Book 3 Chapter 4

                                                          III           

                                                                                         (Book 3 / Chapter 4)     

          9:30       

        

                 

           MID-MORNING SKY              

                      

             Well You Guys, this day is going pretty fast even though I'm sad about Heathcliff.  I'd say it's about ten thirty and seeing the Sun right now reminds me of this time the last two days.  Nine chapters to go, nine more hours of sunlight; and I can hear Dawn barking next door.  

          Like yesterday and Thursday, I'll take a big break after this chapter or part one.  Working on this third book is keeping my mind off of Heathcliff so thank Everyone up there.  Oh!  Cher the Cat is jogging bye right now and has a dead Mouse hanging out of her mouth.

          I've mentioned how good I felt in that dream where Mr. Steve was petting us and showing how much he liked Daisy and I.  The three of us were happy which made us realize how lucky we are to be alive.  And like Dais said, maybe Heathcliff will come to visit us in our dreams? 

  

                                                                          MOLLY

     

               Thinking of Heathcliff suddenly makes me remember how Molly the Mule really liked to have her ears rubbed.  I do too.  Oh!  My right nostril just picked up Libby's unique scent from over in her Corral and that makes me almost smell Molly and even hear her braying voice.  

           Daisy heard there's all white "Albino" Mules.  She and Millie saw a Huell Howser episode about an annual event in the California "Sierra Nevada" mountains called "Mule Days."  That couple from Barstow who visited us knew about how it's held in the town of "Bishop."

          According to what Dais saw on Huell Howser's show, for three days every year the people of Bishop celebrate and honor all the really hard work Mules did in the days before there were Cars and Trucks.  Mr. Steve jokes about how, to a certain extent; Mules "built" America.

   

                                             "MULE DAYS" (BISHOP, CALIFORNIA)

                     

                 Wow!  A picture in my Encyclopedia shows what the caption says is a "Mule Team" who are pulling a Wagon.  There are sixteen Mules pulling the Wagon in the photo.  But, from what Dais saw on Huell Howser's tv show; sometimes twenty two Mules pull things around.

           I guess during Mule Days "Pack" Mules demonstrate carrying or pulling heavy weights.  Mr. Steve's father, and Huell Howser; were in the "Marines;" who still use Mules. During Mule Days they have Mule Races, Mule Jumping and Mule Rodeos.  Wow!  That sounds fun!

          Huell Howser said Mules are "under-appreciated" and not as dumb as some people think. In the desert, or on rocks; they're more "Sure-Footed" than Horses.  My Encyclopedia says how they helped build the "California Aqueduct" near us and "Rose Bowl" in Pasadena too. 

  

2014 JEEP "WRANGLER"   

    

          Writing about Mules makes me suddenly think of a "Jeep" Car called a "Wrangler," but has also been called other different names too; such as "Rubicon"    or "Jimmy."  A small flock    of Birds, who look like Pigeons; is flying toward the northeast way up there in the sky.                   

      According to what it says here in my English Dictionary, a "Wrangler" is, "A ranch hand who's primary duty is to take care of saddle horses."  But, I'll bet that means he's sort of like a "Cowboy" too.  Ah!  The fresh air is so clear right now, which makes me feel really good.              

Seeing the Sun in the sky over the eastern horizon is making me hear Vivaldi's song "La Primavera."  And that's now giving me a sensation of what might be that "Rhema" feeling I've written about over the last three days.  It's making me feel inspired to work harder today.                

                                                                     THE ANIMALS

         Looking at the Sun right now makes me hear the ANIMALS' song "House of the Rising Sun," which Mr. Steve again played this morning.  I'm  starting to really like that song, even if    hearing it makes me think of Heathcliff.  If it had a flute that song would be even better.                

         Daisy heard our Chief one time discuss with Mr. Ralph how the song House of the Rising Sun was originally more of a traditional acoustic "Folk" song.  But the ANIMALS did a harder Rock electric version which Mr. Steve likes better.  The guitar and organ is so catchy.                     

         I've mentioned how, as much as he appreciates all of the original forms of a musical style; Mr. Steve prefers heavier or more aggressive versions.  Mr. Steve has been told the ANIMALS'    House of the Rising Sun is the first "Folk-Rock" song.  Ah!  I smell that old Sage bush.                  

      

       WOODY GUTHRIE (1912-1967)                                                  BOB DYLAN                           

       

            According to what it says in this one Encyclopedia, many Musicians have "covered" House of the Rising Sun in the 20th century.  In 1941, during the Second World War; that guy Woody Guthrie did his own version of it.  And, in the early 1960's; so did Bob Dylan too.  

             House of the Rising Sun is described as a "cautionary tale."   Our boss thinks it might be a guy warning others not to do as he did in gambling away all of his money which hurts his family a lot.  I've mentioned over the last three days how Mr. Steve doesn't like to "Gamble."

              Mr. Steve kind of thinks of the ANIMALS' version of House of the Rising Sun as a "Blues-Rock" song.  I like how the Singer is really emotional.  Dais says our boss likes playing that song on the drums because he can then play, or "Tap;" the bigger-sized "Ride" cymbal. 

   

THE ANIMALS     

      

                Over the years our boss has played the ANIMAL'S House of the Rising Sun for people, just to see their reaction.  He wants to see how black people respond when they hear the organ solo in the middle of the song, which he describes as "secular gospel."  Sage smells so good.

            Someday I want to see the Video that went along with the ANIMAL'S song House of the Rising Sun.  Daisy told me, even though it's from all the way back in 1964; they made it in such a professional way.  Mr. Dave likes how they "Edited" a few "Takes" into a good version.

           Daisy liked how the ANIMAL'S all wore suits and yellow shirts in the Video, and how they walk in a circle as they play House of the Rising Sun.  They all have serious looks on their faces but at the very end the Guitarist smiles.  Mr. Steve jokes he might be smiling for his mom.   

                                     

HAWK CARRYING DEAD GOPHER        

                                          

                I just glanced up in time to see that new Hawk flying bye holding a headless Gopher in its mouth.  I really do wonder if, even though that Hawk is already an adult; that might possibly be Heathcliff reincarnated.  I wrote about the time that Hawk flew into our house by accident.   

          Hey God!  As of course You know, and I've mentioned a few times today already; I sure do wish I'd suddenly hear Heathcliff crowing.  And I know for sure Daisy and Mr. Steve would too.  Theodora just ran into the desert through the right vertical slot on the side of the gate.

          Seeing that Hawk makes me think about a Basketball player named Pete Maravich who I was supposed to write about yesterday in book two.  As a professional he played a few years for a team called the Atlanta "Hawks."  Dawn and Blinky are barking over there next door.  

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          PETE MARAVICH (1947-1988)            

                                   

      Somehow, when in writing about the State of Louisiana yesterday; I totally missed Pete Maravich on my outline.  His nickname was "Pistol" because of his "Technique" in shooting the ball.  In the late-1960's he played in College at "L.S.U." or "Louisiana State University."              

         Mr. Steve thinks Pete Maravich was the most "creative ball-handling passer" he ever saw. And, as I've said before; in the 1980's he took pictures of "Magic" Johnson many times.  He was  told Pete Maravich is the only white player the Harlem "Globetrotters" ever wanted.                    

       One time Mr. Steve saw Pete Maravich, who's "Ambidextrous" like he is; "Dribbling" the ball right-handed.  In between the time when the ball went down to floor, and then bounced back up into his hand he "Waved" or "Fluttered" that hand.  I can smell some Mesquite.                       

                                                       

    PETE MARAVICH "PASSING"

                                   

         After waving his right hand just like a "Fan," which totally faked out the defender; Pete Maravich then accurately "Slapped" the ball over to his teammate who scored a basket.  That's  called an "Assist" Dais told me one time.  The four Pigeons just flew out into the desert.                

          I guess that guy Pete Maravich at times made totally amazing "Underhand" passes, and sometimes; they were what they call "Full Court" underhand passes.  Mr. Steve told Mr. Ralph    how Pete Maravich "warmed up" by dribbling a ball in each hand.  Dawn's barking.                     

      Mr. Steve occasionally plays Basketball but jokes he's too old to do anything other than just shoot.  I've mentioned how, he's still pretty good at making "Free Throws;" or playing "Horse."  As I wrote on Thursday, one time he even made twenty four free throws in a row.                          

                    

            RICK BERRY       

                               

          As I wrote before, Mr. Steve shoots free throws "underhanded" even though other kids used to make fun of him.  They said only girls did it like that.  But he tells them how Rick Berry, who successfully made over 90% of his career free throws; shot underhanded too.                          

          I wrote the other day how Mr. Steve, who makes free throws overhanded too; thinks in some ways it's easier to shoot free throws underhanded because your knees, hips and arms don't need to move as much.  Fannie and Freddie flew bye.  They're talking to each other.                       

          Basketball players make a lot of money now.  Mr. Steve told that kid Jason how, back in the 1960's; N.B.A. players had to wash their own uniforms, share Hotel rooms and even take Taxi Cabs to the game.  I've mentioned how N.B.A. means "National Basketball Association."              

  

MR. RICK

          Oh!  According to what is says here in this one Encyclopedia, that guy Pete Maravich was "born" in the city of "Pittsburgh."  Over the last three days I've mentioned a few times how Mr. Steve's friend Rick's family are originally from Pittsburgh too.  I smell some Juniper.                   

          In the mid-1980's Mr. Steve and his friends Mark and Helen worked for the company that owned the Forum and teams who played there.  But, as I've written about; even before that Mr.    Steve saw a few concerts and other things there.  That Juniper makes me feel good.                        

        Daisy says it was in the 1970's, when he was playing for the Atlanta Hawks; that our boss saw Pete Maravich play down at the Forum against the Lakers a few times.  Oh!  I wonder if Mr. Steve knows that the last words Pete Maravich said before dying were, " I feel great."                   

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          PETE MARAVICH "SHOOTING"    

                             

            I guess Mr. Steve told Jason that, as "unbelievable" a passer as Pete Maravich was with either hand; he was an even better "shooter."  From either far away, or "in close" to the basket    he was really accurate.  Rudy the Roadrunner is jogging bye in front of the Sheds.                          

          Wow!  My Encyclopedia says Pete Maravich finished his College career at L.S.U. as the "all time" leading "Scorer" in N.C.A.A. "Division I" history with 3,667 points.  He "averaged"    44 points "per game."  Dais thinks that Division I is the highest College level.                                 

            Daisy says our boss told Jason he read that, if there had been a "Three Point" shot in the 1960's; Pete Maravich would've averaged over fifty points a game in College.  And, there was no  what they call "Shot Clock" back then either.  Oh!  The smell of Roses just floated in.                    

  

         PETE MARAVICH WITH FATHER    

           

           Because in the 1960's College "Freshmen" couldn't play "Varsity" Pete Maravich played only three years for L.S.U.  A picture shows him with his father, his College Coach; when he was later a pro on the New Orleans "Jazz."  Dais told me our boss drew the Jazz logo.                          

          Hey Lord!  I guess Pete Maravich became "Born Again" Christian before he died.  After he had "Retired" from Basketball he was out here in California playing in a "Pick Up" game at  a Church in Pasadena when he suddenly died.  Some Crows are cawing faintly.                               

          Mr. Steve thinks Pete Maravich was "showtime" before the Laker's "Showtime" teams of the 1980's" when he, Mark and Helen worked at the Forum.   After Pete Maravich died from an  "undiagnosed congenital heart defect" the Doctor's were "shocked" he had lived so long.              

            

"SIBERIAN" TIGER           

                                   

           I notice how L.S.U.'s name is the "Tigers" and their primary color is purple.  It looks like their secondary colors are white and yellow just like the Lakers Basketball team.  Daisy says our Chief also drew a few L.S.U. logos, which he told his mom were "kind of complicated."                 

          A picture in this Encyclopedia shows a "Siberian" Tiger.  Wow!  The caption says "male" Siberian Tigers, from Russia or China; can grow to be eleven feet long and are known to weigh    over six hundred pounds.   Hey God!  I keep remembering how Heathcliff is gone.                         

        Oh wow!  Who do I see just as I happen to be writing about Tigers?  Cher is now slinking out into the back eastern desert by going through the right vertical slot on the side of the gate.  I  would say, judging by her body language; she's hungry and wants to catch something to eat.          

  "LADYBOWER: RESERVOIR                              MR. PHILLIP                     

   

        Oh!  Mentioning how L.S.U. wears purple makes me think of that place in England Mr. Phillip told our boss about called "Ladybower" Reservoir.  I was supposed to talk about it when I wrote about Jimi Hendrix and Prince being associated with purple.  Andy's looking at me.         

        Daisy heard Mr. Phillip say from July through September in "Derbyshire," plants called "Heather" in "thickets;" turn purple and "sometimes pink."  Nearby is a man-made Lake or      created in 1944, which I know was the second to last year of World War II.  I smell Andy.              

         I guess Mr. Phillip, said to make the reservoir a village had to be "submerged" or covered up but; in a drought like the one we're in you can see the buildings again.   Dais says our boss       and Mr. Phillip talked about Egypt's "Aswan Dam."  Mr. Hussein knows about that Dam.                        

"SAND TIGER" SHARK                                           "TIGER" SHARK         

 

            Oh!  This is a good time to write about those "Sand Tiger" Sharks I forgot to write about yesterday.  Our boss told Mr. Randy one morning they "look mean" but, unlike "Tiger" Sharks which "they're not related to;" are usually "not a threat" to people.  A Train whistled faintly.      

       This Encyclopedia says other names for "Sand Tigers" are "Gray Nurse" and "Ragged Tooth" Sharks.   They live in "subtropical" and "temperate" waters and I guess can only grow to be ten feet long, while female Tiger Sharks can get to be almost twenty feet.  I like Trains.         

          Wow!  It says here what Mr. Steve said too, how Sand Tiger mothers only deliver one baby because that baby eats the other babies while waiting to come out of womb.  Mark Ritter joked it was the "ultimate case" of Charles Darwin's "Survival of the Fittest" idea.  I smell Sage.              

       

"SEA WORLD"   

    

         In my books I've written about "Sea World" in "San Diego."  As Mr. Steve watered the  big Mulberry tree that morning he told Mr. Randy Sand Tigers "do well in captivity" and, because they swim slowly and look mean; they're good Aquarium Sharks.  I'd like to go to Sea World.       

      Mr. Steve mentioned how in some areas, like in the "Mediterranean Sea" for example; the Sand Tiger Sharks "are going extinct."  I've written before about how a lot of people like soup      made with Shark fins.  The four Pigeons flew over Libby's Corral, and are moving east.                

       Some Sand Tiger Sharks "have been known" to stick their head out of the water to take in a gulp of air Mr. Steve read.  That then helps them to be "suspended" in the "water columns" so    it's easier to kill some Fish to eat.  Oh!  Rudy just sprinted bye and left behind some dust.                                                    ROADRUNNER  CARTOON                               1968 PLYMOUTH "ROADRUNNER"

   

           Ah!  Seeing Rudy reminds me how I keep forgetting to write about the Car named after the Roadrunner in that cartoon.  This Encyclopedia says it was made by "Plymouth" from 1968  through 1980, and was a "mid-size performance vehicle."  Daffy's quacking over there.                 

            The photo of a nice orange 1968 Roadrunner makes me think about how I'm beginning to really like that color more and more.  I've mentioned a few times how orange, at times; is used by some Protestant Christian groups.  It's Mr. Ramon the Mechanics favorite color too.                      

         Daisy heard our boss talking with his customer Bob in Missouri about those Roadrunner Cars.  They were built in Detroit and St. Louis.  I guess Plymouth paid fifty thousand dollars to    "Warner Brothers" for the right to use the "name and likeness" of the cartoon Roadrunner.        

           

                  WITH FATHER/ SON /GRANDSON      RICHARD PETTY           1970 ROADRUNNER                                

         Daisy says our Chief and Mr. Bob talked about Richard Petty who, for one season; drove that Roadrunner Car with the "Wing" on the back.  As I've said before, Mr. Steve  made a model of that famous Car when he was a kid.  Two of the Pigeons are flying to the northeast.                    

          Richard Petty's "aero" Car, which I notice was sky blue; was called the "Superbird."  It's unusual unique looking wing for some reason makes me think of that World War II "P-38," or a "Hammerhead" Shark."  I've mentioned how "Tar Heel" blue is North Carolina's color.               

       Mr. Steve was sixteen when that guy Richard Petty drove his Roadrunner during the 1971 N.A.S.C.A.R season.  He and Mr. Bob talked about how, in 1970; most Roadrunners came with 335 Horse Power motors but some had 425.  Now the other two Pigeons flew bye too.                    

                                                                  LIZARD IN DIRT             

                                             

           I smell a Lizard somewhere around here.  Aha!  I can see it doing some pushups over there in the dirt, just to the right of the big Mulberry tree.  Dawn and Blinky are barking at something over there next door and for some reason they sound kind of sad to me so far today.

           Looking at my outline it looks like, at first in this chapter I'll write a lot about New York City; and a few French places too.   Oh!  Two Pigeons just flew back in from the eastern desert and landed up there on the patio roof above me down here on Elvira.  I love Pigeon voices! 

          Ah!  I smell one of the three older Manzanita bushes behind the Sheds.  And that makes me suddenly remember this third day of Spring last year when I smelled that exact same bush.  The Pigeons are walking around and that kind of makes me feel good and gives me energy. 

   

                         "MANZANITA" LAKE ("LASSEN" VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK)

            

           Smelling Manzanita reminds me about Dais seeing a Huell Howser episode on a place up there in Northern California called "Manzanita" Lake.  She says it's located up in the "Lassen" Volcanic National Park.  Ah!  The Pigeons up there are cooing which I really like hearing.             

          Daisy told me how, according to what a Park Ranger told Huell Howser; all four "types" of volcanoes are located near Manzanita Lake.  One erupted in 1915, the second year of World    War I.  I've mentioned before how we have some "Dormant" volcanoes around here.                     

         A picture shows Manzanita Lake and in the background is a mountain with snow on top.  And, in glancing to my right, beyond Libby's Corral; I see the "San Gabriel" mountains.  Right now the Pigeons are still cooing as they walk around up there on the patio roof above me.                           

    MOUNTAIN

                        

       Oh!  Mentioning mountains reminds me that I was supposed to write yesterday about a 1970's band called MOUNTAIN.  I guess they were originally from back east in New York City.    I've  never heard any of their songs but Daisy has and told me how they're pretty good.                 

         Dais told says our boss likes a MOUNTAIN song about a Queen from Mississippi.  In that song she says, the Drummer plays one of those "Cowbells."   Oh!  Helen's taking a break from her babies and is over there standing right next to Andy near the entrance to their burrow.           

          I've mentioned how, when Mr. Steve and Sandy were at Valley Junior College in the 1970's; they met that guy named "Bob."  He said he was related to MOUNTAIN'S bass player and did    look kind of like him alright.  And he played bass guitar too Daisy heard our Chief say.                                                              

CHEVROLET "VEGA"

   

         Daisy says our boss told his brother Rock, who had a 1970's Chevy "Vega;" that guy Bob turned one into a Race Car.  Mr. Steve's brother Rock said it's four cylinder aluminum engine was "really good on gas" but "not dependable."  But their body style "sure looked good."            

      Back then in the 1970's that man from "Georgia" Jimmy Carter was President in a time when the economy was bad.  There were "Shortages" so, gas was even "Rationed" like    during World War II.  The Pigeons just took off and are now flying back out into the back desert.            

         Our boss says Mr. Bob told him, as good as the Vega's "body style" looked; they often had a "tendency to rust."   I guess Mr. Steve thinks some of MOUNTAIN'S songs influenced, or was a   "Forerunner" of; Heavy Metal bands that came later.  Thank You God for making Pigeons.            

     FELIX PAPPALARDI / LESLIE WEST

                  

            Mr. Steve and that guy Bob talked about how MOUNTAIN'S Guitarist named Leslie West is known for playing a Gibson Les Paul "Jr." guitar.  But, at times; he also played a "Flying V."  I guess that guy Mr. Bob, just like Leslie West did; used some "Sunn" brand amplifiers.

           Because of how big in size he was Leslie West makes guitars look small.  Two of the guys in that one 1970's Canadian band BACHMAN TURNER OVERDRIVE at times also made guitars look kind of small too Dais says.  Hearing Dawn and Blinky barking makes me feel good.

           Daisy says our boss joked with that kid Jason about how he thinks the Guitarist from the WHITE STRIPES looks sort like a skinny Leslie West.  I guess, in 1969; MOUNTAIN played in that famous outdoor concert at "Woodstock."  Oh my God!  Now old Rosie's barking too.  

                                                               

               SANDY                                        EMILY                                    HARRIET

 

            Last night Mr. Steve had a nice dream about friends like Mark Ritter who've died.  It was a "Get Together" or reunion in a restaurant and his three former girlfriends, Sandy, Emily and Harriet; just happened to be there too.  And so were all four of his Grandparents too!  Wow!

            I've mentioned a few times over the last three days how Harriet and Emily are both good Writers.  Someday, when I get over my fear of riding in Cars; I'd sure like to smell the U.C.L.A. campus where Miss Emily stills works in the Athletic Department.  I smell a Joshua tree.

           Glancing to my right, at our gray bucket near the sliding glass door going into the house; I'm suddenly thinking of water.  In my books I've written about "Hurricanes" like "Andrew" in 1992 and "Sandy" back in the year 2008.  Mr. Steve's first girlfriend was named Sandy too.  

                             HURRICANE "KATRINA" (NEW ORLEANS, LA. / AUGUST, 2005)

PHOTO BY DAVID J. PHILLIP                                                                                                                                                                             

  

               When Mr. Steve first moved up here in late 2005 it was blazing hot.  I guess, right after that; a gigantic storm hit the State of "Louisiana." Daisy heard our boss one time talk with his customer in Arkansas who had relatives who barely survived that Hurricane "Katrina."  

               Daisy heard, in 2005 the giant hurricane hit the city of "New Orleans."  That family from New Mexico, the "Carejo's;" have a daughter named "Katrina."  The Arkansas Parts Manager said some "Sea Wall Levees" broke so parts of New Orleans, "Below Sea Level;" flooded. 

          According to what Dais heard the Parts Manager say, after the flood in New Orleans there some "decomposing" bodies which had to be "left out to rot."  He told our boss his mom used to say, "Mother nature always laughs last."   Miss Sandy's mom used to say that too I guess. 

  

                                                                   LED ZEPPELIN

             Someday I hope to hear "When the Levee Breaks," LED ZEPPELIN'S song about a "Sea Wall" breaking.  Dais told me it's mainly about what happens if a Dam or Levee fails and lets in the water it's meant to hold back.  A Train whistled faintly out there in northeastern desert.

               I guess, back in 2005 Mr. Steve had the weird sensation of getting used to living in a really, really hot time of year up here; while at the exact same time seeing on tv about New Orleans.  He and his dad have great respect for water's power.  Daisy told me about those "Flash Floods."   

               Dais says LED ZEPPELIN'S song has amazing "echo-sounding" drums, which our boss and Mr. Dave have tried to play.  Besides singing, Robert Plant also plays very good Harmonica.  I've said before how Mr. Steve's mom and Robert Plant were both born on August the 20th.

                      

                             "MEMPHIS MINNIE" (1897-1973)  / "KANSAS" JOE MCCOY (1905-1950)

                   

               Daisy and Millie saw a tv show that said LED ZEPPELIN'S song When the Levee Breaks is a cover of this 1929 "Country-Blues" song by "Kansas" Joe McCoy and his then wife nicknamed "Memphis Minnie."  It's about a big flood of the "Mississippi" River back in those days.

                I guess the main way the man who "Recorded" Led Zeppelin's When the Levee Breaks got the drums to sound so huge; was to set them up in a big house directly below a "Staircase" which was kind of tall in size.  Dawn's barking.  And, now; so is brave little Blinky over there too!

          Mr. Rich read, to record John Bonham's drums on When the Levee Breaks; microphones were positioned in stairs above him.  So they got the echo.   Our boss and Mr. Dave can show a kid how to play When the Levee Breaks" but you can't get that "original tone" they say. 

     

2005 TOYOTA "ECHO"

       

                 Daisy heard our boss one time talking to one of his Toyota customers about a small Car called an "Echo."  The Parts Manager used to word "subcompact" to describe it, and told Mr. Steve it was only made from 1999 through 2005.  Mr. Steve moved up here back in 2005.

           My German Dictionary says 'Platz," one of the other names the Echo was called before it got its name; means "Space."  The Parts Manager said, even though they're small; Echo's have "surprisingly spacious" interiors.  A small flock of Birds is moving towards the northeast.

            According to what that Toyota customer up there in Northern California told our boss, since 2005 the Echo has had a few different names; like "Beltra" and "Yaris" for example.  The Echo came in a "Coupé" version too he said.  Someday I really want to hear something echo.

                             

                                                         "STANDARD" DRUM SET     

                                    

                 Mr. Steve has tried to play When the Levee Breaks, but admits it's hard to stay "in the pocket" through the whole song.  When he and Mr. Dave show kids how to do the famous "Beat" they begin by at first using only the bass drum and High Hat.  I can't wait to hear that song.   

                  Daisy says over the years our boss has played When the Levee Breaks loud for people in order to see their reaction.  She thinks for some it gives you that "Rhêma" feeling I've mentioned a few times over the last three days.  Samson and Delilah are flying toward the northeast.              

              Thinking about water powerfully flooding reminds me about how sometimes, in a Summer "Thunderstorm;" we have those "Flash" floods Dais told me about.  I've never seen one but was so scared to death by that big "Lightning" storm.   A Garter Snake crawled under Manny.  

        

                                                            FOUR "CIVILIZATIONS"

        

        All of a sudden I just thought of how, about 4,000 B.C. near rivers; those four groups of people "Settled" in one single location and "Civilization" began.  That's when "Farming" and    "Writing" helped them live in "Towns" and "Cities."  I can smell some new Spring Sage.             

            For thousands and thousands of years all the different "Hunter-Gatherer" societies had to survive by "Following the Seasons" in search of food.  But then civilization began and they did not need to do that anymore.  Speedy Gonzalez just bounded bye and left some dust hanging.       

          The good part about living near Rivers is staying in one spot instead of always moving.  But the bad part is that, when "Severe" weather happens those rivers overflow; so a lot of damage is done and many people and us Dogs are drowned.  A big "Positive" turns into a big "Negative."                      

  

                      MISSISSIPPI RIVER                                            "GREAT" FLOOD (1927)

                I guess that old Blues song came two years after a gigantic flood of the Mississippi River. Then about forty years later LED ZEPPELIN did their version.  Boy!  Now I really want to hear When the Levee Breaks.  Daisy says it has good singing and is kind of "hypnotic-sounding." 

                Oh wow!  According to what it says here in this Encyclopedia, that 1927 "Great Flood" of the Mississippi River was the "most destructive" flood in American history.   It happened after a lot of the "flood walls" were "breached."  Blackbeard and Anne are flying bye right now.

               The caption below this picture of that 1927 flood says how 27,000 "square" miles of land was "inundated."  The "floodplain" was fifty miles wide and one hundred miles long.  "To cover over, as in a flood or deluge;" is how the word inundated is defined here in my Dictionary.

   

                BEASTIE BOYS                            EMINEM                                     BJÖRK

               Daisy told me the tv show about LED ZEPPELIN said later Musicians, like the BEASTIE BOYS, EMINEM and the Icelandic Singer Björk; "Sampled" John Bonham's drums from When the Levee Breaks.  They used them on their songs.  Daisy thinks that's a "sign of respect." 

               It's interesting how EMINEM was born on October the 17th like Mr. Steve's brother Rock in Texas. One time Dais and Millie were in our boss's bedroom and heard him play drums along to a BEASTIE BOY song called "You Gotta Fight For Your Right to Party."  I smell Sage.

          I guess usually the BEASTIE BOYS, from New York City; do "Rap" music.  Daisy told me our boss, and Mr. Dave; like playing that BEASTIE BOY song because of its aggressive melody.  And, it also gives them a chance to actually "Play" the top of the bigger "Ride" cymbal too. 

    

                                                                                         JOHN BONHAM (1948-1980)

     

           On the tv show about LED ZEPPELIN Dais says our boss noticed that guy John Bonham played a "Brand" of drums called "Ludwig."  I've mentioned he has "Tama" drums.  Mr. Steve told Mr. Dave on the phone he's drawn John Bonham's three intersecting circles logo.

                Before John Bonham died LED ZEPPELIN "Toured" or traveled around the world like the nomadic people did before civilization.  Daisy says there's a Car called "Nomad."  Mr. Steve also made line drawings of the other members of LED ZEPPELIN'S  emblems I guess.      

               One time Daisy heard our boss talking on the phone with Mr. Frank who used to work at the "General Motors" plant in Van Nuys with Mr. Steve's brother Rock.  He knows a lot about Cars and things like that.  A few years ago he totally "Restored" a 1950'd Nomad I guess.

                                                             

                                                         CHEVROLET "NOMAD"   

                   

                I guess Mr. Frank said there've been a few versions of the Nomad, which is an American  "Station Wagon."  But the most "Collectible" Nomads were made from 1955, the year Mr. Steve was born; through 1957 when his brother Rock arrived.  Dawn and Blinky are barking.

              Mr. Frank, unlike many other collectors; prefers the Nomad's "Sports Wagon" body style to the "Convertible" or "Hardtop Coupe" design.  The "Tri-Five" form refers to Nomads and "Bellair's" built in 1955, 1956 and 1957.  Ah!  My right nostril smells Libby over there. 

          There's an extending vapor trail way up there high in the light blue sky.  Thank You God for making it really good weather over the last three days so I could write my books.  And, even though it's hard to not think about Heathcliff; I'm having a pretty good good time learning.

            

  "VAPOR" TRAIL    

                       

            Staring up at that vapor trail makes me suddenly have a feeling of Déjà Vu.  And glancing over to my right, and seeing Libby walking slowly around over there in her Corral; gives me that same sensation.  Boy!  I sure do hope that this Summer there won't be so many pesky Flies.  

           When I take my big break after this chapter I can't wait to see what Daisy is doing.  And, if I know her; she's hoping like I am that maybe Heathcliff might return to visit us in dreams.  I do know one thing for sure, tomorrow morning is going to be so weird around here alright.    

          Hey God!  As I keep mentioning, I'm thankful my good dreams outnumber the bad ones.  I like my dreams more now, especially the ones where Daisy and I time travel with Mr. Peabody and Sherman.  It's been a while since my bad Angel Lilith has invaded into my dreams.

  

         (WITH PIGEONS)                   MIKE TYSON                   (WITH THE LENNONS)  

                                                                                                                                                                                               PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

         

           All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral moving to the east.  That makes me think about that Boxer Mike Tyson who raised Pigeons in New York City, a city which Daisy has me scheduled to learn a a lot about in this fourth chapter.  I like having Pigeons around.

           There are a few Birds zipping about in the eastern desert and that vapor trail is getting a lot lighter now.  Seeing it right now reminds me of other times.  Oh! I looked down and can see a long line of those little Grease Ants on the Patio floor near Miss Emily's old coffee table.  

         Looking down there at the gray floor makes me think of "Concrete."  As I've said before, Mr. Steve thinks concrete is one of the most important "artificial" materials ever invented.  My    left nostril just picked up the strong scent of the Arborvitae tree a few feet away over there.                   

              LOS ANGELES                            CHICAGO                                    NEW YORK                                         

               Without "Concrete and Steel" big cities would not be possible.  As I've said a few times in my books, "Concrete" is hardened "Cement;" or "Mortar."  Boy!  How was it even possible for the ancient Romans to have figured out how to make such an amazing thing like concrete?

          The definition of cement is, "A powdered substance of lime and clay mixed with water."  In working for his friend Rick's "Mechanical Contracting" company; they often used concrete on a few different jobs.  Some Ducks are quacking over there but, as usual; Daffy's way louder.

          Hey Lord!  In 1985, when Mr. Steve's Tour Group visited the ruins of Israel's coastal city of "Caesarea; they learned about concrete.  King Herod, who tried to kill You when You as a baby; built Caesarea to atay in the "Good Graces" of the Emperor Augustus.  I really like Ducks!

    

                                              "CAESAREA MARITIMA" (ISRAEL) 

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                                                                                                            PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

        

           As I wrote on Thursday, Roman Engineers built concrete "Water Breaks" or walls to hold back the strong Eastern Mediterranean Sea water currents.  Mr. Steve's father was so amazed at how they could have even done it way back then.  I can smell the new baby Cholla cactus.

          Because there are good and bad sides to most things, concrete allows people to build cities;  but also negatively effects the "Atmosphere" too.  That's what Daisy and I heard Mr. Mike say.  And he also said how concrete "absorbs" the type of heat that makes for "air pollution."

         Mr. Mike said people think concrete is "Permanent" like a stone but it isn't, as heat, cold, chemicals, salt and moisture, over time; weaken it little by little from the inside.  The world is  running out of the type of sand needed to make concrete he thinks.  I feel good right now.  

                                                 

                                                   SAND AND GRAVEL "QUARRY"      

                                     

         I just thought about that big sand and gravel quarry to the west of us near Littlerock, where Mr. Steve's brother Sam lives with his family.  I guess, from what Mr. Mike said; desert      sand is not really that good for making concrete.  Max and 99 just whizzed bye right now.             

            Mr. Mike talked of how the type of sand needed to make concrete is mostly near rivers or beaches.  The world is running out of that sand and, to make things worse; by "dredging" up all that sand many types of Fish, Birds and things like that are dying.  Crows are croaking.                

           My Encyclopedia says an early 19th century English "Bricklayer" named Joseph Aspdin, in 1824; was granted the "Patent" for the "most common" form of cement used to this day.  He    called it "Portland Stone," even though it wasn't really stone.  I can smell Andy over there.                         

JOSEPH ASPDIN (1778-1855)

                 

          Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Phillip from Wales one time talking about those Islands in the "English Channel" between England and France.  I guess, on one of them named "Portland" is a big rock quarry where they dig out "Limestone."  Andy's over there sniffing the air.               

        Joseph Aspdin's cement was called "artificial stone" according to what it says here.  Mr. Steve thinks he probably called it that to tell everyone how he thought it was just as strong any  real stone.  He really wanted people to think it could even survive the biggest of storms.                

          Another time Dais and I overheard our boss talking with Mr. Mike as they loaded Rex the Truck.  Mr. Steve told him about how he, and Mr. Mark in Hawaii; one time talked about a big    Hurricane called "Iniki."  Back in 1992 it destroyed a lot of concrete structures in Hawaii.            

"FALAISE D' AVAL" CLIFFS   

("ETETAT," NORMANDY / FRANCE)

                                                                                                                                                                   PHOTO BY SORIN COLAC     

        Daisy says, when Mr. Phillip mentioned rock formations on the coast of France called "Falaise d' Aval;" our boss told him about Mark Ritter.  He studied those "zebra-like" patterns and had told Mr. Steve about them back in the 1970's.  Samson and Delilah just flew bye.             

          The 1970's was when our boss was going to College and worked with Mark Ritter at that company in Van Nuys called "Laser Images."  One time back in those days Mark Ritter showed  Mr. Steve and Miss Sandy pictures of rock formations near beaches.  A Train whistled.                  

        I've mentioned a few times over the last three days how that guy Mark Ritter knew about the subject of "Geology."   He knew those rocks in France, which look like an Elephant's trunk    and a Rhino's horn sticking up; are "Flint" between layers of "Chalk."  I smell Creosote.                         

      "DESK TOP" IMAGE                                  "WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER"

                                                                                                                                                 PHOTO BY EAMONN WANG 

                 

         I've mentioned before how, whenever Mr. Steve looks at his "Desk Top" image on the computer's screen; he thinks of Mark Ritter.  He's told Mr. Phillip it "relaxes him" to look at the image of that New Zealand girl running along the beach.  It makes him "appreciate life."             

           One time Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Phillip talk about those "White Cliffs of Dover," and how they're right across the English Channel from France.  My Encyclopedia says how the    reason they're white is because they're made out of that chalk.  Rudy just went jogging bye.         

         Mr. Phillip said the white cliffs are on the "Kent" coastline, facing the "Strait of Dover" across from France.  It says here the "face" is about three hundred and fifty feet tall, and eight    miles long; Mr. Phillip calling it a "sea cliff."  They're from that "Late Cretaceous" period.                        

     MR. MARK / WIFE KIM                                 MARK MAKING MUSIC          

           

         Since moving to the east coast of the "Big Island" in Hawaii there have been a few storms which hit where Mr. Mark now lives with his family.  Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Mark talking    with our boss about Hurricane Iniki, which happened in September of 1992.  I smell Sage.            

         Daisy heard our Chief tell Mr. Mark Hurricane Iniki happened in Hawaii about a month after that other big storm Hurricane "Andrew" hit Florida.  There was a lot of damage in both    of them.  Boy!  I sure hope we never have a big storm like that here in Piñon Hills.                         

      I guess in 1992 Hurricane Iniki "formed" on September 5th, the "greatest destruction" happening on the 11th.   Yesterday, I wrote about September the 11th of 2001; when those two      Planes  flew right into the "Twin Towers" on "9/11."  Libby just whinnied over there.                                               

HURRICANE "INIKI" (SEPTEMBER 11, 1992)

PHOTOGRAPHS BY TDUNSKI

        Wow!  The caption below pictures of Hurricane Iniki says it "achieved wind gusts" of 225 m.p.h.  It mainly hit the island of "Kaua'i," but also caused a lot of damage on that other island    "O'ahu;" where Pearl Harbor is.  I've mentioned how m.p.h. stands for "miles per hour."             

       I guess in 1992 Hurricane Iniki, which means "Strong and Piercing" wind; caused "three billion dollars" in damage.   About fifteen hundred "structures" were "destroyed," while over      five thousand buildings were "heavily damaged."  The electrical power was out "for weeks."        

         Dais says our Chief and Mr. Mark talked about these weather conditions that happen called "El Niño" and "La Niña."   Hurricane Iniki happened in the middle of an El Niño period, which  went from 1990 through 1995.  In Spanish "Niño " means "Boy" and "Niña" is "Girl."                 

                        

        HURRICANE "INIKI"

     PHOTO BY NICK GALANTE

   

           A picture shows damage done by "Iniki."  I guess, in an El Niño period; water "surface" temperature in the "Tropical" eastern Pacific Ocean warms under "high air pressure."  During  a time of La Niña that same water cools under what's called a "low surface air pressure."             

        This Dictionary says the word "Oscillation" means to, "swing, vacillate or vary between high and low."  I guess, an El Niño period is often followed in California by a lot of rain; and a La Niña period usually means a dryer California.  Daffy's quacking about something.                

          Mr. Steve says he now "cringes" in thinking about the Winter of 1993.  It rained so much he was beginning to wonder if the hill behind his house on Hagar Street would collapse.  His roof was starting to leak too.  He says he was an "idiot" in not repairing it earlier when he should've.                                

"HAWAIIAN" ISLANDS

   

           Daisy says when Mr. Mark's family first moved to Hawaii they lived on the east coast of the Big Island, in "Hilo;" but now they moved over to the west coast.  Dais saw a tv show about the Big Island's "active" volcano.  That show also talked about those giant "Tsunami" waves.          

       I guess, the tv show said in 1946 a gigantic 8.1 "Magnitude" earthquake erupted up in Alaska.  It was so powerful it sent this gigantic ripple of Pacific Ocean water shooting all the way down to the Hawaiian Islands.   Big waves also came to Washington, Oregon and California.        

            According to Dais, the giant wave that crashed into the town of Hilo took five hours to get from Alaska to Hawaii.  A lot of people died and there was great damage.  It happened on April 1, 1946, the year after World War II ended; so was jokingly called the "April Fool's Event."                                         

     "TSUNAMI"       

          

           Oh!  A painting shows a Tsunami coming and a man is foolishly not running away.  It says here "Tsunami" is Japanese for "Harbor Wave."  Wow!  Tsunami's can "travel" five hundred      miles per hour, which is as fast as some of those Jet Airplanes going bye up there in the sky.          

       In 2004 a big underwater 9.1 "Indonesian" earthquake had the power of "twenty three thousand" Atomic bombs, so caused a Tsunami that killed three hundred thousand people.  If      there's ever a Tsunami here we'll run up into the mountain behind the Post Office Dais says.         

         Oh!  Mentioning earthquakes makes me remember I forgot to write about a small town in Alaska called "Cordova."  Mr. Steve sold things to a lady who told him about a big earthquake    that hit Cordova back in 1964.  I can see Andy over there guarding their burrow entrance.            

        

  "CORDOVA," ALASKA         

                

         Thank You again God for giving me this great opportunity to learn about all of the things having to do with our last name.  And I'm really getting better and better at using all of the pens and pencils.   Dawn's barking, and I can smell Blinky and Rosie next to her over there.                  

     Daisy says that lady told our boss that town Cordova up there in Alaska is now mainly a "Fishing" village.  There was a big "Oil Spill" near there in 1989 she said, and I guess a person    told her the whole town "rose six feet" during the 1964 earthquake.  Blinky smells good.               

         My Encyclopedia says Cordova, originally "Puerta Córdova" when the Spanish named the area in 1790; is on "Gulf of Alaska" coast.   The Indians, in the "Chugach Eyak" region; are still  called "Tlingit Athabaskan."  Cordova is one hundred and fifty miles from "Anchorage."             

                          

"VALDEZ" OIL SPILL (1989)     

                                            PHOTO BY ERIK HILL                                                                                

                                                                                                               

        The lady told our boss in 1989 a gigantic Ship called "Valdez" carrying oil crashed near Cordova, and the oil drained out into the water and destroyed everything.  The slimy oil killed all the Fish, Birds and Animals; like Otters the lady said.  Finley and his new girlfriend flew bye.      

        I guess Cordova, which is even smaller than Piñon Hills; must have some of those Killer Whales nearby because it sits on "Orca Inlet."  It's another example of our last name going all      over the world to where the Spanish went to.  But they pronounce it the "Anglicized" way.            

          Yup!  Just as Dais heard the lady tell our boss, my Encyclopedia says Cordova Alaska was named by an Explorer named Salvador Fidalgo in 1790 for an 18th century Spanish Admiral.  I  guess Luis de Córdova fought in some very important "naval" battles.  I see Andy over there.                

ADMIRAL LUIS DE CÓRDOVA (1706-1796)

     

           It says here Admiral de Córdova "went to sea" at age eleven and ended fighting some big battles against the British in the "Mediterranean Sea" area.  In the painting of him he looks kind of mean but I really love his good wig and fancy uniform.  Andy's sniffing the air right now.         

         That lady told our Chief how Cordova Alaska was "officially renamed" in the early 20th century, and that's why they pronounce it incorrectly and spell it without an accent.  As I've said a few times over the last three days, the Spanish colonized "Alta" California in the 1700's.            

           Ah!  I suddenly smell Roses.  Miss Susan said Roses have come to symbolize "love, beauty and fragility" and are called the "Queen of Flowers."  According to her Roses were growing wild in  the "Northern Hemisphere" thousands of years before there were any people here.                         

    "ROSES" (SAN FERNANDO MISSION / EAST GARDEN)

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

         Throughout my three long books I've mentioned how Mr. Steve and his mom had some Art Exhibits in the 1990's.  And, some of Mr. Steve's photos were of Roses that grew over at the San    Fernando Mission.  Right now I can smell Theodora's Creosote bush in my left nostril.                  

        This is interesting.  According to what it says here in this one Encyclopedia, the oldest Rose "fossil" is about thirty five million years old; and was discovered in the area now called the State of Colorado.  Dawn and Blinky are now barking faintly over there next door.                                  

        Over the last three days I've mentioned how Miss Susan knows about plants and things like that.  She says not as many people grow Roses anymore because it takes a lot of work.  You have to first "prepare" all of the soil and then "prune, spray and feed" the Roses bushes.                         

CONFUCIUS (551-479 B.C.)

         I guess Confucius, who've I've mentioned before; wrote about Roses.  He's the one who said, "Do not do to others what you do not want done to you."  Boy Lord!  That sure sounds like what You said too.  I just noticed Blackbeard and Anne Bonny flying  bye up there.                        

         This is kind of interesting.  It says here, at times in ancient Rome; the "powerful" people "forced" poor farmers to grow Roses "instead of" food.  That was so, in their parades; men like  Julius Caesar could be "showered in rose petal confetti" as they rode bye in a Chariot.                  

            Today is Saturday and Mr. Steve didn't open the front door up for us to go into the living room to watch cartoons.  Sometimes we don't watch cartoons on Saturday mornings and I guess this will be one of those days.  That's okay as I'll just have to work on this third book.  

                                                                                    

"NAME" FRAME

  

           Dais told me lately our boss has been working on one of what Mr. Randy calls his "Name Frames" he makes for people.  First Mr. Steve has the person write out a description and history of their life.  Speedy Gonzalez just ran bye and left a trail of fine dust hanging in the air. 

           Like a Journalist writing a story, Mr. Steve tells the person he's making the Name Frame for to describe who, what, when, where, why and how someone or something might be important to them.  Based on that information, he makes them a "Personal" Frame using logos.

           In "Old English" my boss puts the first letter of the person's last name in black on a white 8 x 10 piece of paper.  Below that big letter are different emblems representing important things in the particular person's life.  The dust Speedy raised has now settled back on the ground.

         

      JACK IN BACK DESERT

                                                                                  PHOTO BY B. KATZUNG

        

            I just noticed Jack out there in the field behind the Sheds, near that one clump of Cholla cactus's.  Seeing him right now somehow suddenly makes me feel a little bit better about missing Heathcliff.  It never ceases to amaze me how Jackrabbits can seemingly fly sometimes. 

           Mr. Steve did a Frame for this one "French-Canadian" lady who now lives over there in Victorville.  Her husband works for San Bernardino County and they have two teenagers, a boy and girl.  I guess their family is also Roman Catholics just like we are Daisy told me.    

           In those Name Frames Mr. Steve tries to use the alphabet and logos to "Encapsulate" or "Symbolize" that person's life.  He uses Old English "Script" but can do other types of lettering too Dais told me.  He puts in logos "appropriate" to that person's life and experiences.  

                                                       WREN ("CHOLLA" CACTUS)

                 I just glanced up from my work and see that same little Wren I've been seeing for the last three days.  And again he's inside that one old Cholla cactus he seems to like so much.  Daisy is probably right in thinking it might be a girl Wren making a new Spring nest in there.

                 I can't wait to go see Daisy after this chapter but, I'm so tempted to just go up there right now; even though I'm not finished with Part One yet.  Our boss still enjoys coloring and doing art.  I've had so much practice holding pens and pencils right-pawed, I could color.   

           It would be so great to be the first Dog to learn to draw because then Mr. Steve will really like me more.  Maybe I could then even start a School to teach other Dogs and Cats to make art.  Oh!  I just noticed Andy and Helen's baby Squirrels over there popping out of their hole.  

     

BABY SQUIRRELS  

      

                  It made Daisy and I feel good when we saw Andy and Helen's babies last evening when we were sitting back here on Elvira talking about today.  Seeing them now makes me feel better but I'm still thinking about Heathcliff.  I can now suddenly smell the Twin Joshua trees.

           As I've mentioned a few times in my two books, we like Ground Squirrels.  But they ate up and killed the roots of some of our trees because of the drought.  Right now I'm looking at the cut up wood piled against the back fence in between the Sheds and eastern desert.      

           Andy and Helen's babies went back down fast into the safety of their hole and I think that I know why.  I just noticed Cher crouching low on top of Moe the middle Shed as if she's about to jump down and ambush something.  I just picked up Cher's scent in both of my nostrils.  

                                 

     CANADIAN "PROVINCES"

                            

            Writing about that lady from Victorville makes me want to look up Canada.  On the map I notice how big the Canadian "Provinces" are.  That lady grew up in "Quebec" on the east coast,  north of Connecticut where Mr. Steve's sister Susan lives with Dalton and Austin.       

           I've mentioned how a Province is like a State and Mr. Steve had a Car Dealership he sold to in "Vancouver" and another near "Toronto."  The map of Canada shows how Quebec is kind of above the "Great Lakes."  I've mentioned how in Quebec they mainly speak French.  

          Mr. Steve was right.  It says here the Great Lakes are the largest "fresh water" lakes in the whole world.  As I've mentioned a few times already, most of the original "Native" people came down into North and South America all the way from "Siberia" after the last "Ice Age."    

           

"POST" ICE AGE MIGRATION OF PEOPLE    

                

             I really like looking at this map that shows the routes the first people in North and South America took to get down here.  I always notice how some came through between two "Glaciers" that were melting.  I just glanced up from my work and notice how Cher's gone now.   

            It says here that, thousands of years ago; the Great Lakes were "carved" or "gouged" out of the ground as those huge "ice sheets" moved back and forth in North America.  At the end of the Ice Age they slowly "receded" north.  The Wren in the Cholla cactus is chirping.     

            For about sixty thousand years Glaciers "advanced" and "retreated" to "sculpt" all the land they "scraped" out into what are now the Great Lakes.  In the final Ice Age Glaciers came southward all the way to where New York City is.  But as it warmed and ice melted.

                      

     THE "GREAT LAKES"    

                         

             Daisy told me, Sister Rita Joseph told her class one way to remember the names of the five Great Lakes is to spell out the word "HOMES."  Theodora the Thrasher Bird just ran under her Creosote bush.  Two of the Pigeons are flying bye, moving toward the northeast.

           I guess HOMES just stands for the names, "Huron," "Ontario," "Michigan," "Erie" and "Superior;" and that will make me remember them alright.  Boy!  Sister Rita Joseph seems like such a smart and clever person who I wish I could go back in time to see, hear and smell.    

          Boy God!  I smell some flowers.  When You created flowers that was definitely one of Your best ideas ever.  Last Summer, when we were sitting back here on Elvira during a really hot day; Daisy told me all about that liquid called "Perfume" and how it's made from flowers.       

                 

         GLACIERS AT END OF LAST ICE AGE (c.10,000 B.C.)       

                   

       This map in my Encyclopedia shows in white how far south the glaciers went in the last Ice Age.  It's a lot easier to understand how the Clovis Indians from Siberia were blocked for many years from going down into North America.  I smell Theodora's Creosote bush.

       I guess, at the end of the last Ice Age; the weather changed "rapidly" so the North American glacier melted and began to move northward.  In what's called "Geological" terms it was a short time.  But it took hundreds and hundreds of years to melt and then disappear.

        One time Mr. Steve and his customer named "Joe," in New Jersey; talked about the last Ice Age.  Joe knew how, the massive weight of all of those giant glaciers also created the areas in and around New York City; especially "Manhattan" island.  A Finch is twittering.

                     

     NEW YORK CITY

          

              I've mentioned in my books how Mr. Steve's thinks big cities are often too crowded and he's more comfortable now living in a much less hectic area with a "slower lifestyle." Los Angeles has the second most people of any big American city.  And New City has the most people.   

          I was supposed to look up this place called "Central Park" yesterday when I wrote about Mr. Steve and his brother's 1977 trip back east but missed it somehow.  I was kind of mad about that Daisy said I could just put it in here.  I really like how Daisy never, ever  panics.

         Central Park is located on Manhattan Island in New York City so I guess big buildings are all around it.  In 1977, in their rented Car; Mr. Steve and his brother Rock drove around Central Park.  I just glanced up in time to see Fannie and Freddie flying bye way up there.            

              

                                                                "CENTRAL" PARK   

                         

        There's a good picture here in my Encyclopedia that shows a big giant boulder sitting near a grass Baseball field in New York City's Central Park.  Oh!  Two of the Pigeons are flying back in from the desert and landing up there on the Patio roof.  A Train just now whistled faintly.    

          Wow!  It says here Central Park is over eight hundred acres in size.  Boy, I'd sure hate to be the Dog who has to guard that because it's hard enough to guard two acres.  The caption under the picture says the giant boulder was "deposited" on that spot at the end of the last Ice Age.  

        In High School, at Alemany; Mr. Steve met that guy Alex who I've mentioned before.  Like Mr. Rick's family, Alex's family are Italian and moved to L.A.; but Alex's family came from New York City instead of Pittsburgh.  Alex's father, like Rick's dad too; died a few years ago.

           

"CENTRAL" PARK

                             

      Alex's dad, like Mark Ritter; knew about Geology.  He said the "Bedrock" in Manhattan was under the Ocean millions of years ago and the big boulders in Central Park were left there from over fourteen thousand years ago.  The Pigeons are flying away and going into the desert.

      Millions of years ago; New York City was part of the Ocean floor Alex's dad said. Boy, it's so amazing how people are able to figure out things like that because a million years seems like so long when I think about how I'm only three.  A Wren is singing happily somewhere nearby.

      The Great Lakes are just big "carved out basins" that filled up with the millions of gallons of melted glacier water Alex's father told Mr. Steve.  I've said a few times how someday I'd like to smell and see an actual Lake.  And it would be even better to see and smell a real Ocean too. 

                       

                                             FREDERICK LAW OLMSTED ( 1822-1903)

                                     

          That Parts Manager Joe in New Jersey knew about this man named Frederick Law Olmsted who helped "Design" Central Park in the 1850's.  This one Encyclopedia say he's the "Father of Landscape Architecture."  He was from Connecticut where Mr. Steve's sister Susan lives.   

        I guess Central Park "opened to the public" in 1858, three years before the Civil War broke out.  Mr. Steve says, in a way; you could say Central Park is kind of "like an oasis" in the middle of Manhattan.  I'd wear a hat like the one that guy Frederick Olmsted wore back then.  

      Mr. Steve says Central Park has scenic hills, meadows and places to play sports too.  And for thousands of years Native Indians lived on what is now Manhattan Island.  I can smell the same new Spring Sage plants I've been smelling for the last three days, which makes me feel good.

                       

        "STUART LITTLE"    

                        

          Someday I want to see that movie Daisy told me about, where a smart boy Mouse named Sturat Little drives around New York City in a little miniature Car.  He's so smart I guess he can also even drive around in a small Boat out there on the water of this Lake in Central Park. 

          I guess the Stuart Little movie was based on a 1945 children's book that Sister Rita Joseph liked.  Mr. Steve was told some "artistic license" was used in the movie so some things were kind of different from the book.  I've mentioned before how 1945 is the year World War II ended.     

         Back in 1977 when Mr. Steve and his brother Rock visited New York City they were told not to go to Central Park at night because it was "too dangerous."  People could beat you up and try to steal all  your money.  But in daytime a lot of people are out there doing different things.

    

NIKOLA TESLA (1856-1943)

                 Two Pigeons flew bye.  That guy Nikola Tesla was like Albert Einstein's first wife Maleva Marik in being from the country of "Serbia," and besides his "A.C. /D.C." electricity system, he also invented things in "Wireless" communications.  Now the other two Pigeons flew bye.

             I guess Nikola Tesla lived in New York City.   He amazed people in "Remotely" piloting a little Boat like Stuart Little's around that Lake in Central Park.  He died poor and Mr. Steve's father thinks in a "Capitalist" system he was "too nice a guy" so "was taken advantage of." 

            During his final years Mr. Nikola fed Pigeons.  Daisy heard he even nursed this Pigeon's broken wing.  He said he knew a way for the world to get "free unlimited" electricity from the atmosphere, but the business people "don't like that" Mr. Steve's father joked one time. 

                                         

                  "CENTRAL" PARK" ("MANHATTAN" ISLAND)              

                                                                   

        Oh!  Now I see why Mr. Steve thinks of Central Park as an oasis of green in a modern city of gray.  There's one of those "Birds Eye" view pictures of Central Park here in my Encyclopedia and I know for sure that Daisy would really like it.  Some Finches are chirping. 

        I told Daisy, now that I've seen "aerial" view pictures I can kind of see why she would want to be able to fly like Underdog.  You can see things so much better from up high. That's why Dais likes sitting on our little hill where the statue of the Chinese warrior Monk is.

       As I wrote yesterday in book two, and it says here in this Encyclopedia; New York City was originally settled by the "Dutch" in the early 1600's.  They began the city in 1624 and two years later named it "New Amsterdam."  I guess it was originally one of those "Trading Posts." 

          

"SAINT PATRICK'S" CATHEDRAL  (NEW YORK CITY)      

      

              In 1985 Mr. Steve and the St. Ferdinand's Tour Group walked around inside of that huge Basilica in Rome called "St. Peter's."  One time Mr. Steve's parents attended Mass in this other giant church called "St Patrick's" Cathedral.   Wow!  Some pictures show how big it is.

           My Encyclopedia says St. Patrick's is, "the largest 19th century Gothic Revival Cathedral in North America."  It takes up a "midtown Manhattan city block;" near "Rockefeller Center" which Mr. Steve's parents also went to. Our boss's mom studied "Gothic Revival" style.

          "Construction began" on St. Patrick's in 1858, but all work was stopped during the Civil War.  Daisy says Mr. Steve's mom like the marble walls and stained glass windows in that big Cathedral, which it says here was "completed" in 1888.   Andy's over there looking at me.     

                                                               

VIVIAN MAIER (1926-2009)

           

                Oh!   This would be a good time to talk about a Photographer named Vivian Maier, who's photos were not seen by hardly anyone until after her death.  I totally forgot to write about her yesterday but can just do it now instead.  She took a lot of pictures of New York City.

           Daisy and Millie one time saw a good tv show about Vivian Maier.  It called her a "street" Photographer and Dais says she took black and white pictures of poor people in cold weather, as well as women and children too.  Oh!  It's Finley and Fanny II who I heard singing.

           Finley and his new girlfriend Fanny II, who seem happy; just zipped off into the desert. The tv show said that lady Vivian Maier lived mainly in Chicago and worked taking care of kids as a "Nanny."  Dais says she worked for this tv "Talk Show Host" named Phil Donahue.      

    

"ROLLEICORD" CAMERA

                   On Thursday in book one I wrote about the early 1960's when the BEATLES went over to Germany to play concerts in that city of "Hamburg."  And the girl who took pictures of them used a camera like the one Vivian Maier had Daisy noticed.  One of the Ducks is quacking.

             I guess that lady Vivian Maier was sort of like the Painter Van Gogh except she did not seem to care if anyone else ever saw her pictures according to Dais.  Although she mainly lived in Illinois, she also visited New York City and Los Angeles too.  Now other Ducks are quacking. 

            Boy!  Finley and Fanny II just flew over Libby's Corral and they're chasing each other in happiness.  Hey God!  It's so weird to think about how Heathcliff died and is gone but life just goes right on.  Libby saw Finley and Fanny go bye but is now going back to nibbling hay.  

   

NEW YORK CITY (1953)

    

                Over the last three days I've written about a person's "World View" influences their lives and how they see things from a particular "Point of View."  I've mentioned a few times how in German it's called "Weltanschauung."  Andy's over there guarding the burrow entrance.

          The tv show described many of Vivian Maier's photos as "edgy" and "stark."  Daisy says she thinks that's mainly because Vivian Maier had a very unhappy childhood.  The tv show said how she was a "tell it like it is" type person, which is the kind of person our boss likes.   

                I guess, Vivian Maier died poor and her prints and negatives were found later; some were of Europe too.  Oh!  Two Pigeons flew bye.  What a coincidence because, as I've written about; the Actress who played the part of "Ethel" on "I Love Lucy" was also named Vivian too.

    

"ELLIS" ISLAND ( N.Y.C. HARBOR / "IMMIGRANTS")  

                  Oh!  Mentioning how that girl Vivian Maier took pictures of places like New York City makes me all of sudden think about that quote by that Jewish man from Austria named Viktor Frankl.  His family was killed in the "Holocaust" but he survived.  I smell Blinky over there.

            That one Viktor Frankl quote, which I wrote down from Daisy's good memory; goes, "The Statue of Liberty on the east coast should be supplemented by a statue of responsibility on the west coast."  I was supposed to mention that quote yesterday but forgot.  I like Blinky.  

           I've mentioned before how Adolph Hitler was also from Austria too.  I guess, the tv show said Viktor Frankl was a "Psychotherapist;" and Mr. Steve's father has read some of his books. Daisy says the man on the tv show mentioned how Viktor Frankl knew Sigmund Freud.

                                         

VIKTOR FRANKL (1905-1997) WITH WIFE, DAUGHTER AND GRANDCHILDREN

     

               Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Ralph talk about some of Viktor Frankl's ideas, and I guess he wrote about how powerful it is when a person has a "meaning in life."  That sounds just like what Sister Rita Joseph used to say too.  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying to the east.

           Oh wow!  This Encyclopedia says how Viktor Frankl believed you can find meaning in life three different ways.  The first way is by, "creating a work or doing a deed."  The second way is by "experiencing something or encountering someone."  The Sun feels so good on me now.

           Viktor Frankl's third way to possibly find one's meaning in life is by, "the attitude we take toward unavoidable suffering."  Daisy says our Chief told Mr. Ralph how that last one is what his father also thinks too."  Mr. Steve's father jokes about life having "some sharp edges."       

          

JOSHUA LOTH LIEBMAN (1907-1948)

     

          I was supposed to write about Viktor Frankl all the way back on Thursday, in book one.    That was when I mentioned Joshua Loth Liebman, who wrote his book called "Peace of Mind;"  which Mr. Steve's father read.  Someday I want to hear BOSTON'S song "Peace of Mind."           

        Hey God!  As Dais understood it when our boss and Mr. Ralph talked about Viktor Frankl, who even made it through the Holocaust; the strongest "Motivational" force for people is trying  to find their meaning in life.  Boy!  I'm a Dog but want to agree with that.  I smell some Sage.       

         Daisy thinks, and now so do I;  You maybe helped Viktor Frankl survive because Your purpose for him was to help others.  He said no matter how bad life gets, and it can get so hard alright; you can still find "meaning and value" in life.  I'd like to go to Europe like Rick Steve's.                                                       

                                                     "DAFFODILS" ("NETHERLANDS")      

            PHOTO BY ROMAN BOED            

                            

               Oh!  Just when I was mentioning Europe I smell our neighbor's "Daffodil" flowers over there.  They grow a lot of them in the Netherlands and come out in Spring.  I wonder if Daisy's smelling them too because she's closer to the southern fence than I am back here on Elvira. 

             Miss Susan said, even though they're often "associated" with Spain and places like that; the Daffodil flowers have been grown in the Netherlands since the 19th century.  As I've said a few times in my books, that painter Vincent van Gogh was Dutch.  I love flowers!

           Dais noticed how Squirrels won't eat any Daffodils and, in fact; at times even seem to dig them up in anger.  Oh!  Speedy Gonzalez just zoomed out into the back desert by running right through the left vertical slot on the side of the gate.  Dawn and Blinky are barking.                         

           

      "DAFFODILS"    

        PHOTO BY DAVID BRYANT        

                   

         There are many "types" of Daffodils.  They come in three "forms," have three parts; and are "displayed" in three "Floral patterns" called "tripartite."  Hey!  I've written about how, in    World War II; the alliance between Germany, Japan and Italy was the "Tripartite Pact."              

        Mr. Steve's mom also likes Daffodils.  I've mentioned how her friend Mrs. Lindsey, whose husband played "Goober" on the Andy Griffith Show; was also a Girl Scout leader.  I guess she  was sort of like Miss Susan in knowing a lot about the different types of flowers.                             

         From what that lady Mrs. Lindsey told Mr. Steve's mom, Daffodils aren't "native" to out here in California.  They were most likely first brought by some settlers in the late 19th century  she thought, and some of of those settlers might've been Mormons.  I smell Mesquite.                    

    

"NARCISSUS"

     PAINTING BY J.W. WATERHOUSE

     

       Miss Susan said Daffodils "symbolized" Spring to the ancient Greeks and Romans.  Another name for them is "Narcissus" flowers.  They're named after a guy in an old Greek story who fell  in love with himself when he saw his own reflection down there in the water.                                    

      A painting in my Encyclopedia shows Narcissus and I think I see some yellow Daffodils near the water.  Miss Susan read that, in the 7th century A.D.; the Prophet Muhammad mentioned      Daffodils.  Daffodils are the "National" flower of the country of "Wales" she says.                         

     Dais says our boss's mom has drawn Daffodils.  Thinking about Narcissus makes me want to see myself in one of those amazing mirrors I wrote about Thursday in book one.  Hey God!  But  I would never ever become conceited or what I guess they call "Narcissistic." 

           

         "THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE"

        

        I've mentioned the cartoon Daisy saw of that ancient Greek story from "Aesop's Fables." It's abut that conceited and totally overconfident Rabbit who lost a foot race against a Turtle.  He "Took for Granted" he could easily beat the Turtle but turned out to be wrong about that.            

         Daisy and I both think the author of that story wanted to warn you against being arrogant and conceited.  And we try never, ever to just "Take things for Granted" like the Rabbit did.  Up there in the sky I see a small flock of Birds flying toward the northeast right now.                           

         As I've said before, "Hare" is just another name for a Ribbit while a "Tortoise" is a Turtle.  For Dais and myself too, another lesson from the story is that old saying, "A steady pace wins the Race."  Daisy told me how, in the cartoon; the Rabbit even took a nap during the race.                  

             

                                          GIOVANNI DA VERRAZZANO (1485-1528)

               

       Well, back to writing about New York City.  My Encyclopedia says the first "European" to "visit" the area was an Italian explorer named Giovanni da Verrazzano.  In 1524, working for Francis I of France; he sailed Ships into the giant Harbor where New York City is now.

       A picture in this Encyclopedia shows that guy Giovanni da Verrazzano.  I've mentioned over the last three days how Daisy and I really like those fluffy round white collars people wore back in those days.  I'd definitely wear one of them but I don't think Daisy would.    

       Later today I'll learn about "Suleyman the Great" and "Charles V," so will have to look up Francis I too.  In book one I wrote about how some Spanish people put "de" in front of their last name to indicate where their family is from.  And Italians use "da" instead I guess.

                        

1527 VOYAGE OF GIOVANNI DA VERRAZZANO

                                     

             A  good map shows the route Verrazzano took back in 1524 when he sailed over to where New York City is.  In August of 1977, when they were in N.Y.C.; Mr. Steve and his brother Rock at times drove over the "Verrazzano" bridge.  A Train just now whistled faintly. 

                Now I want to write about trying to figure out where you are on the Earth, especially in having to do with "Navigating" on Oceans.  I was originally scheduled to do it yesterday but it somehow got past me on my cluttered up outline.  So Daisy suggested I just put it in here.  

                I guess, one reason people were afraid to sail Ships out into big, huge unknown Oceans; is they weren't sure exactly where they were.  Boy!  I don't blame them as I would be afraid of that too.  I know our boss would think it scary because of his fear of being eaten by a Shark.  

                                     

"LATITUDE" VERSUS "LONGITUDE"    

       

             It says here the "system" for "locating your position" on the Earth uses an "imaginary grid."  The "points" north and south of the horizontal "Equator" in the middle of the Earth are "measured" in what's called "Latitude."  I hear another now much fainter Train whistle.

            A diagram shows how "Longitude" is where you're located east and west of an imaginary vertical line going from top to bottom through England.  And I can see how it's called the "Prime Meridian."  Finley and his new girlfriend Fanny just whizzed bye and they seem happy.

            Daisy says one time our boss and a customer talked about how there's a "Jeep" Car called a "Latitude."  I guess that Parts Manager said there's another vehicle called Latitude made by the French company named "Renault."  The Twin's scent just floated in with a slight breeze.       

            

2014 RENAULT "LATITUDE"   

             

                The Jeep Parts Manager said some of the French Latitude Cars are built in Russia, and used as Taxi's in places like "Singapore."  They're Renault's "flagship vehicle," and you can get them with either a "Manual" or "Automatic" six speed Transmission he says.  I smell Sage.

            Daisy told me our Chief has talked with some of his customers about how Mr. Doug down there in Sylmar, to make extra money; sometimes works on people's French "Citroen" Cars.  I just glanced up and see Cher sleeping over there on top of Moe.  And now I smell her too.

          Nowadays, new Cars come equipped with "G.P.S.;" or "Global Positioning System" Dais says.  It tells you you're location by "triangulating" the signals from three orbiting Satellite's.      Those "Smart" cell phones everyone, except Mr. Steve; now use have G.P.S. too I guess.                     

                        CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS                             THREE SHIPS                                     

                  (1451-1506)                                           (NIÑA , SANTA MARIA / PINTA / 1492)  

PAINTING BY SEBASTINO DEL PIOMBO                                                                                                                                            

     

                  I've mentioned before how that guy Columbus was mainly what they call an instinctive  "Dead Reckoning" Navigator.  But, I guess he also used these two "Instruments" or tools called a "Quadrant;" and an "Astrolabe."   Blackbeard and Anne are flying toward the northwest.

            Daisy saw a tv show that talked about Columbus's instruments on his first 1492 voyage. Even if you hate Columbus our boss and his dad think, what he did was "world changing." I've mentioned how he died on May the 20th, which is our boss's Nephew Austin's birthday.

           The tv show said mankind has been trying to figure "when and where" you are, and also what direction you're going; since the time of prehistoric people remembering how to return to the cave.  In about 1000 A.D. those "Compass's were invented.  Mr. Steve has one of those.         

                     

                                JOHN HARRISON (1693-1776)         FIRST "MARINE  CHRONOMETER"

PAINTING BY THOMAS KING                                                                                                                              

                    

                 I guess the tv show said an 18th century British Carpenter who made clocks named John Harrison created the first device able to "calculate" where a Ship was when going either east or west.  A picture shows the first version.  A painting show him holding the final version.

           It says here, since ancient times Sailors have been able to "generally" figure out Latitude when going north or south.  But, because no one knew how to calculate Longitude; fatal mistakes were made and many men died.  Daisy says sometimes the wooden Ships hit big giant rocks. 

          That tv show talked about what it exactly says here too.  That guy John Harrison totally "revolutionized" navigation.  From the mid 18th century, any Ship carrying his machine could feel more confident about where they were.  Cher just woke up and is yawning over there.

             

 "NAVIGTIONAL" INSTRUMENTS     

      

                  Daisy heard the man on the tv show say Columbus's "Astrolabe" measured the distance between the horizon and things above it, like the Sun; or Stars at night.  Cher's looking at me.  The look on her face tells me she can't believe how much time I'm spending over on Elvira.

             I guess, from what the tv show said; the first version of John Harrison's Longitude device was a clock in a wooden box.  But, in changing weather, a rolling Ship or salt in the Ocean air; at times it didn't work.  Cher's grooming herself by rubbing her head with her right paw.

            Since ancient times, like in Greece for instance; people have tried to develop tools to help Captains of Ships not crash and get everyone killed.  In 1492 Columbus had his two instruments but what he accomplished was still totally amazing Mr. Steve thinks.  Dawn's barking.   

          

CAPTAIN JAMES COOK (1728-1779)   

PAINTING BY SIR NATHANIEL DANCE-HOLLAND        

          

                  That tv show said Captain Cook used John Harrison's final clock on his last voyage of discovery in the Pacific Ocean.  I guess by that time it had been reduced  to the size of a "Pocket Watch."  I've mentioned before how Captain Cook was stabbed to death by Hawaiians.

             Dais noticed the tv show mentioned how that 13th century Persian "Sufi" Poet "Rumi," who I mentioned on Thursday; referred to an Astrolabe in one of his poems.  A few years ago Mr. Steve almost bought this thing called a "Sextant" at a Garage Sale.  But he didn't I guess.  

            As a kid one of our Chief's friend's named Bob's father showed them how to measure the distance between two things using a Sextant.  Boy!  How could anyone have even been so smart as to be able to invent something like what John Harrison did?  A Sparrow's chirping.

      

2014 JEEP "COMPASS"    

        

                 When Dais heard our boss talking to that Jeep customer who told him about the Renault Latitude Car, they also discussed the Jeep "Compass."  I guess it's a smaller S.U.V. and has been made since 2007.  The Parts Manager told Mr. Steve how there are three Compass "models."

            Mr. Steve told that Parts Manager how, as a small boy; Albert Einstein was fascinated by a compass his father gave him.  He was then determined to find out how it could be possible for the needle to know which direction to point.  Blackbeard and Anne are flying bye right now.

            According to what Daisy heard, our boss's Jeep customer knew it was Vikings, about five centuries before Columbus; who were the first "Europeans" to make it over here to what would later be called the "New World."   I smell the new baby Cholla cactus over there in the dirt.                        

                      RAIDING AREAS                           THE VIKINGS                        ATLANTIC VOYAGES                                    

           Dais said the tv show mentioned how it's "rumored" the Vikings had this thing called a "Sun Stone."  It's a hand held glass-like crystal the size of a bar of soap, which allows you to see  where the Sun is even in fog or really bad weather.  I'd like to see a bar of soap someday.               

          According to Daisy, some people say a Sun Stone allowed the Vikings see where the Sun was even when it was below the horizon.  Crystal rock is made over millions and millions of years and the tv show said some of it is found in "Iceland because of the volcanoes.  I smell Sage.           

         I guess that Astronomer Edmond Halley, who the famous Comet is named after; was a friend of John Harrison.  I've mentioned before how Mark Twain was born, and died; on the day that Comet flew past the Earth.  George Harrison is one of Guitarists of the BEATLES.                     

TULIPS   

     

           Now I have to learn about the country of the "Netherlands," which is described here as a "Republic."  I've mentioned how "Holland is a "Province," and is where they grow those pretty "Tulip" flowers.  Frida and Diego flew bye, with Frida carrying a long twig in her mouth.             

         I guess, the 17th century was the Netherlands "Golden Age" when their big Ships, partly through conquest; "dominated" the  "global trade" in things like sugar.  Mr. Steve's father, in his school for Stockbrokers; taught about that.  It was the "first modern economy" he says.                

          Dais says our boss's dad told his Students the Netherlands got rich in the 1600's, set up the first "Joint Stock" company; and also established the very first actual "Stock Market."  It was a "new type of society" he believes.  The Dutch "invented" the "Middle Class" he thinks.                                          

NEW YORK DOLLS    

  

             Oh!  I have one more subject to write about having to do with New York City,  a 1970's band called the NEW YORK DOLLS.   In 2008 Mr. Steve went to one of those outdoor barbecues I've mentioned before.  Daisy says it was in Chatsworth and some Mormons were there.

             An older lady in her eighties walked up to our boss and said, "Are you Mr. Steve?"  He told her he was so she then asked him if he'd ever heard of the NEW YORK DOLLS.  Surprised, he answered, "Yes ma'am, but I'm kind of wondering just how you know about them."

             The lady said her friend, until he died in 2004; worked with the NEW YORK DOLLS bass player Arthur Kane at the West Los Angeles L.D.S "Family History Center."  He'd become a Mormon by then.  Fred, Ed and Ted are flying over Libby's Corral, moving to the east.

      

L.D.S. TEMPLE (WEST LOS ANGELES)

       

                   Daisy heard one time, when his Niece Samantha was a kid; they drove bye the Mormon Temple in West Los Angeles.  I guess, it's up on a hill right next to a road called "Santa Monica" Boulevard.  Close bye is that one Family History Center where Arthur Kane worked at.

             When Mr. Steve asked why she asked him about the NEW YORK DOLLS the lady said, "The children said at one time took pictures of the various bands."  He said, "Yes ma'am."  It was a long time ago though and all I have left besides the prints is my pleasant memories."          

            Mr. Steve was surprised Arthur Kane converted to Mormonism and the lady said he was one of those "Librarians" I've mentioned before.  But, too bad he died in 2004 of this thing called "Leukemia."  Daisy told me she's pretty sure it's one of the different forms of cancer.                              

    ARTHUR KANE (1949-2004)

             

           I guess, that lady told Mr. Steve after the NEW YORK DOLLS broke up Arthur Kane came out here to L.A. hoping to "Make It."  But he didn't, got really depressed; and even tried to kill himself by jumping from a second story window.  But this planter "Broke his Fall."                 

             With metal "Pins" repairing broken bones, Arthur Kane had to learn to walk and talk all over again.  During his difficult recovery he saw an advertisement for a free "Book of Mormon," read it; and became L.D.S.   Hey!  That's just like that other guy "Big Daddy" Roth too.               

            Hey Lord!  Daisy thinks, reading about You gave that guy Arthur Kane hope for a better life; both down here and later in Heaven too.  When he was in the NEW YORK DOLLS he was a heavy drinker and "Partier."  But Mormons don't drink, smoke or do anything like that.                  

"CRUCIFIXION"

          I really want to believe in You Lord, even if many think it's dumb.  I've mentioned how Dais feels the same way, and says having faith just kind of gives us hope.  As I've said before, she also  thinks faith gives us one more thing to love; besides ourselves and our Chief of course.          

        Mr. Steve told Mr. Dave in 1992, the same year as the Rodney King Riots I wrote about; Arthur Kane got "Jumped" and was "Mugged." But, this time I guess; he recovered with the      help of some nice Mormon's.  Two of the Pigeons just flew over the top of the house.                       

         When Arthur Kane worked at the Family Center he was "Reliable."  I've mentioned how, when Mr. Steve has hired people, or given a job "Reference;" he focuses on "Dependability" in    being on time and not missing days.  He also prefers people who learn things quickly.                                                     

                                                                   ARTHUR KANE

     

                After that day when the lady mentioned the NEW YORK DOLLS Dais says our boss was determined to get a copy of their first album from 1973.  He had it at one time on vinyl and used to play drums along to it sometimes.  Andy's over there guarding the burrow entrance.

           Daisy says Mr. Steve told that kid Jason he heard the NEW YORK DOLLS didn't make a lot of money.  But their "look" influenced other "Glam" bands and their music has been called "Proto-Punk."  Our boss thinks sometimes they sounded like the ROLLING STONES.

        I guess our boss used the word "pioneering" to describe the NEW YORK DOLLS.  Some 1970's British bands like T-REX or David Bowie's SPIDERS FROM MARS liked the "DOLLS." Daisy says the NEW YORK DOLLS have a pretty good song about picking up the trash.               

             

                                                                    ROUGH CUTT 

                                                                                                                                       PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

       

                  Some of the groups Mr. Steve and Harriet saw back in the 1980's and early 1990's were those Heavy Metal "Hair" bands.  They also seem to have been influenced by the NEW YORK DOLLS too.  Andy's sniffing the air and I know for sure he's on the alert for Goliath. 

            Hey God!  Did You send the Mormons to be Guardian Angels for that guy Arthur Kane?  As You know, Daisy thinks You probably did it in the same way You had us rescued when no one else in the world cared about us.  Ah!  I suddenly smell a Lizard somewhere around here.

           The Mormon lady told Mr. Steve Arthur Kane said the NEW YORK DOLLS took their name from a Doll repair business.  Mr. Steve ended up paying a guy to find a copy of the first NEW YORK DOLLS album on Compact Disc.  Then, he later showed it to the old lady. 

      

NEW YORK DOLLS (ARTHUR KANE ON LEFT / 1973)

                   

                 Aha!  A black and white picture of the NEW YORK DOLLS first album cover makes me now understand why they were called that name.  They kind of do look a lot like Dolls alright.  I notice how Arthur Kane is smoking a cigarette because he was allowed to do it back then.     

           A few months after he got the NEW YORK DOLLS C.D. our boss showed it to that lady and her friends.  When they saw it their eyes got big and she said, "Goodness Gracious!"  Then another lady asked in a sort of shocked voice, "Why in the world are they dressed like that?" 

           Mr. Steve told them in 1973 dressing like a girl was a way to get attention through one of those "Gimmicks" I've mentioned before.  It was a "Publicity Stunt" and they really didn't want to be girls.  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are flying toward the northeast.   

              

         DRAGONFLY          

                                   

                That big Dragonfly who's been around for the last three days zoomed bye going from my left to right.  I heard it coming from far away but wasn't sure if it was him or Max and 99.  Now it's flying over Libby's Corral and I notice how she's looking at it so heard it coming too. 

            Dais says our boss likes almost all the songs on the NEW YORK DOLLS album.  But his favorite is a Latin-influenced song called "Private World" which he's been told was co-written by Arthur Kane.  Dais says it's really good, and has this deep eerie-sounding instrument in it.   

           On the album cover I notice how some of the NEW YORK DOLLS like Arthur Kane are wearing those "Platform" shoes people used to wear back then in the 1970's.  One of them has a pair of Roller Skates on.  Mr. Steve never wore them but has platform shoes to show people.  

             

                                                                           ABBA  

          

        Those two pretty girls in that one 1970's Swedish band ABBA wore platform shoes.  Mr. Steve's girlfriend Sandy liked ABBA so he wanted to like them too no matter how much some of  his friends made fun of him.  Besides he jokes, he kind of liked looking at those two girls.              

           I've mentioned how Mr. Steve likes the ABBA song "S.O.S."  Dais says over the years he's played it for people,  to see their "reaction to it."  Females are impressed by the "Harmony's" in the singing of course, but are even more effected by the happy but sad feeling it gave them.           

        Daisy says our boss told his mom one time how over the years he's "gotten a kick out of" seeing a guys reaction to the first time he sees Agneta Fältskog, the blond girl in ABBA.   Often    their reaction was like his first impression, "stunned disbelief."  She's pretty alright Dais says.                                           

THE BEE GEES   (MAURICE, ROBIN, BARRY GIBB)    

PHOTO BY MARKA                   

                         

        Our boss and Mr. Dave think nowadays many people "Disavow" liking 1970's "Disco" music.  There were some "Corny" things about Disco they admit, but the three brothers in the      BEE GEE'S had songs that were more than just for dancing.  They were "Well Crafted."              

            Dais says Mr. Dave told our boss how many people think the BEE GEES "created" Disco music, but actually they "reinvigorated" it.  By the mid-1970's Disco was fading out but then the  movie "Saturday Night Fever" came out with those BEE GEE songs in it.  Dawn's barking.          

           Mr. Steve one time met a British lady.  She told him in 1975 the BEE GEE brothers long career, which began way back in 1958 I guess; was "fading as well."  Dais says the lady also said  the BEE GEES family "for a time" lived on one of those "Channel" Islands.  I like Dawn.            

             

BEE GEES ("TOO MUCH HEAVEN" / 1978)        

                    

         Daisy says that one English lady chuckled when our boss told her about times he's played Videos made for late 1970's BEE GEES "Love" songs.  Some people are almost "Mesmerized, "    and "Hypnotized;" by the three part vocal harmonies and "Soul" feeling.  It's was Rhêma!        

          I guess, "Barry" is the oldest BEE GEE brother; and on those late 1970's songs sang lead.  All three brothers, who sang in more normal voices in the 1960's; sing in high "Falsetto" voices    on those songs.  Dawn's barking and I can smell Blinky and Rosie standing next to her.                  

         The lady told our boss, because of the bad English economy in the late 1950's; the "Gibbs" brother's parents decided to move the family down to "Australia."  Daisy heard her say how the father was a Drummer himself.  Blinky has such a strong scent, which makes me like him.                                    

                  BARRY / ROBIN/ MAURICE                                       STEELEYE SPAN                                                                                                                                               

    The lady told our boss how, as young boys; the three BEE GEE brothers became good at singing in that "Acapella" style I've written about.   She knew about STEELEYE SPAN'S song    "Gaudette" and, like Mr. Steve; really likes it I guess.  Boy!  I can't wait to hear it someday.          

       According to what Dais heard, as young boys the three Gibb brothers used to practice their singing without musical instruments by doing a good 1950's song about eating a "Lollipop."  It's  a good song Daisy thinks, and someday wants to hear the BEE GEES version.  I smell Sage.          

      Hey God!  Daisy told me how she thinks I'd really like that one BEE GEES song called "Too Much Heaven."  She's pretty sure it's about a boy and a girl being in love.  It starts with horns    and what sounds like a flute too.  If it is flute I know for one hundred percent sure I'd like it.           

 AC / DC        

      

         I've mentioned how three of the members of AC/DC, Bon Scott and Angus and Malcolm Young; had families who went down to Australia from "Scotland."  Mr. Steve thinks that's most likely because of them trying to make some more money.  Speedy Gonzalez just ran bye.              

         Dais heard the BEE GEES did good in Australia but, later just like AC/DC; thought they could do better going back in England.  And I guess in both cases that turned out to be totally      true.  Andy's scent just came floating into both of my nostrils and that makes me feel good.           

        When the three brothers returned to England some thought they could even compete with the BEATLES.   The English lady said her mom liked Robin Gibbs "vibrating and emotional"      voice on some 1960's BEE GEES songs.  A Sparrow holding a twig in its mouth just ran bye.                                         

         THE "TWINS"                 

            

        Oh!  Just when I was about to mention how Robin and Maurice Gibb are twins who do I smell?  A slight breeze just came in from behind the Sheds out there in the eastern desert and it brought in the Twin's unique scent.  Boy!  That really makes me feel pretty good right now.          

           That lady from England and our boss talked about how when the BEE GEES went back to England in the mid-1960's, some people thought they could even compete with the BEATLES;      which I guess they did for a while.  Andy's over there sniffing the air guarding the burrow.           

        Daisy heard the BEE GEES had this younger brother named "Andy," who also became a famous Singer too.  Mr. Steve's sister Susan met him one time and said he "seemed nice."  But he died really young, so only had a much shorter career compared to his three older brothers.                 s color.jpg” style=”width: 360px; height: 325px;” />  s.jpg” style=”width: 360px; height: 325px;” />          

THE BEE GEES (BARRY – ROBIN – MAURICE / 1960'S)

        

        One time our boss and Mr. Mark talked about the BEE GEES.  Mr. Mark told our boss  some black people feel a "spiritual" sensation listening to some of those late 1970's BEE GEE'S    songs with their three part harmonies.  Theodora just flew bye and went out into the desert.         

         Daisy says Mr. Steve has always been interested to see black people's reactions when they find out the BEE GEES are white.  He thinks those BEE GEE'S songs are like Vivaldi's song "La Primavera" in giving people an "uplifting" feeling, kind of like "Gospel" music.  I smell Sage.     

           The English lady said it's "quite ironic" the only BEE GEE still alive is the oldest brother Barry.  She thinks part of the reason "may be" because the other three "younger blokes" took a lot of drugs and drank alcohol.  Barry's wife of fifty years would not "tolerate such foolery."        

                                            

2014 VOLVO "XC70"        

                              

          I just thought again of ABBA, who are from the country of "Sweden."  Daisy told me of a  Swedish company called "Volvo" which makes Cars, Trucks, Busses and Tractors, and I guess      have been around since 1915; which was the second year of World War I.   I smell Mesquite.         

        According to what Daisy heard our boss tell Miss Babette, he had a Volvo customer before the economic  recession; which began in 2008.  He even faxed a few different line drawing logos for that Parts Manager's kids to color.  I've mentioned how Mr. Steve's mom likes to color.      

        Oh!  All of a sudden I just thought about that guy Arthur Kane, the NEW YORK DOLLS Bassist who became a Mormon.  Hey God!  Daisy heard that one Mormon lady tell our boss how he prayed You'd let him play in the NEW YORK DOLLS just one more time.  And You did!         

  

NEW YORK DOLLS

         Boy God!  I agree with Daisy in thinking You made it so that guy Arthur Kane could play bass for the NEW YORK DOLLS again.  I guess, the NEW YORK DOLLS were fighting and arguing a lot when they broke up back in the late 1970's.   Dawn and Blinky are barking.             

          I guess, over in England some people still like the NEW YORK DOLLS; so organized one of those "Reunions" I've mentioned before.  And the three "Surviving" members all agreed to go over to London to to it.  Daisy says two of the original NEW YORK DOLLS died from drugs.       

         But, one problem was; Arthur Kane had his bass guitar "In Hock" at this "Pawn Shop" in Hollywood.  Oh!  Two of the Pigeons just flew in from being out there in the back desert, and        landed up there on the Patio roof above.  I can smell Bonnie and Clyde's nest up there.                 

                                        

   PIGEONS ON PATIO ROOF

           

             Boy Lord!  It's a good thing Arthur Kane's Mormon friends gave him the money to get his bass guitar back from the Pawn Shop.  So, then he could go over to London; and play in that  concert.  I see the Pigeon's shadows on the dirt in front of me over here sitting on Elvira.               

              Hey God!  I'll bet it was You who caused that NEW YORK DOLLS concert to happen.  I want to believe that, and Daisy thinks You might've given him that final "Gift of Grace" in life      because he was dying but was being a good person.  I just love the sound of Pigeon voices!           

            God!  Too bad Arthur Kane had to die of Leukemia right after getting back to America. But, at least he was like Mr. Steve's friend Mark Ritter; who was able to go visit the Galápagos    islands before dying.  Boy!  I sure do wish I could hear Heathcliff again just one more time. 

   

2014 VOLKSWAGEN "JETTA" 

             Dais says one time she and Millie heard our boss taking an order on the phone from one of his "Volkswagen" customers.  Part of that order was for some hats with the "Jetta" logo on      them. Daisy told me the NEW YORK DOLLS have a good song about this boy who's a Jet.           

           According to Daisy, the Jetta's small like our Car Barny.  That Parts Manager said how it's V.W.'s "top selling model," and used to word "compact" to describe it.  I guess they've been made since all the way back in 1979, when Mr. Steve was still going to College at C.S.U.N.             

          Later today Dais has me scheduled to learn and write more about how the Volkswagen company began in the mid-1930's.  Adolph Hitler ordered the original "Beetle" or "Bug" Cars    be created.  I'm still thinking of the tall shoes the NEW YORK DOLLS wore in the 1970's.            

                                                            

                                                              LOUIS XIV (1678-1715)

PAINTING BY HYACINTHE RIGAUD

    

              Mentioning "High-Heeled" shoes makes me suddenly think of that French King Louis XIV.  I've mentioned before how, in the late 17th century; he and other "Royal" men began to wear high-heeled shoes with red soles and heels.  That was mainly to show off I guess.

              Wearing high-heeled shoes made people think you were so rich you didn't even need to work.  Mr. Steve thinks they hoped it would also make them look taller and more powerful too.  Those two Pigeons are now walking all around up there on the patio roof right above me. 

             I notice in the painting of  Louis XIV he's wearing a black wig.  Besides just the "Style," because baths were rare; wigs on shaved heads were better than getting those "Lice" Bugs in your hair.  The ancient Egyptians used to also wear wigs over their shaved heads too.

  

"COMPETITION" HORSES

        

                 Seeing Libby over makes me think about how, back in the 15th century it was "Persian" cavalry Soldiers who first put high heels on shoes so they could shoot bows and arrows on a steadier "Platform."  Modern Cowboy boots also grip the "Stirrups" way better too.  The Pigeons just flew away.

                 Over the last three days I've learned so much about some of the different tools, like the ones John Harrison, Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison 's created.  And, it makes me wonder if I could maybe invent a good Dog tool.  I can smell Theodora's Creosote bush over there.

             Hey God!  As I've mentioned a few times already, it would be so great if You could help me to think of a good way to make money.  Daisy and I are totally grateful for You providing us with enough food, water and a place to sleep in peace.  And so is our Chief too we know.

                          

   GIOVANNI DA VERRAZZANO

          You know, I wonder how Daisy would look in one of those round collars like the one people like that man Giovanni da Verrazzano wore in the early 16th century?  I'd wear one and, who knows; we might even start a "Trend."  And, we could maybe "Market" them for sale. 

          I've mentioned before how, sewing is a skill the females have in Mr. Steve's family; from his Grandma Trujillo through his Niece Stephanie.  I've written about that really warm "Quilt" our boss's sister Celina made for him.  Daisy says, because she died; he really values it a lot.

          In the black and white drawing of Giovanni da Verrazzano I notice the way he wore his goatee.  He has one of those "Handlebar" mustaches like Adolph Hitler wore at the beginning of World War I.  A small flock of Birds is flying over Libby's Corral and going to the east.  

    

                            INDIAN TRIBES ("CARIBBEAN" SEA / NORTHERN SOUTH AMERICA)

  This is interesting.  According to this one Encyclopedia, that guy Giovanni da Verrazzano might've been killed and eaten by some Indians from the Caribbean Ocean.  But, others say he    was "executed" by the Spanish just for being what they called a Pirate.                                            

      I've written over the last three days about that older Shoshone Indian man Mr. Steve met at the Phelan Library.  He said that it's not true the 16th century native people on the islands in the Caribbean Sea area were "Cannibals."  Boy!  I'd sure hate to be eaten.                                            

     Those two Pigeons who've been walking around up there on the patio roof just took off and are now flying back out into the eastern desert behind the Sheds.  Oh!  Cher the Cat is slinking    around near the back fence.  I can tell by her "Body Language" she's hungry.                                      

                                                      FINE YOUNG CANNIBALS

            

          Mentioning being eaten all of a sudden reminds me of that 1980's English band Dais told me about that one time.  They're called FINE YOUNG CANNIBALS, and are from the "Midlands" city of Birmingham; just like the MOVE and BLACK SABBATH.  I smell Sage.

        Daisy says our boss and that kid Jason watched a FINE YOUNG CANNIBALS Video for a song called "She Drives Me Crazy."  I guess Mr. Steve told Jason he liked the "unique" way the tone of the snare drum on that song.  I wonder if those guys are really cannibals?

             I remember when Daisy first explained to me what a "Cannibal" was and how it meant you ate your own kind.  Ugh!  It would be so terrible if I were ever starving and had to eat Dais.  But, knowing her; she'd joke to do it because she wouldn't be needing her body anymore. 

  

                                                "DONNER" PARTY ROUTE (1846-47)

               Right now I'll learn, and write about; this really "Tragic" 19th century event called the "Donner" Party Expedition.   It happened during the exact same two years as the Mexican War and the Mormon's "Trek" to Utah.  And it was when people had to eat other people!

                 Daisy and Millie saw a really good tv show about the Donner Party and how they were trying to travel out here to California.  But my Encyclopedia says, "en route;" their "leadership" made a few really bad decisions based on "false information."  A Duck is quacking.

                This map shows the "Route" that Donner Party took back in 1846 and 1847.  But, I guess, as the caption says; they never made it all the way through those tall "Sierra-Nevada" mountains I've mentioned before.  They got stuck in a really huge snow storm "blizzard"I guess.

                

                                                           "DONNER" PARTY     

                        

                I've mentioned how the three-themed "Awen" logo represents different things to different people but, to Mr. Steve; it mainly symbolizes "Hope."  Hey God!  Daisy and I want to believe it represents "Creation" and "Timeless Nature of the Trinities" too.  I smell Sage.   

               A picture shows the Donner Party, who hoped for better lives; coming to California.  I see how some of them, like this girl holding a baby; rode in those "Covered" Wagons I've mentioned before.  And the artist shows how it was those Oxen who were pulling the Wagons.   

                I've written a lot about the 19th century.  As I've learned, in the first half of the 1800's the American people developed an almost religious belief that the United States was "Destined" to go all the way from the "Atlantic" Ocean across to our "Pacific" Ocean.  A Finch is chirping. 

                                              

                                                     JAMES / MARGARET REED       

                

                One of those old black and white 19th century photographs show a husband and wife who were in the Donner Party.  The man, named James Reed; was one of the leaders.  George Donner was also a leader, and both families were all originally from that State called "Illinois."   

           Wow!  It says here that, only forty eight of the original eighty seven people who started the trip coming out here to California "survived."  They began back in "Missouri," and followed the "Oregon Trail" which I've mentioned before.  Frida and Diego the Bluebirds just went bye.

           I guess, things went pretty good for most of the way coming out west, until that guy James Reed believed a "Guide" book.   Mr. Steve says that book gave a "rosy image" of California; and said there was a "Short Cut" to get through the Sierra-Nevada mountains.  I smell Juniper.

                                       

                                           "DONNER" PARTY (WINTER 1846-47)      

            ARTWORK BY GARRISON HARDIE                          

                             

               I guess the so called short cut turned out to be much harder for Wagons to go through than anyone thought.  So they got way "Behind Schedule" as they say and didn't make it through the Sierra-Nevada mountains before one of those blizzards hit.  So they got stuck in snow.

               Oh wow!  A picture shows the Donner Party trying to move through one of the storms and I can see they had a few Dogs with them too.  Boy!  It looks so cold and I notice there's a cross on the right side where they buried someone.  I smell Libby over there in her Corral.

              It says here, because they were stuck; the Donner Party had to "improvise shelter."  James Reed, who had killed this man, went ahead to get help.  I've mentioned how that homeless man Mr. Mark made a "Makeshift" place in the desert for he and his Dog "Karma" to live.    

        

                                  ABRAHAM LINCON (AS ILLINOIS "CONGRESSMAN")

        

              Oh wow!  I wonder if Mr. Steve knows that Abraham Lincoln knew James Reed from the time they fought Indians for Illinois in that "Black Hawk" war?  And for a time he "considered" making his family members of the "ill-fated" Donner Party.  But he decided against it. 

               Hey God!  Did You cause Lincoln to not become part of the Donner Party?  It's amazing to think about how history might've been different if he had died instead of later becoming the U.S. President.  Or, he might've even had to become one of those cannibals; in order to survive!

               I mentioned 1846 and 1847 were the Mexican War years and, as I wrote on Thursday in my first book; Lincoln was really against that war.  I guess James Reed got through and brought back rescuers but it was too late for those who were eaten.  I wonder if Dogs were eaten? 

                                                                                    HIGH DESERT STORM (DECEMBER 2008)                                                                  

                                                                                                                                       PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

              I've written about that gigantic storm we had up here in Piñon Hills in December of 2008.  I was not born yet.  Daisy came to live here earlier that year, right after Mr. Steve returned from the trip his family took to Washington D.C.  All four of the Pigeons flew bye right now.

         As I've said, some people now call that 2008 storm the "Whopper" and Dais described it as big alright.  At about three in the afternoon, when it was literally what they call a "White Out" storm; this one kid named "Daniel" called our boss Daisy says.  Dawn's barking over there.

        Mr. Steve used to "Tutor" Daniel, who was twelve in 2008; and his sister.  I guess he told our boss, "Mr. Steve!  This must be what the Donner Party went through!"  Mr. Steve said, "Yeh, but at least we have enough food, and good houses, blankets and jackets to help us not freeze."

                           

                                                 THE GEORGE DONNER FAMILY   

                       

        This picture shows George Donner's family and the caption says his wife "Tamsen" died because she refused to leave her dying husband alone.  But, I guess at least their two daughters    survived.  Fannie and Freddie just flew bye and, as usual; were talking to each other.                     

            Oh!  James Reed's rescue party reached the Donner Party camp on February the 19th of 1847.  I've mentioned a few times over the last three day how that's Miss Harriet's birthday too. Speedy Gonzalez just ran out into the desert through the right vertical slot on the gate. 

            Looking to my right, or south beyond Libby's Corral; the San Gabriel mountains are so clear and you can see all the way to the top.  I'm beginning to really like our local mountains a lot.  I smell the scent Speedy Gonzalez left behind when he went out into the back desert.

    

2014 GMC "SIERRA"

         

                 Mentioning those Sierra-Nevada mountains up there to our north makes me think about how Daisy told me about a Truck called a "Sierra."  One time Mr. Chris who gets us things came over with a guy who had a Sierra.  Boy!  Daisy really liked looking at that shiny red Truck.

          We heard the guy with the Sierra Truck talk with our boss and Mr. Chris about how, there are a few Chevrolet Trucks which are the same exact vehicle as the Sierra; only with a different name.  Samson and Delilah are flying over Libby's Corral and moving to the northeast.

          One time Daisy heard our boss talking with Mr. Dave about "Red Rock Canyon."  It's an area at the very south end of the Sierra-Nevada mountains.  Mark Ritter who died went there a few times, mainly to see all of these different "Petroglyphs" and "Pictographs" nearby.    

       

"RED ROCK" CANYON   

PHOTO BY JON HAMMOND           

        

          Daisy says he and Mark Ritter had planned to go to Red Rock Canyon but they never did and now it's too late.  One time Mr. Steve was talking to a customer in New Mexico who told him parts of Red Rock Canyon look like some areas in New Mexico.  I smell Libby in her Corral.        

          My Encyclopedia says Red Rock Canyon was "formed" about three million years ago, and is "eroded rock formations;" made up of "white clay" and "sandstone."  Daisy heard how Mark Ritter also liked to go to go to this other place called "Fossil Falls."   Libby smells so good.            

       Oh wow!  Another name for Red Rock Canyon is "Nightmare Gulch."  I wonder if that's  because it probably gets really hot there during the Summer.  It says here how the Native people who have lived in the Red Rock Canyon region for centuries are the "Kawaiisu" people.                                         

 CALIFORNIA   

         

                  According to what it says here in this Encyclopedia, Red Rock Canyon is located about eighty miles from that city I've mentioned before called "Bakersfield."  That's where that band KORN is originally from.  That so is that one Country Western Singer named Buck Owens.

            Daisy says, whenever our boss goes down to Sylmar; he takes the #14 Freeway going and coming.  And, if you were to just keep going north on that Freeway; you would go right near Red Rock Canyon I guess.  Mr. Steve told his mom he's never driven that far north on the #14.  

            Well, according to this book three outline; I still have a lot more to write about New York City.  I've mentioned a few times over the last three days how Mr. Steve and his brother Rock, in 1977; visited their Uncle Marty's family in New Jersey.  Donald and Daisy are quacking.

                                                

                                                         KING CHARLES II (1630-1685)

             PAINTING BY PHILIPPE DE CHAMPAIGNE       

                       

        I guess New Amsterdam transferred from Holland to England in 1664.  The English King Charles II gave it to and renamed it "New York" for his brother the "Duke" of "York."  Boy!  I would definitely wear a black wig like the one King Charles used to wear.  

   Yesterday I wrote about the American Revolution and mentioned how, from 1785 through 1790; New York City was the American Capitol.  That was before the Washington D.C. was built and named after George Washington.  At first it was called "Washington City."                             

       As I've written before, Mr. Steve's ex-girlfriend Emily grew up in Long Island and his friend Mr. Eddie, who lives in Lake Los Angeles; is from Staten Island.  Alex, his friend from Alemany High School; was also from New York City too.  Libby's walking around her Corral.    

         

                                         GEORGE WASHINGTON LEADING TROOPS                                                                                                                                                                                                                      PAINTING BY DON TROIANI

                    

          Over the last three days I've learned about the "Revolutionary War" and that guy George Washington as leader of the rebel "Continental" army.  That good painting shows him pointing his sword and telling his soldiers to charge into battle.  Boy!  I like his white Horse.  

          I've mentioned how Daisy advises me to not take good teeth for granite and chew softly so they'll last longer.  I've mentioned before how George Washington had bad teeth.  Using the left vertical slot on the side of the gate, Speedy Gonzalez just ran out into the desert.     

         Yesterday I wrote about Mr. Steve and his brother's 1977 trip back east.  They stayed for a few days with their Uncle Marty's family in Morristown, New Jersey.  I've written about how Mr. Steve's Uncle was in the Vietnam War.  Then he got an "M.B.A." from Harvard.

  

                                     WINTER 1779-1780 ("MORRISTOWNN," NEW JERSEY)

             As I've written about, during the Revolutionary War George Washington's army had a few what they call "Hard Winters;" like in 1777-1778 at "Valley Forge" for instance.  But the Winter of 1779-1780, spent near Morristown; was even worse.  Many soldiers died of disease.

       That one time, in 1776; George Washington's Continental army almost got trapped by the British on "Long Island" in New York City.  They were guarding the harbor, "Deployed" at the    far west end of Long Island.  It's the area where the city of "Brooklyn" now is I guess.                   

       The British attacked the Continental Army at the "Battle of Brooklyn Heights," one of the biggest "in scale" battles of the Revolutionary War.  But then, the British almost got around or    surrounded George Washington's forces.  I've written about "Flanking" an enemy army.              

  

        BATTLE             "REVOLUTIONARY WAR (AUGUST 1776)           ESCAPE           

                  PAINTING BY DOMENICK D' ANDREA                                                                                                                                                         ARTWORK BY DANIEL GIBB                                                                                                                                                                 

          So, just like the way the Allies had to do at "Dunkirk" in 1940; George Washington and his men all had to escape from "Long Island" in small Boats.  "Under cover of night" they retreated across the River and up to "Manhattan."  Charley Company is going bye over there.                     

        I guess the British chased, and almost caught; George Washington's army up near where "Central Park" is now located.  But fortunately for them, just like those Allied soldiers in 1940;    at least they "Lived to fight another Day" so to speak.  A Train just whistled faintly.                       

          Oh!  The Wren I've been hearing is really one of those impostor Mockingbirds over there on a branch of the Mulberry tree.  What a coincidence that I just would happen to be about to write a little bit about that guy Thomas Jefferson.  I guess he had a pet Mockingbird.  

                                                

        THOMAS JEFFERSON 1743-1826)                   JOHN (1735-1826) / ABIGAIL ADAMS 

          Mr. Steve said Thomas Jefferson, as President; had a Mockingbird in his Office and it sang along when he played violin.  On Thursday in book one I mentioned how that composer Mozart  had a pet Starling.  Boy!  I sure do wish that Mockingbird could imitate a Rooster.                         

        Hey God!  Did You arrange so that Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, who were enemies; "Made Up" right before both dying on the exact same day of July 4, 1826?  As You know, Daisy    thinks  You might've and so do I too.  It just sounds like something You would do.                           

          My Encyclopedia says by 1844, or two years before the Mexican War; New York City was the "largest" American city.  Oh!  I hear one of those kids on a Motorcycle going bye really fast out there on Primavera Road.  And now I can see the dust rising up into the air. 

                                                                                                "MOTOCROSS" RIDER                                 

                                                                                                                         

         According to my outline I still have more to write about that guy Frederick Olmsted.  It says here in this Encyclopedia that he also designed the some parks at "Niagra Falls" and San  Francisco.  The one up there in the Bay Area is called "Golden Gate Park."                                   

           Oh!  It's interesting how Frederick Olmsted designed the Stanford University campus.  In book two I wrote about Leland Stanford and the "Big Four."  Stanford is where those Football players Jim Plunkett and John Elway, who I also talked about; went to College.                              

          I guess, because people liked his parks so much; some other cities like Baltimore, Boston, Detroit, Hartford and Philadelphia copied Frederick Olmsted's idea.  Mr. Steve told Mr. Mike in Central Park you can still ride in a Wagon pulled by Horses.  I can smell new Sage.                                                 

                                       WASHINGTON D.C.  ("CAPITOL GROUNDS")

                                                                                                                                         PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

   

            I wonder if our boss knows this?  According to what it says here in this Encyclopedia, that guy Frederick Olmsted designed the "Capitol Grounds" in Washington D.C. too.  As I wrote in book one on Thursday, Mr. Steve's family visited Washington D.C. in 2008.

           Mr. Steve's friend Eddie, who lives in Lake Los Angeles; told our boss about this place in Brooklyn called "Eastern Parkway."  Mr. Steve said he thinks his old girlfriend Emily might've told him about it.  Eastern Parkway was also designed by Frederick Olmsted. 

           In 1977 my boss and his brother Rock saw this" Restored" 19th century "Wrought Iron" bridge near to the Zoo in Central Park.  Mr. Steve's Niece Stephanie's boyfriend Rich is a really good Welder and we have that one Dragon he made for us.  Three Wrens are flying bye.  

     

                                                                                           HEART                                                                   

              One time Daisy and Millie heard our boss talking on the phone with his brother Rock as they remembered their 1977 trip.  Driving around New York City is when they first heard that band from Seattle HEART'S song "Barracuda."  I see Libby over there in her Corral.

            On Thursday I wrote about how that one girl in Mr. Steve's college Philosophy class used "Hegel's Dialectic" formula to predict a Hard Rock song with a female singer in 1977. HEART'S song about the Barracuda is such a good song Dais thinks.  And so does our Chief too.  

            Mr. Steve told his brother he now associates 1977 with "Punk" and "New Wave" music from New York City.  But that year also makes him think about "Disco" music too.  Daisy's the one who first told me about those three really talented singing brothers the BEE GEES.       

      

BEE GEES

PHOTO BY MARKA

 

                  One of Mr. Steve's customers from Australia told him the three BEE GEE brothers were born in England.  But, back in 1958 their family moved down to Australia where they began the group.  In 1977 they did a song called "Stayin' Alive" which Dais says is so amazing.

            According to Daisy, the blending of all three of the BEE GEES voices "In Harmony" just shows how talented they were.  Mr. Steve and the Parts Manager discussed how they actually had two parts to their careers.  The first one was in the 1960's and wasn't Disco music at all.

            The Parts Manager said the BEE GEES were originally called "BG's" after the initials of their Promoter and the oldest brother Barry Gibb.  That Promoter was also a Race Car Driver in Australia.  Oh!  Just as I'm about to say two of the BEE GEES were twins I smell our Twins.    

                               

THE TWINS                                                    MESQUITE     

                            

         Both of my nostrils just picked up the scent of a Mesquite bush, which floated in on the same breeze that also brought in the Twin's smell too.  The sky is beautiful with thin white clouds now hanging over the eastern horizon.  Thank You God for how the Sun's warmth feels.                

             As a kid Mr. Steve enjoyed going to places like Disneyland or Knotts Berry Farm but, as I've mentioned; the older he gets the less he likes being around big crowds.  He says now, "more often than not;" he much prefers to just be alone with us.  I smell a Lizard nearby.

            The lady from Quebec likes to walk and so does Mr. Steve too.  I've mentioned how he at times walks in the desert.  I've mentioned how Canada's main language is English but in Quebec they also speak French too so that lady has a French "Accent."  I now see the Lizard.

     

                                                                             PARIS 

               Mr. Steve had heard the French word "Flâneur" but Daisy says that lady from Victorville really explained it to our Chief.  She told him about walking around Paris.  Oh!  I just looked up and see Charley Company of Quail streaming bye right now in front of the Sheds.  

           My French Dictionary says flâneur means; "To stroll about while viewing other people."  I would like to be a flâneur, which that lady also called being a "Boulevardier."  Boy!  I'm so glad I have all of these foreign language Dictionaries which have really helped me a lot.   

           I've mentioned how Mr. Steve's sister Susan has been to Paris.  Mr. Steve told that lady he was a flâneur in Rome and Jerusalem but now prefers to walk all by himself out in the desert.  I wrote about him and his brother Rock walking around New York's "Greenwich Village."  

                             

                                                 "OCCUPATION" OF PARIS (JUNE, 1940)  

                                    

           The lady told Mr. Steve about the "Champs-Élysées, that "Boulevard" in Paris.  It says in this one Encyclopedia that it's a "17th century" road which was not part of Napoleon III's huge "renovation" of Paris in the mid-19th century.  One of the Ducks is quacking right now.

           That picture in this Encyclopedia shows the Germans marching up the Champ-Élysées in 1940 when they conquered France.   The lady thinks the very best view of the Champs-Élyssées is from the end that has an ancient Egyptian "Obelisk" on it.  I smell Libby over there.

            In the background of that photo of the Nazi soldiers I see the "Arc de Triomphe" which, in the early 19th century; was made by Napoleon I.  Mr. Steve told that lady, in 1985; he and his Tour Group saw the "Arch of Titus" in Rome.  I've written about the Emperor Titus.    

                          

                                                      BENITO MUSSOLINI (1883-1945)

          

                 I've mentioned how back in 1985, on his own; Mr. Steve walked around some of the areas in Rome.  He stood below the balcony where that guy Mussolini used to make speeches.  On the Tour Bus his group drove bye this other section in Rome called "Via dei Fori Imperiali."  

           My Encyclopedia says the Via dei Fori Imperiali was built by that guy Mussolini in 1932, the same year Mr. Steve's father was born.  But he tore down a lot of historical things to do it.  This one Italian Dictionary says its name means, "Road of the Imperial Forums."  

           I guess flâneur is "derived" from this old "Norse" word "flâna" or, "To wander with no purpose."  Mr. Steve, like that painter Edouard Manet in Paris; did that in Rome and Jerusalem in 1985.  Dais says Rick Steve's, on his tv travel show; has visited Italy and France.      

      

    "DODGER" STADIUM      

                   

              I've written about how people were "Evicted" or "Displaced" when Dodger Stadium was built. The lady who had Mr. Steve make her a Frame knew about when Napoleon III, in the 19th century; also forced people to move when he rebuilt Paris.  I smell those Daffodils again.   

           Mussolini tore down Julius Caesar's forum when he built his road in Rome.  I wrote about how, to build Dodger Stadium in the early 1960's; Los Angeles kicked out a lot of poor Mexican people who lived in "Chavez Ravine."  Some have never forgiven the Dodgers for that.

           I've mentioned before how, when she was just a little girl; our boss's Niece Samantha said; "Uncle Steve, it's just not fair that life is not fair."  As I wrote the other day, if they want to; the government can take your land through "Eminent Domain."   A Duck is quacking.     

      

"FLOCK" OF BIRDS

  

                 As I've mentioned before, Mr. Grant knows a lot about Computers and Mr. Steve told the lady he's sold "Web Sites" he's built.  And one was for a company that sold a "Travel Video" for tourists going over there to visit Paris.  I can smell the Arborvitae tree over there.

           My French Dictionary says the word "arrondissement" means "neighborhood."  Dais told me the lady from Victorville used that word a few times when she was sitting in our Living Room talking to our Chief.  Andy and Helen just ducked down into their Spring burrow.

          That lady, like Rick Steves too; agreed with the Travel Video which suggested tourists learn sentences in French like "Je vais prendre" or "I would like to have."  My French Dictionary says "monsieur" and "madame" means "sir" and "ma'am" I guess.   A Train whistled.        

                                                                 

         WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (1564-1616)           

     PAINTING BY JOHNTAYLOR                    

                  

          One of Mr. Steve's customers and his wife like going to a Theater in Central Park.  They see some those plays written by that English guy William Shakespeare there.  Wow!  I just now noticed in my Encyclopedia it says Shakespeare was about six feet four inches tall. 

          Mr. Steve told our friend Randy people were a lot smaller in the past and that's what made George Washington and Abraham Lincoln so unusual.  I smell the baby Cholla cactus over there in the dirt.  Mr. Steve, and Mr. Randy too; are both about six feet tall Daisy says.  

          A Lizard ran down the wall over there to my right, near the entrance to the Dining Room.  And now it went behind our gray water bucket.  Aha!  I knew I heard something coming and it turns out to be that big Dragonfly which has been hanging around here for three days.   

    

                                                           MARK TWAIN (1835-1910)

      

           Wow!  My Encyclopedia says Shakespeare was born and died on the same date; April the 23rd.  I've written how Mark Twain died on his birthday, the day "Halley's" Comet reappeared.   He had been born on the day seventy five years earlier when it ha last been seen.

           Hey God!  As I've mentioned, in 1977 when Mr. Steve and his brother Rock drove around New York City; they noticed a lot of homeless people.  Mr. Mark who lives out in the desert near Phelan with his Yorkie Dog Karma is homeless too.  Two of the Pigeons just flew bye.  

           Ah!  I just picked up the faint scent of one of our neighbors Rose bushes.  In 1977 there was that Garbage Strike going on in New York City so sometimes it smelled bad.  There was a lot of trash and garbage piled all over the place, even near places like Yankee Stadium. 

              

                                                                  REGGIE JACKSON

                               

           Yesterday I wrote about how, for New York City; 1977 was an eventful year and is called "The year the Bronx burned."  Reggie Jackson, who had played for the A's; was on the Yankees. He hit those three Home Runs in one game against the Dodgers in the World Series.

          That one Parts Manager who goes to see Shakespeare plays said, during the 1930's Great Depression; Central Park was filled with those people called "Squatters."  They were really poor and had no place to go.  Daisy told me we have some squatters in Piñon Hills too.

               Another thing Mr. Steve and his brother noticed when they drove their rented Car around and through Central Park was the "Bird Watchers."  Mr. Steve jokes you can often tell the Bird Watcher by their Tennis shoes.  And they also have binoculars around their neck.

                    

    BENJAMIN 

                  

          Benjamin the black Cow Birds just ran bye and for some reason that reminds me about how I miss Heathcliff already.  I'll bet Dais is up there in the front yard thinking about Heathcliff too.  Benjamin just used the right vertical slot on the side of the gate to go into the desert.

              All of a sudden I'm thinking again about how our boss makes those "Name Frames" that use people's information to create art.  Daisy told me that lady from Quebec's  last name starts with R.  Wow!  The scent of some of the new Spring flowers is really strong right now.

          Dais says for that lady's Frame Mr. Steve put a French royal blue "Fleur de Lis" flower symbol under the Old English R.  But she wanted a red frame instead of royal blue one like you might expect I guess.  I'll bet Daisy is definitely noticing how the flowers smell too. 

 

                                                           AUSTIN / SUSAN / DALTON

              

           I guess, as a teenager; that lady who Mr. Steve made the Name Frame for moved with her family to the State of Maine.  I've mentioned a few times over the last few days how Mr. Steve's sister Susan lives with her sons in Connecticut.  But they visit us out here in California.

          Looking at a map I see how Maine, which is also one of those "New England" States; is to the north of where Mr. Steve's sister Susan lives with Dalton and Austin.  I've mentioned how, in the past before the economic recession; Mr. Steve had more customers back there. 

         Daisy says our boss still has a few customers in both Connecticut and Maine too.  But not nearly as many as he used to have before the recession came in and hurt their business.  I guess that lady from Quebec is now married and she and her husband have two kids.

                      

       MONTREAL "CANADIENS"        

                             

           Three logos Mr. Steve put under the Old English R on the lady's Frame represent Hockey teams.  She and her husband's favorite team is the Montreal Canadiens so, that logo is right in the middle; and is slightly bigger in its size.  Dawn's barking over there next door.   

          Two smaller Ice Hockey team logos are behind the Montreal Canadiens emblem, and that's mainly because the lady's kids have different favorite teams.  The daughter follows the Anaheim "Ducks" and her son is a fan of the Los Angeles "Kings."  I can smell some Mesquite.

          I've written about how, in the mid-1980's; our boss, Mr. Mark and Miss Helen sold things for the Kings.  Mr. Steve gave that lady pictures he took of the Kings and also copies of the line drawing logos he drew of the Ducks, Kings and Canadiens.  So they can color them.  

                                                                   

                                                                   MARCEL DIONNE 

                                                                                                                                         PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

   

              In my books I've written about how Mr. Steve used to take pictures of sports.  He gave that lady's family pictures he took of these King's players named Bernie Nichols and Marcel Dionne, who I guess is also from Quebec too.  Frida and Diego the Bluebirds just flew bye.

          As I've mentioned a few times already, Mr. Steve has been drawing logos since he's been a kid.  Over the years he's drawn many, if not most; of the team logos for all of the different sports teams.  I've written before how "N.H.L." just stands for "National Hockey League." 

          That lady told our boss her father's favorite Hockey player was named Guy LaFleur.  In the 1970's he played on five championship teams as the leader of the Montreal Canadiens and was a really good skater.  I just glanced up and saw two of the Pigeons flying bye.      

                   

   GUY LAFLEUR

             

        My Encyclopedia says Guy LaFleur was the first Hockey player to score fifty goals and get one hundred points in six straight seasons.  In book one I wrote about how Wayne  Gretzky and  Marcel Dionne also scored a lot of goals too.  I notice Guy LaFleur didn't wear a helmet.              

        Mr. Steve says, in French; the name Guy is pronounced "Gee."  And it says here that the H in the Canadiens logo stands for "Les Habitants," the first French settlers to go from France and settle over there in Quebec during the 17th century.  Some Wrens are chirping.                               

      On Thursday in book one I wondered if Dogs could learn to ice skate because, if we could then did maybe then we could make Dog skates and sell them.  I've told Daisy about my idea but she's not sure if my idea was any good or not.  I'd at least try it to see if it's possible.                       

                                              

                                                             MONTREAL, CANADA     

                                                      

          That lady and Mr. Steve talked about how the British "Acquired" Canada from the French in the 18th century after those wars I've written about.  The lady told our Chief about the city of Montreal.  She said a street called "Saint Paul" still has old "Cobblestone" roads.

          I guess St. Paul Street is from 1670's French Quebec and, even before England took over in the late 1700's; it was the "center of" the "Fur Trade."  Boy!  Now that I've been learning about St. Paul I realize how important and influential he was.  Those Wrens just flew away.

          The lady said in 1809 one of those tall "Columns" I've written about was put in Montreal.  It honored that guy Lord Nelson for beating Napoleon Bonaparte's French Navy in those battles I've written about.  I guess, just like Dawn over there; had only one good working eye.

            

                                         ADMIRAL  HORATIO NELSON (1758-1805)    

           PAINTING BY LEMUEL FRANCIS ABBOTT                         

                            

               The caption below Admiral Nelson's painting says he also lost an arm in combat.  He won the "Battle of the Nile" in 1798 but, was killed in his "victory" over a "Franco-Spanish" fleet in 1805.  Boy!  I really love the hats and medals people used wear back in those days.

          I guess some people don't like Admiral Nelson because he supported Slavery.  But, as Mr. Steve thinks; you can't judge a historical person by our standards.  I wrote about how Abraham Lincoln, for most of his life; wanted to send all of the black people back to Africa. 

          Dais says that lady told our boss about this nice girl from the 1600's named "Marguerite."  Just like us, she was Roman Catholic.  And I guess she even became a Saint.  My Encyclopedia says St. Marguerite was the "first schoolteacher" to go over to Montreal from France. 

                          

                              "NELSON" COLUMN                                                     ST. MARGUERITE                                                                                                         

              Oh!  Thinking of St. Marguerite makes me remember that other French girl Saint Thérèse of Lisieux.  I've mentioned how St. Thérèse wrote about what's called "Grace."  A line of Grease Ants are marching bye down there on the Patio floor near Miss Emily's old Coffee Table.  

          Hey God!  My Encyclopedia says St. Thérèse said, "Everything is a grace."  Daisy thinks she might've meant, no matter how many bad things happen to you; you can choose to see and accept life's problems as "opportunities" to get stronger.  That's like Nietzsche's idea!

         Daisy says when our boss was the Office Manager in San Fernando he hired this one girl who used to say, "It's all good."  He and his boss Steve Banks chuckled knowing how many bad things happen in this life.  Rudy the Roadrunner is slowly jogging bye right now.                        

                                             

                                                                                                    ST. THÉRÈSE       

                                                                                                                                 

          Steve Banks used to say it would be great if everything in life was all good.  But it's not and you have to just accept it.  Hey God!  It says here Saint Thérèse wrote life's "difficulties, miseries and burdens" were ways to acquire Your grace which we kind of want to believe too. 

              Hey God!  Grace sort of sounds like Hawaiian "Mana" or a gift from You.  Wow!  It says here both of St. Thérèse's parents might someday also be made Saints too so no wonder she was such a good and decent person.  Boy!  I sure do wish I'd known my two parents.  

          I want to write more about the concept of Grace.  J.R.R. Tolkien's father died when he was a child Dais told me, and then his mother died too.  So he and his younger brother became some of those "Orphans" I've written about.  Ah!  I can smell some new Spring Sage.

  

                                                         J.R.R. TOLKIEN (1892-1973)        

            

              This Encyclopedia says when Tolkien's father died the family was living in South Africa so his mom took her sons back to England.  This is interesting.  After they got to England Tolkien's mother decided to convert from Protestant Anglican over to Roman Catholic just like us.

          I guess Tolkien's relatives got really angry at his mom for changing from Protestant over to Catholic. They "disowned" her so she had no money Daisy heard.  A few years later she died and her sons had to go live with this Catholic Priest named Father Francis Xavier Murphy.

         It says here "Father Francis" was Tolkien's "Father Figure" and may have been who the character "Gandolf" the Wizard was based on in Lord of the Rings.  I guess Tolkien and his wife even named their oldest son after Father Francis.  Speedy Gonzales is running bye.

  

                                                          J.R.R TOLKIEN AND FAMILY

                    

          Hey God!  I guess Father Francis was like Saint Thérèse in telling Tolkien and his brother to try to turn hardships and unfairness into grace.  He wrote, "What punishments from God are not gifts?"  Mr. Steve thinks Tolkien used that idea in his family and writing too.

          As I wrote yesterday God, that guy "Stonewall" Jackson said that You're will was often "Inscrutable."  If Tolkien's parents had not died young he wouldn't have met Father Francis so his books might've been way different.  A cool breeze just blew in from the desert.

         Hey God!  If that guy Tolkien had never met Father Francis then he could never have later told others about the "insights" and lessons he learned from his mentor.  Tolkien came to believe our lives are only partly about ourselves in this temporal world.  I smell some Sage.

                      

          "CREATION" ("SISTINE" CHAPEL)              

                MICHELANGELO BUONAROTTI                     

                                           

           Hey God!  I guess J.R.R. Tolkien was like "Stonewall" Jackson in thinking Your purposes are often "beyond" our understanding.  St. Paul said to suffer so, later we can "console" and give "sympathy or empathy" to others.  Hey!  Sister Rita Joseph said that thing too.   

          As You know of course God, Daisy says our boss told Mr. Mike Pope John Paul II, who he took pictures of in Rome and at the San Fernando Mission; believed there are "no coincidences." He said You do things that may only be fully understood later.  Or never understood. 

          Hey St. Francis!  Writing about that man Father Francis who influenced J.R.R. Tolkien is making me think of you up there.  If you just happen to be mind reading me right now I want to thank you for helping us Animals down here.  I want to believe you're helping me too.  

                 

      SAINT FRANCIS (c.1181-1226)        

        

                 Daisy heard our boss's mom say St. Francis, even though it's too late now because of how old she is; she'd like to visit the Italian town you were from called "Assisi."  She's read about you since she was a kid back in New Mexico.   Libby's scent just floated in to me over here.

            Hey Lord!  Mr. Steve's mom, like You when You were down here in Israel and St. Francis in Italy; leads by example.  St. Francis!  This Encyclopedia says in 1939, the year World War II began; you were made a "patron saint" in Benito Mussolini's Fascist Italy.  A Train whistled.

           Hey St. Francis!  I guess our boss's mother admires how, in the 13th Italy where you grew up there was much hardship, struggle and wars between those "City-States" I've written about. But you advocated "Peace, Love and Understanding."  Libby's scent makes me feel good.  

                 

   RICK STEVES

                   

            I guess that guy Rick Steves did an episode where he visited the Italian areas you grew up in St. Francis, and Daisy says it's one of Mr. Steve's parents favorite Rick Steves segments.  Last year the new Pope decided to use your name I guess.  Blackbeard and Anne just flew bye.

           Hey St. Francis!  My Encyclopedia says here what Rick Steves mentioned too, how you were from a wealthy "Umbrian" family but gave it up.  Instead, you exchanged that life for one of a Monk living in a Monastery.  You preferred a life of "simplicity, solitude and prayer." 

           Daisy says in that episode Mr. Rick also visited that area called "Tuscany," where he ate some really good food.  Our boss liked the part where some guys in medieval type clothes used flags in a ceremony.  They even threw them up really high in the air and then caught them. 

   

"FRANCISCAN" FRIARS 

  

                Because of the reading he and his parents have done about the Alta California Missions St. Francis, Mr. Steve knows about the "Franciscan Oder" of Priests you started back in 1209. 

            Hey St. Francis!  My Encyclopedia says you "opposed" the "decadence" of the Middle Ages Catholic Church "institution" down there in the city of Rome.  Hey Lord!  St. Francis was like You in preaching "non-materialism."  The scent of the baby Cholla cactus floated in.

           Daisy told me Rick Steves said you told people St. Francis to "slow down and appreciate the moment," especially the natural world.  He loved "all creatures" and not just people, which back in those days was probably a very rare view.  Mr. Dave would totally agree with that.         

  

                     "BASILICA OF ST. FRANCIS"                         "MARY OF THE ANGELS" BASILICA

             Dais heard our boss and his mom talk about that one Rick Steves episode St. Francis, and how one of those big "Basilica" Church's is built over where you're buried.  It's on a hill above the city of Assisi.  Rick Steves mentioned how for a long time that region was very poor.

          Blessed Mother!  I guess below the Basilica in Assisi is another Basilica named for You.  It's built over one of three small "Chapels" you rebuilt St. Francis.  If Daisy and I could borrow Mr. Peabody's time machine we'd definitely want to go back and then smell both of you guys.

         Hey Lord!  Daisy heard the story about how You told St. Francis to rebuilt those three old falling apart chapels.  When our boss's mom was in College at C.S.U.N. she studied this Painter named Giotto di Bondone.  He did wall paintings inside the Basilicas in Assisi Daisy says.    

          

GIOTTO DI BONDONE (c. 1267-1337)

                Wow!  This Encyclopedia says that guy "Giotto" was Europe's "first modern painter."  I guess it was because, "for the first time in centuries;" his painting "reflected realism."  Daisy is pretty sure she heard our boss's mom tell him she still has a book about Giotto's paintings. 

           Mr. Giotto lived in the 13th century but later Renaissance Painters were influenced by his what were then "considered radical" works.   Daisy told me our boss's mom studied Giotto's paintings, and that guy Rick Steves seemed to be impressed by them too.  Dawn's barking.  

          The people and Angels in Giotto's paintings show "emotion," according to what Dais and Millie heard Rick Steves say on his tv show.  For a long time before that more "formal" and "less expressive Byzantine art" was more the style.  Ah!  I like smelling Dawn, Blinky and Rosie. 

             

"BYZANTINE" ART

                Hey Blessed Virgin!  A good picture in this one Encyclopedia shows You holding the baby Jesus.  The caption says Byzantine art was not as "expressive" as what that guy Mr. Giotto did in the 1200's.  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are flying right over Libby's Corral.

           I've mentioned before how "Byzantium" was what was left of the ancient Roman Empire when the original part fell in Italy.  From the 4th century A.D., through the fall of Constantinople in 1453; "Greek Orthodox" Byzantine art moved away from Greek and Roman "naturalism." 

           Well, it's back to my outline.  I kind of got off on another tangent again but that's okay.  I still have more to write about that lady who, because she's from Quebec, Mr. Steve told her how he and Harriet one time saw that girl named Céline Dion do a really good singing concert.

              

                                                                    CÉLINE DION 

                         

               Mr. Steve told the lady his girlfriend Harriet got tickets for Céline Dion concert on the site of a Veteran's Hospital in West L.A.  It's called the "Wadsworth" Theater.  Mr. Steve's father at times used to go to that hospital.  The movie "Beauty and the Beast" was out then.

          That girl Céline Dion seems like a decent person our Chief says.  That lady from Quebec said Céline Dion was the youngest of thirteen kids and now she has her own children too.  Daisy says our boss told Mr. Mike how he's known other family's with a lot of kids too.    

          Daisy and Millie saw that cartoon movie Beauty and the Beast which Céline Dion sang in. In the mid-1990's, when he worked for that Flower Company; they gave away copies of a movie about the giant passenger Ship "Titanic."  Céline Dion also sang in that movie too I guess.  

                                                

R.M.S. "TITANIC" SINKING (1912)

                                                                ARTWORK BY WILLY STÖWER

           

                   I was supposed to write about that British Ship Titanic yesterday, but somehow missed it on my outline so; Dais said just insert it when I mentioned the movie.  It says here it sank on its "maiden" or first voyage in 1912.  That was just two years before World War I began.

            Wow!  That big Ship the Titanic was almost nine hundred feet long, while a Football field is only three hundred feet in length.  Daisy and Millie saw the movie and I guess it's mainly about this boy and girl who meet on that voyage.  I hear Pigeons cooing somewhere nearby.

            From what it says here, the Titanic was built in Ireland and sailed from England on April the 10th.  It was on its way to New York City but "collided" with a giant Iceberg and sank in the freezing cold water.  I've mentioned how Mr. Steve's girlfriend Emily was born on April 9. 

        

    "MODERN "JUMBO" JET / DIRIGIBLE "HINDENBURG" / SHIP "TITANIC"

             

         A painting in my Encyclopedia shows how large the Titanic was in comparison to a "Jumbo Jet" and that "Air Ship" the "Hindenburg."  I wrote yesterday about how in 1937, back in New Jersey; it also crashed.  I can hear two Crows fighting for food out there in the desert.

        Daisy says our boss's friend Mark Ritter knew a lot about the Titanic.  After he died I guess Mr. Steve thought of him when he would read about "Passenger Ships."  I've written about how Mr. Steve has been to that British Ship the "Queen Mary" down in Long Beach Harbor.  

         Wow!   1,500 of the 2,224 people "on board" died when the Titanic sank.  I guess some were rich people but most of the passengers were poor.  But, it says in my Encyclopedia there weren't enough "Life Boats;" probably because the Titanic was considered to be so "Unsinkable."     

                              

                                                                                     CÉLINE DION AND FAMILY

  

               I've mentioned a few times over the last three days how Mr. Steve's family was involved in the gambling or "Gaming" industry in the early 1990's.  So Mr. Steve and his father made all those trips up to Las Vegas.  Mr. Steve says he "doubts" that he'll ever go back there again.

            Mr. Steve and that one lady from Quebec talked about how Céline Dion sings in Las Vegas year round now.  Someday I kind of want to hear her sing some songs because Dais says she has a really pretty voice.  Donald and Daisy are quacking about something over there next door.          

            Daisy says our boss told that lady he made the Frame for about his mom's Girl Scout trip to Montreal when she was fourteen.  In Montreal she and the other girls visited this house where the famous "Dionne Quintuplets" were born in 1934.  She herself was born in 1935.

          

                                                                                   "DIONNE QUINTUPLETS"

  

              "Quintuplet" means, "five offspring born in the same birth" so, because most of the time people have only one baby; that makes the Dionne Quintuplets amazing Daisy thinks.  And back in those days many babies "Died in Childbirth" too.  Andy's over there sniffing the air.

            Daisy heard, early in the 20th century; girls in Mr. Steve's family in New Mexico died in  having children. The Dionne Quintuplets mother had five kids before the Quintuplets, and one died.  After the Quintuplets she had three more children and almost died twice I guess.

           The Dionne babies were "Identical" girls and, Quintuplets being so rare; the Canadian Government took them from their parents and made them "Wards of the State."  They became world famous but Mr. Steve's mom thinks they had kind of sad lives.  The state raised them. 

         

                                             "FAIRMONT LA CHATEAU FRONTENAC"

                   Mr. Steve's mom remembers seeing the "Fairmont Le Château Frontenac" up on a hill when she was in "Quebec City."  This one Encyclopedia says it's a late 19th century Hotel built "above" the St. Lawrence River.  I guess the word "Bluff" is just another way of saying hill. 

            That Hotel looked like a "fairy tale castle" to out boss's mom and the other Girl Scouts, who had never seen anything like it before; with its "turrets" like a real Castle.  They wondered how it was even possible to have built such a big building way up there.  Dawn's barking.

           Wow!  A lot famous people have stayed at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, like that guy President Reagan.  And so did Charles de Gaulle and Charlie Chaplin.  Oh!  During World War II President Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill met there to plan for D-Day.  

                                 

 WREN IN CHOLLA CACUS

     

           Many things in life being dual in nature, our boss thinks it was good the Dionne girls were taken care of by the state because their parents were poor.  But they were put "on display" like animals in a zoo.  I just noticed a little Wren behind the Sheds standing in a cactus bush.  

           Mr. Steve says over the years many people came from all to see the Dionne Quintuplets up there in Canada.  And some were famous like that girl Airplane Pilot named Amelia Earhart.  But Mr. Steve's mom thought it sad how they were "displayed like the animals in a zoo."  

           Boy!  I really have to go pee but I'm not finished with chapter four.  But I'll hide all of my materials and go visit with Daisy, and can finish finding out about that girl Amelia Earhart in chapter five.  Thank Everyone for helping me not think so much about Heathcliff dying.