 21st century when the different countries are in the "European Union."  A flock of Birds is flying bye.

           I just thought of someday seeing and smelling my boss's bedroom and office.  Daisy says he has some replica Roman swords and knives in his office.  Daisy heard him tell Miss Susan at work how, "over the many years;" he's "bought and sold" swords, knives and helmets.  

    

     "LEGIONAIRES"                 ROMAN WARFARE                         SEA COMBAT           

             The ancient Roman Legions conquered a lot of land but also fought on the water too.  Two paintings in my Encyclopedia show Legionnaires, in one marching and in another fighting on a Boat against the Carthaginians.   I just noticed a line of Ants going bye on the Patio floor. 

           Because Mr. Steve and his dad think the ancient Romans are so important in the history of Western culture, Dais and I have many things in my three long outlines about them.  Hey Lord!  I'm going to write about how the Romans killed You.  Heathcliff  just crowed over there.

          Oh!  Just as my right nostril picked up their scent from over there next door, I hear Dawn and Blinky barking at something.  Ah!  I can smell old Rosie too.  Looking out into the eastern desert behind the three Sheds, I can see a few Birds zipping about in all different directions.     

                        "DOGS OF WAR"             

             

            Hearing Dawn and Blinky makes me think about Dogs being used in war.  The Romans used Dogs they wanted to be really mean.  And I wrote earlier how, back in the 16th century the Spanish Conquistadors also kept "Perros de Guerra;" or "Dogs of War."  I smell Sage.

            The caption below a painting says it shows Spanish Soldiers "casually" watching their "Mastiff" Dogs tear apart Indians in the 1500's.  Daisy says "to this day" people force us Dogs to fight each other so they can bet money on who will win.  Boy!  I don't think I'd like that!

            Mr. Steve's father met a man from "Argentina" who, hearing our last name; said the best "fighting dogs" are from his country.  I guess, they're from the town of "Córdoba," are big and usually all white.  All four of the Pigeons are flying past Libby's Corral over to my right. 

   

"CÓRDOBA" FIGHTING DOG

           Daisy and Millie heard the man from Argentina use the words "ferocious" in English, and "terible" in Spanish; to describe those Córdoba fighting Dogs.  They noticed he pronounced our last name using a "b," instead of a "v;" the way we do in our last name.  Dawn's barking.            

        The man told Mr. Steve's father those "perros de Córdoba" were "bred to bring out their killer instinct."  They had the "willingness to fight to the death," and also had a "high tolerance for pain;" two things "very important for a warrior."  I smell Blinky next to Dawn.                      

         I guess, the man from Argentina mentioned how those Córdoba Dogs at times even "fight when mating."  They were "Mastiffs," who were "crossbred" with things like "Bulldogs;" or      Great Danes like Rosie over there next door.  A small Sparrow carrying a twig ran bye.                 

                                              CORDOBA                                                                   ROSIE                             

                                                                                                                 

                   I smell Rosie over there, standing next to Dawn and little Blinky.   All of them are near the fence which divides the south side of our fenced in two acres from our neighbor's property. 

               Boy!  I wonder what Rosie was like when she was young?  I can't even imagine her as a fighting Dog because of how nice and friendly she is, and how skinny she's getting in her old age. But, even now she wants to feel like she's "Pulling her Weight;" so is a good guard.

              When Mr. Steve's 1985 St. Ferdinand's Tour Group visited Italy and Israel, in the city of Rome they saw the "Colloseum."   There, as "Entertainment;" Men and Animals were killed to make the audience happy.  Mr. Steve thinks, even in modern times; "many love violence." 

       

                                             "CAESAREA MARITIMA" (ISRAEL)

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                

                

           Wherever the Roman Legions conquered and killed people; they also brought in some good things like "Aqueducts" that made it possible to have "Running" water.   Back in 1985 Mr. Steve's Tour Group saw the  Aqueduct ruins at "Caesarea" in Israel.  I smell Creosote.  

           I guess the ancient Romans were also good at building "Paved" roads, like the one Saint Paul used to tell people about You Lord.   The eastern boundary of my boss's property ends at "Primavera" the dirt road.  Ah!  I suddenly hear Antonio Vivaldi's happy Spring song. 

          The ancient Romans from Italy, whose Empire ended up lasting for about one thousand years; ended up conquering a huge amount of land.  Their Latin language influences countries like France, Spain and Portugal.  Mr. Steve and Miss Babette talked about it one time.

                     

                             FRED DE CÓRDOVA (1910-2001) / JOHNNY CARSON   

                    

             One time Daisy and Millie were in the living room and saw a tv "Documentary" about a man named Johnny Carson.  I guess for many years he "Hosted" what they call a "Late-Night Talk Show."  Dais noticed how Johnny Carson's "Producer" was named Fred de Córdova. 

               Daisy told me Fred de Córdova, in the 1970's and 1980's; was also the "Director" of the "Tonight Show."  He went to "Harvard" College like Mr. Peabody and Mr. Steve's Uncle Marty.  My boss's parent's are friends with a New Mexico couple whose last name is de Córdova. 

            In 1968 that guy Fred de Córdova was the "Director" of a tv show Mr. Steve's parents liked called "My Three Sons."  He got a Harvard "Law" Degree while Mr. Steve's Uncle Marty earned an "M.B.A." in Business.  I've mentioned how Mr. Steve flunked out of Law School.    

         

                                                   "SEPHARDIC" JEWS (SPAIN)

PHOTOS BY MANU FERNANDEZ             

               

           Oh what the heck!  Even though it's not on my outline to write about right now, I feel like learning about the "Sephardic" and "Ashkenazi" Jews.  Sephardic Jews are mainly from Spain, Portugal and North Africa I guess.  Fred de Córdova's dad was Sephardic Jew Dais heard.

        This Encyclopedia says Ashkenazi Jews mainly live in northern and eastern Europe.  Daisy says our boss told the lady at the Sylmar Library that, in 1985; a Tour Guide in the city of Rome said the Jews there aren't either Sephardic or Ashkenazi.  A Freight Train whistled faintly.

            I guess ancient Jews "fled" or were captured and "taken" from their "ancestral homeland" in Israel a few times.  Later today I'll write about 66 A.D. when the Romans "crushed" a Jewish revolt and made many of the survivors into Slaves.  Crushed just means killed Daisy says. 

          

                                                              "ARCH OF TITUS" 

             

                My boss told the Armenian lady about how, in 1985; he saw saw this thing called the "Arch of Titus" in the city of Rome.  It shows the captured and enslaved Jews from the 66 A.D. revolt being led into "Exile."  And some of the enslaved Jews are carrying a "Menorah."  

                     Daisy heard a Menorah is a candle holder and she says Mr. Steve has one he bought at one of those garage sales in his office.  Near the front doors is a cement stelae with a Menorah on it.  I guess Mr. Steve's mom likes the smell of "Scented" burning candles and so does Dais.

               Oh!  My Encyclopedia says the name Jew "derives" from "Judahite."  It was first used back in the 8th century B.C.; when the "Assyrians" from Mesopotamia conquered Israel.  Later in the 6th century B.C. that region was again conquered by Mesopotamian "Babylonians."      

                     

                                     KING HEROD'S "SECOND" JEWISH TEMPLE

                                                     ("SCALE" MODEL OF JERUSALEM)

                                                                                                                                   PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

                      

                  I guess, there were two ancient Jewish Temples, the first built by King Solomon which was destroyed by the Babylonians.  Hey Lord!  In Jerusalem is a model showing the "Second" Temple from Your time.  That's where You got really mad at all those "Money Changers."     

               You were right Lord in predicting the destruction of that Second Temple, because in 70 A.D. the Romans under that General named "Titus" burned it down, including the Temple.  I'll learn more about that period over the next three days.  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.

           Mr. Steve and Miss Susan at work one time talked about the two ancient Jewish Temples.  Miss Susan, who's Jewish; thinks without a Temple many Jews "refocused" into studying the "Torah" and the Old Testament.  Daisy heard now Jews use smaller "Synagogue's" instead. 

    

"FLAVIAN" ROMAN EMPERORS

    

             Mr. Steve and his father have read the works of that one Jewish Writer named "Flavius Josephus," who wrote about the Jewish revolt of 66 A.D.  He at first fought the Romans under the Generals "Vespasian" and his son "Titus.  But then he "switched sides" Daisy heard.

           Hey Lord!  Over the next three days I'll learn about the "Flavian" Dynasty.  Vespasian and Titus conquered Israel, and Dais heard some think they had Writers like Josephus create Your story, as  Your "Pacifistic" ideas would help with the rebellious Jews.  I smell Sage.

          In my three books another thing Daisy has me scheduled to learn about is all of the times in history when Jews were "dispersed" in what are called "Diasporas."  It wasn't just back in the ancient world when things like that happened.  Two Crows are cawing out in the desert.    

            

                     CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS / QUEEN ISABELLA / KING FERDINAND

                  

               This Encyclopedia says Spain's Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand "exiled" Sephardic Jews "in the same year they gave Christopher Columbus permission to make his first voyage."   The lady at the Library said, "The end of one period is often the beginning of another."   

            Mr. Steve and his father think Jews have often been unfairly blamed for things over the centuries.  It says here in the year 1290 A.D. they were "forced out" of England and, from 1948 through 1973; have been "expelled" from Arab countries.  I smell new Spring Juniper. 

           Hey God!  Maybe Jews are a special people just like my boss and his dad think?  Daisy says they're called the "Chosen" people in the Old Testament.  Jews, like Mormons; have been "picked on" or "even killed sometimes" she told me.  But no matter what they still survive.        

                     

                             MISS EMILY                                                     MISS HARRIET

           

                My boss told that lady at the Library about his last two girlfriends Emily and Harriet.  Their Ashkenazi Jewish relatives, at the beginning of the 20th century; might've come over here to American from eastern Europe.  Heathcliff crowed next door and his Hens sound happy. 

              In my books I'll find out about the "Statue of Liberty" and "Ellis Island," which are in the Harbor of New York City.  Emily grew up in New York City and for a few years worked to raise money to repair and restore the Statue of Liberty.  Now she works over at U.C.L.A.   

             Daisy heard Mr. Rick one time on the phone say his Italian ancestors came to America through Ellis Island "before the turn of the 20th century."  Then they eventually ended up living in that city of "Pittsburgh."  Samson and Delilah the Ravens are flying toward the north.

         

                                                      HARRIET AND HER MOM

           

                  I remember the time Mr. Steve's parents visited us.  As Mr. Steve watered the Mulberry tree over there he told them about the dream he had about getting together with all three of his girlfriends at a restaurant.  He said all of them had really good parents as "role models."

            Mr. Steve told his parents Miss Harriet's mom was a "nice person."  Sandy and Emily's dad's fought in World War II, while Harriet's father in the Korean War like Mr. Steve's dad.  I just glanced up in time to see a small Bird running bye holding a long twig in its mouth.  

              Because my boss and his father are interested in the subject, over the next three days I'll learn a lot about the two big 20th century world wars.  But I'll also find out about some of the other wars in history too.  Ah!  The late morning air is so clear on this first day of Spring.     

        

                                                                        BOWZER

     

              Daisy says Mr. Steve met this Jewish guy from New York City who liked a 1950's "Doo Wop" singing band SHA NA NA.  Mr. Steve told him "Bowzer" from SHA NA NA, who was also from New York City too; now lives out here in California.  Heathcliff crowed over there.   

               That guy Bowzer, who was a "Greaser;" is an "Advocate" for the elderly my boss says.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve and Miss Susan at work talk about how his motto is "Grease for Peace." There are now some long skinny clouds up there in the blue sky above the eastern desert.

                  I guess in the 1980's Miss Harriet's mom worked at a "Retirement Center" where Mr. Bowzer's mother lived.  The guy from New York City told my boss Bowzer "is actually a really well-trained musician who attended Julliard music school"  I guess that must be good.

  

THE VENTURES     

       

               Dais says the Jewish guy from New York City told our boss he saw SHA NA NA play at the "Filmore East," and liked their version of a song called "Walk Don't Run;" which is weird because there's no singing in it.  I really prefer running to walking.  Daisy likes to walk.

            I guess that song Walk Don't Run was originally done in the early 1960's by this band from the Washington State called the VENTURES.  Mr. Steve told the guy from New York City his old girlfriend Emily's sister and Brother-in Law knew them.  Libby just whinnied.  

             My boss has tried to play drums Surf Rock songs from the the VENTURES, SURFARIS, BEACHBOYS, JAN AND DEAN and Dick Dale.  Dais told me about songs called "Wipe Out" and "Pipeline."   Mr. Dave in New Mexico likes the drumming on both of those old songs. 

              

             

             Writing about that guy Bowzer being a Greaser makes me think of a movie Dais told me about.  It's called "Grease" and is about a nice girl from Australia named "Sandy" who has a Greaser boyfriend named "Danny."  Mr. Steve's first girlfriend was also named Sandy.

           Daisy says Grease is about a boy and girl who meet each other, break up; but then get back together again and are happy.  I guess, the boys in Grease are called "T-Birds;" the girls "Pink Ladies."  Andy's over there sniffing the air in guarding he and Helen's burrow.

           Hey Stanley!  I guess in Grease that girl Sandy's friend wants to "Drop Out" of High School to become a "Beautician" like Miss Amber in Texas.  But she accidentally colors her hair pink so a Guardian Angel like you comes down and says go back to school.  I smell Sage.     

                                                                                                                                         

                                                                          SANDY

      

                    If we could borrow Mr. Peabody's "Way Back" time machine Daisy and I would want to go see when our boss met Miss Sandy.  He was in the 12th Grade, she was a 10th Grader at  Sylmar High School.  Emily and then Harriet were with him in the 1980's and early 1990's.  

             Dais says in 1978 Mr. Steve and Miss Sandy saw Grease at a "Drive  In" movie theater, but there are also big indoor theaters too.  Both have giant tv screens to watch things.  Mr. Steve hasn't been "to the movies" since 2005, when he, Samantha and Cristina saw "King Kong."   

                According to what Daisy says, in the movie Grease Sandy's boyfriend sometimes has to act kind of mean to her in front of all his friends.  But, "In the End" as they say; they end up being together and he doesn't care what anyone says or thinks.  Heathcliff just crowed. 

                                                                          1955 THUNDERBIRD

          

                Daisy says one time Mr. Steve and his friend Mr. Frank, who knows a lot about 1950's Cars; talked on the phone about "Ford" Cars called "Thunderbirds;" or "T-Birds" for short.  Mr. Steve sold things to a guy who had a red 1955 T-Bird.  Daisy's favorite color is red. 

               Mr. Steve was born in 1955 and I guess that was the first year Ford made the T-Bird.  I guess, that guy's T-Bird was what they call a "Convertible;" where the top is taken on and off.   The man told Mr. Steve his T-Bird had a "302 V-8" motor with a "3-Speed Transmission."

            The man said the 1955 T-Bird was the "smallest of the first generation" produced from 1955 to 1997.  He and Mr. Steve discussed how, from the late 1960's through 1998; there was a "Lincoln-Mercury" T-Bird version.  I wonder what a "Telescopic" steering wheel is?  

                    

PIGEONS ON PATIO ROOF

          

                  Two of the Pigeons just flew in from the back desert and landed up on the Patio roof right above me, but it's so hard to tell whether it's Lucy and Ricky or Fred and Ethel.  There are some Birds flying around out in the desert behind the Sheds.  You're a great couch Elvira!

               I'm still thinking about how people get their names.  Mr. Steve and the Armenian lady at the Sylmar Library talked about how, in many "Latin" cultures, like Spain, Italy and France; a person can take both of his parents last names if they want to.  The Pigeons are cooing.

           Hey!  I just thought of how some Spanish or Italian people, like that guy Fred de Córdova for example; put in "de" or "de la" between their first and last name.  I could be called Maggie de Córdova!  I just glanced up in time to see Speedy the Squirrel run bye in front of the Sheds. 

DAISY / MAGGIE CÓRDOVA

   

         I wonder what Daisy is doing up there in the front yard?  I haven't heard her bark at all today.  She's kind of just like old Rosie next door who's also old and wants to save energy.  She'll bark and warn me when Mr. Steve comes outside, hopefully to give us a snack for instance.          

          Dais knew her mom and dad, but I can only recall my mom's scent; but we both decided to use Mr. Steve's last name.  According to what it says here in my English Dictionary, the word    "Appropriate" means, "to take something for one's own personal use."  Daffy's quacking.         

         Hey God!  Daisy wonders, if we were to use Mr. Peabody's time machine to go back in time to see ourselves as babies; would we be in two places at once?  Could we smell ourselves?  Would it ever be possible for any of us to do something that would then totally change the future?                                                      

                                                      SITTING BULL (1831-1890)

       

             Mr. Dave in New Mexico says some Indians are given their names based on a "physical" or "personality trait."  Others have names "associated" with an "event or situation" from the time they were born.  The Pigeons are cooing up there and that makes me feel so good. 

            Glancing to my right I see Libby the Horse over there in her Corral.  And that reminds me about how, tomorrow in book two; Daisy has me scheduled to look up and write about these two Lakota Sioux Indians named "Crazy Horse" and "Sitting Bull."  Boy!  I can't wait!       

            Tomorrow I'll also learn about President Jefferson's 1804 "Lewis and Clark Expedition," so will talk about a Shoshone girl named "Sacagawea."  She was an "Interpreter" and her name means "Bird Woman."  I like how the sound of Pigeons cooing makes me kind of relax. 

                                            

                                                   CARL LINNAEUS (1707-1778)

              

        I just looked up a man from the 18th century named Carl Linnaeus.  He was from the country of "Sweden," and my Encyclopedia calls him the "Father of Modern Taxonomy;" which my Dictionary says means he "created the "system" for naming plants.  Daffy's quacking.            

          Boy!  I'd definitely wear a wig like the one that man Carl Linnaeus is wearing in the good painting of him.  That Armenian lady at the Sylmar Library told Mr. Steve she read that Carl      Linnaeus' father was the first person in their family to "adopt" a "surname."  I like Daffy.           

        The Pigeons up on the Patio roof are now flying back out into the desert behind the three Sheds.  And I just saw Speedy Gonzalez the Ground Squirrel go bye on the other side of the back fence.  Seeing him makes me feel like running but for the next three days I have work to do.         

                           

MISS SANDY     

         

         Oh!  I wonder if my boss knows this?   This Encyclopedia says Carl Linnaeus went to a College named "Lund University," and "Lund" is my boss's first girlfriend Sandy's last name.    Back in chapter four I mentioned how Miss Sandy's family's last name is Norwegian.                    

        This is interesting.  Carl Linnaeus' birthday is May 23 and in looking at my list of dates I see how that's Mr. Steve's brother Sam's birthday too.  There are a number of family birthdays    in the month of May, as well as Mr. Steve's parents wedding anniversary.  A Train whistled.          

             A South Korean man who's half Chinese told Mr. Steve in China there are "hundreds of names," many "connected to their clan or family group."  He said in Korea and Vietnam half the population "share" only three Surnames.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying bye.   

         

JAPANESE ISLANDS       

               

         That Korean man also knew a lot about names in the country of Japan too.  He told Mr. Steve how, until the year 1868 or only three years after the American Civil War; no one in Japan had a surname.  Andy's over there sniffing the air and I smell the Joshua trees above him.            

          My Encyclopedia says, for a few hundred years; Japan was an "isolated" and "Feudal" society ruled by a "Class" of "Samurai" Warriors.  Mr. Steve and his father think it's normal to have "Classes" where "Haves" do better than "Have-Not's."  A Train whistled faintly.                  

             Even supposedly "egalitarian" Socialist cultures have "Upper" and "Lower" classes my boss says.  I guess one big difference between "Capitalist" and "Socialist" societies is capitalists own "Private Property" and have "Free Markets."   I own all of my balls and chewing logs.        

                                                                                  

         

                 I guess my boss and his dad read George Orwell's book "Animal Farm," about how some "Farm" Animals rebel against their human owner.  Daisy says once they "Overthrow" that mean Farmer they set up a society where all Animals are "Equal" and "Free."  I smell Sage.

                 Andy's over there looking in this direction, and I can tell by the way he's looking at me he's just picked up my scent from over here on the Patio.  A small flock of Birds is moving to the northeast right now.  There are a few thin clouds way up there in the blue late morning sky. 

             One afternoon Mr. Steve was watering the big Mulberry tree in the front yard.   He told Mr. Randy how, in the book Animal Farm; a Pig named "Napoleon" becomes Dictator.  A good picture of Animal Farm's book cover shows how Napoleon does look sort of mean alright.     

                  

GEORGE ORWELL (1903-1950)

         

          My Encyclopedia says that guy George Orwell, who wrote Animal Farm; wrote it during the Second World War II.  But it wasn't "Published" until later.  George Orwell, who also wrote "1984;" knew about "Imperialism," "Fascism" and "Communism."   Heathcliff crowed.             

       Daisy has me scheduled to also learn about that other book 1984 too.  I guess, it's one of those "Dystopian" novels; just like Aldous Huxley's 1932 book "Brave New World."  Mr. Steve    and his father think George Orwell and Aldous Huxley warned about "Authoritarianism."          

          It says here George Orwell fought in the 1930's "Spanish Civil War," but before that had been a Student of Aldous Huxley's at "Eton" College.  In those days he was known by his real      name of "Eric Blair."   Boy!  The sunlight soaking into me right now makes me feel so good.               

  NAPOLEON BONAPARTE (1769-1821)                         JOSEPH STALIN (1878-1953)    

                                                                                                                                     

          From what I heard my boss tell Mr. Randy, George Orwell named the mean Pig in his book Animal Farm after Napoléon Bonaparte.  But his "personality is based on Joseph Stalin      he said.  I can hear some Ravens croaking faintly way out there in the back eastern desert.           

           Mr. Steve and his father both think, in the late 1800's Napoléon "took advantage of the chaos" created by the French Revolution; to "make himself Emperor."  In Russia Stalin "took    power" after Vladimir Lenin died in the early 1920's.   Ah!  The air is so clear right now.              

            I mentioned how Jyoti Mishra who wrote the song "Your Woman" believes in the ideas of Leon Trotsky.  Mr. Steve has a book about "Trotsky."  A Pig in George Orwell's Animal Farm      was based on him according to what Dais heard Mr. Steve tell Mr. Ralph on the phone.                   

MAO ZEDONG (1893-1976)

          

        Mentioning George Orwell's old book Animal Farm makes me think of a Chinese man named Mao Zedong.  Daisy saw a tv show that said four years after World War II, in 1949; his    "Communist's" took over full leadership of his country.  He was one of those Dictators too.          

          Over the next three days I'll learn about the modern "Democratic" governments versus the more common in history "Authoritarian" regimes.  For most of history a King or Emperor,    or small group; have all of the "Political" power.   Daisy heard it's called an "Oligarchy."             

            Wow!  My Encyclopedias calls Joseph Stalin a "brutal tyrant," who was "responsible for the deaths of millions" of people.  Boy!  He killed even more people than Adolph Hitler.  But, I guess  "Chairman Mao" killed even more than them.  Two Crows are fighting in the desert.                                       

"RUSSIAN FRONT" 

("NAZI" GERMANY / "SOVIET UNION" / 1941-1945)

  

           I just thought of how, in World War II; Hitler's "Nazi" Germany fought the biggest in "Scale" war in all of human history against Stalin's "Soviet" Russia.  It was "the two biggest        heavyweights slugging it out" my boss's dad says.  Those Crows are really fighting now.                

          Daisy says our boss "finds it interesting" that, as George Orwell wrote Animal Farm in 1943 and 1944; Stalin's Soviet Union was an "ally" of the U.S.   They were both fighting against  Hitler's Germany.  Before June of 1941, when Hitler attacked Stalin; they had been allies.            

          Boy!  I'm so tempted to write more about the Second World War but I'd better just wait and do it according to the three outlines Daisy and I put together.  Dais thinks our boss Steve will be  so proud of me when he finds out I'm learning to read and write.  I can't wait for that!                                                          

                                                            MR. RALPH / SON RORY

                      

           Daisy says our boss's friend Mr. Ralph sounds smart.  He went to San Fernando High School at the same time as that Boxer Bobby Chacon.  I guess, Mr. Ralph knows a lot about the history of many different subjects; such as Boxing for instance.  A Lizard just now ran bye.          

            Mr. Ralph read George Orwell's books Animal Farm and 1984.  And, when young; also read Aldous  Huxley's book Brave New World too.  Mr. Ralph, who for a few years was what's    called a "Sparring Partner" in Boxing.  Daisy told me his son "Rory" seems smart too.                 

           From what Dais heard our boss tell his father one time, that guy Mr. Ralph has worked for the city of Los Angeles for a long time.  He was born in "Mexico City," and for a long time      lived over there in Pacoima.  A Train whistled faintly way out there in the northern desert.                                                 

EMPEROR AUGUSTUS (63 B.C-14 A.D.)

         

           Dais heard our boss joke how, in a Socialist culture everyone "on paper" is equal but, in Animal Farm they said all the Animals are equal but "some are more equal" than others.  Way    up there in the high late morning blue sky a flock of Birds is going bye.  I feel good right now.      

        Hey Lord!  I guess in ancient Rome it was joked the Emperor "Augustus," who was in power when You were alive; was "First among Equals" too.  Over the next three days I'll learn about the "Julio-Claudian" Dynasty.  The smell of Spring is also making me feel good.                  

          Two of the Pigeons landed in the dirt next to Manny the far right small Shed.  I think it's so cute when the boy Pigeon chases the girl Pigeon around and they both hop. The girl will hop in an irregular pattern trying to "Shake" him but he copies her hops exactly so she can't.                        

GEORGE ORWELL                                   CHARLES DICKENS

          I guess George Orwell, and that other guy Charles Dickens; were both English Writers who lived about a century apart.  Daisy told me Mr. Steve has some of their books on the three big bookshelves in his office.  I'd say I'm about halfway done with this fifth chapter.                      

          A nice lady from England one time told Mr. Steve she thinks Charles Dickens in the 19th century, and George Orwell in the 20th century; believed "One should at least try to be better in how you treat others."  Hey Lord!  That kind of sounds like what You use to tell people.                

          For about a thousand years the ancient Roman Empire in "Italy" dominated what is now called Europe, and all around the Mediterranean Sea too.  Their  "Legions" conquered a lot of land to create a huge empire.  The Pigeons lifted off and are flying out into the back field.             

      

         VISIGOTHS SACK ROME (410 A.D.)

                                                                      

           One time Daisy heard Mr. Steve's father say that "nothing lasts forever," and "it's not a foregone conclusion the U.S. will always be so wealthy."  A "Plague" could be a "Trigger" for a    big "world wide economic depression." Western Rome in Italy "even fell" Mr. Steve says.            

          My Encyclopedia says the "Western" part of the Roman Empire began in Italy about 500 B.C., and was destroyed by "Germanic" invaders in the 400's A.D.  Then, only the part of Rome over in the east was left.  And that part, "Byzantium;" lasted all the way up to 1453 A.D.              

          In my books Dais has me scheduled to learn and write about both halves of ancient Rome. The original Rome began in Italy, but when that western part fell; the surviving eastern part        kept on going.  That part began in the 300's under Emperor Constantine I or "The Great."                               

      "ROMAN" EMPIRE (c. 5TH CENTURY A.D.)        

   

           Because the American economy went into a "Recession" back in 2008, many people are low on money.  That's what I've heard my boss discuss with people a few times.  But, at least the country isn't in a "Depression" like what happened back in the 1930's before World War II.        

            Even though the Eastern Roman Empire survived up until the 15th century, there were a few times when it almost fell too.  One was during the "Reign" of  Emperor Justinian, when this  huge "Plague" or "Epidemic" broke out and killed millions of people.  Libby whinnied.                

          Back in College Mr. Steve did that "Research Project" on what is now called the "Black Death."  It happened in the 14th century, and in just four years the "Bubonic Plague" may have killed about half the population of Europe.  A Crow is cawing faintly out in the back desert.                                                    

THE "BLACK DEATH" (1347-1351)

     

           Wow!  A cartoon in my Encyclopedia shows a Wagon filled with dead bodies during the time of the Black Death.  Mr. Steve told his mom so many people died quickly during those four  years they had to have a "trash pickup for corpses."  A Raven is croaking out in the desert.          

            I just used my English Dictionary to look up the words "Epidemic" and "Pandemic."  I guess, an epidemic is; "the spreading of a disease within a community."  And, the definition of a   pandemic is, "an extreme epidemic that spreads over a much wider geographical area."               

        Mr. Steve thinks it's "just a matter of time, or "inevitable; until there's a big pandemic because people "interact" a lot more.  As cities get larger, or if the Earth heats up; Animals like Birds get pushed into new areas.  And that exposes "Virus's" to new possible "Hosts."                   

  

WORLD WAR I  

  

          I'm not scheduled to write about the "Spanish Flu" now, I feel like mentioning it.  Daisy says it was "one of the biggest pandemics," and happened at the end of the First World War.  On one of the beds in the guest bedroom is draped a black and white World War I German flag.        

       Daisy heard Mr. Steve and Mr. Grant talk on the phone about the Spanish "Influenza." Wow!  This Encyclopedia says, in 1918 and 1919 the Spanish Flu virus "may have killed fifty million" people in the world; "almost a million" here in America.  A Crow cawed faintly.              

          My boss told Mr. Grant Grandma Trujillo was born in 1914, the year World War I began; so was only four when that big pandemic started.   Yet she remembered it enough that she made Mr. Steve and his mom promise to make sure she wasn't accidentally buried alive.  I smell Sage.      

"SPANISH" INFLUENZA PANDEMIC (1918-1919)

   

        Daisy heard Mr. Steve say the Spanish Flu pandemic happened in three "waves" and the second one killed the most people.  A map in this Encyclopedia shows how it spread around the    world.  Fannie and Freddie are flying bye, and Fannie has a little dead Lizard in his mouth.         

         This "Collage" of pictures shows, even when playing Baseball; people wore masks in 1918 and 1919 for protection.  I notice the black and white photos were "Painted" like my boss used    to do on silk paper.  In Sylmar he had a "Dark Room" and all his life has made collages.               

       Mr. Steve told Mr. Grant no one knows where the Spanish Flu actually began but it was probably here in America, maybe in "Kansas;" not in Spain.   Theodora the Thrasher Bird just jumped up into her favorite Creosote bush near Jack the biggest Shed.  Dawn's barking.              

       

THEODORA "SCOLDS" HUSBAND JUSTINIAN

            

        Seeing Theodora makes me suddenly think of the original Queen Theodora who got mad at her husband the Emperor Justinian.  He wanted to run away from that huge "Riot" going on in  Constantinople.  But she "Shamed" him into staying and killing thousands of rioters.                    

        I'll write later about a pandemic from Justinian's time.  In 1918 the pandemic got its name because World War I governments "Censored" all the news, but Spain was "Neutral" so it was okay to "Publish" uncensored news that happened.  A small Lizard ran bye in the dirt.                 

   Daisy told me in his book 1984 George Orwell wrote about people losing "Privacy" to the government.  Mr. Steve and his father think a giant pandemic could be the "perfect excuse" for governments to take away privacy in the name of "Safety."  I smell Theodora over there.                

"CURRENT" EUROPE

    

             I'm beginning to really understand why my boss and his father like maps so much.  One  shows the countries of modern Europe, which makes me think of how ancient Rome used to rule over most of that area.  Theodora jumped down from her Creosote bush and ran away.                

         Dais and Millie saw a tv show that said, after the fall of western Rome in Italy; the "Dark Ages" began.  A lot of the Greek and Roman knowledge was "almost lost or forgotten," so life in Europe became a really, really hard "struggle for survival."  But eastern Rome kept going.          

          The 5th through 15th century A.D. is also called the "Medieval" or "Middle Ages."  Then, in the 15th century that "Renaissance" or "Re-Birth" period began.  Mr. Steve's father thinks      "most 4th century people in Italy probably never thought their prosperous lives would end."       

           

"MEDIEVAL" CASTLE

          A painting in this Encyclopedia shows a Middle Ages era castle, and you can see how the tall thick stone walls were protection from being attacked.  The caption says the Medieval period was a time of "Feudalism."  I guess castle walls were made out of big huge stone bricks.                

          My Dictionary says the definition of "Feudal" is, "A social and economic system in which the common people live and work on land in exchange for military or other services."  I guess all of those poor people are called "Vassals" or "Serfs."  The landowners were "Lords."                    

          Vassal's "hold" land but doesn't own it.  Daisy thinks a Serf kind of sounds like a slave in some ways but, at least they could survive inside of the castle if an army tried to come in and kill you.  Wow!  In some parts of the world feudalism lasted all the way until the 19th century.            

  

  "SAMURAI" WARRIOR 

     

            In Japan the social and economic system was feudal, and for a long time the "Samurai" Warriors were "Higher in Status" than Vassals and Serfs.  Dais says they could even kill them if they felt like it.  In India you can also kill the "Dalit" or "Untouchable" class  type people.  

           That Armenian lady said for centuries Japan's "isolated" people had no "Surnames."  But the Samurai "Class" lost power in 1868 and last names became required.  My Encyclopedia says Japan's isolation ended in 1853, which was eight years before the American Civil War.    

           Later today I'll learn about the "Mexican War" of 1846-48, and one guy who took part in that war was "Commodore" Mathew Perry.   Afterward, in 1853; his "Black Ships" sailed to Japan and forced them to "open up" to the world.  I guess a Commodore is like a General.         

                                              

                                     "COMMODORE" MATHEW C. PERRY  (1794-1858) 

                

         From 1868 until 1912, the same year New Mexico and Arizona became American States; in Japan it was called the "Meiji" era.  And by 1905 they had such a good modern Navy they even beat "Czarist" Russia in a war.  Anyway, I'll learn a lot more about Japan in my books. 

         Both Daisy and I really want to impress Mr. Steve, who lately she calls our "Chief."  I just thought of how he's fifty eight years old and never married or had children so, in a sense; you could say Daisy and I are sort of like his "kids."  Boy!  That makes me want to work hard!

         Dais and I enjoy when Mr. Steve talks to us, tells us things and; makes us feel like a family of 3!  Our boss jokes we're the "gang of 3" or a "democracy of 3 citizens."  But ultimately, as Daisy always says; Mr. Steve has the "final word" on things" so "what he says goes!" 

                     

MR. STEVE / DAISY /MAGGIE 

         

         Daisy jokes just like it said in George Orwell's book Animal Farm, "We're all equal" on our two acres; it's just that Mr. Steve is "more equal."  He's like Emperor Augustus, the "First    among Equals;" because he controls the "Purse Strings."  I'd like to have money for a purse.       

           Us Dogs aren't considered Slaves Daisy explained to me, but are "Personal Property" or "Livestock."  Mr. Steve has control over our "Destiny" but we're so lucky he doesn't hit us she    says.  A little Bird holding a long twig in its mouth just went running bye out there in the dirt.      

          Hearing Dawn barking right now makes me think about how she has only partial sight in her left eye because her first owner hit her with a belt I guess.  Dais's eyes are getting lighter in    color.  They'll probably eventually look like Mister Grant's blind Dog Miggie's sky blue eyes.                                                                        

                                         ALDOUS HUXLEY(1894-1963) WITH WIFE

     

             I just thought of that guy Aldous Huxley who, in 1932 during the Great Depression; put out his book famous "Brave New World."  That was a year before Adolph Hitler and Franklin Roosevelt came to power, and Mr. Steve's father was born.  I can smell the Mulberry tree.

            Daisy heard Aldous Huxley lived most of his life in England, until he and his wife moved to America; first to New Mexico and then out here to near us in Llano.  Over the next three days I'm scheduled to write a lot more about him and George Orwell too.  Finch's are chirping.

           Over the last year, in continuously making our "Rounds" on "Guard Patrol;" Dais and I have "Carved Out" some "Crisscrossed" paths.   Mr. Randy jokingly calls them our little "dirt roads."  They always allow us to get to every area of our property really fast if necessary.        

                                              SOUTH DIRT PATH                                              ROMAN LEGION     

             

             Mr. Randy joked our "little roads" are "small scale" versions of the roads the ancient Roman Legions built, and then used for "rapid deployment."  In my books I'll learn about the original "Italian" Rome and the later Byzantium Empire.   A Crow just cawed faintly. 

             The road that Dog Blackie, who's buried in our graveyard; was killed on runs north and south in front of our two acres.  The "Main" Highway #138, to the south of us; is about a mile to the south of our house.   Piñon Hills has many "Back" dirt roads like Primavera out there.    

             I looked up the word "Meander" in my Dictionary, because my boss used it that time to describe our dirt roads.  It means, "To take a winding course;" and "Rutted" is, "Grooves or tracks made in dirt over time by repeated use of wheeled vehicles."  I smell Arborvitae.      

   

   FLOCK OF BIRDS

    

             Hey Lord!  Seeing Birds flying bye makes me think of how You came down here for thirty three years.  Dais and I are now Roman Catholics because Mr. Steve's family are, so that's why I can't wait to learn more about You over the next three days.  And You too Blessed Mother!           

           I remember that time Mr. Steve's parents visited us.  As he watered the Mulberry tree they talked about that 1985 trip to Italy and Israel the group from St. Ferdinand's Parish went on.  I  think it's kind of interesting how so many places were named for King / Saint Ferdinand III.        

          My Encyclopedia says "San Fernando, Rey de España" was the "official" name given by the "Franciscan" Priests in the 18th century to the Mission they "established" near Sylmar.  In English that's "Saint Ferdinand, King of Spain."  That's what my Spanish Dictionary says.

   

                                                       ST. FERDINAND'S CHURCH

                                                                                                                                         PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

         From first through eighth grades my boss "Attended" that St. Ferdinands Parochial school run by Priests and Nuns.  The Parish is in the city of San Fernando,  located "Right next Door" to Sylmar.  Mr. Steve's brothers and sisters also went to St. Ferdinands too Daisy heard. 

         Hey Lord!  As You know one of my goals in life is to someday smell the inside a real Church like St. Ferdinand.  I would like how, unlike Protestant Church's; Catholic Church's allow all of those statues and images in them.  Cher the Cat is slinking underneath Moe the middle Shed.    

         I wonder if there are any Church's for us Dogs?  God, if not I could maybe start one which would of course also allow Cats in too because You created Cats.  Daisy heard how the Nuns at St. Ferdinand's used to say it was "important to be grateful to something beyond ourselves."                                                                                                                                                                                                          

CRUCIFIXION    

        

               Hey Lord!  Thank You for letting the Romans nail You to that big cross.  I look forward to hanging around in our boss's bedroom like Dais.  She says he hung a realistic "Crucifix" at the top of the fifteen foot tall wall, right behind and above his drums.   I can smell Cher.  

             It must've been really painful to have died the way You did for us Lord.  In 1985, after being in Italy; Mr. Steve's Tour Group went to Israel.  So they saw places important to You and Your family's life.  Boy!  They were so lucky alright and I sure wish I could do that too.

            Mr. Steve's Tour Group's landed in the Italian city of "Milan."  I guess that's where, back in 1945; that guy Benito Mussolini ended up being brutally tortured and killed.  I'm tempted to look it up now but I'd better just wait until tomorrow's book and do it according to schedule.  

               

                                                                         "APPIAN WAY ("VIA APPIA") 

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                                                                                                                                             

         

             In 1985 Mr. Steve's St. Ferdinand Tour Group walked on this ancient Roman road called the "Via Appia."  According to my Latin Dictionary that's "Appian Way."  Mr. Mike knows a lot about building roads and one morning he and my boss talked about ancient Roman roads. 

            Daisy saw a tv show about the year 73 B.C., when this "Gladiator" named "Spartacus" escaped and led a Slave army in a "bloody revolt" in Italy against the Romans.  Two Crows are  fighting out in the back desert.  I'll bet it's two boy Crows fighting over the girl Crow.

           Ugh!  My Encyclopedia says at first Spartacus's six thousand men beat the Romans but, eventually were all "crucified" on the Appian Way.  The corpses were "left to rot" so the "smell was very bad" the Tour Guide said in 1985.  She joked "that's why that road "survived."

                                      

                               "SPARTACUS" REVOLT (73 B.C.)                                     

       PAINTING BY BRIAN PALMER             

            

          A painting in my Encyclopedia shows Roman Soldiers in red fighting against Spartacus's men wearing white.  I notice both sides using those short "Gladius" stabbing swords like the one  I guess my boss has in his office.  Daisy says he also has knives and spears and in there too.           

          Boy!  It must really hurt to be stabbed with a sword.  If I'm ever in a war I'd want to have a good helmet for protection, like some of the ones Mr. Steve has in the living room sitting near the fireplace.  Cher, with Andy watching; just used the right gate slot to go into the desert.            

         Daisy says Mr. Steve's favorite Actors are Charlton Heston and Peter O'Toole, but he also likes some of the movies made by this other guy named Kirk Douglas too.  He played Spartacus    in a good 1960 movie Dais told me.  Mr. Steve was born in 1955, his brother Rock in 1957.            

               

"SPARTACUS" (1960)       

           

         Dais saw the Spartacus movie and says she can understand why Mr. Steve and his parents liked it.  It shows how that guy Spartacus was captured by the Romans, made into a Slave; and    then forced to be a Gladiator.  Boy God!  It would be so bad to be a Slave like Spartacus.              

         Spartacus and the other Gladiators had to wear chains a lot of the time, so they can't try to escape Dais says.  But one time they killed guards, escaped; and then Spartacus ends up leading  a revolt against the Romans.  Daisy says "too bad they all got captured" and "Put to Death."      

      I guess, when Spartacus and his men finally got captured the Roman General didn't know which prisoner was Spartacus.  They ordered Spartacus to "identify himself," but as he started    to do it the other men stood up and yelled, "I'm Spartacus!"  Wow!  They would die for him.                                 

              VINCENT VAN GOGH (1853-1890)                    KIRK DOUGLAS (1956)    

SELF-PORTRAIT                                                                                                                                                       

     

          Mr. Steve's mom got her College degree from C.S.U.N. in "Art History" so that's why, over the next three days; I'll learn about that subject.  Daisy heard one of her favorite movies is about that "Dutch" Painter "Vincent van Gogh.  Kirk Douglas played him in that movie Dais says.       

       When Mr. Steve and his parents walked on the Appian Way back in 1985 they talked about the Spartacus movie.  Mr. Steve told Miss Susan at work he remembers his mom mentioning that Actor Kirk Douglas as they walked along.  Ah!  The air is so clear, which makes me feel good.      

      In my three books I'll learn about this one place back there in New York City called "Ellis Island."  Mr. Steve told his mom he heard Kirk Douglas's family were "poor Russian Jews" who came through Ellis Island.  Kirk Douglas was the only boy among seven kids who came in.           

            

"ELLIS" ISLAND (NEW YORK CITY)

     

        Two of my boss's three girlfriends, Emily and then Harriet; were from families of what are called "Ashkenazi" Jews.  At the end of the 19th century poor Ashkenazi Jews, and Italians like Mr. Rick's family; came to America through Ellis Island.  Andy's over there looking at me.           

    Before working at U.C.L.A Miss Emily had a job raising money to "Refurbish" or fix the "Statue of Liberty." Daisy told me the giant statue, which Mr. Steve and his brother Rock saw in 1977; is in "New York Harbor."  I mentioned how Miss Emily grew up on "Long Island."            

     In 1985 Mr. Steve took pictures of Pope John Paul II in the "Vatican Square."  He told Mr. Randy his Tour Group sat "near the spot" where a man had tried to kill the Pope one time.  But, the Pope survived his being shot; and even ended up forgiving that same exact man Dais heard.            

                                       POPE JOHN PAUL II (VATICAN SQUARE / 1985)                                                                                                            PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

            

                In 1985 Mr. Steve's Tour Group were the very first "Passengers" on what the Italian "Alitalia" Airlines called a "Maiden Voyage."  Instead of flying from America's east coast over to Milan, the Plane flew "Directly" north from Los Angeles.  Heathcliff is crowing over there. 

             Flying over the North Pole in a "Polar Route," and down into Italy in one trip; turned out to be "way too long" flight Mr. Steve said.   Mr. Steve doesn't recall how many hours it took but told Miss Babette he "wouldn't do it again."  The "return trip" was "even worse." 

            Looking at a map of Italy I see why it's called "The Boot."  Daisy heard Mr. Ralph say Italy's shape "resembles a tall high-heeled 18th century Cavalry boot worn by Horse Soldiers." That French King named Louis XIV also wore high-heeled shoes in the 1700's too I guess. 

         

ITALY 

                    

             Boy!  I've already learned things about the ancient Rome that began where Italy is now located.  I guess, many think of ancient Greek and Roman societies as separate because they're from two different time periods and spoke different languages.  Libby whinnied over there.

            Daisy and Millie saw this tv show where the man said the original Roman Empire, which conquered the Greeks; were "heavily influenced by their culture."  They even worshiped some of the same exact Gods but under new names according to what Dais heard.  I smell Juniper. 

            Mr. Steve had a dream about walking around the city of Rome.  On the long flight over there in 1985 he read a "Time-Life" book about the city, and a biography of the KINKS.  Daisy says in the pleasant dream Mr. Steve hugged Grandma Córdova, who went on that trip.

      

                            NIGHTMARE                                                          LILITH

                               

            Sometimes I have dreams where my bad Angel "Lilith" tells me to do bad things, like chewing on something my boss would get mad at.  In Mr. Steve's bad dreams a Praying Mantis-like shadow attacks him.   I at times have really bad dreams about being abandoned again. 

            One time Lilith tried to convince me to kill a Dog and steal it's food, but then you came down from Heaven Stanley and scared her away.  It's amazing how Lilith can sound so nice and friendly too.  Daisy heard Mr. Julio at work call it "Dos Caras," or "Two Faces" in English.

            Mr. Steve is interested in hearing or reading about the last words people say just before they die.  So of course when he read that Pope John Paul II's final words were, "Let me now go to my father's house;" he "Took Note" as they say.  Heathcliff just crowed to my right.

          

                            (EXTERIOR)          "ST. PETER'S" BASILICA           (INTERIOR)

("VATICAN CITY," ROME)     

 

             In 1985 while in Rome Mr. Steve's Tour Group  got to visit the huge Church called "St. Peter's" Basilica, next to that big "Vatican Square."  On the same day they saw Michelangelo's "Sistine" Chapel, which made a big impression on my boss's mom.  Andy's looking at me.  

            The Tour Group also saw this area in Rome called the "Forum," and stood below the balcony from which Benito Mussolini made speeches to thousands of people in the 1920's and 1930's.  Mussolini was a "Fascist" who influenced Adolph Hitler.  A Train whistled faintly.

            Vatican Square and St. Peter's are "huge" my boss says.  Daisy says, looking up at the Sistine Chapel and interior of Saint Peter's Dome his father wondered how anyone could even have built such an immense building.   Blackbeard and Anne Bonny the Crows flew bye.   

        

                         ROMAN EMPIRE                                               "HAGIA SOPHIA"

       (WEST /EAST SECTIONS / 4TH CENTURY A.D.)                         ("CONSTANTINOPLE" / NOW "ISTANBUL")

        

         This Encyclopedia says ancient Rome "began in Italy," but by the 4th century A.D. was divided into the "Latin" western" area; and "Greek Byzantine" eastern section.  The western part fell in the 5th century A.D.   I just just picked up Andy's unique scent from over there.          

          One of Mr. Steve's customers is from "Turkey" and Dais heard them talk about how St. Peter's Basilica is big but not as huge as a building called "Hagia Sophia."  I guess it's in the city of "Istanbul," which used to be "Constantinople.  Hagia Sophia is Greek for "Holy Wisdom."     

       This Encyclopedia says Hagia Sophia was originally built as a Church by the Emperor "Justinian" in 537 A.D.  But, then in 1453 when the "Byzantine" Empire itself finally fell to the "Ottoman" Turks; it was "converted" into a giant Muslim "Mosque."  Heathcliff crowed.               

"SISTINE" CHAPEL

MICHELANGELO BOUNARROTI

                 

            Hey God!  Mentioning St. Peter's Basilica makes me think of that big "Sistine" Chapel painted way up there on a tall ceiling.   My Encyclopedia says in the 16th century it was created by Michelangelo Bounarroti, or "Michelangelo" for short.  Mr. Steve's mom studied him. 

           Michelangelo, and his "Rival" and "Competitor" Leonardo da Vinci; lived over in Italy during the "High Renaissance."  I've mentioned how Renaissance means "Re-Birth" in French and was the time after the "Dark" Ages.  Michelangelo and "Leonardo" hated each other.

           It says here what I've said before, how the "Dark" or "Middle" Ages in Europe "followed western Rome's fall" in the 400 B.C.'S.   Much of "Classical" learning "was lost," and most of the people became poor.  Samson and Delilah the Ravens are flying over Libby's Corral.

                                    

      DA VINCI (1452-1519)      MICHELANGELO (1475-1564)

                                   

          I'll learn about Michelangelo and "da Vinci" over the next three days.  Mr. Steve and his mom have studied their artwork over the years.  And they've also studied the artwork of some of the other Renaissance Artists too.  A Train just whistled faintly way out there in the desert.           

      My Encyclopedia says the Renaissance's "re-birth refers to a period of learning which followed about one thousand years of ignorance and struggle in Europe."  In 1985 Mr. Steve's      Tour Group saw elaborate 16th century fountains.  I'll learn about them in my three books.         

        Speedy Gonzalez just used the right vertical slot on the side of the gate to zoom into the eastern desert.  It's so amazing how he never hits his head on one of the hard steel pipes on either side.  Oh!  A breeze just brought in the scent of Rosemary, and now the chimes are ringing.                          

"PIETÀ"

MICHELANGELO

  

              Oh!  What a coincidence Blessed Mother that, as I smell Rosemary; the next thing on my outline is Michelangelo's marble "sculpture" of You at St. Peter's.  The Tour Group saw it, and Mr. Steve has a miniature marble copy of it I guess.  It shows You holding Your dead son.             

              Blessed Mother!  A "magnificent carving" is how the caption below the picture describes what Michelangelo did, calling it the "Pietà;" or "The Pity" in English.  Boy!  I really want one of those little miniature Pieta statues for out here on Elvira.  The air is so clear right now!       

             Hey Lord!  I guess in 1985 a Priest from St. Ferdinands, named Father Maher; was part of the Tour Group that went to Italy and then Israel.  He was originally from Ireland and had an  accent my boss says.  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; flew over Libby's Corral.   

                

       FATHER  MAHER / MR. STEVE'S FATHER                                MR. STEVE / SISTER CELINA

(VATICAN SQUARE / VATICAN CITY / ROME / 1985)

     

         Daisy one time heard Mr. Steve tell Miss Babette on the phone his dad arranged, or "got permission;" for Father Maher to "Say Mass" in Italy and later in Israel too.  He was what they call "Forever Grateful" to Mr. Steve's father for doing that.  Heathcliff's just crowed over.           

       In 1985 Mr. Steve's Tour Group visited another big Basilica in the city of Rome.  It was ordered built by that Byzantine Emperor Constantine I, "The Great;" and was "Dedicated" to  You up there St. Paul.  Ah!  Cher the Cat just came in from the desert with a dead Lizard.            

        My Encyclopedia says, just as St. Peter's Basilica was built over the spot where St. Peter "may" have been crucified upside down; the Church of St. Paul was built over the area where it "was thought" Emperor "Nero" had St. Paul killed.  I smell Sage.  That makes me feel good.              

"SAINT PAUL'S" BASILICA

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

  

           Hey St. Paul!  I guess, even though you were Jewish; you were also a "Citizen" of Rome; so had the "Right" to be killed in the city of Rome.  You weren't one of the original "Apostles,"    but my boss thinks you did more to "Sell" Christianity.  Your Jewish name was "Saul."                

           At first St. Paul you "Persecuted" the early Christians.  But then on your way to that city  "Damascus;" You Lord had that lightning bolt hit him and knock him off his Horse and blind      him.  Once you got your sight back St. Paul I'm glad you decided to do what you then did.            

        Once you recovered St. Paul, from then on you were just like one of those original twelve  "Disciples."  Oh!  Freddie's chasing another Crow and I know it's a boy Crow trying to steal Fannie because she's chasing and yelling at him too.  Freddie sounds really angry right now.                        

      "JOURNEYS" OF SAINT PAUL       

    

          I like this map that shows where you went St. Paul, and how you even used the Roman roads on your four long "Journeys" telling Greek and Roman "Gentiles" about Christianity.      Two of the Pigeons just flew in from the desert and landed up on the Patio roof above me.             

           Hey St. Paul!  I guess, on your fourth and final journey; you were taken back to Italy as a prisoner where Nero had your head cut off.  Over the years my boss has taught people how to sell things.  He gives them that one book "The Greatest Salesman In The World" to read.             

           Dais heard Mr. Steve tell Mr. Grant on the phone how that book The Greatest Salesman In The World has ten "Rules" for "selling and living a good life."   The first rule is called "The Power of Good Habits."  I love hearing the cooing of the Pigeons up there on the Patio roof.             

    CONSTANTINE I (272-337 A.D.)                   "CAPITOLINE MUSEUM (ROME)  

                   

               Hey Lord!  It says here after You died St. Paul spread Your ideas all around the Roman Empire.  But after he was gone, for about two centuries; Christians were often persecuted and killed.  But, in the 4th century A.D., the Roman Emperor "Constantine I" became Christian.

            It says here Constantine I is called "The Great," just like that Greek "Alexander" about seven hundred years earlier.  In the 4th century, his army fought "Maxentius's" army near the  city of Rome; and that man wanted to be Emperor too.  A Raven is croaking out in the field. 

           Before the battle, Constantine either had a dream or saw up in the clouds one of Your logos Lord.  Supposedly, You told him to paint that symbol on all of his Soldier's shields; which they did and went out and slaughtered that other Roman army.  So he became a Christian.

  

                                                      "MILVIAN" BRIDGE (ROME)

              In 1985 Mr. Steve's Tour Bus drove bye the bridge near where, in 312 A.D.; Constantine I's Soldiers beat that other Roman army.  On that same day the Tour Group went and visited the "Capitoline" Museum and other places too.  The Pigeons are flying back out into the desert.  

              Hey Lord!   That one older lady told my boss how, if You sent a message to Constantine; it was probably a "Chi-Rho" symbol.  Daisy says that it looks like a "P," with an "X;" and means "Christ" or "Christos" in Greek.  A few years ago Mr. Steve helped a kid do a drawing of it. 

             Were I ever able to borrow Mr. Peabody's Time Machine Lord I'd go back to hear You tell Constantine to paint that logo on his Soldier's shields.  It says here how You said, "In hoc signo vinces;" or "In this sign, you shall conquer" in English.  I'd love to hear Your voice Lord. 

                           EDITH HAMILTON (1867-1963)                         MARY BEARD

                I just thought of two ladies Daisy who know a lot about ancient Greece and Rome.  Mr. Steve and his father like books written by a lady named Edith Hamilton, who Dais says not only is she a Writer; but also led a private girls school too.  Oh!  Donald and Daisy are quacking.

            Someday I want to see a tv show by an English girl named Mary Beard, who Mr. Steve listens to as he does his busy work.  She's also an expert about things having to do with what's called "Classical Antiquity."   Dais says Mr. Phillip from Wales admires her knowledge.

           Mr. Steve's father, and Mary Beard; think you cannot "judge people from the past by the standards of today."  According to what Dais heard Mary Beard say in an episode, "All ancient cultures were militaristic and nasty."  There are some long thin clouds up there in the sky. 

                        

                                        AUGUSTA FLAVIA IULIA  HELENA (248?-330 A.D.)

               I just thought of how Constantine I converted to Christianity, and so did him mother named "Helena;" who's now a Saint.  Daisy says you can tell Mr. Steve thinks she's important because she "probably influenced" her son.  I smell Alpha Company out there in the desert. 

             My Encyclopedia has a painting of St. Helena, who I see is wearing a medal with the "Chi-Rho" logo on it.  Her son sent to Israel, and in 1985 Mr. Steve's group visited Church's she ordered built.  Mr. Steve once told Miss Babette how, "as a kid;" he drew the Chi-Rho logo.  

                  This is interesting Lord.  The caption under the picture of St. Helena says she's not only important to us Roman Catholics, she's also "revered" by Greek or Eastern Orthodox Catholics too.  Oh!  And some Protestants, like Lutherans and Anglicans; "commemorate" her too.                                                              

           SISTER'S SUSAN-CELINA  /  GRANDMA CÓRDOVA  /  MR. STEVE'S MOM / FATHER MAHER

                                                                            (VATICAN SQUARE / 1985)

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                          

            

             In 1985 the St. Ferdinand's Tour Group saw the Pope in "Vatican Square," right next to that huge "St. Peter's" Basilica.   Father Mather "Said Mass" in an area of St. Peter's, and Mr. Steve told his mom you could see how happy it made him.   I can smell Alpha Company.

             Mr. Steve one time told Miss Babette he had a dream where he smelled all the "Incense" they burned in St. Peters during Father Mather's Mass.  Someday, hopefully; I'll smell the Sage Mr. Dave mailed to us from back in New Mexico.  Ah!  I love how happy I feel right now.

             A while back Mr. Steve's parents visited us, and Mr. "Ivan" came with them.  He's my boss's dad's best friend, one reason being they were in the military during the "Korean War."  Mr. Ivan was in the Army, stationed in "occupied West Germany;" where he met his wife.   

                                                      

MR. IVAN               

              

           As Mr. Steve watered the Mulberry tree, Dais and I heard Mr. Ivan talk about the time he, Mr. Steve's father; and Mr. Steve went downtown to hear Mass at the giant Catholic Cathedral.  Mr. Ivan, like Miss Sandy's dad; is a "Mason."  He's also "Protestant" Christian Daisy heard.   

          Smelling incense must've made an impression on Mr. Ivan, because he mentioned it that one morning.  Hey Blessed Mother!  I guess the giant Church is named after You up there.  Up in the sky there are now some long thin, slowly extending clouds; which makes me feel good.

          I remember, when Mr. Ivan said he "liked the idea" of burning incense, Mr. Steve's dad joked "maybe you should convert to Catholicism."  My boss's mom thought that was funny.  On that beautiful warm morning they talked about the Tour Group's visit to Italy and Israel.

                                                                                                       L.A. "MUSIC CENTER"                                      

    

                 That morning I remember Mr. Steve and Mr. Forbes talking about the "Music Center," which is downtown.  I guess, there are many different Theaters located there; which Mr. Steve's family have been to a few times.   That big Catholic Cathedral is pretty close to there. 

           Mr. Steve been seen different types of things at the Music Center, like concerts; plays and things like that.  Mr. Steve's mom talked with him about the time way back in the 1970's he and Miss Sandy went to a play at the Music Center.   I smell  Andy over guarding their burrow.

           In my books Daisy has me scheduled to learn about the "L.A. Times" Newspaper, so will find out about this lady named Dorothy Chandler.  One of the Theaters at the Music Center is named after her I heard my boss's dad say that time.  Andy seems like a really good father.  

                   

                                                      "OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS"  

              

                   Hey Blessed Mother!  On that pleasant morning I remember how Mr. Steve's parents told Mr. Ivan about the Church on the spot where Your new Church is now.  I guess, in the big earthquake of 1994; it was damaged so had to be torn down.   A Train whistled faintly.

             Mr. Steve's mom told Mr. Ivan there's been a Church on that "site" since the late 19th century.   She told him she's at times had "nice" dreams where she smells the incense burning in the Church back there in Belén.   That was when she was growing up in New Mexico. 

             In chapter four I mentioned L.A. "Supervisor" Mike Antonovich, who worked with my boss's dad.  His office was near the Music Center and Cathedral, so for a few years Mr. Steve's family were on his "List" of people able to park nearby for free.  Then they walked around. 

 

             ROBERT WADLOW (1918-1940)                           S.F. "MASONIC" LODGE                                                  

                   One time Daisy heard Mr. Steve and father talked on the phone about a time, at the San Fernando "Masonic Lodge;" Mr. Ivan told them about the tallest man in history.  His name was Robert Wadlow, and was from the State of "Illinois."  He was a Mason just like Mr. Ivan.

            Wow!  A picture in this Encyclopedia shows that guy Robert Wadlow standing next to normal sized people.  The caption says when he died at the young age of twenty two, he "stood eight feet eleven inches tall;" the tallest person "in recorded history."  Daffy's quacking.  

            Mr. Ivan said during the 1930's Great Depression, when many people were "dirt poor;"  Robert Wadlow "at least had a job."  He worked for the shoe company who made his size thirty seven shoes.  A slight late morning breeze just brought in the Twins scent from the desert.

      

WITH "ANDRE THE GIANT"        MR. BOBBY            VERSUS BOZA EDWARDS      

   

              It says here Robert Wadlow was born with an "overactive pituitary gland," so I guess he "never stopped growing" Mr. Ivan said.   Daisy and Millie saw a tv show which mentioned how Alligator's are like that too.  Rosie next door was big in size at one time but is shrinking now.  

             Mr. Bobby the Boxer one time met a French Wrestler named Andre the Giant, who had the same physical problem as Robert Wadlow.   Mr. Ivan told my boss and his dad how everyone who met him said Mr. Robert was "very intelligent."  He was also a really friendly person.

             Daisy heard Mr. Ivan say, as a kid in school; that guy Mr. Robert had a "difficult time getting a desk."  One time my boss and Mr. Mark in Hawaii remembered the mid-1980's when they did "Booth Duty" for all the sports teams at the Forum.  A little Lizard just ran bye.  

           

       PRIMO CARNERA (1906-1967)                                            CHUCK NEVITT                     

          

                 Over the next three days I'll learn about a 1930's Italian Boxer named Primo Carnera, who was six foot seven inches tall.  He took pictures with Robert Wadlow where he looked kind of small Daisy heard.  Mr. Ralph thinks Primo Carnera was "brave but lived a sad life."

            I feel like writing about Primo Carnera now but better wait and do it according to the outlines.  In chapter four I wrote about that man from San Fernando named Frank Modugno.  His family hired Primo Carnera at their company when he really needed a job I guess.

            During the 1980's my boss, Mr. Mark and Miss Helen at times went to "Malls" to try to get "Leads" for selling tickets and advertising for the sports teams.  At times a tall seven foot five guy named Chuck Nevitt would show up and help them.  Mr. Steve thinks he "had courage." 

       

                                            FLOCK OF BIRDS IN LATE MORNING  

      

                 A flock of Birds is flying toward the northeast.  Looking up makes me think about being too tall.  To attract people at the Malls, my boss and Mr. Mark played sports highlights on a big tv; in order to attract people to their booth.  People filled out cards for free ticket drawings.

           My boss says Chuck Nevitt was so tall people "stared at him, but he had a good "sense of humor."  One time two little girls, with their jaws dropped; were staring at his Cowboy boots.  He joked, "I'll bet I'm the biggest Cowboy you ever saw."  They said, "Oh yes, you are!" 

            Dais says Mr. Steve told his sister Susan in Connecticut he "wouldn't want to be too tall or short," and is glad he's the size he is.  He did sort of "feel sorry" for Chuck Nevitt, in seeing how most people "react to him."  A guy told him Chuck Nevitt now works on computers.      

                           

SWISS GUARDS 

GETTY IMAGES

        

            Oh wow!  I love the uniforms the Pope's "Swiss Guards" are wearing in this picture.  On that morning Mr. Steve's mom told Mr. Ivan they're "soldiers from Switzerland," and since the 16th century have even died protecting all the different Popes.  Dawn's barking over there.           

            Boy!  I'd wear one of the Swiss Guards professional-looking uniforms!  Sitting on that bookshelf in the dining room, near the living room; is that "Bust" of the Spanish Conquistador wearing a helmet just like the ones the Swiss Guards wear.  I can smell Bliny over there.

            According to the caption below the picture of the Swiss Guards in Swiss they're called "Päpstliche Schweizergarde."  Mr. Steve kills Rats with a "Halberd" spear like the ones the Swiss Guards carry.  He has a few different types of spears in his office Daisy's told me.

    

                                                         "HOT DOG ON A STICK"

                One time on the phone Mr. Steve and Mr. Dave talked about a place called "Hot Dog on a Stick."  Dais says she's pretty sure I'd really like the "flashy" uniforms all the girls who work there wear.  Mr. Steve used tell Miss Sandy, Emily and Harriet how they should wear them.

              For a while Mr. Steve was Office Manager for the company he, Miss Babette, Karin and Susan work for.  He did job interviews but told the girls it was "mandatory" they wear Hot Dog on a Stick uniforms.  Speedy just ran bye in front of the Sheds and left behind some dust.

             With a "Straight Face" Mr. Steve told the girls of the "Company Dress Code," but they laughed in realizing he was just kidding.  Mr. Dave laughed one time at how, "really needing" a job; he cut his beard and wore a "goofy" Universal Studios uniform.  Dawn's barking.  

                                

                                                                                         "COLLOSEUM" (ROME)

                   

            I have more to write about my boss's 1985 trip to Italy.  On his own, he walked around the city of Rome; eating lunch at an "Open Air" market called "Piazza Campo de'Fiori;" where he had a nice talk with a lady who spoke English.   He asked her what did "Prego" mean.

           The lady said prego could mean "come in" or "you're welcome" but at other times, "to be polite;" a person might mean "please, after you."  Over the years my boss and Mr. Rick, who's Italian-American; have laughed at how "energetic" some Italians are.  I like Dawn's voice.

           Daisy says in 1985, in Italy and Israel; Mr. Steve's sister Celina noticed how many people rode around on these things called "Scooters" instead of Cars.  At that time the Italian economy was really bad and gas was very expensive.  Samson and Delilah the Ravens are flying bye.  

                

"VESPA" MOTOR SCOOTER            

                                                                                                                                                                PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

       In my three books I'll learn about Motorcycles and things like that.  But right now, in looking at my book one outline; I still have more to write about my boss's 1985 trip to Italy and Israel.  Libby whinnied and for some reason that makes me feel happy to be here on Elvira.         

           After visiting Italy in the first part of June, in 1985; Mr. Steve's Tour Group then took an "El Al" Airplane flight over to Israel.  I guess El Al is the name of Israel's "Passenger" Airline company.  Boy!  How could anyone have even invented such an amazing thing like a Plane?         

          Hey God!  According to my Encyclopedia, the "holy" city of Jerusalem is "important" to the three "Monotheistic" religions who believe only in You.  In the "Old City" section is an area called the "Temple Mount."  The smell of late morning is making me feel so good right now.       

JERUSALEM ("TEMPLE MOUNT") 

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                                                                                                                                           

   

           Dais heard Mr. Steve talking on the phone with Mr. Ralph about that 1985 visit to Israel.  On top of the Temple Mount Muslims built the "Dome of the Rock," and "Al Aqsa" Mosque.      On the day my boss's Tour Group walked around up there it was "really hot" he says.                  

         My Encyclopedia says in Islam the Temple Mount is called the "Noble Sanctuary."  It's where that Old Testament guy "Abraham" almost "sacrificed" his own son, and then later the    "Prophet Muhammad" what's called "ascended into Heaven."  Hey!  Just like You Lord!             

          Boy Lord!  As You already know, I'd sure like to go over to Israel and smell all the areas where You grew up.  I guess, Jews are not allowed up on the Temple Mount, but Mr. Steve's Tour Group got to  walk all around as "Tourists."  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies up there.             

  

 ST. FERDINAND'S TOUR GROUP ("DOME OF THE ROCK" / 1985)

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

        Tomorrow in book two Daisy has me scheduled to learn about all of the wars Israel's had since they became a country back in 1948.  Jews and Muslims have fought and killed each other  to this day according to what Dais heard.  Ah!  I can smell Sage, which makes me feel good.          

          Jews also think of the Temple Mount as "Sacred," calling it "Mount Moriah."  I guess a lot of violence has happened up there over the years, but a Jewish lady once told my boss how some "Rabbi's" say Jews shouldn't go up there anyway.  A Train whistled faintly to my left.                   

        Some Rabbi's, who are like Priests; say Jews shouldn't walk where the "Holy of Holy's" or "Inner Sanctum" was in ancient times and the "Ark of the Covenant was kept.  Until 70 A.D. the Temple Mount was where the "Second" Jewish Temple was located.   "King Herod" built it.        

   

"WAILING WALL" (JERUSALEM)

  

         Hey God!   In 1985 the Tour Group visited the "Wailing Wall," where many Jews go to pray and often request Your help.  In this English Dictionary "Wailing" is, "A sad cry made in grief or pain."  Mr. Steve cried when burying that other Dog Millie who I replaced Dais says.       

         Mr. Steve and the Tour Group prayed like Jews below the Wailing Wall, and some even wrote out secret wishes on pieces of paper.  Then, they stuffed the notes into cracks or the areas between the huge, giant stone blocks.  Max the Hummingbird just whizzed bye right now.            

          My Encyclopedia says the Wailing Wall is the "only section left" of the "Second" Jewish Temple built by King Herod, as the Romans destroyed it in 70 A.D.  That "First" Temple was      built by King "Solomon."  I'll learn about King's Solomon and Herod in these three books.                           

     "SECOND" JEWISH TEMPLE      

           (MODEL IN JERUSALEM, ISRAEL)              

                      PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA               

                                                           

            My Encyclopedia says the Romans "crushed" that "Jewish Revolt" of 66 through 73 A.D. In burning Jerusalem they destroyed that Second Temple just like You predicted.  I mentioned earlier how, in 586 B.C.; the "Mesopotamian" Babylonians burned that "First" Temple.  

           It says here the "Holy of Holy's" was a room in the Second Temple where Priests kept the "Ark of the Covenant."   The "Ark" was a "golden box," where the "Ten Commandment" tablets Moses brought down from "Mount Sinai" were stored.  I smell some new Sage.    

           The Ark of the Covenant "disappeared" when the Babylonians destroyed King Solomon's First Temple, so people have "searched for it" ever since.  Wow!  It was gold so whoever finds it can be rich for life.  This English Dictionary says how a "Covenant" is, "An agreement."                                      

"ARK OF THE COVENANT"    

       

            Mr. Steve has a miniature Ark of the Covenant on the divider between the dining room and kitchen over there to my right.  Whenever my boss opens up the sliding glass door I can see that little Ark from out here.  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies asleep up there in the nest.          

           Daisy says Mr. Mark thinks when the Babylonians "sacked" the First Temple, the Ark might've been "smuggled" down into African "Ethiopia;" which for a long time was also called "Abbysinia."  Some black people have told Mr. Mark he looks like he'd be from Ethiopia.            

           I guess no one really knows what the Ark actually looked like Mr. Steve has read, even though there's an Old Testament description of it.  The mystery of it's disappearance has made    people search for it to "Acquire it's Power."  The Nazis were interested in it in the 1930's.             

          

"MOSES" (CHARLTON HESTON)   

        

            One of Mr. Steve's favorite Actors is Charlton Heston, so I'll learn about him over the next three days.   Daisy saw a movie where he played the part of Moses.  Hey God!  If I could      borrow Mr. Peabody's time machine I'd go back to see You "Part the Sea" for Moses.                   

             Daisy told me Mr. Steve has this big white and red "Knights Templar" flag draped over his bedroom door.  This tv show said some think the Knights Templar, who were "stationed in      Jerusalem" after the "Third Christian Crusade;" found the Ark.  Mr. Steve doesn't believe it.     

           In my books I'll learn about the "Christian Crusades," the "series of religious wars" or "campaigns" that happened from 1096 to 1271 A.D.   My Encyclopedia says European Catholics "hoped to violently take back the Holy Land from infidel Muslims."  I smell Mesquite.                              
"KNIGHTS TEMPLAR"

("ORDER OF SOLOMON'S TEMPLE")

                                                                                                                                                            ARTWORK BY FRANK BOSTON

    

              My Encyclopedia calls the Knights Templar a "Military Order," made up of "Warrior Monks;" so they were like Catholic Priest / Soldiers I guess.  They were "trained in the arts of war," fighting in the Third Christian Crusade of 1121 through 1124.  I can smell Libby.

             Daisy says the man on the tv shows said the Knights Templar's job, after Jerusalem was taken back after this massacre of Muslims; was to protect Christian "Pilgrims" who went to the Holy Land.  Their headquarters was on Temple Mount.  I'll bet they did find the Ark!

             A big blue and yellow Swedish flag is hung over the the guest bedroom door Daisy says.  I'm looking forward to someday seeing that gold and white Sun/Moon plaque hanging on the wall at the far end of the hallway.  A little Bird carrying a small twig just went running bye.  

FRONT AREA OF THE PROPERTY

                Up there in the front yard, where Daisy will be over the next three days; are those two statues with Chinese themes.  One is that heavy Warrior Monk holding a sword, the smaller a Buddhist Monk praying in a seated position.  My right nostril just picked up Libby's scent.  

                Besides the statues, Daisy and I really like all the different cement "Stelae's" Mr. Steve has on our two fenced in acres.  I go up on the little hill with the Chinese Monk, where it's easier to "Scan" and guard our land.  And, on hot days; you can also feel the breezes better too.

                 Hey Lord!  Did the Knights Templar get rich by finding the Ark of the Covenant or the "Holy Grail" cup You used at the "Last Supper?"  Daisy says a French King killed the Knights Templars on "Friday the 13th," but Mr. Steve says he's had good and bad luck on that date. 

    

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR / KNIGHTS OF MALTA

   

                 Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his mom talking on the phone about the miniature figurines he used to build and paint.  Two lost in the 1971 Sylmar earthquake were of a Knight Templar, another one of a "Malta" Knight.  All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.

            Mr. Steve's father knows how the Knights Templar became really rich and were kind of like Europe's first Bankers.  But they got too powerful so France's King, who owed them a lot of money; just made an excuse to kill them.  But their treasures were never found Dais says.

           A Portuguese man once told my boss's father the Knights Templars "who survived" the slaughter "went to Portugal."  Daisy says some think they escaped Europe with the treasure.  Hey Lord!  Did the Knights Templar know something that threatened the Catholic Church?

                                          

                                                   "SHOFAR" (JERUSAMEM)

                                                                                                              

               A picture in my Encyclopedia shows a Jewish man blowing what the caption says is called a "Shofar," which is a "bugle."  Wow!  A shofar is made from an actual horn cut off the head of a Ram, so it can then be hollowed out I guess.  Shofar's are used for "religious ceremonies."  

            Mr. Steve told hs mom in Jerusalem you can hear "a Jewish shofar blown," the "Islamic Muezzin's wail;" or the "ringing of  Christian Church bells."  I just thought of the 12th century A.D. Spanish city of "Cordoba."   That's when all three monotheistic groups "Got Along."   

            Back in 1985, when they visited the Wailing Wall; Mr. Steve and his sister Celina walked to an area where the females pray.   They noticed how some of the Jewish girls were also blowing a shofar in calling others to prayer.  All four of the Pigeons just went flying bye right now. 

  

GIRL PLAYING A "SHOFAR"

   

           Hey God!  If I had one of those shofars I'd use it every day so You could hear it!  Daisy heard Mr. Dave say on the phone how you can also make a shofar out of Goat's horn too.  And in some religious ceremonies a shofar is played alongside one of those regular "Trumpets."  

           Anyway, I'll learn more about Israel over the next three days.  But now, according to my book one outline; I want to write about this Mexican city called "Tijuana" which is to the south of that American city of "San Diego."  Heathcliff crowed and his Hens are clucking happily.

           I remember the morning Mr. Steve talked with that Mexican Worker "Esteban," who said his mom in Tijuana was good at "surviving with little."  I guess, in Tijuana the people who live there call themselves "Tijuanenses;" or "Tijuaneros" in slang.  Mr. Steve's been to Tijuana.

                

           MR. JULIO / WIFE ROSARIO                               JULIO / DAUGHTER MABEL

          

            My boss told Mr. Julio, who grew up near Tijuana and embroiders the things he sells; about going to "Suq" or "Bazaar" in Jerusalem.  I guess, just like down there in Tijuana; a lot of "Vendors" sell things in stalls.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying toward the north.    

             I noticed how Esteban was impressed when told about Jerusalem.  Oh!  He mentioned the  "Pulgero" vendors in Tijuana, and in Spanish "Pulga" is "Flea" so; that's probably where the name "Flea Market"comes from.  Mr. Steve has bought and sold things at "Swap Meets."   

            The "Kumeyaay" Indians have lived for centuries in the area where Tijuana is located, and call that region "Tiwan" Mr. Dave said.  And in their language that would be translated as being "By the Sea."  Donald and Daisy are quacking over there next door. 

                           

MEXICO  / UNITED STATES      

             

            Mr. Steve and Esteban talked about two cities across the United States Mexico border from each other.  The American city is called "Calexico," the Mexican named "Mexicali;" and that's where Mr. Julio is originally from.  The name "Esteban" means "Steven" in Spanish.

           I guess Calexico and Mexicali are about one hundred miles east of San Diego and Tijuana. Mr. Esteban said he heard "Tijuana" is combining the names "Tia Juana" or "Aunt Jane" as it would be in English.  I just used my English Dictionary to look up the word "Conjunction."

       Mr. Esteban said there's an old story about Tijuana getting its name from a lady who used to give people a place to rest and eat something.  He told my boss about a giant "Sculpture" up on a hill just south of Tijuana.   A flock of Birds is flying bye way up there in the high sky. 

    

                                        "CHRISTO DEL SANGRADO CORAZÓN"                                                                                               PHOTO BY FLICKR USER SUPERFERN                                                              

                                 

          Oh wow!  This Encyclopedia has a picture of that huge statue near Tijuana.  Hey Lord!  That statue shows You stretching out Your arms, the caption saying You're "facing" the Pacific    Ocean.  I can smell some old Mesquite out there in the back desert behind the Sheds.                     

           Lord!  Seeing that giant statue of You makes me think about how Joshua trees reminded Mormons of Joshua praying with his arms up in the air.  I guess the big statue's name is "Cristo del Sangrado Corazón," or the "Sacred Heart of Christ."  A Freight Train whistled faintly.          

            Mr. Steve has a friend named "Frank," who worked with his brother Rock at "General Motors."   Daisy heard him tell Mr. Steve on the phone one time how in 1602 Spanish Explorer Sebastián Vizcaino named the "San Diego" area after his Ship.  A little Lizard ran bye.      

                                                                                                  SEBASTIÁN VIZCAINO (1548-1624)             SPANISH "GALLEON" WARSHIP                         

           

         Christopher Columbus "Discovered" the "New World" 1492, Hernan Córtez conquered Mexico's Aztec's in 1521; and Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo first sailed up to "Alta" California back  in 1542.  His job was to "Map" the California coastline.  I really like how Mesquite smells.           

         This Encyclopedia says in 1602 "Vizcaino's" "Flagship," named after "Saint Didacus de Alcalá;" led the other Ships into what is now "Mission Bay."  I guess another name for "Diego"  is "Didacus" and Diego is short for "Santiago" or "Saint James."  I feel so alive right now.           

           It says here in 1602 Vizcaino had a Priest say mass on the "Feast" day of "Saint Didacus de Alcalá."  Mr. Steve told Mr. Frank, as a kid; he built a model of a 16th century "Galleon" like the ones Sebastián Vizcaino sailed up here to "Alta" California in.  Libby just whinnied.                  

                                                        SAN DIEGO ("MISSION BAY")

      

             Dais says Mr. Steve and Mr. Frank talked about  San Diego's what's called  "Sister City" over there in Spain.  It's named "Alcalá de Henares," and I guess it's located about twenty miles to the northeast of that other really big Spanish city called "Madrid."  Dawn's barking.

            One of St. Ferdinand's Catholic school sports "Rivals" is named for St. Didacus.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his brother Rock remember playing them, and how for a while Rock's two boys, Rocky Jr. and Jacob; went to St. Didacus for Elementary school.  I can smell Blinky.  

            My Encyclopedia says the Spanish city of Alcalá de Henares is where a Writer Miguel de Cervantes was born.  In the 16th century "Cervantes" wrote "Don Quixote," one of the first ever "Novels."  Daisy told me how it's about a Knight and his Assistant is "Sancho Panza."

                                                                              MIGUEL DE CERVANTES                           WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE         

(1547-1616)                                                         (1564-1616)        

                       

        Wow!  This Encyclopedia calls Miguel de Cervantes the "greatest" Writer in Spanish, so he's like William Shakespeare is in English.  I notice they died in the same year.  Dais heard Mr.  Steve and his mom discuss how Don Quixote has been made Plays and movies over the years.      

           I notice Sebastian Vizcaino, Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare all have those  mustache and beards; which must've been the "Style" in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.    I'd wear a collar like the one Miguel de Cervantes has on in his picture.  I smell Mesquite.            

           My Encyclopedia says Alcalá de Henares, where Miguel de Cervantes was born; is located on the "bank" of the "Henares River" and "known" for its "universities."  I guess "Alcalá" is the Arabic word for "Citadel" or "Castle."  Blackbeard and Anne are flying to the east.               

  

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

("CHRIST THE REDEEMER") 

    

           For a few years a man named "Eber, from the country of "Brazil;" was the "Bookkeeper" for the company Mr. Steve, Babette, Susan and this other girl named Karin sell things for.   He    told my boss about a huge statue of You Lord, back there in Brazil.   Dawn's barking.                    

        Hey Lord!  Mr. Eber jokes how in Brazil life is often, "Rir pra pão chorar" or "Laugh so you don't cry."   That giant statue "overlooks" the city of "Rio de Janeiro," where he grew up.    Mr. Eber told my boss about really poor "Ghetto" or "Slum" areas called "Favela's" there.         

        This one Portuguese Dictionary says Rio de Janeiro means "River of January."  The "Art Deco" statue in Brazil is called "Cristo Redentor," or Christ the Redeemer;" and Daisy says Mr. Eber thinks it's one of the "Wonders of the world."  Fannie and Freddie are flying bye.                          

FANNIE AND FREDDIE

  

            In my books I'll learn about two "Styles" of art, 19th century "Art Nouveau;" and early 20th century "Art Deco."  Daisy heard Mr. Steve's mom studied them both back in College at      C.S.U.N.   Fannie and Freddie, as they so often do; are talking to each other as they fly along.      

            My Encyclopedia says the Portuguese founded the city of Rio de Janeiro," or "Rio" for short; in 1565.  On a map you can see how Portugal and Spain are located next to each other on that "Iberian Peninsula."  Both languages are "based on" the conqueror's Roman Latin. 

             My outline says the next subject to write about is ancient Egypt.  Mr. Steve and his mom are interest in "Archaeology," and Daisy heard Mr. Steve's mom say had she not raised a family she would've liked to be an "Archaeologist."  I can smell Alpha Company out in the desert. 

                                            

                                             QUEEN NEFERTITI (c.1370-1330 B.C.)     

(HUSBAND "AKHENATEN" IN REAR)       

          

            Hey God!  I just looked up that ancient Egyptian "Pharaoh" named "Akhenaten."   He was the "first known Monotheist," which means he believed in only You; instead of a lot of Gods like most other people did back then.  His wife "Nefretiti" was really pretty Daisy says.

            I guess a Pharaoh is like a King or Emperor.  It says here Akhenaten "replaced" Egypt's "traditional" religion with his and his wife's belief in just You God.  "Polytheism" means you believe in "many" or "multiple" Gods according to it's definition in my English Dictionary.

               Akhenaten was born "Amenhotep IV" or "Amenophis IV" in Greek, his newer name meant "Effective for Aten;" while "Aten" is You God "in the Sun."  "Akhenaten" means "God is Satisfied," Akhenaten's God "Aten" replaced the other primary traditional God "Amun."

      

"AKHENATEN" / "NEFERTITI"

     

           A "Tomb Painting" panel in my Encyclopedia shows Akhenaten and his wife Nefertiti.  The caption says they're "holding their children," and I notice rays of the Sun coming down on    them.  Samson and Delilah the Ravens are flying bye way up there in the high blue sky.                 

           There were three ancient Egyptian "historical periods" after the two sections "unified."   The "Old" Kingdom, when the "Pyramids" were built; went from 3500 B.C. until 2100 B.C.  I    guess then everything collapsed until the "Middle" Kingdom began.   Heathcliff crowed.              

        It was in the "New" Kingdom when Akhenaten's family lived, which Daisy heard some people call the "High Point" of ancient Egyptian culture.  It began in about 1500 B.C.   Later in the 3rd century B.C. that guy Alexander the Great conquered Egypt, and made it Greek.                         

  JOANN FLETCHER                              THREE "KINGDOMS"     

         

          Daisy watched a tv show about ancient Egypt, and could tell Mr. Steve liked listening to this smart English girl named Joann Fletcher.  She and Millie could tell he also thought she was pretty too, so liked looking at her.   She mentioned the "Three Periods" of ancient Egypt.              

      In my three books Daisy has me scheduled to find out about the evolution in the use of "Metals."  Mr. Steve, and his father too; both think that's one of the most important subjects in  history.  All four of the Pigeons just came in from the east and flew over the Patio going west.       

          When ancient Egypt began tools and weapons were made of "Copper."  But it was too soft and replaced by "Bronze," itself made "obsolete" when harder "Iron" was "developed."  Now    "Steel," like the fences around our two acres; is the metal mainly used because it's stronger.                  

                             "AMARNA"                                                        "NILE" RIVER

                                                   PAINTING BY BARRY KEMP

      

              I guess, Akhenaten not only replaced Egypt's "traditional" religion; he also moved the  capitol from "Thebes" to his own new city "Amarna."  God!  Akhenaten and his wife Nefretiti "sensed" You in the Sun's energy.  And feeling sunlight right now I kind of understand that.        

             On a map I notice how, Egypt's top northern area is called "Lower;" while the southern area below is the "Upper" region.  The "Nile" River flows northward, the "Gravity" pulling the water downhill to its "Mouth" from its southern "Source."   Many Rivers flow southward.   

            Hey God!  The caption under a painting of Akhenaten's city Amarna says he built it on the Nile River's "east bank."   Then his family could be "nearer" to You when the Sun came up in the morning.  The good painting shows Boats coming into Amarna from the northwest.             

"MOCKING" BIRD

  

            Oh!  What I thought was a Finch chirping is actually one of those "Mockingbirds" who imitate other Birds.  Daisy heard Miss Susan say one reason why Mockingbirds "mimic" other Birds is to trick them into thinking Birds like them already live in that "nesting" area.

              Hey God!  Were You Amun and also Aten?  As You of course already know, Daisy thinks You might also be the ancient Greek God "Zeus;" and maybe later that Roman God "Jupiter" too.  Both of them were, among other things; the Gods of "Thunder" and "Lightning."  

              Daisy and I have at times wondered God if You might also be "Odin," the Viking's God of thunder and lightning.   We both know of course how You're the Jew's, Christians and Muslim's God.   I just looked up in time to see that Mockingbird zip out into the eastern desert.  

        

                                   "SIR" FLINDERS PETRIE WITH WIFE HILDA 

   (1853-1942)                                           (1872-1957)            

         

                   I looked up "Sir" Flinders Petrie, a British "Archaeologist."   He and his wife "Hilda," in the late 19th century "excavated" an area called "Tel-el-Amarna;" where Akhenaten's city at one time was located.  A "Tell" or "Tel" is what they call a "Mound" of dirt Dais heard. 

            Daisy and Millie one night saw this good tv show about that guy Akhenaten, which said Flinders Petrie's wife, like Mr. Steve's mom; was a big "Help" to her husband.  Dais heard Mr. Steve tell Mr. Ralph on the phone Miss Hilda was "every bit as intelligent as her husband."    

             Back in 1985 the Israeli Tour Guide Haim said, before going to Egypt to work at Tel-el-Amarna; Flinders Petrie and his wife "dug" at "Tel-el-Hesi" near to Jerusalem.  "The study of ancient cultures through excavation" is the definition of Archaeology.  I smell Mesquite.

               

                                                                "STONEHENGE"   

        

               Daisy says the tv show about Akhenaten mentioned how  Flinders Petrie, since a "young age;" was interested in Archaeology.  As a kid in England he even "Surveyed" that place called "Stonehenge," which I'll be learning about in my three books.  Dawn's barking over there.  

                It says here Flinders Petrie "developed a system," or "method;" for "Sequence Dating" things found in the ground from ancient history.  Dais told me how, with just a tiny  piece from a pot or vase; he and his wife could figure out what "Era" it was from.  I smell Creosote. 

             When we go in the living room on Saturdays to watch cartoons on tv I've noticed the small vases lined up on one of the glass-topped End Tables near the couch.  They were given to my boss by some of the kids he "Tutored."  They show the "Evolution" of ancient Greek "Pottery." 

  

LIVING ROOM    

   

                Those miniature vases and pots sitting on the end table look just like the ones used in ancient Greece I guess.  Daisy says pieces of the ceramic containers Flinders Petrie and his wife studied in Israel and Egypt were even older in time.  People still use their "Dating" system.     

             It says here Akhenaten "reigned" for seventeen years, but the Priests "overthrew" him and "reinstated" the old religion.  Then, they totally destroyed his city Amarna; and even broke up his statues and scratched off his name from everything Dais says.  Heathcliff just crowed.  

               My Encyclopedia says, in the early 20th century; German Archaeologists dug up what would later turn out to be a famous "Bust" of Akhenaten's wife Nefertiti.   Bust's are head and shoulder statues of person, and my boss has a few of them.  Are there any busts of Dogs? 

                                                                                                                       HITLER / NEFERTITI                                                           

                                                                                                                                                                            The tv show said, like it says here; Nefertiti's bust was taken to Germany and put into a Museum.  By 1933, when Adolph Hitler's Nazis came to power; it was a "prized possession."  So, when Herman Göring was going to give it back to Egypt Hitler came in and said "no."                  

             My boss and Mr. Randy talked that time about how some people think Adolph Hitler thought he might've been a "Reincarnated" Akhenaten.   Both were "Dictators."  Over the next three days I'll learn about three modern "Megalomaniacs," Hitler, Stalin and Mao Zedong.

         Well, according to this outline the next thing to mention is Howard Carter, a Student of Flinders Petrie.  In 1922 he "found the tomb" of Pharaoh "Tut Ankh Amun," or "King Tut" for short; who might've been Akhenaten and Nefertiti's son.  Andy's sniffing the air over there.                             

HOWARD CARTER (1874-1939)

PHOTO BY HARRY BURTON

            My Encyclopedia shows a picture of Howard Carter, who was also from England just like Flinders Petrie.  The caption says he's "examining King Tut's coffin," and I notice it's a black      and white Print "Painted" in the way Mr. Steve did back in the 1980's.  Dawn's barking.              

       The tv show about Akhenaten also talked about King Tut so, of course; they had to talk about Howard Carter too.  Daisy told me the tv show said Howard Carter was a "loner" who,      like Isaac Newton; "didn't really want any friends."  He just wanted to work I guess.                    

        Someday I'll see that big "Glossy" picture of King Tut's gold "Death Mask," which Mr. Steve has on the front of the refrigerator in the kitchen.  Daisy says it's so amazing how the mask was made of pure gold and has royal blue parts in it too.  Royal blue is my favorite color.                                                                

  "TUTANKHAMUN" (1341-? B.C.)

            

        Oh wow!  A color picture in this Encyclopedia shows King Tut's death mask and now I understand why Daisy thought I'd like it.  Boy!  I'd definitely wear a hat like King Tut's, and I      kind of like that fake blue beard attached onto his chin too.  I can smell Andy over there.              

            Goliath the Gopher Snake, with Andy watching him closely; just crawled through the left vertical slot on the side of the gate to go out into the desert.  That reminds me of Dais telling me how, on the  front of King Tut's hat is the head of a "Cobra" Snake.  Andy's so brave.                   

          It's amazing how King Tut lived over three thousand years ago.  The truth be told, I only learned or thought about the "Concept" of "Time" after I met Daisy.  Anyway, I'll come back to learning and writing about ancient civilizations over the course of the next three days.                         

     DAISY CÓRDOVA               

                                             

           I'll bet Daisy's resting on the cement driveway in front of the garage.   She's going slowly blind but her sense of smell and hearing seem to be getting better somehow.  Mr. Steve inherited his dad's "Near-Sightedness" so has to wear his thick glasses all of the time I've noticed. 

          Boy God!  Thank You for giving me good eyesight.  Daisy, who really appreciates all of our dirt paths; also likes to "Conserve" energy.  She says she now understands why, during Winter; some things "Hibernate" or go "Dormant."   A flock of Birds is going bye up in the sky. 

          Daisy jokes, at her "advanced" age she only has one "tank of gas;" whereas I still have the ability to get what's called a “Second Wind.”   If an invader ever tries to break into our land I'll just make up for her so we can then fight in what's called "shifts."  That's no problem!                                              

                               LIMON (1982)                BOBBY CHACON              EDWARDS (1983)

                                   

           My boss's friend Mr. Bobby was World Champion in the 1970's, then again in the 1980's.  Earlier in his career he was called a "Boxer-Puncher" but later, after losing some "Foot Speed;" adapted and had to become a "Counter-Punching Brawler."  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.  

           I guess in 1982 against "Bazooka" Limon, a very famous fight; Mr. Bobby had to "Wear Down" his opponent.  Both had gotten second winds, but Mr. Bobby got a "Third Wind; even knocking Bazooka Limon down in the final round.  That fight was shown on "National" tv.  

          One time Mr. Steve and his father talked on the phone about Mr. Bobby, who has some brain damage from Boxing and taking drugs.  I remember that morning when the man with a nice little Dog used the term "Punch Drunk."  Now the other two Pigeons are going bye. 

           

                                            MR. GARY                                               MR. RALPH

                                                                                                 PHOTO BY STEVE CORDOVA

        

          Over the next three days I'll learn a lot about the subject of "Sports," one being Boxing because my boss and his father are interested in it.  Daisy likes listening to Mr. Steve talking on    the phone.  Sometimes he talks to Mr. Ralph and that man named "Gary" about Boxing.              

        My boss and his dad think Mr. Gary, a "Barber" in the city of San Fernando; is "like a Historian of Boxing" the way Mr. Ralph is too.  Mr. Steve took pictures Mr. Gary put up on the      wall of his Barber Shop from what Dais heard.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny flew bye.                

        Daisy heard Mr. Ralph say one time how he and Mr. Bobby both went to San Fernando High School at the same time.  Oh!  Bonnie and Clyde the Birds just flew in from being out in the back desert.  So now they'll feed their new Spring babies who started chirping up there.                       

CHICKS BEING FED IN NEST        

             

           Hey God!  Did You make it so some of the Animals who live around here had new babies way earlier than in most other years?  I kind of really want to believe maybe You're sending me a sign down here sitting on Elvira.  I wonder what Dais is doing up there in the front yard? 

          Boy!  I like having Bonnie and Clyde's nest right above me up there near the Patio roof.  I feel so happy to be alive God, and can tell You've been helping me a lot me today.  Ugh!  Bonnie just now "Threw Up" some slimy Bugs that were in her stomach for all her babies to eat.

          According to what it says here in this English Dictionary the word "Regurgitate" means,  "To bring partly digested food from the stomach back to the mouth."  Yuk!  That doesn't sound that good or what they call "Appetizing."   I smell Blinky, Dawn and Rosie over there.

              

                                                             "INUIT" FAMILY

                 

             One time Daisy and Millie saw a tv show that talked about the Siberian people who, in about 10,000 B.C. after the last "Ice Age;" came to live here in North and South America.  One of those groups, the "Inuit;" stayed up in "Alaska."  They're also called "Eskimos" I guess.  

             The tv show said, when Inuit people get old and all their teeth fall out; the young chew the food first to soften it up and then give it to them to eat.  So that's kind of like what Bonnie and Clyde do.  Daisy says, as cold as it gets in Piñon Hills; it's nothing compared to Alaska. 

             Boy God!  Thank You for my good teeth.  Writing about food makes me wonder if we'll get any snacks today, if we do I sure hope it's Hot Dogs; but Dog Biscuits would be okay too.  I've mentioned how Daisy's teeth hurt her sometimes so she tells me to always "chew lightly."

                     

ANDY / HELEN ON ROCK         

              

           I just glanced up from over here on Elvira and see Andy and Helen standing together on their favorite boulder.  It's so amazing to think of how, on this very first day of Spring; they've already had some babies.  I can tell they're both staying alert watching the burrow entrance.

          Oh!  I just thought of something.  I wonder if the reason Daisy and I so often have such an irresistible urge to lick Mr. Steve's face is because, deep down; we might want him to throw back up some food?   As Dais sometimes says, when it comes to food; " Beggars can't be choosers."    

          For some reason I just thought about how, except for my boss; I have a hard time trusting people holding something in their hands.  But I like tools like these pens and pencils we found in the garage.  I'm starting to get better and better through all this good practice I'm getting.

                      

                                                                   PIÑON HILLS                 

           

           Someday, when I get over my fear of riding in Cars; I want to see the big "Water Tank" with our town name on it.  Daisy told me it's on the property of a "Bar" called "Big Rock" up on the #138 Highway.  Daisy says Mr. Steve never goes to bars or places like that any more.

            I'd also like to see the Piñon Hills town sign that's along the side of the Highway too.  You see it as you come into our town Dais says, and it tells you we have 6,587 people; and are at an "Elevation" of 3,980 feet "Above Sea Level."  Bonnie and Clyde are feeding their babies.

           Mr. Steve and Mr. Randy one time talked about how the first Mormons in our area were Soldiers stationed here during that "Mexican War" of 1846 through 1848.   Later this afternoon I'm scheduled to learn about the "Mormon Batalion."  Dawn's barking over to my right.

            

                     JEDEDIAH SMITH                                       "MORMON" BATALLION

PAINTING BY FREDERICK REMINGTON                                                                                                                                                                                  

          

          My Encyclopedia says in 1826, that guy Jedediah Smith came out here to California and visited the San Gabriel Mission.  I'll learn about Jedediah Smith in my books.  He and all of his "Fur Trappers" back then were the first white "Anglo's" to come all the way to California.   

          I just looked at the bottom of the Mulberry tree and for some reason, even though all the water in the basin is gone; it makes me think of water.  Daisy one time explained "Pipes" and "Wells" to me.  I see our water bucket over there to my right near the sliding glass door.     

          "Before we were Piñon Hills" Miss Susan said, "because of the water the town had names like Smithson or Barrel  Springs;" and before that the Indians knew of those springs.  We're in a "Drought."  I see a Mockingbird over there, which reminds me of that morning last Summer. 

                                            

                                                             "MOJAVE" DESERT

                                            ("SAN GABRIEL" MOUNTAINS IN BACKGROUND)

                                 

          This English Dictionary says a "Desert" is, "A dry barren region that can support little or no vegetation."  Huh!  We're a desert but that definition wouldn't apply to us as we have many types of plants.  I heard Mr. Randy that one morning  describe our plants as "scrub brush." 

          We live in the "Foothills," on the north side of the "San Gabriel" Mountains.  Sylmar sits in the foothills of the same "Range," but only on the southern side.  Speedy Gonzalez just used the right vertical slot on the side of gate to run out into the eastern field behind the Sheds.

          If it were possible to go "On a Straight Line" through the mountains from Piñon Hills to Sylmar it would be about thirty miles.  But you can't so, when my boss drives to Sylmar; he has to go about seventy miles.  It takes an hour and a half to "go around" the mountains he says.  

                                                

"SAN GABRIEL" MOUNTAINS  (BLUE "FILTER")            

                   

             Mr. Steve's brother Rock in Texas gave him a "Digital" camera, and this "Blue Filter" that goes on the "Lens;" so Mr. Steve used it to take pictures of our mountains.  I've mentioned before how, in the 1980's and 1990's using "Film;" he took a lot of pictures.  I smell Sage.             

             Someday I want to go in his office and see my boss work on one of those "Computers."  I heard him tell Miss Susan, because most things are dual in nature computers are very helpful in many ways; but every "Crook" in the world is also on the "Internet."  I can smell Sage.  

             Daisy says Mr. Steve has spent a lot of time in Libraries.  But now he jokes, because of the Internet; his Library is in his office.  Hey God!  Daisy thinks You caused him to move all of these now totally unnecessary Encyclopedias out here to the Patio so I could use them now.

                    

                                               STEPHEN HAWKING WITH FAMILY

                

          Boy!  It's too bad that guy Stephen Hawking has "Lou Gehrig's" disease, which makes your muscles get weaker and weaker.  Dais told me in order to talk, he has to do it through this    computer; in an "unusual sounding voice."  I smell Dawn, Blinky and Rosie over there.               

            In my three books I'll learn about "Technology" and "Artificial Intelligence."  Daisy says that means "Thinking" computers, "Programmed" to do "Tasks" they're told to do.  Mr. Steve prefers the "nuance" of "human interaction," like seeing body language or hearing emotion.     

            What if computers someday become more intelligent than the people who created them so just "Take Over?"  That guy Stephen Hawking says it's "not impossible."  When he was thirteen in 1968 Mr. Steve and his friends John and  Chris saw a movie called "2001 A Space Odyssey." 

                             

                                                                                 "2001, A SPACE ODYSSEY"   

                     

             Mr. Grant knows about computers, and thinks in 2001, A Space Odyssey "some" of the things about "computers of the future were correctly predicted.  Back in 1968 Mr. Steve and his friends "snuck in" to see that movie.  Their parents "would not have been happy" he says.

             In 1968 almost no one had a computer, or any other modern technical "Device."  In the movie a computer named "Hal" ended up being smarter than people and even killed one of the Astronauts on a Spaceship Daisy says.  Daffy and some of the other Ducks are quacking.  

                Daisy heard that computer Hal was like a human, so when the men tried to permanently turn him off  he got scared, felt fear; and tried to protect himself.  He was "Conscious" and "Self Aware."  One time Mr. Steve's father used the word "prescience" to describe it Dais heard.

                                                                                                     

THE BLASTERS                                                  DAVE ALVIN

                                                                                  PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA 

           

             Daisy told me about that one Downey "Rockabilly" band called the BLASTERS.  I guess there are two brothers in the BLASTERS and one, "Phil" Alvin; believes in the future there will be something called "Trans-Humanism."  Hearing those Ducks makes me feel good.

             I guess Trans-Humanism is when, by using "Artificial Intelligence;" someday it could be possible to transfer your "Consciousness" into a Robot after your body is too old and worn out.  So, "In Theory;" you could "Live Forever."  Wow!  That's so amazing to even think about.  

            Someone told my boss that Phil Alvin, like his own father; is really good at Math.  Daisy thinks I would like Rockabilly music because of it's energy.  She and Millie both noticed how Mr. Steve really likes the BLASTERS' Drummer, who's at times kind of what they call "Flashy."

        

                                           JOHANN STRAUSS (1825-1899) WITH FAMILY

       

             Mr. Steve really didn't understand much about that movie "2001, A Space Odyssey" in 1968 when he was thirteen.  But he enjoyed the music, like this "Waltz" song called "The Blue Danube."   I guess it was written by this man from Austria named Johann Strauss.

             Daisy told me, back there in Europe; the Danube River "Flows" into the "Black" Sea.  In my Encyclopedia the German sentence "An der schönen blauen Donau" is used to describe that Waltz by Johann Strauss.  My Dictionary says it means "By the beautiful blue Danube."

            Another "Composer" named Strauss also had music in 2001, A Space Odyssey, but his first name was Richard; and he was German.  It says here in this Encyclopedia he, and another Austrian named Gustav Mahler; were 19th century "Romantic" Composers.  I smell Sage.

         

                                            RICHARD STRAUSS (1864-1949) WITH FAMILY

        

            The caption below a picture of Richard Strauss's family says he and Gustav Mahler were the "successors" to Richard Wagner and Franz Liszt.  I notice how the black and white photo in the Encyclopedia was "Painted."  Daisy told me how Mr. Steve used to paint prints too. 

            2001, A Space Odyssey used Richard Strauss's song "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" in it.  Mr. Steve played it kind of loud on his Boombox one morning last Summer.  This German Dictionary says in German Richard Strauss's song would be titled, "Also Sprach Zarathustra."    

           Daisy says our boss likes the big "Kettle" drums on Thus Spoke Zarathustra.  He himself uses "Mallets," before switching to regular drumsticks; as then they seem lighter.  In Baseball a Hitter waiting his turn to bat swings a "Weighted" bat for much the same reason I guess.

                

                                                FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE (1844-1900)

              

            Hey God!  For some reason thinking about that song Thus Spoke Zarathustra, and also hearing it my head right now; makes me think of "Sunrise."  I guess Richard Strauss was very influenced by that German Writer Friedrich Nietzsche.  Two of the Pigeons justflew bye.

            Dais says God, and I kind of agree with her; that song Thus Spoke Zarathustra makes us think of Your power.  Thus Spoke Zarathustra, before Richard Strauss's era; was also the title of one of Nietzsche's books I guess.  Now the other two Pigeons are winging toward the east.   

           In my books I'll learn about other "World" religions like "Zoroastrianism," which was an  influence on Judaism, Islam and Bahái í.  "Zoroaster" is another name for Zarathustra, the man who started Zoroastrianism.  I guess some of ideas even influenced that later guy "Plato."    

          

MID-DAY SKY        

                  

             Hey God!  Looking at the Sun up in there the sky makes me think about how Nietzsche was one of those "Atheists"  who even said You were dead.  This one Encyclopedia says, he was a Critic" of "Pure Reason."  He believed there was no such thing as "Objective Truth." 

            It says here Nietzsche wrote about the idea of what he called "Eternal Recurrence."  That means the Universe "recurring" over and over again for "eternity."  I wonder if he was kind of talking about "Reincarnation?"  Speedy Gonzalez just ran bye in front of the three Sheds. 

           Even though he didn't believe in You God, I still really, really like Nietzsche's old saying, "That which does not destroy me only makes me stronger."   One reason I admire Homer Lea, Douglas Bader and Doug Flutie is because they overcame disadvantages.  Heathcliff crowed.

    

                              TONY IOMMI                                                           RICK ALLEN

PHOTO BY LEON NEAL                                                                                                                                                                

                                    

             Two Musicians who I, and my boss; admire are Tony Iommi of BLACK SABBATH and DEF LEPPARD'S Drummer Rick Allen.  They overcame "Setbacks," Tony Iommi accidentally cutting off fingertips.   Rick Allen lost an arm but just "Relearned" how to play the drums.        

            Daisy saw 2001, A Space Odyssey on tv and told me how, at the beginning of the movie; a big black box shows up on Earth at the time when people were like Apes.  At first the Ape men are so amazed and don't know what to think of it.  Fannie and Freddie are flying to the east.   

           I guess, in the movie those Ape men are chased from a Water Hole by another group.  But then, that black square somehow teaches one of the Apes to pull a bone from a skeleton and use    it as a "Club" weapon.  The slight scent of Juniper just floated in on a nice cool breeze.                         

                                                                               "2001, A SPACE ODYSSEY"   

             

             In 2001, A Space Odyssey the Ape Man "realizes a bone can be a weapon," which "gives him an advantage" Mr. Steve says.  An older man told him he thinks the human hand, in part; has "evolved for fighting in the form of a closed fist for clubbing."  Dawn's now barking. 

             Over the next three days I'll come back to writing about 2001, A Space Odyssey.  I'll also learn about those two ancient Greek stories by that one blind guy Homer, "The Iliad" about the "Trojan War, " and then the "Odyssey."  I smell Blinky and Rosie next to Dawn.

            The Odyssey is about this Greek man Odysseus's trip home from fighting in the Trojan War.  But Daisy told me, he and his Sailors have a really hard time back because of all the things which happen to them.  They are almost all killed by a huge one eyed "Cyclops" I guess.  

   

                                                                     THE "ODYSSEY" RESTARURNT                                                                                     PHOTO BY DICK MARTINELLI                                                                                                    PHOTO BY DANIEL MAHAN

         Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his sister Susan talk on the phone about this restaurant called the "Odyssey" their family goes to near Sylmar.  It's up on a hill so has a good view of the San      Fernando Valley.  All four of the Pigeons are now flying over Libby's Corral, moving west.            

            Mr. Cliff got wounded in the neck during the Vietnam War's 1968 "Tet" Offensive.  He thinks someday "robots will replace soldiers."  "Drones" might make  Planes, Submarines and  things that dig underground obsolete.   Mr. Cliff studied the "Phalanx" weapon system.   

           That Phalanx system I guess, since the mid-1980's; is a giant Machine Gun on Ships which can "Automatically" shoot down multiple "Missiles" all at once.  It's, "almost like it has its own thinking brain;" Mr. Cliff said.  Hey God?  Will computers ever become fully human?" 

                 

                                                  RENE DESCARTES (1596-1650)

                

           Back in chapter four I mentioned how we got the title for my books from what that guy Rene Descartes said in the 17th century.   Hey God?  As You know, my boss and Mr. Grant have wondered if someday a computer like Hal will say; "I think, therefore I am."  I smell Sage.

             I guess Rene Descartes was mainly a "Mathematician."  Mr. Steve has wondered what he would think of "Artificial Intelligence?"  Daisy says Mr. Steve and Mr. Grant have wondered if a future computer will someday be "spontaneously" funny and even make people laugh?

       When Miss Harriet broke up with him in the mid-1990's Mr. Steve "went out with" a girl named "Debra."  Someone once called her a "Spitfire," like one of those World War II British    Fighter Planes.  She and her little daughter "Talia" lived over there in "West Los Angeles."                           

             

DEBRA AS A BRIDES MAID

                                                  

             Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell his mom on the phone how that girl Debra was five feet five and weighed one hundred and twenty pounds.  She had a" Mind of her Own" as they say.  One time someone "Dared" her to go "Up on Stage" on "Amateur Night" at a "Comedy Club."    

             I guess Debra had to do her "Routine" up on stage for five minutes, at this place called "Igby's;" next door to the "Chicago Pizza Works" restaurant Mr. Steve and Emily ate at in the 1980's.  Mr. Mark over in Hawaii also ate at Chicago Pizza Works a few times Daisy heard.  

            My boss told his mom how the Chicago Pizza Works had "Sawdust" spread out on the floor.   They made "Deep Dish" Pizza and Mr. Steve liked their "Stuffed" mushrooms."  Daisy heard the company that owned the sports teams did business with Chicago Pizza Works.

             

                                                                     ROBIN WILLIAMS WITH FAMILY   

         

           Daisy says that girl Debra liked this famous Comedian named Robin Williams, who was good at "Spontaneously" being funny; which most people are not.  I guess, he's what they call "Quick-Witted;" so can even be funny at the "Spur of the Moment."  Heathcliff crowed.   

           Mr. Steve's friend Mark Ritter who died could also make people laugh without having to memorize and then deliver comedy in a "Stand up Act."  Dais says this other 1980's Comedian named Sam Kinison, who Mr. Steve took pictures of; was like that too.  I smell Mesquite.  

           Until he met Debra my boss had never been to a Comedy Club, but then went with her to Hollywood's "The Comedy Store."  One time my boss and Mr. Dave remembered their friend who died named "Dennis."  He used to work with them and was at times really funny too.

         

                                                       THE "COMEDY STORE"   

          

                My boss told Mr. Dave he and Dennis one time talked about The Comedy Store, and how Debra went up on stage at Igby's.  I guess many famous Comedians performed at The Comedy Store, like a man named George Carlin; and Robin Williams too.  Dawn's now barking.

           Daisy heard Mr. Steve taught Mr. Dennis to be a Salesman, and he was like Mark Ritter in having an unusual, some would say "Twisted Sense of Humor."  Dennis thought it funny when my boss told him about things Mark Ritter did with a "Bullhorn."  Now Blinky's barking.

           Knowing she would have five minutes to "Deliver" her comedy routine at Igby's, Debra practiced; Mr. Steve using a "Stop Watch" to time her.  And I guess Debra got better and better at doing it with each practice session she would do.   She wrote all of the material herself.  

              

                                                                                   HIGH MIDDAY SKY     

                    

            Ah!  I just glanced up in time to see some Birds going bye up there in the sky.  Thank You God for inventing Birds and also thank You for making learning new things fun.  Daisy says it's    okay and normal to make mistakes, so long as you learn from them; and not do them again.       

            On that one Amateur Night at Igby's Debra found out it's "Not as easy as it Looks."  She went too fast so finished her "Routine" way too early, but the audience still clapped anyway even though she "Messed Up."  Boy!  Daisy's right in thinking that girl Debra sure sounds brave! 

           Mr. Steve thinks he has a "Sense of Humor," but some people say he doesn't.  I've noticed he doesn't often laugh "Out Loud," but just chuckles.  Afterwards my boss and Miss Debra ate at Chicago Pizza Works and he told her he doesn't have the courage to do what she did.       

      

                      THE "FORUM"                                                               JERRY BUSS

                                                                         PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

             

           Dais told me the main reason why Mr. Steve and Miss Emily knew about Chicago Pizza Works works back in the 1980's was because of "Cal Sports Inc."  I guess that's the name of the company that owned the Forum and teams who played in it.  Jerry Buss was the "Owner."

           In the mid-1980's sometimes Salesmen like my boss, Mr. Mark and Miss Helen would do a "Trade" with customers.  At restaurants you could use "Script" called "Funny Money" instead of cash.   The script looked like "Currency Bills," but with Jerry Buss's picture on it.

            After her short performance at Igby's Debra, who this girl described as being "Spunky;"  could better appreciate what Comedians have to do up on stage in order to make people laugh.  It's not easy at all, even though good Comedians make it look easy.  Heathcliff crowed.     

         

                 GEORGE CARLIN              RICHARD PRYOR                   SAM KINISON

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

                        

             One time on the phone my boss told Mr. Dave in New Mexico Debra didn't get too upset over running out of "Material" on that night at Igby's.  Daisy says, just like some Comedians can make comedy look easy; professional Athletes do the same.  Daffy's quacking next door.  

            In Baseball the defensive players make catching balls look "Routine" but Mr. Steve jokes most people couldn't catch a "High Fly" with a big audience looking to see if you drop it.  And if it's on tv then even more see you be embarrassed Dais says.  Daffy's voice is so strong.

           Daisy says one time down in Sylmar that kid Michal and his friend were really mad when the then "Los Angeles " Raiders' Kicker missed a long fifty yard last second "Field Goal."  Had he made it the Raiders would've won the game by a single point.  But, he didn't so; they lost.  

        

                                                               "CHARGERS" FIELD GOAL KICKER   

                 

             In the game the Raiders lost, the San Diego "Chargers" Kicker made a long Field Goal right before the Raiders missed opportunity as the "Clock ran Out."  Dais heard the Chargers, Mr. Steve's Nephew Sammy Jr.'s favorite team; are long time big "Rivals" of the Raiders.  

             To "Prove a Point," Mr. Steve drove Michael and his friend to Sylmar High; where they climbed over a twenty foot tall fence.  On the Football field they kicked Field Goals and Michael and his friend found out it's hard to "Make" Field Goals.  Mr. Steve never climbs anymore.   

             Daisy says that kid Michael, about twelve at the time; couldn't even make an accurate Field Goal from twenty "Yards" so was embarrassed.  The Raiders' Kicker barely missed from over fifty yards.  From the Fifty Yard Line the "Goal Posts seem far away" my boss says.   

      

TOM DEMPSEY (NEW ORLEANS "SAINTS")      

        

               Daisy says, after they went back home; Mr. Steve played a Videotape for Michael and his friend.  It showed how, way back in 1970 when my boss fifteen; a Kicker for the New Orleans      "Saints" set the record for the longest Field Goal in history.  It was from sixty three yards!           

          The Saints' Kicker was named Tom Dempsey and, what made him unique Dais told me; is how he was born with only half a foot.  So he wore a special shoe which my boss says acted as a    "Club."  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny the Crows are both flying towards the northeast.                

         I guess, there are two main "Styles" for "Placekicking" Field Goals.  Tom Dempsey, and Mr. Steve too; prefer to approach the ball in the traditional old fashioned "Straight On" fashion.  But now, all Kickers use a "Soccer" style method.  The slight scent of Sage just floated in.                                                     "SOCCER STYLE" KICKING METHOD      

                                                                    PHOTO BY TONY L. SANDYS

      

         Oh wow!  This picture shows a "Barefooted" guy on the Philadelphia "Eagles" kicking a Field Goal.   Ouch!  With the straight on technique you hit a straight up and down ball with the front of your toe.  Boy!  I like the silver and white wings painted on the Eagles' helmets.               

            I guess, using the Soccer Style; you approach a tilted backward ball from the side and hit it in a "Sweeping" motion with the "Instep" part of the foot.  Right-footed, Mr. Steve used to be able to make Field Goals from twenty yards both ways.  He played Soccer at Sylmar High.           

          Well, it looks like I still have a little bit more to write about "Artificial Intelligence."  My   My boss, and Mr. Grant too; think computers will be more important in future. Will computers   do everything, from "Playing" the Stock Market; to piloting Planes and driving Cars?                 

       

ORIGINAL "MCDONALD'S" RESTAURANT     

              

           I wrote about those "McDonalds" restaurants.  At the one near us in Phelan I guess for a while a "Self-Serve Kiosk" was put in so customers don't need to go to the counter to place the order.  Boy!  I really do believe a restaurant for Dogs and Cats could make some money.               

            My boss told Mr. Grant on the phone one time they took away the Kiosk, possibly because the community "sensed" if it became too popular the people "Behind the Counter" would lose      their jobs; which would be bad.  Oh!  What if we had a "Drive Through" Dog restaurant!          

         Mr. Steve had a "Honda" customer near "Seattle," up in the State of "Washington."  He said Seattle made fifteen dollars an hour the "Minimum Wage" but some "Employers" decided    it was more "Economical" to "Invest" in "Robotics."  So then they "Laid Off" the Workers.                                      

                                                              "ROBOTIC" DOG

                   

            Daisy and Millie saw a tv show that talked about how, over in Japan; they already have a Robot Dog.  That's not good for us because, a Robot doesn't need food so; in  "The long Run" saves money.  But one good thing Dais says, Robot Dogs don't look nearly as good as we do.

            Well, it's back to my outline which I can tell this is getting toward the end of this fifth chapter.  Daisy says Mr. Steve has books on "Indigenous Americans."  I mentioned before how, at the end of the last "Ice Age" about 10,000 B.C.; people showed up in North America.   

           Miss Susan says Anthropologists think the original "Takic" speaking "inhabitants" of our area may have arrived here in about 1,500 B.C.   Oh!  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are chasing another Crow, who I'll bet is a boy Crow trying to steal Anne; so that got Blackbeard mad.  

            

            CALIFORNIA "TRIBAL" LANGUAGES                          INDIAN VILLAGE

                                                                                                                                                                        PAINTING BY MARY LEIGHTON THOMSON

          

                   My Dictionary says "indigenous" means, "to be born, existing or growing naturally in a certain region;" or being "native to an area."  The Shoshone man at the Phelan Library told my boss Shoshone speak a "Uto-Aztecan" language type."   A little Lizard just now ran bye.  

            When the Spanish came up here to settle "Alta" California in the 18th century they gave the different Indian groups names.  One "Band" near us they called "Serranos," which means "Mountaineers."  They likely lived in the San Gabriel Mountains to our south Dais thinks.  

             Our area's "Public" High School in Phelan is called "Serrano."  Daisy noticed how their sports teams are called the "Diamondbacks," and their "Color Scheme" is "Royal" blue as the "Primary" color; with white and yellow as "Secondary colors.  I love that color pattern! 

                 

CALIFORNIA HIGH DESERT "RATTLESNAKE"

PHOTO BY DEBORAH WALL                     

                   

                  I guess we don't have too many of those Rattlesnakes in Piñon Hills, which is just fine with me.  One morning, as he walked along Primavera Road out there in the desert; Mr. Steve heard one in a bush so just left it alone according to Daisy.  Dawn's barking over there.

            Even though I know most Snakes are harmless, I'm still kind of afraid of them.  We have those "Garter" Snakes around here, as well as "Gopher" Snakes like Goliath.  Miss Susan one time told Mr. Steve about "Mojave Green" Rattlesnakes according to what Daisy heard.  

            Mr. Steve carries a "Walking Stick" when out in the back desert, "just in case" he needs to defend himself.  Another Indian group in our area are "Shoshone," like the man Mr. Steve at the Phelan Library.  That man knew a lot about the Snakes who live around here. 

   

     "SHOSHONE"

              I guess, that older man over at the Library said his Uto-Aztecan language is a "Numic" dialect.   When he said he was Shoshone, Daisy says Mr. Steve told him about someone he knew who also Shoshone Indian.  The scent of Theodora's Creosote bush near Jack floated in.

              Mr. Steve's ex-girlfriend Harriet, in the 1980's; was sent to review this Hard Rock band named CALDRON at the "Whisky a Go Go" in Hollywood.  It turned out CALDRON were all from San Fernando and the Singer was part Shoshone.  Libby's walking around her Corral.   

             CALDRON'S Singer and Drummer were both named "Dave," and Mr. Steve found out later Mr. Dave in New Mexico knew them.  Daisy says the man at the Library, who's about Mr. Steve's parents age; had never heard of the phrase "Heavy Metal."  Heathcliff crowed.

                             

                  "WHISKY A GO GO"                    MISS HARRIET                          "GAZZARI'S"                                           

ARTWORK BY TRAVIS MOORE                                                                                                                                                                                                         

                             

            Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell Mr. Dave about some of the L.A. Nightclubs that he and Miss Harriet went to, like the "Whisky" and "Gazzarri's" for example.  One of the Magazines Miss Harriet wrote for is called "Bam."  A little Bird carrying a long twig just went running bye.

           The L.A. "Music Scene" during the 1980's was called the "Pay to Play" period according to what Dais heard.  Because there were so many bands all "Competing," the Promoters could make the bands buy the tickets "In Advance."  Then the band had to try to sell them.    

            My English Dictionary says the definition of "caldron" would be, "A large kettle used to cook food" or; "a state of violent agitation."  Daisy says later CALDRON changed their band name to ACHILLES HEEL, like the guy in the ancient Greek story the "Iliad."  I smell Sage.

  

      CALDRON  ("GAZZARRI'S")              

PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA               

             

          One time Daisy and Millie were in Mr. Steve's office and heard him talking on the phone with Mr. Dave back there in New Mexico.  They discussed CALDRON, and how they did a good  "cover" of Ted Nugent's song "Catch Scratch Fever" in the concerts.  Heathcliff crowed.              

          Daisy heard Mr. Dave remember how CALDRON, and later ACHILLES HEEL; during the the 1980's were part of the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Sunset Strip scene.  They did a few    of those Pay to Play shows and were able to sell all of their tickets.  Andy's sniffing the air.            

          Mr. Steve's father always says "What will the market bear?"   So, if during the 1980's the music market in L.A. bore having that Pay to Play system; then that's what the Promoters will    do in a capitalist system.  Dais told me of "Cattle Call" tryouts for the Laker's cheerleaders.       

  

SPIRIT                                                                           DEVO     

PHOTO BY MICHAEL OCHS                                                                                                                                                                                  

        

            Mr. Dave in New Mexico said, CALDRON had two "Dave's;" so the Singer was called "Big" Dave; the Drummer "Little" Dave.  My favorite band DEVO'S two Guitarists are Bob 1 and Bob 2.   Mr. Steve's parents Dog is named Bella 1, Bella 2 lives with his sister Susan. 

           This band called SPIRIT'S Guitarist Randy California was given his nickname by Jimi Hendrix.  There were two Randy's in his band so he just called one Randy "California" and the other one became Randy "Texas."   The four Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral. 

           I'm almost done with this fifth chapter and I can see how, according to my outline; one of the last subjects I still have more to learn about are the first people who came to the area now called "North" and "South America."  There are thin clouds up in the late morning sky.

         

 HUMAN "MIGRATIONS"

(SINCE 100,000 YEARS AGO)

           

             I love maps and one shows how, beginning about one hundred thousand years ago; early humans began migrating out of Africa and eventually went all over the world.  From what is now the area now called Russian "Siberia;" people got here after the last "Ice Age."  I smell Sage.

            The people who came across the "Berring Strait," and then down into North and South America would later be called "Clovis."  That's because their arrow and spear heads were first found near "Clovis," New Mexico.  Mr. Dave knows about that subject according to Daisy.

            Dais says the Shoshone man said some think the first "indigenous" Indians, or "Native-Americans;" came into our area of the High Desert in about 2,000 B.C.  But, they didn't come from the north; they migrated "northward" from "Sonora," Mexico.  Heathcliff crowed.   

                     

        END OF LAST "ICE AGE"                                  "CENTRAL PARK"                       

                        (c. 10,000 B.C.)                                                     (NEW YORK CITY / MANHATTAN)                      

            

          This map shows in white how, when that last "Ice Age" finally ended; there were giant "Glaciers" covering the ground.  That big frozen water wall came all of the way down to what is now the "border" between the U.S. and Canada.  But then the weather began to get warmer.       

            In 1977 Mr. Steve and his brother Rock drove a rented Car around New York City, and went to "Central Park."  They saw giant boulders left behind when the glaciers melted and then gradually "Receded" northward.  Daisy says some people think the Earth is warming now.          

            I guess, from what a tv show Dais saw said; as those giant glaciers moved northward the gravity pushing down their huge weight "gouged out" those "Great Lakes."  As a teenager Mr.    Steve's swam in Lake "Ontario."  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny the Crows just flew bye.                           

"TUNGUSKA"      

("SIBERIA" / 1908)         

                  

              After that final Ice Age the glaciers melted, so those Siberian people came across.  The Shoshone man thinks they were probably "following the game," which means Animals to kill and eat.  Daisy heard in 1908 a big explosion over a Siberian forest knocked down trees.    

              I guess Siberia is really cold and is where Russian "Political Prisoners" were sent, often to be "Worked to Death."  Wow!  This one Encyclopedia says eighty million trees were "leveled" in   "Tunguska."  I just looked up and see two long white vapor trails crisscrossed in the sky.

             Over the next three days I'll learn about us "Mammals," and in particular "Humans."  A tv show Daisy saw said Mammals "benefitted" when the Dinosaurs went extinct.  And over in Africa is where the earliest people "evolved by standing up and started walking on two legs." 

    

   "NEANDERTHAL" HUMANS 

   

                  I'm tempted to write about this type of Human that went extinct called "Neanderthal."  The tv show about Mammals said, until they "disappeared;"  for about ten thousand years they lived "alongside" what are now called modern "Homo Sapiens."  Theodora just ran bye.

            The Shoshone man at the Phelan Library told my boss Neanderthals "were not nearly as primitive as many think."  They "used weapons and tools, created art; and buried their dead." Anyway, I'll come back to learning more about the Neanderthals over the next three days. 

             "Most Shoshone bands" live to our northeast, and "had lives more like Plains Indians" like the "Sioux" or "Comanche" the Shoshone man said.  They were one the "nomadic hunter-gatherer" societies who mainly hunted the millions and millions of Buffalo.  Dawn's barking.

        

               NORTH AMERICAN "BUFFALO"                     

           

             My Encyclopedia says Horses in North America went "extinct" thousands of years ago, but in 1519 Hernando Córtez's Spanish Soldiers "re-introduced" sixteen of them in conquering the Aztec Empire in what is now down there in Mexico.  I like Dawn.  Blinky smells good.

             Dais saw a tv show that said those sixteen Horses "greatly multiplied" and spread north where the Plains Indian cultures lived.  Sometime in the mid-1600's Indians first saw Horses that had migrated northward.  They realized they could be used to more easily hunt Buffaloes.  

          After coming down into North America, the Clovis cultures roamed around, depending upon the season.  They went to where the food was, which for Plains Indians meant following the Buffalo herds.  Before they had the Horse hunting Buffaloes was really, really dangerous.                        

                  "TRAVOIS"                                              "PLAINS" INDIAN VILLGE                

          

                   Hey God!   As You know, the Shoshone man at the Library said the Plains Indians who first saw the "by then" wild Horses must've thought You sent them a gift.  Once they caught and tamed Horses, pulling things; and hunting Buffaloes became way easier.  Heathcliff crowed. 

                   I guess before they had Horses, because they didn't have wheels; us Dogs dragged things around on Wagons made of wooden frames.  Daisy told me the tv show mentioned French "Fur Trappers" called them "Travois."  Libby's walking around slowly over there in her Corral.  

            Now when Indians were "On the Move" a Horse pulled more weight, gave them a wider range to get "Access to Food but;" more importantly made hunting the Buffalo less dangerous. Mr. Steve says Indian's lives were "hard."  Male and female "cooperation" was necessary. 

 

HUNTING BUFFALO

PAINTING BY TROY DENTON

                 Daisy told me the tv show said, for thousands of years male Indians "hunted" for meat and protected the group.  Females, who my boss thinks "probably thought of farming;" had to   "gather" plants for food.  "Life was a struggle so both had to complement the other" he says.  

            Farming, having a predictable source of food; was one thing that allowed the people to "Settle" in towns and develop "Civilization."  With the "Luxury" of time, more art and music could be created.  "Metal Working" meant more helpful tools and efficient weapons.    

           Mr. Steve's father thinks male and female roles are "equally important," one not more important than the other.  Daisy saw a tv show that said female Ants do most of the hard work, all the males have to do is "Mate" with the big "Queen" Ants to have babies.  Then they die.   

                 

MALE / FEMALE                        ANTS                           ANT HILL                   

          

                We have three types of Ants around here.  The smallest are called "Grease" Ants, and show up in the thousands if you leave any food out in Summer; the other two bigger Ants make "Ant Hills."  Blinky, Dawn and Rosie' three blended scents just came into my right nostril.

             I'm afraid of stinging Ants ever since that time when I was homeless, and woke up in a panic in realizing Ants were crawling all over me.  I rolled all around in the dirt; and even tried frantically to bite them off.   I remember that bad dream where giant Ants attacked me. 

            Daisy told me about a 1970's song called "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor, and jokes it should be my "theme song."  Back then Mr. Steve and Miss Sandy danced, and that was a song they liked.  Mr. Steve told his sister Susan, who likes to dance; he never does it anymore.     

  ve    

GLORIA GAYNOR     

         

             A few years ago, before the economic recession; one of Mr. Steve's old customers told him Gloria Gaynor's song I Will Survive was an "accidental" hit.  It was on the "B" side of a record but a "Disc Jockey" liked it, so played it "Over the Air."  And other people also liked it too! 

           Mr. Steve's dad thinks working hard is important but also jokes, "It's better to be lucky than good."  Daisy thinks if you work hard it's "more likely" you'll "recognize" and then "take advantage of good fortune."  Boxers joke, "The better you train the luckier you'll get."   

            Dawn's barking.  My Encyclopedia says "Civilization," or final phase of the "Neolithic Stone Age;" began about twelve thousand years ago.  When people began to "settle" or stay in one location two things helped them, "Farming" and also the "Domestication of Animals."                                                  

   FOUR AREAS WHERE "CIVILIZATION" BEGAN         

                   

            The Shoshone man at the Library said there's a disagreement about when, and where; us Dogs were first "Tamed" or started hanging around people.  Some say it happened in Asia, but others think it was Europe; Mr. Steve's father says "possibly both."  Heathcliff crowed. 

            Chickens, Cows, Goats, Sheep, Pigs adapted to living with people after Dogs.  Dais heard originally we Dogs were Wolves, and even though I don't look like a Wolf, I do at times howl like one.  My boss jokingly calls me "Ozzy" because of an album called "Bark at the Moon."    

            In my books I'll learn about that English band BLACK SABBATH.  Their first Singer Ozzy Osbourne later had his own band with Randy Rhoads being the Guitarist.  My boss and Miss Sandy saw Randy Rhoads play a few times.  He played on Bark at the Moon Dais says.   

         

                       QUIET RIOT              "MUSONIA" MUSIC SCHOOL         OZZY OSBOURNE

        

               I just thought about how that Guitarist Randy Rhoades, like Ritchie Valens and Audie Murphy; died in a Plane crash.  Daisy told me he was in Ozzy Osbourne's band then, but before that in the 1970's was in QUIET RIOT.  That's when Mr. Steve and Miss Sandy saw him.   

              Mr. Dave in New Mexico one time met a kid who took some music lessons from Randy Rhoads mom, who had this Music School in "Burbank."   Randy Rhoads, and his brother; also taught at her school Dais heard.   All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.

             Randy Rhoads mom, at C.S.U.N. where Mr. Steve and his family have gone to; set up or  "Established" a "Music Scholarship" in here son's name.  Mr. Steve's parents used to sponsor a scholarship for Hispanic or Latino Students at Mission College Daisy hear.  I smell Sage. 

                                                                     THEODORA                          

 

             I just glanced up from over here on the Patio to see Theodora jump up into her favorite Creosote bush near Jack the big Shed.  Andy's sniffing the air in making sure someone like Cher of Goliath aren't around.  Libby's walking around slowly near the back of her Corral.

            This Encyclopedia says the "development of writing" about six thousand years ago was another "factor in civilization's creation."   Daisy says Mr. Steve thinks the taming of Horse's was also an important thing.  Libby's scent came floating to me here sitting on Elvira.   

            Córtez "reintroduced" those first sixteen Horses to the "Mainland" New World in 1519. But it was on Christopher Columbus's second voyage of 1493 that Horses, Pigs, Cattle and Goats were first brought over here from Europe.  A little Bird carrying a twig in it mouth ran bye.  

                      

                        "CENTAUR"                                     MOUNTED "CONQUISTADOR"

              

                 Daisy and Millie one time were in Mr. Steve's office and heard he and his sister Susan, who rides Horses; talking about those first sixteen Horses Cortez and his Soldiers brought to what is now the country of Mexico in 1519.  A Train whistled faintly out in the desert.

            Because the Native people had never seen a Horse, at first they were scared.  They even thought a man riding a Horse might be one of those half man half Horse "Centaurs" from ancient Greek stories, or a big Deer.  Daisy heard Horses really are from the "Deer Family."  

         

                                LIBBY                                       

             

             Seeing Libby over there in her Corral, and looking in this direction; makes me think of how Mr. Steve and his sister Susan talked about her Horses.   Mr. Steve read Horses "branched off" from the Deer family thousands of years ago.     "skittish."  

            Mr. Steve's sister said, "No wonder Horses can at times be skittish and jittery

            

"EOHIPPUS" HORSE

      reason Columbus "reintroduced" Horse because thousands of years ago  were Horse's here.  One was  "Eohippus"  size of  "Domestic" Cat   

           Eohippus   went "extinct"     But    after Cortez "flourished" "exploded" "multiplied."                            another  Horse  went instinct in North  South America was  one  current Horses desce