Book 2 Chapter 3

                                                                             II

                                                             (Book 2 / Chapter 3)     

9:30       

              

                     

MORNING SKY         

                                  

                   Well, I went pee and now here goes chapter three, and just like yesterday; I'm having so much fun learning new things.  This is the chapter where I'll learn a lot about the American Civil War.  Boy!  I can't wait to go visit Daisy after Part One, to tell how well today is again going.

              Oh!  Now Fannie and Freddie are going bye but they're flapping their wings a lot in how they fly.  Hey God!  I know You already know it and I keep on saying it but, we're so thankful You created Birds!  Heathcliff crowed and I can hear his Hens clucking happily over there.  

             Crows and Ravens are so smart!  Mr. Steve told his mom on the phone one time about a tv show he saw about that subject.  Daisy and Millie also saw the same show and thought it just confirmed what they already knew from experience.  The smell of Mesquite just floated in.

      

CROW USING STICK AS A TOOL

             

             I guess that tv show talked about how some Birds have been known to use sticks or twigs as actual "Tools" in getting food.  One was a smart Crow they filmed who lived down there in the "South Pacific" Ocean on this island called "New Caledonia."  Dawn's now barking.  

            Daisy's the one who pointed out to me how Crows and Ravens are sort of like us in being curious about all the different things around here.  That island of New Caledonia was important during World War II when the U.S. fought Japan. I smell little Blinky and he smells so good.

            My Encyclopedia says New Caledonia is a region in the Pacific Ocean, to the northeast of Australia.  The "Lapita" people got there about 1600 B.C.  It was that British guy Captain Cook who named the area in 1774.  Oh!  He did it on September 4th, Miss Maria's birthday.

                                 

"PACIFIC THEATER" (1942-1945)

           

                   Daisy heard our boss tell his mom how Sandy's father, because he was in the Navy at the beginning of American involvement in the Second World War; knew of New Caledonia.  A map shows all the battles that happened back then.  He was in the huge "Battle of the Coral Sea."

            Oh!  New Caledonia is "still" a part of France, and not "independent" like other former European Colonies.  During World War II the area was an important American "Base."  Daisy says our boss once sold things to a man from New Caledonia, but that's a place in Canada.

           The tv show said this "flightless" Bird called a "Kagu" lives in New Caledonia Daisy told me.  It can't fly but glides like a Roadrunner, uses its wings to climb trees; and sounds just like a barking Dog.  I see a bright orange boy finch chasing around a lighter brown girl Finch.   

                               

FINCH USING STICK       

PHOTO BY MARY PLAGE                  

                

                   On that island in New Caledonia the Crows "bend" sticks, then use them to dig or "fish" out Bugs from cracks or holes.  The tv show said that guy Charles Darwin "observed" Finch's doing the same thing.  Boy!  Wait until our boss finds out about me using pens and pencils.

             Mr. Hussein, who runs his "Coffee & Cream " business down there in Sylmar; told our boss and his parents how Egyptian Vultures break eggshells with a rock.  I've mentioned a few times how Mr. Steve and his mom think Mr. Hussein is a talented Painter.  I smell Sage.

             I guess Charles Darwin, in those "Galápagos Islands;" saw Finch's using cactus spines and twigs to pull Insects from holes in trees.  Daisy told me about seeing Crows drop things onto hard asphalt roads in order to break them open.  Oh!  Samson and Delilah are flying bye.

        

                                                        AFRICAN "HONEY BIRDS"    

                                                                                                PHOTOS BY CLAIRE SPOTTISWOODE    

        

            The man on the tv show talked about little African Birds who help people.  In exchange for flying out and locating the different "Beehives," the "Honey Guide" Birds get to eat all the wax they want.   I just looked up to see Libby, who whinnied; over there in her Corral. 

            I've mentioned before how the "Domestication of Animals" is one sign of people living in "Civilization."  But Dais heard the tv show say how the African Honey Guide Birds are the only "known" case where people use "Wild" Birds to lead them to food.  I really like Libby!

           Mr. Steve met a man from the African country of "Mozambique."  Daisy says he told our boss "Honey Birds" are used in his nation, and also this other country called "Tanzania.  Finley the orange boy Finch is sitting alone in that big clump of Joshua trees near Libby's Corral. 

                                

MODERN AFRICAN NATIONS          

                      

                    On the map I see how Mozambique and Tanzania are in southeast Africa.  I guess, when a man whistles Honey Birds come to him; and then fly out to find Beehives.  I've mentioned how Mr. Mark thinks the African countries should band together in a union like in Europe.   

             Dais says, once the Honey Birds fly away, the Workers follow them to the Beehive.  They use smoke to chase away the Bees, then tools to chop the Beehive out of the tree; keeping all the honey while the Honey Birds get to eat the wax.  A flock of Birds is flying toward the east.

             I hear two Crows way out there in the desert yelling at each other, and because it's the second day of Spring; I wouldn't be surprised if they're fighting over a girl Crow.  Boy!  I'd like it if a boy like Blinky fought for me.  That would prove he really did want to be with me.           

               

 MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES       

            

            Hearing those Crows squawking makes me think about how, as kids; Mr. Steve's parents paid for he and his brothers to take "Martial Arts" lessons.   As I wrote yesterday, they went to "Granada Hills" and studied a Korean system called "Tang Soo Do."  Heathcliff crowed.  

            Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Ralph how Tang Soo Do is actually a combination of a few Martial Arts forms, like "Karate" and "Kung Fu" for instance.  Besides the physical things they learned; Tang Soo Do also taught the importance of that "Spirit of Chi" idea.  I smell Sage.

            All of a sudden I just thought of our breakfast this morning.  According to my Spanish Dictionary "desayuno" is the word for breakfast.  Thank You so much God if it was You who had Daisy find all of these Dictionaries in the garage because I couldn't do without them.

            

 EDVARD GRIEG (1843-1907) WITH WIFE "NINA"             

             

             Looking at the Sun over the eastern horizon behind the Sheds makes me think of a song Dais told me about called "Morning Mood."   It was written by this Composer from "Norway" named Edvard Grieg and I hope to hear it someday.  A Train whistled faintly to the north.

            My Encyclopedia says, even though that guy Edvard Grieg was Norwegian, the title of Morning Mood was in German.  I just used this German Dictionary to look it up and Morning Mood would be said as "morgenstimmung."  I see a long white vapor trail up in the sky.  

            It says here Edvard Grieg, like Albert Einstein; married his Cousin named "Nina."  She was also a good Musician who "toured" with him as a "good partner."  Oh!  Too bad they had a daughter, but she then died "in infancy;" as I guess so many babies did back in those days.      

            

                       QUEEN VICTORIA (1819-1901)                               GRIEG / WIFE

          

                   I mentioned yesterday how that lady Queen Victoria was born on May the 24th, which is also Mr. Steve's parents Wedding Anniversary.  But, I just now noticed how Edward Grieg died on December the 4th; which is his Niece Stephanie's birthday too.  Daffy's now quacking.   

           Dais says our boss one time told Mr. Dave about Grieg's "Piano Concerto" in "A Minor." I guess, from what Daisy heard; Queen Victoria really liked Friedrich Grieg's music a lot.  Oh!    This is interesting how it says here his last words before dying were, "Well, if it must be so."        

         That one band ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA who Mr. Steve likes, back in the early 1970's; did songs where they used some of Edvard Grieg's music Daisy says.  I've mentioned a      few times how our boss likes Classical music influenced Rock songs.  I like Daffy's voice.               

                                           

                                            ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA (1973)          

                             

           The ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA, or just E.L.O. for short; are from England.  On their 1973 album "On the Third Day" Dais says, they have a good song called "Daybreaker."  I guess, there are mornings when our boss listens to it in order "to get motivated" he says.

           Daisy told me that song Daybreaker, which she's pretty sure is about Sunup; begins with one of those "Moog" synthesizers I've mentioned before.  On the same album is E.L.O.'s version of Edvard Grieg's famous song "Hall of the Mountain King."  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.

           According to Dais E.L.O.'s Hall of the Mountain King uses Grieg's "Morning Mood" as the "Introduction.   She heard our boss tell Mr. Dave how the original version of E.L.O. was the last two remaining members of that band the MOVE.   And they added a third guy.   

                                               THE MOVE (1971)                                           FIRST E.L.O ALBUM (1971)     

                         

            Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Dave in 1971, when he was in 10th Grade; the MOVE and E.L.O. put out albums even though it was the same three guys in both bands.  Mr. Steve had first heard of the MOVE in 1970 when a friend "introduced" them to him.  Heathcliff crowed.

            In 1971 the three members of the MOVE and E.L.O. were "Bev" Bevan on drums, and Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne doing everything else.  In 1965 the MOVE began with five members, and by 1975 E.L.O. had seven.  But in 1971 both of those bands were just those three guys.

                 Our boss told Mr. Dave the first E.L.O. album from 1971 sounded "nothing like" the way E.L.O. would sound in the mid-1970's.  Roy Wood left after that first album, and Jeff Lynne was then left as the band's leader.  A little gray Sparrow carrying a long twig went running bye.  

         

                                                               THE MOVE (1968)                                                            

            

                  I guess the MOVE, who were from that city of "Birmingham" like BLACK SABBATH later; were formed in 1965.  In the late 1960's they had a few "Hits" in England which Dais says were more "Pop" in sound.  I just noticed Andy over there guarding their burrow entrance.

            Because of all the steel factories and things like that, during World War II Birmingham was the third most bombed city in England; only London and Liverpool hit more.  But, by the early 1960's a music scene had developed.  Frida and Diego the Bluebirds just flew bye.

                  Mr. Steve one time sold things to a man from England who told him David Bowie "had a hand" in the MOVE'S formation in 1965.  Still named David Jones then, he recommended that an "All Star" band should be created from Birmingham's best Musicians.  I smell Sage. 

       

BLACK SABBATH                                                     JUDAS PRIEST      

              

                    Besides the MOVE and BLACK SABBATH, other bands "Came out Of" Birmingham.  JUDAS PRIEST was from there, and so was that 1970's "New Wave" band DURAN DURAN.  Right now I'm suddenly hearing JUDAS PRIEST'S song "You Got Another Thing Coming."   

             Daisy says the man from England told our boss how, in the late 1960's; the MOVE got to "Tour" with PINK FLOYD and Jimmy Hendrix's band the EXPERIENCE.  They also played some concerts with the WHO and JEFFERSON AIRPLANE.  Libby's looking at me. 

             I guess at first the band considered taking the name the MOVEMENT but then decided on simply the MOVE.  They played a mixture of Pop, Rock and "Psychedelic" music, and did gimmicky things like breaking tv's on stage.  In the late 1960's they had songs on the Radio.   

             

     ROY WOOD, JEFF LYNNE, BEV BEFAN (1971)       

               

            Dais says our boss told Mr. Dave, because Roy Wood played many instruments; it took a number of Musicians to replace him when he left E.L.O.   That first and only E.L.O. album he was on had a darker "feel" to it because of Roy Wood.  I smell the baby Cholla cactus.

            I guess, because of how Roy Wood played the cellos and things like that; the first E.L.O. album at times had a gloomy atmosphere.  Daisy says our boss likes a song called the "Battle of Marston Moor."  The scent of the new baby Cholla cactus makes me feel good right now. 

            Early 1970's MOVE and E.L.O. music is a big "contrast" from the 1960's MOVE or mid-1970's E.L.O.  Over the years Mr. Steve played those albums for people, to see their reaction.  Everyone is impressed, especially by those MOVE albums which Dais our boss really likes.  

                  

PYOTR  ILYCH  TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893)         

                                            

            Daisy told me, even though the original MOVE were a Pop band, they did "hint" at what would come.  Their song "Night of Fear" used part of  Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" in it.  In book three, when I write about Christmas; I'll be finding out more about that Russian guy.

            A good tv show Daisy and Millie saw about Classical music said how Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture is about Napoléon's disastrous attack on Russia.  I guess, he began that campaign with about 400,000 Soldiers; but only about 30,000 survived.  Wow!  That is a disaster alright.

           Max the Hummingbird just zoomed bye and I heard him coming from far away.  I wasn't sure if it was him or that Dragonfly who I've been seeing.  He flew right bye the empty feeders.  I have a feeling his girlfriend 99 is really busy building their nest for this upcoming year.

                

   VAPOR TRAIL              

                  

              A long white vapor trail is going bye way up there in the morning sky.  Seeing it right now makes me think of a year ago when I saw Max go bye as I looked at another vapor trail.  Max is now zipping out there into the back desert behind the Sheds, and is totally gone already.   

          Mr. Steve says the MOVE were never popular in America, but over the years one common reaction when he plays people their music is surprise that such a good band is so unknown.  Mr. Steve's father thinks that sometimes in life it's just "luck and timing."  Heathcliff crowed.

          The MOVE'S last three albums were really, really good Dais says.  Our boss told Mr. Dave how, in 1969 before he had heard of them the MOVE did their "one and only" American tour; but it didn't go well and was even "cut short."   I still smell the new baby Cholla cactus.

                 

                                                      IGGY AND THE STOOGES         

                   

            In 1969 the MOVE flew over from England and landed in that city of Detroit.  But they were surprised to find out their Record Company had made no "Accommodations" for them or their equipment.   In Detroit they "Opened Up" a concert for IGGY AND THE STOOGES.

            After leaving Detroit, the MOVE hired a "U-Haul" trailer for their equipment and then drove west on the old "Route 66" highway.  1969 was a year of "Ups and Downs" for the Move, a hit song in England but the American tour "went badly" our boss said.  I smell Mesquite.          

          For a Tourist driving all the way from the Midwest to California is great but, not if you're a band in a rented Car pulling a trailer.  I guess the members of the MOVE began to bicker and  fight.  Ah!  Fannie and Freddy are playing tag out there in the desert behind the Sheds.                                                                 WHISKY A GO GO          

         

                  Daisy says our boss told Mr. Dave, when the MOVE finally made it all of the way out here to California; they played down at the "Whisky A Go Go" Nightclub.  Then, they drove up to San Francisco where they did a concert.  But after that they "Pulled the Plug" so to speak.

             The MOVE weren't the only British band to have a hit in England but then turn out to be a "Dud" in America.  Daisy says, back in the 1970's;  our boss and Miss Sandy saw SLADE play at the "Starwood" in Hollywood.  They "were really good" from what Mr. Steve said.

             Mr. Steve has been told the only British band with more hit singles back in England than SLADE was the BEATLES.  But they never "Made It" here.  In the early 1980's that band from here in Los Angeles QUIET RIOT had hits with their versions of SLADE songs Daisy heard. 

                       

           SLADE             

                                                    

          When our boss told him he and Sandy saw SLADE, Mr. Dave joked about being "jealous" as he would've liked to have seen them.  Daisy says our boss played that kid Jason some SLADE songs, which are often high energy "Anthem" type songs.  She thinks I would like them.

           Daisy told me about how, on that SLADE album; they do a good song called "Hear Me Calling."  But she noticed how our boss seemed to like even better their cover version of that old traditional song "Let The Good Times Roll."  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying bye.

          Our boss told Mr. Dave if he could time travel he would want to go back to 1969 to see the MOVE at the Whisky A Go Go.  But he had no idea who they were then and was only told about them later.  In 1969 Mr. Steve was fourteen years old and in 8th Grade at St. Ferdinand's.  

  

EARLY SLADE        

               

              Mr. Dave laughed when our boss said SLADE began as a "Skinhead" band because, in their "Heyday" in the mid-1970's; they were British "Glam" like T-REX or the SWEET.  Daisy says SLADE have a unique-sounding Singer.   She thinks he sort of reminds her of a Goat.

                   Another thing our boss told Mr. Dave about is how, after the SLADE concert was over; Mr. Steve and Sandy got a "Bonus."  As they were leaving Mr. Steve noticed one of the Starwood "Security" staff was someone he knew.  So they talked as all the doors were being closed.

             The DOORS' keyboard player Ray Manzarek came out and rehearsed with the band he was in then so our boss and Sandy got to watch the rehearsal.  Ray Manzarek was very friendly and even gave Sandy a broken tambourine.  Mr. Steve later fixed it and she was happy.    

           

                                   THE DOORS                                                         RAY MANZAREK

            

                  When Mr. Steve asked Ray Manzarek about the DOORS not having a bass player but the sound of a bass being heard on the songs he smiled saying, "Meet Mr. bass."  With his left hand he played a smaller keyboard which sounded like a bass.   All of the Pigeons are flying bye.

             Our boss told Mr. Dave, on that night back in the mid-1970's he noticed how much Ray Manzarek's singing voice was kind of similar to Jim Morrison's.  Seeing him play from so close really made Mr. Steve appreciate how talented he was.  Heathcliff just crowed over there.

            Ray Manzarek got "got good tones" out of his keyboard Mr. Steve noticed.  Sometimes tones are as important, "at times more important;" than complicated playing our boss thinks.  I can suddenly smell the Twin Joshua trees out there in the eastern desert behind the Sheds.        

  

ROY WOOD (WIZZARD)

PHOTO BY DAVID REDFERN

             After leaving E.L.O. Roy Wood created WIZZARD, and according to what Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Dave; as a gimmick grew his hair really long, and wore face makeup.  That was even before KISS did it I guess.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve say WIZZARD has two "z's" in it. 

             I guess, WIZZARD did pretty good in the early 1970's but; were not nearly as successful as E.L.O. turned out being when Jeff Lynne took over.  From then on Jeff Lynne was not only the Guitarist and Singer, he was E.L.O.'S main song writer for the band.  Heathcliff crowed.   

            Daisy says our boss was surprised WIZZARD didn't do as well as E.L.O. because of how talented Roy Wood is.  Their biggest hit song was about Christmas and I guess is still played in England during the Holidays.  SLADE also did a good song about Christmas Dais heard.         

              

 BEV BEVAN          

               

              Over the years Mr. Steve has played MOVE and E.L.O. songs to show people what a good Drummer Bev Bevan is.  He's not "Flashy" but is consistent and reliable, and in that way is kind of like DEVO'S Drummer.  Frida and Diego are now flying over Libby's Corral.

             All of a sudden I'm hearing DEVO'S song about that boy who has a head shaped like a block.  The bass is so good on that song, but my favorite part is how the band sing in "Cadence" the way people in the military do as they run along.  Boy!  DEVO is so talented I think.   

             Daisy says our boss has the last three MOVE albums, and thinks all are good.  They put out two albums in 1970, and one is called "Shazam." Mr. Steve's customer in New Jersey, who plays guitar; told him he heard KISS'S Guitarist Paul Stanley said he liked Shazam a lot.       

    

              JOHN BONHAM                  

           

                   Mr. Steve was told, when the MOVE formed in 1965, LED ZEPPELIN'S John Bonham was asked to be in the band.  But he said no, so Bev Bevan came in and there was never another Drummer in the MOVE.  Mr. Steve drew John Bonham's three circle logo as a teenager. 

             From what Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Dave, it's good John Bonham was never in the MOVE because he might've been too "bombastic."  He was perfect for LED ZEPPELIN but the MOVE didn't need that type of Drummer.  All four of the Pigeons are flying bye right now.

             Bev Bevan's more "nuanced" and "understated" playing was perfect for the songs Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne wrote Mr. Steve thinks.  I guess Mr. Dave, who had never even heard of the MOVE; now agrees with him.  He's been listening to the MOVE songs on the Internet. 

                                         

     HAND "GRIPS" FOR DRUMMERS  (RIGHT-HANDED)        

                          

                  As I wrote yesterday in my first book, there are two main ways for Drummers to hold the sticks when he or she plays.  If the Drummer is right-handed, in the more "Traditional" grip the stick is held in an "Underhand" way with the left hand.   The right stick is held "Overhand." 

            In the second type of grip both hands hold the sticks in the same "Matched" overhand manner.  Mr. Steve prefers this grip because he plays in an "Ambidextrous" way, so has better "Reach" and more power; especially when hitting the "Crash" cymbals.  Heathcliff crowed.

            Daisy heard our boss tell that kid Jason DEF LEPPARD'S Drummer Rick Allen, before he lost his left arm in that bad Car accident; used the traditional grip.  Mr. Steve read Rick Allen was only fifteen when he joined DEF LEPPARD.  Heathcliff's Hens are now clucking.  

                                     

     BEV BEVAN            

                       

            Our boss told Mr. Dave Bev Bevan, and PINK FLOYD'S Drummer; at times hold their sticks in a third way when "tapping" the cymbals in a "lighter" way.  In their left hands they "balance the stick" between two fingers.  Hearing Heathcliff's Hens makes me feel good.

            Sister Rita Joseph used to say, "It's a subjective thing," and that's why Mr. Steve prefers live music made on instruments; rather than "Programmed" computer songs.  But many people in 2014 disagree with him.  They don't really care about the imperfect "Human Element."

            In 1969, when the MOVE returned to England after their unsuccessful American tour; I guess they began working on the Shazam album.  That was when the band still had four people in it Daisy told me.  One song on Shazam is about this prisoner locked up in cold jail cell.  

             

    "SHAZAM (1970)          

                                                                           

                   Daisy says you can really hear the Classical music influences on that Shazam album.  The song about the man in prison is called "Cherry Blossom Clinic Revisited."  I guess, they called it that because on a previous album they had a song just called "Cherry Blossom Clinic."

            When Mr. Dave heard Shazam he couldn't believe how good the drumming was on it.  He right away noticed the Classical influences but, unfortunately Mr. Steve said; that album wasn't a commercial success so made little money.  I can smell the Twins Joshua trees right now. 

            From what Dais told me, on Cherry Blossom Clinic Revisited it starts with the sound of a man walking down an echoing the hallway and then opening up a door by using a key.  You can really hear it clearly and it's kind of scary Daisy says.  A small group of Birds is going bye. 

 

      IRON MAIDEN         

       

                My English Dictionary says a "Dungeon" is an "underground cell or prison," or "bleak" places where many die.  Dais told me about that 1980's Heavy Metal band from England IRON MAIDEN, and how they got their named from a Medieval torture device.  I smell Sage.

            Later today I'm scheduled to learn and write about the "Spanish Inquisition."  I'm kind of tempted to do it now but I'd better just wait and do it according the the outline Daisy and I put together.  There are now some thin white clouds forming up there in the high blue sky.

           Towards the end of Cherry Blossom Clinic Daisy says, the MOVE do a section where they play music by Bach, Tchaikovsky and this one other man from France named Paul Dukas.  The Paul Dukas part is called the "Sorcerer's Apprentice."  A Train just whistled to my left.

          

"FANTASIA" (1940)      

                      

             Dais says the last section of the MOVE'S song Cherry Blossom Clinic is one of our boss's favorite use of Classical music in a song.  There's good singing and Bev Bevan uses "Mallets" to play "Chimes."  But they're not like the chimes hanging up there from the Patio roof.

             In a Walt Disney cartoon Daisy saw that boy Mouse "Mickey" uses magic to make this broom come alive and then makes it do the work he's supposed to do.  But it gets out of control.  The wild music playing is the Sorcerer's Apprentice, or "L' Apprenti Sorcier" in French.   

            My Encyclopedia says that guy Paul Dukas was Jewish, and his mom died when he was five years old.  I guess, besides being a good "Composer;" he also was a "Professor" too.   When he wrote  the Sorcerer's Apprentice, back in 1896; its "Subtitle" was the word "Scherzo."

                       

                                                         PAUL DUKAS (1865-1935)     

                        

            I guess "Scherzo" was a "ballad" written by that famous German Writer named Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.  My Dictionary says a ballad is a, "sentimental song or poem."  Wow!   In France they even later made a good stamp with Paul Dukas's image right on the front of it.

            Boy!  It would be so great to have a stamp made for you.  I just looked up Wolfgang von Goethe.  He lived way back in the 18th century.  Oh!  "Goethe" is called the "Shakespeare" of the German language, and some of his ideas "influenced a wide range of later thinkers." 

           The German Philosophers Friedrich Hegel and Immanuel Kant, in the late 1700's; were both "admirers" of  Goethe.  Then, in the 19th century or 1800's; Charles Darwin had "similar" ideas to his.  A small Garter Snake used the left vertical gate slot to go out into the desert. 

               

                                    JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE (1749-1832)                     

               

             It says here  Musicians like Mozart and Beethoven "looked up to" Goethe, even though he and Beethoven disagreed totally about politics in the period of Napoléon Bonaparte.  Oh!  He  even influenced Friedrich Nietzsche.  I smell Theodora's favorite Creosote bush over there.

            According to what it says here in this Encyclopedia, that guy Goethe "admired" Martin Luther's ideas from the 16th century, or period of the "Protestant Reformation."  Two Pigeons just flew back in from being out in the back desert.  They landed up on the Patio roof.

            Anyway, I'll come back to Goethe later, but right now I still have a little bit to write about the MOVE. Daisy says, in the same year of 1970 when Shazam was "Released;" they also put out another good album called "Looking On."  The two Pigeons are up there walking around.

                    

NAZI'S OCCUPY PARIS (JUNE, 1940)

           

           That Walt Disney movie Fantasia came out in 1940, the same year the Germans surprised everyone by using those "Blitzkrieg" tactics to conquer the Netherlands, Belgium and France.  In chapters four, five and six I'll write a lot about World War II.  The Pigeons are now cooing.

           From what Dais heard our boss tell Mr. Dave, while making Looking On Roy Wood, Jeff Lynne and Bev Bevan began to think about the E.L.O. concept.  The sound of the Pigeons makes me feel so good right now sitting on Elvira.  Thank You so much God for making Pigeons.

          Mr. Dave was impressed at how good the MOVE'S Looking On album is, and noticed right away the Blues and Soul elements; as well as what sounded to him like Progressive and Heavy Metal music.  It even had Doo-Wop singing.  The Pigeons just flew back out into the desert.  

      

                         CLAUDE BELL (1897-1988)                            "CABAZON" DINOSAURS

     

            One song on the Looking On album is about a dance named after those "Brontosaurus" Dinosaurs.  Daisy says it's a Heavy Metal song and Mr. Dave was amazed at how the guitars in it sound, especially what sounds like a slide guitar lead in one section.  Heathcliff crowed.

            Daisy heard our boss tell his Niece Stephanie about a small Cafe in "Cabazon," to the west of Palm Springs.  Outside are two big Dinosaur statues made by a man named Claude Bell,  one of a T-Rex; the other one is a Brontosaurus.  Mr. Steve and Miss Emily ate at that Cafe.

            My Encyclopedia says "Brontosaurus" is Greek for "Thunder Lizard.  Their long necks were for reaching the tops of the tall trees they ate.  Wow!  Brontosaurus's lived in the "Late Jurrassic" period, and could grow to be "over" seventy feet long and weigh seventeen tons!         

             

  CHEAP TRICK        

           

                   Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Dave that band CHEAP TRICK did a good version of the MOVE'S song Brontosaurus.   Mr. Dave also went and listened to another MOVE song called "Do Ya."  That orange and black Monarch Butterfly is fluttering bye in front of the Sheds. 

             From what Dais heard, Do Ya, which was also later done by E.L.O. too; came out soon after Brontosaurus.  It has good guitar and Mr. Dave really liked how Bev Bevan played the Cow Bell on it.  That's because he himself is good at playing a Cow Bell from what Daisy heard.

         Mr. Steve, Sandy and their friends Chris and David; one time saw E.L.O. play a concert down at the Palladium in Hollywood.  One of the songs they played that night was Do Ya, and it  sounded really good.  The Butterfly is now flying around out there in the eastern desert.              

                      

                              "LOOKING ON (1970)                    THE MOVE      "MESSAGE FROM THE COUNTRY" (1971)                                        

          Over the years our boss has gotten a "kick out of" seeing people's reactions to "Message from the Country."   It was the final MOVE album, made while the three members were also in  the process of making that first E.L.O. album.  I smell Sage which makes me feel so good.             

       Message From the Country is so good Dais thinks.  The song by that title has great bass playing by Roy Wood, guitar and singing by Jeff Lynne; and Bev Bevan's weird sounding snare  drum playing.  Mr. Dave thinks it might be these things called "Maracas" he's playing.                 

         I guess, during their earlier 1960's period; the MOVE were known for all five members being Singers.  On Message From the Country all three people sing, and from what Daisy says Bev Bevan has a really deeper sounding voice.  Ah!  I smell little Blinky standing over there.         

  

TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS

  

             One time Dais and Millie were in the living room watching tv with Mr. Steve when this  show said that guy Jeff Lynne from the MOVE and E.L.O. has written some "Hit" songs for a      few other Musicians.  Dawn's barking.  Oh!  And now so is Blinky, who has a brave voice.             

             I guess one person who Jeff Lynne "Co-Wrote" some songs with was Tom Petty who I've mentioned before.  I've never heard any of them but Dais has, and told me about a song saying to never back down from a fight.  My right nostril just picked up Rosie's scent over there.                 

      That tv show said Jeff Lynne also helped Tom Petty write the songs "Free Fallin'" and "Runnin' Down a Dream" for his band the HEARTBREAKERS.  George Harrison's song "Got  My Mind Set on You" was "Produced" by Jeff Lynne.  Fannie and Freddie are flying bye.            

                                               

      WITH DAUGHTER MABEL       MR. JULIO                WITH WIFE ROSARIO                   

                    

            Mr. Steve never wears shirts with word or images on them, but has a big collection of T-Shirts he's bought over the years.  One is from the E.L.O. concert.  Daisy told me our boss, if it's possible; always buys two of everything so he sold the other E.L.O. T-Shirt to someone.

            I've mentioned how whenever Mr. Steve, Babette, Susan or Karin make a sale which has to be "Embroidered; it's Mr. Julio who actually does the work.  He's "talented" from what Daisy heard out boss tell him mom.  His wife is named "Rosario" and his daughter is "Mirabel."

            Mr. Julio is from "Mexicali" in northern "Baja, his wife grew up down in the Central American country of "Nicaragua."  Daisy heard Mr. Julio tell our boss right now it's dangerous, or "peligroso;" for an American to travel around in Mexico.  Frida and Diego are flying bye.

            

MEXICO        

      

           Mr. Julio said now, in 2014; these groups called "Cartels" control a lot of things down in Mexico.  They sell drugs into the U.S., and "take advantage of" the poor people by kidnapping    and then what they call "Ransoming" them for money.  And they do it to Americans too.            

         Daisy and Millie saw a tv show about Mexican Cartels, and how, if you don't do what they want; they just kill you.  There have been times when, to "Send a Message;" they cut off your      head.  Many poor people have to work for the Cartels because they really need the money.            

       When he visited us that time, Mr. Julio said watching cartoons "helped him learn better English."  I've mentioned how English is harder to learn because it has more words than other    languages.  I wonder if we'll go in the living room on Saturday morning to watch cartoons?                                                            " BUGLE CALL"                                                   "ROOSTER CALL"                                                                              

         Some of Heathcliff's Hens are clucking over there.  One time Mr. Randy joked about how having a Rooster around is kind of like when a "Bugler" in the military "Sounds Reveille," to      wake everyone up for the new day.  Daisy told me our boss has a replica Civil War bugle.              

          I guess the bugle Mr. Steve has sitting on one of the bookshelves in his office doesn't make any sounds, but just looks like a real one.  Dais says he traded some things for it from a man he    did artwork for a while back.   The man and his wife were having one of those "Yard Sales."        

       Boy God!  Daisy sure helps me a lot so thank You for that and, right now I wonder what she's doing up there?   She told me our boss and Mr. Julio sometimes help each other learning      Spanish or English.  This Spanish Dictionary says "Ayudar" is how you would say to "help."                                                     

DAISY CÓRDOVA        

               

         I remember that one really hot morning, when Mr. Mike jokingly asked our boss if he "minded" being his "sounding board;" and Mr. Steve said "no."  Daisy's like that with me and    luckily believes like Sister Rita Joseph who said, "There are no dumb questions." I smell Sage.    

            Thank You God for putting me down here with Daisy!  She encourages me, and yesterday kept me enthusiastic about learning to read and write; even when it was sort of hard sometimes.  A small flock of Birds is flying toward the northeast and you can tell they're "In Synch."              

          Feeling the Sun's warmth right now makes me think again about the four yearly seasons. This is only the second day of Spring.  As I said yesterday in book one, the main reason why the    different "Seasons" happen is because of how the Earth is "Tilted" as it goes around the Sun.      

                       

 "FOUR SEASONS"                                        "VERNAL EQUINOX"      

("NORTHERN" HEMISPHERE)              

                

           Boy!  I really love diagrams and maps!  I just looked up the word "Orbit" again and it means the, "path of a body in its revolution around another body."  I've mentioned how we're up here in the "Northern Hemisphere," and have two yearly "Equinox's" and "Solstice's."               

          As I wrote yesterday, in Latin "aequus" means "equal," while "nox" is "night."  That's why we'll have an almost equal amount of darkness today as there will be sunlight.  "Solstice" is Latin for "Solstitium," and is translated as; "The Sun stands still."  Libby just whinnied.             

           During the time of Solstice for a few days the Sun seems to stop its seasonal change.  The June Solstice is the "longest" day of the year, and in December that Solstice is the "shortest" day with the longest night of darkness.  I just noticed Libby over there standing in her Corral.            

                      

     "SPRING" ("VERNAL EQUINOX")         

                     

        Hey God!  As You know already, I'm starting to really agree with Daisy in saying twelve hours of sunlight and twelve hours of night is the perfect amount but, it's too bad we couldn't do this everyday!  Boy!  That would be so great!  I hear Heathcliff's Hens clucking over there.           

          Mr. Steve read some ancient people were afraid of the "Coming of Winter" because it got  cold so food was much harder to get.  They noticed as Winter "approached" the Sun rose later  each day, didn't go as high up there in the sky; and went down earlier.  Heathcliff crowed.            

      Daisy saw a tv show that said some ancient people, like the Egyptians for example; were always afraid of the Sun not coming up. They knew if there was no Sun then the plants wouldn't grow, which would lead to starvation just like the Dinosaurs.  The Sun's warmth feel so good.                                   

    ROMAN SPRING "FESTIVAL OF CEREALIA"

                  PAINTING BY LAWRENCE ALMA-TADEMA                    

                                

            According to what the man on the tv show said, the ancient Romans looked at the Winter Solstice as a time of "Hope."  They knew from that day forward there would be a little bit more    sunlight each day, until Spring.  They had a "Ritual Holiday Festival" to "welcome" Spring.      

        Our boss gave his mom a framed in glass copy of a famous painting done in 1894 by this Dutch man named Lawrence Alma-Tadema.  It's still in the Entranceway to their house down in  Sylmar.  In the Encyclopedia picture I notice how a girl wearing sky blue is playing a flute.           

       Mr. Steve and his mom saw the original painting, the "Festival of Cerealia;" over at the "Getty" Museum.  The "Print" is a copy the same size as the original, seventy by thirty inches.    Oh!  "Ceres" was the "Goddess of Wheat," so that's where the word "Cereal" comes from.                                                                                                     "NATIVITY" (DECEMBER 25?)                              

               

           Hey Lord!  As You know, Mr. Steve and his father don't believe You were really born on December the 25th.  I wrote about that Jewish man who said it's "more likely" You were born in the Spring, when a Shepherd would be out guarding the Sheep.  Dawn's barking over there.         

            Mr. Steve thinks Lord some early Christian leaders, possibly St. Paul; knew the "Pagan" Romans had a Winter Solstice festival.  So, maybe they just replaced that one with celebrating      Your birthday?  But Dais and I don't care if they did that as we like celebrating anyway.               

        Since the mid-19th century raising Sheep has been an important part of culture in New Mexico.  As a kid Grandpa Córdova had to guard Sheep from being stolen or eaten by Coyote's.  Back in 1917 those three lucky kids at "Fatima" were taking care of Sheep Blessed Mother!                                          

"STONEHENGE"     

                              

            Daisy and Millie one time heard our boss and Mr. Phillip talk about that building over there in England called "Stonehenge."  I guess some people think those big giant cut stones were put up to mark the Winter Solstice.  A few of the Ducks are quacking but Daffy's louder.             

             Mr. Phillip read, for  the ancient people who built Stonehenge in about 3,000 B.C; the    two Solstice's symbolized, "light," "rebirth" and the "new year."  Mr. Ralph also said he knew    people from that one country of "Guatemala" who always celebrate the Winter Solstice too.         

         From what Daisy heard Mr. Ralph say, many "Pakistani" people "acknowledge" the Winter Solstice as being a special time of year.  Aha!  I knew I smelled Pigpen the Gopher, and      sure enough there he is over there.  He came out of the hole and is sniffing the air right now.         

                                              "TRAVELS"                ST. PAUL (c. 5-c. 65 A.D)         BASILICA (ROME)                      

                                                                                          PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA     

  

          As You know Lord Mr. Steve thinks, after Saint Paul convinced Your brother James to allow "Gentiles" like Greeks and Romans to be Christians too and not have to just be Jews; the    "pool" of possible converts grew a lot.  Pigpen smelled me.  He went back down the hole.            

            For some reason I just now suddenly thought about the tv show Daisy and Millie saw on the subject of a "Leap Year."  I've mentioned before how the definition of a "Year" is the time it  takes for the Earth to "orbit" or circle around the Sun.  Whew!  I can still really smell Pigpen.     

            I guess it actually takes 365 1/4 days for the Earth to go all the way around the Sun.  So, by adding an extra day every four years; it "Evens things Out" so to speak.  Dais says on those    fourth years the month of "February" has twenty nine days instead of twenty eight.  Wow!                                        

EARTH      

        

          Dais told me Mr. Steve's father used to know a lady from New Mexico who just happened to have been born on February the 29th.  So that lady joked about how she was "A lot younger    than she looked."  Boy!  I don't know if I'd like having a birthday only every fourth year.             

           One time our boss and Mr. Grant talked about how, for "Legal" purposes; people born in a Leap Year are listed as having been born on March the 1st.  Daisy says American Presidential    elections, and the Olympic Games; are held every four years.  A Train just whistled faintly.           

          The tv show said the "Summer" Olympics are held on Leap Years, and for a long time the "Winter" Olympics were held on Leap Years too.  But now they're held two years later.  Daisy      doesn't know her birthday either , but jokes she's only four if she was born in a Leap Year.                                 

     THEODORA     

               

            Theodora's over there standing in her favorite Creosote bush near Jack the big Shed.  For some reason seeing her right now reminds me of last year when I also saw her there.  A flock of what looks like Pigeons are flying toward the southwest way up there in the high blue sky.            

          As Daisy understands it, in most years any date in the calendar moves to the next day of the week the following year.  So, if you have a birthday on a Monday this year then it will be on a Tuesday the very next year.  But in one of those Leap year's it would be on a Wednesday.              

          In other words, your birthday comes two days later than a normal year.  So it "leaps" to Wednesday.  Sometimes Daisy and I both wonder how anyone could have even figured out such      complicated things.  I'm going to learn about that guy Albert Einstein later in this chapter.                  

             "GROUNDHOG DAY"            

          One time Daisy and Millie saw a movie called "Groundhog Day," about "Bending" time,  where a man is caught in one of those "Time Warps," so keeps on living the same day over and    over again.  Theodora noticed me sitting over here on Elvira.  Andy's looking at me too.                

         Mr. Steve jokes our lives are like that movie Groundhog Day because on most days we do the same things in the same pattern.  Daisy thinks to others our lives are what they call "hum-      drum" and boring.  But our boss Mr. Steve really values predictability so we do too now.              

          Boy!  I hope we go back to us getting snacks.  Dais says Groundhog day is funny but also  "philosophical" too because the man does bad things knowing it would be erased the next day.    But then he's friendly and ends up being with a nice girl after the "Time Loop" is broken.            

                          

         ALBERT EINSTEIN (1879-1955)

                                 (WITH FIRST WIFE MALEVA MÁRIC)                     

         

         What the heck!  Even though I'm not scheduled to learn about that guy Albert Einstein until later, I just feel like writing about him now as well.  And I want to talk about his first wife.   Daisy saw a tv show about "Einstein" which said she was smart in Science just like him.              

          My Encyclopedia says Einstein's first wife Meleva Máric was from "Serbia" like Nicola Tesla, and was the only girl in his Science school in Switzerland.   That one tv show said they had three and maybe four children.  Einstein died three months before our boss was born I guess.      

            It says here how Einstein's family were German "Ashkenazi" Jews, and his father was an "Engineer" who's company "manufactured electrical equipment;" used in "Direct Current or    "D.C." systems.  That guy Nicola Tesla invented "Alternating Current," or just "A.C."                

     

ALBERT EINSTEIN   

  

         It says here what the tv show Daisy saw said too.  In 1905, when he a twenty six year old "Patent Clerk" trying to support a wife and kids; Einstein wrote four "groundbreaking papers" which changed Science.  Blackbeard and Anne are flying over Libby's Corral over there.              

         Wow!  I guess people now call 1905 Einstein's "Annus Mirabilis."   My Latin Dictionary says how that would be translated to be "Miracle Year."  The tv show said Einstein was "never    overly concerned" about clothes and things like that, as long as they were "functional."                

         Albert Einstein is now most famous for his "theories" on the subjects of "Relativity" and "Quantum Mechanics."  It's debated how much his wife contributed to his ideas but Mr. Steve    and his dad think she" likely" did.  He said "our ideas" in one of his letters to her Dais says.                  

SPARKS   

   

          Someday I want to hear songs by a band from Los Angeles called SPARKS.  Dais says I would really like their music because it's kind of "quirky" like me.  I guess, SPARKS is mainly    two brothers; named Ron and Russell.  There's a long vapor trail way up there in the sky.             

            Daisy says over the years our boss has played SPARKS to see people's reaction in hearing their "catchy" songs.  The older brother Ron, who had a Hitler mustache in the 1970's; writes all the music.  His younger brother Russell sings the songs and sounds like an Opera Singer.              

         Mr. Steve has people read the lyrics on SPARKS songs as they listen, to appreciate how "clever" they often are.  SPARKS have a song about Albert Einstein called "Talent is an Asset"  Dais says.  The lyrics are based on his ideas, and the title is "Ironic" as applied to Einstein.           

       

2014 CHEVROLET "SPARK"

     

          I guess, from what Dais heard; there's a small "Chevrolet" Car called "Spark," and one time our boss and a customer in Oregon talked about it.  Oh!  Bravo Company and  their babies are going out into the field through the right vertical gate slot.  I can smell Andy over there.         

       Daisy heard our boss say "light" in describing the Spark, and the Parts Manager talked about the surprising "torque" such a small Car has.  She's pretty sure that means how fast it can go from standing still to moving really fast, and I have a feeling she's right.  Dawn's barking.       

        The Parts Manager told Mr. Steve the Spark's have been made in other places like Poland and Korea.  Like a lot of Cars over the last twenty years or so, the Spark is sold under more than one name or brand.  Some Sparks are those electric Cars I've mentioned a few times before.         

                                         

RUSSELL / RON MAEL     

              

             Mr. Steve plays people SPARKS songs to show how you can make simplistic but melodic and very creative music.  The older brother Ron, besides writing all the songs; also plays piano.    Up on stage during concerts he barely moves, while his brother Russell has more energy.             

          I guess, Mr. Steve and Sandy saw SPARKS play twice; and both times they were really good in getting the whole crowd very excited and enthusiastic.  The keyboard "Tones" on many    SPARKS songs are so good Mr. Steve thinks, like on the Albert Einstein song.  I smell Sage.        

          Daisy says our boss sold things to a guy from "Pacific Palisades," who told him the Mael brothers are from here in California and went to U.C.L.A.; where Miss Emily works.  But, in the mid-1970's they went over to England; where they became as popular as they ever got. 

                         

        EINSTEIN  BECOMING U.S. CITIZEN (1940)      

                       

           A picture shows Albert Einstein becoming an American "Citizen."  Daisy says our boss thinks he was lucky to have been able to escape Hitler's Nazi German, who came into power in    1933; or year after our boss's dad was born.  He didn't care how his hair looked Dais heard.         

            Many European Jews were never able to get out before the "Holocaust" happened in the 1940's.  It's a good thing Einstein and his second wife came to the U.S. because he was one of the  Scientists who first told President Roosevelt about "Nuclear" energy.  Heathcliff crowed.              

           Anyway, I'll be coming back to Einstein over the next two days because our boss and his father think he was one of the most important people in the 20th century.  He, and his second        wife; visited Southern California a few times from what Daisy's heard.  I like Heathcliff.                                 

  NIKILA TESLA (1856-1943)                                   "TESLA COIL"              

                 

            You know, as long as I'm writing about Albert Einstein; I might as well mention that other guy Nikola Tesla too.  What makes me think about him  that the four Pigeons just flew bye and Daisy told me about how he really liked Pigeons.  Nikola Tesla is known for electricity.           

             My Encyclopedia says Nikola Tesla was "Serbian" just like Albert Einstein's first wife Meleva Máric.  He worked on "Alternating Current," while his one time boss Thomas Edison      backed "Direct Current."  That company which makes electric Cars is named after him.              

              Andy's over there sniffing the air as he guards their burrow.  And it's a good thing he's so alert because a few minutes ago I'm pretty sure I picked up Cher the Cat's scent.  Boy!  The mid-morning air is so clear right now, and that makes me feel alive and filled with joy.                                        AC/DC      

     

         Mr. Dave read that Australian band AC/DC got their name from a metal plate on the side of their sister "Margaret's" sewing machine.  I guess it was able to  use either "AC" or "DC" to operate.  I just picked up Blinky, Dawn and Rosie's three blended scents from my right.                

        Dais was the one who heard the idea for Angus Young to wear a School Boy uniform as a way to get the attention came from their older sister too.   And it was on her sewing machine that the first Angus Young stage clothes were made.  Mr. Steve's sister Celina was a "Seamstress."      

         I want to see that 1977 Video of AC/DC, with original Singer Bon Scott; playing the song about that girl Rosie.  Angus Young even dances backwards in American Indian style Daisy told me.  Bon Scott was born on Mr. Steve's birthday, and then died on Miss Harriet's birthday.                             

2014 "TESLA"       

                              

           I just thought of that American Car company named after Nikola Tesla, which makes Electric vehicles.  Boy!  It's too bad Mr. Nikola died "in poverty" while living in New York City during World War II.  Mr. Steve has read, like himself; he had "little interest in business."           

          Mr. Steve has read Nikola Tesla was not greedy so his A.C. electrical system, now used almost everywhere; made him little money.  He wanted to "do good" for the world and at times gave away his ideas for free.  So I guess, like Antonio Vivaldi; he also died really poor too.             

          Oh!  Two of the Pigeons just flew in from the desert behind the Sheds, and landed up on the Patio roof right above me.  Daisy and Millie saw a tv show about the time when Mr. Nikola  and Thomas Edison were "Competitors."  The Pigeons are now walking around up there.                                                      

TESLA / EDISON      

                    

          Unlike Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison was very greedy from what the tv show said.  Daisy says he even did some "Dirty Tricks" in trying to show his D.C. system was better than Nikola    Tesla's A.C. system.  Thomas Edison also saw importance in the number "3" too I guess.              

          Daisy told me Thomas Edison, as one of those "Publicity Stunts;" used A.C. to kill a big   Elephant.   Later today I'll learn about those greedy rich 19th century American guys called the  "Robber  Barons."  Hearing the Pigeons cooing up there is making me feel really happy.               

          I'll find out more about Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison over the next two days, but now  I'll go back to following my book two outline.  And I can see how the next thing to look up is that French girl St. Thérèse.  Thank You God for creating Pigeons, whose voices are so calming.                                                

 ST. THÉRÈSE (1873-1897)      

          

          Daisy says one time this French lady came over to our house to buy some things from our boss, and knew about St. Thérèse; who my Encyclopedia says was a Catholic Nun from the town of "Lisieux."  Dawn's barking.  The Pigeons are flying back out into the back desert again.           

          According to what it says here St. Thérèse was called the "Little Flower," and is now most known for the things she wrote on the subject of "Love."  That French lady said she died a very  "painful death" at the young age of twenty four.  I smell Blinky, Dawn and Rosie over there.        

         Hey Blessed Mother!  Dais says the French lady said she was like St. Thérèse in wanting to see "Sacredness" in the simple things of life too.  I guess, when she was alive she was unknown;    but after she died it turned out St. Thérèse was a talented Writer.  I like how Blinky smells.                          

JOAN OF ARC (c.1412-1431)        

PAINTING BY JEAN JACQUES SCHERER              

         

             I've mentioned before how Daisy admires that other French girl Joan of Arc.  Like St. Thérèse, she was also made a Saint too.   She was only nineteen when they burned her "At the      Stake."  Oh wow!  She died on May the 30th, which is our boss's Niece Raqquel's birthday.          

              This is so interesting how St. Therese said just before dying, "I love only simplicity and  have a horror of pretense."  Hey St. Thérèse!  If you're up there mind reading me right now, I      can't wait to find out if our boss or his father have ever heard your quote.  I smell Mesquite.         

            Boy God!  Daisy is so right in saying, even if our lives are at times kind of ordinary and routine; at least we don't have to worry about food and things like that.  And, once I get over my  fear of being trapped, I can see more tv and listen to music inside the house.   I can't wait!            

                

"DRIVING MISS DAISY"  (1989)   

            

             Daisy told me about this movie "Driving Miss Daisy," where a rich Jewish lady makes friends with her black Driver after she's too old to drive.  They lived in the city of "Atlanta," where   Mr. Steve visited with his father in 1971.  Mr. Mark has a daughter living in Atlanta.        

              I think one reason why Dais likes the movie Driving Miss Daisy is because the lady has the same exact name as her.  I guess Miss Daisy helps her Driver and he helps her a lot too.  Dais thinks the part of the movie I'd  like is when Miss Daisy teaches that man to read and write.         

            Over the years our boss has sometimes "Tutored" kids, and his mom has taught a few kids from Mexico how to speak English.  Dais says our boss told his mom one time how, before    the Civil War; it was totally illegal to teach a Slave how to read or write.  Heathcliff crowed.         

                                          

  ST. LOUIS "ARCH"      

                 

             Oh!  Thinking of Saint Thérèse s makes me remember how yesterday I forgot to say a few things about our boss's 2001 trip to the city of St. Louis.  So I'll just write do it now instead.  Speedy the Squirrel, with Andy watching; ran by the Sheds and left dust lingering in the air.        

            Daisy heard our boss tell his father about that trip to St. Louis.  Besides going up to the top of that "Gateway Arch," he also visited a 19th century Courthouse which is now a Museum.  The unique scent Speedy Gonzalez left behind floated over here to me sitting on Elvira.                 

           That Courthouse in St. Louis is a very "Historical" site because of a pre-Civil War case where a Slave named Dred Scott tried to get his freedom but lost.  I just glanced up in time to see a small flock of what from down here looks like Sparrows is flying toward the northwest.                                                            

          ST. LOUIS COURTHOUSE              

                                

       Daisy says one time our boss told his mom how, even though it's not nearly as big; that Courthouse in Saint Louis has a Dome which reminded him of the one they saw on Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome.  Boy!  How could anyone have even figured out how to built a Dome?                

          I guess some of the rooms in that old St. Louis Courthouse have been "Restored" to look like they did in the mid-1800's.  In 1846 that Slave Dred Scott and his wife asked for freedom as  their owner had taken them into a "Free" State.  Oh!  Dred Scott's wife's name was Harriet.        

         This Encyclopedia says Dred Scott's "petition was denied" on the grounds that, because they were black Slaves; he and his wife had no "Standing" to sue.  Back in the 19th century the  blacks and Indians were barely considered human by many whites.  I smell Andy over there.                                           

DRED SCOTT (1795-1858) WITH WIFE HARRIET

   

          It says here how that man Dred Scott and his wife Harriet had four kids, but only two "survived infancy."   Their case at the St. Louis Courthouse took place in 1846 and 1847, the two years of the "Mexican War."  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are now flying bye.        

          1846 was also the year the Mormons went out west to Utah.   Because they lost the case Dred Scott and his wife "Appealed" and eventually, in 1857; it was "heard" in front of the U.S.    Supreme Court.  Dais says some people think Dred Scott's case "Triggered" the Civil War.        

           Missouri in 1846 was a State that hadn't "Abolished" Slavery.  Yesterday I wrote about how, in 1861 when the Civil War broke out; there were four "Slave States" who did not leave or "Secede" from the union.  They were Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland and  also Delaware.                                                                        

           JUDGE ROGER B. TANEY (1777-1864)    

                                       

           One time Daisy heard our boss talking on the phone with Mr. Grant about that famous Dred Scott case.  When the final Appeal was being heard by the U.S. Supreme Court in the late    1850's the "Chief Justice" was a guy named Roger B. Taney.  A Train just whistled faintly.           

          Unfortunately for Dred Scott and his wife Harriet, Judge Taney and six Justices ruled black people had, "No rights which the white man is bound to respect."  As I mentioned in  book one, that opinion was very common back then.  Even up in the North people believed that.           

            To this day Mr. Steve thinks, there are white people who believe when Thomas Jefferson said "All men are created equal" in the Declaration  of Independence;" he meant white, Anglo    Saxon land owning Protestant Christians.  Libby just whinnied over there in her Corral.                     

    GEORGE WASHINGTON (1732-1799)             THOMAS JEFFERSON (1743-1826)        

                PAINTING BY CHARLES WILLSON PEALE                                                                                        PAINTING BY REMBRANDT PEALE                             

    

            In book one I mentioned how George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were both from "Virginia" and owned Slaves.   Judge Taney, like Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln for most of his life; thought it was better for everyone if blacks were sent back to Africa.  I smell old Sage.           

           When the U.S. Constitution was created, as I've said before; black people were counted as "three fifths" of a person.  That was for the purpose of "allotting representation" in the House of Representatives based on population.   Fred, Ed and Ted are flying together toward the east.        

          Oh!  It's Too bad Dred Scott died a year after he and his wife were given freedom.  Miss Harriet died in 1876, eleven years after the Civil War; and the one hundred year anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.  That was also the year of "Custer's Last Stand" as well.                                                  "LEWIS AND CLARK" EXPEDITION

                                                                                                                                                                             PAINTING BY N.C. WYETH

         

                 Daisy heard our boss tell his father how that Dred Scott Courthouse in St. Louis is to the south of where Lewis and Clark's famous 1804 "Expedition" of discovery was started. This map shows the long route they took in getting to the west coast.  I notice how it's labeled in French.     

          A painting shows the "Shoshone" girl Sacagawea, who was a "Guide" and "Translator;" showing Merriwether Lewis and William Clark where to go in carrying out their really hard job of "Mapping" the huge in size area bought from France in 1803.  Dawn's barking right now.        

          My Encyclopedia says how, in the mid-1803; President Jefferson's government made the "Louisiana Purchase" from Napoléon Bonaparte's France.  The map shows in light green where what turned out to be the middle section of the U.S. is now located.  I smell some Mesquite.                                 

"CARIBBEAN" SEA      

           

           Daisy says our boss once Videotaped some things for a man named "Jacques," who was originally from the country of "Haiti."  They talked about Haiti and how it's on an island in the    "Caribbean" Sea.  A map shows that it shares the island with the "Dominican Republic."           

            I mentioned yesterday how people like Mr. Jacques, who's black; speaks French because during the 18th century Haiti was a "colony" of France.  It says here "African Slave labor" was used to produce sugar.  "Saint-Domingue" was an "extremely profitable" French colony.             

         Napoléon "exploited" the French Revolution's bloody chaos to take power in France, so "inherited" a lot of land in what after Columbus's first famous 1492 voyage was called the "New World."  An orange boy Finch chasing a brown girl Finch just went flying bye right now.             

                  

                       "HAITI REVOLT"                              TOUSSAINT L' OUVERTURE (c.1743-1803)                                ARTWORK BY RICHARD WATKINS                                                                                                  ARTWORK BY NORTH WIND                                                                

            

           I guess, since the 16th century; the island Haiti's on "changed hands" a number of times as the result of wars between "competing European powers." So, by the late 18th century; it was France who was in power.  I just noticed Libby over there walking slowly around her Corral.       

            Because the government was "distracted" by the French Revolution, in 1791 the Slaves in Haiti, led by men like Toussaint L' Ouverture; revolted and fought the French for over a decade.  In 1803 Napoleon sent an army but the ex-Slaves defeated it in 1803.  Heathcliff crowed.               

           My Encyclopedia says Haiti's the first "modern Republic ruled by Africans."   And it's an example of one of the "biggest and most successful Slave rebellions in history."  Haiti is also the  "second nation in the Americas, after the U.S.; formed from a European colony."   Wow!              

               

FRANÇOIS  DUVALIER (1907-1971) / SON JEAN-CLAUDE DUVALIER

            

            Dais heard our boss and that guy Jacques talk about Haiti, and how now in 2014 it's a really poor country.  For a long time Haiti was ruled by one of those Dictators, whose name was  François Duvalier.   I guess he was really mean and even killed anyone who was against him.        

             My Encyclopedia says, before becoming "President for Life;" Francois Duvalier was a "practicing" medical Doctor who people called "Papa Doc."  At first he was a good leader who    many Haitians "really liked" Mr. Jacques said.  All four of the Pigeons are now flying bye.           

           It says here Papa Doc led Haiti from 1957, the year Mr. Steve's brother Rock was born; until 1971 when Mr. Steve was in the 10th Grade at Alemany High School.    A slight breeze just  brought in the blended scent of the two Twin Joshua trees.  Ah!  That makes me feel good.                                     

GAIUS CAESR AUGUSTUS GERMANICUS / "CALIGULA" (12-41 A.D.)

          

          That guy Jacques told our boss Papa Doc was "normal" until one time he got sick, and went into one of those "Coma's" for a while.  When he came out of it he was changed into a way  more "paranoid" person.  It says here his government became "autocratic" and "despotic."        

           Hey!  That kind of sounds like what happened back in ancient Rome when the Emperor Caligula.  He also got sick too and when he recovered was a different person who demanded to    be worshipped as a living God.  And he began killing people "Just for Fun" as they say.                

         Jacques said Papa Doc "got even worse" after he had to put down one of those "Coup d' Etat's" I've written about before.  But finally he died and his son named Jean-Claude took over  power down there in Haiti.  Daisy heard that guy Jacques say his nickname was "Baby Doc."                                                                   GESTAPO                                                   TONTON MACOUTE                                                          

           According to what Daisy heard that man Jacques tell our boss, the Haitian Police during the time of Papa and Baby Doc were called "Tonton Macoute."  Everyone was afraid of them as  they killed anyone who said things against Papa or Baby Doc.  A Lizard ran under a rock.            

           Jacques said the Tonton Macoute were just like Nazi Germany's "Gestapo," so Mr. Steve told him about Imperial Japan's "Tenkeitai" and Stalin's "N.K.V.D."   All did the "Dirty Work" or violence.  Tonton Macoute is a "monster" in Haitian mythology Jacques told our boss.              

       Well, back to writing about the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark expedition which followed.  Once Napoléon realized he was going to lose Haiti he knew there would be no      more money from raising sugar.  And he really needed money in order to fight England.               

                                                

        NAPOLÉON BONAPARTE (1769-1821)              

                           

          So, because of what happened in Haiti, Napoleon was more willing to sell all that land up here in North America.  Wow!  My Encyclopedia says the Louisiana Purchase "involved" about  fifteen million acres of land.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonney are flying toward the northeast.         

          President Jefferson bought all of that land in April of 1803 for the price of three cents an acre, or a total of "fifteen million" dollars.  Mr. Steve was told by Mr. Grant that would now be    "equivalent" to three hundred million dollars, or sixty one cents an acre.  Dawn's barking.           

        The size of United States "doubled" as the result of the Louisiana Purchase, so President Jefferson wanted to find out what was in the land he'd "acquired."  So Lewis and Clark led the    expedition to explore the area.  They were to come all the way out here to the Pacific Coast.                      

     U.S. CONSTITUTION                                   CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION     

                                                                               (PHILADELPHIA / 1787)         

                                                                                                                                  PAINTING BY HOWARD CHANDLER CHRISTY

              

           Mr. Steve's father thinks President Jefferson "went against his own principles" to make the Louisiana Purchase.   He believed in a smaller, more limited form of Republic; so thought he  didn't have the "Authority" to buy that land.  Samson and Delilah flew over Libby's Corral.        

             Even though it was against what he believed, President Jefferson knew it was a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to get all that land.  And, as I wrote about yesterday; by the time of the    Mexican War in 1846; that idea of "Manifest Destiny" had developed.  I smell some Mesquite.     

            I just thought again about that Shoshone girl Sacagawea who helped Lewis and Clark.  I mentioned her yesterday when I was learning about how all of the different cultures give people  names.  As I said in book one, Sacagawea's name would be translated as "Bird Woman."                                                         

SACAGAWEA (c.1787-c.1812) 

       (1993 "POSTAGE STAMP")       

                  

            Mr. Steve has some 1993 American postage stamps with Sacagawea's image on them.  She was only sixteen in 1804, when she was with Lewis and Clark; but had been married to that one French Fur Trappers since the age of thirteen.  Libby just whinnied over there to my right.          

         It says here, soon after joining the Lewis and Clark expedition Sacagawea "delivered" a baby boy.  Daisy says on her stamp it shows her carrying her new baby on her back in one of the  ingenious devices I've mentioned before.  Libby's scent just floated into my right nostril.               

        No one knows exactly what year's Sacagawea was born or died, but she lived to be about twenty five.  According to what Daisy heard, our boss also has this silver coin with Sacagawea's    image on one of the sides.  Boy!  Smelling Libby right now is making me feel full of energy.           

                       

ROUTES OF LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION

                 

                 Looking at the map showing the routes the Lewis and Clarke expedition took makes me realize how far they want.  Mr. Steve's father thinks those guys, and Sacagawea too; had to have been brave and able to take a lot of hardship.  "Not just anyone could've done it" he says.            

            Wow!  This is so interesting.  According to my Encyclopedia, Sacagawea one time saved many of the "Logs" and "Journals" Lewis and Clark were creating from being lost; when she      stopped a canoe from being "swept away" in a "raging" River.  Mr. Steve's paddled a canoe.       

          I wonder if Mr. Steve knows that, Lewis and Clark got back to Washington three years later, their expedition was considered to have been only "marginally" successful.  And in fact, it  was quickly "largely forgotten" from what a tv show Daisy saw said.  A Train whistled faintly.     

         

MERRIWETHER LEWIS (1774-1809)       WILLIAM CLARK (1770-1838)   

        

      Daisy told me the tv show said it was only about a century later that people realized the importance of what Lewis and Clark had done.  And to think that guy Merriwether Lewis ended up in total financial debt and might've killed himself over it.  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.            

         From what Dais heard, Merriwether Lewis's death is a mystery just like that girl Marilyn Monroe.  He might've just been robbed but some people think he was killed for information he    knew.  And, like Marilyn Monroe; he had tried to kill himself before so it was "Plausible."           

       Charles Darwin spent years studying the maps and other things he'd gathered from the Galápagos Islands before publishing his ideas.  The scale of what Lewis and Clark accomplished  is now more appreciated because their maps and journals have been studied.  I smell Sage.           

                    

   ATLANTA          

                       

          In 2001as he walked around the Dred Scott Courthouse in St. Louis our boss thought of that time in 1971 when he went with his father on his business trip to "Atlanta."  The Monarch    Butterfly fluttered bye near the Sheds.  Andy watched it go bye and is now sniffing the air.            

         Atlanta is where that movie "Driving Miss Daisy" took place.   As his father did what he needed to do in 1971 our boss took tours and taxicabs to see the different "Sites" in and around  Atlanta.  Daisy says he still has all of the maps and things he bought on that five day trip.             

          One place our boss saw while in Atlanta was "Stone Mountain."  That's the giant carving of the three Rebel leaders I mentioned before when I wrote about that man Edmund Borglum.    I just noticed Samson and Delilah flying over Libby's Corral going toward the northwest.                             

"STONE" MOUNTAIN      

         

          Looking at the two pictures of Stone Mountain I see why Mr. Steve was so impressed at how giant that carving is.  Robert E. Lee is riding his boy Horse "Traveller" I notice.  Libby is    now walking around slowly near the back of her Corral which goes along Primavera Road.          

            In the carving I notice how it shows President Davis riding alongside Robert E. Lee, with Stonewall Jackson behind them.   Yesterday I wrote about "Bas-Relief" carving like they used to do in ancient Egypt.  It says here Stone Mountain is the "largest Bas-Relief in the world."            

         "Bas" is Italian for "low," so bas-relief means; "projecting images with a shallow overall depth."  In ancient Egypt Pharaoh's like Akhenaten, and his son King Tut; had some carvings in bas-relief made on the walls of their Temples and Tombs.  Libby's scent just came over here.                               

"SYLMAR" EARTHQUAKE (FEBRUARY, 1971)

       

            In late August of 1971 when Mr. Steve and his father visited Atlanta in humid weather, it  was only a few months after that big Sylmar Earthquake.  Mr. Steve was sixteen, in 10th grade at "Alemany" High School.   The Dragonfly zoomed bye and I heard it coming from far away.         

           After the earthquake destroyed their house on the cul de sac on Hagar Street; Mr. Steve's family went to live in that small house in Van Nuys.  Even though it was too small a family of seven could get along because Mr. Steve's mom knew how to "Juggle seven "Personalities."         

        When in Atlanta our boss in a bus drove bye where the "Reverend" Martin Luther King was born and is also buried.  The Church where he "Preached" is also there too Daisy says.  Ah!  I  just now picked up little Blinky's good scent as he stands over there next to Dawn and Rosie.         

"COCA-COLA"    

       

          When in Atlanta Mr. Steve took a "Tour Bus" around Atlanta, just like he would in 1985 when the St. Ferdinand's group visited Italy and then Israel.  The Tour Guide told the people in  the Bus how Atlanta, since the 19th century; is where that "Coca-Cola" company is from.            

               I can see from my book two outline the time has come to write about the American Civil War, which I have to do a good job on so my boss Mr. Steve will like and keep me.   Dais thinks if our boss could time travel he'd likely go back to the 1860's when important things happened.     

           Hey You Guys!  As You all know, I'm kind of nervous right now.  This part of my book has to be good.  Mr. Steve knows a lot about the Civil War, especially the year 1864 the second to last year of that war; when William Wing Loring was involved.  1864 had battles around Atlanta.                                           

AMERICAN CIVIL WAR (1861-1865)

     

          Well, here I go, so will say a quick prayer and start.  Daisy told me in our boss's office is a  bookshelf with his things on the Civil War.  Even though I'm kind of nervous, I want to believe    learning about the Civil War will be fun too.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonney are flying bye.           

         As I wrote yesterday, when the American Civil War started in 1861; the pressure had been building up for over seventy years because of the issue of "Slavery."  Every time a "new" area to the west would become a "State," there would be an argument over slavery.  A Crow cawed.        

        When Abraham Lincoln was elected in late 1860, those first seven Southern States decided to "Secede" or leave the U.S.  Then in early 1861 "Fort Sumter" in South Carolina was bombed out there in the harbor by "Confederate" Rebels.   I can smell the new baby Cholla cactus.                         

"FORT SUMTER" SHELLED (APRIL, 1861)

LITHOGRAPH BY CURRIER & IVES          

               

           As I wrote yesterday, because the Southern "Confederate" forces were the ones who fired the "first" shots and captured Fort Sumter; President Lincoln could ask the Federal Congress in Washington D.C. to "Declare War."  Dawn's barking.  I can smell Blinky over there too.           

         This Encyclopedia says, once the U.S. declared war; four more Slave States also made the decision to also leave the country too.  One of those States was "Virginia," which is why Robert E.  Lee decided then to help the South.  Boy!  Blinky has such a good and really strong scent.       

          President Lincoln asked for seventy five thousand "Volunteers" in order to form an army and force the seceded States to stay in the "Union."  He got them easily as many men were very    enthusiastic about "Going to War."  Not a single Union Soldier was killed at Fort Sumter.             

                 

JEFFERSON DAVIS (1808-1889)

             

           In late 1860 the seven seceded States declared themselves to be an "Independent" nation.  The  "Confederate States of America," or "C.S.A." for short; made Jefferson Davis their first      and only President.  I mentioned yesterday how he was from the State of "Mississippi."                

          Jefferson Davis graduated from "West Point" military school, then fought in the Mexican War; and was the "Secretary of War" in the 1850's under President Franklin Pierce.  Under him that "Camel experiment" was attempted.  I can smell the new baby Cholla cactus over there.       

        Dais says our boss, before the economic recession; used to have a customer in Mississippi who knew a lot about Jefferson Davis.  He thought, compared to Abraham Lincoln; he was not    nearly as "effective a leader."  Speedy Gonzalez just ducked under Manny the far right Shed.                                                      

"MEXICAN WAR" (1846-1848)      

              

           I wrote yesterday about how, during the Mexican War of 1846-1848; many Soldiers who would later fight in the Civil War learned what to do.  Little did they know that they would end    up fighting against each other.  And that's why some people now call it the "Brothers War."         

         Guys like Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant got "Experience" in the Mexican War in the same way German, Italian and Russian Soldiers used the 1930's "Spanish Civil War" as a kind of "Dress Rehearsal" for World War II.  Samson and Delilah are flying toward the northeast.      

       Speedy Gonzalez had been resting under Manny.  But he just zoomed out from there and ran through the right vertical slot on the side of the gate to go out into the desert.  No matter how many times I see him do that it still amazes me he doesn't hit his head hard on the steel pipes.                    

ROBERT ANDERSON (1805-1871)                   P.G.T. BEAUREGARD (1818-1893)   

     

          It's so interesting how that guy General Beauregard, who in 1861 bombed Fort Sumter "Into Submission;" was the Student at "West Point" of the Union Commander inside the fort named Robert Anderson.  My right nostril smells the Joshua trees near Libby's Corral.                

          Daisy saw this tv show where the man said, not only was Robert Anderson Beauregard's Teacher at West Point; he was his "favorite" Teacher.  This one Encyclopedia says he was from   " Louisiana."  His full and longer French name was "Pierre Gustave-Toutant Beauregard."        

           "Beauregard's" family was "Cajun."  Dais says our boss told one of his customers down in Louisiana he's  one of the few 19th century white people he's ever read  who actually believed black people were "Entitled" to "Civil Rights."   That was after the war when he said that.          

                      

UNITED STATES IN 1861  

            

         As I've mentioned a few times, four "Slave States," Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky and Missouri; decided to stay in the U.S. and not leave.  President Lincoln's wife Mary's family was    from Kentucky.  Some of her relatives "Took up Arms" for the Southern "Confederacy."             

          So, after Fort Sumter was bombed in 1861 the "Stage was Set" as they say; for what most people totally believed would be a "Short and Glorious" war.  Three months after Fort Sumter,    the first "Major" combat occurred.  Two Crows are fighting out there in the back desert.             

        It says here in July of 1861 the "newly formed" Union "Army of the Potomac," many of them "Ninety Day Recruits;" marched out of Washington D.C. to meet a Rebel army who were    about twenty five miles to the southwest.   Donald's quacking.  And now so is Daisy too.                

          

"FIRST BATTLE OF BULL RUN" (JULY 21, 1861)

     

           A map shows how, the Union army under General Irvin McDowell hoped to beat a Rebel army under General's Beauregard and Joseph E. Johnston.  Then they could attack Richmond,    the Confederate capitol city. Two of Pigeons are walking around over there in the dirt.                

          Wow!  The caption below this painting says in 1861 some people were so "overconfident" about the North winning the battle they dressed up and took Carriage rides out to the battle site  as if "on holiday."  But they were in for a really big surprise I guess.  Heathcliff crowed.               

           Daisy and Millie saw this tv show about the Civil War.  It talked about how some people even set up "Picnics" overlooking the battlefield at "First Bull Run."  The South would end up    calling that first fight the "First Battle of Manassas."  I see Libby over there in her Corral.                                                    

IRVIN MCDOWELL  (1818-1885)                    JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON (1807-1891)      

       

       It says here, First Bull Run was fought on a "hot" July day; both sides made up of very "inexperienced" Soldiers.   General McDowell, who led that big Union "Army of Northwestern  Virginia;" was a West Point classmate of Beauregard's.  Libby just whinnied over there.               

        Dais heard our boss tell his brother Rock how the South often named battles after places, whereas the North named them for Rivers or bodies of water.  "Bull Run" was a "Creek" while "Manassas" was a "Railroad Junction."  I can smell a Lizard somewhere around here.                 

       General McDowell's army, in three groups; at first did good against Beauregard's troops who were blocking them from threatening the Confederate capitol of "Richmond" to the south.  But, it says here a "lack of coordination proved costly."  Aha!  I see the Lizard over there.            

         

FIRST BATTLE OF "BULL RUN" / "MANASSAS")

ARTWORK BY CURRIER AND IVES

           According to what the tv show Dais saw said, one of the most important parts of the First Bull Run battlefield turned out to be the "High Ground" on a place called "Henry Hill."  There  were cannons up there and both sides wanted them.  A Crow just cawed out in the desert.             

          Because it was the first major engagement of the Civil War there were no "Standardized" uniforms then, so both sides had men in dark blue or gray.  This caused a lot of confusion from    what the tv sow said.  Fred, Ed and Ted the Sparrows flew bye and are going into the desert.        

         Firearms and cannon still produced a lot of smoke in the mid-19th century, so battlefields could get really confusing Daisy heard.  I guess, Henry Hill "changed hands" a number of times  before Rebel "Reinforcements" came in.  This then "Turned the Tide" of battle for the South.                                           

    THOMAS "STONEWALL" JACKSON (1824-1863)     

PAINTING BY BRADLEY SCHMEHL 

     

           Just as it seemed like the Union forces would retake Henry Hill, some troops under that guy "Stonewall" Jackson came in and stopped them.  The Confederate Soldiers gained courage    in seeing how brave Stonewall Jackson was.  A Train whistled faintly over there to my left.           

           As Union bullets and artillery shells were flying all around him, Stonewall Jackson rode his Horse to "Rally" the men to "Stand their Ground" and not run away.  Being on a Horse in    the Civil War made you a bigger "Target."  Two of the Pigeons flew over Libby's Corral.              

            It says here Stonewall Jackson got his nickname when another Confederate Officer yelled at his men to stay and fight by saying, "There is Jackson standing like a stone wall."  After a full day of vicious "Back and Forth" fighting the Union lines finally broke.  Libby's looking at me.               

"BLUE" SHARK                                                    "GRAY" SHARK   

      

          Later this afternoon Daisy has me scheduled to learn about "Sharks" and things that live in water.  One time she heard our boss and his brother Rock talking about how there are "Blue" and "Gray" Sharks.  Two Pigeons just flew over Libby's Corral and she saw them go bye.           

          I guess, Blue Sharks live in deep Oceans; while Gray's stay closer to land or the "Reefs."  Mr. Steve read before a Gray Reef Shark attacks you it "arches" its back, lowers the "Pectoral" fins; and may swim from side to side.  Both Blue and Gray Sharks have attacked people.              

         Daisy, who's always trying to conserve energy because of her age; heard Mr. Steve tell his brother Gray Reef Sharks "surf" in on waves, then use "updrafts" of water currents to move      around.  They save a lot of  energy that way.  I can smell Libby, who's now walking around.                             

UNION FORCES "DRILLING"    

       

            In 1861 both sides wanted to "Go to War."  About fifty years later in 1917, when World War I started; the wild enthusiasm for "glory in warfare" was the same.  And in both cases they later really regretted having thought this way because it wasn't at all what they thought.               

         A picture in my Encyclopedia shows the U.S. Army "Drilling" during the Civil War.  The Soldiers have those long "Bayonet" blades on the ends of their guns I notice.  And I can see how  some guys carry drums, to play when the men are marching to or going into the battles.                

        Later today Daisy has me scheduled to write about our boss and his brother Rock's 1977 trip where they visited "Gettysburg."  I'm so tempted to do it now but I'd better wait and do it    according to our outlines.  In New York City they saw the Baseball game at Yankee Stadium.        

            

     ELVIS PRESLEY              "TWIN TOWERS"              "SON OF SAM"        

1977  

            I will say now, when Mr. Steve and his brother were back east in August of 1977; Elvis Presley died and that killer named the "Son of Sam" was finally captured.  New York City was    having a big "Garbage Strike" then too.  Donald and Daisy are both quacking over there.            

             On that 1977 trip their Uncle Marty took our boss and his brother to the top of the newly built "World Trade Centers."  Because of their father having had that school for Stockbrokers,    they went to the Stock Exchange too.  The "Twin Towers" were blown up back in 2001.                

            Wow!  It says here, when the Union lines "broke" in the afternoon at First Bull Run; the troops panicked and "retreated in chaos" all the way back to Washington D.C.   It was a total       "Route."  The roads were also very "clogged" up with many civilians "fleeing in fear."                       

ABRAHAM LINCOLN (1818-1865)

PHOTO BY ALEXANDER GARDNER      

        

          Daisy told me the tv show said, when President Lincoln saw the defeated Union Soldiers flooding back into Washington D.C.; he knew it was really, really bad.   Stonewall Jackson had    wanted to chase the retreating Federal troops but his men were too tired.  A Crow cawed.             

            I guess President Lincoln was at first surprised by First Bull Run, but was determined to win the war so got Congress to "Authorize" the raising of an army of half a million more men.    At that point in the Fall of 1861 everyone realized the war would not be a short one at all.             

          July of 1861 was the first time in history railroads were used to transport troops in war.  Those were the Reinforcements, Stonewall Jackson's men among them; brought in by General    Johnston in the late afternoon.  Over sixty thousand men fought at First Bull Run I guess.                                       

                       NATIONAL FLAG         CONFEDERATE FLAGS           BATTLE FLAG                                

                    

           Besides both sides wearing blue and gray, another thing that made the fighting at First Bull Run difficult was the flags being carried. The first Rebel "National" flag, in the chaos and    confusion of smoke everywhere; kind of looked like the American flag.   Dawn's barking.              

              In 1862 the Confederate troops began to carry the "Stars and Bars" flag in battle.  Daisy told me the tv show called it the "St. Andrews Cross" flag because the navy blue bars were in the shape of how St. Andrew was crucified.  I guess Mr. Steve has both of the Confederate flags.         

         Hey Lord!  Your lead Apostle Peter was crucified upside down, and I guess his brother Andrew was nailed to a cross with his hands and legs outstretched to the sides.  Boy!  It must've  hurt so much to be crucified.  But they were willing to do it because they believed in You.                       

SAINT ANDREW (c.9 B.C-c.60 A.D.) CRUCIFIED 

PAINTING BY F. FRANCKEN THE YOUNGER

            

           Oh!   A painting in my Encyclopedia shows how St. Andrew was crucified in the shape of an "X."   Hey St. Peter or Andrew!  If you guys up there just would happen to be mind-reading    me right now I want to tell you we really admire how brave you must've been back then.              

          The caption below the painting says St. Andrew was "put to death" in Greece, but is now "venerated" in other regions; like Scotland and Spain for instance.   Mr. Steve's dad has at times wondered why Andrew, a Jew from the Galilee area; had a Greek name?   Dawn's barking.          

        In 1985 our boss's mom liked visiting the house in the town of "Capernaum" where you guys might've lived St. Peter and Andrew.   It's on the north shore of the "Sea of Galilee," and I  guess Mr. Steve's father liked taking a Boat ride from there to that "Kibutz."  I like Dawn.                          

                      VAPOR TRAILS                                         "ST. ANDREW'S" GOLF COURSE (SCOTLAND)  

              

         I remember that time two vapor trails looked like the shape of a St. Andrews cross.  Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Phillip talk about that famous Golf Course in Scotland named for you      St. Andrew.  A flock of Birds high in the mid-morning sky is flying over Libby's Corral.                

       Daisy heard our boss one time talking to that customer in "Augusta" Georgia about Golf and how it may have originated in 15th century Scotland.  But some say the ancient Romans and Chinese had things which kind of resembled Golf.   That's what my Encyclopedia says too.           

       Wow!  The Scottish Golf Course began in 1764, ten years before the American Revolution broke out.  Mr. Phillip read the "British Open" has been played at St. Andrew's since 1860, the    year Abraham Lincoln became President.  Dais heard there are four "Major" tournaments.                                                                      

OVERVIEW OF AMERICAN CIVIL WAR "STRATEGY"

                    

          For the rest of 1861 there were only small battles between North and South.  But, once the Federal government realized it would not be a short war; they then "imposed" a "total naval      blockade" of the eleven "rebellious" Confederate States.  A map shows it with little blue dots.      

         The naval blockade was called the "Anaconda" plan, meant to "strangle" the South in the way one of those giant South American Snakes do when they kill their prey.  Ah!  A little Garter   nake is crawling out into the back desert through the left gate slot.   Andy's watching it.              

        Yesterday I mentioned how there ended up being two "Theaters" of the Civil War, one on the east coast where First Bull Run was fought; and the "Western Theater" near the really long Mississippi River.  That's where that Ulysses S. Grant and General Sherman began the war.                                  

   ULYSSES S. GRANT (1822-1885)   

PHOTO BY MATHEW BRADY    

  

          Between the time of the Mexican War in the 1840's, and the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861; Ulysses S. Grant got married to a girl named "Julia" and they kids.  He tried a few ways    to support his family but "failed" at everything.  That's what this one Encyclopedia says.             

        Our boss told Mr. Ralph his dad is like "Grant" in thinking, when it came to family; he would do "whatever it took" to make money for them to live.  Daisy heard for a while he even      sold wood.  Max the Hummingbird zipped bye and I heard him coming from far away.                 

           Grant was "somewhat ambivalent" about Slavery it says here, giving a Slave given to him his freedom one time; even though he really needed the money at the time Dais heard.  I smell a  Lizard around here.  Aha!  I just noticed it standing on the wall near the sliding glass door.           

                             

ULYSSES S. GRANT AND FAMILY  

      

          Daisy told me a tv show said everyone, including Julia's family; thought "Grant" was a "Loser."   But, no matter what happened; she never gave up on him.  I guess, one time it got so    bad they even had to move back in with her parents.  It was very embarrassing Daisy says.           

       Our boss joked with Mr. Randy one morning how the "Epitaph" on his father's Crypt should read, "Whatever it Takes;" because that's how he thinks when it comes to supporting his family.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying towards the northeast.  Dawn's barking.               

        When the Civil War erupted Grant was working as a "Clerk" in his father in laws "Dry Goods" store.  He was thirty seven so volunteered for service, though no one really wanted him.  But when he did really good at the beginning of 1862 people like President Lincoln noticed it.                         

"WESTERN" THEATER (1861-1865)        

          

           According to what it says here in my Encyclopedia, in early 1862 troops under Ulysses S. Grant "took" two very important "Strategic" Forts.  The first one was Fort "Henry," and then he conquered Fort "Donelson."  Two of the Pigeons flew bye moving toward the northeast.          

           Control of Rivers, especially the giant "Mississippi River;" was the most important thing out in the Western Theater.  Grant knew taking Forts Henry and Donelson would "disrupt" the South's "Supply Lines."  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies sleeping up there in the nest.              

            I guess Grant used River "Gunboats" to "pummel" those two Forts "into submission," so they had to surrender.  Boy!  It must be so scary to have big giant cannon balls, and lead bullets;    flying toward you.  Daisy says there would be nothing left of you if a cannon ball hits you.                          

SIMON BOLIVAR BUCKNER (1823-1914)

    

           Oh!  This is kind of interesting how it says here, when Fort Donelson surrendered; the Rebel Officer who had to do it was a friend of General Grant's named Simon Bolivar Buckner.    It just so happened that Grant owed him money, so Grant gave him money.   I smell Sage.            

          Mr. Steve's customer Mr. "Bob" grew up in the "Antelope Valley;" near to where our boss's brother Sam lives with his family.  He's a Parts Manager at a Ford dealership in the town of  "Bolivar," Missouri.   They've talked before about Grant and Simon Bolivar Buckner.             

           Dais says our boss used to know a guy named "Simon."  He bought and sold things from him but, from what Daisy heard; he moved to the State of Nevada.  Oh!  Fannie and Freddie are playing "Tag" over the back desert, chasing each other and seemingly having a lot of fun.                           

SIMÓN BOLÍVAR (1783-1830)  

PAINTER UNKNOWN         

        

            Dais says General Grant's friend, and the town Mr. Bob works in; are named for a man from "Venezuela" named Simón Bolívar.  Wow!  This Encyclopedia calls him "The Liberator," or "El Lebertador" in Spanish.  You can really tell he was influenced by that guy Napoléon.         

        It says here, besides his own country of Venezuela; Simón Bolívar helped to "liberate" Columbia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia from Spain.  He was from a rich family so was educated in  Spain.  It says here he's now a "Cultural Icon" for South America.  I can smell Mesquite.             

         Yup!  It says in 1803 Simón Bolívar went to France and that was when Napoléon was in power alright.  According to what it says here, he was very influenced by the Enlightenment's      "humanistic" ideas.  Oh! Cher's over there with a dead Mouse hanging out of her mouth.                                            

CIVIL WAR "GUNBOAT"                     WESTERN THEATER (1862)

           

        A picture shows one of the Civil War "Gunboats" used by General Grant to make Fort's Henry and Donelson give up.  It has "Armor" on the outside to protect the cannons, which are    sticking out of some "port holes."   You can see how it's powered by a big steam engine.                

         Once Grant, after some "heavy fighting;" took the two Forts he "moved" southward. The blue arrows on a map show how the next battle was at a place called "Shiloh" and it turned out  to be one of the "bloodiest" fights of the war.  Mr. Steve's father studied about that battle.            

         The "Battle of Shiloh" took place over two days, in April of 1862.  And the Rebel Soldiers under Albert Sydney Johnston's "Army of Tennessee" came close to defeating Grant's "Army of the Tennessee."  Cher finished eating her Mouse and is now going underneath Moe to rest.                               

        ALBERT SYDNEY JOHNSTON (1803-1862)         

                        

           At Shiloh General Grant's army was named for the Tennessee River, while Albert Sydney Johnston's took its name from the actual State itself.  Wanting to "invade" the South, Grant was  waiting for reinforcements when an attack "caught him by surprise."  Heathcliff crowed.             

         It says here on the first day at Shiloh Albert Sydney Johnston, who'd been a Soldier for a long time; was "hoping to destroy" Grant's army.  His Soldiers pushed the Union troops under    General Sherman westward and backward against the Tennessee River.  I smell some Sage.          

          The Rebel army did good on that first day at Shiloh, and killed a lot of Union Soldiers but then Albert Sydney Johnston got shot in the leg and "bled to death."  So, by the end of that first  day; the Southern men stopped pushing forward.  I smell Libby over there in her Corral.                     

"BATTLE OF SHILOH" (APRIL 6-7, 1862)

                                                      PAINTING BY RICK REEVES                                                                               PAINTING BY THULE DE THURSTRUP                                              

          Daisy told me a tv show said what it says here, how at the end of that first bloody day at Shiloh it was kind of one of those "Stalemates" like in World War I.  General Sherman met with General Grant.  Two Crows are fighting over something out there in the eastern desert.                

          Both Grant and Sherman knew they had lost a lot of men on that first day, and their Civil War careers could be "Nipped in the Bud" if the second day didn't go better.  They were waiting for reinforcements.  I'll bet those two Crows are fighting over a girl Crow, or maybe food?            

           Sherman later said Grant was really calm and "determined" on the night of April the 6th.  His men had fought a "Delaying Action" stalling for time, and reinforcements had arrived in the afternoon.  So Grant was confident they'd do a lot better the next day, and they did alright.                                              LEW WALLACE (1827-1905)                

      

           Yesterday I wrote about Lew Wallace, who after the Civil War wrote "Ben Hur."  He was New Mexico "Territorial" Governor then, in the 1880's; at the time of that guy Bill the Kid.  He  brought in some of the Union reinforcements to fight on the Battle of Shiloh's second day.             

          Later today I'll write about when Mr. Steve and his family visited that old city of "Santa Fe."  When there they saw the "Governor's Palace," where Lew Wallace's family lived back in    the 1880's.  I've mentioned before how Ben Hur is still one of Mr. Steve's favorite movies.             

        With the help of Wallace's troops, on the second day at Shiloh Grant "forced" the Rebels backward and they eventually had to retreat.  General Beauregard had taken over when Albert  Sydney Johnston was killed.  I smell Blinky over there standing next to Dawn and Rosie.              

                                  

FLYING PIGEONS      

     

         Wow!  What a coincidence that two of the Pigeons are now flying bye as I read Shiloh means "Place of Peace,"  Mr. Steve's dad thinks that's "ironic" because of the ninety thousand men who fought on both sides twenty four thousand were killed or wounded.  I smell Sage.           

          Glancing up, looking to my right; I see Libby walking slowly around over there in her Corral.  It says here, because of slippery mud caused a heavy rain; Grant's Horse fell on his leg    and his boot had to be cut off.  So he was in a lot of pain that night he met with Sherman.             

             After his victory President Lincoln wanted to "Promote" Grant but other Officers said he had been drunk at Shiloh.  Mr. Steve's father thinks he probably had a "Shot of Whisky" to    dull what had to be great pain from his Horse falling on him.  Boy!  Horses are really heavy.                       

     HENRY HALLECK (1815-1872)   

         

           Daisy one time heard Mr. Steve talking to one of his customers who knows a lot about the Civil War.  And they talked about how in 1862 Grant's "Superior" Henry Halleck was jealous and envious of him.  Benjamin the black Cow Bird went running bye in front of the Sheds.           

          When Henry Halleck told him  General Grant drank too much I guess President Lincoln said, "I wish I knew what he drank.  I'd give a bottle of it to every one of my Generals."  Daisy    says the Parts Manager knew about that quote, which is here in this one Encyclopedia too.          

           I guess, the Battle of Shiloh took place about a month before those two "Ironclad" Ships, the "Monitor" and the "Merrimac;" had their "Historic" battle in that harbor in Virginia.  Max the Hummingbird just zoomed bye.  Andy's over there looking at me here on the Patio.                                 

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

  ARTWORK BY CURRIER & IVES           

                     

          Daisy thinks if our boss could borrow Mr. Peabody's Way Back time machine he would want to go back and see those two Ironclads fighting each other.  It ended up a "Draw" because  neither one could penetrate the armor of the other.  But it "Foreshadowed the Future."                

           Mr. Steve told his father, when the Monitor and the Merrimac met in 1862 there must've been cannon balls "deflecting and ricocheting" off of one another all over the place.  Canons are really, really loud too.  Fred, Ed and Ted flew out into the back desert behind the Sheds.               

           A few weeks after the Battle of Shiloh, down south at the mouth of the Mississippi River; the Union navy captured the city of "New Orleans."  It was one of the "most important" cities of the Confederacy.  Even with the Union blockade Ships were bringing in things for the South.                                     

           ADMIRAL FARRAGUT (1801-1870)             "BATTLE OF MOBILE BAY" (1864)                                                                                                                                       PAINTING BY WILLIAM H. OVEREND

           This Encyclopedia says the man who "commanded" the Union navy at New Orleans in 1862 was named David Farragut.  He was one of those Admirals and, according to what it says    here; had "served" since all the way back to the War of 1812.  Wow!  That is a long time.              

           For about a week Admiral Farragut's Gunboat's and "Mortar" Boats bombed Forts at the mouth of the Mississippi River defending New Orleans.  Then Admiral Farragut decided to    gamble and "make a risky dash" past the Forts.  I can smell the new baby Cholla cactus.              

           A lot of big cannons from those Forts shot at Admiral Farragut's Ships, and the Rebel navy also had many Warships trying to hold him off too.  The battle was huge and many Sailors on both sides were killed but the Union navy broke through.  So New Orleans was "taken."          

      

TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS

           Dais and Millie saw a tv show that said Admiral Farragut is actually more famous for the time his Ships captured "Mobile Bay" two years after New Orleans.  That was when he told his    men, "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead."  In those days a "Mine was called a torpedo.          

        That band from here in Los Angeles called the HEARTBREAKERS have a good album called "Damn the Torpedoes" Daisy told me.  It was made at "Sound City" in Van Nuys back in  1979 and has that song about some of those refugees I've mentioned before.  I smell Sage.             

        After Admiral Farragut "occupied" New Orleans; the man who then became "Military Governor" was Benjamin Butler.   It says here how, "after the war" he was a Politician in New    England.  As the Governor of  New Orleans he became known as "That Beast Butler."                                                                

   BENJAMIN BUTLER (1818-1893)                   GENERAL ORDER #28                

            

           Daisy told me a tv show said Benjamin Butler's father had fought under Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812 at the Battle of New Orleans.  He's now famous for treating the Slaves in New Orleans as "Contraband of War," or "Chattel" property.  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.                 

          In the living room is that framed copy of Benjamin Butler's "General Order # 28.  I guess, because many of the New Orleans women were all yelling, spitting and hitting the "occupying"    Union Soldiers, General Order #28 was issued.  It made the people of the South really mad.          

     General Order #28 said, if the females of New Orleans didn't stop doing what they were doing, they would be treated as, "Women of the town plying her vocation."  Daisy told me that    means a "Prostitute."  Mr. Steve's dad was once told Benjamin Butler "did not like Jews."           

                               

      "PENINSULA" CAMPAIGN (MARCH-JULY, 1862)         

                 

           In 1862 back in the "Eastern" Theater the Union's "Army of the Potomac," under that guy George B. McClellan; was sent out to capture the Rebel capitol of Richmond.  But, this  time they would attack it from a different direction.  I like this good map that shows the plan.               

           Because of that defeat at First Bull Run, President Lincoln and his staff decided it would be easier to take Richmond by sending an army down to southeast Virginia.  They would land on a long "Peninsula" and attack Richmond from the east.  A small flock of Birds is flying bye.         

           Ships were used to get the Union army down to that peninsula and once ashore they had to "fight their way" toward Richmond.  I guess, at first they "made good progress" in pushing the Rebel Soldiers back.  I suddenly smell Libby, who I see is walking around her Corral.                                           

    JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON (1807-1891)              GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN (1826-1885)            

                                                                                                                                    PHOTO BY MATHEW BRADY

               

         At the start of the "Peninsula" campaign, in March 1862; "McClellan" was met by that guy Joseph E. Johnston who had brought in those reinforcements at First Bull Run.  But then,    "Joe" Johnston got wounded; so Robert E. Lee replaced him.  Heathcliff just now crowed.           

          Mr. Steve and his father have studied the "series of hard-fought engagements" called the "Seven Days Battles."  Robert E. Lee's men held off McClellan, or "repulsed" his army; which    "withdrew" and returned to Washington D.C.  A Train whistled faintly over there to my left.       

        Back in the Western Theater, in the second half of 1862 General Grant push southward, wanting to capture the city of "Vicksburg."  It overlooked the Mississippi River, so was really      important; and I guess President Lincoln even called it the "Linchpin."  A Lizard ran bye.           

                           PRE-WAR                     WILLIAM WING LORING                         CIVIL WAR       

(1818-1886)    

                              

         Yesterday I wrote about how, in College at C.S.U.N.; Mr. Steve did the research paper on William Wing Loring.  He was was a Soldier for about fifty years back in the 19th century, and    I'll write more about him over the next two days.  Andy's sniffing the air and looking at me.         

          A Civil War picture shows how William Loring lost that left arm in the Mexican War.  He fought for the South as he was from Florida, and as a General in 1862; tried to stop Grant after  the Battle of Shiloh.  "Loring" was born on December 4th like our boss's Niece Stephanie.            

     Daisy heard our boss and his father talk about battles near the "Yazoo Swamp," where Loring held off Grant's attacking forces.  By then Loring's nickname was "Old Blizzards," for   often yelling out, "Give em blizzards boys!"  He meant a blizzard of lead bullets I guess.                                         

"WESTERN" THEATER      

     ("VICKSBURG" CAMPAIGN / 1862-1863)    

           

             A map shows why Vicksburg was so important during the Civil War, as it blocked Ships going bye on the Mississippi River.  After the Battle of Shiloh, for the rest of 1862; and then early 1863; Grant tried a few different ways to get at Vicksburg from the north.  But all failed.              

           Vicksburg was up on a "Bluff" which overlooked the Mississippi River, and had a lot of big cannons; which could sink any Boat that tried to  bye.  So, it was a hard city to capture and    Grant had a lot of problems trying to do it.  Frida and Diego just flew over Libby's Corral.          

         Mr. Steve told his dad how General Grant even tried to cut a canal to avoid Vicksburg's artillery.  He wanted to get downriver below the city but, that didn't work either; and Vicksburg turned out to be harder to take than he thought.  I'll come back to this Theater in a minute.         

                                    JOHN POPE                        AMERICAN CIVIL WAR                    ROBEERT E. LEE        

                 (1822-1892)                 ("MAJOR" BATTLES / 1861-1865)                 (1807-1870)                

                

          Back in the Eastern Theater, after the failed Peninsula campaign; Robert E. Lee s "Army of Northern Virginia" then beat General John Pope's Union "Army of Virginia" in the "Second Battle of Bull Run."  General's Longstreet and "Stonewall" Jackson did good in that fight.          

          Oh!  That guy John Pope was born on March the 16th just like our boss's sister Susan.  It says here "Second Bull Run" was a "larger in scale engagement" than the first battle which had been fought in that same area.  Samson and Delilah are flying over Libby's Corral over there.      

         It says here, with Stonewall Jackson's men already "engaged" in a big battle with John Pope; James Longstreet showed up with reinforcements.  Then, his twenty five thousand men      made the "largest mass assault" of the entire war.  So Pope's Federal troops were "routed."                                                                   

            THOMAS "STONEWALL" JACKSON                         JAMES LONGSTREET                                                     (1824-1863)                                                                (1821-1904)                                 

                               

          At Second Bull Run, or "Second Manassas" as the South called it; Stonewall Jackson and James Longstreet did what Robert E. Lee said and won the battle.  The "Stonewall Brigade" at    this point trusted both Lee and Jackson, especially Jackson.  Their lives "Depended on It."          

         Second Bull Run was fought in late August of 1862, and the result was the same in that a Union army was defeated again.  President Lincoln was starting to get worried about Robert E. Lee.  A small flock of Birds is moving towards the east way up there in the mid-morning sky.      

      Robert E. Lee, as he'd done during the Peninsula campaign after taking over when Joe Johnston got wounded; showed why President Lincoln had asked him to lead the Union forces at the beginning of the war.  I can smell the baby Cholla cactus growing over there in the dirt.                                  

WINFIELD SCOTT (1786-1866)

       

            Yesterday, when I wrote about the Mexican War of 1846 through 1948; I talked about that man Winfield Scott.  He led the American forces which invaded Mexico when they captured Mexico City itself, where William Wing Loring lost his left arm.  Libby neighed over there.          

              After Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860 those first seven States all left the Union.  It says here, once he knew war was "inevitable;" President Lincoln then asked Winfield Scott's advice on who to "put in charge" of the American forces.  Scott said Robert E. Lee.           

             General Scott knew, as an "Engineer;" what Robert E. Lee had done in 1847 during the campaign to capture Mexico City.  In 1862, as a "Field Commander;" Lee used his experience to basically "outcoach" his rivals Mr. Steve thinks.  Libby's scent just came floating in to me.          

         

MID-MORNING SPRING SKY   

            

         Hey God!  Seeing the Sun hanging above the eastern horizon I sense You in the way the warmth absorbing into me is making me feel right now.  I'm so glad You made it so the Earth is    in that one "Goldilocks" zone that guy Stephen Hawking talked about.  Heathcliff crowed.           

           Robert E. Lee knew the South could not win one of those long "Wars of Attrition" as the North had a lot more "Manufacturing," to make things like weapons.  The South was more of an "Agrarian" or farming society.  I smell Blinky, Dawn and Rosie standing near the fence.               

         Another thing Robert E. Lee knew was that the Confederacy's "Manpower" was far less than the Federal government "had access to" in the 1860's.  Poor Irish and German immigrants were coming into the country.  So the North could use them as what's called "Canon Fodder."           

     ROBERT E. LEE ("TRAVELLER")

                 

       Mr. Steve and his father think Robert E. Lee was a great General.  At Second Manassas John Pope was the second of four different Union Generals Robert E. Lee would end up beating  "In a Row."  Heathcliff  crowed and hearing his Hens is making me feel Rhêma right now.           

          In that painted photo of Robert E. Lee you can see just how big his boy Horse "Traveller" was.   I mentioned yesterday how Mr. Steve used to ride Horses but not any more.  He, and his     father both tell people;  their "riding days are long over" so now "only memories remain."         

       After Second Bull Run in August of 1862,  I guess the next big thing to happen over in the Eastern Theater was Robert E. Lee "took the war to them" in his "invasion" of the North.   He    knew he needed one "Decisive" victory.  And if he could do it on northern soil  it was better.          

           

        SUSAN WITH HORSE "HEINZ"                                        LIBBY                                

    

           Libby's looking at me.   Back in Connecticut Mr. Steve's sister Susan, with her Dog Bella;  ride Horses down to the southern coast.  The water there separates her State from the north side of "Long Island," New York City.  She loves her Horses, who have different personalities.           

           I guess, "Lee" hoped to get "political recognition" for the South; from either France or England.  When they realized what he was attempting McClellan's army "chased" him, and in    "Maryland;" fought in one of the bloodiest battles of the war.  A Lizard ran bye right now.          

        Because the North named the battles for Rivers, and the South for locations; the Union's "Battle of Antietem" was named after this one "Creek."  The South's "Battle of Sharpsburg"      was named after a nearby Maryland town.  The morning air is so fresh and clear right now.         

              

"BATTLE OF ANTIETEM" (SEPTEMBER 17, 1862)

                   

         General McClellan's Army of the Potomac chased Lee's Army of Northern Virginia until Lee turned and "met him in battle."  Lee set up his troops on the "higher ground" of Antietem    Creek's west side, which he used as a "natural defense."  Libby's looking over here at me.            

         On September the 17th a huge one day battle happened up in Maryland, and it says here over twenty two thousand men ended up being "casualties."  There was a corn field where many Soldiers died in I guess.  I can smell that one clump of Joshua trees near Libby's Corral.              

          It says here, in the Battle of Antietem both sides "slugged it out;" and it ended being one of those "draws" or "stalemates."  But, it forced Lee to "abandon" his invasion; and it also made    England  and France "hesitate" in "recognizing" the Confederacy.  A Train whistled faintly.                         

      CIVIL WAR ERA  AMERICAN SLAVES        

           

              After Antietem President Lincoln announced the "Emancipation Proclamation" which would free Slaves in those eleven "rebellious" States.   As I've said, the Slave States of Missouri,  Kentucky, Delaware and Maryland did not secede.  So all those Slaves were not set free.               

            I guess, after Antietem President Lincoln, unhappy with General McClellan; replaced him with that other guy Ambrose Burnside.  Lincoln and McClellan really disliked each other a  lot from what our boss told his dad.  Samson and Delilah are flying over Libby's Corral.               

           Mr. Phillip from Wales said, what Americans call being "fired" like McClellan; is to be "sacked" over there in England.  Mr. Steve has been fired from Sales jobs when he didn't make "Quota," but now he has no quota to worry about.  I smell some of the Arborvitae bushes.           

               

      CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELDS (1861-1865)     

             

           I love studying maps!  A map showing the major Civil War battles has little red flames to indicate where the battles happened.  I notice all of them except two were fought on "southern    soil."  That guy William Wing Loring led some Rebel troops over in that Western Theater.           

          Toward the end of 1862, with General Grant out west trying to get at Vicksburg from the north; General Burnside tried to capture the Confederate capitol of Richmond.  The "Battle of    Fredericksburg" turned out to be huge.  The Monarch Butterfly just went fluttering bye.             

        My Encyclopedia calls some of the things that happened at the Battle of Fredericksburg "unprecedented."  It was December so I guess the weather was really cold.  This tv show Daisy    saw on the Civil War said General Burnside's army had to cross the "Rappahannock" River.       

                                                                                                  

AMBROSE BURNSIDE (1824-1881)    

                      

          Yesterday I mentioned how the term "Sideburns" is named for how Ambrose Burnside wore his beard.   He was born on May the 23rd which is also Mr. Steve's brother Sam's birthday  too.  Our boss thinks he was "unlucky" from what Dais heard him tell his father one time.           

          In order to get across the Rappahannock River wooden "Pontoon" bridges were needed but, unfortunately for General Burnside; they didn't show up on time.  And when they did get      there the Rebels had "Sharpshooters" kill the men trying to build them.  I smell Juniper.              

      A two week delay allowed Robert E. Lee to set up good "Fortifications" on a hill to the southwest of Fredericksburg called "Marye's Heights."  That half a month delay "proved to be    fatal" from what it says here.  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; just flew bye.                 

           

"BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG" (DECEMBER 11-15, 1862)

     

              A good map explains what happened on those five days at the Battle of Fredericksburg.  A painting shows how, when the pontoons finally did arrive; the Union Soldiers "returned fire"  with the Rebel Sharpshooters on the the other side of the river.  Heathcliff just crowed.                 

          Once Burnside's troops finally got across the Rappahannock River, they had to fight a "street by street" or even "building by building" battle in the middle of Fredericksburg itself.  I guess the Rebels finally "abandoned" the city and drew back.  Fred, Ed and Ted flew bye.            

             After the Union army "occupied" Fredericksburg, Burnside "turned his attention" to attacking Lee's by that time "well entrenched" forces.  "Against advice," he repeatedly ordered "frontal assaults" on Lee and it turned out to be a "complete disaster."  It was a slaughter.                      

  "IRISH" BRIGADE                                             LEE WITH STAFF        

                                                                                                                                         PAINTING BY H.A. OGDEN

                 

       Daisy told me the tv show said at Fredericksburg one of the Federal units slaughtered in trying to make those "futile" assault's on Lee's "well-placed" men up on Marye's Heights was    the "Irish Brigade."  It was made up of men from Ireland.  Irish fought for both sides.                 

          It says here the Irish Brigade "covered" the chaotic retreat back to Washington D.C. after the First Battle of Bull Run.  In a few minutes I'll learn about the 1863 "Battle of Gettysburg,"    which the Irish Brigade also took part in.  But at Fredericksburg they didn't do so good.               

        Wow!  Robert E. Lee said, in watching his men kill the Union Soldiers at Fredericksburg; "It is good that war is so terrible, or we should grow too fond of  it."  That's because all of his      plans worked perfectly.  Speedy Gonzalez just ran bye, with Andy over there watching him.         

      sheightsangelofrichardkirkland.jpg” style=”width: 300px; height: 350px;” />

RICHARD ROWLAND KIRKLAND  (1843-1863)

                                                       PAINTING BY NATHAN GREENE                                                                                                                                                                                                        

    

           Ah!  Two Pigeons just flew bye, which makes me think of a Rebel Soldier named Richard Kirkland from "South Carolina."  This tv show said "screaming" wounded Union Soldiers were left out on the battlefield at Fredericksburg.  It was in December so it really freezing cold.            

          That guy Richard Kirkland felt so sorry for the suffering Union Soldiers who were yelling out in "agony."  He "gathered up canteens" and then "risked his life" by going out to give them  water to "ease their suffering."  He's now called the "Angel of Marye's Heights" I guess.              

           Civil War Soldiers often "rifled through" the pockets of other dead Soldiers, thinking they "wouldn't need" anything anymore.  Dais says at first the non-wounded Union Soldiers thought  Richard Kirkland might be doing that so were mad.  Boy!  The high sky is so blue right now.                         

MID MORNING SKY

           

           Daisy told me the man on the tv show said, once the non-wounded Union Soldiers realized what that guy Richard Kirkland was doing; they did not kill him.  For over an hour they let him walk around the battlefield to give water and blankets to the wounded.  Heathcliff crowed.          

     Wow!  My Encyclopedia says at the Battle of Fredericksburg one hundred and fourteen thousand Union troops fought seventy two thousand Rebels.  "Eight thousand" Federal Soldiers  were killed or wounded in Richard Kirkland's area alone.  I can smell Andy over there.                 

         Oh!  Richard Kirkland, after surviving battles at "Chancelorsville" and "Gettysburg;" was killed at "Chickamauga."   His last words were, "I'm done for, save yourselves; tell my pa I'm    dead."  Mr. Richard, if you're mind reading me; thank you for what you did down here.                       

JOSEPH HOOKER (1814-1879)

PAINTING BY MICHAEL GNATEK

    

        Daisy says our boss, before the economic recession that began in 2008; had a customer in Fredericksburg.  That Parts Manager knew about the Civil War and this Union General named    Joseph Hooker.  After the disaster at Fredericksburg he replaced that guy Ambrose Burnside.    

         Oh!  I notice how Joseph Hooker died on October the 31st, which was Grandma Trujillo's birthday.  That's also the date of "Halloween" too.  Daisy told me about the tv show on the Civil  War said girls who "followed" General Hooker's armies around were called "Hookers."              

       That tv show also said, after Fredericksburg President Lincoln was really depressed; and even said, "If there is a place worse than Hell then I am in it."  In the Spring of 1863 Daisy said    General Hooker "intended to annihilate" General Lee's army.  Two Pigeons just flew bye.                                                    "VICKSBURG" CAMPAIGN (1862-1863)       

                       

            Out in the Western Theater General Grant tried a few ways to get at Vicksburg, the "last remaining" Rebel controlled area of the Mississippi River.  He himself had already taken the top northern section and Admiral Farragut took New Orleans to the south.  Libby whinnied.              

           A good map shows the "Vicksburg Campaign," or what happened in late 1862 and then into 1863.  Because that guy William Wing Loring took part in that campaign our boss studied it back in College.  There's a long extending white vapor trail way up there in the high sky.              

            I guess, Vicksburg is up on a "Bluff" which overlooks the Mississippi River below; so its cannons could shoot down at Union Gunboats going bye.  It was also harder back in those days    for artillery on moving Boats to shoot upward from what Daisy's heard.  I can smell Libby.                                     

CIVIL WAR "GUNBOAT"

               

          No matter what Grant tried nothing worked in getting at Vicksburg so, in April of 1863; he  just decided to march his army "down" the western side of the Mississippi River.  From there he  "crossed over" onto the east bank "below" or south of the city.  This was a big surprise.         

        My Encyclopedia says the Vicksburg campaign was a "series" of maneuvers and battles with the "aim of controlling the Mississippi River."  Most thought Grant would march directly    north  and right away attack Vicksburg "from the land side."  Dawn and Blinky are barking.      

          I guess Grant surprised everyone by "cutting off his supply line" to "live off the land."  His army would "first march to the northeast," and take the State of "Mississippi's capitol city    called "Jackson."   It was also one of those "Railroad Junctions" I've mentioned before.                  

VAPOR TRAIL

            Ah!  Seeing a vapor trail up in the mid-morning sky is making me feel good.  Boy!  Jets are so amazing.  How could anyone, like those two Wright Brothers; have even figured out how    make something that flies in the air?  You have to be smart or a total genius to have done it.         

            I heard bones crunching as Cher ate a Lizard over there in front of Manny the far right Shed.  Now she noticed me over here on Elvira, so is looking at me with kind of a puzzled look on her black and white face.   Oh!  Cher just turned and darted quickly underneath Manny.             

          Well, it's back to the Vicksburg Campaign.  In 1863, from May the 1st through the 17th; Grant fought three battles as he moved toward Jackson.  Then, after Jackson "fell;" he started    towards Vicksburg from the east.  Samson and Delilah are both flying over Libby's Corral.            

       WILLIAM WING LORING (1818-1886)

           As he "approached" Vicksburg from the east Grant's Army of the Tennessee had to fight two big battles.  At the bloody "Battle of Champion Hill," William Wing Loring was one of the    Rebel "Division" commanders.  During that "wild" one day battle the fighting was "vicious."     

          On May 16th the Champion Hill battlefield "changed hands" a few times, as the "heavy" fighting "ebbed and flowed."  But then the Rebel lines "broke," so all the "surviving" Soldiers    had to retreat westward.  At Champion Hill the Rebel Commander was John C. Pemberton.        

          John C. Pemberton and Loring knew each other.  Both fought in the "Seminole" wars and also the "Mexican War" too.  At Champion Hill Loring's Division got separated from the rest of  the army so they escaped back to Jackson.  Even with just one arm Loring rode Horses well.                                

JOHN C. PEMBERTON (1814-1881)

            

          Most of John C. Pemberton's army "fled" toward the west and then got ready for the attack they "knew would come."  And it did alright from what it says here in my Encyclopedia. On the day after the Battle of Champion Hill  the "Battle of Big Black Bridge" took place.           

          Again Grant's Union Soldiers won the big battle so, this time; the Rebel's had to retreat back to the "outskirts" east of Vicksburg.  There Pemberton set up "fortifications" which were    able to "repulse" two "frontal assaults."  A Sparrow with a twig in its mouth hopped bye.            

          It says here Loring and his surviving men, now separated from Pemberton; went east to the Jackson area.  They "linked up" with this Confederate force under that other guy Joseph E.  Johnston who I've mentioned before.   The little Sparrow just notice me over here so flew off.                      

WESTERN THEATER     

("VICKSBURG" CAMPAIGN / 1862-1963)

                  

         In 1863, from May the 18th all the way through the 4th of July; Grant "laid siege" to Vicksburg by blocking anything from going in or out.  It was like the U.S. Navy's "Anaconda        Plan" being used to prevent supplies from getting into the South by sea.  Dawn's barking.            

         For over forty days Grant's cannons "shelled" or bombed the people trapped inside of Vicksburg.   He did it from his land side to the east, and also from the Mississippi River with        mortars on Gunboats.  Our boss told Mr. Randy people ate Rats and lived inside caves.                 

          On July 4th, finally General Pemberton was forced to surrender the city to Grant.  I've mentioned before how Grant also knew Loring from their time fighting in the Mexican War.  It    says here how over twenty thousand Rebel Soldiers were "forced to give up" at Vicksburg.                                                       

     JOHN S. PEMBERTON (1831-1888)                   MR. RALPH / SON RORY          

     

           Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Ralph "for years" he thought General Pemberton was the inventor of "Coca-Cola."  But then, he saw this tv show on the history of the city of "Atlanta;"    which said it was another guy named John Pemberton who did it.  I smell Dawn over there.         

           It turns out John S. Pemberton, a "Pharmacist" from "Georgia;" also fought for the South and later invented Coca-Cola.  He got "slashed" on the chest with a sword, and became a  "morphine addict" for the pain.  Grant and Loring both knew the other John Pemberton.          

              Wow!  It says here John S. Pemberton died "in poverty" at age fifty seven.  He invented Coke as a possible pain killer but had to "sell the rights" for $1,750.  Daisy and Millie one time    heard our boss's father say in 2014 that would possibly be "equivalent" to about $47,000.            

                                                                  

STONEWALL JACKSON / ROBERT E. LEE     

      

           Well, back to Eastern Theater where, after the "Battle of Fredericksburg;" the next big thing to happen was the "Battle of Chancellorsville."  In that battle Daisy heard Robert E. Lee    and Stonewall Jackson worked "perfectly together."  It was kind of like "Yin and Yang."             

         I just thought of that guy Richard Kirkland, who helped wounded Soldiers during the Battle of Fredericksburg.  Hey Mr. Richard!  If you just happen to be mind-reading me right        now; thank you for being like that lady who helped me when I was hopeless and homeless.            

          As I wrote earlier, after Fredericksburg Ambrose Burnside was soon replaced by Joseph Hooker; who bragged about how he was going to really beat Lee.  But he turned out to be very    wrong about that I guess.  Two of the Pigeons are walking around near the Mulberry tree.            

                

    STEPHEN CRANE (1871-1900)     

         

           Daisy saw a tv show about an American  Writer named Stephen Crane, who wrote a book about "Civil War combat" called "Red Badge of Courage;" which our boss read in College.  It's  described here as being a "coming of age" story about "fear and courage."  I smell Sage.              

        Mr. Steve told his father, who also read Red Badge of Courage and thinks it "accurately" describes what it's like to be in combat; Stephen Crane never even fought in a war.  Many think Red Badge of Courage is describing the 1863 Battle of Chancellorsville.  Dawn's barking.            

         Boy!  That guy Stephen Crane died at the young age of twenty eight, and just like John S. Pemberton, "died in poverty" too.  Wow!  It says here he was the "youngest of fourteen" kids in  his really big family.  He was originally from the State of "New Jersey" just like Mr. Rich.            

                                        

   H.G. WELLS (1866-1946)                                  MR. PHILLIP            

         Our boss and Mr. Phillip talked about how Stephen Crane was friends with that British Writer H.G. Wells, who wrote all of those famous "Science Fiction" stories.  And, as one of those  "Journalists;" he covered the Spanish-American War of 1898.  I can see Libby over there.            

           I guess, before he wrote Red Badge of Courage Stephen Crane wrote about 19th century New York City's really poor people; one being an Irish girl named "Maggie."  Before he wrote    his famous books George Orwell wrote about poor people too Daisy heard.  I smell Sage.              

          Because Lee had confidence in Stonewall Jackson, at the Battle of Chancellorsville he did something risky.  On the second day, "in the face of superior numbers;" he "divided his army."  Lee had about sixty thousand men, Hooker about one hundred and thirty three thousand.                                                        

"CHANCELLORSVILLE" CAMPAIGN (APRIL 30-MAY 6 / 1863)

PAINTING BY DON TROIANI

   

         Robert E. Lee told Stonewall Jackson to make a night march around the Army of the Potomac so they'd be in position to attack Hooker's right flank the next morning.  They did and  Daisy says it totally caught the Union leadership by surprise.  I smell the baby Cholla cactus.      

              A good painting shows Stonewall Jackson's men "emerging from a forest" to assault the Union right flank.  It was a "complete route" and in Red Badge of Courage the boy is afraid and runs away instead of fighting.  Like in Chess, it's bad to leave your "Flank" or side "Exposed."   

             Dais heard, in Red Badge of Courage the boy gets a non-combat wound he pretends was acquired in battle.  He's so ashamed but later makes up for it by showing bravery during some    heavy fighting.  Red Badge means getting a combat wound according to what Daisy heard.              

      THOMAS "STONEWALL" JACKSON (1824-1863)

        

         Daisy told me the man on the tv show said the Battle of Chancellorsville was a "total success" except for one thing.  In the evening after having routed General Hooker's men, I guess  Stonewall Jackson was near the front doing his own "Reconnaissance."  Heathcliff crowed.          

           Because it was getting dark, one of Stonewall Jackson's Snipers accidentally shot him, thinking he was a Federal Officer.  He was only wounded but ended up dying a few days  later.    Two Crows are now fighting over something out there in the back desert behind the Sheds.           

              Oh wow!  According to what it says in this Encyclopedia, Stonewall Jackson's last words before dying were, "Let us cross over the river, and rest under the shade of the trees."  I'll bet, if Mr. Steve doesn't know that quote he'll be interested to know it.  Andy's sniffing the air.               

      

     "TO HELL AND BACK"                          AUDIE MURPHY              "RED BADGE OF COURAGE"

(1925-1971)

   

           Dais told me the tv show about Stephen Crane talked about a 1950's movie based on his book Red Badge of Courage.  The "Star" was Audie Murphy, who I wrote a little bit about in my first book.  I guess, he also "played himself" in this other movie called "To Hell and Back."          

          I just thought of how, back in 2008 at "Arlington" cemetery in Washington D.C.;  Mr. Steve took a picture of Audie Murphy's grave.  He died young at the age of forty six I guess, and had been "Decorated" 33 times during World War II.  Smelling Andy makes me feel good.           

           Audie Murphy's "Widow" Miss Pamela" was a friend of Mr. Steve's dad.  As I said in book one, she was an "Advocate" at that "Veterans Administration" Hospital in "Sepulveda."    Mr. Steve's father and his friend Mr. Ivan both attended her "Memorial" when she died.             

             

      AUDIE MURPHY                                        PAMELA MURPHY          

         

       Oh wow!  This one Encyclopedia says Audie Murphy killed about two hundred and fifty Germans during his "three years" fighting in the Second World War.   He got medals, including  one of those "Medals of Honor;" from a few countries.  Boy!  I really like how Andy smells.         

          It says here Audie Murphy, who was from Texas; was one of twelve kids who became some of those "Orphans" I've written about.  During World War II he fought in Italy and then, after    "D-Day;" helped push the Germans" back to Germany.  He was wounded a few times I guess.     

        Mr. Steve told his father he met a lady from Van Nuys, who lived near where Audie Murphy and his wife and two sons lived before he died in an Airplane crash.  The lady said he has one of  those Stars down there on the Hollywood "Walk of Fame."  I smell little Blinky over there.                  

AUDIE MURPHY FAMILY   

    

         Daisy says that lady from Van Nuys told our boss how Audie Murphy wrote three Poems, and "Country" songs too.  For a few years she said, he raised Horses that raced at "Del Mar;"    the race track I've mentioned before.   But, he "died in debt" from an addiction to gambling.       

          Mr. Steve told that lady about the time in 2002 when Audie Murphy's wife was going to be "Laid Off."  But, she kept her job when Veteran's like his dad complained; and even did a few "Protests" at the Sepulveda V.A.   Our boss and Mr. Grant have that friend named "Pam."          

       According to what Dais heard our boss's dad say, he still has "fond memories" of "Mrs. Murphy."  She used to call him "Mister," and never forgot to pronounce our last Córdova in the correct way.  She helped the Veterans fight the often "Cold Blooded" government she joked.        

                          

DRAGONFLY

 

        Aha!  I knew I was hearing something and now know it was that Dragonfly whose been hanging around here since yesterday.  I wasn't sure if it was a Hummingbird, like Max or 99; as  they kind of sound the same from far away.  The Dragonfly is now flying over Libby's Corral.      

            It looks like the next big thing to happen on the Civil War's "Eastern" Theater was when, at the end of June in 1863; Robert E. Lee and "seventy thousand" men in his Army of Northern Virginia "invaded" the North for the "second time."   Andy's looking at me here on Elvira.          

         By late June of 1863 Vicksburg had been "under siege" by General Grant for forty days; and people inside were starving I guess.  Speedy Gonzalez just ran through  the right vertical slot on the side of the gate to zoom out into the desert.  Dais and I have wondered how Rat tastes.                         

            AMERICAN CIVIL WAR "STRATEGY" (1861-1865)

                         

            As I said a few minutes ago, in 1862 when Robert E. Lee took over command of the Rebel forces back east; he knew logically the South could not possibly win in a "Prolonged" war.  They  didn't have enough "Industry" or "Manpower."  Fred, Ed and Ted just flew bye right now.          

         This Encyclopedia says how, in the final days of June 1863; General Lee took the seventy thousand men in his Army of Northern Virginia and for the second time "audaciously" invaded the North.  This got President Lincoln really worried.  The chimes are ringing up there.              

          In 1863 the Union Army of the Potomac, which had about ninety three thousand men in it; was sent to "shadow" Lee who marched his army up into the State of "Pennsylvania."  He was hoping to "take" the city of "Harrisburg," one of those "Railroad Junctions."  I smell Sage.                        

        GEOGE GORDON MEADE  /  ROBERT E. LEE   

        

          It says here what the tv show talked about too.  Right before what would be the "Battle of Gettysburg," President Lincoln "put in command" a guy named George Gordon Meade as head of the Army of the Potomac; and told him beat Robert E. Lee's invasion  army.  I smell Sage.       

             Lee hoped in 1863 a "decisive military victory" on "northern soil" would force Lincoln's government to "negotiate peace" and end the war.  Also, both England and France had still not    decided yet whether to "recognize" the Confederate government.  Libby just now whinnied.        

       At the exact same time when General Grant's forces were "pounding" Vicksburg "into submission" out west, General Meade was chasing Lee.  William Wing Loring was a "Division    Commander" in General Leonidas Polk's "Third Corp."  That was the "Army of Tennessee."                                                                                

J.E.B. STUART (1833-1864)

       

          One problem Robert E. Lee had up there in Pennsylvania was that his Cavalry units, his "eyes and ears;" were not keeping a close enough "tab" of General Meade's chasing army.  They were led by J.E.B. Stuart.  Two of the Pigeons just now flew over Libby's Corral over there.         

          I guess Stuart's Horsemen were riding around Pennsylvania, "Raiding" and capturing a lot of Wagons and other things.  But they weren't keeping Lee informed about the location of the Union army.  So Lee "divided his forces," not knowing Meade was closer than he thought.            

         Some Rebel troops, under A.P. Hill; were "given permission" to go into the small town of "Gettysburg" looking for things like shoes which they needed.  Coming from the west, they ran    into some Union Cavalry and a small "skirmish" began.  This happened at "mid-morning."                      

"BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG" (JULY 1-3 /1863)

   

            In August of 1977, when our boss and his brother Rock visited Gettysburg; they went to the "Chambersburg Pike;" the road to the northwest of the town.  That's where what turned out to be the bloody three day Battle of Gettysburg "commenced."  Crows are cawing faintly.            

           On July 1 in 1862 the Rebel Soldiers outside Gettysburg "sent back word" to A.P. Hill.  I guess, at first he thought the Union Cavalry was just "State Militia" units; but in realizing they    were part of Meade's army he then right away sent reinforcements.  And the battle began.            

           Lee was to the north of Gettysburg when word came of a "developing engagement."  He realized the Army of the Potomac was way closer than he'd thought, so pulled out this map and    ordered his army to "Concentrate" around Gettysburg "from all directions."  I smell Sage.                     

VAPOR TRAIL   

           

           I just glanced up from my work and see a white vapor trail up there in the now getting to be late morning sky.  I don't know why but seeing the vapor trail; which reminds me of that day last Summer; makes me feel good.  Boy!  I'm so lucky to have this good project to work on.          

         What began as a "skirmish" on Chambersburg Pike "evolved" into a bigger and bigger battle to the northwest of Gettysburg.  General Meade "got word" of what was happening so he  also sent Union reinforcements.   In the 19th century "Pike" was another name for a road.           

          Soldiers from both sides "converged" on Gettysburg.  From the north Rebels pushed the Union Soldiers back "through" the town itself, and there was a lot of fighting for the rest of July  the 1st; as more and more troops from both sides arrived to battle.  A Train whistled faintly.                    

  DAY ONE        "BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG"         JULY 1,2,3  

(1863)

 

           I've mentioned before how in a battle it's better to defend the "Higher Ground."  To the south of Gettysburg is "Culp's Hill," and all of the Union forces coming from the south and the    ones retreating through the town from the north; gathered on that hill.  Two Pigeons flew bye.     

           Dais says the tv show said one reason why Stonewall Jackson worked so well with Robert E. Lee was because Lee gave him "Discretion" in making "Spontaneous" tactical decisions in the middle of a battle.  The guy who replaced him after Chancellorsville was Richard S. Ewell.           

        On the late afternoon of July 1st Richard Ewell didn't attack Culp's Hill, so left Meade's men on higher ground.  Many think Stonewall Jackson who he replaced would have recognized    the importance of Culp's Hill and pushed his men to take it.  But Ewell didn't do it I guess.           

                               

         RICHARD S. EWELL (1817-1872)            

                

          When Mr. Steve and his brother were in Gettysburg this Tour Guide told them General  Ewell, nicknamed "Old Baldy Head;" had "lost a leg" earlier.  And on that afternoon of the first day he was in "tremendous pain."  This "may have influenced his decision" the Guide said.         

         By the next morning, the 2nd of July; both armies had arrived.  The fighting began early and went all day long, with Lee attacking Meade's right and left flanks.  But it says here how all  of his assaults were "repulsed" with "heavy losses" on both sides.  Andy's now looking at me.      

       If you look at the maps of the three day Battle of Gettysburg you can see how the Union troops ended up defending a big "Fish Hook" shaped area.  But they had the higher ground on    Culp's Hill and this other place called "Cemetery Ridge."  Samson and Delilah just flew bye.       

                 

JAMES LONGSTREET (1821-1904)

            

          Mr. Steve and his brother Rock were told that guy James Longstreet had advised Lee to "wheel about" and "set up in defensive position" between Meade's army and Washington D.C.    This would "force the Army of the Potomac to attack them."  But Lee didn't want to do that.       

         On that second day, when the Rebels attacked Meade's left flank to the south; there were these guys called "Berdan's Sharpshooters" out in front of the Union lines.  Dais says, instead of  wearing blue like everyone else; they had green uniforms for camouflage.  Dawn's barking.          

           My Encyclopedia says the guys in Berdan's Sharpshooters were "specifically recruited" as  "crack shots," to be used as "Snipers."  Daisy told me the tv show mentioned how they could "consistently" hit small targets from three hundred yards away.  Wow!  Three Football fields.                         

"BERDAN'S SHARPSHOOTER" (FIGURINE)

             

           Daisy one time heard our boss and his father talking about a military figurine Mr. Steve made and painted as a kid.  It was one of those destroyed by the 1971 Sylmar Earthquake.  Mr.    Steve liked how he got to paint the hat and uniform green instead of dark navy blue I guess.         

           At Gettysburg the Berdan Sharpshooters' job was to "delay" the Rebel attack, and give the defensive lines behind them more time to get ready Daisy says.  It says here Hiram Berdan      was the leader of  the "1st Sharpshooter Regiment."  They killed a lot of Rebels on day two.         

          In order to be allowed into Berdan's Sharpshooter's you had to be as good a shot as that one girl Annie Oakley, or Audie Murphy during World War II.  They used "Sharps 1859" rifles.  Those Sharpshooters had to retreat but "not before accomplishing their important task."             

   

                           "DEVIL'S DEN"                                         GETTYSBURG (DAY TWO)                                

         One time our boss and his brother Rock remembered going to the southern area of the Gettysburg battlefield, part of which is called "Devils Den."  A picture shows this dead Rebel        Soldier there, the caption saying "vicious" fighting took place at Devil's Den.  I smell Sage.          

            After a long day of "hard" fighting General Meade's Army of the Potomac succeeded in holding off Lee's Army of Northern Virginia.  Back in Washington D.C., President Lincoln was    kind of getting more and more nervous; according to what Dais heard.  Daffy's quacking.             

       Lee, "against General Longstreet's advice;" on the third day "decided to gamble" by making a "Frontal Assault"  on Meade's "Center."  J.E.B. Stuart's Cavalry had finally showed up.  At first Robert E. Lee was "angry," but forgave him; for which Stuart was so grateful.                                       

CONFEDERATE ARTILLERY

       

          Wow!  It says here the Battle of Gettysburg was the "largest battle ever fought on North American soil."  But now, after two days of bloody fighting; Lee was down to his "last throw of    the dice."  So, on the third day at Gettysburg; he decided to just "Go for Broke" as they say.        

           Before making his third day attack Lee ordered his Artillery to "pound" and "soften up" the Union lines before he sent "twelve thousand men" across open fields to the west of town.  A    painting shows a Rebel cannon and, boy; I can tell it would be bad to be hit by a canon ball!         

         According to a man our boss and his brother met in Gettysburg in 1977, the sound of the Confederate "massed" Artillery on that third day was, "one of the loudest noises ever heard on    the North American continent."  The "bombardment" lasted for three hours.  I smell Andy.                                      GEORGE PICKETT (1825-1875)  

    

          Because in mid-19th century guns made a lot of smoke, so it was at times hard to see.  On day three at Gettysburg it turned out the Confederate cannons were "overshooting" the Union    lines.  I guess they killed many Horses "in the rear," but not enough of the Federal Soldiers.         

        After that big bombardment 12,000 Rebel Soldiers attacked the Union lines in "Pickett's Charge," named for George Pickett's Division.  The fighting was bloody but after over an hour    of really, really hard combat the charge was stopped.  A flock of Birds is flying to the east.            

         During Pickett's Charge both sides showed unbelievable courage and bravery Daisy says.  Thousands were killed or wounded, some blown to bits so there was almost nothing even left of    their bodies.  I can hear some of Heathcliff's Hens clucking happily over there to my right.                                    

BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG   

(DAY THREE / "HIGH WATER MARK")

        

        Two paintings show the fierce fighting of the "High Water Mark" of the Confederacy.  It was the farthest forward the Rebel Soldiers in Pickett's Charge were able to push trying to break through the Union lines.  But when too many died they were "forced back" into a retreat.             

          I guess, the name High Water Mark not only applies to Pickett's Charge on the third day at Gettysburg.  It has come to also symbolize how the Confederacy's "Fate was Sealed" because  it meant for sure France and England would not "Recognize" a new nation.  A Crow cawed.        

           From what it says here, as Pickett's Charge survivors "streamed back" to the Rebel lines; Robert E. Lee and his Horse Traveller rode out to meet them.  He even apologized by yelling, "It  is my fault."  Oh!  Two Crows are really yelling at each other out there in the back desert.                            

                        REBEL PRISONERS                        JOHN BELL HOOD (1831-1879)                               

           Daisy one time heard our boss talking to his mom about how he and a kid named "Neil," when Mr. Steve was eleven and Neil a year older; both began to draw at the same time.  The first images they "copied" in pencil were from books about the American Civil War.  I smell Sage.      

           One of those first pictures our boss copied showed three captured Rebel Soldiers standing near a fence after the Battle of Gettysburg.  He also drew John Bell Hood; who I've mentioned    before.  Mr. Steve joked with Mr. Hussein how it's "easier" to draw a man with a beard.               

          I guess John Bell Hood, whose nickname was "Hound Dog;" had his left arm "mangled" on the second day at Gettysburg.  Later, at the "Battle of Chickamauga" which I'll learn about    in a minute; his right leg was blown off below the knee.   Dais thinks he looks like a Viking.                   

WESLEY CULP / JENNIE WADE / JACK SKELLY 

  

           Dais heard, in 1977 when our boss and his brother Rock were in Gettysburg; they went to a house where this girl named Jennie Wade was accidentally killed in 1863.  It says here, she was  the "only civilian killed at the Battle of Gettysburg."  Donald and Daisy are now quacking.          

         I guess, as that girl Jennie Wade was baking bread; all of a sudden a "stray" bullet from the battle came flying through the wall and killed her.  I mentioned how an area to Gettysburg's  south is "Culp's Hill."  By 1863 it had been owned by a few generations of the Culp family.          

          Before the war this guy named Wesley Culp moved from Gettysburg to Virginia, so when war broke out he decided to fight for the South.  A few weeks before the Battle of Gettysburg he  fought in the "Battle of Stevenson's Depot."   Ah!  A Crow is standing over there in the dirt.           

HIGH DESERT CROW

           I don't recognize the Crow over there, so he or she must be new around here.  It's next to the new baby Cholla cactus, and now just noticed me sitting over here on Elvira.  Ah!  The Crow just hopped a few times, then lifted off;  and is now flying back out into the eastern desert.           

          Daisy says, after the Battle of Stevenson's Depot that guy Wesley Culp noticed this badly wounded Union Soldier named Jack Skelly; who he'd known in Gettysburg.  Jack Skelly, who      died; asked Wesley Culp, if he ever went to Gettysburg; to deliver a message to his family.            

        Grandma Trujillo used to say "As Fate Would Have It," and Wesley Culp did end up in Gettysburg for the battle.  On July 1 he visited his sister and told her about Jack Skelly.  But he  was later got killed on Culp's Hill so that message was never able to delivered.  Oh wow!                                             

"BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG" (POST BATTLE)

PHOTO BY ALEXANDER GARDNER  

            According to what Dais heard, some people think Wesley Culps' message was meant to be delivered to Jack Skelly's girlfriend, who just so happened to be that girl Jennie Wade.  Boy!  I    wonder if that story is true?  Everyone "associated" with it all died so no one will ever know.       

        If you look at the maps of the Battle of Gettysburg you see right away how another very important area of the battlefield was "Cemetery Ridge."  Mr. Steve and his brother drove their    rented Car around that area back in 1977.  That orange Monarch Butterfly fluttered bye.             

          Even before the Civil War that area outside Gettysburg was used as a cemetery.  But then Dais says, a few months later President Lincoln went there and delivered his now really famous    "Gettysburg Address."  Daisy told me our boss has a framed copy of that old 1863 speech.                   

OLIVER O. HOWARD (1830-1909)

            Hey Lord!  I remember that time when our boss told Mr. Chris who gets us things about Oliver O. Howard, called the "Christian General."   He was a Union "Brigade" Commander at  Gettysburg.  Oliver O. Howard's right arm had been "Amputated" back in 1862 I guess.              

       Wow!  This Encyclopedia says Oliver O. Howard, who earned one of those "Medal's of Honor;" fought in most of the big battles of the Civil War.  He knew William  Wing Loring, who fought against him in the 1864 "Atlanta" campaign.  I'll write about it in a few minutes.               

        After the war, in Washington D.C.; Oliver O. Howard started "Howard" University for black people.  Mr. Chris has relatives who went there.  Unlike "most" 19th century white people, Oliver O. Howard "liked" black people, and treated them "with respect" Mr. Steve's read.                    

ABRAHAM LINCOLN (1809-1965)

PHOTO BY ALEXANDER GARDNER

          Someday I want to see the framed copy of that famous speech given by President Lincoln about four months after the Battle of Gettysburg.  It's hanging in the hallway right across from    that one three foot long picture of Jerusalem's "Temple Mount" Daisy says.  Libby neighed.         

       This one Encyclopedia says Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" was "delivered" about four months after that huge and giant battle.  It was for  a "ceremony to dedicate" the "reburial" of    Soldiers killed in the battle.  There were about 50,000 casualties at the Battle of Gettysburg.         

          President Lincoln "delivered" his speech in that cemetery up on "Cemetery Ridge," which had been important in the battle.  That girl Jenny Linde is buried there, and so are those other two guys Wesley Culp and Jack Skelly too.  I'm glad to see no Flies around Libby over there.         

"GETTYSBURG ADDRESS" (NOVEMBER 19, 1863)

PHOTO BY ALEXANDER GARDNER          

                

           Oh!  It says here the "reinternment" process at Gettysburg began on October the 17th,  1863, or Mr. Steve's brother Rock's birthday.  Our boss told his mom President Lincoln's speech was so short the Photographer only got one picture, of Lincoln leaving the stage.  I smell Sage.    

          In 1863 speeches were usually really long so it "caught everyone by surprise" and only a few people clapped.  The Gettysburg Address lasted two minutes, and Lincoln said it "went over like a lead blanket."  Oh!  It would be bad if your blankets were all made out of heavy lead.         

          After making his now famous speech Lincoln told others the reaction of the audience made him feel as though it had been a big failure.  Mr. Steve's father thinks he was influenced by the    King James Bible, and also that one ancient Greek guy Thucydides.  Heathcliff crowed.             

 

WILLIAM T. SHERMAN / ULYSSES S. GRANT

            According to my outline it looks like, for the rest of my learning about the Civil War; the "working partnership" and "friendship" of General's Grant and Sherman will be so important.    That's the way my Encyclopedia calls their relationship.  Dawn and Blinky are barking.              

           It says here how, after Grant "took" Vicksburg so the Union then had total control of the long Mississippi River; Grant was President Lincoln's favorite "Field Commander."  The next    major battle in the Western Theater was in northern Georgia.  I do like how Blinky smells.           

          The "Battle of Chickamauga" took place over two days in September of 1863.  In that big fight Braxton Bragg's Rebel Army of Tennessee beat a Union army led by William Rosecrans.  I  guess General Rosecrans has a road named for him down there in Los Angeles Daisy heard.                                                                                    RAXTON BRAGG (1822-1876)               WILLIAM ROSECRANS (1819-1898)         

               

           In mid-1863 General Rosecrans' "Army of the Cumberland" tried to invade the South by going from Tennessee down into Georgia.  But, Braxton Bragg stopped him; and then drove his    army retreating back north into the city of "Chattanooga" in "Tennessee."  I smell Sage.              

         I guess one of the possible meanings of the name "Chickamauga" is the Cherokee Indian phrase "River of Death."  Daisy told me the tv show about the Civil War said it might be disease  that killed the Cherokee's and that's how the River got its name.   Heathcliff just crowed.             

          This is kind of interesting.  According to what it says here, in 1863 Robert E. Lee sent that guy James Longstreet from the Eastern Theater to help Braxton Bragg in the Western Theater.    And his twenty five thousand men "proved important" to the Rebel's victory at Chickamauga.                                 

   JAMES LONGSTREET(1821-1904)                        GEORGE H. THOMAS (1816-1870)                  

         "BATTLE OF CHICHAMAUGA" (SEPTEMBER 19, 20 / 1863)

PAINTING BY DALE GALLON

    

         Daisy says it was James Longstreet's Division who broke a hole through the Union lines, and forced Rosecrans to retreat back to Chattanooga.  They made it because George H. Thomas "Covered" their retreat.  Because of what he did  he was called the "Rock of Chickamauga."       

          This painting shows George H. Thomas, who was from Virginia but remained loyal to the Union because of his wife; "directing his men at Chickamauga.  He was giving Rosecrans time to escape by delaying Longstreet with a "rear guard action."  They "held up" all the Rebels.            

         It says here that George Thomas, in the years before the Civil War; fought "Comanche" Indians on the Southern Plains.  John Bell Hood and William Wing Loring did that too.  I guess,  like Hood; George Thomas was also shot in his hand by an arrow.   Ah!  That would hurt.             

              

         "SPARTANS"          

ARTWORK BY PETER CONNOLLY                                                                                                                                                                            

                           

             What General Thomas did in 1863 at Chickamauga was sort of like what all those three hundred "Spartans" under Leonidas did back in 480 B.C.  But General Thomas was able to live or survive, while they unfortunately all had to die.  Crows are fighting out there in the desert.      

              One time a customer in Georgia compared what George Thomas did in 1863 to the three hundred ancient Greek Spartans under Leonidas, who were killed defending that narrow pass    at "Thermopylae" against the Persians.  They were able to hold out for those three days.             

         Mr. Steve jokingly told his sister Susan, who still likes to ride Horses; George Thomas' other nickname was "Slow Trot."  Dais says that's because he weighed three hundred pounds so his Horse had to be extra careful and way more "Sure-Footed."  Libby walks slowly too.                  

    LIBBY    

           

            I guess, after that guy George Thomas "covered" Rosecrans retreat to Chattanooga; he "fell back" with his men.  Then, it says here; Braxton Bragg's army "occupied the surrounding    heights" around the city.  Libby's scent just came floating in to me over here on the Patio.            

          General Grant, after Vicksburg; was sent out to Chattanooga, and in November of 1863 kicked Braxton Bragg's army off of "Lookout Mountain" and "Missionary Ridge" in some big    battles.  Then, President Lincoln called him back to Washington D.C.  I like Libby's scent.           

           President Lincoln, late in 1863; put Grant in "Overall Command" of all Union forces, so he wanted his friend Sherman to be in charge of the Western Theater.  He would fight Robert E. Lee and try to take Richmond, Sherman would "move" to capture Atlanta.  Libby neighed.         

                                   

    AMERICAN CIVIL WAR "STRATEGY" (1861-1865)    

                

               In 1864 Grant and Sherman "began the push" on their "respective" targets.  This would be a year of some big battles in both Theaters.  When Mr. Steve and his father visited Atlanta in  1971 our boss took some Bus Tours around to see the different sites.  A Train whistled faintly.       

          Daisy heard our boss tell his father one time, after Vicksburg fell; William Wing Loring  was assigned to lead an Infantry Division and defend eastern Mississippi.  But, when General      Sherman marched southward toward Atlanta his Division was sent to Georgia.  I smell Sage.       

         Loring's Division, under that one guy Joseph E. Johnston; "met" Sherman's invasion of Georgia in 1864 at the battles of "Peachtree Creek" and "Ezra Church."  Loring was wounded    at that last battle I guess.  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are flying to the east.           

                                      

LEONIDAS POLK (1806-1864) 

               

           During the Western Theater's "Atlanta Campaign" Loring's "Corp" Commander was  Leonidas Polk, who my Encyclopedia says was an "Episcopalian  Bishop."  Daisy says our boss once showed his picture to a lady whose husband looked like him.  She laughed and agreed.         

           Oh!  This is kind of interesting.  It says here that guy Leonidas Polk's Cousin was James K. Polk, who was President during the Mexican War.  Yesterday I wrote about how both he and  Thomas Jefferson are the President's most responsible for why the U.S. is as big as it is now.        

         In 1864, for about a month; Loring was the "Third Corp's" Commander after General Polk was killed.  I guess, General Sherman saw the "glint" of  binoculars Polk was using to look down from "Kennesaw" Mountain.  Max just went zooming bye and I heard him coming.                        

MAX  

PHOTO BY TOM GREY

        Mr. Steve read, at Kennesaw Mountain, Sherman ordered Oliver O. Howard to shoot a cannon up at General Polk.  I guess, in a "One in a Million" perfect shot; it hit Polk cutting him  instantly almost in half.  Oh wow!  That would hurt, and be so bad to have happen to you.            

          Daisy heard Mr. Steve talking to his father about General Polk's death, and this one city named "Marietta;" near Kennesaw Mountain.  Miss Susan at work, before the recession; had a  customer there.  Loring then "took command" of Polk's Third Corp for about a month.               

       Trying to stop Sherman, I guess Loring got wounded; so was "Out of Action" until after Atlanta fell three months later.  In the meantime, Sherman kept pushing toward Atlanta.  Rudy  the Roadrunner is jogging bye, and I can tell that he knows I won't chase him again today.                              

 WM. TECUMSEH SHERMAN (1820-1891)                JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON (1807-1891)             

           

                 The main Confederate General who "opposed" Sherman for most of 1864 was that guy Joseph E. Johnston, who I've mentioned before.  He'd set up "entrenchments," but Sherman's    army would go around him to get closer and closer to Atlanta.  I smell the Twin Joshua trees.       

           Wow!  It says here how Sherman's father died when he was only nine, leaving his mom with eleven kids.   I guess some of his brothers ended up becoming Judges, Politicians and even    some of those Ambassadors; one started the "Republican" party.  Heathcliff just crowed.             

         Ah!  I smell Blinky over there standing next to Dawn and Rosie, near the fence which divides our two acres from our neighbor's property.  I see Andy over there sniffing the air while  guarding the entrance to he and Helen's burrow with their babies in it.   A Finch flew bye.                

CHIEF TECUMSEH (c.1768-1813)

PAINTING BY BENSON LOSSING

           I'm looking at the painting of that guy Chief "Tecumseh," the "Shawnee" Indian Chief  killed in the War of 1812.  He was an "ally of the British" so is wearing a red "Blouse" with gold  shoulder epaulets.  Daisy would like his hat and shirt color, and I'd wear gold epaulets.                 

           Hey Mr. Tecumseh!  If you just happen to be up there mind-reading me right now I want to tell you Dais and I, and our boss too; really agree with you about appreciating each and every day.  Oh!  I like your gold nose ring and now even wonder how I'd look with one like yours.         

           General Sherman's father must've admired you Chief Tecumseh, because he even named his son after you.  I'll bet like Daisy thinks, you were really brave; and so was General Sherman  too I guess.  I smell Libby and for some reason that makes me feel kind of good right now.               

  "BUFFALO" DANCER                       "IROQUIOS" DANCER 

  

            Dais says one time a nice lady from New Mexico came over to our house to sell Mr. Steve a few things, and buy artwork he did on "Pueblo" Indian "Buffalo" Dancers.  I guess she knew a lot about Chief Tecumseh and General Sherman too.  Frida and Diego just now flew bye.              

           That lady said Iroquois Indians use colors to "symbolize" things.  Red is for "Respect," especially for your "ancestors and cultural history;" Blue represents "Generosity" while White    stands for "Wisdom."  Daffy, whose unique scent I just picked up; is quacking over there.            

          For Iroquois Indians Yellow stands for "Brotherhood," even for people who are not in your own tribe.  Hey Lord!  That kind of sounds like what You said too.  Dais heard our boss's    sister Susan, and hers sons Dalton and Austin; live near where the six Iroquois groups live.                                         

         MR. MARK WITH SONS                    UNITED STATES OF AFRICA     

         Hey Mr. Tecumseh!  I guess you believed all the different Indian tribes back east should "Unite" and be allies, to fight the Americans; who were taking your land.  Mr. Mark in Hawaii    thinks the African countries should do that too.  Andy's over there guarding their burrow.            

       Over the last two days I've learned about how, since the time of the ancient Romans; an invading power uses "Divide and Conquer" tactics to defeat people whose land they want.  In      1519 Hernan Córtez could not have conquered the Aztecs without Indian help.  I smell Sage.        

          I think the current Native Indians should also work together and cooperate as a group.  In the 19th century that guy Karl Marx wrote about how "Collective Labor Unions" might have      more power for Workers in their dealings with greedy business owners.  Ah!  I love Sage.                      

LUCY AND RICKY / FRED AND ETHEL

          Oh!  All four of the Pigeons just flew back in from being out in the back desert behind the Sheds, and are all landing up there on the Patio roof right above.  As usual, I'm glad to see them  around here.  Boy Elvira!  I'm so lucky to have you around because you're my friend now.            

      Well, back to the American Civil War; and that means finding out about what ended up happening during the 1864 Atlanta campaign.  My Encyclopedia describes General Sherman as  "relentless."  In that way he was like his friend General Grant, who was back east in 1864.           

         In 1864 our boss told Mr. Ralph, General Johnston was like a "defensive" Boxer good at fighting going backward.  He "frustrated" Sherman; who kept having to "go around him."  At    the time Sherman hated him but eventually told people how Johnston was a "great tactician."                  

PIGEONS ON PATIO ROOF

        I love Pigeon voices!  In 1864, as General Sherman was pushing south towards Atlanta; Grant was "moving against Richmond" up in the "Eastern" Theater.  I'll learn about it in a few minutes, but right now I have to finish writing about what happened down there in Georgia.        

         Daisy says in 1971 our boss visited some of the "Sites" now associated with the "Battle of Atlanta."  Those were all the 1864 battles which happened when Sherman finally made it down    to Atlanta.  That fighting was done in July and August, when Georgia was "Hot and Humid."      

       According to my Encyclopedia, and what Dais heard Mr. Steve tell his dad; Confederate President Jefferson Davis thought General Johnston "wasn't aggressive enough."  So, in July he  "replaced" Johnston with that other guy John Bell Hood.  The Pigeons just now flew off.                                      

JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON (1807-1891)                JOHN BELL HOOD (1839-1871)          

        

             I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve and his father have been "Fired" from jobs.  Over in  England Mr. Phillip calls it being "Sacked."  It says here when Hood replaced Johnston both    Grant and Sherman were "well pleased," Sherman even "jumped with joy."  I smell Sage.         

            John Bell Hood "took command" of the Army of Tennessee on July the 18th of 1864.  Mr. Steve read, on his birthday of July 9th; there had been a battle near the "Chattahoochie" River.  Hood came in and "things changed," as he wanted to "immediately attack" Sherman's men.       

        Daisy told me a tv show said Grant and Sherman "knew well" John Bell Hood and his "personality and character," so expected him to "Take the Offensive."  And he didn't disappoint them on that I guess.  A flock of Birds is flying toward the east over the northern desert.               

                      

"ATLANTA" CAMPAIGN (1864)      

     

          This map shows what happened in 1864.  Sherman's army moved from Tennessee down into Georgia in the month of May I notice.  Then, you can see how there was what the caption      says were a series of "skirmish's and battles" through July the 18th when Hood came in.              

            Mr. Steve read John Bell Hood had "one speed with one gear."  He was not at all like that other guy James Longstreet, or "Joe" Johnston; who were "defensive" Generals.  Hood had lost the use of his left arm at Gettysburg, and then his right leg was amputated after Chickamauga.   

            I guess Hood's Soldier's made a series of "Frontal Assaults" which failed and then he was pushed back into the Atlanta area.  There, he was "surrounded and besieged" inside of the city;  which "fell" on September the 2nd.  Two Crows are yelling at each other behind the Sheds.                

ATLANTA "CYCLORAMA"  ("BATTLE OF ATLANTA")

           Dais heard our boss and his dad talk about this thing in Atlanta called the "Cyclorama."  Mr. Steve visited it, and says it's a huge and giant painting on the interior wall of a big building    but; the most amazing thing is how it's "Circular."  Mr. Steve also told his mom about it.              

          Looking at that gigantic painting in Atlanta Mr. Steve was "Blown Away" so to speak.  It was similar to the feeling he had when looking up at the Sistine Chapel in 1985.  He told his mom and Mr. Hussein it's "hard to believe" anyone could have even been able to do such things.         

         According to what Daisy heard our boss tell his father that one time, he still has this vinyl record he bought back in 1971.  It's about the Battle of Atlanta, and is what you hear when you    walk around and "View" the painting itself.  Fred, Ed and Ted are flew over Libby's Corral.      

   

"UNDERGROUND" ATLANTA

            Our boss told Mr. Mark in 1971 he visited "Underground" Atlanta, and also one of the roads called "Peachtree" Street.  A Taxi Driver said it's "one of a number of roads" with that      name, or "something similar" in Atlanta.  Mr. Mark has a daughter who lives in Atlanta.              

            Wow!  This Encyclopedia says there was "vicious" fighting in the battles around Atlanta in 1864.  But General Sherman said Hood's assaults "bordered on recklessness." Mr. Dave back  in New Mexico was in that band called RECKLESS.  Daisy told me try never to be reckless.         

           Yesterday I learned about that Korean War Horse named "Reckless."  He carried heavy loads of ammunition right in the middle of some heavy combat, and even got wounded too.  He    was later made a "Mascot" for the Marines and was "Awarded" the rank of a "Sergeant."          

            

      JUAN PONCE DE LEÓN (1474-1521)

          Daisy says our boss used to have a customer in "Morrow" Georgia, and I guess he knew a lot about the historic houses on "Ponce de León" Avenue in Atlanta.  Our boss went bye them on a Bus Tour, and saw the headquarters of that company called "Sears."  Heathcliff crowed.         

          Ponce de León was the Spanish Conquistadore who I've mentioned explored the area now called "Florida" in the early 16th century.  Mr. Dave thinks he died from an Indian arrowhead     with some poison on it.  In 1513 he named the area "Pascua Florida, or "Festival of Flowers."    

          Hey God!  As You know, Dais and I are curious if there's such a thing as a "Fountain of Youth" like the one that guy Ponce de León might've looked for.  Our boss and his father don't    believe in that story and think he was probably looking for gold or Slaves.  I smell Juniper.                                           SAINT AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA

        

            I just thought of how in 1994, our boss and Mr. Armando visited Florida and drove to that city of "St. Augustine;" where William Wing Loring grew up.  As I've said before, it's the      oldest "continually inhabited" European city in North America.  I smell Libby over there.            

             My Encyclopedia says about fifty years after Ponce de León's explorations of Florida, in 1565; St. Augustine was "established."  Our boss and Mr. Armando saw William Wing Loring's grave and tall monument above it.   The city of "Santa Fe" in New Mexico was set up in 1607.     

            Ponce de León first came here to the New World on Columbus's "second" 1493 voyage I guess.  When in St; Augustine our boss and Mr. Armando drove on this road called "Cordova"    Street.   I see my collection of things to chew on over there to my left at the end of the Patio.                 

            HENRY AARON                                        RUSTY STAUB              

 

            In 1971 our boss and his father went to the Atlanta "Braves" game at "Fulton County" stadium.  Hank Aaron hit a Home Run and so did the Montréal "Expos" Rusty Staub.  As a kid Mr. Steve's brother Rock for a time liked the Expos, and bought their Yearbook Daisy says.         

           As I've said before, "Rusty" is just his nickname; his real first name being "Daniel."  In Montreal they speak French so, because of his hair color; they called Rusty Staub "Le Grande    Orange."  Our boss and Mr. Rick one time remembered what a "great" hitter he was.                   

           Well, it's back to learning about the American Civil War and what happened in 1864.  On the Bus Tour around Atlanta, the Guide told the passengers about the Writer Margaret Mitchell; who wrote "Gone With the Wind," which took place in "Georgia."  A Train whistled faintly.                                                             

     MARGARET MITCHELL (1900-1949)

   

        This picture shows that lady Margaret Mitchell holding a copy of the book she wrote.  In 1939, the year Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia attacked Poland and started World War II; her book was made into that famous movie.  Wow!  Margaret Mitchell died at age forty nine.            

          Dais saw Gone With the Wind and says it's kind of long.  It's about what it was like to live on a big Southern Plantation before, during, and after the Civil War.  One part shows Atlanta in burning in flames, when General Sherman finally captured the city in September of 1864.            

        Margaret Mitchell was from Atlanta, and had a Grandfather in John Bell Hood's "Texas Brigade" in fighting Comanche Indians in the 1850's.   I've mentioned how my name "Maggie" is just short for the real name "Margaret."  That's also our boss's mom's middle name too.         

           

    "GONE WITH THE WIND" (1939)

          

          Daisy says Gone With the Wind is about a Slave owning Southern family who are rich before the Civil War but poor after it's over.  Dais thinks that movie really shows what happens    if you're way too overconfident.   Mr. Steve's mom and Niece Stephanie like that old movie.          

          Oh what the heck!  Even though I'm not supposed to write about that other 1939 movie called "The Wizard of Oz" until later, I feel like doing it now instead.  I'll come back to the Civil War afterward.  Someday I really want to see Gone With the Wind and The Wizard of Oz too.     

          According to Dais, who saw The Wizard of Oz with Millie one time; it's mainly about this really nice girl from "Kansas" named "Dorothy" and her little Yorky Dog "Toto."  They live on  a Farm with her Aunt and Uncle, and three Workers.  A flock of Birds is going bye up there.        

      

"THE WIZARD OF OZ" (1939)

          Even though Mr. Steve usually doesn't like "Musicals;" that movie The Wizard of Oz is one exception Daisy says.  Over the years  he's watched it with his Grandparents, parents and      brothers and sisters too.  A Car or Truck just now went bye out there on Primavera Road.            

            I guess The Wizard of Oz starts out when this mean lady visits the Farm and Dorothy's    Dog Toto tries to bite her.  Dais told me that mean lady gets mad, and tries to have Toto "Put to    Sleep," which I've mentioned is just a nice way of saying killed.  "Put Down" is another way.       

           Dorothy and Toto run away from home, but a "Con Artist" Fortune Teller convinces her to return home to the Farm.  Daisy says when Dorothy and Toto get back a huge tornado hits the Farm and they're too late to escape down into the "Shelter."  I can see Libby over there.                      

   DOROTHY AND TOTO RUNNING AWAY FROM HOME

        

       From what Dais says, because they weren't able to get down into the tornado shelter with everyone else; Dorothy and Toto hide in a house.  But a giant tornado hits, knocks Dorothy out;    and lifts that house flying up into the air and takes it away.  Blackbeard and Anne flew bye.       

        Daisy told me about how, as the house Dorothy and Toto are in spins around up in the air; they see some really weird things.  The mean lady goes riding past on her bicycle, and two of the Farm Workers row a Boat up in the sky.  It's sort of like a "strange nightmare" Dais says.            

        When the house finally lands, Dorothy and Toto wonder where they are; and in the movie it goes from black and white to color.  When Dorothy and Toto start to  walk around they meet the little small people who live there.  I can smell the baby Cholla cactus growing over there.                                                  FARMHOUSE LANDS ON WITCH                                        "MUNCHKINS"                                 

    

          Daisy thinks The Wizard of Oz is the greatest movie of all time, and Millie totally agreed with her on that!  It has everything, plus all of the good songs and talented dancing too.  I can't    wait to see it some day when I overcome my irrational fear of being trapped inside a house.          

           According to Dais, it turns out Dorothy and Toto's house landed right on top of this mean Witch the little people are afraid of.  So they're so happy she's dead, and begin to sing, dance and celebrate.  Then, all of a sudden; a friendly Witch shows up in a bubble that just floats in.             

          The "Good Witch of the East" tells Dorothy she and Toto have ended up in "Oz," and the little people are called "Munchkins."  But she says, their farmhouse flew in and landed right on  top of another Witch.  Frida and Diego are flying over the eastern desert, going to the north.           

    "WICKED" WITCH OF THE WEST    

  

         Dais says, all of a sudden; a lightning bold flashes and a green Witch, who looks like the mean lady in Kansas; comes flying in on a broom.  She's the "Wicked Witch of the West," and it turns out her sister is the dead Witch.  Daisy says she has scary hands that look like claws.           

        At first the mean Witch is angry at Dorothy and Toto for killing her sister but then, she seems to say "Oh well;" as long as she got her sister's red shoes.  Daisy thinks they had to have    been magical shoes which gives whoever wears them power.  Dawn's barking over there.               

        Wow!  A picture shows the Wicked Witch of the West and she looks mean alright.  Daisy told me her green skin scared Millie and now I know why.  She's a real Witch because, of course I notice how she's carrying a magical broom that Daisy tells me she uses to fly all around on.                  

WICKED WITCH WANTS THE SHOES

           Oh!  A picture proves those red shoes are powerful.  Dais says when the mean Witch tries to take her sister's shoes, the Good Witch makes it so they transport onto Dorothy's feet; which    really gets the mean Witch mad.  I guess that mean Witch has no power in "Munchkinland."       

         The mean Witch tells Dorothy to give the shoes back, which she wants to do but; they're now permanently stuck on her feet.  So the Wicked Witch threatens Dorothy and Toto, then flies  away after this big huge explosion.  Daisy told me how that scene kind of scared Millie.                 

           When Dorothy asks the nice Witch how to get back to Kansas she doesn't know but it was possible a powerful "Wizard" in the city of Oz might.  To get there she and Toto had to "follow a yellow brick road."  Boy!  No wonder Daisy really likes those sparkly red shoes so much!              

         

GOOD WITCH ADVISES DOROTHY   

      

           Oh man!  Dais was right in saying I would really love the Good Witch's pink dress and amazing crown.  And, I notice in the picture of her and Dorothy; she also has one of those magic  wands too.  I would definitely wear a good crown like the one the Good Witch gets to wear.          

           Dais says even though the Wicked Witch flew away, she was determined to get those red shoes no matter what.  And she had a big army of flying Monkey's who did what she told them to do.  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are flying over the top of the house going west.     

         Walking on that yellow brick road to get to Oz Dorothy and Toto meet these other three characters, a "Scarecrow" made of straw who needs a "Brain," a tin man who wants a "Heart;" and a cowardly Lion who is trying to find some "Courage."  Dawn's barking.  I like her voice.          

       LION, TIN MAN, TOTO, DOROTHY, SCARECROW                                         TALKING APPLE TREE                                

      

         Daisy told me, once Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow and Tin Man start walking toward Oz they run into that cowardly Lion; who joins them.  All hope the Wizard in Oz can help them all get back what they need.  Daisy says in a forest they run into Apple trees who speak English.        

           Millie liked the singing and dancing in The Wizard of Oz.  Mr. Steve read the original Tin Man in the 1960's played "Uncle Jed" on the Beverly Hillbillies.  The Scarecrow, Tin Man and    Lion sort of resemble the Farm Workers in Kansas according to what Dais and Millie noticed.     

           I guess, on the way going to Oz the Wicked Witch watches the group through one of those "Crystal" glass balls like some Gypsy's use.  As a kid our boss recalls his mom, and Grandma      Trujillo; were interested in this section of the movie.  A Train whistled faintly to my left.                

MR. MARK / KARMA

 

            I just thought of Mr. Mark the homeless man who lives around Phelan where we get our food and things like that.  His little Dog named "Karma" looks just like Dorothy's Yorkie Toto.    Cher, with Andy watching her; just used the right gate slot to go out into the eastern desert.         

           Our boss told Mr. Mark one time he thinks Karma and Toto "resemble each other."  And I guess Mr. Mark chuckled and said, "I used to watch that movie with my parents and also my    grandparents."  Libby's walking around in her Corral and there are no Flies around her.             

        Daisy says our boss told Mr. Mark about his mom's Yorkie Dog "Pilar" who, before she died; was with her friend for a while.  He also told his mom about Karma being Mr. Mark's best friend.  Karma doesn't really care if they're homeless as long as her boss Mr. Mark is around.              

CITY OF "OZ" (THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD)

  

           When Dorothy and her group finally made it to the "Emerald City," which is what Oz was called; the guy guarding the door at first wouldn't let them come in.  But, then he finally gave in; and they got a ride in a Wagon pulled by a "Horse of a Different Color."  Heathcliff crowed.        

         Dais says the Horse in Oz was kind of purplish in color.  Libby's pleasant scent just came floating into my right nostril from over there in her Corral, which for some reason is making me feel really glad she's around.   Boy!  I sure wish Molly the Mule was still living around here.        

          Finally everyone gets to meet the "Wizard of Oz," but he's only a big giant scary-looking face projected up on the wall.  Daisy says he talks mean and every time he does fire and smoke    go everywhere.  Mr. Steve's father was impressed by this part of the movie one time I guess.         

    

THE "WIZARD"

          Dais heard what it says here in this Encyclopedia.  Back in 1939 the Wizard of Oz was a "critical" success but, "initially;" not as "financially beneficial" as the makers had hoped.  But    then, in 1956 when Mr. Steve was only one year old; they began to play it every year on tv.            

           In the movie I guess the Wizard tells Dorothy he'd help her and Toto get back to Kansas, and get a brain, heart and courage for her friends.  But, the "Condition" was; first they had to    bring him the Wicked Witch's broomstick.  Daisy says you could tell they were disappointed.       

         When Dorothy's team left Oz the Wicked Witch was watching, and sent out her army of flying Monkey's to intercept and attack them.  The Monkey's beat everyone up and kidnapped    Dorothy.  Then they flew her to the Wicked Witch's scary-looking Castle up on a mountain.                                           

TOTO

        Yesterday, when I wrote about "Grant" High School down there in the San Fernando Valley; I mentioned that band TOTO who went there.  Mr. Steve was told one time their name      came about because the Drummer wrote "toto" on a "Demo" tape.  A Train just whistled.            

         Mr. Steve also heard that the guys in TOTO at times told people their name came from "Dorothy's Dog."  Another theory says their band name is short for "in toto," which is Latin for the phrase "all encompassing."  They were all "Versatile" Session Musicians before TOTO.         

          In the story the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion decide to be "Brave" and go try to rescue Dorothy from the Wicked Witch's Castle Daisy says.  And Toto goes with them.  But the problem is, the Witch not only has her flying Monkey's; she also has many Soldiers too.  I like Trains.               

WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST'S CASTLE

           Oh wow! Dais was so right when she told me how scary the Wicked Witch's Castle was.  I guess the Wicked Witch used one of those crystal balls to watch Dorothy and her friends, so saw  them as they came trying to get her broom for the Wizard in Oz.  Dawn's barking over there.       

          Pictures show the Wicked Witch ordering her flying Monkey's to go get Dorothy.  Boy!  I think her tall pointy black hat makes her look scarier to me than even her green skin.  Speedy      Gonzalez just zoomed through the right vertical gate slot to go out into the eastern desert.           

          Dais says the Wicked Witch's Soldiers carry "Halbred" type spears like the one our boss uses to kill Rats.  And they wear "Bearskin" hats like the ones those guys in England wear.  In      the living room is that brown Russian fur hat with a "Hammer and Sycle" pin on the front.               

 WICKED WITCH'S SOLDIERS                                           IN DISGUISE                 

          Daisy told me when the Wicked Witch's troops march they sing a scary-sounding song,  and wear red uniforms with pants sticking out to the side; making them look intimidating.   I've mentioned a few times before how Daisy's favorite color is red while mine is royal blue.                 

           At the Witch's castle the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion "Jump" her Soldiers, take their uniforms; and then find Dorothy.  The Tin Man used the axe he always carries to chop through a thick wooden door in the room where she's being held.  Heathcliff just crowed.             

         Mr. Steve has an axe up there in the garage which is just like the Tin Man's.  In fact, he has a few axes in all different sizes; which we've seen him use to cut wood.  Boy!  It's astounding how anyone could have even thought of the ideas for making "Tools" and other things like that.              

      WICKED WITCH "MELTS"

     

         I guess, after they break Dorothy out; the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion try to make it out of the Castle with her.  But, the Wicked Witch catches them; and then tries to burn    up the Scarecrow with fire on the end of her broomstick.  He's made of straw so that's bad.          

         Dais told me Dorothy grabs a bucket of water, and throws it on the Scarecrow to help him stop burning; but it accidentally goes on the Wicked Witch.  It turns out water is really bad for    her and she dies yelling, "I'm melting, I'm melting."  A Crow is  cawing to the north of me.           

     At first everyone thinks the Witch's Soldiers will probably be really mad at Dorothy for melting their boss.  But, it turns out they're actually very happy; and even give her the Wicked    Witch's broomstick to take back to the Wizard in Oz.   A small flock of Birds is flying bye.              

FLOCK OF BIRDS                                                      WIZARD OF OZ

   

           Dais says, when they take the broomstick back to the Wizard he's just as mean as before but; then Toto runs over to a curtain and pulls it away.  That exposes the Wizard, who is just an  ordinary man; pretending to be powerful.  He looks like the Fortune Teller back in Kansas.        

         When confronted the Wizard admits the truth, and in a ceremony gives "Medals." The Scarecrow's represents a "brain," the Tin Man's a good "heart;" and Lion's medal proves he's    not at all cowardly anymore.  A Car or Truck just went bye out there on Primavera Road.            

           In another ceremony the Wizard, who it turns out is also an American who wants to go back to the U.S. too; has one of those Hot Air Balloons.  He, Dorothy and Toto will fly it back to    Kansas.  Dorothy says goodbye to the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion and everyone cries.                           

LEAVING FOR AMERICA

          Dais told me at the celebration, just as the Wizard, Dorothy and Toto are about to take off and go back to America; Toto sees this Cat and jumps out of the Balloon to chase it.  So Dorothy then chases Toto.  Some of the Ducks are quacking and, as usual; Daffy's voice is louder.               

     According to Daisy, the Tin Man didn't know Dorothy wasn't in the Balloon anymore so untied the rope holding the Balloon down on the ground.  So it floated away without Dorothy or  Toto.  Dorothy was really upset at how such an unlucky thing could have even happened.              

       Just when you thought the movie was going to have a sad ending, that Good Witch shows back up Dais told me.  And it turns out that Dorothy, because she had been wearing the magical  red shoes; had the power to go back to Kansas all along.   Boy!  If only she had known that!            

DOROTHY / GOOD WITCH

    

         Dorothy was depressed and said but then that Good Witch told her if she closes her eyes and says three times, "There's no place like home;" she and Toto can go back to Kansas.  And it  worked as she and Toto end up on the Farm.  I like the Good Witch's hat and magic wand.           

        I guess, Dorothy wakes up and it turns out everything was a big dream from her being knocked out by the tornado.  Around her bed are her Aunt and Uncle, and also the three Farm    Workers.  Dorothy then tells them all about the dream and even says "You were all in it!"            

           Then, that one Fortune Teller Dorothy and Toto had met when running away from home comes driving by in his Wagon; and he was the Wizard Daisy says.   Boy!  Now I really can't wait to see that good movie The Wizard of Oz.  Fred, Ed and Ted just flew bye over the Sheds.                                                

                        L. FRANK BAUM (1856-1919)                        

                                                

         Yesterday, when writing about the State of Kansas; I mentioned that man L. Frank Baum who wrote the book the movie The Wizard of Oz is based on.  He, and his wife; are buried at the  cemetery down in Glendale where that lady Miss Helen is at.  Dawn and Blinky are barking.        

           I just thought of how the final words L. Frank Baum said to his wife "Maud," before he died was; "Now we can cross the shifting sands."  A girl once old tour boss "Shifting Sands" is    the name of one of his other books.  A Lizard whose tail looks like it was bitten off ran bye.          

          L. Frank Baum's books "anticipated" things like "television," "augmented reality" and "computers" it says here.  Daisy says that girl told Mr. Steve he was also "ahead of his time" in    having a female "action figure hero" in a book.  And he thought of "wireless telephones."                                            

         "HORSE OF A DIFFERENT COLOR"               MOLLY / LIBBY BEHIND                                            

     

          I smell Libby, which for some reason is making me think of Molly the Mule; who died.  Daisy told me about that "Horse of a Different Color" which pulled Dorothy's carriage around    inside the city of Oz.  All four of the Pigeons are now flying over Libby's Corral over there.          

             According to what Dais told me, the special Horse pulling everyone in Oz was purple, but it could also turn white, yellow or red too.  Wow!  That would be so amazing to see.  I guess it's kind of like how some Lizards around here can change color and use camouflage to blend in.       

        The phrase a Horse of a Different Color has come to mean something, or someone; not being what you would expect.  Dais thought it was kind of funny when she heard that saying and right away thought of me.  She joked about me possibly being a "Dog of a different color."              

         WIFE / SONS            L.FRANK BAUM FAMILY             WITH WIFE           

         Dais heard our boss tell his mom L. Frank Baum's wife Maud seemed a lot like Grandma Córdova or that lady who ran the Forum named Claire Rothman.  She was described by one of    her fours sons as being "no nonsense," or "not timid."  Libby's walking around over there.          

          This good tv show about L. Frank Baum said he liked his future wife's "straight forward" and "direct"  personality the very first time he ever met her.  But Daisy says, his Mother in Law  was against their marriage.  She said he was an "impractical dreamer."  Heathcliff crowed.          

        Like Ulysses S. Grant's wife Julia, L. Frank Baum's wife supported and encouraged him even when he failed.  She did hand "embroidery" to help support her family.  Mr. Julio sets up a machine to do the embroidery when our boss, Miss Babette, Susan or Karin make their sales.                       

         "HOTCHKISS" GUN                                           "SPOTTED ELK"             

        ("WOUNDED KNEE MASSACRE" / DECEMBER 29, 1890) 

                

           L. Frank Baum, when the U.S. Army killed Lakota Indians at "Wounded Knee;" said all Indians "should be annihilated."  Mr. Dave's read, like in Jonathon Swift's 1729 pamphlet "A      Modest Proposal;" he was maybe being "Satirical."  He may have been criticizing the army.        

          Oh!  This picture shows a "frozen in death Hunkpapa Chief "Spotted Elk," or "Hehaka Gleská.  The caption says that 1890 "massacre" happened in Winter.  During the Korean War      Mr. Steve's dad saw men die and then be frozen standing up before they could fall down.              

           Another picture shows Soldiers around their "Hotchkiss" cannon, whose "rapid fire" was used to kill three hundred Indians quickly at Wounded Knee in 1890.  The Americans lost twenty five men in that battle.  A lot of women and children were killed at Wounded Knee Dais says.       

 

LATE MORNING SKY

                      

            Mr. Dave read Chief Spotted Elk's nickname was "Bigfoot."  I guess Wounded Knee, or "Chankpé Opi Wakpála" in Lakota; is in "South Dakota" where St. Joseph's school is located    now.  My Encyclopedia describes the massacre as a "botched attempt to disarm the Sioux."         

            L. Frank Baum, like Abraham Lincoln;  was "Republican" or what would be considered in the late 19th century a "Liberal" Mr. Dave read.  He believed in women voting way before most other men.   A little Sparrow carrying a long twig in its mouth just went running bye.           

          Daisy heard L. Frank Baum's "Mother in Law" was once made an "Honorary" member of their tribe by some "Iroquois" women.  Mr. Dave told our boss he used to say, "When whites win it's a victory, when the Indians win it's a massacre."  Andy's sniffing the air over there.                     

JUDY GARLAND (1922-1969)

     

          Boy!  I kind of got way off track from writing about the American Civil War.  But, that's okay because I was scheduled to write about The Wizard of Oz later today anyway.  But, I still    have a little bit to say about the Actress who played "Dorothy" in The Wizard of Oz."                  

          One of the pictures in a collage, like the collages Mr. Steve makes; shows Judy Garland in some of her roles like the Wizard of Oz.  Daisy saw a tv show about her that said her father died when she was only thirteen, which is what my Encyclopedia says too.  Heathcliff crowed.              

         A while back a lady came to our house to buy things, and we heard her tell our boss how Judy Garland and her two sisters grew up in that city of "Lancaster;" near Littlerock where Mr. Steve's brother Sam's family lives.  Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart were from there.                                       

SHIRLEY TEMPLE (1928-2014)    

         

          About a month ago a lady named Shirley Temple died, and Daisy says our boss talked to his mom about it.  I guess, during the 1930's Great Depression; when Mr. Steve's parents were      kids; she was a big Movie Star.  She almost played Dorothy on The Wizard of Oz Dais heard.       

         Mr. Steve saved Shirley Temple's Obituary, and gave it to his parents to read because she was from their generation.  Wow!  At age six; she won one of those Academy Awards and is the    youngest person ever to do it.  She was an "Ambassador" for President's Ford and Carter.           

         Daisy told me one time our boss sold some artwork to a lady from Santa Monica, which is where that girl Shirley Temple was originally from.  The lady, who complimented Mr. Steve's      mother's paintings; said she and her kids knew Shirley Temple and her kids.  I smell Sage.                   

           AMELIA EARHART         DONALD / DAISY           SALVADOR DALÍ          

       The lady from Santa Monica told our boss Shirley Temple was once in a cartoon with Donald the Duck, and "inspired" this painting by that guy Salvador Dalí who I've mentioned      before.  Oh wow!  What a coincidence that both Donald and Daisy are quacking next door.           

           Boy!  It would be great to have someone do an actual painting of you, but being in a real cartoon would be an even bigger "Honor" I think.  Tomorrow Daisy has me scheduled to learn    about that girl Pilot Amelia Earhart.  The lady said Shirley Temple was a "big fan" of hers.         

          I'm tempted to write about Amelia Earhart now, but I'll wait until book three; and do it according to my outlines.  Besides, I've already gotten off the subject of the Civil War; which I'll go back to right now.  But, I'm sort of glad I got to learn more about The Wizard of Oz too.                                                      

AMERICAN CIVIL WAR STRATEGY (1861-1865)

   

     

         Boy!  I love maps, like the one that shows both sides Civil War "Strategies;" which help you understand things so much better.  It's no wonder Mr. Steve has collected and studied them  most of his life.  Speedy Gonzalez, with Andy watching him; ran bye in front of the Sheds.            

        I guess, in early September of 1864, after Sherman took  Atlanta; General Hood's army "evacuated" the city and moved to the northwest.  By this point William Wing Loring was back  from having been wounded.  So he went with Hood up into that State of "Tennessee."                   

         Hood hoped to "lure" Sherman out of Atlanta, chasing him in trying to destroy his Rebel army.  But, he was so surprised when Sherman decided instead to move east; in his now famous  "March  to the Sea" campaign.  I can smell the slight scent that Speedy just left behind.                                       

      ROUTE OF "SHERMAN'S MARCH TOTHE SEA"       

      

           After Atlanta General Sherman got permission from Grant to "cut off his supply lines," and "live off the land" the way Grant had done in the Vicksburg campaign.  He would march his army east and take the city of "Savannah;" on Georgia's Atlantic Ocean coast.  I smell Sage.       

           It says here Sherman "intended" to "Make Georgia Howl!"  Not only would his Soldiers "requisition" what they needed from civilians, they would "destroy" anything that might "in      any way" help the South.  Mr. Steve's father jokes requisition is just a way of saying "take."       

          Oh!  I notice how Sherman's march began on November the 15th, which I've mentioned a few times is Mr. Steve's Niece Samantha and Mr. Mark in Hawaii's birthday too.  All four of the  Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral, and moving to the northeast.  A Train whistled faintly.                               

         "MARCH TO THE SEA" (NOVEMBER, 1864)  

                

         Wow!  This picture shows how Sherman's men "laid waste" to the the Railroad tracks in Georgia.   A customer in Georgia told Miss Susan at work some people, "to this day;" still hate    Sherman for "carving his swath of destruction."  It was one of those "Scorched Earth" times.     

         Daisy says in "Gone With the Wind" there's a scene where the girl has to kill this Union  Soldier trying to rob their house.  I guess, Miss Susan's customer in Georgia told her Sherman's "scavenger" Soldiers were called "Bummers."  I don't know if I would like that nickname.          

        General Sherman did say, "War is Hell!"  Mr. Steve and his father one time talked about how Sherman hoped to "destroy the morale" of the southern people so they'd tell the Politicians to "sue for peace."  A century later that brutal tactic failed in World War II and Vietnam.                         

LONDON (1940)                     WORLD WAR II                  HAMBURG  (1943)  

                    

           Daisy one time heard our boss and his dad talking about how, for most of history; it was usually only what they call "Combatants" involved in a war.  But, ever since General Sherman    did what he did in 1864; more and more "Non-Combatants" are effected.   Heathcliff crowed.     

            I guess Mr. Steve's father read the "Ratio" of "Soldiers to Civilians" killed in World War I was "10 to 1."  In the Second World War it was 50/50 combatants versus non-combatants, and  by the Vietnam War 70% of those who died were civilians.  Two of the Pigeons just flew bye.        

         According to what Mr. Steve's father read, in the last  Iraq War 80% of those killed were just ordinary people who couldn't escape battle zones.  He thinks that "sounds too high" to him,  but admits "it may well be true."  I've mentioned the concept of "Collateral Damage" before.             

HOWARD ZINN (1922-2010)

 

        Daisy says Mr. Steve's father got those statistics about civilian casualties, and collateral damage; from reading this man named Howard Zinn.  In World War II, from one of those B-17  "Flying Fortress" Planes; he aimed the bombs.  He was a "Socialist" from what Dais heard.       

         Our boss's dad met a lady who told him, even though he was originally from "New York City;" Howard Zinn died here in "Santa Monica."  He taught "Political Science" at "Boston"      University, near Connecticut; where Mr. Steve's Susan lives with her sons.  I smell Sage.               

          In 1945, just before the war in Europe ended; Howard Zinn's B-17 dropped "Napalm" or exploding gasoline and a few thousand innocent people were killed.  Dais says Howard Zinn was "Anti-War," a "Civil Rights" advocate; and wrote about "Labor" history.  Sage smells good.                                                               

 CIVIL WAR ("EASTERN" THEATER / 1864)     

                 

          I've mentioned how, because of how good he did in the Western Theater; General Grant was brought east to face Robert E. Lee.  Until he lost at the Battle of Gettysburg, Lee had beaten those four other Union Generals right in a row.  I can smell Cher somewhere around here.            

          As Sherman was pushing "relentlessly" toward Atlanta in 1864, I guess General Grant's "Army of the Potomac" was also pushing Robert E. Lee's "Army of Northern Virginia" back      toward Richmond.  Aha!  Cher just jogged bye carrying a small dead Mouse in her mouth.           

           My Encyclopedia says three of the "bloodiest" battles of the Civil War, "The Wilderness," "Spotsylvania" and "Cold Harbor;" took place in Grant's attempt to take Richmond.  Robert E. Lee proved he was also a pretty good "defensive field commander."  But Grant kept coming.                 

BURIAL DETAIL ("COLD HARBOR")

             

         I'm looking at that picture which shows a Civil War "burial detail" digging up what was left of Soldiers killed at the Battle of Cold Harbor.  I don't think I'd like to have that job but I'll  bet the guy in the photo was one of the "ex-Slaves" who needed a job.  Heathcliff crowed.             

         Daisy heard our boss's Uncle "David," in the early 1960's while in the Army in Germany; used a shovel "scrape off" or remove the melted bodies of people burned in a Trolley  Wow!   I guess for years he had bad dream about being ordered to do that.   I like Heathcliff's voice.          

         Once General Grant got to Richmond, he "swung around" trying to get "below" the city.  It was kind of like what he'd done in 1863 when he took Vicksburg by getting to the city's south.  But, I guess Robert E. Lee blocked him; this time east of that city called "Petersburg."                                               

      "SIEGE OF PETERSBURG" (1864-1865)        

           

          Grant "assaulted" Petersburg, which was a "vital railroad junction" for Richmond; but was "repulsed."  So, both sides "settled into" a "stalemate," which "anticipated" World War I.  The "Siege of Petersburg" went from June 1864 through April of 1865, about nine months.          

          Wow!  Every time I look at this picture of a Civil War era "Mortar" it amazes me how it could even be possible to build such a powerful cannon.  At Petersburg all of the Union mortars  "dropped" shells on the Rebel lines.  I can see Bravo Company of Quail out in the desert.             

          Daisy says our boss told his dad, even though they call what happened in 1864 and 1865 the "Siege of Petersburg;" it "evolved" into what would "more accurately" be described as the    the First World War's "trench warfare with a no mans land in between."  I smell Juniper.            

              

       "BATTLE OF THE CRATER" (JULY 30, 1864)         

    PAINTING BY PETER DENNIS                                                                                                                 PAINTING BY HENRY KIDD       

                   

          I guess, in mid-June of 1864 Robert E. Lee's Confederates "dug in" to build "entrenched fortifications;" which blocked Grant from attacking Richmond from the south.  Eventually, the  Rebel defensive line "stretched" out to be "over" thirty miles long.  A Train whistled faintly.        

      Grant tried many times to "breach" the Rebel lines but "nothing worked."  So, he "gave permission" to dig a five hundred foot long tunnel under the enemy lines; the end to be filled up  with gunpowder and then blow it up.  It exploded and killed about three hundred Rebels.             

      The problem was, the "blast" was huge alright and did make a big hole in the Confederate lines; but the surviving Rebels "regrouped" to "plug up the hole."  And then, the Union Soldiers charged into the hole to be slaughtered.   One of those "Birds Eye" view  paintings shows it.         

               

         "1ST LOUISIANA NATIVE GUARDS"             

          

        By 1864 Federal forces had black Soldiers.  Unfortunately, at the "Battle of the Crater;" some of them got trapped down inside of the crater.  Angry Rebel Soldiers enjoyed shooting the    blacks down there stuck in the big blown out crater.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny flew bye.         

        At the Battle of the Crater Union troops, under that guy Ambrose Burnside; charged into what turned out to be one of those "Killing Zones" I've mentioned before.  They were "stalled"    at the bottom of the crater the exploding gunpowder had made.  I smell some Joshua trees.          

       It was a "fiasco" slaughter, all the Rebels shooting down from the crater's rim called it a "Turkey Shoot."  Dais says Mr. Steve's dad mentioned "shooting fish in a barrel."  That means    you're trapped and have no where to escape to she thinks, which is really terrifying to me.            

               

"BATTLE OF THE PHILIPPINE SEA"

("HELLCAT" / JUNE 19, 1944)     

PAINTING BY STU SHEPHERD             

                  

       I'm not supposed to write about World War II until later today, but I looked up this big battle in the "Pacific" Theater now anyway.  It took place in 1944, two weeks after the "D-Day"  invasion  had happened over in Europe.  It's called the "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot."              

         The "Turkey Shoot" was this "one-sided air battle" during the invasion of an island called "Saipan."   The Japanese had few good Pilots left by 1944, so lost three hundred Planes while the Americans lost only twenty nine.  Many of the American Pilots liked killing the Japanese.             

   One of Mr. Steve's model  Airplanes destroyed in the 1971 Sylmar earthquake was of a "Grumman Hellcat."  It even had "Fold Up" wings like the real ones had.  In the Turkey Shoot    it was "faster," a lot "better armed;" and much "better armored" than the Japanese Planes.              

JACK   

     

          Oh!  I just glanced up and see Jack sitting out there in the back field behind the Sheds.   He's near that one Cholla cactus, and kind of looks like he might see me way over here sitting on Elvira.  Boy!  Everything I'm smelling right now makes me feel so happy it's finally Spring.         

           Well, it's back to learning about the Civil War, and Grant and Sherman's "Coordinated" attacks on the rebellious States of the Confederacy in 1864.  After the Battle of the Crater there    would be another eight months of "grueling" trench warfare outside Petersburg.  Jack's gone.     

           Down in the Western Theater Sherman's army, almost "unopposed;" made it all the way to Georgia's east coast and city of "Savannah."   General Hood had decided not to fight him and instead marched his Rebel army up into the State of Tennessee.  Frida and Diego flew bye.           

  

"SAVANNAH," GEORGIA    

     

          In 2007 Mr. Steve's mom, with her #007 Girl Scout leader's group; visited Savanah as that's where the Girl Scouts began.  They saw a tall Civil War "Memorial," and were impressed  by the city's moss, wrought iron and "Greek Revival" buildings.  They didn't like humidity.         

             Daisy heard our boss tell his mom a customer near Savannah said his city is "known for having Ghosts."  That Parts Manager's son liked the Atlanta "Braves," so Mr. Steve faxed him    "Braves" line drawings to color, and "Cinderella" for his two daughters.  A Lizard ran bye.         

          Another memorial our boss's mom saw in Savannah was "dedicated" to Soldiers from "Haiti."  During the "Revolutionary War," they were the "largest black unit" to  fight for the      United States; in 1879 defending Savannah from the British.  Andy's looking at me over here.      

                            

"HAITIAN MEMORIAL" (SAVANNAH, GEORGIA)

                       

          I just thought of how Haiti was Napoleonic France's "Colony" until the Slaves  revolted and defeated a French army.  My Encyclopedia says Haitian's, "Les Chausseurs-Voluntaires de Saint-Domingue;" came here to fight for America.  "Chasseurs" is "Hunters" in French.              

         As I said earlier in this third chapter, before it was called "Haiti;" the French name was "Saint-Domingue."   Mr. Steve told that guy Jacques, who's from Haiti; the Haitian Soldiers who fought for us were the largest black "Regiment" in the American army.  Heathcliff crowed.          

         France, which hated England; helped us to win the Revolutionary War.  But, they "Went Broke" because of it; which led to that bloody "French Revolution" where the poor killed the rich.  Mr. Ralph one time read the Haitian Soldiers in 1789 were noted for their courage.                                                         

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

             

         Daisy heard our boss talking to his mom about her trip to Savannah.  I guess, when there she bought Mr. Steve a book about the Union and Confederate Navies.  One of the chapters was  on that first big battle between the USS "Monitor" and the CSS "Virginia," or "Merrimac."       

           I guess, in late 1864 the Confederate's "slowed" Sherman's army by flooding fields but; it only worked for a little while.  So, they ended up not putting up much of a defense of Savannah;  ten thousand Rebels "evacuating" or "abandoning" the city.  The Dragonfly zoomed bye.             

          Just before Christmas of 1864 General Sherman "occupied" Savannah so  "presented it" to a "newly reelected" President Lincoln "as a political gift."  For a good part of that year a lot    of people, including Lincoln himself; thought he would lose the Presidency.  I smell Juniper.               

                           PRESIDENT LINCOLN                  GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN                                   

PHOTO BY ALEXANDER GARDNER

     

             It says here many in the North were getting "war weary," but when General Sherman did what he did in 1864 President Lincoln got reelected.  Lincoln was a "Republican," his 1864    "Democrat" opponent being that guy George B. McClellan.  A Train just whistled faintly.             

              Almost everyone thought the Civil War would be short.  By 1864 some Democrats called "Copperheads" even wanted to end the war, and just let the South become its own country; but  not President Lincoln who was totally against that idea.  Andy's sniffing the air over there.           

           From what it says here, another thing that really helped President Lincoln get reelected happened in August of 1864; when Admiral Farragut's Ships captured the important coastal city of "Mobile Bay."   That one Tom Petty album "Damn the Torpedoes" is about it Daisy says.                            

 CIVIL WAR ("WESTERN" THEATER)     

                              

         In late 1864 General Hood "realized" Sherman wasn't protecting his supply lines.  So, in November he marched north "hoping to take" the city of "Nashville," Tennessee.  Sherman sent George H. Thomas' "Army of the Cumberland" to follow him while he went to Savannah.           

          Hood and Thomas "met" in late November, William Wing Loring led an infantry Division in one of the biggest "frontal assaults" of the war.  Only Second Bull Run was bigger.  "Pickett's Charge" at Gettysburg involved 12,000 men,  at the "Battle of Franklin" there were 20,0000.       

       Unfortunately for Loring and the other Rebel Soldiers, at Franklin Hood attacked "well-entrenched" Union lines.  Although he had only one arm, other people said Loring was a "highly skilled" Horseback rider.  It "was a miracle" both he and his Horse survived that huge battle.                 

"BATTLE OF FRANKLIN" (NOVEMBER 30, 1864)

          

         A map shows what happened at Franklin, which began in the afternoon and went until it got too dark to fight.  My Encyclopedia says some of the "fiercest" fighting of the war took place  on that one day, and I see how Loring led the right side of the attack.  I really love maps!              

      Daisy heard our boss tell his father of a book called "The Last Hoorah," which is about Hood's "destruction" of his army in late 1864; especially at Franklin.  Oh!  All of a sudden I'm    hearing JETHRO TULL'S song "The Third Hoorah!" and feeling Rhêma.  I smell Sage.              

         Mr. Steve thinks at Franklin, Loring and his men had the "bad luck" to have a River on their "right flank."  Many died being forced to charge or, "funnel" into a narrow area; but they tried "repeatedly" to break through the Union lines.  Two Crows are fighting out in the field.                        

              PATRICK R. CLEBURNE (1828-1864)           WILLIAM WING LORING (1818-1886)                                                    

           

         I just looked up a man named Patrick Cleburne who, like William Wing Loring; led a Rebel infantry Division at Franklin.  Because of that "Irish Potato Famine," he and his brothers  and sisters came to American in 1849 as orphans.  It says here he was fifteen at the time.              

            Wow!  Patrick Cleburne was called "Stonewall of the West."  Oh!  He was born on March the 16th like our boss's sister Susan in Connecticut.  He and his brothers and sister "settled" in    "Arkansas," where Mr. Randy lived and some of Mr. Mark's relatives were originally from.         

          Dais says our boss and Mr. Randy talked about that guy Patrick Cleburne.  He became a Lawyer and in 1864, because he recognized the "Manpower" advantage the North had; thought  the South should free and use black Soldiers.  Two Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.                    

"BATTLE OF FRANKLIN" (PATRICK CLEBURNE)

PAINTING BY DON TROIANI       

                    

          I guess Patrick Cleburne, who rose higher than any other Irish born man during the Civil War; was killed leading Hood's attack on the Federal center at Franklin.  A painting shows him    doing it on his Horse, who died too.  I notice his blue and white "First Corps" flag near him.      

       Oh!  It says here in 1862 Patrick Cleburne was shot in the mouth but, luckily for him; the bullet went out the back.  But, he did have a few teeth "removed."  Goliath, with Andy watching him closely; used the left vertical slot on the side of the gate to go out into the eastern desert.        

        Before Franklin, recognizing what Hood was ordering him to do; Patrick Cleburne said to another General, "Well Govan, if we are to die, let us die like men."  Wow!  Hood lost fourteen    Generals in 1864.  Some Union Soldiers had those "Henry" and "Spencer" repeating rifles.                

   "BATTLE OF THE LITTLE BIGHORN"  / "GREASY GRASS"

         (JUNE 26, 1876 / MONTANA TERRITORY)   

                 PAINTING BY BOB CORONATO                                                                                                         MICHAEK SCHRECK                        

                      

             I just thought about how, at the "Battle of the Little Bighorn;" before going out to meet Custer's 7th Cavalry; the Warriors like Crazy Horse yelled out "HOKA HEY!"  In their Lakota  language that just means, "It's a good day to die!"  Wow!  They must've been so brave.                 

         After all the "vicious" fighting on November 30th at Franklin, during the night the Yankee forces "evacuated" the field and "fell back" to Nashville.  A short time later "what was left" of    Hood's army was again "defeated" at Nashville.  Dawn and Blinky are barking over there.           

         The "competition" for the Western Theater was "effectively over" at the end of 1864.  Hood was replaced by that other guy Joseph E. Johnston, who surrendered to Sherman in April of the following year.  William Wing Loring was with the "remnants" of that army I guess.                  

            "VAPOR" TRAIL                                                             LIBBY                            

                  

         I just looked up and see one of those long white vapor trails way up there in the sky.  Oh!  Libby's looking at me, which reminds of that day last Summer; when she was looking at Daisy    and I as a vapor trail was going bye.  Ah!  And now I smell the Twin Joshua trees like then.          

       From Savannah, in early 1865 General Sherman's army "moved north;" and up into the State of "South Carolina."  I guess, they "destroyed" the city of "Columbia;" even worse than    what they had done to Atlanta in 1864.  Libby just whinnied, which makes me feel good.               

       Some people say Sherman burned Columbus on purpose because South Carolina was the first State to "Secede."  But a customer told our boss it was the Rebels themselves who set fires,    not wanting Sherman to "acquire anything important."  But it got "out of control" he said.         

                      

    CHARLES GOULD (1845-1916)      

           

           In early 1865 up in Virginia Grant was besieging Richmond.  And in April about fourteen thousand Union Soldiers finally "breached" Petersburg's Rebel fortifications.  It says here how    the first man to "break through" was Charles Gould of "Vermont."  Andy's sniffing the air.         

          According to Dais, Charles Gould was leading a Company; and jumped over and into the Rebel trenches. He was "sabered, bayoneted and clubbed" with muskets in the head and body a few times; but used his own sword to kill one of guys who bayoneted him.  Heathcliff crowed.      

          Charles Gould was saved by some of his men as the rest of the Federal Soldiers "swarmed and flooded" through the Confederate lines.  It was the end of the siege, and forced Robert E.    Lee to finally abandon Richmond.  Charles Gould survived and won a "Medal of Honor."                              

SURRENDER OF LEE TO GRANT   

("APPOMATTOX" COURTHOUSE / APRIL 9, 1865)

PAINTING BY ED VEBELL        

        

        That painting shows Robert E. Lee "surrendering his army" to General Grant.  Once the Union troops got through the Rebel lines on April the 2nd the Confederate Government had to    evacuate Richmond and try to escape.  A group of Sparrows is flying over Libby's Corral.            

          What was left of General Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, about fifty thousand men; also made an escape attempt by marching west.  Grant's men chased them, and when it was obvious    to Lee his men were not going to get any more food; he decided to give up.  Dawn's barking.       

         The caption below the painting says how General Lee surrendered on April the 9th, which is also Miss Emily's birthday too.  Grant was very generous in his "Terms," which is funny as his nickname was "Unconditional Surrender" Grant.  I guess he really admired Robert E. Lee.                                 

PHILLIP SHERIDAN (1831-1888)               STATUE (WASHINGTON D.C.) 

                                                                                                        STATUE BY GUTZON BORGLUM

    

          At Lee's surrender in Appomattox was Phil Sheridan who, during the war led Cavalry.    In 2008 Mr. Steve and his parents saw his statue in Washington D.C., made by that guy Gutzon    Borglum; who built "Stone Mountain" and "Mount Rushmore."  Heathcliff just crowed.             

        When Petersburg finally fell in early April of 1865, it was Phil Sheridan's Horsemen who chased Lee's army to the west I guess.  It says here how they "got ahead" of Lee, "forcing" a few battles; the "results of which was a factor" in Lee's decision to give up.  A Lizard ran bye.            

        Our boss and Mr. Dave talked about how many remember Phil Sheridan for fighting the Indians in the 1970's after the Civil War.  His famous quote was, "The only good Indian I ever      saw was dead."  Mr. Ivan down there in Sylmar once read he later denied ever saying that.                                             

            WILLIAM T. SHERMAN (1820-1891)        JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON (1807-1891)                                                                                         

          In early April of 1865 Lee had hoped to "Link Up" with what was left of the army being led by Joseph E. Johnston.   That army, with Loring in it; was trying to stop Sherman down in    the "Carolinas."  I just now picked up the really strong scent of some Spring Manzanita.              

       Daisy told me a tv show said both William T. Sherman and Joseph E. Johnston died in  1891.  On a cold and rainy day, Johnston was a "Pallbearer" carrying the coffin at Sherman's      funeral.  He didn't wear a hat "Out of Respect" for Sherman but then got sick and died too.        

        In 1865 William Wing Loring's men in Joseph E. Johnston's Rebel army were low on food and supplies.  Mr. Steve told his father's friend General Marquez, whose area was "Logistics;"    about William Wing Loring.  I smell Dawn, Blinky and Rosie standing over there to my right.                   

"BATTLE OF BENTONVILLE"      

(NORTH CAROLINA / MARCH 19-21)         

        

           I guess, from March the 19th of 1865 through the 21st; William Wing Loring's men "took part in" the "Battle of Bentonville."  It was the "final land battle" of the Western Theater and    happened in "North Carolina."  Libbie whinnied over there, which makes me feel happy.             

        This Encyclopedia says, on the first day of the Battle of Bentonville; Federal units under that guy Oliver O. Howard attacked Johnston's army.  But, the Rebels held them off; and even    "counterattacked" effectively.  Smelling Blinky, Dawn and Rosie also makes me feel good.            

           At Bentonville General Sherman had "overwhelming advantages," so all he had to do was just send more and more "reinforcements" of men.  He knew Johnston "could not possibly ever  match him in manpower."  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying bye going to the north.            

                                                LINCOLN KILLED (APRIL 14, 1865)                     JOHN WILKES BOOTH (1838-1865)                        

                

         General Lee surrendered to Grant on April the 9th, and five days later President Lincoln was killed by John Wilkes Booth at "Ford's Theater."  Daisy told me, when Joseph E. Johnston    heard the news he was afraid of what might happen "In Revenge."  A Train whistled faintly.        

        Knowing the "Writing was on the Wall," General Johnston "capitulated" on April 17th.  But, the "generous" terms Sherman gave him were "overruled" in Washington by Secretary of    War Edwin Stanton; who was angry.  Stanton and Sherman hated each other Dais heard.             

         The surrender of General Johnston's army "effectively ended hostilities" in the Civil War.  But, way out west in that "Trans-Mississippi" Theater; a Rebel army was still "in the  field."  It  was led by Edmund Kirby Smith, who gave up in "Galveston," Texas on June 2, 1865.                                           

          EDMUND KIRBY SMITH                                  WM. WING LORING               

                            (1824-1893)                                                                             (1818-1886)                                     

             

          Edmund Kirby Smith was William Wing Loring's childhood friend from "St. Augustine" in Florida.  I like the painted black and white photo of him, because you can see how Southern    Officers had a lot of gold on their gray uniforms.  I smell the baby Cholla cactus over there.         

         Dais heard our boss tell Mr. Ralph how Edmund Kirby Smith and William Wing Loring were good friends, and fought together in a Seminole War, Mexican War and the Civil War too.    Smith was wounded at First Bull Run.  Smelling the new baby Cholla makes me feel good.           

           I guess, when General Grant took Vicksburg in early July of 1863.  Edmund Kirby Smith and his army in the "Trans-Mississippi" region were "cut off" from the rest of the Confederacy.  A Garter Snake is using the left vertical slot on the side of the gate to crawl out into the field.       

                   

WORLD WAR II "LIBERTY" SHIP      

                     

           I just thought of how that guy William Wing Loring had one of those Second World War  "Liberty" Ships named after him.  Boy!  It would be so great to have something like that named  after you.  I've mentioned before how a Liberty Ship carried "Cargo" over to England.                

         Andy's over there guarding the burrow, and I can tell he smelled the Garter Snake by his stiff body language; but now he just relaxed.  He and Helen's babies are so safe with him being    the way he is as a father.  Ah!  Now I just picked up the slight scent of that Garter Snake.              

         Oh!  I just noticed on my outline how, there's still one more thing to write about the end of the Civil War.  Daisy saw a tv show which said the final "Shot" of the Civil War was "Fired" in    June of 1865 from the Rebel Warship CSS "Shenandoah."  I'm so glad I noticed my outline.                                        

              CSS "SHENANDOAH"                  CAPTAIN JAMES IREDELL WADDELL (1824-1886)

                     

        Daisy heard our boss one time thank his mom for buying him that book about Civil War navies when she was in "Savannah."  It had a chapter about that Ship the Shenandoah, which      had not heard the war ended.  A small Wren carrying a twig ran bye out there in the dirt.             

        That book called the CSS Shenandoah a "Raider," and in April of 1865 its Captain was a man named James Iredell Waddell; from "North Carolina."  Like many of the men who fought    in the Civil War, he had also fought back in the Mexican War too.  I like the smell of Sage.            

         In the Pacific Ocean Captain Waddell was destroying New England Whale Ships hunting those "Sperm" Whales.  Daisy says that was "good for the Whales" but "bad for the Whale oil    market."  Back in 1865 rooms and things like that were lit at night by Whale oil in lamps.            

               

                "MOBY DICK"              HERMAN MELVILLE (1819-1891)            "SPERM" WHALE         

           

         Someday I really want to see the movie "Moby Dick," about a giant white Sperm Whale who rammed and sank this Ship trying to kill it.   Daisy told me how Millie was afraid of Whales after that.  Herman Melville, back in the 19th century; wrote the original book "Moby Dick."      

         Mr. Steve's father one time joked about how you could say Captain Waddell and his Ship the Shenandoah "saved the Whales."  Once that market ended "Kerosene," until then useless;      made millions of dollars for John D. Rockefeller.   I'll learn more about him later today.              

          This Encyclopedia says the "final shot" of the Civil War was on June the 22nd of 1865.  Oh!  It happened up there in the "Berring Sea," near Russian Siberia where the original Native people crossed.  But then that guy Captain Waddell found out the war had ended in April.                                    

   "LEVIATHAN"  WHALE                        "MEGALADON" WHITE WHARK 

           

        I'm not schedule to write about Sperm Whales until later today.  But I can mention now how it says here how, in "pre-historic" times twelve to thirteen million years ago; there was a      giant "Killer" Sperm Whale.  It even "competed" with "Megaladon" White Shark.  Wow!           

          Mr. Steve says modern Sperm Whales, even though they're big alright; are not dangerous.  They eat Giant Squid by holding their breath and diving down deep into the Ocean to kill them.  Daisy and Millie saw a tv show which said Giant Squid have huge sharp beaks to bite with.          

          The ancient giant killer Sperm Whales were one of those "Apex Predators" I've mentioned before.  Daisy thinks we should be thankful we live now, and not in times when things like those giant Wolves and Bears were still around.  A flock of Birds is flying bye way up in the sky.            

      

                          "MANTA" RAY                                    "MANTA" RAY" / "STING" RAY                              

                 

         Oh what the heck!  Even though I'm not scheduled to write about things that live in water until later today; I kind of feel like finding out a few things about them now too.  Daisy saw this    tv show about those Fish called "Rays."  Some are small but other ones grow to be really big.       

         Well, Dais was right when she told me those "Manta" Rays can grow to be twenty feet long and over twenty five feet wide.  That's what it says here too, and it also says how there are two      "species" of Rays.  Ducks are quacking but, as usual; Daffy's unique voice is much louder.           

       I guess Manta Rays, like many Sharks; are "perpetual swimmers" who must have water "flowing" through their "Gills" as they swim.  "Sting" Rays, who have sharp tails for stabbing;  are like some Sharks who can stay "immobile" in just one spot.  I like how Ducks sound.                                    

"GREAT WHITE" SHARK

                       

         Daisy says the man on the tv show talked about how sometimes those big Manta Rays will actually jump right out of the water.  I guess, White Sharks down in South Africa do that too in    order to kill a Seal or other types of food to eat.  Samson and Delilah are flying to the east.            

      This is kind of interesting.  According to what it says here, those big Manta Rays have the largest "brain to body ratio" of any Fish.  Dais told me the tv show mentioned how pre-historic    thirty million year old "fossils" of even bigger-sized  Manta Rays have been "discovered."           

        Manta Rays swimming, over millions and millions of years; has "adapted and evolved" to survive in "huge bodies of water."  Mr. Steve told his mom they "use water the way Birds use air currents to fly Daisy says.  I just glanced up and see puffy late morning clouds up in the sky.               

     LATE MORNING SKY

             

          Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Mark in Hawaii Manta Rays "glide smoothly and elegantly" through the water, but can "turn on a dime."  They can "accelerate" and then even "outrun" a Tiger Sharp chasing after it.  Two of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral over there.           

         Manta Rays are one of those "Filter Feeders," who "strain plankton" from the salt water as they move forward.  The two biggest Sharks, the huge "Basking" and "Whale" Sharks; also    do that so that's why they're harmless to people.   I smell Andy over there guarding the hole.        

       I guess, because Sting Rays' eyes are on top of its flat body, they don't see the Crabs and things they eat.  Rather, like Sharks; they smell and "feel" the prey's "electrical impulses" and    their "underside" downward facing mouths "vacuum" or suck in food.  Dawn's barking.             

                     

                   STEVE IRWIN (1962-2006)                  

                     

          I guess, that guy Mark Ritter knew a lot about Rays; and would have been interested to know Australian Steve Irwin died when stabbed by a big Sting Ray.  Mark Ritter, who visited      Australia before he died; liked Steve Irwin's 1990's tv show.  Daisy says it's so good alright.          

         Mr. Steve told his brother Rock "ninety percent of the time" a Sting Ray is not aggressive and will run or swim away from people.  But sometimes, because they don't have to be always      swimming like a Manta Ray; they'll bury themselves in sand.  Daffy's quacking over there.          

          Daisy says Sting Rays, which go in size from small to ten feet long; use sand on the bottom of the Ocean to disguise themselves from being killed and eaten.  They also do that to hide from    the things they try to "ambush and eat."  They stab the prey with those really sharp tails.                       

THE "CROCODILE HUNTER"        

             

       Daisy liked Steve Irwin's tv show.  He and his wife go all around the world trying to help save all of those "Endangered Species" I've written about.  I guess, since being a kid Steve Irwin has been around Crocodiles, and that's why his good nickname was the "Crocodile Hunter."        

          Before the economic recession which began back in 2008, our boss had a customer who was from Australia.  They talked about AC/DC, Australia's unique Animals, Steve Irwin and Mark    Ritter.  That guy joked he was "envious" of Steve Irwin's wife, who seemed a "good partner."     

         I guess, the Parts Manager heard Steve Irwin wasn't killed by a hidden in sand Sting Ray "as you might expect."  The Sting Ray "may've thought" it was being attacked by a Shark and,    defended himself by "lashing out."  Cher just used the right gate slot to go out into the field.                

            STING RAY TAIL                                      WHALE HUNTING HARPOON 

             

          Mr. Steve has or has had spears where the metal head has a "Barbed" blade pointed backward, which makes it hard to pull out of something it penetrates.  Daisy says Sting Ray's      tails have evolved to be like that too.   Our boss had a Sting Ray tail but gave it as a gift.               

           I guess, the Sting Ray's tail stabbed right into Steve Irwin's heart, and he died on the way to the hospital.  Dais says the Australian Parts Manager told our boss his last words were, "I'm dying."   He "left behind" his good wife and their two kids, with "many quite sad" he said.          

      Our boss says, although it's "really painful;" most of the time a Sting Ray's stab is "not fatal."  He read Steve Irwin and his mom "shared" February the 22nd as a birthday.  I've said    a few times how Mr. Steve's father was born on February the 23rd, his own mom on the 24th.      

                    

            1960'S SCHWINN "STING RAY"                     2014 CHEVY "CORVETTE STINGRAY"   

               

        Dais heard our boss and his brother Rock one time remembering the "Stingray" bicycles they rode as kids growing up down there in Sylmar.  I guess, one type of those "Corvette" Cars I mentioned yesterday is also called a Stingray.  Theodora jumped up into her Creosote bush.         

        I suddenly just thought of those Giant Squid again.  I wrote earlier how Mr. Steve thinks they're "probably the source" of some of the Sea Monster stories Sailors have talked about.  All  four of the Pigeons are are flying over Libby's Corral and moving together toward the east.          

      Because they live so deep down there in the Oceans, Giant Squid are rarely seen.  I wrote earlier how Mr. Doug was told some Giant Squid females maybe grow to be "forty" feet long.      Theodora's looking at me and might be wondering where Daisy's been for the last two days.                       

"GIANT SQUID" ("ARCHITEUTHIS")  

      

          According to what Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Doug discuss one time, sometimes a dead Giant Squid will wash up on shore.  A good drawing shows a man examining an "Architeuthis"    one of those on the beach.  Bravo Company and their babies are going out into the desert.             

        Mr. Doug saw a tv show where the man said some people think it's very possible there may be some Giant Squid who grow to be sixty feet long.  It says here their "Mantle" or head can be    six feet "in length."  They have those sharp biting beaks which are really, really powerful.          

       When he was in College back in the late 1970's at C.S.U.N. I guess Mr. Steve read in one of his books how, in ancient Greece; that guy Aristotle seems to be referring to what sounds like a    Giant Squid.  Theodora just flew away, and is now going southeast over the top of the Sheds.                             

        "NAUTILUS"                                                    GIANT SQUID 

 

          I can't wait to someday see the movie based on Jules Verne's book "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea."  In it that guy Captain Nemo's totally amazing Submarine is attacked by a Giant Squid according to Daisy.  She told me both she and Millie really liked that "very realistic" movie.         

        Mr. Steve says Viking stories of the "Kraken" may be Giant Squid.  In Herman Melville's book Moby Dick "Architeuthis" is mentioned, and a Giant Squid is in one a James Bond book I hear.  Mr. Doug said the tv show he saw said in 2004 a Giant Squid was "filmed" near Japan.      

         All of a sudden I just thought of how, in the Civil War; the main reason the North won was because it had more "Men and Resources."  Having more "Industry," they "Made" things they needed.  The South, "Agricultural;" had fewer men and had to "Import" almost everything.                                      

ROBERT E. LEE (HIS SON ON THE LEFT)

         

         A picture shows Robert E. Lee right after he got back home from the Civil War.  From what the caption says, one of his sons is standing next to him.  He would end up living only a few years more I guess.  A lot of Soldiers who survived the war had bad health for the rest of their lives.      

        The "Industrial Revolution" began in the late 18th century, and by the 1860's Civil War the North's had "Factories" for making things.  Our boss's dad thinks even then, the "full weight"    of the North's "industrial capacity" was never "brought to bear."  Heathcliff just crowed.           

       Daisy says, as a teenager; our boss worked in a factory.  His brother Rock, building Cars for General Motors; worked in two different factories.  One was here at the "Van Nuys Plant," the    other one back there in Arlington, Texas; where he and his two sons Rocky Jr. and Jacob live.                

"SAN SYLMAR"        

          

          Yesterday in my first book I wrote about Sylmar's "Merle Norman" cosmetics company, where Huell Howser visited in an episode.  They have that big Museum and Car collection.   Our  boss and Mr. Dave talked about this company near there called "T.A.T. Check" Dais told me.      

     Mr. Steve worked in the "T.A.T.'s" factory, which "Printed" Restaurant "Checks and Menus."  He worked ten hours a day, four days a week; so got Fridays off.  In the mornings he    put the colored inks in the machines.  At the end of the day he cleaned out those ink wells.            

          According to Daisy, when the checks or menus were being printed they came flying out of the machine really fast.  So Mr. Steve had to quickly "bundle," "stack" and then "deposit" them all correctly in a box.  Dais says he told  his father how "fear" made him become good at it.        

                           "DELPHI"                        JOHN BELL HOOD              "KNOW THYSELF"     

                                                         

         All of a sudden, for some reason I just thought of that guy John Bell Hood; and how he destroyed his army in November of 1864.  Being "Reckless," he didn't know himself as it said to do up on the wall of Delphi.  I've mentioned how Mr. Dave was in a band called RECKLESS.      

           I guess, by November of 1864; John Bell Hood had to be "strapped" onto his Horse.  He was taking "Laudinum" for pain because of his missing leg and useless arm.  But he sure hadn't lost any of his "courage or fighting spirit," as it says right here in this one Encyclopedia.               

             Mr. Steve told that girl Debra, who he dated after Miss Harriet broke up with him; about John Bell Hood.  Debra was part Irish and has "Comanche" Indian blood.  She was interested    when told John Bell Hood, in the 1850's before the Civil War; fought Comanches in Texas.           

                   scharging.jpg” style=”width: 275px; height: 325px;” />                                            "COMANCHERIA"                            

                                                                                                                                                                                                         PAINTING BY JOE FAMA

              Boy!  It must've really hurt when John Bell Hood and George Thomas had to pull out the Comanche arrows from their own hands.  The Comanche's, like Attila's 5th century "Huns" or the "Mongols" under Genghis Khan; made war on Horses.  Dawn's barking over there.           

               John Bell Hood, like Mr. Steve's father sometimes; believes "The best defense is a good offence."  But in late 1864 that was bad and Mr. Steve thinks it "would've been better" to have    had a "more defensive" General like Joseph E. Johnston in charge.  I like Dawn's voice.               

               I smell Libby.  Some think in 1863 at the "Battle of Chickamauga," if George Thomas    had not put up such a "fierce rearguard action" to give Rosecrans time to escape; the Civil War may have ended differently.  It was like those three hundred Spartans at "Thermopylae."                          

FRED, ED, TED     

      

           I just looked up and see Fred, Ed and Ted sitting over there on the Mulberry tree branch they seem to like.  In this late morning Sun, out there in the desert behind the Sheds; I see a few  Birds zooming around in every direction.  Fred, Ed and Ted just flew off out into the field.           

       Had George Thomas failed to stop Longstreet's men from killing Rosecrans' Soldiers at Chickamauga, the "Atlanta" campaign may not have been possible in 1864.  The "Time Table"    that eventually won the war may not have happened in the way it did.  Heathcliff crowed.             

          Dais says our boss talked with his customer near San Diego about the road up here in Los Angeles named for that guy William Rosecrans.  They also discussed how this cemetery down in  San Diego is named after him too.  Heathcliff's Hens are all clucking happily over there.               

  

                         GEORGE H. THOMAS                              WILLIAM ROSECRANS                                                                          

           Hey Stanley!  Back in 1863 that guy George Thomas must've had a good Guardian Angel just like you.  Dais and I have wondered what it's like to be brave as bullets and bombs are flying all around you?  Mr. Steve's father told Mr. Ivan that it's "definitely a unique sensation."             

         My Encyclopedia says some people have "conjectured" about how things might've been different in the Civil War, had George Thomas decided to fight for his State of "Virginia;" like    Robert E. Lee did.  I smell the new baby Cholla cactus growing over there in the dirt.                    

        "Odds Are" as they say, George Thomas might've been the Confederate  commander at Chickamauga; instead of that other guy Braxton Bragg.   Our boss told his dad Braxton Bragg    was "unfriendly."    Anyway, I'll come back to the Civil War over the the next two days.                                                                                   

CHIEF "NOC-A-HOMA"   

       

          Oh  darn!  I forgot to write about "Chief Noc-A-Homa," the Atlanta "Braves" Indian mascot at their 1971 Baseball games.  Mr. Steve talked to him behind "Left Field;" where he had his own real "Teepee," and danced after all Braves' home runs.  Wow!  What a great job!             

          That 1971 Braves Baseball game Mr. Steve saw against the Expos was on a nice day.  In 1864 Georgia's "extreme humidity" made the fighting around Atlanta "even worse" from what  Dais heard our our boss say.  He's told Mr. Dave about Chief  Noc-A-Homa being friendly.           

          Mr. Dave once read Chief Noc-A-Homa's real name is Levi Walker Jr.," a  "Chippewa- Odawa" Indian.  Daisy heard our boss tell his sister Susan how his High School girlfriend Miss    Sandy's family lived on "Chippewa" Street in Sylmar.  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies.            

        

             MR. DAVE / MISS JULIANNE           MR. DAVE PLAYING DRUMS            

   

        Mr. Dave's old Motorcycle shop customer told him in 1983 the Braves began the season winning "thirteen in a row."  So the owner Ted Turner took away Chief Noc-A-Homa's teepee so he could use that area to sell more seats.  The four Pigeons are all flying over Libby's Corral.       

          In 1983 the Braves then lost the next "nineteen out of twenty one," so I guess Ted Turner had the teepee put back up; and the team "went on to win" the Division title.  Daisy told me Mr.  Dave, who admits he's superstitious; laughed.  Me and Dais are also kind of superstitious too.      

           That Parts Manager told Mr. Dave how, during the 1983 season the Braves also hired this girl Cheerleader called "Win-A-Lotta."  But, she got in a bad Car accident so had to quit.   I see Andy over there guarding their burrow and probably wondering where Daisy is again today.                                                                                                       

"INDIANS"                "REDSKINS"                 "BRAVES"    

        Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Dave talk about how some people say a few of the different sports team names and logos are "Racist."  Mr. Dave thinks "Indians" or "Braves" is okay, but  maybe "Redskins" is not that good.  "But the Redskins do have a pretty good logo" he says.        

       I guess, "Stanford" College was called the "Indians;" but changed it to "Cardinal."  Mr. Steve's father's favorite Baseball teams were the mid-1950's Cleveland "Indians."  Daisy heard    our boss tell him he did one of those line drawings of their "Wahoo" grinning" Indian logo.         

     Mr. Dave read the "Simpson's" cartoon had a character based on that guy Chief Noc-A-Homa.  Famous people like Singer Dolly Parton, or bands like ZZ TOP and LED ZEPPELIN; wanted to meet Chief Noc-A-Homa he says.  Two Crows are fighting out there in the desert.             

"KU KLUX KLAN"     

    

        On my outline, in writing about the city of Atlanta; I also missed the subject of the "Ku Klux Klan." My Encyclopedia says they were "formed" after the Civil War but in the 1920's,      after World War I; were "popular."  The held big "gatherings" up on "Stone Mountain."            

          Actually, I see on this outline how I'll mainly find out about the "KKK" in chapter six; so I'll just wait to do it then.  That's also when I'll find out about the "Brotherhood of the Blood" and the "Spanish Inquisition." A Lizard is standing on the wall near the sliding glass door.           

     Well, it looks like this is the end of chapter three.  Ah!  It's so clear right now, and I just breathed in a huge breath of fresh through my nose;  which makes me feel so good.  I can kind of tell by how the different shadows look right now; that it's about ten thirty in the morning.