Book 2 Chapter 8

                                                 

                  II          

(Book 2 / Chapter 8)

1:30 

CALIFORNIA HIGH DESERT

PHOTO BY TONE HELENA TORGERSEN

         Well, here I go with this eighth chapter, so I'll take my second bigger break of the day afterward; which will be the end of part two.  I'd say it's about one thirty, judging bye how the    shadows are leaning away from me sitting over here on the Patio.  Heathcliff just crowed.             

            Boy!  I can't believe how fast again today things are going, with me being able to stay on schedule and write one chapter per hour of sunlight.  That sunlight is now coming from behind    me.  It makes me feel good when Daisy says she's proud of me for being disciplined.                       

            I remember that morning last Summer when Mr. Steve's parents and Mr. Ivan visited us. As our boss watered the Mulberry tree up there in the front yard they talked about how lucky      Mr. Steve, Daisy and I were in being able to live away from a city.  I like Heathcliff's voice.           

                

      MR. STEVE'S PARENTS

             PHOTO BY RODERICK CÓRDOVA

         

              You can really tell how much Mr. Steve's parents care for each other by the way they are around each other.  Daisy and I have noticed they both laugh at the same things, and at times it    seems they're "Two halves of the same Coin" as they say.  Andy's sniffing the air over there.         

           Bravo Company's scent just came floating in to both of my nostrils from behind Manny, Moe and Jack.  Oh!  Now the chimes hanging from the Patio roof are beginning to make such a    beautiful sound, which is making me feel pretty good.  A Train whistled faintly to my left.              

           Hey God!  I feel so appreciative to be living down here in Piñon Hills with Daisy and our boss, so thank You for making that happen.  Who knows where I'd be, or even if I'd be alive had Mr. Steve not rescued me from that awful field.  Hearing Heathcliff makes me feel happy.             

              

HELEN KELLER (1889-1968)

   

             Oh!  This is a good place to put in the quote by that courageous blind, deaf and dumb girl Helen Keller.  I was supposed to mention it this morning but missed it on this book two outline.  I want to be as brave as Helen Keller who overcame obstacles to become a really smart person.      

         Helen Keller said, "Your success and happiness lies in you.  Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties."  Daisy was so right in saying on my first big break how I'd find a part to insert that good quote.  I do want to be happy.            

            Andy's sniffing the early-afternoon air, and his body language tells me he just now picked up Goliath's scent.  I smell Goliath too, and I'll bet he's resting under that bushy Creosote bush    out there behind the Sheds.   He's gotten lucky in ambushing prey from there a few times.                                         

 GOLIATH       

                 PHOTO BY MATT JEPPSON                          

                                          

                     Goliath waits patiently underneath that Creosote bush, sticking his tongue out to taste the air and hope something good to eat will maybe come into his range.  He's definitely aware of Andy and Helen's babies but remembers yesterday.  Andy bit him so hard on the head.

               Daisy told me how boy Snakes, like male Birds; have to fight each Spring for the right to have babies with the girl Snakes.  But, we really don't know for sure if Goliath is a boy or girl; Mr. Steve giving him his name based on his large size.  Oh!  I can smell little Blinky.   

             As I've mentioned a few times, Mr. Steve's friend Mark Ritter who died; knew a lot about Reptiles and things like that.  Tomorrow I'll write about this "Gila Monster" he gave Mr. Steve.  I guess for over six years that Gila Monster lived in Sylmar at the house on Hagar Street.

                       

  DAVID VERSUS GOLIATH   

     ARTWORK BY BIBLEBOX                                                                          CLEVELAND WOODWAR / GOODSALT.COM       

       

             I'm supposed to write about the real "Old Testament" story of "David and Goliath" in book three but, I kind of feel like doing it now too.  Oh!  I see Goliath crawling away from under the cover of that Creosote bush out in the back desert.  The air is so fresh right now.

            One night Daisy and Millie were in the living room, and as Mr. Steve worked on one of his projects they watched a tv show about David fighting that giant "Philistine" Soldier Goliath.  At the time David was just a young Shepherd boy I guess.   Andy is still sniffing the air. 

            A painting in this Encyclopedia shows how David only had one of those "Sling" to fight Goliath, who wore a full suit of armor.  Before a big battle Goliath "challenged" all of the Jewish Warriors to "single combat" with anyone.  He "taunted" them, calling them "cowards."

               

                       DAVID VERSUS GOLIATH                                        MR. RANDY 

PAINTING  BY MIRIAM MCKINLEY                                                                                                                                                                

  

                     A painting shows that kid David hitting Goliath in the forehead with a rock hurled at Goliath with his sling.  One morning as they loaded Rex with a load for the dump my boss and Mr. Randy talked about our Goliath and that old story.  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.

             Hey God!  Daisy thinks, David had so much courage back then because he believed You were on his side; which turned out to be true I guess.  Goliath never even got close enough to use his giant spear against David.  I've mentioned before how our boss has some spears.

            I just thought of how, during the "Trojan War;" the Greek "Achilles" killed "Hector" the Trojan in a one on one "Dual" outside the walls of Troy.  That one blind guy "Homer" recited it in his story the "Iliad."   Boy!   Again today the early afternoon sunlight is so beautiful.

  

"TROJAN" WAR" / ACHILLES KILLS HECTOR

(THE "ILIAD")   

                                    ARTWORK BY MARK CHURMS                 

                                                                                                                     

             Daisy thinks. if Mr. Steve could borrow Mr. Peabody's "Way Back" time machine; he and his father would want to go back and see the duals between David and Goliath or Achilles versus Hector.  Our boss has a replica Greek helmet.  And he had a Trojan helmet too.

            Our boss told Mr. Ralph one time how he would like to see David hit Goliath with a well aimed stone from his sling.  He would also be interested in seeing Achilles dragging Hector's limp dead body behind his chariot around the walls of Troy.  A little Lizard just ran bye.

            I just thought of how, in 1985; Mr. Steve and his St. Ferdinand's Tour Group visited Italy and got to see the different things in the city of "Rome."  They saw the Colloseum and Pantheon, as well as that bridge where Constantine the Great won that famous battle.  I smell Sage.

       

                      ROME                                       JOHN PAUL II                  "ST. PETERS" / VATICAN CITY  

 PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA     

   

             In 1985 Mr. Steve's Tour Group visited "Vatican City" inside Rome which, as I've said a few times over the last two days; is the smallest country in the world.  That's where our boss got to take those pictures of the Pope.  Some of the Ducks are quacking but Daffy's louder.                 

              On one of their visits up here I remember Mr. Steve and his parents talking about going to "St. Peter's" giant Basilica" in Rome.  That's were Michelangelo's huge painting is up on the ceiling of the "Sistine Chapel."  A little brown Wren carrying a long twig just ran bye.  

             Mr. Ivan joked on that morning how Michelangelo "obviously wasn't afraid of heights."  Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve and his sister Susan remembering looking up at it and being so amazed.  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies sleeping up in their nest near the Patio roof.   

    

POPE FRANCIS I

PHOTO BY SEBASTIAN FONSECA

              Oh!  This is a good place to write about our new Pope, who I keep on missing in these two outlines.  Daisy and Millie saw this good tv show about him with Mr. Steve, and I guess he's  from the country of "Argentina."  A Train whistled faintly out there in the northern desert.          

                According to what Dais heard, Pope "Francis" is the first ever Pope in many ways, like  being from the America's; and the Southern Hemisphere.  Hey Lord!  He helps the poor the way You said to do back in Your day.  I see my collection of things to chew on over to my left.               

              The man on the tv show talked about Pope Francis being the first Pope "raised outside of Europe" since the 8th century.  He has a "less formal approach" to almost everything and is a very friendly person from what Daisy and Millie could tell.   Libby's scent just floated in.                                                                      

SAINT FRANCIS (c.1181-1236)

         Hey St. Francis!  I guess our new Pope, who came in last year; picked his Pope name in honor of you up there.  So Daisy thinks, that must mean he would like all of us Dogs over here in Piñon Hills.  Dais and I both would really like to smell you someday if we make it to Heaven.        

           The guy on that tv show mentioned how, Pope Francis is "against the death penalty; and an "advocate of global warming."  Just like Mr. Steve's father, he thinks there are things that      should "reformed" about Capitalism as an economic system.  He doesn't like greed.                      

           Daisy told me she and Millie could kind of tell from listening to him talk, and also how he acts around other people; Pope Francis is really nice.  It would "probably be pretty good" to be    his Dog she thinks.  All four of the Pigeons are now flying over Libby's Corral over there.                                           

       ITALIAN FASCIST "BLACK SHIRTS"                  MUSSOLINI / HITLER                  

           Daisy told me the tv said Pope Francis was actually born in Italy.  But, to get away from Benito Mussolini's Fascist Italy; in 1929 his parents took the family to go live over in Argentina    instead.  Cher, carrying a dead Mouse in her mouth; just jogged bye and went under Moe.            

         Hey God!  I guess Pope Francis really believes in Your mercy for all of us down here on Earth, and tells people to pray to You for guidance when things are going badly; which they so      often do.  Oh!  In that way he sort of sounds like Sister Rita Joseph in thinking that.                      

          I remember that beautiful morning last Summer when Mr. Steve's parents and Mr. Ivan drove up here to visit us.  As our boss watered the two big Mulberry trees they talked about the    then brand new Pope.   Some of the Ducks are now quacking but of course Daffy's louder.                                

                          "JESUIT" PRIESTS                                            WAR "REFUGEES"                                                                                           

          Hey Lord!  I guess Pope Francis, who's one of those "Jesuit" Priests; thinks those who have enough food, water and shelter should help those who don't.  You called them the "Least of  These."  Right now in the world of 2014 there are a lot of those homeless "Refugees."                    

         Over the years Mr. Steve and his father have known a few Jesuit Priests, who they both have noticed were "extremely intelligent."  And that's mainly because, not only do Jesuits focus    on helping the poor; education is also a "big priority" for them too.  I smell Sage.                           

         The original name for the Jesuit "Order" is the "Society of Jesus" Lord.  So they really believe in all of the ideas You talked about back in Your time.  This Encyclopedia says the order    was created in the 16th century by that "Basque Spanish" man "Ignatius of Loyola."                          

      SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA (1491-1556)

PAINTING BY PETER PAUL RUBENS

       

            It says here that guy Mr. Ignatius, who started the Jesuits in 1540; was made a Saint.  I guess, as a teenager he was a Soldier who was "badly injured" when a cannonball ricocheted off a wall and then hit his right leg.  Oh!  He "admired" El Cid who I've written about before.          

        Mr. Steve's father has read about St. Ignatius, and I remember how Mr. Ivan said even Protestants "admire" him.  During his recovery Lord St. Ignatius had some of those visions, then dedicated his life to You.  There are two crisscrossed vapor trails up there in the sky.                     

            Even when he finally did get better, for the rest of his life St. Ignatius walked around with a "pronounced limp" it says here; his right leg being shorter than his left.  But, before dying he    was able to start a few schools; and helped the poor Lord.  I can smell Andy over there.                                                    

                                SAINT IGNATIUS                                SISTER WENDY BECKETT                          PAINTING BY PETER PAUL RUBENS                                                                               

       

           That lady Sister Wendy. who I've written about before; admired the paintings of Peter Paul Rubens.   She said he "obviously" thought St. Ignatius was important in history because he painted him twice.  Mr. Steve told his mom Sister Rita Joseph resembled Sister Wendy.                 

             Our boss says his mom noticed how Sister Wendy liked the detail "Rubens" put into the robes of St. Ignatius of Loyola's robes in his two paintings.  Mr. Hussein down in Sylmar there in Sylmar noticed it after our boss's mom pointed it out.  I smell some Juniper bushes.                      

            Daisy heard, it was in College down there at C.S.U.N. that Mr. Steve's mom first studied the paintings of Peter Paul Rubens; who lived during the the 16th century when that Protestant Reformation was going on.  Dawn's barking.  I smell little Blinky standing next to her.                 

"LOYOLA MARYMOUNT" UNIVERSITY                 KOBE BRYANT / MICHAEL JORDAN    

             Yesterday I wrote about that Basketball player Kobe Bryant, who plays for the Lakers and is Roman Catholic just like we are.  I guess, St. Ignatius of Loyola has had a few Colleges      named after him; like that one over in West Los Angeles for example.  A Lizard ran bye.              

        As I said in book one, Kobe Bryant sometimes trains or has those seminars at Loyola Marymount University.  One time Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve talking to Mr. Grant about    that campus, which both have been too.   I can smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies up there.              

           Daisy told me Miss Babette read recently how our new Pope Francis is not that interested in "Ostentatious images of  Power."  Hey Lord!   Dais thinks he's more "Down to Earth" and      wants be a regular person who wants to do what You said.  A Train whistled to my left.                  

                      

               POPE FRANCIS AS YOUNG JESUIT PRIEST (1958)          

                     

          The tv show said Lord, Pope Francis almost died but then "devoted his life" to You after asking You to help him recover.  He became a Jesuit Priest and, from then on; helped Argentina's poor.  Just Like Sister Wendy, he's one of those "Ascetics" who believes in "Self-Denial.                

          Daisy heard, like Pope John Paul II; Pope Francis also believes religions should "respect" each other through "Interfaith Dialogue."  Like Mr. Steve, he often asks other people to "pray    for me."  Heathcliff has a calming voice which makes me appreciate being alive.                             

          Mr. Steve's mom said she has a "good feeling" about our new Pope Francis, especially if he likes Animals the way you do up their St. Francis.  Boy!  I'm so glad Mr. Steve likes to be around Dais and I, because that makes me want to impress him.  I smell the Twin Joshua trees.                

                

                           SPARK OF CREATION?                                             SPARK OF LIFE?    

                                                                                                                                                             Artwork by Michelangelo Buonarotti                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

               Hey God!  If I ever get over my fear of riding in a Car or Airplane, as You know; I would want to go to Rome and see the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.  Daisy would want to see the part where You shot life into everything down here on Earth.   Two of the Pigeons flew bye.

            I've mentioned before in these first two books how Mr. Steve and his dad think maybe the "Big Bang" theory of the Universe's creation over fourteen billion years ago was another way of You saying in the Old Testament "Let there be Light.  Dawn's barking.  I smell Blinky.  

            I just thought of how, in 1985 when their St. Ferdinands Tour Group saw that "Sistine Chapel" in Rome; Mr. Steve's mom noticed the panel where Michelangelo painted David about cut off Goliaths head after knocking him out.  Dawn's barking.  I smell Blinky next to her.

                                                                            DAVID /GOLIATH          "SISTINE" CHAPEL            VIEW FROM BELOW

("CHAPEL OF APOSTOLIC PALACE" / VATICAN CITY -ROME)

PAINTINGS BY MECHELANGELO BUONAROTTI

               

              Daisy says she would want to visit "Vatican City" in Rome, and see Michelangelo's giant painting up there on the roof.  Mr. Steve told his brother Rock how "amazing" it is, and how he  "can't even imagine" being able to accomplish it.  I'm beginning to like Blinky's scent.                  

        Our boss has wondered if Goliath's helmet had a "nose guard?"  Or, possibly David's "perfect shot" just hit him so hard; it "stunned" and "knocked him down anyway?  It was like    a Boxing "Sparring Partner" getting knocked down even when wearing "Head Gear."                  

         This Encyclopedia says Goliath was either four or six "Cubits" tall, a cubit being about eighteen inches so, he was either six or eight feet tall.  People were much smaller back then Dais    heard.  Boy!  That guy Goliath's armor, helmet and shield must've weighed a lot I'll bet.                

                    DAVID "BEHEADING" GOLIATH

                                      PAINTING BY ANTON ROBERT LEINWEBER                                                                                               ARTWORK BY GUSTAVE DORE                                                     

   

               Daisy says the tv show described Goliath as "probably" being "slow and lumbering," which my boss told Mr. Randy is "what you would expect."  He was "likely an easy target" for David's very accurate sling shot.  There are some puffy clouds up there in the blue sky.  

              Mr. Steve's father has wondered if maybe that guy Goliath had "something wrong" with his body; which made him grow so large.  I just picked up Libby's unique scent from over there in her Corral.  Heathcliff crowed, and I can hear some of his Hens clucking happily.

             I guess, the tv show mentioned this French Wrestler called "Andre the Giant."  He had a "Condition" called "Gigantism," which means his body produced way too much of a thing called "Growth Hormone."  Wow!  He was seven feet four and weighed five hundred pounds.   

                

                                      ANDRE "THE GIANT" / BOBBY CHACON (1980)

        

                 Daisy one time heard Mr. Steve and his dad talking about Mr. Bobby the Boxer from Lake View Terrace.  Mr. Bobby told them about the time when he "clowned around" with that Wrestler Andre the Giant up in the ring.  He joked he "felt like David against Goliath."  

            One time our our boss and his brother Rock in Texas talked about Andre the Giant, and how he died at the young age of only forty seven.  Mr. Steve's father thinks the original Goliath probably had Gigantism too; which is why he was so big.  Theodora just ran bye.  

            Mr. Steve says he "feels sorry" for people like Andre the Giant.  His brother was told how he was too big to use an Airplane bathroom so, had go in a bucket behind a screen.  At the hotels the beds were all way too small, and it was really hard for him to fit inside of most Cars.

       

          BOZA EDWARDS / BOBBY CHACON                     MR. GARY THE BARBER

    

                 I just thought of Mr. Bobby, and how two times he was a "World Champion" in Boxing. He went with Mr. Steve and his dad to get haircuts at Mr. Gary's barber shop in San Fernando a few times I guess.  They all really enjoyed looking at all of the photos on the walls there.

            Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Gary one time talking about that Old Testament story of David versus Goliath.  Mr. Steve told him he has a leather sling like the one David used to knock out Goliath, and as a kid he got "pretty accurate" in using it. A Train whistled faintly.    

            Our boss has a "Sling Shot" with a handle in his office Dais told me.  He and Mr. Randy used it one time to shoot rocks at a hay bale, and after practicing got better and better at hitting the targets; round cardboards that frozen pizza come on.  I can smell Andy over there.

                                   

     SAMSON AND DELILAH        

                                

             Samson and Delilah are coasting bye, moving toward the southwest.   This Encyclopedia says the story of David and Goliath is in the Old Testament's "Book of Samuel."  On his "Birth Certificate" Mr. Steve's father's actual original first name is listed as being "Samuel."   

             Daisy says our boss showed Mr. Mike pictures he took of muscular Boxer in a "Fighting Poses" up in the ring.  He asked "Would you want to fight him?"  Mr. Randy said; "No way!"  Daisy told me the guy "looked like Hercules."  Andy's sniffing the air over there.  

            Mr. said even thought that Boxer was "strong," he was what's called "Muscle Bound;" so lost to faster, more "limber" Fighters.  He was "stiff" and "Crab-like" in chasing and trying to catch  opponents.  Sometimes he even threw "wild" punches because he got so frustrated. 

    

DAN HENDERSON (IN WHITE)

PHOTO BY PER HALJESTAM

          Oh!  Mentioning Mr. Bobby makes me think of that "Mixed Martial Arts" Fighter Dan Henderson, who's from up here in the High Desert.  When I talked about him yesterday I forgot  to mention a few things.  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies sleeping up there in their nest.            

          Dan Henderson was World Champion in "M.M.A.," and before that was a good "Greco-Roman" Wrestler.  The Shoshone man Mr. Steve met at the Phelan Library said, like Mr. Bobby in Boxing; he was a right hander with a "hard overhand right" punch.  I smell Sage.                     

           Dais says the man on the tv show talked about what a "tough" Fighter Dan Henderson is,  another thing he has in common with Mr. Bobby.   Now in 2014 he's at the end of his career but    he's been really good for years, having fought great opponents.  A Train whistled faintly.               

                        

                 DAN HENDERSON (IN BLUE)             "VICTOR VALLEY" HIGH CAMPUS                                

 

               As I said yesterday, Dan Henderson went to "Victor Valley" High School over in "Apple Valley," part of "Victorville" where Roy Rogers' family used to live.  He was born in "Downey," where the CARPENTERS are from.  I guess "Serrano" High in Phelan is in their league.             

            Daisy noticed how Victor Valley High, where Dan Henderson went to in the late 1980's;  use dark forest green as their primary color, black and white the secondary colors.  Ants are now marching bye down there on the Patio floor near to Miss Emily's old coffee table.                           

          Oh!  Just as I'm about to say how Victor Valley High uses "Jackrabbits" as their team's nickname who do I smell?   Jack's scent just came floating into both of my nostrils with a slight    breeze from the eastern desert behind Manny, Moe and Jack.   Andy's looking at me.                    

        

1984 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC GAMES

            According to the Shoshone man at the Phelan Library, Dan Henderson as a kid attended  wrestling matches at the 1984 Olympics down there in Los Angeles.  That's when he decided he    wanted to start wresting himself.  Mr. Steve's family saw a lot of events at that Olympics.              

            I guess, Dan Henderson became an Olympic games level Wrestler while in College during the 1990's.  But, in 1997 he went into M.M.A., where his wrestling ability really helped him.  Oh!  Bravo Company's blended scents just came floating into me sitting out here on Elvira.                   

           The Shoshone man said Dan Henderson "developed a powerful right hand punch;" which he used to knock out some of his opponents.  Mr. Bobby also had a really good right hand punch too.  A small flock of Birds is right now flying over Libby's Corral over there to my right.              

  

MAX BAER SR. (1909-1959)                                    MR. RALPH             

  

             Oh!  All of a sudden I just thought of that 1930's Great Depression era Boxer Max Baer Sr., who for a year was the World Heavyweight Champion.  Mr. Ralph has read a lot about him  and how he was really good, but "not quite" as good as that guy Joe Louis.   Dawn's barking.      

          Mr. Dave back there in New Mexico, before this economic recession; had a Motorcycle Shop customer up in Northern California who knew about Max Baer Sr.  He told him, in the city of "Sacramento;" there's a "nice" park named after him.   I smell Blinky and Rosie.                     

           Daisy and Millie heard our boss and Mr. Ralph talk about Max Baer Sr. who, like Mr. Bobby and Dan Henderson too; were right handers with powerful straight or "overhand" right "cross" punches.  Bravo Company's blended scent floated in from out in the back desert.                  

"BEVERLY HILLBILLIES"                              MAX BAER JR.         

              I just thought of how Max Baer's son played the part of "Jethro" on that funny tv show the "Beverly Hillbillies.  Mr. Steve and his father, in the early 1990's; met him at one of those      "Gaming Conventions" over in Las Vegas.  Two of the Pigeons just flew over the Sheds.                

           That time when Mr. Grant and Miggie visited us I remember Mr. Steve told him he still has the "Prospectus" for Max Baer Jr.'s "Beverly Hillbillies themed" gambling casino.  When      they met Max Baer Jr. our boss told him he liked the Beverly Hillbillies.  I smell Sage.                   

             Daisy says Mr. Steve's father told Max Baer Jr. he once met his father in New Mexico.  At the time Max Baer Sr. was retired from Boxing, in Albuquerque to Referee Wrestling matches.    He had a heart attack and died out here in Los Angeles just a little while later I guess.                                  

MAX BAER SR. (1930'S)

 

            One time Mr. Steve and his dad talked about Max Baer Sr., who fought during the Great Depression; and said he was "part" Jewish.  So he had that "Star of David" logo sewed onto the front of his trunks.  There was a lot of Anti-Semitism in America back then in the 1930's.              

         Mr. Ralph read how some think Max Baer Sr. "could" have been one of the best Boxers ever, but when young a guy he fought a guy who died after the fight.  So, from then on he lost his "Killer Instinct;" and "clowned around" I guess.  Crows are fighting behind the Sheds.                

          According to what Daisy heard our boss and his dad talk about, another reason why Mr. Max never "reached his full potential;" he "liked the night life."  So he didn't train as hard as he should have.  I remember that time Mr. Ivan used the term "Wine, Women and Song."                 

     

     "HOLLYWOOD ROOSEVELT" HOTEL                          MARILYN MONROE                              

            Daisy heard our boss's father say, at age fifty in 1959; Mr. Max died at the "Hollywood Roosevelt" hotel.  Famous people have stayed there over the years, like that girl Marilyn Monroe for example. Oh!  Our boss was interested  to hear his last words were, "Oh God!  Here I go."      

          One time, right after it had been "Refurbished;" Mr. Steve went with Miss Harriet to a banquet at the "Roosevelt" hotel.  It was paid for by the company she worked for at that time.    All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral and going toward the northeast.                  

         When they were at Sylmar High School our boss, Miss Sandy and their friends Chris and David; went to the Roosevelt hotel.  They even walked up to the 10th Floor, and stood on a fire      escape to look around at Hollywood.  Mr. Steve has an 8 millimeter film he took up there.             

  

            "MANN'S" CHINESE" THEATRE                           MARILYN MONROE / JANE RUSSELL                                                                  

PHOTO BY SEAN PAVONE                                                                                                                                                                               

             Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell his sister Susan about looking down at the "Mann's Chinese" movie Theatre across from the Roosevelt hotel.  Both buildings are on "Hollywood Boulevard,"    where famous people have those stars with their names on the sidewalks.  I smell Sage.                  

          According to what Dais told me, famous people like Marilyn Monroe have made "Hand Prints" in cement at that Chinese Theatre.  Our boss's sister Susan studied the "Exotic Revival" architecture used on the structure.  Samson and Delilah are flying toward the east.                         

         I guess, Mr. Steve's sister Susan also studied the 1920's "Spanish Colonial" design of the Roosevelt Hotel's interior.  Our boss and Miss Harriet noticed how beautiful it was when they      were there for that big banquet.  Heathcliff crowed, and his Hens sound kind of happy.                                                            

                 THEODORE ROOSEVELT                       DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS JR. / MARY PICKFORD

          

           A few years ago Mr. Steve was told the Roosevelt Hotel was named after that guy Teddy Roosevelt, and both it and the Chinese Theatre were opened in 1927.  My Encyclopedia says at    first the movie theatre was called "Grauman's."  Bravo Company's scent just floated in.               

            Daisy heard a lady tell our boss how Grauman's movie theatre was built with money from people like those husband and wife Actors Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks Jr.  They were in those "Silent" movies I've written about before.  A small flock of Birds flew bye.                        

        Tomorrow in book three Dais has me scheduled to write about this house in Beverly Hills called "Pickfair."  It was built by Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and, in the 1980's;      our boss, Mr. Mark and Miss Helen attended Sales Meetings there.  Libby whinnied.                         

BUDDY BAER (1915-1986)

          One time Daisy and Millie watched a good movie about ancient Rome from 1951 called "Quo Vadis."  One of the Actors in it was Buddy Baer, the younger brother of Max Baer Sr. and Uncle of Max Baer Jr. who played Jethro on the Beverly Hillbillies.  He was also a Boxer.             

            I guess, Max Baer Sr. and his brother were Heavyweights, both having fights against that guy Joe Louis.  And both had the Star of David symbol sewn into their trunks.  Dais heard Mr.    Ralph say he was six feet eight inches tall.  A Train whistled faintly over to my left.                         

            Mr. Gary, the Barber in San Fernando; knows about Buddy Baer's family.  They're from the State of "Nebraska," but are now associated with "Northern California;" where the family    moved to in 1928.   A little Sparrow carrying a long twig in its mouth went running bye.                

                           

"QUO VADIS" (1951)

    

           One time Daisy and Millie were in the living room and, as Mr. Steve worked on one of his projects; watched that movie Quo Vadis with him.  It came out in 1951, or the second year of the Korean War; when our boss's father was fighting over there.  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.            

          Someday I really want to see that movie Quo Vadis, as Dais told me how it's mainly about the early Christian Church; and even has St. Peter and St. Paul in it.  The story takes place near  the end of that Emperor "Nero's" rule.  Now the other two Pigeons are flying bye too.                   

          I guess part of that movie Quo Vadis is a Roman General falling in love with this girl, even though she's a Christian; and Nero is persecuting and killing them.  When a lot the city of Rome  burns the Emperor blames Christians for doing it, even though it's a big lie.  I smell Sage.            

        

VAPOR TRAIL  

             

             I just glanced up from way down here on Elvira to see a slowly extending vapor trail up there in the mid-afternoon sky.   I'd say it's about getting close to two o clock, judging by how the shadows look leaning away from me.  The sunshine is coming from behind me to the west.           

            Daisy told me how mean the Emperor Nero was in the movie, and how he kills Christians down in the Colosseum; for the entertainment of the audience.  I guess, he even puts the Roman General in prison just for liking a Christian girl.  In the jail they're married by St. Peter.              

           Hey Lord!  Mr. Steve read "Quo vadis" means "Where are you going" in Latin, and is what You asked St. Peter when he was trying to escape from the city of Rome.  So he turned back around and went back to Rome, where he was captured and executed.  A Crow just cawed.                                                        

    ST. PETER CRUCIFIED                    MISS BABETTE / MR. DAVID

ARTWORK BY PACIFIC PRESS                                                                                                                                                    

 

              Hey Lord!  Daisy told me about Mr. Steve and Miss Babette talking about how St. Peter was crucified like You were, but upside down.  Hey St. Peter!  If you might just happen to be up there mind-reading me, thank you for everything you did when you were down here.                   

          Boy Lord!  Being nailed onto a wooden cross must have been so painful, but just to be mean I'll bet; that guy Emperor Nero had St. Peter crucified upside down.  Dais says Nero was a  very mean person alright.  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are flying bye.                      

           Daisy heard that Quo Vadis is one our boss's mom's all time favorite movies.  In it Nero doesn't like it when the Christians he's killing, some by burning alive; die so bravely.  Even the    audience inside the Colosseum notice their courage in dying, and begin to admire them.                   

 "QUO VADIS" (1951)

          Daisy told me the best part of Quo Vadis is when Nero has that Christian girl tied to this wooden stake out there in the dirt of the Colosseum floor.  Then, a big angry Bull is released; in    the hope he tries to gore her to death.  Two Crows are fighting out there in the desert.                    

           In the story, I guess the only thing to protect the girl is her really strong Servant; who has to fight the Bull "One on One" or "Bare-Handed" as they call it.   That Servant, who's also a        Christian; is played by Buddy Baer.  He looks really strong according to Dais.                                 

          When the Bull charges at him the Servant tries to "Time" grabbing its horns, then hold on "For dear Life" before he can be stabbed and killed.  But twice the Bull's powerful neck throws him off from what Daisy told me.  Now more than two Crows are yelling at each other.                                                                                                        

QUO VADIS

             Mr. Steve's father said the Christian girls Servant looked like a "Rag Doll" as the Bull's strong neck muscles keep swinging his body all around as he struggles to hang on.  But finally, he wrestles the Bull to the ground; still holding onto its head.  Libby whinnied over there.                  

            I guess from what Daisy told me, Emperor Nero forces that one Roman General who St. Peter married to the girl watch; as the Servant tries hard to break the Bull's thick neck.  I guess  Lord, he pleads for You to please give the Servant more strength.  A Lizard ran bye.                      

        Dais says finally, after a lot of effort; the Servant twists the Bull's neck to the side and it cracks loud as it breaks.   The crowd in the Colosseum couldn't believe their eyes, going crazy in cheering wildly for what the Servant had done.  But the Emperor Nero wasn't happy.                                         

GLADIATOR ASKING FOR DIRECTION

PAINTING BY JEAN-LÉON GÉRÔME

 

            I just thought of the famous 19th century painting Mr. Steve, his mom and Samantha saw up at the "Getty" museum.  It shows this Gladiator, his foot on a defeated opponent's throat;        asking the Emperor if he should kill the Servant.  Cher, with Andy watching; went bye.                 

       Daisy told me our boss's dad said, in that painting the Gladiator was asking whether he should "Finish him Off; by sticking his gladius sword through the guy's throat and then twisting it.  In the movie Nero wants the Servant killed anyway.  But the crowd won't let him.                     

        As I've mentioned before, the Emperor Nero later ended up having to kill himself, when there was a revolt against him.  That was in 69 A.D., or the "Year of the four Emperors;" when    that guy Vespasian took over.  So, that was the end of the "Julio-Claudian" dynasty.                            

MARY BEARD  

   

             I do really look forward to someday seeing that girl Mary Beard's tv show about ancient Rome.  Mr. Phillip likes it when she discusses things having to do with "Engineering," or how      ancient Romans could build such big buildings and statues.  So does our boss Daisy says.              

            One time Mr. Dave, who I've mentioned before is a very handy person over there in New Mexico; read about Roman Engineers constructing the Colosseum in Rome.  It was begun under that guy Emperor Vespasian, but completed when his son Titus.  Heathcliff crowed.                       

           Daisy says Mr. Phillip is also impressed when he hears Miss Mary talking about how the ancient Romans were able to "figure out" how to build those long gravity fed water Aqueducts or giant Bath Houses.  Ah!  I smell new Spring Sage.  That makes me feel good right now.                        

                                     "ASSYRIAN" CEMENT STATUE AND STELAE 

                 This tv show Daisy saw said the ancient "Assyrians" used "slings" like that guy David, having units which "softened up" an enemies lines before "engaging."  We have that big cement Assyrian "Winged Bull" statue near the front door.  We also have an Assyrian stelae too.  

             I guess, after knocking him out, that kid David ran up and used Goliath's own sword to cut off his head.  But before that, Dais thinks he was smart to "circle" Goliath; staying "Out of Range."  There are some long thin clouds way up there in the high mid-afternoon sky.

             Mr. Steve thinks David had "plenty of time" to "line up" his shots.  As a kid he got pretty good at using slings and slingshots, so it's " not beyond the realm of possibility" for David to hit Goliath in the forehead; and then knock him "Out Cold" so to speak.  Dawn's barking. 

 

CIRCLING CROWS

PHOTO BY GUDELLA

              I just glanced up and see some Crows circling out there over the eastern desert, behind Manny, Moe and Jack.  I'll bet they know there's something good to eat below them, like maybe an old dead Rabbit.  Yup!  Now they're all screeching and diving down to the ground. 

             This is interesting.  My Encyclopedia says the phrase "David versus Goliath" has "come to represent" the "victorious underdog" who has the "odds stacked against them."   That makes me think of Homer Lea, Douglas Bader or Doug Flutie; and also Helen Keller too. 

                   Boy!  It must be so weird to cut off someone's head, and I'll bet Goliath had a really huge heavy head to lift up for that boy David to show everyone.  Hey God!  Daisy thinks You guided the rock David hurled at Goliath to hit him right on his forehead.  The Crows are fighting.  

  

DAVID VS. GOLIATH

          I remember the time last Summer when that man from the Philippines came over to our house to buy some things from Mr. Steve.  He mentioned this Filipino Heavy Metal band called    DAVID VS. GOLIATH.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying over Libby's Corral.                    

         Daisy told me our boss played that man songs by the Japanese band NINGEN ISU, who I wrote about yesterday in my first book; and also are Heavy Metal too.  I can't wait to hear their  music  someday.  Smelling Bonnie and Clyde's sleeping babies makes me feel good.                        

         Oh!  Seeing how the sunlight coming from behind me in the west is making the afternoon shadows look, reminds me of how yesterday I missed writing about an early 1960's English band the SHADOWS.  Dais says they have an "instrumental" Surf Rock song called "Apache."                    

     BUDDY HOLLY                                                       THE SHADOWS  

  

            Daisy told me how the Guitarist in that band the SHADOWS kind of looks like Buddy Holly because he also wore black-rimmed glasses too.   That being the style in the 1960's, as a kid Mr. Steve and his father had black glasses like that too.  A Train whistled over to my left.              

            Mr. Phillip likes the SHADOWS, who sometimes played those "Instrumentals" with no singing I've written about.  He called their songs "melodic."  Sometimes they were the band for    a Singer named Cliff Richard, who was popular in the time just before the BEATLES.                   

          On a tv show about the SHADOWS the man talked about how, they were one of the first bands to write their own songs; which the BEATLES copied.  Dais says they were even in some    movies like the BEATLES did later too.   The orange and black Monarch Butterfly went bye.       

                  

               HANK MARVIN                                                    DICK DALE         

                                   

           Daisy heard Mr. Dave say he thought some of the SHADOW songs sounded "clean and metallic," with "feel."  You can tell their Guitarist Hank Marvin was influenced by Dick Dale's    Surf Rock he said, like on that one song Apache for example.  I smell the Mulberry tree.                

          One time our boss and Mr. Phillip talked about the SHADOWS, and how Hank Marvin and Dick Dale both play those Fender "Stratocaster's" I've written about before.  Jimi Hendrix  is famous for his white "Strat."   A Train whistled faintly out in the northern desert.                      

            I guess, Hank Marvin's guitar was shiny red and white, and which Mr. Phillip read "may have been" the first Stratocaster sent to England from here in America.  Mr. Phillip says it was    bought for him by Cliff Richard's Manager.  Dais likes red but I'd want a royal blue guitar.                               

           APACHE'S (GERONIMO ON RIGHT)                     GERONIMO (1829-1909)                                                                                                

        Mentioning the early 1960's SHADOWS song makes me think about that guy Geronimo who fought the Mexicans and later the Americans back in the 19th century.  I like the colorized    photos of him and the other "Chiricahua" Apache Indians.  Cleo and Leo just flew bye.                

          This one Encyclopedia says how Geronimo's Apache name was "Goyathlay," which would be translated to be "One who yawns."  His Chiricahua group was one of the "Mescalero" tribes  in the Southwest.   Daisy says there's a dirt road on the way to Phelan called Mescalero.                

         A tv show Daisy and Millie saw with Mr. Steve said Geronimo "hated" all Mexicans, after they killed his mom, wife and kids.  So, from then on he killed many in revenge.  Mr. Phillip said  that sort of reminded him of the story of Scotsman William Wallace hating the English.                                                     

APACHE WARRIORS IN THE MOUNTAINS

PAINTING BY HENRY FARNY

           My Encyclopedia says it was hard for the U.S. Government to catch Geronimo and his Chiricahua's.  Up in the mountains they were really good "Guerilla" fighters, just like the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.  Cleo and Leo flew toward the north.            

         A painting shows three Apache's and their Horse way up on top of a mountain, looking down below.  I'll bet their "Lookouts," who's job is to tell the rest of the Apache's when to escape to another area; and not be surprise attacked.  A Train whistled faintly over to my left.                  

          I've said before how, since the time of the Spanish in 1601; Apache's had raided Spanish, Mexican and then American settlements in New Mexico.  And, a lot of the other Native groups      there were really afraid of them too.  They were just like those Comanche's in that way.                        

1901 ORIGINAL             "INDIAN" MOTORCYCLES              2014 "CHIEF"     

                   

         I guess, Mr. Phillip thinks that SHADOWS song Apache is about an American brand of Motorcycles; but might be about the American Indians.  Daisy heard Mr. Phillip tell our boss the the SHADOWS also had songs influenced by Jazz.  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies.                   

        Before this economic recession which started in late 2008, as I've said before; Mr. Dave's customers were mainly "Motorcycle Shops."  So when a lot of them, including some which sold    the "Indian" brand went "Out of Business;" it really hurt him.  A Lizard ran bye.                         

         Daisy says Mr. Dave's customer said the Indian Motorcycle Company is located up in the State of "Minnesota."  They began in "Connecticut," where Mr. Steve's sister Susan lives with    her two sons Dalton and Austin.  They've been around since all the way back to 1901.                           

                  JULIO / WIFE ROSARIO                           JULIO / DAUGHTER MABEL                                                                          

            As I've said a few times over these last two days, when Mr. Steve, Miss Babette, Susan or Karin make a sale; it's that guy Mr. Julio who does the embroidery or "Fulfills" the order.  Our  boss told Mr. Julio he once did a line drawing of the Indian Motorcycle logo. I smell Sage.             

             I just thought about how Mr. Julio is originally from "Jalisco," in Northern Mexico.  His wife grew up down there in the country of "Nicaragua," and their daughter is named Mabel.  I    just glanced up in time to see Andy watching Goliath crawl out into the back desert.                      

            Because the sunlight is coming from behind me on the west side of the house, the shadows are leaning more and more away from me looking to the east.  Daisy heard Mr. Phillip say how    he likes when that band the SHADOWS have no singing in their songs.  Libby whinnied.                                      

 "UNI-VIBE" FOOT PEDAL                                        JIMI HENDRIX              

                                                                            PHOTO BY HENRY DILTZ 

                                                     

             Someday I won't be afraid to go all of the way down the hallway to see Mr. Steve's office  and bedroom.  Then I'll see that framed photo of Jimi Hendrix playing his white Stratocaster at  "Woodstock" in 1969.  Mr. Rich knows a lot about the foot pedals Jimi Hendrix used.                    

           As I've said a few times in these first two books, the big 11 x 14 picture of Jimi Hendrix was given to our boss by Mr. Rich.  It was framed and double-matted by Mr. Oimette, who lives  up there in Wrightwood with his wife.  That big Dragonfly just now zoomed bye.                           

           Daisy one time heard Mr. Phillip say he knew someone who met the SHADOWS Guitarist Hank Marvin, who was "affable;" which means nice Daisy told me.  I guess, Mr. Rich has this      white Stratocaster like the one Jimi Hendrix used, only right-handed.  I smell Mesquite.                

       

RORY GALLAGHER                      PETE TOWNSHEND                           BRIAN MAY     

            The man on the tv show said later Guitarists like Rory Gallagher, Pete Townshend of the WHO and QUEEN'S Brian May say they were all influenced by the SHADOWS Hank Marvin.    I guess, by 1964 the BEATLES replaced the SHADOWS in popularity.  Dawn's barking.              

                  Both of the SHADOWS two Guitarists, and Bassist; did "coordinated dance steps" while they played from what Daisy and Millie noticed.  They were influenced in doing that by the black 1950's and early 1960's American groups.  I smell Blinky and Rosie next to Dawn.                          

         Daisy's told me how, in the 1970's and 1980's; some of the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal bands used to do coordinated "Head Banging" up on stage.  Mr. Steve took some pictures of that band WARRANT doing it at Gazzari's Nightclub in Hollywood.  Libby just neighed.                                                    

          THOR HEYERDAHL (1914-2002)                        "KON  TIKI"" BOOK                      

             

           Daisy says the SHADOWS have a song called "Kon-Tiki," about a 1947 voyage taken by a Norwegian man named Thor Heyerdhl.  At ten Mr. Steve read a book about the four month long "Ra" expedition, his mom remembering he "couldn't put it down."  I smell Arborvitae.                

          Our boss one time told his sister Susan he still "to this day" thinks about the book he read about that 1947 Kon-Tiki" voyage.  I guess, Thor Heyerdahl and five men sailed west from South America's "Peru" area.  From April through August they crossed the Pacific Ocean.                      

        That man Mr. Thor wanted to prove a "Pre-Columbian" era type raft, made of big balsa wood logs; "could have" sailed across the Pacific Ocean by using the "prevailing westward wind  currents."  And they did make it over to "Polynesia" alright.  A Train whistled faintly.                                   

"KON-TIKI" RAFT AND CREW

  

             I guess, as Mr. Steve read the book about the 1947 Kon-Tiki Boat trip; he imagined how  difficult it would be to have been one of the six man crew.  My Encyclopedia says the name Kon    Tiki "derives" from the name of a Peruvian Indian "Incan" God.  A small Lizard ran bye.           

            According to what it says here, that man Mr. Thor built a raft in Peru out of big "Balsa" wood logs.  The logs were tied together and then used as a "platform" for a floor with a type of    house sitting on it.  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies up there in their cozy nest.                            

       Mr. Thor built his big raft "based on" some 16th century descriptions made by Spanish Conquistadors.   To build it he used only materials that would have been available to what the pre-Columbian peoples in South America would have had.  Heathcliff just crowed.                                                

KON-TIKI ROUTE 

             I just love it when there's a good map or diagram in the Encyclopedia to go along with text.  One shows the route Thor Heyerdahl's raft took in 1947 when they made it to Polynesia.      After reading the book Mr. Steve drew the bearded face logo the Kon-Tiki  had on its sail.            

           A good map shows the route the Kon-Tiki raft took to get from the west coast of South America over to Polynesia.  It took them one hundred and one days to do, and all together they    traveled four thousand three hundred miles in total.  Dawn's barking next door.                             

         One time our boss and Mr. Ivan talked about Mr. Thor's idea that it was "Caucasian" white men who might've made that voyage back in ancient times.  But, that turned out to be an    incorrect theory; even though he did prove it could have been done.  I smell Arborvitae.                

          

   KON-TIKI RAFT IN MUSEUM                              MISS HELENA                 

           I've mentioned a few times in these first two books how Miss Helena over in Lake Los Angeles is from the country of "Norway," just like Thor Heyerdahl.   She and Mr. Steve talked    about that 1947 expedition.  Samson and Delilah are flying over Libby's Corral next door.            

           This one Encyclopedia says the Kon-Tiki raft is now on display in a Norwegian Museum I guess, and there was a documentary made about the voyage; then later an actual movie too.  "En route" Dolphins and giant Sea Turtles swam near the raft.  Libby whinnied over there.                  

         Mr. Steve told Miss Helena how, as a kid reading the Kon-Tiki book; he was "fascinated" by some of the things that happened along the way.  One night a Giant Squid came up from the    deep Pacific Ocean and was swimming around the Boat.  I smell the Twin Joshua trees.                 

       

    "WHALE" SHARK

    

            Mr. Steve told Miss Helena he found it so interesting how, on one occasion a giant Whale Shark swam all around the Kon-Tiki raft; the crew scared it might tip over their Boat.  To our      boss that would've been terrifying too.  Bravo Company's scent just came floating in.                    

           Throughout the Kon-Tiki voyage these things called "Flying Fish" would jump up out of the water, accidentally land on the raft; and became food or the crew.  Wow!  I would love to see  a Fish that can come out of the water and fly around.  All four of the Pigeons flew bye.                   

          Over the last two days I've mentioned a few times how our boss has studied Sharks since he was about ten years old, mainly he knows now because he fears them.   He told Miss Helena    how, when he read Kon-Tiki the description of the Sharks scared him.  Heathcliff crowed.            

      

SHARKS    

                               

             I guess, on the way over to Polynesia these things called "barnacles;" and "seaweed;" attached onto the bottom of the Kon-Tiki raft.  This then attracted many Sharks, which circled    or followed them.  To Mr. Steve the thought of falling off the raft into the water scared him.          

              As a kid reading the Kon-Tiki book, imagining being surrounded by many Sharks in the middle of a huge Ocean was really scary to our boss.  He's had nightmares about swimming in a  deep Ocean at night when it's "Pitch Black" as they say.  Blackbeard and Anne flew bye.              

             Bravo Company is going bye out there in the desert behind Manny, Moe and Jack, their scent now floating in.  A few minutes ago Alpha Company streamed around the northeast corner of the house over there at the far end of the Patio.  I see my collection of things to chew on.                 

          CALMER                    OPEN OCEAN                       ROUGHER 

        

            I guess, another thing which scared Mr. Steve as he read the book Kon-Tiki was when a thing called a "Rogue Wave" came out of nowhere and slammed right into the raft.  He once told Mark Ritter about it because Mr. Mark studied rogue waves.  Daffy's quacking over there.           

          Way out in the middle of an Ocean when waves are flatter, Boats and Ships can go along smoothly; but if the waves are rolling the ride can become very bumpy.  Our boss's dad's trip to    be in the Korean War was "rough" he says, and he got sick.  I smell Arborvitae.                           

         Mark Ritter told our boss for years the idea of a giant rogue wave out in the middle of an Ocean was thought to be a "myth" like Sailors seeing Sea Monsters.  But finally in 1995 it was    proved to be true.  Other names for those giant waves are "freak," "killer" and "monster."        

   

"ROGUE" WAVE

PAINTING BY JOHN LUND 

             Ugh!  A good painting shows a Ship being hit by a big wave out there in the middle of an Ocean, so you can really see how scary it would be for all the people in that Ship; which looks so  small.  Andy's over there sniffing the air just be safe and not get caught by surprise.                       

            It says here what that guy Mark Ritter told Mr. Steve too.  What makes rogue waves so scary is their "unpredictability," often coming from a direction "unforeseen based on the then     prevailing wind and current conditions."  Some can even "form" on calm seas."                            

            Daisy says Mark Ritter told our boss how, some think one way a rogue wave can develop is when a fast moving wave "hits" a "slow moving" body of water.  He called it "running up the back" of a slow moving wave.   Max the Hummingbird just went zooming bye right now.             

     

SS EDMUND FITZGERALD                              THE "GREAT" LAKES     

 

            Daisy and Millie one time heard Mr. Steve talking with his father about Mark Ritter, who had told our boss about a huge Ship called the "SS Edmund Fitzgerald." In 1975 it sank in a big storm while sailing on "Lake Superior, one of those "Great Lakes."  I smell Arborvitae.               

          I'm actually scheduled to write about the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald tomorrow in my second book, but can mention it now.  This one Encyclopedia calls it a "Freighter," which  means it carried supplies to all of the different place.   Samson and Delilah flew bye.                      

          Mark Ritter told Mr. Steve they found the "wreck" of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald laying on the bottom of Lake Superior in two big pieces.  When it was being sailed around the Great Lakes it was over seven hundred feet long, or longer than two Football fields.  Libby whinnied.               

  

ROGUE WAVE                                                        BONES OF ROMEO

 

           I guess, a few years ago Mr. Dave played drums in a band called BONES OF ROMEO. Through that he met a guy who told him about this band from Northern California called Rogue Wave.   He called them "funny and sarcastic" Indie Alternative Rock, and also "Lo-Fi."               

          ROGUE WAVE are from up there in that city of "Oakland," which I've written about in these first two long books; mainly because Mr. Steve used to follow the "A's" Baseball team.   As I've said before, Mr. Mark's wife Kim was originally from Oakland.  Dawn's barking.                   

        The guy who knew about ROGUE WAVE told Mr. Dave "at times" their songs reminded him of being influenced by the KINKS.  So I know our boss and brother Rock would probably    likes those songs.  That guy also told Mr. Dave Oakland is now a "rough neighborhood."                     

"CHIPPEWA" INDIANS 

   PAINTING BY GEORGE CATLIN                                                                                                      PHOTO BY KATY KILDEE           

            Mentioning "Lake Superior," where the Edmund Fitzgerald sank because of that Rogue Wave; makes me think of "Chippewa" Indians.   For a few thousand years they lived in the areas near Lake Superior.  This one Encyclopedia says Chippewa's are also called "Ojibwe."                 

       It says here Chippewa Indians, "one of the largest tribes north of Mexico; roamed the forests" of what is now the two States of Wisconsin, Minnesota and part of Ontario, Canada.  I    guess, they had no "Chief," but a "hereditary leader."  Andy's sniffing the air.                                

           Sharing the forests with the Chippewa were the "Sauk," "Fox" and "Winnebago" tribes.  Over to the west, where the thick forests ended and the plains started; were "Cree," and those      "Dakota" Indians I've mentioned a few times.  I can smell the new baby Cholla cactus.                  

 

MISS SANDY

          Daisy heard Mr. Steve talking with his mom about Miss Sandy.  Her family lived on "Chippewa" Street in Sylmar, and our boss talked about Chippewa Indians with Miss Sandy's    parents.  They all went over to walk all around the San Fernando Mission a few times.                   

            I guess, Mr. Dave read Chippewa "bands" usually had about three hundred people in them; and were those "Hunter-Gatherers" I've written about before.  He said what is says here,  how women carried "rolled up sheets of birchbark" for the houses.  I smell Sage.                           

            A few years ago Mr. Steve's mom met a fellow Girl Scout Leader who said she was part Chippewa Indian.  She showed her colorful artwork and clothes "Ojibwe" make, which was so    beautiful to our boss's mom.  She even was influenced by it in some of her painting.                            

                                              CHIPPEWA / OJIBWE "                                                                    

  

          In my Encyclopedia are two of those "Colorized" black and white photos painted in the way Mr. Steve used to do.   The caption below the man says his Chippewa or Ojibwe name was    "Arrow Maker."  Boy!  I really like the way the girl's hair is "braided" and "combed."                 

         Looking at the picture of the girl you can see why Mr. Dave said Chippewa women were "very pretty."  And, I can see by her clothes why our boss's mom would think their colors and      patterns were so good.  Samson and Delilah are now flying over Libby's Corral.                              

       Chippewa's "Followed the Seasons" in moving around looking for food.  The men killed Deer, Moose and Bears for meat, and materials to make things; always thanking and praying for the Animal's Spirit in dying so the Chippewa's could survive.  Heathcliff just crowed.                              

"WIGWAM"                                                          TEEPEE"

PAINTING BY PAUL KANE                                                                                                                                                         

        Living in forests as Hunter-Gatherers, the Chippewa's used temporary "Wigwam" type houses.  They were more round I guess, compared to the pointed "Teepees" people used out there on the open Plains to the west.  Blackbeard and Anne are flying over the three Sheds.                    

      Daisy says this kid Mr. Steve tutored told him a joke about a guy who went to see one of those  "Psychiatrists."  He said, "Dr., on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays I feel like Wigwam, on Tuesdays and Thursday I feel like a Teepee."  The Dr. said, "You're just two tents."                  

         It says here Chippewa call themselves "Anishinabe" or "First Men."  Others called then Ojibwe, which means "Roasted;" for one of the things they did to make their moccasin shoes.  To Europeans Ojibwe sort of sounded like Chippewa so that's what they called them I guess.                      

FRENCH BARTER WITH INDIANS 

       PAINTING BY CHARLES WILLIAM JEFFERYS       

           Daisy and Millie one time heard Mr. Dave talking about one of his old Motorcycle Shop customers in Wisconsin, who was Chippewa.  He knew a lot about history I guess, talking with      Mr. Dave about it.  Our boss has told Mr. Dave about the name of Miss Sandy's street.                   

           Mr. Dave's customer said the Chippewa's "first contact" with Europeans was in the 17th century.  They were French "Traders" from what is now the Canadian Province of Quebec, who really wanted Animal furs.  All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.                   

           Back in the 1600's the French Fur Trappers traded things made out of metal for the furs, but what the Chippewa's really wanted was their "Guns;" which amazed them.  Mr. Dave's old    customer said that "allowed them to defeat their enemies."  I can smell Andy over there.                                                        "PLAINS" INDIAN WARRIORS          

PAINTING BY BOB CORONATO                                                                                                                                                                                   

  

          I guess, with the huge advantage of guns and metal tomahawks, the Chippewa "drove" tribes like the "Dakota" and "Fox" out of the forests and onto the Great Plains to the west.  All    they had was stone weapons so it was "No Contest" as they say.  Heathcliff just crowed.                

          Mr. Dave's Motorcycle Shop customer told him, "luckily for the Dakota and Fox;" it was about the time when they were "chased out of the forests" that Horses from the south "showed    up."  They adapted, becoming those "Horse Cultures" I've written about.  I smell Sage.                

        Chippewa's were "always good warriors" Mr. Dave's customer said, and with guns they "fought off" the "Iroquois," who tried to invade their forests from the east.  But, in the late 18th  century; the post Revolutionary war U.S. was expanding westward.   Sage smells good.                        

MID-AFTERNOON SKY                                                MR. DAVE              

   

           My Encyclopedia says what Mr. Dave's customer told him, after the Revolutionary War the British "didn't want to leave" the Great Lakes areas.  So they secretly helped the Indians to "resist" the American's coming from the east.  A Train whistled faintly over to my left.                 

          I guess, Mr. Dave's Chippewa customer said, "In the late 18th century the white people "wanted our land and took it by force."  He told Mr. Dave, "At first united with other tribes, we  beat the Americans; but they eventually won the war."  Cleo and Leo are flying bye.                      

           The main U.S. General who beat the Chippewa's was "Mad" Anthony Wayne, who fought in the Revolutionary War.  Like his friend George Washington, he was a Founding Father of the  country.  The scent of that clump of Joshua trees behind Andy just floated in to me.                                         

"MAD" ANTHONY WAYNE (1745-1796)

PAINTING BY THOMAS PAULEY

            My Encyclopedia says that guy Anthony Wayne was from the State of "Pennsylvania," and did well leading troops during the American Revolution.  I love the nice hat he's wearing in  the painting of him, and those shoulder epaulette's look impressive too. I smell Juniper.                 

             It says here how, besides actual combat; another way General Wayne was able to defeat the Chippewa's was by that "Scorched Earth" method.  That means he burned their villages and crops as President George Washington told him to do.  Daffy's quacking over there.                       

           During the Revolutionary War the Chippewa's fought on the side of the British, so that was bad for them when the war ended I guess.  Mr. Dave's Motorcycle Shop customer told him    what it says here.  In 1815 the Chippewa's "surrendered" and went to a "Reservation."                                                                               

"SHAWNEE" CHIEF "TECUMSEH (1768-1813)

PAINTING BY BENSON LOSSING

             I've mentioned that guy Chief Tecumseh a few times over the last two days, and how he said to appreciate each day as a spiritual gift from You up there God.  I notice in that painting of him he's wearing a red British uniform, and has a nose ring.  Frida and Diego flew bye.                

           Daisy and Millie one time heard our boss and Mr. Dave talk about how Chief Tecumseh said, if you "live everyday well;" it's easier to "die bravely" when your time comes.  Mr. Dave's    customer said today there are about thirty thousand Chippewa's.  I smell Andy.                              

         Chief Tecumseh had that idea of all the different Native tribes being "Allies," instead of fighting each other.  He thought it was their only chance in fighting the Americans who wanted to take their land but, he himself was later killed in the War of 1812.  Heathcliff crowed.                    

   

AFRICA                                     MR. MARK

     

           I've mentioned a few times in these first two books how Mr. Mark over in Hawaii thinks, all of the African countries should "form a union."  It could be like the way many of the nations  in Europe have done.  I can hear Heathcliff's Hens over there, clucking happily it sounds like.      

          Mr. Mark, being from Wisconsin; has heard about the indigenous Chippewa groups.  Mr. Steve told him about this "Bald Eagle" named "Old Abe" who, during the American Civil War;  was the "8th Wisconsin" infantry regiment's "Mascot."  A Train just whistled faintly.                   

          Old Abe was bought for $2.50 in 1861, when a Chippewa Indian sold him to the regiment.  I guess, over the next three years he went with the regiment to many battles, such as the "Battle  of Vicksburg" for example.  A few times he came pretty close to being shot Daisy heard.                                                            "BALD" EAGLE                                                      "OLD ABE"          

     

          When Mr. Steve visited "Atlanta" that time, he saw the giant circular painting of the 1864 Civil War battle around the city.  Even though Old Abe the Eagle wasn't really there, he's shown in that huge round painting.  I've mentioned how Mr. Mark's daughter lives in Atlanta.                 

        My Encyclopedia says, after the Civil War Old Abe was taken to Wisconsin and "treated like a hero;" dying in 1881.  Daisy heard, the Confederate Rebel Soldiers hadn't liked him; and    even called him that "damn Yankee buzzard."  The big Dragonfly just zoomed bye.                       

        Oh!  During World War II Old Abe was the "symbol" of that "101st Airborne" Paratroop Division.  I wrote how the "Screaming Eagles" were an important part of 1944's "D-Day," or      "Normandy" invasion.  That Guitarist Jimi Hendrix was in the 101st for a while I guess.                       

PRE-D-DAY             101ST AIRBORNE"             POST D-DAY

COLORIZED BY WOLFGANG WOLNY                                                                                     COLORIZED BY TOM THOUNAOJAM

  

          Two "Colorized" black and white photos show members of the 101st Division before and after D-Day.  The caption says "most" of the men shown being talked to by General Eisenhower were either "killed or wounded."  Boy!  I really like their logo showing Old Abe's head.            

         Mr. Steve and Mr. Dave have talked before about the North American "Mound Builder" indigenous cultures, who built dirt mounds in areas of their villages.  Those "elevated" hills were made in many shapes Daisy heard.  Blackbeard and Anne are flying to the east.                              

       This Encyclopedia says, Native people in North America began "erecting" mounds about three thousand years ago; in what are now the States of "Ohio" and "Kentucky."  At first they    were small graves with the person's valuable things inside.  I smell he baby Cholla cactus.             

  

"MOUND BUILDER" SOCIETIES 

    (SOUTHERN REGION / c.6500 A.D.)

   

          Wow!  "Bird's Eye" view paintings show Mound Builder villages, and how there were a few buildings on top of the mounds.  By then, mounds were bigger and had important buildings  on top of them.   Mr. Steve's dad's friend Mr. Ivan has read about Mound Builders society's.        

         My Encyclopedia says, about thirteen hundred years ago or 7th century A.D.; people in what is now southern States like "Mississippi" and "Louisiana" began building a "new type" of  "platform" mound.  It was flat on top and had sloped sides.   A Train whistled faintly.                    

         To me the newer type of mounds kind of look like primitive versions of those old ancient Mesopotamian "Ziggurats," or the 16th century Aztec temples in their city of "Tenochtitlan."      Daisy and I heard Mr. Ivan say "not much is known about Mound builder's religions.                          

ST. LOUIS                                                             MR. IVAN

      

            I remember that time last August when Mr. Steve's parents and Mr. Ivan drove up here to visit us.  As he watered the Mulberry trees our boss told them about his trip to "St. Louis," when he went to the top of that "Gateway Arch."  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies up there.                

          Mr. Steve said it was a "foggy" day in St. Louis so he was "disappointed" in not being able to see the "Missouri River" to the north.  But, he could see mounds built by "Cahokia" Indians  across the "Mississippi River;" to the southeast.   All four of the Pigeons just flew bye.                   

     This one Encyclopedia says Cahokia society, in the 10th century; built "Monk's Mound."  Wow!  It's the "largest pre-Columbian earthwork in all of the Americas," the biggest north of      Mesoamerica.  Boy!  The base is bigger than the "Great Pyramid" over there in Egypt.                      

  "SERPENT" MOUND                                       "MONK'S" MOUND    

(OHIO)                                                                                                        (ILLINOIS)   

                                                        PHOTO BY MICHAEL JONES                                                                                                 PHOTO BY TERRY ANDERSOSN                                                             

  

            An "Arial" photograph shows Monk's Mound, another one a long mound made in the shape of a Snake.  Mr. Dave told our boss he's thought of how all of the giant temples in history    were built by "forgotten individuals."  But "at least their work survives" Mr. Steve says.              

             Mr. Bob, our boss's customer in "Missouri" who went to "Antelope Valley" High School like Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart; has read about the Cahokia culture.  As I've said a few times, Mr. Dave also knows about "Indigenous" society's.  A Train whistled faintly.                        

            It says here in the 11the century A.D., Cahokia had over twenty thousand people living there; "larger" than the city of "London" at the time.  I guess, Cahokia was "abandoned" in the 1300's; for "unknown reasons."  That's also what Mr. Ivan told our boss that morning.                 

                         

PIGEONS ON PATIO ROOF

                                                                                     

              Oh!  I just now noticed the shadows of two Pigeons walking around above me up there on the Patio roof.  They must've flown in from behind me, or the west; the direction the Sun is      now shining from.  I can smell the new baby Cholla cactus growing over there in the dirt.              

            Hearing the Pigeons cooing is giving me a good feeling right now, making me feel like I can't wait to finish this eighth chapter; or Part Two.  Then I can take a big break and go up front to visit with Daisy.  I'll bet right now she's resting below Mr. Steve's office window.                         

          Tomorrow's Saturday so, I wonder if we'll go in the living room to watch cartoons; as on some Saturday's we don't.   Daisy of course loves to see "Underdog," and we both like that smart Bear named "Yogi."  Of course Mr. Peabody and Sherman have such a great tv show too.             

                     

     UNDERDOG / POLLY PUREBRED                                        YOGI BEAR                                                                                              

                  As I've mentioned a few times in these first two books, Daisy's favorite cartoon is about  Underdog; who she thinks is so handsome in his red uniform.  That funny Bear Yogi has to be the most clever Bear in history in how he steals baskets filled with food.  A Train whistled.  

           Dais is so right in saying, if you go by the definition of an underdog, a flying Dog wouldn't qualify.  Underdog is not at a "disadvantage," and in fact has the "advantage of being able to fly is huge she thinks.  Rudy the Roadrunner, with Andy watching him; just ran bye.  

          Daisy likes the way Underdog always helps others, and I can tell she's kind of jealous and envious of his girlfriend "Polly Purebred."  He takes care of her in watching out for her safety if she gets in any trouble.  I can smell Blinky over there standing next to Dawn and Rosie.

    

                                    MR. STEVE'S FAMILY                (MID-1980'S)            LADY CÓRDOVA / MR. STEVE

PHOTOS BY ARMANDOAGUIRRE

            Well, according this book two outline; I'll write about Mr. Steve's family.   I just thought of that Dog "Lady" who lived to be nineteen years old, and was a part of our boss's family too.  I really do want to be just like Lady, in being such a loyal Dog; and good friend to Mr. Steve.  

            I've mentioned before how, when they were growing up down there in Sylmar; our boss and his brothers played Baseball.  Mr. Steve says Rock and Sam were "better" than he was, but he's the only still doing it.  There's a slowly extending vapor trail up in the high sky.

           Mr. Steve still plays "Slow Pitch" Softball and, as the best "Fielder" on the team; always plays "Shortstop" because most Hitters are right-handed.  He told Mr. Mike that morning how it's a "tame" and "informal" version of Baseball.  No one slides, dives or "goes all out."

      

      DICK JACKSON /COUNCILMAN BERNARDI                   S.I.B.L. 

PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA       

   

                   I just thought about that "Sylmar Independent Baseball League," where for years Mr. Steve and his brothers played Little League while growing up down there in Sylmar.  He and his brother Rock have reminisced about that man Mr. Jackson over the years.  I smell Sage.

              Mr. Steve and his dad have talked about Ernani Bernardi, who for a long time was an influential Politician in Los Angeles.  Back in the early 1990's he and our boss's father worked on relocating S.I.B.L.'s fields to it's current location.  Fred, Ed and Ted are flying bye.

            As I said in book one, "Mission College's" permanent campus is now located on the land S.I.B.L. used to occupy.  I guess, Mr. Ernani worked with Mr. Steve's dad to get "Olive View" Hospital rebuilt after the 1971 earthquake.   Both got the Hang Gliders their landing are.  

                                                                            

MR. STEVE'S BROTHER SAM

(SYLMAR HIGH "SPARTANS" / 1980'S)  

      

              Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his brother Sam one time talk about the really good Sylmar High Baseball teams Sam played on.  One time they lost to "Granada Hills," coming within one game of the Los Angeles City Championship at Dodger Stadium.  I smell some Juniper. 

              The city of Granada Hills, like Sylmar; is in the San Fernando Valley.  I guess, it's kind of near Northridge where, as I've mentioned a few times in these first two books; Mr. Steve and other members of his family have gone to College at C.S.U.  Heathcliff just crowed.  

             For about ten years Mr. Steve's Niece Stephanie, her boyfriend Rich and their daughter Cristina lived in Granada Hills.  Our boss and his family have known a few people who lived in Granada Hills.   A small flock of what look like Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.

                                   

                            "SPARTANS"                                                "HIGHLANDERS"                   

                         PAINTING BY PETER CONNOLLY                                                                                           PAINTING BY DANIEL MORGAN

                 

              Sylmar and Granada Hills are "Public" High Schools.  Sylmar's sports teams use navy blue as the primary color, and are named for ancient Greece's "Spartans."  Granada Hills teams are the "Highlanders," whose main color is green; with black and white as secondary colors. 

             Daisy and Millie one time heard Mr. Steve and his brother Sam talk about how Sylmar High's secondary colors are sky blue, black and white.  Goliath the Gopher Snake came in from the back desert by using the right vertical gate slot.  Andy just picked up his scent.  

             My English Dictionary says a Highlander can be any person from a certain "geographic location" in Scotland, but can also refer to just the Scottish Warriors.  Daisy heard our boss and his brother Sam talk about Granada Hills High's logo being a "Bagpipe."  I smell Sage. 

  

                            "300 SPARTANS" (2006)                                     "BRAVEHEART" (1995) 

   

             Someday I'll get over my fear of being trapped in an enclosed area.  So I'll see a lot more tv and hear a lot more music.  I hope to see that movie about those three hundred Spartans who, in 480 B.C.; willingly died in defending that narrow at Thermopylae against the Persians. 

             Daisy told me about another really good movie called "Braveheart," where this one 12th century Scottish army fought off invading British forces trying to conquer their land.  I guess it shows a battle where English Soldiers charge on Horses.  I can smell Libby over there.

             In the movie Braveheart those poor British Horses have to charge right into this wall of Scottish men holding out long spears.  So the Horses get stabbed and "Impaled" on those sharp wooden shafts.  The sunlight coming from behind me, in the west; is bright right now.  

                                          WILLIAM WALLACE (c.1270-1305)                               BRAVEHEART                                                              

       The movie Braveheart is mainly about that man William Wallace, who was the leader of Scotland's late 13th century war of independence against England.  Daisy told me in the movie    he want revenge for the British killing his wife.  Mr. Steve revenge is important in history.             

          I notice in my Encyclopedia how William Wallace only lived to be thirty five years old and, even though he beat the British armies at first; he was "eventually captured" and taken back to England.  Libby whinnied.  Boy!  Her unique scent is making me good right now.                           

        Daisy told me what it says here, how that guy William Wallace was "brutally executed" by being "Drawn and Quartered."  That means his arms and legs were "ripped" out of the sockets  by Horses pulling in four different directions.  Ugh!  That would be such a painful thing.               

   

                                                 GENESIS                                                        SCOTS GUARDS   

   

              My favorite musical instrument is still flute; like in GENESIS'S song "Musical Box" or CANNED HEAT'S "Going up the Country."  But I like the sound of a bagpipe too, like in that JETHRO TULL song "The Third Hoorah."  Samson and Delilah are flying bye up there.

            I remember the morning when Mr. Ivan and my boss's parents visited us.  Mr. Steve told them about that time he and his friend Paul from St. Ferdinand's went to the Forum and saw the "Scots Guards" marching band.  A small breeze is now making the chimes ring.

           As he watered the Mulberry trees our boss told his parents and Mr. Ivan how those Scots Guards, who had bagpipes and drums; were "very impressive."  Their "discipline" in "precise marching patterns" made "a big impression" on Paul.  Heathcliff crowed over there. 

                                   

                                                                   BIG COUNTRY

               

            I'm scheduled to write about a 1980's Scottish band BIG COUNTRY tomorrow but I feel like mentioning them now too.  Daisy says their guitars can sound like a bagpipe or fiddle from the Scottish Highlands.  Mr. Steve was told that KORN'S Singer plays the bagpipe.

           Mr. Steve told his parents and Mr. Ivan about BIG COUNTRY, and how their Guitarist created bagpipe and fiddle tones. Dais told me that time how some of BIG COUNTRY'S songs are those "Anthems" I've written about.  But, too bad I guess the guitar player died.

          One time our boss and Mr. Dave talked about this BIG COUNTRY song called "In a Big Country," which Daisy says Mr. Dave described as being "epic."  According to Daisy told me the guitar really sounds like bagpipes on that song.  A little Lizard ran bye out in the dirt. 

       

AC/DC /BON SCOTT (1946-1980)

      

           Daisy one time heard our boss and Mr. Phillip talk about AC/DC'S first Singer Bon Scott, who was born on Mr. Steve's birthday and died on Miss Harriet's birthday.  Dais heard him tell    that to Mr. Dave.  There's a really good statue of Bon Scott down there in Australia.  Wow!         

          I guess, Bon Scott's statue shows him holding bagpipes because he played them on one of AC/DC'S songs.  Our boss and Mr. Dave have both played drums along to that song from what    Daisy heard.  A long line of Ants is going bye down there near Miss Emily's old couch.                   

         Just like those brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, AC/DC'S two Guitarists; Bon Scott's family also moved from Scotland to Australia because his family was so poor and needed to make money.  Dais heard the BEE GEES family did that too.  Libby just whinnied over there.   

   

THE PROCLAIMERS                                            THE "TWINS"     

                                 (CRAIG / CHARLIE REID)                                                            (EASTERN DESERT)                                     

     

          Oh!  Smelling the Twin Joshua trees reminds me how yesterday I forgot to mention two Scottish twin brothers and their band the PROCLAIMERS.  One of  Mr. Dave's old Motorcycle  Shop customers is a big fan of theirs.  Daisy told me Mr. Phillip also likes them a lot too.               

            According to what Dais heard, one of the brothers in the PROCLAIMERS plays acoustic guitar, and both sing.  In the late 1980's they did a good song about a guy liking a girl so much he would be willing to walk five hundred miles to be with her.  Cleo and Leo flew bye.                         

         Daisy says Mr. Phillip called the PROCLAIMERS "Celtic Folk Rock," and Mr. Dave's     customer joked their singing harmonies is like a "modern Everly Brothers."  He once told Mr.    Dave they're from the city of "Edinburgh."   They "remind me of the KINKS" he said.                                                                                       DOUG KERSHAW                                  CELINA CÓRDOVA(1962-2004)                                                                                                                                                                                                   

             Daisy thinks I'd really like the sound of a violin, or as some like that guy Doug Kershaw call it; a "Fiddle."  Mr. Steve, and his sister Celina who died; felt happy hearing fiddle in "Blue Grass" music.  They both enjoyed Doug Kershaw's good song "Battle of New Orleans."

             Boy! Dais is right in telling me how it's ridiculous I've been living here for a year now yet I'm still afraid to go all the way down the hallway.  She says I could write so much of my books from my own personal knowledge instead of relying on her memory.  I have to agree.

             I do want to hear music with violin or fiddle in it alright.  Dais told me how many people get that happy and uplifting feeling of Rhêma when hearing violin or fiddle.  One time our boss heard this lady describe Italian Violinist Niccolò Paganini's violin playing as "thrilling."

                                                                                                                                                                             NICCOLÒ PAGANINI (1782-1840)                                            

          In the late 1970's, when he going to College at C.S.U.N.; Mr. Steve's Music Teacher told him all about that guy "Paganini."  She thought he "must've been" the best Violinist in history,    saying his ability was "superhuman."  The four Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.                 

       Daisy says the Music Teacher said some thought, to have been "so talented and skilled;" Paganini "must have" made a "Pact with the Devil."  He "didn't discourage" that idea, dressing in black and going around in a black Carriage with black Horses.  Heathcliff crowed.                    

         Miss Sandy's mom, a Nurse; read Paganini had "Marfan Syndrome" so was tall and had long and skinny fingers and toes.  It "allowed" him to do things on the violin that others weren't  "physically capable" of doing.  He could play three octaves of notes on four violin strings.                                   

YNGWIE MALMSTEEN

PHOTO BY ROBERT CAVUOTO

         Daisy and Millie watched this tv show about that one Guitarist from "Sweden" Yngwie Malmsteen, who really admired Paganini's "pure technical ability."  As a kid, he spent so many    hours trying to copy on guitar his violin songs exactly; "Note for Note."  I smell Mesquite.            

         Mr. Dave told our boss about a Video he saw of "Yngwie" playing Paganini's "4th violin concerto" on guitar, and said you can really tell how "talented" he is.  Dais told me he used the    words "harmony" and "melody" describe Yngwie's playing.  Cleo and Leo flew bye.                   

          Back in the 1980's Mr. Randy saw that band Yngwie was in called ALCATRAZ.  When he left ALCATRAZ this guy named Steve Vai, who used to live in Sylmar; replaced him.   At the far end of the Patio over there to my left I can see my good collection of things to chew on.                              

       STEVE VAI                                                        MR. MARK   

           I'm so tempted to write about Steve Vai now, but I'd better just wait and do it tomorrow the way Daisy and I planned on the three outlines.  Mr. Mark has a white "Ibanez" guitar, with a handle on the body; just like the one Steve Vai plays.  Some of the Ducks are quacking.                  

           Paganini "went along with" the idea of he "Selling his Soul" to the Devil for being able to play the violin better.  In 1828, when his teeth fell out; he looked even more "Deathly" when he    played in all black up there on stage.   Dais says chew lightly to preserve my teeth.                         

         Miss Sandy's mom told Mr. Steve how Marfan Syndrome disease is a "genetic disorder" of the body's "connected tissue."  Paganini had an unusual appearance with almost no muscles on    his bones I guess.   A flock of Birds is flying to the north way up there in the high sky.                    

                                                      FLOCK OF BIRDS                                             YNGWIE MALMSTEEN                                                                                                                                                                           PHOTO BY ETHAN MILLER

    

         Thank You God for how good I feel right now in seeing the flock of Birds going bye from way down here on Elvira.  Again today writing my books is going so good, but I have to stay on    schedule in writing one chapter for each of the twelve hours of sunlight.  Libby neighed.               

            Back in the late 1970's Mr. Steve heard his College Music Teacher use the words "elation" and "euphoria" to describe how many people felt in hearing Niccolò Paganini play violin.  So he told her about what he and his mom thought about "Rhêma."  Dawn's barking.                             

          One time Daisy and Millie heard our boss talking with his brother Sam over in Littlerock, who's seen him play; about that guy Yngwie.  Mr. Steve's brother called him "fast" and "fluid." Yngwie's Classical Rock is heavily influenced by that guy Bach and also Ritchie Blackmore.         

  

        ROBERT JOHNSON (1911-1938)                        MR. RICH (DRAGPIPE)             

     

         Daisy says our boss told Mr. Rich about that 1930's Blues Musician Robert Johnson, who supposedly sold his Soul to the Devil in exchange for his ability to play music.  Being from that      State of "Mississippi," he lived during the Great Depression and died poor.  I smell Sage.              

        My Encyclopedia says Robert Johnson made his deal with the Devil at the "Crossroads," believed to be a "location between words;" or "where two realms touched."  It's a place where    "supernatural spirits can be contacted."  Samson and Delilah are now flying bye.                           

       Oh!  Robert Johnson's "recording career" lasted only seven months, so his "Delta" Blues records "never appreciated during his lifetime."  He died at age twenty seven "in poverty," so in that way was just like Vivaldi and Mozart.  Tomorrow I'll write about that "27 Club."                              

              JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE (1749-1832)              

   

            Mr. Steve's Music Teacher said, living during the late 18th and early 19th centuries; that guy Paganini "had to know" about the German Writer "Goethe's" story "Faust."  In it a man    sells his Soul to the Devil in exchange for "wealth and power" in life.  Heathcliff crowed.              

           One time our boss told Mr. Dave how, over the years he's played songs by that band BIG COUNTRY for people; just to see their reaction.  Most of the time, when he tells them its not a      bagpipe playing but a guitar; they're surprised.  Fannie and Freddie are flying bye.                       

             I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve has at times also played for others, just to see their reaction; are some early QUEEN songs.  Brian May uses that red guitar he and his dad built to make unusual guitar tones.  At times his guitar is made to kind of sound like a keyboard.

                                       

                                                  E-BOW                                                            JIMMY PAGE

                        

                  Daisy says a few years ago Mr. Steve met a guy down at the Sylmar Library.  He said the Guitarist from BIG COUNTRY used this "Foot Pedal," and a "Device" called an "E-bow;" to make a bagpipe sound.  Oh!  Dawn and Blinky are both barking over there next door. 

            I guess, from what that man at the Library told our boss; in order to make a guitar sound like a bagpipe, you push down on the foot pedal while sliding the little plastic E-bow along the guitar strings.  LED ZEPPELIN'S Jimmy Page uses a violin "Bow."  I smell Sage.  

        That guy at the Library told Mr. Steve the company who makes the E-bow is here in Los Angeles.  You know, I wonder if a Dog could learn how to play the guitar?  It would probably be kind of hard without any fingers but, look how good I'm getting at using pens and pencils.                    

    2014 TOYOYA "HIGHLANDER"   

   

            Daisy one time heard our boss talking on the phone with Miss Susan who he taught to be a good Salesperson.  She sold some "Toyota" brand hats and asked what a Highlander was so he told her about Scotland.  I've mentioned how Toyota is one of those Japanese company's.              

        That Parts Manager told Miss Susan how the Highlander is "one of the first" Mid-Size Crossover Sports Utility Vehicles.  He said you can get it with either two or four wheels pushing    you forward or backward on the road.  Blackbeard and Anne flew over the Sheds.                         

       A German Toyota Parts Manager once told our boss in Japan, China and Australia the Highlander is called the "Kluger."  And my German Dictionary says "klug" means  "clever," a "Klüger" then being "someone smarter than most people."  A Train whistled faintly.                             

      (1980'S)                               AC /DC                                  (2009)       

     

             Mentioning Australia makes me think of that band AC/DC.  I can't wait to someday hear more of their songs, like the one about that girl named "Rosie;" who Rosie next door is named      after.  Daisy saw a good concert with a huge crowd they did back in 2009 in South America.          

            Daisy and Millie were amazed at how good AC/DC played in 2009, one reason being that they're now old.  Dais noticed, not only was the audience giant in size; most of the people looked  young in age.  I can smell Bravo Company out there in the desert behind the Sheds.                       

           I guess Mr. Steve's brother Sam likes AC/DC, even wearing one of their t-shirts sometimes when he does his job cleaning pools.  Our boss has a collection of t-shirts from different bands,    but he never wears any of them.  A small flock of Birds is now flying over Libby's Corral.                    

GERMAN "POCKET" BATTLESHIP "ADMIRAL GRAF SPEE"

                                                                                                                                                                       PAINTING BY DONOVAN MCBRIDE

            I guess, the 2009 AC/DC concert was at a place called "River Plate," down there on the east coast of that country "Argentina."  There's a Harbor or "Estuary" there, and according to    my Encyclopedia; World War II's "first major naval action" happened there.  I smell Sage.          

          As I've said before, the Second World War broke out back in September of 1939; when Germany and the Soviet Union attacked Poland.  Just before that the German Battleship "Graf  Spee" had "gotten out of" Europe to be ready.  A Lizard is doing pushups on the wall.                  

            Mr. Steve thinks the Graf Spee already being out in the Oceans, in position to sink Allied Ships as soon as they "Got the Word; seems proof of Germany's guilt.  It says here, during the      final months of 1939; the Graf Spee sank nine Allied "Merchant" Ships.  Sage smells good.           

  

ROUTE OF "GRAF SPEE" (SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 1939)

           A good map shows where that Battleship Graf Spee went in the last three months of 1939, right after the Second World War began.  I guess they sank a few Ships in the Atlantic Ocean but then went around the bottom of Africa to get on the other side of Africa.  Libby neighed.               

           I've mentioned before, since Queen Victoria's time in the 19th century; the British had the most powerful Navy in the world.  And in 1939 it was still very strong so, they sent out their own warships to hunt down the Graf Spee.  Cleo and Leo are flying over Libby's Corral.                      

        The map shows how, on December the 13th in 1939; three British "Cruisers" caught up with the Graf Spee.  They had an artillery battle and both sides "sustained damage."  Then, the  Graf Spee retreated west toward South America; hiding in the River Plate's Estuary.                                                    WORLD WAR II BATTLESHIPS                      "BATTLE OF RIVER PLATE"      

 

          I guess, after that Naval "engagement" the Graf Spee was damaged, but was able to make it over to the River Plate.  The British Cruisers "Achilles," "Ajax" and "Exeter" chased it to the west, and ending up trapping the German Battleship in in the Harbor.  I smell Arborvitae.           

         The Graf Spee's Captain asked Argentina's government for permission to stay in the River Plates' Harbor but they said no.  Daisy saw a tv documentary that said the British also "tricked" the Captain into thinking they were stronger than they were.   Dawn's barking.                              

       My Encyclopedia says the Graf Spee first "went into operation" in 1934, then doing some "patrols" during that Spanish Civil War I've mentioned a few times over the last two days.  Two orange boy Finches are fighting over there on the Mulberry tree.  A little Lizard ran bye.              

      

  ADMIRAL MAXIMILIAN VON SPEE (1861-1914)

             According to what it says in this Encyclopedia, that German Battleship was named after a "Danish" man named Maximilian von Spee.  He was one of those "Admirals" in the German    Navy in World War I.  The Twin Joshua tree's scent just floated into both of my nostrils.               

          It says here in 1914 that guy Admiral Spee "died fighting" near the "Falkland" islands, which I guess is kind of near to the River Plate.  In the early 1980's that British lady Margaret      Thatcher, who I'm named after; beat Argentina in the "Falklands War."  I smell Sage.                  

         My Encyclopedia says here how, in 1914; Admiral Spee "went down" with his Battleship the "Scharnhorst."  Oh wow!  Two of his sons were also killed in 1914, which was the first year    of World War I.  I've mentioned how there weren't many Naval battles in that huge war.                                                                

  WRECKAGE OF "GRAF SPEE"   

   

            That tv documentary Daisy saw talked about what it says here in this Encyclopedia too. The Graf Spee's Captain knew, because his Battleship was so damaged; he couldn't beat those      three British Cruisers waiting for him near the mouth of the Harbor.  Heathcliff crowed.               

            Just sitting, or "lurking" out in the Atlantic Ocean waiting for the Graf Spee to come out and fight; they were surprised when the Graf Spee's Captain decided to surrender.   But, before  he did he "Scuttled" or sank his Battleship; later committing suicide.  I smell Mesquite.                

           Dais and Millie one time heard Mr. Steve and his dad talk about a movie called "Pursuit of the Graf Spee."  I guess it came out in 1956, so Mr. Steve was one year old; and his brother      Rock would be born the next year.  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; flew bye.                                      

                      U.S.S. "LEXINGTON"                                     LEXINGTON SCUTTLED                                (AIRCRAFT CARRIER)                                             (BATTLE OF THE CORAL SEA / MAY 1942)

          

          I just thought about how back in May of 1942, after the "Battle of the Coral Sea;" Miss Sandy's father had to "Abandon Ship" when the U.S.S. "Lexington was scuttled.  That picture    shows the Sailors climbing down nets but he had to jump into the water.  Dawn's barking.            

        As I've said before, the Battle of the Coral Sea happened five months after the Japanese surprise attacked us at "Pearl Harbor."  It was the first time a Naval battle was not an artillery    dual but Planes from Aircraft Carriers like the "Lady Lex."  I smell Blinky and Rosie.                  

      Miss Sandy's father, being a "Gunner" trying to shoot down all of those Japanese Planes attacking the U.S.S. Lexington; lost much of his hearing after the Battle of the Coral Sea.  He at  times had bad dreams hearing bullets ricocheting off of metal around him.  I smell Creosote.        

                          

          MR. STEVE'S DAD                                       105 MM "HOWITZER"          

          One time Mr. Steve and his dad talked about how Miss Sandy's father almost went deaf.  Even though during the Korean War our boss's father was not next to artillery, he still also lost    some of his hearing too.  Ah!  Cher is under Moe the middle Shed, looking at me over here.           

          As I've mentioned a few times in these first two books, during the Korean War Mr. Steve's dad's main job was "Fire Direction."  He looked through binoculars, then told the guys firing the artillery where to shoot the cannons.  The four Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.                   

        Cher's gone and probably went further back underneath Moe to rest.  She also hopes that something she can eat who's not from around here might go under Moe not realizing until it's too late she's even there.   A Train whistled faintly out there in the northern desert to my left.              

           

       JACK THE JACKRABBIT

            

          Aha!  I knew I was being watched, and I just now glanced up and see Jack standing out in the desert on the other side of the fence.  It's so unusual to see him being so still and not running around.  Yup!  There he goes running off, leaving a little bit of dust lingering in the air.                 

       Boy!  The early afternoon sunlight, and warmer than usual weather; is making me feel so good to be alive and sitting here on you Elvira.  Thank you for being such a good couch and our  friend.  And thank you guys too Barry, Robin and Maurice for being good blankets.                       

      I just thought of how, in that cartoon about Speedy Gonzalez the Mouse; he always yells out  "Ariba" and "Andale."   And, according to my Spanish Dictionary that would mean "Up" and    "Hurry Up."  Andy's over there sniffing the air in guarding he and Helen's burrow.                                                                   

JACK LEAPING THROUGH THE AIR 

PHOTO BY B. KATZUNG

         

          Oh!  I just looked up in time to see Jack springing through the air and almost seeming to fly out there behind Manny, Moe and Jack.  Right now seeing him is for some reason making me feel good.  Blackbeard and Anne are flying over Libby's Corral and moving to the east.                 

          Well, it looks like now I have to go back to writing about Mr. Steve's brother Sam playing Baseball at Sylmar High.  In 1978 one time he and his teammates played a game over at C.S.U.N. against Granada Hills.  I can smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies sleeping up there.                            

          I guess, in that game at C.S.U.N. against Granada Hills; the winner would then go play at "Dodger Stadium" for the "City Championship."  But, unfortunately for Sylmar; they lost by      one run in what our boss called a "close and evenly matched" game.  Heathcliff crowed.               

                                                 IN HIGH SCHOOL        JOHN ELWAY          AS A PROFESSIONAL 

   

            One time, as Mr. Mike helped our boss load Rex with things to take over to the dump; they talked about this guy named John Elway.  Mr. Steve said he thinks John Elway was "one of the best" Athletes ever to come from California.  A little Sparrow carrying a twig ran bye.            

             Many people know John Elway ended up becoming a "Hall of Fame" Quarterback as a professional Football player for the Denver "Broncos."  But in High School he was also a good      Baseball player.  He was on that team Sylmar High lost to at C.S.U.N.   I smell Mesquite.               

           As I've mentioned before, our boss went to 9th and 10th Grades at "Alemany" Catholic school; but then graduated from Sylmar High in 1973.  His brother Sam, and sisters Celina and Susan; all went to and graduated from Sylmar High.  A Train whistled faintly to my left.                                             

                                                                JOHN ELWAY (GRANADA HILLS HIGH)

                  

                  My boss told Mr. Mike, back in High School as a Quarterback John Elway was "not just a good passer" with a really strong arm; he could also run pretty fast too.  As a professional he had some knee injuries so couldn't run fast anymore.  But he still made the Hall of Fame.

            Some thought John Elway could've been a good professional Baseball player too, but he decided to concentrate on Football when he went to College at "Stanford University."  That's what Mr. Steve read and he thinks that's "probably true."  Heathcliff just crowed. 

           As I've mentioned, even though Daisy is old now she's still strong; Mr. Mike jokingly one time "a load" and could play Football.  I wrote about the time she accidentally knocked over our boss when he really sprained his wrist.  I could be a good Running Back Mr. Mike said.

           

       JOHN ELWAYS FAMILY                             SAM AND YOLANDA'S FAMILY   

                             

            Daisy heard our boss talking to Miss Babette, who told him she once met John Elway's  older sister at her parents Farmer's Market in Mission Hills.  She didn't know who John Elway was at the time.  Mr. Steve told her about his brother Sam playing against him that time.

            A few years ago our boss did some artwork for a guy from the State of "Montana," who said he met John Elway's father; who was his son's High School Football Coach.  I guess, John Elway's dad was later C.S.U.N.'s Coach.  The orange Monarch Butterfly flew bye.

          The man from Montana told Mr. Steve John Elway's family moved to Los Angeles back in 1976, which is why John Elway went to Granada Hills High School.  I've mentioned before how our boss was going to C.S.U.N. in the late 1970's.  He was still with Miss Sandy then.

                 

  "MOTOCROSS" RIDER

                         

                Out there in the back desert someone on a Motorcycle went zooming bye on Primavera Road, and I could hear them coming from far away.  Today's Friday, and it's almost two in the afternoon; so maybe a kid got off of school early.  I can smell Alpha Company right now. 

             I mentioned yesterday how there's a young girl who also rides her Motorcycle out in the desert with her two brothers sometimes.  Dais and Millie heard our boss tell Mr. Randy they all practice "Motocross."  A flock of Birds is flying over Libby's Corral right now.

            Mr. Steve's Nephew Mathew, when he was a teenager; used to do "BMX" Bicycle racing.  Daisy told me that's like Motocross racing but only on peddle bikes.  The dust left behind from that kid's Motorcycle is rising in the air.  Donald and Daisy the Ducks are quacking.

CALIFORNIA HIGH DESERT

PHOTO BY TONE HELENA TORGERSEN

            Daisy says Mr. Steve and Miss Helena talked about using one photo to make a "Panel" of a single image.  Mr. Steve has done that technique, or at other times taking a "series" of pictures  panning from left to right; then fitting them together later.  I can smell Andy over there.               

            A few years ago our boss met this lady who was a neighbor of John Elway's family when they lived in the San Fernando Valley.  She told him how John Elway had a "twin sister," but she "died young."  Mr. Steve's sister Celina, Samantha's mother; also died young too. 

            A Train whistled faintly out there in the northern desert to my left, and for some reason that makes me feel good.  Rudy is walking bye but knows again today I won't chase him.  So far I've been able to keep to my schedule of doing one chapter for each hour of sunlight. 

          

            JOHN ELWAY                                 HOMER LEA (1876-1912)      

              ("STANFORD" / "SPORTS ILLUSTRATED" / 1982)              IN CHINA / EARLY 20TH CENTURY)                                                

                

              I guess, after graduating from High School John Elway went to College up in Northern California at "Stanford" University.  That's where that little hunchback Homer Lea also went.  In the future I hope to read his books on military history.  A little Lizard went running bye.   

             Daisy and I, and Miggie too; heard our boss talking to Mr. Grant about Stanford, and John Elway.  He played Quarterback there and did so good he ended up being "Drafted" into the pros by those Denver "Broncos."  And did so good there he's in the "Hall of Fame."  

            This Encyclopedia says Stanford is named after Leland Stanford, who lived in the 19th century and was really rich; and was California's "Governor" during the American Civil War.  Later he was a California "Senator" back in Washington D.C.  Heathcliff just crowed.

    

                                         LELAND STANFORD (1824-1893) AND FAMILY

    

              Daisy actually has me scheduled to learn about Leland Stanford later, but I feel like also writing about him now too.  My Encyclopedia says he "involved" in building the first Railroad that went all the way across the whole country.  Steve admired Leland Stanford's wife.

             Mr. Steve admires Leland Stanford's wife, who "assumed control" of running things like Stanford University after he died.  She was described as bein "no pushover" by a man our boss met a few years ago.  Some Wrens are singing happily out there in the back desert. 

             It says here how Mr. Leland's wife was "strong-willed" and "fully capable" of handling "business matters."  Daisy thinks she sounds kind of like Grandma Córdova.  As I've mentioned, many of the women in Mr. Steve's family have been what they call good "Helpmates."

                        

                            THE "BIG FOUR"                                "TRANSCONTINETAL" RAILROAD

                                          

              I guess, that man Leland Stanford was a member of is now called the "Big Four."  They were really rich Californians who, right after the Civil War; were involved in that first "Trans-Continental" Railroad which connected the two coasts back in 1869.  I smell Mesquite. 

              Daisy and Millie heard our boss's mom remember a lady who was also one of those Girl Scout leaders, and graduated from Stanford.  Mr. Steve met her a few times and says he could tell she was "well-informed" in many things.  And she loved learning new things too.  

              Our boss told Mr. Grant that morning, as he watered the Mulberry trees; Athletes who go to Stanford for College "actually have to study."  That is "not the case" at many Colleges.  Right now, way up there in the still mid-afternoon sky; a flock of Birds is flying to the east.  

  

                                               IN COLLEGE                  O.J. SIMPSON            AS A PROFESSIONAL

   

            I'm tempted to write about that Football player O.J. Simpson but, I'll just wait and do it tomorrow in book three.  I will say now that he was also born on July the 9th like Mr. Steve, and went to College at "U.S.C." but is still "half illiterate" our boss says.  Heathcliff crowed.

           Daisy recalls Mr. Steve and Miss Susan at work one time talking about how many, "if not most" College Athletes; don't graduate.  I guess, our boss and his father think Colleges should openly give "Stipends" to Athletes; which means pay them money.  I like Heathcliff.

          According to what Dais heard, now College Athletes can't get paid but; "indirectly" they do in "dishonest" ways.  Mr. Steve thinks College Athletes are now mainly just "Entertainers," who "make money" for their Colleges.  The orange Monarch Butterfly fluttered bye.

                           

                       JOHN WOODEN (1910-2010)                              MISS EMILY

 PHOTO BY MIKE SULLIVAN                                                                                                                                           

                          

             In 1985 Mr. Steve met this man named John Wooden who, back in the 1960's and 1970's; ws U.C.L.A.'s Basketball Coach.  I've mentioned a few times in these first two books how Miss Emily still works for U.C.L.A.'s Athletic Department.  I can smell the Twin Joshua trees.   

             Back in 1985 our boss, Mr. Mark and Miss Helen; were working for the company that owned the Forum and teams who played there.  They mainly sold "Season Seats" but also made money selling Advertising too.  A slight breeze from the east is making the chimes ring.

            As I wrote in book one, as part of their jobs, our boss, Mr. Mark and Miss Helen were at times assigned what's called "Booth Duty."  That means manning a booth, either at the Forum or Southern California "Malls;" in order to get "Leads" for their job.  Mr. Steve liked it.

      

MR. STEVE 

("BOOTH DUTY" AT THE FORUM / 1985)

PHOTO BY ARMANDO AGUIRRE / "COLORIZED" VERSION BY ALLEN HALL

              I guess, one time as Mr. Steve and his friend "Paul" were "working a booth" down at the "Anaheim Convention Center;" that man John Wooden came up and talked to them for about an hour.  He was really friendly according to what Daisy heard.  A Train whistled.  

             Dais told me how, when they worked at a booth; our boss and the other Salespeople had  this film of Lakers, Kings and Lazer highlights playing on a big tv screen.  That would "Lure" in people who might buy something from the Forum.  Coach Wooden saw that film. 

             Mr. Steve had gone to the bathroom, and when he got back to the booth that guy Paul was talking to Coach Wooden.  Paul introduced them to each other and our boss still remembers John Wooden's handshake.  Samson and Delilah are now flying over Libby's Corral.

           

JOHN  WOODEN (1910-2010)   

(U.C.L.A. "NATIONAL" CHAMPIONS)

                  Wow!  This Encyclopedia calls Coach Wooden, who was from the State of "Indiana;" the "greatest" College Basketball Coach "of all time."  Wow!  It says here his Basketball teams won ten "National Championships"  in twelve years.  That guy Kareem Jabbar played for him.

           Dais heard Mr. Steve tell someone how he thinks Mr. John's record will probably never be broken.  Most teams are "lucky to win" two consecutive championships, "let alone ten" he says. A long line of Ants are marching bye on the other side of Miss Emily's coffee table.

          Coach Wooden chuckled when our boss asked him whether he learned more about life by winning or losing.  He said losing was a "normal part of life," and "often a very good learning experience."  For some reason, seeing those Ants down there is making me feel good.

   

                                              JOHN WOODEN WITH WIFE "NELL"

              In talking to Coach Wooden Daisy says our boss and Mr. Paul noticed he mentioned his "good wife Nell" a few times.  Years later Mr. Steve found out his wife, who was also from the State of "Indiana" like he was; had died in 1985.  A little Lizard is standing on the wall.

             Coach Wooden was amused when Mr. Steve told him how, as his Little League Manager; his father let every member of the team play every position.  Of course that's "not a good way to win" games.  But, each kid "got to see what it was like to play all of the positions."

            The parents wanted their boy's team to win games, so "weren't happy" when our boss's dad did what he did.  But he didn't really care.  Coach Wooden nodded and said, "It sounds to me like your father was a very good teacher; which ultimately is what matters the most." 

             

  "HIGH" SKY  MID-AFTERNOON  

                       

          I guess, just as Sister Rita Joseph used to tell her class at St. Ferdinands; Coach Wooden said "It's better to fail knowing you did your best; as opposed to knowing you didn't."  Boy!  A    few kind of wispy or thin clouds are up in the sky.  Thank You for inventing clouds God.                 

               Dais says our boss told Coach Wooden about he and his father's idea to just pay the College Athletes.  He said, "Who knows.  You guys might just be right.  Others have suggested as much."  Boy God!  The sky is so blue right now, which is making me feel really good. 

           Mr. Steve thinks you could just tell Athletes, "The College will pay you as an entertainer for a few years; because you're bringing in money to the school."  And "if you're smart you'll get a Degree.  But if you spend the time in a weight room that's up to you."  I smell Juniper.

    

                                         RODEO RIDER                                      BOBBY CHACON / "BAZOOKA" LIMON

             Another thing Mr. Steve and his friend Paul talked with Coach Wooden about that time in Anaheim was allowing Athletes such as Rodeo Cowboys and Boxers like Mr. Bobby to "form  labor unions."  Smelling Juniper right now is reminding of that afternoon last Summer.               

           Coach Wooden nodded when our boss said his father thinks, "If anyone needs collective bargaining" it's Rodeo Riders and Boxers.  What they do is really, really dangerous and if they    get hurt, which they often do; it's "just too bad" he said.  Samson and Delilah flew bye.                 

           Mr. Steve's dad thinks maybe College Athletes should also be allowed to "organize" as a union.  Though most sports are not as dangerous as what Rodeo Riders and Boxers do, they "can also "get badly injured as well."  Coach Wooden seemed to agree with him Daisy heard.                

  

"EL CÓRDOBES"

   

           Another group who "seemingly need to unionize" are those Bullfighters like that guy "El Córdobes," who I wrote about yesterday in my first book.  That's what Mr. Steve thinks, seeing    as how what they do for a job is "extremely dangerous."   A huge Bull can gore and kill you.         

          Daisy one time heard our boss and his father talking about that 1985 trip over to Italy and Israel.  When their Plane was delayed for a few hours; they met this Spanish man and his wife in  the waiting area I guess.  A little Sparrow carrying a long twig ran bye out there in the dirt.          

         When the man and his wife from Spain heard our last name they brought up El Córdobes.   The wife totally agreed when Mr. Steve's dad brought up his idea of Bullfighters forming one of  those Labor Unions.   One of her relatives had been permanently injured by a Bull's horn.                 

                            PLAYING                 BILL WALTON (U.C.L.A.)       ON BENCH / COACH WOODEN 

                                    PHOTO BY RICH CLARKSON

   

              Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Mike how most talented College Basketball players never graduate.  But one who did was named Bill Walton, who played for John Wooden; and was the "Center" on some of those championship teams.  That means he was "very tall" Dais says.

              A few years ago Mr. Steve met this lady from the city of "San Diego," who told him Bill Walton's family are from "La Mesa;" where her sister's family also lived.  He was a "very good" High School player whose teams won "State Championships" she said.  I smell Sage.  

             Even though a lot of Colleges wanted Bill Walton to go to their school, he didn't care as he only wanted to play for Coach Wooden.  Daisy heard our boss tell Miss Susan at work about how Bill Walton "stuttered" until he was in his late twenties.  Heathcliff's Hens are clucking. 

     

                                                      GRATEFUL DEAD                                                         

                                                                                                     

             Yesterday I wrote about that one 1978 GRATEFUL DEAD concert Mr. Steve saw on the Football field of "U.C.S.B.'s campus.  Daisy thinks that guy Bill Walton might've been there too  as our boss was told he's attended "hundreds" of their concerts.  He likes "Jam" bands.                

             Dais heard our boss talking with his brother Sam about Bill Walton.  At U.C.L.A. he had to have short hair, but when he went into the N.B.A. as a professional; he grew his hair long and  even had one of those "Pony Tails."  The four Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.                    

         When Bill Walton was on the Portland "Trail Blazers," he kind of looked like a Hippie Daisy thinks.  His long red hair and beard, because of the GRATEFUL DEAD; made people give him the nickname "Grateful Red."  Crows are fighting over something out in the desert.               

                                                                        

BILL WALTON (PORTLAND "TRAIL BLAZERS")

          Mr. Steve was kind of like that guy Bill Walton in that, when he could; he grew his hair long.  For our boss, it was when he transferred from "Parochial" Alemany High over to "Public" Sylmar High.  I smell Bravo Company somewhere out there behind Manny, Moe and Jack.          

           At first Mr. Steve's dad didn't like when he grew his hair long but, because his mom was "on his side" he told Miss Babette one time; he had to "go along with it."  Miss Babette thought  that was kind of funny Daisy says.  There are two vapor trails up in the high sky.                            

          I guess, when our boss went to "Valley" Junior College he still had long hair; and grew a beard for the first time.   Again, at first his father had to "bite his tongue;" but really didn't like  it that much.  Mr. Steve's mom told him to "tolerate it" as it was probably "just a phase."            

   

                           MR. STEVE / MISS PEGGY                     SAMANTHA / MISS PEGGY

             I've mentioned a few times in these first two books how Mr. Steve didn't go to his High School "Prom."  But he did take Miss Sandy to hers, and in 1974 took Miss Peggy to hers too.  I guess they drove to them in that first 1968 Chevelle his dad bought him from Mr. Rick.  

            As I've said before, Miss Peggy was the "Principal" at the "Lutheran" school our boss's Niece's Cristina and Samantha's went to for elementary school.  Mr. Steve told his mom one time how Miss Peggy is "decent, hard working person."  Heathcliff is crowing to my right.

           Our boss met Bill Walton at the "Sportsman's Lodge" in the San Fernando Valley, and they talked about Coach Wooden who had died; and had lived in "Encino" nearby.  Mr. Steve's dad's Stockbroker school was located in Encino Daisy says.  Encino is Spanish for "Oak."

  

BILL WALTON AS A "BROADCASTER"

                                                                                                                                              PHOTO BY DAN WILLIAMS

        

                   I guess, as a professional being paid Bill Walton was on two N.B.A. championships, the first in 1977 with those Portland Trail Blazers; the second as a member of the Boston "Celtics."  Then he became a "Broadcaster."  Mr. Steve admires him for overcoming his stuttering.

             When he met and shook hands with Bill Walton our boss noticed he was kind of "stiff" in walking around.  He found out later Bill Walton "paid the price" for being a Basketball player for all those years.  A little Sparrow carrying a long twig ran bye in front of the Sheds.

             Over in Texas Mr. Steve's brother Rock has "Chronic" pain in his hands from years of working at General Motors.  The price he paid for his job using a vibrating tool was eventually injuring his thumbs.  So, in that way he's like Bill Walton in having to "Live with It."

          

                                         BILL WALTON             BOSTON "CELTICS"           LARRY BIRD

PHOTO BY JERRY WACHTER                                                                                                               PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

                    In High School and College Bill Walton's teams were almost unbeatable.  In the 1970's as a pro he won an N.B.A. title with Portland but; then had injuries to his feet, ankles and legs.  In the 1980's, slowed down; he was a great "Backup" player for the Boston "Celtics."

             Bill Walton, at the end of his career on Larry Bird's Celtics teams; used his experience to "Play Smart" as they say.  He couldn't run or move as fast as had done when young.  I just now glanced up and see Samson and Delilah are flying over Libby's Corral moving east.  

            Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his brother Sam talk about Bill Walton.  He had learned from Coach Wooden how, lack of "pure athletic ability" could be made up for by good "Timing and Positioning;" or "when you jump" and "where you are."   I smell some Arborvitae. 

            

LARRY BIRD /  ERVIN "MAGIC" JOHNSON       

(1980's)  

PHOTO BY ANDREW D. BERNSTEIN

  

                  Mr. Steve and his brother Sam talked about how, an example of what Coach Wooden taught was that guy Larry Bird.  He couldn't run fast or jump as high as other more "Athletic" players, and wasn't as strong.  He just "played smart" with "guile" Miss Helen used to say.   

              In the 1980's, when our boss, Mr. Mark and Miss Helen worked at the Forum; "Magic" Johnson's "Lakers" rival was Larry Bird's Boston "Celtics."  Mr. Mark thinks that the rivalry   or "competition" between "Magic and Bird" saved the N.B.A.  Heathcliff just crowed.

             According to what Mr. Mark said, in the late 1970's the N.B.A.'s tv ratings "were so bad" even "Playoff" games were shown late at night.  But that changed in the 1980's as people wanted to see Larry Bird's teams play the Lakers with Magic Johnson.  I smell some Arborvitae.  

LOS ANGELES "LAKERS"

PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

               Daisy one time heard our boss and Mr. Mark talk about how, "at the time;" they kind of "took it for granted" watching the Lakers play at the Forum.  But, it turns out they got to see "in person" some of the best Basketball teams in history.  Miss Helen was "more aware."

              As I've said before, the 1980's Lakers were called "Show Time;" mainly because of their "fast-paced" running style offence with that guy Magic.  They also had other good players, like Michael Cooper, James Worthy  and "Captain" Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.  I smell Sage.

             Mr. Steve told his mom he still occasionally thinks about that lady Miss Helen, and has even had dreams where they hug.  He's told Mr. Mark, who also worked with her; she had "so much experience" which she "willingly and unselfishly shared."  Libby whinnied next door.   

                                            "CHICK" HEARN                                CHICK HEARN / MIKE TYSON

PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

   

             "Looking back on it now" Mr. Mark said one time, he, Mr. Steve and Miss Helen saw a lot of "good basketball."  Mr. Steve told him only now does he "appreciate" getting to know the Lakers' Broadcaster Chick Hearn and his wife Miss Mage.  Frida and Diego flew bye.

             One time our boss was in Chick Hearn's little office at the Forum, as Chick Hearn signed copies of that black and white picture Mr. Steve took of him.  When he referred to his wife as his "better half," our boss told him his father uses the same phrase.  Dawn's barking.

              I guess, when Mr. Steve said that to him Mr. Chick grinned and nodded his head, saying "I imagine your mom being of great help to your dad."  Mr. Steve still remembers Mrs. Hearn's voice, as she sort of sounded like Sister Rita Joseph.  Two of the Pigeons are flying bye. 

                     

PIGEONS FLYING TOWARD THE NORTH

              In a tv show show that guy Kobe Bryant said, as a kid in Italy his favorite team was the Lakers, so he "hated" Larry Bird.  But now he "appreciates and admires" his skill and ability.  He really noticed how "smart" Larry Bird was in his "positioning" and "use of angles." 

             As a kid Mr. Steve would get very angry and be in a bad mood if the A's lost a Baseball game.  But his mom told him to "keep it to yourself" and not let if effect his family relationships. I can see my valuable collection of things to chew on at the end of the Patio to my left.

             Mr. Steve thinks sports, as a "sociological" way for the generation to have "something in common;" is very important to a society.  But, in the "overall scheme of the universe;" a game is just "temporary entertainment."  A year later few will even remember who won or lost.   

                                                     

  JULIUS ERVING    

("AMERICAN BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION / 1975)

  

              That rival league called the "A.B.A.," or "American Basketball Association;" one time offered Bill Walton millions of dollars to play for them.  But he turned them down so he could  stay at U.C.L.A. with Coach Wooden.  Mr. Steve has a red, white and blue A.B.A. ball.

              Someone once told Mr. Steve "at his best" as a professional, because of his "soft touch" and "ability to pass" the ball; Bill Walton was like having a "Guard playing Center."  I guess, a Guard is a small "Ball Handler," Bill Walton was six foot eleven.  Dawn's barking.

            Mr. Steve asked Bill Walton if knew Miss Emily in U.C.L.A.'s Athletic Department.  He smiled and said, "sure, she seems very organized."   That night they talked about Sportsmen's Lodge and Mr. Steve and his parents being Tour Guides at the S.F. Mission.  I smell Sage. 

    

"SPORTSMEN'S LODGE" ("STUDIO CITY")

                 Over the years Mr. Steve and his parents have been to events like banquets held at the Sportsmen's Lodge.  Mr. Steve's mom likes walking around the outside grounds and seeing the lilly ponds and waterfalls.  Daisy heard her saying she loved seeing Swans who live there.

           I guess, from what Dais heard our boss and his mom talk about; the Sportsmen's Lodge was originally built way back in the late 19th century.  For a long time there were Lakes where people fished for Trout.  But, after the 1971 Sylmar earthquake they were closed.  

          Sportsmen's Lodge has had a few owners over the years, the "current" version of the Hotel and grounds beginning in 1962.  As a Photographer Mr. Steve has attended a few events there, and jokes about the "good food" he's eaten as a "fringe benefit.  Heathcliff crowed.

  

                        DORIS DAY                     CLARK GABLE                   JOHN WAYNE

          I remember the warm morning last Summer when that nice older lady came over to our house.  She and Mr. Steve had a really nice conversation, she told him about meeting Doris Day,  Clark Gable and John Wayne at Sportsmen's Lodge events.  A Train whistled faintly.                    

          Mr. Steve watered the trees as he talked to that lady, who said we were "blessed" in living in a desert; and joked she "envied us."  Dais thinks she was "absolutely right" and we should be "thankful" and appreciate our lives.  Grandma Córdova used to say "Such a Blessing."                

          When the lady said "as a girl" she worked as a "Waitress" at Sportsmen's Lodge, our boss told her about Stephanie and Rich's catering business.  A man Mr. Steve met told him Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth have been to Sportsmen's Lodge.  I can smell Andy over there.                           

                   THEIR FOOD                            MISS MARIA, MR. RICH, STEPHANIE

                                            

          I just thought of how Mr. Steve's Niece Stephanie and boyfriend Mr. Rich have a good "Catering" business.  They sometimes hire that girl Miss Maria to help them when they set up their booth and sell at the "Farmer's Market" in "Santa Clarita."  A Lizard ran bye.                     

           Our boss's family has been to events where they get to eat dinner.  He told that lady, and has discussed with Steph how; some people "make fun of" the food on the "Rubber Chicken        Circuit."  But he thinks it's "great food" and has "never had a complaint about it."                       

            Mr. Steve says Coach Wooden knew where Sylmar was, and when he said how his parents "lost their farm" in Indiana during the Great Depression; Mr. Steve told him how Grandma and Grandpa Córdova raised four kids in the 1930's.  He nodded his head.  He understood.                                 

BILL WALTON WITH HIS BICYCLES

                                                                         PHOTO BY MIKE DANIELS

                                                           

            Mr. Steve told Bill Walton his Mazda customer in Escondido, with his sons; once met him riding his bike around San Diego.  Bill Walton was "very friendly" to his boys in showing them    his bike because they noticed how big it was.  Two of the Pigeons are flying over the Sheds.           

          I guess, that guy Bill Walton is almost seven feet tall so; his bike is larger than usual.  He told Mr. Steve because of all his Basketball injuries, he can't walk or run for exercise anymore;    but can still ride a bike.  He has really bad feet, ankles and legs from what Daisy heard.                 

          Hey Lord!  Dais thinks Bill Walton seems kind of like a "Hippie" in the way he believes in "Peace, Love and Understanding;" things You also talked about too.  Mr. Steve told his brother Rock it's "obvious" Bill Walton, who overcame stuttering; "likes people."  I smell Andy.                    

"BICYCLE" BILL

           Writing about Bill Walton's big bike reminds me of that guy they call "Bicycle Bill," the "Realtor" who at times rides his bike around Sylmar.  He's a friend of Mr. Steve's family and at times they meet over at Mr. Hussein's coffee shop.  A Train whistled faintly out in the desert.        

           Our boss told Mr. Bill how he "must be in good shape," because he "doesn't think he has the stamina" any more to "ride long distances" on a bike.  But like Daisy says, Mr. Bill still also    does "Martial Arts" so that's maybe one reason he can still do it.  I smell Mesquite.                        

        Dais heard, one time at Mr. Hussein's coffee shop down there in Sylmar; Mr. Steve joked with Bicycle Bill.  He told him, "nowadays" he'd have to buy one of those bikes you can either      pedal in the traditional way; or move around using an electric motor.  Mr. Bill laughed.                 

                                          

MR. MARK / KARMA

          One time Mr. Steve was talking to his mom about that homeless guy Mr. Mark, who lives with his little Yorkie Dog Karma over there in Phelan.  He told her how he and others all gave      money to buy Mr. Mark one of those bikes that have electric motors.  A Lizard ran bye.                

            Some of the people who live around here in our area allow Mr. Mark to charge the battery on his bike, but he also still peddles it around too.  Daisy says he has a little wagon with a cage on it, so can pull Karma around.  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies sleeping up there.          

         Daisy and Millie one time heard our boss and Mr. Mark in Hawaii talk about that guy Bill Walton.  Mr. Mark said he was such a good "Passer;" it was as if he was a "small guard playing at the big center position."  Bill Walton believed in what they call "quick ball movement."               

                BILL WALTON WITH SONS                                  KOBE BRYANT / MICHAEL JORDON                                                                                                  

         Daisy says one time our boss and Mr. Ralph talked about Bill Walton, and how one of his four sons played for the Lakers with that guy Kobe Bryant.  Their Coach was Phil Jackson who I wrote about yesterday, and they won some N.B.A. championships.  Heathcliff crowed.                   

         Kobe Bryant is Roman Catholic like us according to what Dais and Millie heard Mr. Steve tell his brother Sam.  Mr. Steve thinks "part of it" was because he was raised over in the country of "Italy," where his dad played Basketball.  Heathcliff's Hens are cackling happily.                       

       I'm tempted to write about this guy named Wilt Chamberlain right now, but I'll just wait and do it according to the outlines Daisy and I prepare.  Later in his career I guess he came out    here to Los Angeles to play for the Lakers.   I smell Bravo Company out in the back desert.          

                                 WILT CHAMBERLAIN  (1936-1999)

PHOTO BY PAUL VATHIS                                                                                                                                                                  

   

            Even though I'll mainly find out about Wilt Chamberlain later, I will say right now how he holds the all time Basketball record for scoring the most points in one game.   I guess in 1961, when Mr. Steve was six years old; he scored 100 points in that single game.  Libby whinnied.       

             Daisy heard our boss and his brother Sam talking about how the second highest scoring game in N.B.A. history was when Kobe Bryant got 80, which is still also so "amazing" Mr. Steve  thinks.  Frida and Diego are flying over Libby's Corral.  They're going to the northeast.                

             I  can smell Bonnie and Clyde's chicks sleeping up there in their nest near the Patio roof.  For some reason, their presence is making me feel happy; and just glad to be alive down here on Elvira.  A Train just now whistled faintly way out there in the northern desert to my left.                                                          MEGADETH                                                        DAVE MUSTAINE

                                                                                          PHOTO BY MARY OUELLETE

                                             

             Oh!  I just noticed I forgot to mention Dave Mustaine, the leader of the "Thrash Metal" band MEGADETH.  Like Bill Walton, he's also originally from the town of "La Mesa" near San Diego.  Mr. Rich, who also plays guitar too; thinks Dave Mustaine is really "talented."                  

          Daisy mainly has me scheduled to write about MEGADETH tomorrow in book three.  I guess that guy Dave Mustaine has orange hair, and was kicked out of  METALLICA in the early 1980's; so started his band in order to get his revenge on them.   A Lizard ran bye.                          

           Ah!  This is a good place to talk about a company called "Danelectro," who make electric guitars.  I missed it on my book one outline yesterday.  Mr. Dave saw a tv show about Danelectro and how, since right after World War II ended in 1945; they've built "Sting Instruments."            

      

     NATHAN DANIEL (1912-1994)

    

           Daisy and Millie one time heard Mr. Steve talking with a customer in "New Jersey" about a man named Nathan Daniel.  He started, in New Jersey; Danelectro in 1947 and wanted to make an "Affordable" electric guitar.  Two of the Pigeons are flying bye over Libby's Corral.                 

          The man on the tv show said that guy Mr. Nathan, during World War II; invented a way to "prevent" vehicle sounds from interfering with the Radios.  It was after the war that he and his    wife started a family and he had to make money.  So he started a New Jersey company.                 

       Mr. Dave told our boss Mr. Nathan, who didn't even know how to play guitar; also made amplifiers to go along with his guitars.  Dais told me Mr. Rich down there in Sylmar, who's also    from New Jersey; likes the "body styles" of Danelectro guitars.  Heathcliff just crowed.                 

         

  JIMI HENDRIX (1942-1970)

         (FISRT GUITAR "BETTY JEAN" / 1958 / AGE 15)

  

            Mr. Mark over in Hawaii knows Jimi Hendrix's first "real" guitar was a red Danelecro his father bought for him from a company called "Sears."  He was only fifteen and he later had    it when he was in the military.  It was burned in a house fire from what Mr. Mark read.                

          I've written about how some Guitarists think of their instruments as female, like Brian May from QUEEN for example.  Others, like that guy Willie Nelson; have come to think of their guitars as male.  Jimi Hendrix named his very first guitar "Betty Jean" Daisy heard.                    

         When he was living down in Sylmar on that cul de sac "Hagar" Street, Mr. Steve bought and then resold a "Longhorn" body style Danelectro.  Jimi Hendrix's red Danelectro was what they call a "Shorthorn" body.   Andy's over there sniffing the air protecting the burrow.                

     

"POGROM"                                                      "ELLIS" ISLAND     

                                    

             Daisy told me how the man on the tv show said that guy Mr. Nathan's immigrant Jewish family came over to America from "Lithuania" in 1912.  They were "escaping" all those bloody  "Pogroms" I've written about before.  World War I began only two years later in 1914.                 

             I'll bet Mr. Nathan's family came into the U.S. through New York City's "Ellis Island."  I wrote about how Miss Emily and Miss Harriet's families are also those "Ashkenazi" Jews too.      Up high in the mid-afternoon sky are some pretty thin clouds which look like cotton.                     

        Mr. Nathan's parents were kind of like Sister Rita Joseph Dais thinks, as one of the first words they knew in English, and really stressed to their kids; was "Learn."   And you can really tell Mr. Nathan "took that seriously" Daisy told me.  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies.                                                     

 "DANELECTRO" GUITARS                                     MR. MARK                    

             Daisy one time heard our boss and Mr. Mark talking about those Danelectro guitars, and how many still "simply like how they look."  When he was still living down there in Sylmar a kid our boss knew had a guitar like Jimi Hendrix's.  His parents had bought it for him I guess.           

        Over the next three days I'll learn more about some of the different brands and types of guitars.  And I'll also learn about some of the other stringed instruments too.  But right now on    my outline I see how I'll write about this good Football player named Jim Plunkett.                       

           From what Dais heard, Jim Plunkett was like Bill Walton in having injuries from his time as a professional Athlete.  He was a "Quarterback," so had huge Defensive Lineman trying to tackle him all the time.  Blackbeard and Anne are flying over Libby's Corral over there.               

        

                               JIM PLUNKETT                                           MR. RALPH

                         ("STANFORD" UNIVERSITY)                                        (SAN FERNANDO MISSION)

          PHOTO BY MALCOLM EMMONS                                                                                  

                      

             Mr. Ralph knows about that guy Jim Plunkett who, like John Elway; went to and played Quarterback for "Stanford."  His "Mexican-American" parents, from New Mexico; were both blind.  Daisy and Millie watched a tv show about Jim Plunkett with Mr. Steve one time.

             Dais says the man on the tv show mentioned how Jim Plunkett's blind parents, during the 1930's "Great Depression;" grew up really poor.  Mr. Ralph also saw that tv show and says he once met this girl whose family knew Jim Plunkett's family.  A Train just whistled.

             The girl, who was "very pretty" he says; told Mr. Ralph Jim Plunkett's parents had two girls when they moved from New Mexico out here to Northern California during World War II.  Jim Plunkett was then born.  Jim Plunkett's dad worked "On the Docks" in a "Shipyard."

                                             

                                                          ERIC HOFFER (1898-1983)

      

              I guess Jim Plunkett's dad was a "Longshoreman" who loaded and unloaded Warships just like Grandpa Trujillo did with the Trains in Belén.   That man Eric Hoffer, who's book "The Tue Believer" our boss and his dad read; was a Longshoreman too.  I smell Arborvitae.

             Mr. Ralph also read The True Believer.  In it I guess Mr. Eric said, in history many of the  leaders have "exploited" the "innate hate, fear and frustration of the masses."  As a way to unify the "true believers" leaders create a "devil to hate."  A little Lizard just now ran bye.

             Daisy heard Mr. Steve's father say most Americans think it's impossible for there ever to be an "Authoritarian Dictatorship" here in the U.S.  But he believes, "If the circumstances are right;" there could be.  A Train just whistled faintly way out there in the northern desert. 

                                                       

VLADIMIR LENIN (1870-1924)

PAINTING BY VLADIMIR SEROV

             Yesterday in my first book I mentioned how many people seem to need an "Other" to not like or even hate.  And Daisy heard that guy Vladimir Lenin supposedly said political movements needed "Useful fools" to help them.  In combination these two things could be powerful. 

             Hey Lord!  As You know, Mr. Steve and his father think in history Your ideas of "Peace, Love and Understanding" are not nearly as common as "War, Hate and Intolerance."  Violence is totally normal in every part of the world they notice.  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.

             Mr. Steve's dad thinks that Writer Eric Hoffer also noticed how often in history hatred and violence have been used by political leaders to manipulate "True Believers" into doing what they want.  Now the other two Pigeons are also going bye, moving toward the northeast. 

                      

      "ROSIE THE RIVETER"      

        (WORLD WAR II / 1941-1945)           

             

          I just thought of how, during World War II when men were away fighting; women did some jobs men used to do.  They were nicknamed "Rosie the Riveters" and Daisy says Mr. Steve sold a big framed color poster showing Rosie the Riveter one time.  Heathcliff just crowed.           

           Mr. Tim, who grew up around our boss's family; had a mom who was one of those Rosie the Riveters.  During the Second World War she worked in this "Burbank" factory.  I'm kind of  tempted to write about her now but better just wait and do it tomorrow as scheduled.                    

          World War II ended in 1945, the U.S.'s "Industrial Manufacturing Capacity" being the biggest factor in eventually winning it.  Afterwards that same capacity was converted for use in    peace.  The biggest "Middle Class" in history was then created Mr. Steve's father thinks.                 

WORLD WAR II / EUROPEAN THEATER

(MR. ALLEN'S FATHER'S B-17 BOMBER UNIT) 

CORORIZED PHOTOS BY ALLEN HALL

  

            During the Second World War the U.S. produced more Planes, Tanks and weapons than the Axis powers.  I've written before about how much Italian, German and Japanese cities were bombed.  Mr. Allen's father, in one of those B-17's; was in a crew which bombed Germany.          

         After World War II America's manufacturing capacity allowed more people to become middle class.  Mr. Steve's dad thinks, with "money in their pockets;" some white people were      "more open minded" and "tolerant" toward minorities.  A little Lizard just ran bye.                     

     Our boss's father and his friend Mr. Ivan one time talked about what could happen if someday the world goes into a big economic depression?  Many people will "look for someone to blame" Mr. Ivan said. There "won't be as much tolerance" for others not in your group.              

        

   "GORGEOUS" GEORGE (1915-1963)                         MUHAMMAD ALI                  

              

             Mr. Steve's father talked about how that "tendency to instinctively hate" can be seen in sports sometimes.  In the 1950's, that Wrestler "Gorgeous George" purposely wanted people to  hate him;" so they would "pay hoping to see him lose."  He was one of those "Heels."                   

             In the early 1960's, when he was still named "Cassius Clay;" Muhammad Ali seemed to be trying to get people to dislike him by bragging and acting arrogant.  Mr. Ralph thinks he was  being influenced by Gorgeous George.  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies up there.                        

                    Over the years I guess Mr. Ralph has noticed how very often sports fans totally love their favorite team but despise that team's rivals.  Daisy thinks that's why it's okay to "boo and hate" in watching sporting events.  Heathcliff crowed, and hearing his Hens makes me feel good.

   

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

(2014)

      

              I've mentioned a few times in these first two books how, for the very first time in history; the United States has a black President.  But, Mr. Steve thinks a lot of white people "don't really like" that guy Barack Obama being their leader.  There's a vapor trail up in the sky.                     

          Daisy and Millie one time heard our boss and Mr. Ralph talking about how many white people think how President Obama being elected in 2008 is a "bad sign" of how they're being      slowly replaced in American society.  Seeing that vapor trail makes me feel good.                            

            As I wrote yesterday, Mr. Steve and his father think it's "possible" there might be another civil war in the U.S. someday; especially if we go into an "economic depression."  In 2014 there    are more "legal" guns than people.  And, the "Black Market" for illegal guns is "huge."               

                    

"SAGE" BUSH                                                             MR. DAVE   

          

                Ah!  The scent of new Spring Sage just came floating into both of my nostrils from out in the eastern desert behind Manny, Moe and Jack.  That makes me think of how Mr. Dave sent our boss New Mexico Sage he sometimes burns in the house.  Boy!  Libby has a nice smell too.  

            Thank You God for making these first two days of Spring warmer than usual.  In all of Daisy's sixteen years she says this is the warmest beginning she's ever seen it, because in some years it's very cold on the days of Vernal Equinox.  Samson and Delilah are flying bye.

           Dais told me the tv show said, sadly; Jim Plunkett's dad "went totally blind" so he had to quit his job.  Jim Plunkett was born in 1947 right after World War II, when his family moved to "San Jose;" where Mr. Steve used to have a customer.  Daisy's slowly going blind too. 

                                                        NEWS STAND                                                  MISS HARRIET                                   

              I guess, after Jim Plunkett's father lost his job after going blind; he got a job in San Jose working at what they call a "News Stand."  Daisy says a while back Mr. Steve told his mom he    had a "nice dream" about he and Miss Harriet at News Stand in Van Nuys.  I smell Juniper.         

       Miss Harriet and her mom lived for a long time in that Apartment near the corner of "Chandler" Avenue and "Laurel Canyon" Boulevard in North Hollywood.  At times they walked to "Ventura" Boulevard, then strolled up to "Van Nuys" Boulevard.  Heathcliff crowed.             

              When they got to the News Stand our boss and Miss Harriet would rest for a little while, reading and often buying some Magazines.  Mr. Steve's mom has told him she can tell he at times misses having a girlfriend, which he can't deny.  Oh!  Rudy, carrying a stick; jogged past.  

               

DRAGONFLY

                                  

              Aha!  I knew I was hearing something and it turns out to that one big fluorescent blue Dragonfly who's been hanging around here lately.  It just whizzed on bye, not even noticing me working over here on Elvira.  Boy!  I sure wouldn't want to be stung by that Dragonfly.  

                From what Daisy says, the girl told our boss about how as young kids Jim Plunkett and his two older sisters worked to help the family.  Jim Plunkett "Bagged Groceries" and delivered Newspapers.  They even did really hard work like "picking fruit" out in Orchards.

             I guess, the tv show about Jim Plunkett said, when in San Jose; all members of his family got jobs and "pitched in" to help the family survive.  Daisy heard how Jim Plunkett could throw a football sixty yards as a kid.  Mr. Steve said that means he had a "really strong" arm.  

             

                                    DAWN                                                                MR. PHILLIP

                     

               I hear Dawn barking next door.  Daisy admires her because, although blind in one eye; she still wants to "Pull her Weight" or "Earn her Keep" as Mr. Phillip would say.  So, at times she seems to be kind of "Over Protective," barking a bit more than she really needs to.  

              Yesterday I mentioned how for a long time Dawn was "Pack Leader" over there, but now she's "Ceded" that role to little Blinky.  As I've said before, Mr. Steve calls her "Big Shorty," and Blinky is "Short Biggie."  I can smell Blinky and Rosie standing next to her .    

             Fannie and Freddie the Crows just flew in from the desert and landed on top of Manny the far right Shed.  A dead Lizard is hanging from Freddie's mouth.  And now they just lifted off to go find a better place where they can eat that Lizard and not have it stolen by someone. 

   

JIM PLUNKETT(HIGH SCHOOL)

             I guess Jim Plunkett is associated with Northern and Southern California.  Like Doug Flutie, he won the "Heisman Trophy" while in College at Stanford.  And when a "Professional" he won two "Super Bowls," one with the Oakland; then one with the Los Angeles "Raiders."

            Jim Plunkett's first year at Stanford was 1968, when Mr. Steve was just thirteen.  In High School Daisy heard, Jim Plunkett was a Quarterback; but also played "on the other side of the ball" at "Defensive End."  That's an unusual combination from what Dais told me. 

           Mr. Steve was told "at first" Jim Plunkett didn't do all that good as the Quarterback for Stanford.  The Coaches even wanted to just have him play Defensive End but he promised to do better.  There's a small Lizard over there standing on the wall near the sliding glass door.

           1968                                     "TET" OFFENSIVE                                                MARTIN LUTHER KING /  ROBERT KENNEDY 

     

            I just thought of how 1968, Bill Plunkett's "Freshman" year at Stanford; was when that "Tet Offensive" happened during the Vietnam War.  And it was also the year when both Martin  Luther King and Robert Kennedy were assassinated too.  The Lizard is doing pushups.                 

            That Lizard just now ran down the wall, ducking behind the steel water bucket over there near the sliding glass door going into the dining room on this east side of the house.  And now it's scent floated into me over here sitting on Elvira.  Andy's sniffing the air over there.                        

          On the morning when Mr. Chris brought us that refrigerator, he remembered how 1968 was a year when there was "a lot of rioting" going on.  It was partly because of that guy Martin    Luther King Jr. being assassinated.   Daisy and I have both noticed how strong Mr. Chris is.         

                                                                                    LYNDON B. JOHNSON (1908-1973)            RICHARD M. NIXON (1913-1994)             

       

           Mr. Chris said in 1968 President Johnson, who had taken over when President Kennedy had been killed down there in Dallas in 1963; decided not to run for reelection.  That's a "rare"    thing to do from what Mr. Steve said.   So that "Republican" Richard Nixon was voted in.            

          The U.S. President "doesn't have as much power as people think" Mr. Steve's father said that time.  He gets "more credit" than he deserves when things go well, but is blamed more than  he deserves when things "go badly;" like in 1968 for example.  Frida and Diego flew bye.              

          1968 was also when Mr. Steve was in the 8th Grade at St. Ferdinands, his friend Mr. Rick in 9th Grade at Alemany High.  Our boss's father started his school for Stockbrokers in Encino    in that year.  Mr. Steve remembers going on a Field Trip to Jet Propulsion Laboratory."                            

 1968 "CHEVELLE"                                      MR. RICK WITH HIS MOM 

      

           It was in 1968 when Mr. Steve's two "Chevelle's" were built.  In 1972 his dad bought the first dark forest green one from Mr. Rick for him, which he drove up to Santa Barbara for that    1978 GRATEFUL DEAD concert.  A flock of Birds is flying over Libby's Corral going east.         

        As he watered the Mulberry trees one morning I recall our boss tell his parents and Mr. Ivan how he took Miss Sandy and Miss Peggy to their High School Proms in that first dark green Chevelle.  He still has "fond memories" of both of his Chevelle's according to Daisy.                      

        Mr. Rick says he "admires" that guy Jim Plunkett, who seems like a "decent" person.  I guess he's kind of like Bill Walton in now having a lot of physical problems from his time playing in sports.  Daisy and Millie one time heard Mr. Ralph use that phrase "chronic pain."                              

                                                                 JIM PLUNKETT

                                                            ("HEISMAN" TROPHY / 1970)

        

            I guess, in College at Stanford Jim Plunkett did so good he won that "Heisman Trophy" the way Doug Flutie did a few years later; and was the first "Hispanic / Latino" to do it.  So then he was "Drafted" to play in the pros for those New England "Patriots.  Dawn's barking.

           A Lizard that had been standing on the wall near the sliding glass door just ran down the side of the wall and is now running out into the dirt.  Daisy has also noticed there seems to be a lot of Lizards already this year, and it's only the second day of Spring.  I smell Libby.  

           Dais told me, in some professional team sports; the "worst team gets the first pick" of the best young players the next year.  The New England Patriots finished in "last place," so got the first pick; and decided to just draft Jim Plunkett.  So, he then had to move back east.

                                     

JIM PLUNKETT (BOSTON / NEW ENGLAND "PATRIOTS")

                                               

                Yesterday I wrote about the newer "A.F.L." and older "N.F.L."  When Jim Plunkett was drafted the "American Football League" Patriots were from "Boston," then becoming  "New England" when the league "Merged" with the "National Football League.  Libby whinnied.

            Daisy says a few years ago, Mr. Steve faxed line drawings of the two Patriots logos to one of Miss Susan's customers; whose sons were their fans.  He told Miss Susan the first one, where a Revolutionary War Soldier is hiking the ball; was "more difficult.  I like Libby's voice.

           I've mentioned before in these first two books how, back there in Connecticut our boss's Nephews Dalton and Austin also like the Patriots; so of course they think that Quarterback Tom Brady is really good.  He's led a few "Super Bowl" winning teams.  I smell some Creosote.  

         

  TOM BRADY

                                HIGH SCHOOL                                            COLLEGE                                            PROFESSIONAL

          I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve thinks many things in life are "Dual in Nature."  Good comes with bad and vice versa, both good and bad having the "proportionate potential"    for its opposite.  I can see my collection of things to chew on at the far end of the Patio.                  

             As I wrote yesterday, in the 2008 "Super Bowl" Tom Brady's Patriots had an 18-0 record but; since they lost it was considered a bad season.  Actually, they were best team in history; but  lost to a weaker team.  I've mentioned how Tom Brady is Roman Catholic like us.                          

           With "expectations" being so high in 2008, when the Patriots lost that greatest season of all time became the biggest failure of all time.  Hey God!  Did You cause, as Daisy believes; that    to happen to teach everyone "never to get overconfident?"  I'll bet it was You alright.                             

            VAPOR TRAILS                                     CRUCIFIXION OF ST. ANDREW

                                                                                                                                                            PAINTING BY FRANS FERANCKEN THE YOUNGER

   

            Oh wow!   I just glanced up from down here and see two of those vapor trails crisscrossed  in the mid-afternoon sky.   Hey Lord!  That suddenly makes me think of how Your "Apostle" St.  Andrew was crucified like You were.  But he was killed on a cross in the shape of an "X."             

           Hey St. Andrew!  If you just might happen to be up there mind-reading me I want to say what a good "Disciple" you must've been.  I'll bet it really hurt to be nailed to that wooden cross with your arms and legs spread out like that.  A Train whistled faintly over to my left.                    

           Oh!  Seeing their shadows moving around out there in the dirt makes me realize two of the Pigeons are walking around up there on the Patio roof above me.  They must have flown in from  the west, or behind me sitting down here on Elvira.  Andy's now sniffing the air over there.

PIGEONS ON PATIO ROOF

              Ah!  I love the sound of Pigeons cooing, and right now I'm having one of those uplifting and happy feelings of Rhema in hearing them up there.  Rudy went walking bye in front of the Sheds, with Andy watching him curiously.  The shadows are beginning to lengthen.

              I guess Jim Plunkett didn't "Live up to Expectations" for the Patriots, as bad Football teams have bad "Offensive Lines" Mr. Ralph said one time.  Part of an Offensive Lineman's jobs is protect the Quarterback.  Boy God!  Thank You so much for bringing me here. 

             Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Ralph talk about how, because his Offensive Line was not that good; Jim Plunkett "took a lot of punishment" and got injured a few times.  Another thing was that he was used to playing in California and not in such cold weather.  I smell Sage.  

        

JIM PLUNKETT (SAN FRANCISCO "49ERS")

    

               Because he didn't do as good as they had expected, the Patriots ended up "Trading" Jim Plunkett to the San Francisco "49er's."  They're named after those men who came out here to California during that 1849 "Gold Rush."  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies up there.  

            Until the economic recession Mr. Steve had a customer in Northern California who was a 49ers fan.  He said Jim Plunkett was "happy to come back to California's better weather."  Mr. Steve faxed him line drawings of the 49ers logo for his son to color.  Dawn's barking.  

           According to what Daisy heard Mr. Ralph say, unfortunately; Jim Plunkett didn't do that good with the 49ers.  So, he eventually got "Released;" which I guess means they really didn't want him anymore.  Oh!  The two Pigeons are flying together out into the back desert.

    

JIM PLUNKETT (OAKLAND / LOS ANGELES "RAIDERS")

    

          Luckily for Jim Plunkett, after being released from the 49ers; "Across the Bay" from San Francisco Al Davis and his Oakland "Raiders" signed him.  But Daisy says, only as a "Backup;" not a "Starter."  By that point, because of leg injuries; Jim Plunkett was a slower runner. 

          Like Bill Walton had to do later in his Basketball career, with the Raider Jim Plunkett was a smart player who "Used his Experience" more.  Dais heard he was satisfied in being a "Team Player" who didn't mind teaching the younger Quarterbacks.  I can smell Penstemon.

          Mr. Steve as a kid played sports in cold weather so can empathize with Jim Plunkett not liking it.  He and his brother Sam have talked about how, when hit by a moving baseball or one of the other players; it "hurts a lot more" he says.  Benjamin the Cow Bird is running bye. 

    

SUSAN IN CONNECTICUT

   

                  Mr. Steve told his sister Susan in Connecticut about Jim Plunkett not liking to play in cold weather.  Daisy says Susan said she's "gotten used to New England weather," even riding Horses  around when it's not so cold.  Andy's scent just came floating into both of my two nostrils.

            The State of Connecticut is near the city of Boston, where Jim Plunkett played.  Our boss told his sister Susan he still remembers "how painful it was" getting hit in the elbow on a cold dat.  Smelling Andy right now is suddenly making me feel so glad just to be alive.

            Hey God!  Thank You so much for making it be so unusually warm on these first two days of Spring.  I have a feeling it would be a lot harder to write these books if it were cold like it was this last Winter.  There a few Birds zipping around out there above the eastern desert.

                                                                                                     JOHN ELWAY (DENVER "BRONCOS")                                                                  

                                                                                                 

      One time Daisy heard Mr. Steve talking to a customer about having to play Football in the snow, the way John Elway had to get used to doing in Denver.  He had gotten used to the weather down there in the San Fernando Valley, where it doesn't snow Daisy heard.  I smell Juniper.         

          Mr. Steve says sometimes in playing sports you get hit and it hurts but you have to "act as though it doesn't."  I guess you don't want to give the other team the "satisfaction" of knowing it stings by rubbing it.  But it's much harder to do that in colder weather Mr. Steve says.                  

          Hey God!  Was it You who caused Jim Plunkett to come back to the West Coast, after he didn't do good for the Patriots?  That one customer joked how he and his wife thought it was You alright.  They both think he was "much happier" in  being closer to his family out here.                                                                    

    BENJAMIN         

                PHOTO BY STEPHANIE SMITH                          

                                                               

               Ah!  I just noticed Benjamin the Cow Bird standing on one of the branches of the big Mulberry tree.  Hey God!  Did You assign Jim Plunkett a Guardian Angel the way You did with our Guardian Angel's Stanley and Angel Ramona?  Benjamin is flying into the desert.

              Oh!  Goliath the Gopher Snake is back.  He came through the right vertical slot on the side of the gate.  He's crawling under Moe the middle Shed, and is of coarse being watched by Andy; who's frozen in place.  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's chicks up there above me.

             There's no one else under Moe so Goliath will rest there, hoping to get lucky and someone will go in there and not realized he's there.  It's weird how Snakes can taste air on their flicking tongue, which Daisy and I wish we could do.  Ah!  A breeze is making the chimes ring. 

                                  

           CHIMES                                                  MR. STEVE'S MOM 

 

           Wow!  Hearing the chimes ringing is making me happy and filling me with that uplifting feeling of Rhêma.  I'm so lucky to be back here on the Patio, and having such a good project to    work on.  Thank You Holy Spirit if it's You bringing in that breeze and ringing the chimes.           

          I remember that time when Mr. Steve's parents and Mr. Ivan were visiting us and heard the beautiful music those chimes up there are making right now.  Our boss mentioned how those musical sounds always give him a "good feeling."  Andy's over there sniffing the air.                      

     Goliath's scent came into me over here working on Elvira, and judging by Andy's body language I can tell he's also aware of his presence under Moe.  A small flock of Birds, which from way down here look like Pigeons; is flying toward the north.  The chimes stopped ringing.             

     

JIM PLUNKETT  /  JOHN ELWAY

(1980'S)

          Writing about Jim Plunkett and John Elway, who grew up out here in California but had to get used to playing in cold weather; makes me think about how cold it got on some nights this last Winter.  Heathcliff crowed.  I can hear some of his Hens cackling happily over there.               

          Thank goodness this last Winter I had you Elvira, because sleeping out here on the Patio during all those cold nights was so much better.  Burrowing down into you're warm cushions let  me sleep in a kind of cocoon.  That big Dragonfly just zoomed bye in front of the Sheds.                

         Hey Elvira!  Thank you for being our friend, and having you around makes me appreciate the times when I was homeless and sleeping under that bush right on the ground.  Oh!  Goliath is using the right gate slot to go back out into the back desert behind Manny, Moe and Jack.            

  

THE BEE GEES

(MAURICE / ROBIN / BARRY)   

  

         Hey Barry, Maurice and Robin!  I also want to thank all you guys for being such good blankets, and I'm so glad Mr. Chris sold you to Mr. Steve because you kept me warm this Winter. Someday I really want to hear the BEE GEES, who I named you after; sing their harmonies.        

         One time Daisy and Millie heard our boss talking to his brother Sam about that guy Jim Plunkett.  When he was on the Oakland, then later Los Angeles Raiders; he was what they call    "Second String."  Libby's walking around slowly over there near the back of her Corral.              

        Boy God!  It's kind of interesting how, first in 1980 and then in 1982; the Raiders "First String" or starting Quarterback got injured.  So then, both times Jim Plunkett came in and led    the Raiders to N.F.L. championships.   Daisy thinks it was You who caused that to happen.           

JIM PLUNKETT

PHOTO BY TONY TOMSIC

 

           I guess, Jim Plunkett always had a strong throwing arm; but by the time he was playing for the Raiders couldn't run as well anymore.  So, he used his past experience as what they call a "Field General" to "Run the Offense."   Libby's scent came floating in from her Corral.              

           Daisy says the Quarterback "calls a play" for his team to do "in the huddle," which is a  kind of "group meeting."  Then, they walk up to that "Line of Scrimmage;" which is where the  play starts from.  A Train whistled faintly way out there in the northeastern desert.                        

         Once the Quarterback gets up to the line of scrimmage, he has to quickly study where all the other team's "Defensive" players are positioned.  If he thinks the play he's called for in the      huddle won't work, he yells out an "Audible, which changes the play.  A Lizard ran bye.               

      

CHARLES DARWIN (1809-1882)

             Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Ivan one time how that guy Jim Plunkett seems an example of Charles Darwin's ideas.  "In order to survive" as a professional Quarterback, he either had to  "adapt to changed circumstances" or; "fall by the wayside."  It was "Survival of the Fittest."      

        I guess, with the Raiders Jim Plunkett adjusted to not being as good a runner by being smarter.  I've mentioned before how sometimes Dais jokes about being "old now" so she has to    work "smarter rather than harder."  A flock of Birds is going bye way up in the sky.                      

          Mr. Steve's brother Sam over there in Littlerock read Jim Plunkett with the Raiders was still good at throwing long passes, but became better at short ones too.  He used his experience to lead his team, and they followed him like Robert E. Lee's men did.  I smell Arborvitae.                  

                                          TOM FLORES / JIM PLUNKETT            

                                                                                                                  PHOTO BY MANNY RUDIO

  

            One time Daisy and Millie were in the living room and, as Mr. Steve worked on one of his projects; they watched a good tv show about Jim Plunkett.  It said, during his time playing for    the Raiders; his Coach was named Tom Flores.  A Train whistled faintly over to my left.               

          Like Jim Plunkett, Tom Flores was also Mexican-American.  The man on the tv used the word "trailblazer" to describe him, because he was the first Latino "starting" Quarterback in      the N.F.L.  Oh!  Cher, with Andy watching; jogged bye carrying a dead Mouse.                               

         I guess, that guy Tom Flores was also the first Hispanic Head Coach, the first Hispanic to coach a winning Super Bowl team; and the first to be the "General Manager" of an N.F.L. team.        

MONARCH BUTTERFLY                                      JACK, MOE, MANNY        

    

           The orange and black Monarch Butterfly is right now fluttering bye in front of Manny, Moe and Jack; and is now going out into the back desert.  For some reason seeing it making me    feel good about being alive and having a productive project to work on.  Thank Everyone!            

           On the tv show about Jim Plunkett the man talked about how, in "running" the Raiders offense; he was good at "reading the defense."  If he thought the play he'd called in the huddle    was wrong, he would yell out "In Code" a new one.  His teammates knew the code.                        

       A breeze just brought in the Twin Joshua trees scent from out there in the back desert behind Manny, Moe and Jack.  And now the chimes are ringing, giving me a really good feeling    of happiness at being here on you Elvira.  I'm lucky to have friends like you and Daisy.                  

                                                      ROBERT E. LEE / TRAVELLER                         MOLLY / LIBBY IN BACKGROUND             

                                                                            

            I'm looking at that colorized picture of Robert E. Lee sitting on his boy Horse Traveller. Smelling Libby right now it's making me suddenly recall Molly the Mule's scent.  Boy!  I sure do wish she was still alive to also be able to appreciate these first two warm days of Spring.                

            Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Ivan one of Robert E. Lee's Rebel Soldiers said, "If Master Robert told me to charge the gates of Hell I would."  I guess the Raiders players, even if the play  Jim Plunkett called did not always work; came to trust his judgement.  I smell Sage.                      

            Mr. Steve has told Miss Susan how, even if he makes an "incorrect decision;" his family is "loyal" to his dad and follow him "without question."  That's the way the Raiders Football team were with Jim Plunkett too from what Dais has heard.  I'm like that with her leadership.                  

        SUSAN GATES (1856-1933)                   BRIGHAM YOUNG (1801-1877)

                                                               

         Looking out into the eastern desert behind the Sheds suddenly makes me think of that warm morning last Summer, when Mr. Steve and Miss Susan talked about a Mormon lady also    named Susan Gates.   Like our Miss Gates, she was really intelligent.  I like Heathcliff.                  

          As he watered the Mulberry trees, our boss listened while Miss Susan told him about the other first Susan Gates.  She was a Writer who was related to that man Brigham Young, who I've written about before in these first two books.   She was a "women's rights advocate."                    

        Miss Susan told Mr. Steve how that first Miss Susan, being so smart; had the "trust and respect" of the L.D.S. community back there in what is now the State of "Utah."  She lived "in    hard times," when the "Latter Day Saints" were first "getting settled."  I smell Mesquite.             

     

                        MORMON TEMPLE                                             STATE OF "UTAH"                           ("SALT LAKE CITY")                                                                                              

         

           I remember how Miss Susan said the male Mormon "Elders" in Utah "admired" that first Miss Gates.  They "valued her opinions" on many issues, "especially when it came to things like educating the children.  Blackbeard and Anne are flying over Libby's Corral over there.               

        Miss Susan told Mr. Steve the first Miss Gates had ideas "similar" to the Jewish concept of "I' dor v' dor," or "passing on traditional cultural knowledge" to the new generations.  Luckily for me, Daisy also believes in that same thing too.  And I'll do that if I ever have kids.                     

        One of the things the first Miss Gates wrote was a "Manual" for "Sunday School" lessons, which I guess contained "advice" on how to live a "moral" life.  Just like Sister Rita Joseph, she  "acknowledged" evil.  Miss Gates said you just had to accept and "simply deal with evil."            

          

UNCLE MARTY                                                 MR. PEABODY 

                                            

              It was interesting when Miss Susan told Mr. Steve, like Uncle Marty and Mr. Peabody;  the first Miss Gates went to College at "Harvard."  I guess Brigham Young noticed how, since a little girl she "loved to read;" so he "encouraged" her in that.  Libby just whinnied.                      

             Hey God!  As of course You already know, that lady Susan Gates used to tell people how You gave her an "ability to write;" which she called a "Glory to God."  I've mentioned before      how Grandma Córdova used say, "Such a Blessing."  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.                         

            Daisy and I both noticed that time when Miss Susan said the first Miss Gates joked there are times when females have to "outsmart" men.  And, at times females should do things which    "need to be done;" not "waiting for a man's decision."  I can smell Bravo Company.                                         

      "NEWS PLUS"                                                       MR. DON         

    

           I just thought of how, for all of those years Miss Susan ran our local Newspaper called "News Plus;" which that guy Mr. Don does now.  Mr. Steve reads it every month, picking up a      copy when he pays his water and power bill over in Phelan.  I do want to read it someday.             

             You can tell our boss admires Miss Susan, and also Mr. Don too who took over operating News Plus.  Over the years Mr. Steve has sold "Advertising," like when he, Mr. Mark and Miss    Helen did it for all of the different sports teams in the 1980's.  Frida and Diego flew bye.                

           Because he has sold advertising, a Newspaper's "Life Blood;" our boss admires how Mr. Don has done in running News Plus since buying it from Miss Susan.  He's told Mr. Mark, who has his internet Newspaper "The Big Island Reporter;" about News Plus.  Libby whinnied.                                

"SAN FERNANDO SUN"                                THELMA BARRIOS      

      

             I just thought of how Mr. Steve, during the late 1980's and early 1990's; worked for that one lady Miss Thelma's local Newspaper the "San Fernando Sun."  I've mentioned before how    its Spanish version is "El Sol," or "The Sun."  Miss Thelma died a few years ago I guess.              

           Daisy says one time she and Millie heard our boss talking with his father about that lady Miss Thelma.  You can tell they admired her "straightforward" personality.  Mr. Steve had this    dream where he and Miss Thelma hugged and talked about her liking Horse Racing.                     

           Miss Thelma kind of sounds like Grandma Córdova, or Claire Rothman who used to run the Forum for all of those years; "Firm but Fair."  They were all friendly but, as I wrote in my    first book; were described as not "Suffering Fools Easily."  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.                    

MILTON FRIEDMAN (1912-2006) / WIFE ROSE

             Mr. Steve remembers how that lady Miss Thelma always enjoyed talking with his father about money.  Both read things by a man from "Chicago" named Milton Friedman, who was an "Economist" and "Statistician."  His wife "Rose" was also a really intelligent person too.             

           One time, before I lived here; our boss's parents and Mr. Ivan visited.  As he watered the Mulberry trees Daisy and Millie heard them discuss Milton Friedman's ideas on "Stagflation,"    or "High Inflation" combined with "Stagnant Economic Growth."  A Lizard ran bye.                   

       Daisy says you can tell Mr. Ivan kind of admired Mr. Milton's wife, who also knew a lot about things having to do with money; and really helped her husband in life.  Milton Friedman    believed in "Free Markets" and "Macro Economics."  Ah!  The air is so clear right now.               

         

RONALD REAGAN / WIFE NANCY                 N.Y.C. "STOCK EXCHANGE"      

             I guess, during the 1980's Mr. Milton was an "Advisor" to that guy President Reagan; who also had a "helpful" wife too Mr. Ivan said.  The 1980's was a time when the economy was    good and people made money in the Stock Market.  A Train whistled faintly over to my left.          

             According to what Daisy and Millie heard that time, Mr. Milton studied "Consumption" and "Monetary" history.  In 1977, when Mr. Steve and his brother Rock made that trip to back    east; their Uncle Marty took them to the New York City "Stock Exchange."  I smell Sage.             

           Daisy says Mr. Ivan and our boss's dad talked about how Milton Friedman was only five feet tall, which is even shorter than AC/DC'S Guitarists Malcolm and Angus Young.  They could all try out for being a Jockey if they needed money Dais jokes.  Hey!  She's so right about that.                    

          JOHN MAYNARD KEYNES             MARGARET THATCHER / WITH FAMILY

(1883-1946)                                                          (1925-3013)       

   

              Yesterday in book one I wrote a little bit about that English man John Maynard Keynes.  This Encyclopedia says his ideas "influenced governments" in their "monetary policies."  His      theories from the early 20th century changed the way many people thought about money.             

             I guess, Mr. Milton also advised Margaret Thatcher in the 1980's too; when she was the  England's Prime Minister.  He agreed with John Maynard Keynes on some things, but "not on others" from what Daisy heard Mr. Steve's dad say.  Blackbeard and Anne flew bye.                      

             Boy!  That lady Margaret Thatcher, who died last year; must've been a strong person the way our boss and his father talk about her.  Because I'm named after her, I really want to make    others admire me the way they did with her.  I'm so glad Mr. Steve named me "Maggie."                                    

"MORMON ROCKS"

  PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

  

           One time our boss and Mr. Mark talked about Mr. Mark visiting us in the desert.  As he's done with others who drive up all the way up here, Mr. Steve shows them Wrightwood, and also  those "Mormon Rocks" near there.  Now the other two Pigeons flew bye and are going east.         

       I've mentioned how those big rock formations to the east of us over here in Piñon Hills, Mormon Rocks; are made out of soft "Sandstone."  We sometimes have strong winds in our area and, over thousands of years; they've eroded holes in Mormon Rocks.  A Train whistled.               

       Sometimes we have cold winds in our area, or what that guy Aldous Huxley described as being "biting winds."  Over many centuries powerful winds have also created or formed how the Mormon Rocks are rounded in shape.  Boy!  I'm so fortunate to have you around Elvira.                                    

       "DEVIL'S PUNCHBOWL"                                              MR. MIKE                       

                                   PHOTO BY DESEREE AUDETTE FOR NEWS PLUS                                                                                       PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                                  

        

          I remember that beautiful morning about a year ago when Mr. Mike and our boss were loading Rex the Truck with things to take over to the dump near Phelan.  They talked about an    article in News Plus about a place called the "Devil's Punchbowl."  I smell Andy over there.         

          The Devil's Punchbowl is this small canyon to the southeast of us in Piñon Hills I guess.  It's located in those "San Gabriel" mountains, at an "elevation" of  about eight thousand feet      above sea level; and is about three hundred feet deep.  A Sparrow carrying a twig ran bye.            

        Our boss told Mr. Mike his friend Mark Ritter once studied all of the rock formations in Devil's Punchbowl.  Mr. Steve says it's "too bad" Mr. Mark died before he moved up here to the desert because of how he was interested in the subject of "Geology."  I like Andy's scent.                s.webp” style=”width: 360px; height: 325px;” />        

                 (1980'S)                                         ACCEPT                    (DEVIL'S PUNCHBOWL)           

    

           Mr. Mike asked our boss who the band ACCEPT was, because they filmed a Video in the Devil's Punchbowl.  Mr. Steve told him they're a 1980's German Heavy Metal band who's song    "Balls to the Wall" he's tried to play drums to.  Daisy explained to me what balls meant.               

           I guess, from what our boss heard; Devil's Punchbowl is a canyon formed after thousands of years by "rain runoff."  Loose material, "deposited" by "flowing" water; built up horizontal layers of tilted "sedimentary" rock formations.  The Dragonfly went zooming bye.                         

         That big "San Andreas" earthquake fault goes by us, up on the mountain; above the Post Office.  Mr. Steve was once told how Devil's Punchbowl was created by the two "moving" land    plates, over those thousands of years; pressed land into the shapes it is.  Libby neighed.                

  

          "CANYON"                       2014                      "COLORADO"       

                                                                                                                                                                                           

         Daisy says one time Mr. Steve and his brother Rock talked about a "General Motors" Truck called a "Canyon."  I guess, now in 2014 it's a "Mid-Size;" while before it was a smaller    "Compact" vehicle.  Our boss's brother Rock worked for "G.M." for about thirty years.             

          Like other modern vehicles, that G.M. Truck has more than one name; for G.M.C. it's called a Canyon while as a "Chevrolet" it's a "Colorado."  One of Miss Babette's customers told her that Japanese company "Isuzu" even makes an "Asian" version too.  I smell Sage.                  

         I'm looking toward the southeast, to my right beyond Libby's Corral.  I see those "San Gabriel" mountains, where the Devil's Punchbowl is located down at the southwest end.  A Wren flew in and landed on one of the big boulders around the bottom of the Mulberry tree.                                             THE "BIG ROCK" BAR      

PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA        

    

              As they loaded our Truck Rex that time Mr. Mike said in the Devil's Punchbowl is this area called "Big Rock."  I guess, that's also the name of a local bar and restaurant next to the      #138 Highway; on the way to Phelan.  The Wren just zipped away and is going north.                    

             Mr. Steve never goes to bars anymore, not that he's ever gone to them a lot; from what we heard him tell Miss Susan.  In the 1980's he says, there were times when he and Miss Harriet were the only ones in a Nightclub not smoking and drinking.  A Train whistled.                               

               Daisy thinks they probably have that "Karaoke" singing at Big Rock bar up there on Highway 138.  I've mentioned how our boss, unlike most people; doesn't like to sing.  He and his father "cannot understand it" when people say they like to sing in the shower he says.                         

   JACK, MOE, MANNY                                  CALIFORNIA HIGH DESERT  

    

           Looking out into the back desert behind the three Sheds is suddenly giving me one of those feelings of "Déjà Vu" for some reason.  Just the way the sky looks right now is making me think  of an afternoon last year when it looked the same.  Ah!  And now I'm smelling Mesquite too.         

          Our boss told Miss Helena he's "intended" to visit Devil's Punchbowl but still "hasn't done it yet."  Because he's "old now" he doesn't have the strength to walk long distances anymore as he used to be able to do.  A small flock of Birds is up there flying toward the northeast.                  

     Daisy and Millie one time heard our boss tell one of his customers up there in the State of "Oregon" about the Devil's Punchbowl near us.  And that's because the Parts Manager had told  him about his wife taking their kids to a Devil's Punchbowl near them.  I like Mesquite.                  

        "DEVIL'S PUNCHBOWL"          

(OREGON / "OTTER ROCK" / "DEPOE BAY")       

PHOTO BY MICHAEL SCHOBER         

     

          Daisy heard the Parts Manager up in Oregon tell Mr. Steve his wife drove their kids to a  Devil's Punchbowl located "on the coast" of the Pacific Ocean.  He said at "low tide" you can go inside but at "high tide" it's dangerous and" people have drowned."  Mesquite smells good.         

          I guess, our boss's customer told him "fossils" from Clams and wood have been found in what he called Devil's Punchbowl's "siltstone" walls.  His wife and kids were hoping to see some Whales go bye when they visited but none did unfortunately.  Two Pigeons flew bye.                      

          Mr. Steve and his customer talked about other places called Devil's Punchbowl, like one up there in Canada's Province of "Ontario."  Another one is in the State of "Colorado" according to Dais.   Heathcliff crowed over there, and his Hens sound so happy just to be around him.                     

    UNION TROOPS                 CIVIL WAR                        SLAVES                      

       

      Another place called the Devil's Punchbowl is in the State of "Mississippi," near to the Mississippi River.  From what Daisy heard Mr. Steve and the Parts Manager up in Oregon talk    about, during the Civil War it was used to "hold" some freed Slaves.  Heathcliff crowed.               

         In July of 1863, when Robert E. Lee's rebel Army of Northern Virginia was losing the big three day long battle at "Gettysburg;" General Grant finally took the really important city of      "Vicksburg" on the Mississippi River.  It freed many Slaves.  I smell Andy over there.                   

      Daisy heard our boss tell his customer in Oregon how, once Grant captured the State of Mississippi; "thousands" of newly freed Slaves then "converged" on the Union forces stationed    in "Natchez."  Fred, Ed and Ted the Sparrows are flying over Libby's Corral to my right.             

      

AMERICAN CIVIL WAR (1861-1865)  

   

            A map shows the "Confederate" Southern States which tried to leave the U.S., and those States who didn't.  In 1863, in the "Western Theater;" General Grant controlled the Mississippi  River on which food and supplies were transported.  I smell the new baby Cholla cactus.               

           Daisy heard Mr. Steve say he read, in mid-1863 the Union forces were not "equipped" to handle so many "Refugees."  So they put them down in that area called Devils Punchbowl, but      many thousands died of disease.  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; flew bye.                  

         I guess some say the ex-Slaves were kept in one of the first "Concentration Camp's.  The Union forces, many of whom didn't really like blacks; barely had enough food for themselves, let alone for unwanted refugees.  But they didn't purposely kill them like Nazi's Mr. Steve says.                              

"DEVIL'S PUNCHBOWL"                                      MISS HELENA             

PHOTO BY TONE HELENA TORGERSEN                                                                                                                                                     

          Daisy and Millie one time heard Mr. Steve talking to that girl Miss Helena over there in Lake Los Angeles.  She and her son "Cesar" went to the Devil's Punchbowl during Winter, and    she took some pictures.  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies sleeping up there in their nest.              

          I've mentioned before how Miss Helena is Mr. Eddie's Landlady.  When she and her son went to Devil's Punchbowl that time, they walked around; and saw some of the caves that have    been "carved out" in the ravines there.  Frida and Diego are flying over the Sheds.                         

       You can tell our boss enjoys talking to Miss Helena Dais says.  She seems really smart in discussing different things.  She's told him about Norway, and what it was like to grow up in cold weather; compared to living up here in the High Desert.  Libby whinnied over there.                                     

   ICELAND      

    

           The country of "Iceland" is "influenced" by her nation of Norway Miss Helena told Mr. Steve, and both are "big parts" of Viking culture which expanded westward in the 9th and 10th  centuries.   Many of the things in Iceland are "similar" to the way things are in Norway.               

           Daisy says Miss Helena knows a few different Scandinavian languages, and has even had jobs as a "Translator."  She knows German but is "out of practice" in using it she told Mr. Steve. I just glanced up and see two curved vapor trails way up there in the mid-afternoon sky.               

        Miss Helena knows about Iceland's Horses.  I guess, they're short like Pony's; and were originally taken over there by Viking Settlers in the 9th century A.D.  They've "adapted" to cold weather, come in "over forty colors" and "dozens of variations" Miss Helena told our boss.                      

ICLANDIC HORSE                                           SUSAN ON HORSE  

PHOTO BY HEINZ SCHMIDT                                                                                                                                                                 

  

        Mr. Steve has told Miss Helena how his sister Susan back there in Connecticut still rides Horses.  Icelandic Horses move in the four what are called "Gaits," walking, trotting, cantering    and galloping.  But they also have unique "tölt" and "skeîo" movements Miss Helena says.           

         Looking to my right I see Libby walking around slowly near the back of her Corral, and imagining her unique scent is for some reason making me feel good.  Hey God!  Thank You God the way I feel right now, and for Libby.  I smell Bravo Company out there in the desert.                

           Daisy and Millie saw one of Rick Steves travel episodes where he visits Iceland, which has a lot of those ice bergs and also volcanos; so is called the land of "Ice and Fire."  There are some  waterfalls in Iceland, and beaches with all black sand Dais heard.  A Lizard just ran bye.                              

 RICK STEVES IN "ICELAND"  

        This Encyclopedia says until 1918, the year World War I ended; Iceland was a part of the country of "Denmark."  Rick Steves mentioned how, weather in Iceland "can change  quickly."  He and his Cameraman saw some of the really beautiful scenery there in his tv segment.               

          Rick Steves, who was born up there in the city of "Barstow" to our north; mentioned how the "little island" of Iceland has only about 400,000 people in it.  All of their power, or energy; is  "generated" from steam coming out of cracks in the Earth or "vents."  Dawn barked.                   

    On his tv episode about Iceland Rick Steves visited the big city of "Reykjavik," but also Iceland's "volcanic landscape" with its many "geothermal zones."  Our boss Mr. Steve was once  told how alcohol is "tightly controlled" by the government in Iceland.  I can smell Blinky.                               

SCANDINAVIA / ICELAND / GREENLAND      

      

          This good map shows why the Vikings would, having those good "Longships" I've written about; sail in the 9th century from Scandinavia.  They went westward to first Iceland and then    Greenland.  I wrote earlier today how they made it all the way over to what is now Canada.          

          I guess, those smaller Viking Horses could be "more easily fit into the holds" of the Viking Longships; which is why they ended up going with the Settlers over to Iceland.  Daisy heard Miss Helena say Iceland Horses are "very strong."  I'll bet they're like "Mongol" Pony's.                      

     Rick Steve's said the people of Iceland have a "rustic" and "hard scrabble heritage" of "hardship," mainly because of the weather; which can be cold.  They make really good sweaters out of wool according to what Dais told me.  Ah!  The mid-afternoon air is so clear right now.       

 

             REYKJAVIK               

PHOTO BY DANIEL BRADLEY

     

         Daisy heard Miss Helena, who knows a few languages; say how the Icelandic language is "difficult to learn."  But luckily for the U.S. Tourists, as in Norway; "most people" there speak    English she said.  That big city of Reykjavik is where almost all the people live I guess.                  

          Because of all the warm volcanic steam coming from below the ground, there are some big swimming pools in Iceland; where the people gather to "Socialize."  One "unusual" thing about  Iceland is how they have no army or military our boss thinks.  I can smell Juniper.                         

        From what Daisy noticed, most of the people in Iceland really like to sing, which our boss wouldn't want to do.  Miss Helena told him how that "Karaoke" type singing is "very popular"  in Iceland.  A flock of Birds are flying over Libby's Corral and moving toward the east.                 

  

BJÖRK  

    

          Someday I want to hear songs by that girl Singer from Iceland Björk, who I mentioned yesterday in book one.  Daisy and Millie saw one of her concerts on tv and thought she was kind of unique.  Like Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart, her music is "Avant-Garde" I guess.          

            Dais told me she thinks I would really like Björk's "unusual" costumes, especially the one where she has turquoise feathers around her ears.   Mr. Steve's mom likes the color turquoise,      which is associated with New Mexico.   A Train just whistled faintly out in the desert.                     

           I've mentioned a few times in these first two books how Mr. Steve's mom likes to sing, so all of her Girl Scout troops did it a lot.  But Daisy says, Björk's singing would be kind of hard to  copy.  Our boss's mother likes melodic songs like the one the CARPENTERS used to do.               

             

                       REYKJAVIK                      "MURALS"       JUDY BACA AND HER "GREAT WALL"     

PHOTO BY SUSANA JORGENSEN                                                                                                                                                                            

 

           Mr. Steve's mom and Miss Helena like "Mural" wall paintings.  Yesterday I wrote about Judy Baca, whose murals in Los Angeles make our boss's mom get a happy Rhêma type feeling.  Daisy says she noticed on Rick Steves tv show how in the city of Reykjavik they paint walls.          

         I guess, like Miss Helena; Mr. Steve's mom thinks most "graffiti" is "ugly."   So, rather than having to look at "unpleasant tagging" on the walls; why not "channel" those impulses into "artistic images" people can "enjoy?"  A line of Ants is going bye on the Patio floor.                      

         When our boss and his brother Rock visited New York City in 1977 some Subway Trains had "looked bad" with graffiti on them they thought.  A "Garbage Strike" was also going on, so  the piles of trash and smell "added to the atmosphere."  Miss Helena has lived in N.Y.C.                              

DIEGO RIVERA / FRIDA KAHLO                                   FRIDA / DIEGO                  

 

           Oh!  Frida and Diego the Bluebirds are standing on the wood log Mr. Mike cut using his chain saw.  You can really tell, because of his bright and noticeable color; which one is Diego and which one is Frida.  Boy!  I just love the color royal blue even more when I see blue Birds.           

            I just thought of those Mexican Painters Diego Rivera and his wife Frida Kahlo, who our Bluebirds are named after.  As I've mentioned, in real life Diego Rivera is known for doing big      murals on the sides of buildings and things like that.  Frida and Diego just flew away.                   

         According to what we heard her say on that one morning last Summer, Mr. Steve's mom "enjoyed" studying about big wall murals when she was in College at C.S.U.N.  So of course she  read about Diego Rivera and the other Mexican "Muralists."  Libby whinnied over there.              

LED ZEPPELIN   

     

           I want to hear LED ZEPPELIN'S "Immigrant Song," which Daisy says is about Vikings.  The Singer Robert Plant "wails" in it she says, and Mr. Dave one time described the riff as being  "staccato." This Dictionary says that means "Distinct breaks between successive notes."               

         Both our boss and Mr. Dave have "tried" to play along to Immigrant Song, which I guess talks about making war and that place "Valhalla."  Mr. Steve read the lyrics about the "Land of  Ice and Snow" is describing Iceland.   The four Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.                  

       Food in Iceland is "influenced by Norway" Miss Helena said.  They eat the "Greenland" Sharks I wrote about, who live way deep in the Ocean; and can live for hundreds of years.  Daisy heard Greenland Shark "tastes terrible;" but in Iceland they figured out a way to eat it.               

  

"GREENLAND" SHARK                                 ANTHONY BOURDAIN

 

            Mr. Steve talked with Miss Helena about that guy Anthony Bourdain, the Chef from New York City who travels around the world eating food.  He and Rick Steves tried Greenland Shark, but didn't seem to like it all that much Daisy noticed.  Blackbeard and Anne are flying bye.          

            I guess, from what Dais heard Miss Helena tell our boss one time; she lived in N.Y.C. for a few years.  I've mentioned before how Mr. Eddie, who rents a space for his Trailer on her land;    grew up in that section of New York City called "Staten Island."  Ducks are quacking.                   

          Daisy says, besides Greenland Shark; Rick Steves and Anthony Bourdain also ate Iceland's other food.  Rick Steves said life in Iceland, as in Norway is "Tied to the Sea;" so a Fish they eat  is called "Cod."  One time Mr. Steve's customer in "Maine" told him about Cod fishing.                     

"NORTH ATLANTIC COD" FISH

PHOTO BY DYLAN BANNERMAN

 

           Mr. Steve's customer in Maine told him Cod, who are really fast swimmers; can live to be twenty five years old.  He said, many of the Cod who live up in the North Atlantic Ocean near to  Iceland are either brown or green; and have spots on them.  I smell the baby Cholla cactus.          

          Daisy says our boss's customer said there "aren't as many" Cod in the Oceans because of what he called "overfishing."  In the picture of Cod in this Encyclopedia I notice how they have    a horizontal white line on them.  Speedy Gonzalez, with Andy watching him; ran bye.                    

          I guess, from what Dais told me; one time that guy Anthony Bourdain visited the country of "Portugal" on a travel segment.  And he mentioned, just like up in Norway and Iceland; the    people who live there also eat a lot of Cod Fish from the Atlantic Ocean.  Dawn's barking.             

                                                                                            MCDONALDS RESTAURANT                      

                                    ("PORTO." PORTUGAL)                                          

  

           I just thought about that "McDonalds" restaurant in "Porto," which is Portugal's second biggest city I guess.  What some think looks like a "Nazi" Eagle over the entrance is actually an    "Imperial" ancient Roman Eagle Mr. Steve thinks.  I smell Blinky and Rosie over there.               

          Our boss showed his mom a photo of that McDonalds over there in Portugal, knowing how in College at C.S.U.N. she studied "Art Deco" architecture; which is what that McDonalds is.  It was during the 1930's when the building was first built.  Cleo and Leo are flying bye.                     

        A few years ago Mr. Steve met a nice Spanish lady over at the Public Library down there in Sylmar.  She told him about living with her husband and kids in that Portuguese city of Porto for a few years.  Our boss told his mom that lady knew "a lot" about Portuguese history.                    

              

        HENRY THE NAVIGATOR                        PORTUGUES VOYAGES           

                              (1394-1460)                                                  (LATE 15TH / EARLY 16TH CENTURIES)               

         PHOTO BY C. ROZAY                                                                                                                                                                

    

         Talking about Portugal makes me think of that guy Prince Henry "the Navigator," who I wrote about yesterday.  My Encyclopedia calls him a "central figure" in the "early days" of the "Portuguese Empire."  I've mentioned before how there's a Car called a Navigator.                       

         During Prince Henry's time in the 1400's, or 15th century; Portuguese Ships began sailing down Africa's west coast.  This map shows how, just a few years after  Christopher Columbus's    1492 voyage; they went around the Continent's bottom.  I smell Andy over there.                            

        Before he got Spain's King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella to sponsor his idea of sailing to the west, in order to get to the "Far East;" Columbus first asked Portugal but I guess they  said no.  All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.  They're moving to the east.                                                                           J.K.ROWLING                                           "PORTO," PORTUGAL                                                                                                 PHOTO BY EVAN DANIELSON

                     

          Daisy says the Spanish lady told Mr. Steve the British Writer J.K. Rowling, who wrote the "Harry Potter" books; "for a time" lived in the city of Porto too.  Before J.K. Rowling's books    became a success she was "extremely poor" the lady said.  Some Ducks are quacking.                    

         Someday I hope to see the movies about the boy Harry Potter who goes to a school to be a "Wizard."  Dais heard our boss and his Niece Samantha talk about how Harry Potter's friend is a boy also training to be a Wizard too.  Boy!  I wonder if there are Dog Wizards?                            

         I guess that boy Harry, who wears glasses; fights this bad Wizard who's trying to become "Immortal" and get all the power.  A girl learning how to be one of those Witch's is a friend of      Harry Potter and his friend.  Little Blinky's scent is so unique and interesting over there.                                         

      "HARRY POTTER"                                   STEPHANIE / CRISTINA      

     

           One time Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve talking with his Niece Stephanie about a time he took her daughter Cristina and his Niece Samantha to see the first Harry Potter movie.  They were just little girls then, in the late 1990's.  I smell Bravo Company out there in the field.             

        I guess from what our boss told his sister Susan, when he was "with" Miss Sandy, Miss Emily and Miss Harriet he saw movies in theaters.  But he hasn't "been with anyone" for a long  time, or had any dates so; never does it anymore.  He doesn't want to go by himself.                       

        Boy!  The afternoon sunlight coming from behind me, or the west; is making everything look so colorful and pretty right now.  Hey God!  I wish it could be just like this all the time as I    think of how cold it was sometimes this last Winter.  Blackbeard and Anne are flying bye.             

  

                 (1936)                           "KING KONG"                        (2005)                               

  

           Mr. Steve told his Niece Samantha how the last movie he's seen "in a theater" was in 2005 when she and Cristina visited and they drove to "Victorville" to see "King Kong."  I really want to see a King Kong movie, about the giant Gorilla who loves the girl.  I smell Mesquite.                 

        I'm still thinking of Iceland, and how they eat a lot of Fish there; another type being the "Flounder."  Our boss's customer in Massachusetts called it a "flatfish," telling him they begin    life with one eye on each side of its head like us.  Some of the Ducks are quacking.                          

        Daisy heard the Parts Manager say, as Flounders age; eventually "both" eyes are on one side of their head and their body gets flatter.  Wow!  That would be so weird!   They then lay still on the Ocean floor, disguised from Fish who come into range for them to attack and eat.               

            

"FLOUNDER" FISH 

   PHOTO BY DIANE ARMSTRONG                                                                                                PHOTO BY ANDREW J. MARTINEZ              

 

           Flounder flatfish are "Predators" who eat other things so, as Charles Darwin would say; "Evolved" to hunt by laying still and patiently waiting for "Potential Prey."  Having two eyes on the same side of their head is better for them, giving them an "Advantage."  I smell Sage.            

          I guess over thousand of years, all of the different types Flatfish have "Adapted" to their particular environments; in order to survive.   So, "Camouflage" is one of the ways they disguise  themselves from "potential food" who come within range to kill.  Heathcliff crowed.                      

          Mr. Steve's customer back there in Maine told him about another type of Flatfish called a "Halibut."  Daisy and Millie one time were in Mr. Steve's office and heard Mr. Dave say an old    Motorcycle Shop customer in "Oregon" went fishing for them.  They can grow really big.                             

HALIBUT

    PHOTO BY ERIK AXNER                                                                                                                            PHOTO BY JACKSON W.F. CHU

          Mr. Dave's customer up there in Oregon told him Halibut also "lay on the bottom" of the Ocean and are patient in waiting to "ambush" other things to eat.  So, just like those Flounder    Fish; it's better to have two eyes on the same side of their heads.  Frida and Diego flew bye.          

         One time many years ago I guess our boss and his friend Mr. Vic were invited to go "Deep Sea" fishing, but couldn't go because they had jobs taking pictures and videotaping a wedding.  I see my valuable collection of things to chew over to my left at the far end of the Patio.                    

        All of a sudden I just thought of Mr. Steve's family Doctors growing up, Dr. Oda and her brother Dr. Sakaguchi.  As I've said before, because they were "Japanese-American;" they were kept in those World War II "Internment" camps.  Fannie and Freddie just now flew bye.                       

        DR. ODA                                                            DR. SAKAGUCHI 

             (PACOIMA MURAL BEHIND HER)                                                            (WITH WIFE "KAY")                         

  

           Dr. Sakaguchi, who fixed Mr. Steve's broken bones and sewed up his cuts; loved Deep Sea fishing.  Our boss remembers the framed picture in his office of the huge "Tuna" he caught one    time.  Like Mr. Steve's dad, he sometimes joked about his wife being his "better half."                   

           I guess, Dr.'s Oda and Sakaguchi didn't laugh very much, which is why our boss's father at times tried to get them to do it.  Most of the time they just smiled and chuckled, kind of like      how Mr. Steve does.  In Pacoima is that wall mural dedicated to Dr.'s Oda and Sakaguchi.            

          One time Daisy heard our boss talk with Mr. Phillip about Irish "Leprechauns," who are little people.  In Iceland and Norway Elves, Trolls, Dwarves and Goblins live in caves, forests and places like that.  There are "Elves of Light" and "Elves of Dark" Dais heard Mr. Phillip say.        

  

      ELF HOUSES                                                   ICELANDIC ELVES 

         This Encyclopedia says in Iceland Elves are called "Huldufólk," or "Hidden People;" as they usually live "apart from humans" Miss Helena told Mr. Steve.  People in Iceland even  build little houses called "Álfhól"  for any Elves who live on their land.  Heathcliff crowed.                     

           It says here how many cultures have "legends and tales" about Elves and things like that.   I guess those little "Trolls" come out only at night.  Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Phillip talking   about the Elves in William Shakespeare's old play "Midsummer's Night Dreams."                        

      Miss Helena told Mr. Steve what it also says here, the name "Elf" is "derived" from the German "Albh;" or "White."  Over the centuries it "evolved" into "Álfr" and then "Álfafolk."  I just noticed a line of Grease Ants going bye on the other side of Miss Emily's coffee table.                   

              GRANDPA / GRANDMA TRUJILLO              GRANDPA / GRANDMA CÓRDOVA                   

                                                                                                                                                                                                       

             I remember that morning when Mr. Steve's parents and Mr. Ivan visited us.  As he watered the Mulberry tree; they talked about how many people back there in New Mexico think there are such things as "Little People."   All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral and moving to the east.              

             One time Grandpa Trujillo told our boss some Little People helped his friend, when a tree fell on him and there was no one around.  It was so heavy, and he would have died; if some Little People had not  lifted it off of him.  Grandpa Córdova thought some Little People lived near them in "Jarales."                  

             Boy!  If I could meet some Elves, I would want to go up to the North Pole to make friends with all of the ones who help Santa Claus make the toys he gives out at Christmas; and I know for sure so would    Daisy too.  The smell of the Twin Joshua trees floated in to both of my nostrils.  Dawn's barking.                            

     J.R.R. TOLKIEN WITH FAMILY                           "LORD OF THE RINGS"         

                     

          Daisy told me, in that guy J.R.R. Tolkien's trilogy "Lord of the Rings" Elves are some of the main characters.  Tolkien's Elves are not all small, but come in many sizes I guess, and Mr.      Steve thinks his girl Elves are so pretty Dais says.  Libby just now whinnied over there.                 

        Mr. Steve told his dad in chapter one of Tolkien's "Fellowship of the Ring;" he writes of "Bilbo" the Hobbit missing "Frodo."  It describes not appreciating someone until they're gone.    Tolkien, just like our boss's father too; lost many friends in combat during their wars.                   

         When he was still living down there in Sylmar on that cul de sac "Hagar" Street, our boss did some artwork for lady from the country of "Sweden."  That art had Viking type lettering she wanted him to use.  Andy was sniffing the air and is now looking over here in this direction.          

         

       VIKING "NINE WORLDS"                                   THREE "NORSE" GODS                   

          

           Daisy heard Miss Helena say the word "Norse" refers to the Scandinavian language. My Encyclopedia describes the Viking "Sagas," written in 13th century Iceland; as "mythologies"      with "elements of historical fact."  Andy's scent just came floating in to me over here.                    

         I've written before in these first two books how three of the most powerful Viking Gods were Odin, Thor and Loki.  Inside the garage up in the front yard our boss has hammers, some    different sized "Sledge" hammers just like the one Thor carries.  I really like Andy.                       

           Oh!  This interesting.  It says here those Saga stories were written by "Christian" Vikings about their older "Pagan" religion, about Scandinavian history since all the way back to the 5th  century.  J.R.R. Tolkien's books are influenced by the Vikings "Nine Worlds" stories.                       

ODIN                                                               THOR

             I just thought about how "Odin" is a powerful Viking God, his son "Thor" the God of thunder and lightning.  Odin has two Wolves and Ravens, as well as his magical spear and ring.    Mr. Phillip said the name "Wednesday" came out of "Wõden's Day" in "Old English."                 

             As I've said before, the "Thursday" was named after that God Thor.  It says here he was not only in charge of thunder and lightning, he controlled the forests and also the individual trees too.  Oh!  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are over there standing on top of Manny.                            

           Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Dave he one time took pictures of this band called ODIN.  I guess, they were one of those 1980's Sunset Strip "Hair" bands I've mentioned before.  He saw    them play at that Nightclub "Gazzarri's," where VAN HALEN started.  I smell Sage.                                                                           

ODIN

              I've noticed in some images Odin has a black eyepatch covering up a missing right eye.  I guess, to the Vikings Odin, Thor and Loki would of be sort of like our "Trilogy" of  Father, Son and Holy Ghost.  Seeing Blackbeard is right now making me think of Odin's missing eye.              

            Andy's looking up at Blackbeard and Anne above him on Manny.  Blackbeard's tilting his head so his good eye sees me, the white hole where his left eye was being on the other side.  Oh!    Now Anne Bonney just noticed me sitting over here on the Patio, so squawked at me.                     

           Daisy heard the Viking's God Odin "gouged out" his own eye in order to gain "knowledge and wisdom."  That reminds me of the story about Robert Johnson trading away his Soul for        musical ability, or "Faust" in Goethe's old German tale.  Ugh!  I don't think I'd do that.                                                                                                    

                                                  SM-75 / PGM 17 "THOR"                                                   

     

          Dais heard Mr. Randy and our boss talk about how, during the "Cold War" period after World War II; the U.S. has used the name "Thor" for "weapon systems."   One was what this      Encyclopedia calls an "intermediate range ballistic missile."  Heathcliff just crowed.                      

          The "SM-75," or "PGM-17;" was a big missile which carried a powerful "thermonuclear warhead."  That missile, "in response to" the Soviet's 1957 "Sputnik" satellite; was "quickly        developed."  It was then first "deployed" over in England two years later, or 1959.                        

       I wrote about how scared the U.S. Government under President Eisenhower got when it heard about Sputnik being up in space.  Sputnik happened about two weeks before Mr. Steve's    brother Rock was born.  Blackbeard and Anne, with Andy watching; are flying away.                             

"KKV-X1" SATELITE SPACE WEAPON

         Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Randy discussing this tv show which talked about another American weapon system called "Project Thor."  That was a satellite which did not use nuclear    destructive power.  Instead, it was intended that "tungsten rods" be shot down at Earth. 

           I guess, from what the man on the tv show said; the twenty foot long tungsten rods could be aimed from above the Earth at any target down below.  Dais said tungsten is a "dense" metal which can "survive the heat" reentering Earth's atmosphere.  I smell some Juniper.                       

          The "KKV-X1" was called a "Super Weapon," and each tungsten rod kind of looked like the telephone poles out there on the road going bye in front of our house Daisy told me.   Rudy      ran bye in front of Manny, Moe and Jack, with Andy watching him.  Libby just whinnied.                 

MID-AFTERNOON SKY  / FLOCK OF BIRDS 

          I glanced up from working down here sitting on Elvira just in time to see a group of Birds flying toward the north.  I'd say it's almost two thirty based on how the shadows look right now.  A breeze brought in the scent of Bravo Company out there in the desert behind the Sheds.            

       Our boss and Mr. Randy talked about how Project Thor was never "fully developed" and eventually "discontinued."  A benefit of using gravity, and then high speed "Kinetic" energy to    shoot projectiles; was no nuclear or "radioactive fallout" damage.  Andy's sniffing the air.            

        Hey God!  As of course You already know, the man on that tv show mentioned how another name for Project Thor was the "Rods from God."  But, I guess that idea didn't work out so the    government went on to other ideas.  A Train whistled faintly way out there in the desert.                                                   HERMANN OBERTH          "SUN GUN" MIRROR WEAPON               NIKOLA TESLA                 

                      (1894-1989)                                                                                                     (1856-1943)                          

            ARTWORK BY RON MATTINGLY                 

         

         Yesterday I wrote about that German Scientist Hermann Oberth, who's idea was a giant mirror in space which "focused" sunlight like a magnifying glass to burn things below.  Nikola    Tesla talked about a "Death Ray Particle Beam" satellite.  I smell the baby Cholla cactus.             

       Hermann Oberth, who Wehrner von Braun admired; was also brought here after World War II.  His idea of a "Sun Gun," or "Sonnengewehr;" was never used by the Nazi's or the U.S. after the war.  Boy!  I'm so glad Daisy found all of these really good Dictionaries.                         

       Like Wehrner von Braun, who's V-1 and V-2 missile experience during the Second World War was so valuable in 1969's Moon landing; Hermann Oberth was brought to America after the war.  Their jobs were help us beat the Soviet Union in the Cold War.   Dawn's barking.                  

      

                          "SCREW"                 ARCHIDEDES (c.287-c.212 B.C.)     "MIRROR" WEAPON                     

PAINTING BY LOUIS FIGUIER

      Yesterday I wrote about the ancient Greek "Mathematician" and "Inventor" named Archimedes, who thought of that turning "Screw" device for moving water.  Hermann Oberth probably got his idea for using sunlight as a weapon from him.  I like Archimedes hat.                   

            Like Leonardo da Vinci later, Archimedes also created weapons of war.  He didn't live in Greece but in "Syracuse," that Greek "Colony" on the island of "Sicily."  He used mirrors to      concentrate sunlight into a beam which destroyed Roman Ships down in a Harbor.                        

          Daisy thinks if Mr. Steve's dad and Mr. Ivan could borrow Mr. Peabody's time machine they'd want to meet Archimedes.  I'll bet Mr. Rich, who is so good "Working with his Hands" as they say; would also want to talk to Archimedes too.   A Train whistled faintly to my left.               

"PI"

             Daisy and Millie saw a tv show about math, and the man talked about how Archimedes is "associated" with developing "Calculus; and the concept of "Pi."  His formula is used to figure out, or "calculate;" the "area, circumference and volume of a circle."  Heathcliff crowed.             

       I guess Archimedes found out, if you "divide" the circumference of "any" circle by its diameter; the result is "always" approximately just over "3."   Dais and I both heard Mr. Ivan    and Mr. Steve's dad talking about it that one time.  Heathcliff's Hen's sound happy.                       

          Judging by how much the shadows are now leaning away from me over here on the Patio, I'd say it's almost two thirty.  Boy!  I can't wait to finish this eighth chapter and go up front to      visit with Daisy.  It's obvious that again today our boss has been kind of busy in his office.             

     

"ANTIKYTHERA" MECHANISM                         ARCHIMEDES                  

  

              I just thought of that ancient Greek "Antikythera Mechanism" I wrote about yesterday in my first book.  In 1901, it was found in a Shipwreck; some thinking it might've been one of        Archimedes' inventions.  Ah!  The mid-afternoon air is so fresh and clear again today.                  

          As I said in book one, at first no one knew what the Antikythera machine was, but now they know it was a primitive hand-powered "Analog" computer.  Daisy and Millie once heard      our boss and Mr. Grant, who knows about computers; talk about it.  I smell Sage.                          

          The Antikythera Mechanism is called an "astronomical calculator" in my Encyclopedia,  and was used to "predict" the position of "celestial bodies;" or when an "eclipse" was going to    happen.  Few thought it possible the ancient Greeks could even have such a machine.                     

                    

                   HOMER                                                    ODYSSEUS           

                  

          Someday I want to see that movie Daisy saw based on Homer's story the "Odyssey."  I guess, until those Viking Saga's were written in the 1200's; they were "transmitted orally" the      same way Homer did before his stories were written down.   Sage has a pleasant scent.                   

           According to what it says in this Encyclopedia, the word "Saga" would be translated as "A thing that is said" in Norse.  Daisy once heard Mr. Steve and Miss Helena, who lives over        there in Lake Los Angeles; talk about Scandinavian languages.  A Lizard ran bye.                          

           My Greek Dictionary says "Myth" is "derived from" the Greek word "Muthen;" which means "Things that are said."  Boy!  I'm so glad Daisy found all of these Dictionaries in that one file cabinet up there in the garage.  There's absolutely no way I could do without them.                 

   

CYCLOPS "POLYPHEMUS"

(THE "ODYSSEY")

   

           Daisy's told me, Odysseus and his men "were so brave" in Homer's story describing their  long and dangerous voyage trying to get home to Greece after the Trojan War.  If I could borrow Mr. Peabody's time machine I'd want to see that giant one-eyed "Cyclops."  I smell Sage.              

         I guess, in that story the Odyssey it took a lot longer to get back home than Odysseus and his men thought it would.  And along the way so many amazing things happened to them, like      some of them being eaten by that Cyclops "Polyphemus" for example.  A Lizard ran bye.              

          One time Dais heard our boss and his father talking about that lady Edith Hamilton, who wrote a lot about ancient Greece; and also Roman culture which was so heavily influenced by the earlier Greeks.  Mr. Steve has at times wondered if Edith Hamilton knew J.R.R. Tolkien?                     

         EDITH HAMILTON (1867-1961)                       RUINS OF DELPHI                  

         

               I guess that lady Edith Hamilton is mainly known for her writing on ancient Greece and Rome, such as her book called "Mythology."  But she also studied Viking society too according to what Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his dad talk about one time.  She wrote about "Delphi."          

        There are a few Birds zipping around out there in the back eastern desert, behind the Sheds.  The Sun is now over on the other side of the house behind me, so the shadows are leaning away from me here on the Patio.  Hey Elvira, thank you for being such a good friend.                    

           Daisy says she's heard our boss and Mr. Phillip talking about Homer's story the Odyssey, and also Edith Hamilton.  Mr. Steve has told him how he enjoys watching the episodes of that girl Mary Beard's tv show about ancient Rome.  A Train whistled faintly in the northern desert.      

              2014 HONDA "ODYSSEY"                                                    MR. PHILLIP                          

        

             I just thought of how that Japanese company "Honda" makes a Car called "Odyssey." Mr. Phillip, who's a Parts Manager at that Honda dealership to the north of New York City; used the words "reliable" and "spacious" to describe them Daisy told me.  Dawn's barking.                  

            Dais one time heard our boss sell Mr. Phillip some hats and polo shirts with the Odyssey logo on them.  He's also sent hats and shirts with "Civic" emblems, as well as some of the other    vehicles that Honda makes too.  I guess, Miss Harriet now drives one of those Civic.                       

          Blinky and Rosie are standing next to Dawn over there next door.  I can tell because all three of their blended scents just now came floating in to my right nostril right now.  Out there in the back desert there are some Crows circling around up in the clear mid-afternoon sky.                      

            "CENTAUR"                                        HELEN OF TROY       

                                                  

             Someday I hope to read Miss Edith's book about mythology, and also Homer's stories the Iliad and Odyssey.  Daisy's told me about the "Trojan War," and that pretty girl Helen of Troy;    who everyone fought over.  If I could time travel I'd want to smell one of those "Centaurs."          

           Edith Hamilton mainly wrote about ancient Greece, but also studied Roman culture, and how they were so heavily influenced by the Greeks.  Her analysis of the Iliad and the Odyssey is    still "widely respected" by many Scholars Mr. Steve's dad thinks.  I can smell Juniper.                  

          Daisy says Mr. Steve used to have a replica Trojan helmet sitting near the fireplace in the living room.  But, he sold it to a man who also bought this World War I trench knife; with the      brass knuckles on it.  He showed that knife to Mr. Grant when he and Miggie visited here.                                  

           THE "ODYSSEY" RESTAURANT 

            PHOTO BY DICK MARTINELLI                                                                                                        PHOTO BY DANIEL MAHAN                     

                                                                                                

           I just thought of that restaurant the "Odyssey," where Mr. Steve's family have been going to since 1970; when it opened.   Our boss and sister Susan remembered how much their parents    loved what their dad calls a "spectacular" view from up on the hill.  A little Lizard ran bye.          

          One time Daisy heard our boss talking with his dad about some fund raiser banquets held at the Odyssey restaurant.  Some were for Politicians and others were for organizations such as    Mission College.  I've mentioned how Mr. Steve's dad helped get Mission College a campus.         

         Daisy one time heard our boss talking with his mom about the Odyssey restaurant, and how Miss Sandy's parents also liked eating there too.  Mr. Steve went there with Miss Sandy's family a few times I guess.  The scent of Theodora's Creosote bush came floating in to me over here.                  

  MISS MARIA, MR. RICH, STEPHANIE            STEPHANIE HOLDING CHICKEN LEGS   

                         

         Daisy one time heard Mr. Steve and his Niece Stephanie, who with Mr. Rich has that food catering business; talk about nice banquets at the Odyssey restaurant.  Steph and Mr. Rich have had some big jobs supplying the food for some big events.  Samson and Delilah flew bye.               

       Every Sunday Stephanie and Rich sell their food at that "Farmer's Market" in the city of "Studio City."  For a few years before that they did the same at the "Santa Clarita" Farmer's      Market.  A lady told our boss in Iceland they "slow cook meat" like Mr. Rich does.                         

    As Iceland is high in the "Northern Hemisphere," during Winter from October through March; you can see the "Aurora Borealis" lights up in sky.  In those months it's dark and there is no sunlight.  But from June through August, Summer; the Sun is out even at midnight.                                                      "NORTHERN" LIGHTS           

                    ("AURORA BOLEALIS")                     

  

           I guess, from what Rick Steves said on his tv show; those Aurora Borealis lights are also called "Northern Lights."  My Encyclopedia says they're caused by "disturbances in the earth's  magnetosphere caused by solar winds."  Samson and Delilah are flying toward the east.                

           Those solar winds coming from the Sun "alter the trajectories of charged particles which results in ionization."  Daisy and Millie saw this good tv show about the Northern Lights and she says they're "so beautiful" to look at.  The smell of Joshua trees just came floating in.                    

        Dais told me the Aurora Borealis lights can be many different colors, but she and Millie thinks green shades are the prettiest.  Mr. Steve's Cousin Gil Aaron in New Mexico one time took pictures of Northern Lights up in Alaska.  A Train whistled faintly over there to my left.                                                   BOREALIS                                                        MR. RICH (DRAGPIPE)

          One time Daisy and Millie were in Mr. Steve's office and heard him talking to Mr. Rich down there in Sylmar about this Canadian Heavy Metal band called BOREALIS.  One of Mr.      Steve's customers called them "progressive metal." I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies.                  

         I'm looking forward to someday hearing that 2002 DRAGPIPE album Mr. Rich played guitar on.  Dais told me about that Video they made for their good song called "Simple Minded."  Cher, with Andy watching her closely; jogged bye with a dead Lizard in her mouth.     

          Mr. Steve has at times played people that DRAGPIPE album, just to see their reaction to it.  Mr. Dave was really impressed at how good Mr. Rich's rhythm guitar playing is according to what Daisy says.  A Train whistled faintly way out there in the northern desert to my left.                                      "WHITE-CROWNED" SPARROW                    "BLACK-THROATED" SPARROW 

                                                PHOTO BY BRUCE GATES                                                                                                                       PHOTO BY SHARIF  UDDIN                                                               

  

           Oh!  I just glanced up from over here on the Patio and see one of those "White-Crowned" Sparrows eating some seeds that fell on a wooden log Mr. Mike cut up with his chain saw.  That    one is brown but other Sparrows are more grayish in their color.  Andy's sniffing the air.               

         We also have some what Miss Susan calls "Black-Throated" Sparrows around here.  One morning as he watered the Mulberry trees we heard her say many Sparrows come to Piñon Hills when it gets "too cold up north."  I've noticed Sparrows hop along the ground.                               

        Black-Throated Sparrows chirp in three notes, two quick; the third one longer in length. White-Crowned Sparrows whistle in two sharp and perky chirps, which that one on the log is      doing right now as a matter of fact.  Oh!  Now it just zipped away, out into the desert.                                               

         LEIF ERIKKSON (c.970-1018)                                    VIKING LONGSHIP             

                                                            PAINTING BY HANS DAHL                                                                                                                PAINTING BY IRENE HADRAS                                                                                                      

            All of a sudden I just now thought of the Viking Explorer Leif Erikson, who I wrote a little bit about earlier this morning.  That one lady from Sweden told Mr. Steve "some think" he  was "probably" born in Iceland.  His "distant relative discovered Iceland" she said.                      

         It says here in my Encyclopedia what the lady also told our boss, how in 986 A.D. Leif Erikson's father "Erik the Red" was "banished" from Norway.  Daisy and Millie heard the lady say it was for killing someone "at the wrong time."  Two little Wrens just flew bye.                         

             Dais says the Swedish lady mentioned how Leif Erikson was "raised" in Greenland.  So it was from there he sailed over to what is now the northeast coast of "Canada."  That was about    five centuries before Christopher Columbus made his now famous voyage back in 1492.                                       VIKINGS "VOYAGES OF DISCOVERY"                              "L' ANSE AUX" MEADOWS         

                                                                                                                        ARTWORK BY RUSS HEINL                       

                                                                                                                                                   

          Boy!  As I told Daisy on my first big break after chapter four, one thing these two days of writing has definitely shown me is how much I do like studying maps and things like that.  It's no wonder Mr. Steve and his father like them so much.  Andy's scent just came floating in to me.      

           A map of "Viking Voyages" shows the Norwegians "westward migration pattern."  In the lower left you can see how they made it all of the way over to "North America," establishing that  colony of "L'Anse Aux Meadows" I've mentioned.  That area is now "Canada."                             

          The map shows how some Norwegian Vikings first sailed west over to Iceland, from there to Greenland; and finally to what is now "New Foundland."  Some Norwegian Vikings sailed        down to England.  A Train whistled faintly way out in the northern desert to my left.                      

    

                  REPLICA VIKING SHIPS                                           MISS HELENA                                 ("SLOTTSFJELLET, TONSBEG" / NORWAY)                                                                                                              

PHOTO BY TONE HELENA TORGERSEN                                                                                                                                                         

      

          I've mentioned a few times in these first two books how Miss Helena is originally from Norway.  She's gone back to visit and took pictures of some recreated Viking Longships that are in a Harbor there.  A long line of Grease Ants is marching bye down there on the Patio floor.        

           Someday I really want to see that miniature model Viking Longship Mr. Steve has in the kitchen, sitting right next to that model of that World War II German Me-262 Jet.  Daisy told me there's a small Guillotine next to both of them too.  I smell Bravo Company right now.                   

          Our boss and Miss Helena have talked about a Norwegian couple named Helge and Anne Stine Ingstad, who discovered L' Anse Aux Meadows.  I guess, Mr. Helge wanted to prove that      the Vikings had made it to North America and his wife helped him a lot.  Dawn's barking.            

                                 

        ANNE STINE INGSTAD  (1918-1997)                     HELGE INGSTAD (1899-2001)                  

             

           Daisy heard Mr. Steve and Miss Helena talk about the Ingstad's, who thought the Viking Saga's "Vinland" was in North America.  For a few years they searched for proof and found L'    Anse Aux Meadows.  He described her "help and advice" as being "invaluable" to him.                

          Just like in the 19th century that German guy Heinrich Schleimann proved "Troy" was not a fictional city, the Ingstad's believed Vinland existed.  "Vin" can mean "wine" or "grapes,"  but I guess Miss Anne suggested it be interpreted as "meadows."  Heathcliff crowed.                     

          Our boss's mom, being interested in Archaeology; read about L' Anse Aux Meadows.  She joked she was "jealous" of Anne Ingstad, who was a real Archaeologist; in being able to help her  husband.  I've mentioned before how she takes the word "Helpmate" very seriously too.               

BONE CARVING                VIKING ART                WOOD CARVING 

        Daisy says next to the small model of that Viking Longship in the kitchen are miniature chess pieces of Viking "Berserker" Warriors biting the top of their shields.  Vikings Artists used  to make good Whale and Walrus bone carvings.  And they also did wood carvings I guess.             

          Mr. Steve's four "Knight" chess pieces are not made out of Whale or Walrus bone like the original ones, but look just like them.  If we ever have to defend our two acres Dais says, we'll      have to fight as fanatically as those old Berserker Vikings used to do.  A Train whistled.                 

          When she was in College at C.S.U.N. Mr. Steve's mom studied Viking art, and thinks some of it reminds her of "intricate" Islamic art; like in Córdoba Spain's Mosque.  Our boss and Mr.  Hussein down there in Sylmar have talked about "Geometric" Islamic art.   I smell Andy.                  

          HIGH DESERT                                              JOSHUA TREE CLUMP  

         PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                                                PHOTO BY TONE HELENA TORGERSEN

    

        Well Elvira, this is the end of chapter eight; so now I can use your three cushions and my three blankets to hide everything and go up front to visit with Daisy.  I know she's up there just waiting for me to tell her how things are going back here.  Cleo and Leo are flying bye.                  

         Boy!  I'm going to run at full speed to the front yard, which my legs have been wanting to do for at least half an hour now.   I can't wait to lick Dais's face and have her lick mine back, as    I've been anxiously thinking about that too.  Andy's over there sniffing the air.                                

        Thank Everyone up there for helping me again today, as I could never be this disciplined and maintain my tight schedule of writing one chapter for each of the twelve hours of today's sunlight.  Anyway, I'll be back in a few minutes but now I really want to take a break.