Book 2 Chapter 1 – Maggie Cordova

“Cognito,ergo;sum”

6:30 A.M. / FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014 / DAY TWO

-EPSILON ORIONIS-

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

DAISY / MAGGIE CÓRDOVA

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

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

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

SUNRISE OVER THE DESERT

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

Ah! I smell Sage. Warm weather makes the Arthritis in what Dais calls her “old bones” feel better and gives her a “Joy of Life,” or “Joie de Vivre” in French. Like her, I now see the soft glow of morning sunlight, when the Sun rises over the eastern horizon; as magical.

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

WOMAN RUNNING ALONG THE BEACH

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

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

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

DAWN BLINKY ROSIE

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

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

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

THE “TWIN” JOSHUA TREES JACK, MOE, MANNY

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

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

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

VIEW FROM OFFICE WINDOW THEODORA

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

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

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

MR. STEVE’S PARENTS

PHOTO BY RODERICK CÓRDOVA

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

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

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

ANTONIO VIVALDI (1678-1741) MAGGIE CÓRDOVA

ARTWORK BY ALLEN HALL

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

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

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

MILLIE CÓRDOVA LADY CÓRDOVA / MR. STEVE

PHOTO BY ARMANDO AGUIRRE

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

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

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

MARK TWAIN (1835-1910)

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

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

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

FREGHT TRAIN GRANDPA / GRANDMA TRUJILLO

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

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

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

BONNIE FEEDING CHICKS

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

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

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

EDDIE SPAGHETTI MR. MARK / KARMA

PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

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

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

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

KANSAS

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

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

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

“THE URANTIA BOOK”

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

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

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

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

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

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

KANSAS PHIL EHART

PHOTO BY MICHAEL PUTLAND

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

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

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

THE “PRODIGAL” SON

(BOOK OF “LUKE”)

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

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

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

(“SAN GABRIEL” MOUNTAINS BEHIND)

PHOTO BY TONE HELENA TORGERSEN

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

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

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

THE “UNIVERSE” “SPARK OF LIFE”

MICHAELANGELO (“SISTINE” CHAPEL)

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

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

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

SUNRISE TO THE EAST OVER THE “MOJAVE” DESERT

PHOTO BY TONE HELENA TORGERSEN

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

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

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

LEO AND CLEO

PHOTO BY ROBIN ARNOLD

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

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

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

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

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

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

“BRAVO” COMPANY

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

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

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

ELEANOR FARJEON (1881-1965) “CAT” STEVENS

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

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

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

EARLY MORNING

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

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

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

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA MR. RANDY

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

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

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

MOODY BLUES MR. PHILLIP

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

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

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

“SERGEANT PEPPER”S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND” (1967)

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

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

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

“VAPOR TRAIL”

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

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

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

MARK “THE BIRD” FIDRYCH (1954-2009)

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

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

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

HEATHCLIFF II HEATHCLIFF WITH HENS

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

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

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

“AWEN”

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

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

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

“FOGHORN LEGHORN” AND FRIENDS MR. RALPH

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

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

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

“HOLY SPIRIT”

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

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

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

“WIND CHIMES”

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

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

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

UFO

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

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

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

“PHENOMENON” (1974)

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

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

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

JETHRO TULL

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

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

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

MICHAEL SCHENKER MR. RICH

PHOTO BY MICK BURGESS

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

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

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

IRON MAIDEN MR. DAVE

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

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

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

2014 HYUNDAI “GENESIS”

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

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

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

CAPTAIN “NEMO” “NAUTILUS”

ARTWORK BY RÉGIS DROULEZ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“AVALON” CATALINA ISLAND “OARFISH” (2013)

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

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

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

PLASTIC MODEL OF AN “OARFISH”

PHOTO BY UDO SCHRÖTER

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

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

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

2014 LINCOLN “MKX NAUTILUS”

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

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

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

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

PAINTING BY HENRY BILL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REVEREND JOHN NEWTON (1825-1807)

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

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

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

“TRIANGLE” SLAVE TRADE ROUTES

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

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

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

“AFRICAN” SLAVES

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

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

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

FREDERICK DOUGLASS (1818-1895)

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

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

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

KARL MARX (1818-1883)

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

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

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

19TH CENTURY “SLAVE PLANTATION”

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

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

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

SUNRISE OVER HIGH DESERT

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

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

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

GENESIS

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

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

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

“SISTER” ROSETTA THARPE (1915-1973)

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

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

Later today I’ll write about a 1950’s Record Label called “Sun,” where I guess that guy Elvis did some songs. He and other Musicians who worked there, like Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins; admired Miss Rosetta’s talent. Two of the Pigeons went flying bye.

“SUN” RECORDS CHUCK BERRY 1960’S BRITISH GUITARISTS

According to Daisy, that lady Miss Rosetta’s way of playing electric guitar made a big impression on those 1960’s British Guitarists Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton. I wrote before how all three, at one time or another; in the YARDBIRDS. Dawn’s now barking.

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

Daisy told me Chuck Berry said he even copied his “Duck Walk” dancing from Rosetta Tharpe, but she wore a dress so couldn’t be as limber as he was. Rudy just ran through the right vertical gate slot going into the field. One of these days he may miscalculate and hit his head.

AC/DC

I smell Rosie over there, which makes me think of that band AC/DC ‘S song about the girl named “Rosie.” Dais thinks I would like it, and also the hats AC/DC wear. Last night, as we went over book one and looked up at the Stars; Daisy praised old Rosie next door I noticed.

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

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

THE “THREE STOOGES”

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

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

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

YOUNG RASCALS

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

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

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

2014 KIA “SOUL”

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

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

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

FRANCE A. CÓRDOVA

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

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

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

MR. JULIO WITH WIFE AND DAUGHTER

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

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

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

MRS. CÓRDOVA WITH HUSBAND

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

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

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

NANCY DREW THE ARCHIES THE HARDY BOYS

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

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

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

“PULSAR” STAR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MISS BABETTE / HUSBAND DAVID MISS KARIN

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

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

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

“ARBORVITAE”

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

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

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

FLYING PIGEONS

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

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

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

GOLIATH

PHOTO BY MATT JEPPSON

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

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

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

“ANGITIA” EDITH HAMILTON (1867-1963)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JACK / MOE / MANNY EASTERN DESERT

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

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

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

THE DICKIES

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

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

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

PAUL / LINDA MCCARTNEY AND FAMILY

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

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

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

THE “TWINS” “BEAVERTAIL” CACTUS

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

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

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

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1960’S BEE GEES 1970’S

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

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

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

“BELIEF”

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

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

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

DAWN BLINKY ROSIE

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

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

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

ANDY AND HELEN

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

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

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

MORNING IN THE HIGH DESERT

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

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

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

HEATHCLIFF / SONJA MOOKIE WILSON

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

According to Dais, that Cat Heathcliff gives gifts and gets food for his girlfriend “Sonja.” She’s a white Cat like Mookie Wilson, and is so lucky because Heathcliff really likes her and is one of those good male providers I wrote about. Mr. Steve has known a few “Sonia’s.”

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

Ah! I just notice Cher the Cat, with Andy “Keeping an Eye” on her as they say; going out in the eastern desert behind the Sheds. Cher’s body language tells me she’s not that hungry and is simply getting ready for this second day of Spring. Boy! I feel happy it’s our new year.

MISS FOOT CHER

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

Mr. Steve told Miss Susan about that girl Cat “Miss Foot, who had an extra toe on each foot. She was a “Lap Cat” who wanted everyone to hold and pet her, unlike Mookie Wilson who only allowed Miss Emily and sometimes our boss to hold him. Libby whinnied over there.

Black and white Cats like Cher don’t like to be “handled” Miss Susan said that time. I have noticed how Cher is not very friendly alright, and in fact sometimes seems sort of mean. But, I’m glad she lives around here and like seeing and smelling her; as does Daisy.

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

AUSTIN, SUSAN, DALTON BILL COSBY SHOW

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

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

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

HUELL HOWSER “PINK’S” HOT DOGS

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

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

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

ORSON WELLS (1915-1985) OZZY OSBOURNE WITH FAMILY

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

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

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

“LEMON” SHARK

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

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

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

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS

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

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

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

MR. GARY MR.BOBBY

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

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

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

SAM / YOLANDA

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

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

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

PINK

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

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

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

MADONNA STEPHANIE CÓRDOVA PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

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

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

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

“PINKIE”

PAINTING BY THOMAS LAWRENCE

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

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

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

ELIZA BETH BARRETT BROWNING (1806-1861)

DRAWING BY HULTUNG GETTY

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

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

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

RUSH LIMBAUGH

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

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

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

SUNRISE OVER THE DESERT

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

Daisy told me about a good BEATLES song called “Here Comes the Sun,” which was one of that guy George Harrison’s songs; and has some “Indian” influences in it I guess. Mr. Ralph read it’s partly about George Harrison’s “relief at the arrival of Spring.” Dawn’s barking.

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

THEODORA QUEEN THEODORA

Theodora the Thrasher Bird just hopped up into her favorite Creosote bush, which I can smell now. Daisy thinks, if our boss had Mr. Peabody’s time machine; he would go back and see the Emperor Justinian I and his wife Queen Theodora. I smell Blinky and Rosie near Dawn.

I’m looking at that painting of Queen Theodora “scolding” and “shaming” her husband, who ended up slaughtering thousands of rioters in that city of Constantinople. That was after a big riot broke out after those chariot races. Theodora just flew out into the eastern desert.

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

ANTONIO VIVALDI (1678-1741)

ARTWORK BY ALLEN HALL

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

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

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

DEVO

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

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

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

“SISYPHUS’ CURSE”

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

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

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

CANNED HEAT THE ANIMALS

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

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

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

BOB DYLAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUN HOUSE (1902-1988)

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

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

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

ANNE, EMILY, CHARLOTTE BRONTË

PAINTING BY BRANWELL BRONTË

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

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

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

SANDY EMILY HARRIET

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

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

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

JUDY CHICAGO

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

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

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

MR. STEVE’S MOTHER

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

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

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

BELÉN (NEW MEXICO)

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

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

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

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

NEW MEXICO “RIO GRANDE” RIVER

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

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

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

“WAR HEROES MEMORIAL (“JARALES”)

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

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

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

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

LIEUTENANT GENERAL LEO MARQUEZ (1932-2011)

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

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

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

F-86 “SABRE” F-102 “DELTA DAGGER”

Our boss’s dad said, before he was a General, in the mid-1950’s Mr. Marquez flew some of those F-86 “Sabre” Jets I talked about in book one; later he flew in F-102 “Delta Daggers.” I’ve mentioned how Mr. Steve’s Nephew Dalton wants to a Pilot like his father. I smell Sage.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“VIETNAM” WAR

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

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

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

MR. AND MRS. BALDONADO

(“BOSQUE,” NEW MEXICO)

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

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

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

SAMSON AND DELILAH

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

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

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

CROW / RAVEN

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

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

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

“MILKY WAY” GALAXY

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

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

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

“GIZA” PYRAMIDS “ORION” CONSTELLATION “ORION”

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

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

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

SHOWER” “METEOR” “STRIKE”

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

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

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

LIGHTNING

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

Some think “repeated” lightning strikes “released” phosphorous from the Earth’s crust, “Jump Starting” or “Lighting the Fuse” which “Sparked” life into existence. Daisy believes You God caused it. Two sports teams are called “Thunder” and “Lightning” she told me.

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

RICHARD STRAUSS (1864-1949) AND FAMILY

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

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

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

FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE (1844-1900)

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

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

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

2014 HONDA “ODYSSEY” MR. PHILLIP

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

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

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

THE “ILIAD” HOMER (?) THE “ODYSSSEY”

ARTWORK BY LUOIS-FREDERICK SCHUTZENBERGER

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

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

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

ACHILLES HEEL ACHILLES / HECTOR

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA ARTWORK BY MARK CHURMS

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

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

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

LED ZEPPELIN

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

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

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

“SOLAR” SYSTEM “MERCURY”

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

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

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

ROMAN GOD “MERCURY”

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

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

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

VIKING GOD “ODIN”

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

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

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

THREE “GREAT” GODS VIKINGS “LONGSHIP” ARTWORK BY RASMUS WEINHARDT

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

My Encyclopedia says in “Norse” mythology, or “Sagas;” many of the periods of time are “in three’s.” Odin had “three brothers;” and ruled the “third generation” of Gods. That lady Edith Hamilton mainly wrote about Greece and Rome, but also studied Vikings too.

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

THE “VIKINGS”

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

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

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

VIKING “LONGSHIP” MODEL

Daisy says Miss Helena, Mr. Eddie’s Landlady; has talked with our boss about Vikings, her being from “Norway.” Back in the 8th century A.D. men from those Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Norway and Sweden began “Raiding” and “Trading.” I can smell Mesquite.

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

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

ALFRED NOBEL (1833-1896)

COLORIZED BY TIM TOMPKINS

This Encyclopedia calls Alfred Nobel, who was from Sweden; an “engineer, chemist and inventor.” The tv show said he spoke six languages, had eight brothers and sisters; and didn’t like being criticized for inventing dynamite. Miss Helena knows a few languages I guess.

Mr. Ralph thinks that dynamite “benefitted” the world. Oh! Alfred Nobel read his own “mistakenly printed obituary” which called his invention of dynamite a “weapon of war,” so when he did die he “left money” for those Nobel prizes. Heathcliff just crowed.

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

VIKINGS “POST” BATTLE

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

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

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

“COASTAL RAID” VIKINGS “BATTLE CHARGE”

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

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

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

VIKING “LONGSHIP”

(“CLINKER” VERSUS “CARVEL” SYSTEM)

Daisy says our boss and Miss Helena talked about how Vikings used a “Clinker” system of “overlapping” layers of wood in “assembling” their Ships. Oh! So, it was hard for water to push its way through and flood in to maybe drown you. Boy! I really love diagrams.

Ah! Now I get what Mr. Mike meant when he talked about our roof being made out of overlapping layers of tile. So, it’s the same idea Viking Shipbuilders used to “seal out” any of the water getting into the Boat. Two of the Pigeons are flying over Libby’s Corral.

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

“THE VIKINGS” (1958)

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

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

This is interesting. It says here Vikings, among many other “products;” sold Slaves too. As I mentioned yesterday in book one, slavery has always existed and still exists today; it’s just not called slavery anymore Mr. Steve and his father both think. Daffy’s quacking over there.

VIKING SELLING A SLAVE GIRL

ARTWORK BY TOM LOVELL

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

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

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

VENICE, ITALY

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

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

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

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

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

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

PIGEONS ON PATIO ROOF

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

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

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

13TH CENTURY EUROPEAN WARSHIP

( “FLOATING FORTRESS”)

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

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

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

VIKING TRAVELS (“ATLANTIC” OCEAN) LEIF ERIKSSON (970-1025)

PAINTING BY HANS DAHL

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

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

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

“L’ ANSE AUX” MEADOWS

(“NEWFOUNDLAND,” CANADA)

PHOTO BY RUSS HEINL

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

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

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

CAROL GOODMAN

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

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

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

CROWS COYOTE

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

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

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

ANCIENT GREEK “FUNERAL STONE”

GETTY MUSEUM

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

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

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

“CREATION”

(“SPARK OF LIFE”)

MICHAELANGELO (“SISTINE” CHAPEL)

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

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

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

HIGH DESERT HUMMINGBIRDS

PHOTO BY TOM GREY

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

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

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

ADOLPH HITLER MEETING FANS

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

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

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

“DALAI LAMA”

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

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

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

THE “BLACK DEATH” (1347-1351)

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

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

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

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

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

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

GRANDPA /GRANDMA TRUJILLO

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

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

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

WORLD WAR I (1914-1918)

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

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

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

EVA BRAUN / ADOLPH HITLER

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

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

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

BLINKY

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

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

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

BLONDIE

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

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

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

MAGGIE CÓRDOVA DAISY

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

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

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

1918 “SPANISH” FLU PANDEMIC

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

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

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

“REFUGEES”

PHOTO BY NICOLAS ECONOMOU

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

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

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

HOMER LEA (1876-1912)

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

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

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

“COFFEE & CREAM” (SYLMAR)

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

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

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

TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS

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

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

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

ESCAPE INTO EGYPT

EIKON BIBLE ART

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

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

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

“CARIBBEAN” SEA

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

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

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

SLAVE REVOLT HAITI TOUSSAINT LOUVERTURE

ARTWORK BY RICHARD WATKINS

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

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

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

“VISIGOTHS SACK ROME” (410 A.D.)

ARTWORK BY NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC /1962)

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

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

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

“INVASIONS” OF ROME

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

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

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

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

“VACCINATION”

PHOTO BY SARAH TEW

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

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

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

HARRY HOUDINI (1874-1926)

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

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

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

“SÉANCE”

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

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

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

“HOUDINI” JACOB CORDOVA HOUDINI

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

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

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

MORNING LIGHT ON CHOLLA’S WREN IN CHOLLA’S

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

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

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

“OUIJA” BOARD

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

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

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

SAMSON AND DELILAH

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

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

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

“RED WINGED BLACKBIRD”

PHOTO BY MIKE COHEN

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

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

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

“EPAULETTE” SHARK

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

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

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

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE EDGAR ALLAN POE

(1564-1616) (1809-1849)

“CHANDROS” PORTRAIT

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

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

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

“MAGPIES” AUSTRALIA

PHOTO BY TOBY HUDSON

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

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

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

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

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

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

2012 SUZUKI “EQUATOR”

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

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

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

FINLEY

PHOTO BYRON NIEBRUGGE

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

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

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

FLASHLIGHT DEMONSTRATION

(SUMMER-LEFT / WINTER-RIGHT)

ARTWORK BY CLAY ATCHISON

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

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

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

THE “ANNUNCIATION”

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

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

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

MERCURY TEN CENT “DIME” (1916-1945)

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

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

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

FREDDIE MERCURY (1946-1991)

PHOTO BY GUS STEWART

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

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

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

“MERCURY” SPACE PROGRAM ASTRONAUTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

“HAM” THE CHIMPANZEE (1957-1983)

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

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

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

JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATED (NOVEMBER 22, 1963)

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

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

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

AFRICAN “NATIONS”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“LAIKA” THE “COSMONAUT” “APOLLO” MOON LANDING PROGRAM

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

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

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

“NEWS PLUS” THE “TWINS” MR. DON

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

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

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

“ANTELOPE” VALLEY “RAVENA” PULP MILL (1884)

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

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

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

“PANAMA” CANAL (COMPLETED 1914)

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

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

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

FRANK ZAPPA / CAPTAIN BEEFHEART

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

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

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

CALIFORNIA INDIAN WARRIORS

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

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

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

“SERRANO” INDIANS

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

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

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

2010 MERCURY”MOUNTAINEER”

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

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

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

“SERRANO” HIGH SCHOOL (PHELAN)

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

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

We heard our boss tell Miss Susan how his parent’s first “Slow” type dance was to this “Country” song called the “Tennessee Waltz,” by Patti Page on “Mercury Records.” She was from “Oklahoma” and had ten brothers and sisters Miss Susan said. Heathcliff crowed.

PATTI PAGE (1927-2013) MR. STEVE’S PARENTS

Miss Susan said Patti Page died last year, and her 1951 version of Tennessee Waltz is “rare” in getting to “number one” on three different music “Charts;” the “Country,” “Pop” and “R & B” lists. Mr. Steve’s parents both really like it that’s for sure Daisy heard.

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

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

PATTI PAGE

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

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

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

EDDIE ROBINSON (KANSAS CITY “A’S”)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“WALTZ”

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

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

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

BOB DYLAN THE BAND

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

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

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

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

BEACH BOYS

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

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

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

ALICE COOPER BAND

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

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

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

ALICE COOPER

PHOTO BY DAVE HOGAN

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

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

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

“SCREAMING” JAY HAWKINS ARTHUR BROWN MARILYN MANSON

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

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

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

KILLER (1971)

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

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

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

ALICE COOPER

PHOTO BY MARIO ANZUONI

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

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

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

“BOA CONSTRICTOR” SOUTH AMERICA “ANACONDA”

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

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

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

ALICE COOPER “CERBERUS” / “HERCULES”

PAINTING BY BORIS VALLEJO

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

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

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

MARX BROTHERS LENNY BRUCE (1924-1966) AND FAMILY

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

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

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

CAPTAIN BEEFHEART FRANK ZAPPA

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

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

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

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

YOLANDA

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

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

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

JONATHON SWIFT (1677-1745)

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

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

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

SAMANTHA /MISS PEGGY ROCKY JR. / ROCK / JACOB

STEPHANIE / RICH / CRISTINA

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

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

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

GRANDPA / GRANDMA CÓRDOVA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DIEGO VELÁZQUEZ (1599-1660)

SELF-PORTRAIT

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHARLIE CHAPLAIN LAUREL AND HARDY

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

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

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

MAURICE RAVEL ADOLPH HITLER ROLLIE FINGERS

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

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

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

ÉDOUARD MANET (1832-1883)

SELF-PORTRAIT

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

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

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

“SISTER” WENDY BECKETT

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

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

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

SISTER WENDY’S TRAILER

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

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

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

SISTER WENDY THINKING

PHOTO BY REX

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“MONET ON HIS STUDIO BOAT” “MELON AND PEACHES”

PAINTINGS BY ÉDOUARD MANET

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

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

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

GEORGIAO KEEFE (1897-1963)

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

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

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

ALICE COOPER AND FAMILY

PHOTO BY RON GALELLA

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

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

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

MR. RICK WITH MOM

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

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

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

MR. STEVE’S PARENTS

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE CÓRDOVA

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

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

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

IRON MAIDEN METALLICA

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

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

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

JIMI HENDRIX JANIS JOPLIN JIM MORRISON

PHOTO BY HENRY DILTZ

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

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

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

DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE (1886)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MR. RICK

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

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

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