Hello fellow FA Artists, Writers, Photographers, Crafters, Fursuiters, and all you other creative-type people.

I spent last weel living in Tustin with my brother Sterling and his Lady Friend, "Winnie" at a sort of "Get Away" from the lifestyle here in Pasadena. I spent most of my time watching TV and adjusting the little "Guest Room" I was staying in to make my visits more comfortable. In brief, we ate well, enjoyed the local scenery, and did quite a bit of shopping. I was very surprised to find almost everything I needed for the room at a local, discount fashion outlet called, "Marshall's" including two folding, wooden topped TV snack tables, a new wallet, and most importantly, a new pair of heavy-duty sweatpants which I sorely needed because I had worn quite a few holes in my pajama bottoms, and I figured the "Fleece" style would help protect my legs from the Chill. Ever since I have been released from the Hospital, I have become over sensitive to the cold for some reason. I figure my ongoing Oxygen treatments might have something to do with it, or maybe it's just a sign of getting older. On the plus side, I have spot heaters that help make the small bedroom I'm moving into, downstairs in the Pasadena house more comfortable, and I'm familiar with dressing in layers in order to keep the chill away.

Winnie lives in close proximity to the Tustin airport, and not too far away are the huge Airship Hangars which once housed the likes of the USS Los Angeles, (ZR-3,) and perhaps the USS Macon, (ZRS-5.) These structures are so big that once, helicopter pilots could train in them, safe from any stray winds that could throw a beginning, rotary wing pilot off enough to lose control. Inspired and excited by being so close to Aviation history, one of my special adventures included a trip to Hobby Lobby, which was close to the original "Footprint" of the Tustin Airbase, and even has a road that passes close by one of the giant hangars. I had originally planned to buy some sort of model kit to add to my collection and build it eventually, and I set my eyes on several subjects, including a V-22 Osprey, a Revell 1966 Chevrolet Fleetside pickup, and even a plastic kit of "Bumblebee" in his Camaro guise, which included a twin helicopter backpack for my favorite "Transformer" character. Unfortunately, a troubling realization hit me as I stood there in the model kit section of the mega hobby store, and I was surprised to feel something warm and wet course down my cheek. I was actually crying.

You see, while I was standing there trying to decide which "Treasure" to add to my collections, I realized that because of nearly 20 years of moving from place to place, I never had the security nor the room to set up a model building workshop proper. I knew that any model kit which I had bought in that moment, I would have to buy glue, paint, and detailing accessories plus the one thing I could Never buy in a hobby shop. That is the Time to build the model as I wanted to. Most likely, the model kit would end up sitting in the closet, and I'd would end up having to sell it or give it away. Plus, after moving into the smaller bedroom on the ground floor of the house, I wouldn't have the extra shelf space to put the finished model on display. I came to the realization that I'd best stick with my artwork, and collecting already built, diecast vehicles to use for "Drawing References."

Fortunately, I have discovered that putting together small Lego or "Building brick" models do help to keep my hands steady, and my 3-D modeling senses satisfied. Some of the "Simpler" Lego sets also include working features that make the finished set up more interesting and a bit more "Fun," as compared to a large lump of plastic that is destined to just sit on a shelf. Besides, it's also fun to knock the Lego bricks apart, then put them back together again. Maybe perhaps one day I'll get involved in the 3-D printing hobby, and create oversized representations of a watch's inner works, and build me some wind up gadgets to amaze and amuse my friends and fellow model builders. Who knows? There are some pretty amazing, wooden "Puzzles" I've seen on the Net.

Thank you all for your kind words and well wishes.

"Peace."

Nothing much going on here.... Hopefully I'll think of something to write about soon.

Good to see you again all my Fellow FA Friends, Fans, Artists, Writers, Fursuiters, Crafters, Photographers, Makers of Music, and Dreamers of dreams.

I almost lost you all because I was so stubborn. You might remember when I mentioned in my previous journal at how I was dealing with coughing which I thought was the symptoms of a bad and re-occurring case of the Flu? Well, in the months and days after I submitted that journal, I found it more and more difficult to breathe, and even mild tasks such as walking up and down stairs or taking out the laundry would leave me so out of breath that I'd have to sit down for a few minutes to regain my composure. About a week ago, things became so bad, I thought I was going to pass out, right on the Kitchen Floor. Fortunately, my friend Schirm was there to help me, and I had to call the local paramedics to haul me over to the Verdugo Hills Medical Center. There the doctors were first talking about bypass procedures and cutting me open to "tinker with my ticker," but instead, figured that I might be able to beat my CV problems by draining the fluids accumulating around my lungs and heart by forcing my systems to make me pee considerably. Thus, I spent three nights under clinical supervision, usually going at the rate of one bathroom trip every fifteen minutes or so. Of course, there were a couple of nights where I needed my sleep, but I had to answer "Nature's call" to same myself the embarrassment of wetting the bed.

Let me tell you, Spongebob Squarepants had it easy. All he had to do was call for "Hans" and get wrung out.

Anyway, I was put on 2 Liters of O2 a day, and nightly hooked up to a giant CPAP machine, which first would do the breathing for me. I was attached to the main Oxygen supplies by a 20-foot length of tubing that was often more than enough to get me to the restroom and back, I often teased with the nurses about those old "Hard Hat" diver's rules in telling them, "Remember. One tug for 'give me more line,' and two tugs for 'Haul me up Quick!" Now I really understand what it's like to stumble about in the chilly darkness, depending on someone up "Topside" to translate the intentions being conveyed through simple tugging on a line.

If the line is jerking about spasmodically, I'm most likely caught up in the wreckage, or battling an Octopus.

So now I have two O2v compressor machines at my disposal, One that's portable, and the other that's for when I sleep at night. After my first night's being "Hooked up" I must say that I had the most restful night's sleep I've ever enjoyed.

Thank you all for your best wishes and support. As always...

"Peace".

-I'll let you know where I've been! (Pause to recover from a spasmodic bout of coughing.) Excuse me...

Hello Dear Fellow FA Artists, writers, Fursuiters, Crafters, Photographers, Historians and other Highly Creative people.

These past few months were veritable "Roller Coaster" of a ride, where my Friends and recently adopted "Family" spent the Holiday months climbing up the hills in Euporia, then I found myself plunging into the bottom of the trough, where I spent weeks sick and in dark despair. Don't fret though. I am getting better day by day, and I'm going to do my best to BEAT this strange form of "Flu" bug that has laid me low for the last three weeks of January.

December 2021 was most likely the best month of the entire year for me as in Celebration of my 65th Birthday, my friend Sherry Patten treated Myself, My Brother Sterling, and his Lady Friend "Winnie" to enjoy a luncheon at The Ronald Reagan Library and also visit their exhibits featuring the history of the FBI, "Al Capone to Al Qadea." My main interest was over the "Bonnie and Clyde Death Car", but flash photography was prohibited in that section. A Kind Docent let me to a photograph where it was easy to match the damages to the vehicle in the images, which satisfied my curiosity.

I especially enjoyed the FBI interactive exhibits as I've had a fascination for the "Bureau" and it was interesting to read about the Science and Investigations involved in solving "National" crime, but also in reading about the People involved. I did surprisingly well at their electronic firing range, and I tested out to be fit for the sciences and investigations chapters. (I HAVE Retired though.) I also had never heard nor read of Al Capone's "Killer Car", an armored 1930 Cadillac before, which I figured might make for an interesting Model project.

I had never attended a fancy luncheon before, but I didn't mind having to wear a button-down shirt, and dress in a close to "Formal" fashion. The biggest treat though was actually enjoying a meal underneath the actual 707 which THREE Presidents used from 1973 to 2001. We were all seated and enjoyed conversation, and much to my surprise, Dessert was offered first! I Had never been waited on in such a thorough and pleasant manner before, and once our meals had been finished, I was impressed at how quickly the "Dirty" dishes were cleared away. Of course, Sterling, Winnie, Sherry and I all tried to be as "Dignified" as we could in quibbling over the sweets and desserts offered to us. I got a slice of Raspberry preserves topped Cheesecake, which was delightful and unlike others I had tried before.

The Highlight of our adventure was of course "Raiding" The Library's Souvenir and Gift Shop where I did a little "Early" Christmas Shopping and found some unique items which I knew my friends "Back East" would enjoy. My original idea was to create Holiday "Boxes of Awesome" for my friends in creating a small "Trip to California" for each of them. Unfortunately, my plans for mailing things out in time got waylaid by unforeseen circumstances I hadn't accounted for.

More about that later.

"Peace."

Hello again fellw Fa Artists, Writers, Sculptors, Crafters, Jewelers, Costumers, Fursuiters and other highly creative people.

I have a sort of little rule I like to live by, and this week it has really turned 'round and bitten me badly. I've learned through experience that if one wakes up and some little thing goes wrong, and they utter those most dangerous words: "It's going to be one of THOSE Days..." It will be. Believe me... For myself, it has been one of those "Weeks".

You see, Once one has set up the "Pins" of the day by stating it's going to be "One of Those days", The invisible Gods and Goddesses of Chaos and Mayhem start reaching into their collective closets, and taking up their favorite Bowling balls to head off to the lanes for some otherworldly fun. Once one has declared that "It's going to be one of those days..." The first irritation, seemingly minor, will only magnify any other problems that come along through the course of the day. So, let's rule out the incidents that bring on personal injury, and dwell on those things that are mildly irritating such as: Shoelaces breaking, Lightbulbs burning out, Unexpected Traffic Delays, losing a phone connection, or even an "Interesting" new Glitch developing on one's favorite web page. Those little irritations that make one wish that Ol' team Chaos and Mayhem will roll more "Gutter Balls" for a few frames.

Case in point, this day, Thursday, December 9th, 2021. It's one of a few "Palindrome" days left in the year if written in the "American Style" (12-9-21.) And I wanted to do something special. I have a backlog of drawings I was planning on inking, then scanning, and then getting them ready for posting on FA and other sites. So, I fired up my laptop, with the intent to send a few emails and attempted to connect to the 'net, but it took me about a half hour to make a connection. It was raining at the time, so I figured that perhaps the rain water, or a falling tree might have damaged or interfered with the transmissions. I also have to wait until my Roommate Noah gets up as the only access into my office is through his bedroom. Of course, Noah had stayed out pretty late and slept in well past 1:00 PM. "Great!" I figured I could at least try to spend the next five and a half hours working on the art and hopefully make it to the Afternoon chat with my friends back East. So I set up my art table, and got ready to get to work, and The Phone rings with a friendly robot reminder of a future Doctor's appointment, and so I had to go downstairs to check the date on my calendar. I then realize I'm hungry, so I decide to fix myself some lunch but, I end up writing a new page in my medical journal because my blood pressure was really high. After my meal, I go back upstairs, and it's well past 4:00 PM. I needed to take a bathroom break, and believing I could get right to work after that, I flush the toilet, and the handle comes loose on my hand. I open up the top of the tank to find the plastic strap that connects the flapper valve to the handle had parted neatly in two. I figured I'd replace the cheap plastic strap with a length of brass chain I had on hand, but Alas! No connector hooks! Fifteen minutes of searching in the garage had no positive results, but I did spy a jar full of zip ties which I figured I could sort of "Staple" the two broken halves of the strap together with. I return to my task, and attempt to shut off the water feed to the tank, only to find the valve frozen solid. (I also had trouble with that "Lefty-Loosey, Righty-Tighty" Axiom.) I decided that a squirt of penetrating oil would do the trick, but as I took up the Wetness Dispersing Formula 40 can, I found out the can had lost all its pressure. Another trip to the garage, and I found another can that worked. After finally draining the tank, I was able to complete my task in far less time that I wasted searching for the parts and tools to do the job. By this time, the chat was well over and I still had several emails to send. I finished writing close to 10:00 pm and I decided to call it a night.

I could call a day like that a "Mister Foxy" day, but considering the mishaps and adventures I put my little Vulpine Alter Ego through, I figure he needs a break in the action too. If it rains like the weather people promise later in the next week, I will wrap myself up in the blankets like a big "Fox Burrito" and sleep in. We'll see where that goes.

Do I hear "Muse" chuckling and yelling "Set 'em up!"?

"Peace."

Hello again fellow FA Artists, Writers, Crafters, Costumers, Musicians, and other very highly creative persons.

Did I mention before that I like to mess with the collective canine minds of the local Coyotes that serenade me frequently at night up here in the hills above Pasadena? The Coyotes must be drawn by the water in the birdbath, and also attracted by seed and crumbs of bread we leave out for the birds. Every once in a while, the entire pack of I guess about four to six individuals set up a howling and yowling fest right across the driveway not too far from the house, and very close to the outside windows of my little office. I don't mind their "Music" and I can easily take care of the messes they leave behind with the garden hose, but I must admit there are times I have felt something was not right with the night if I didn't hear their nocturnal vocalizations.

The Native Americans have lore about the howls of coyotes, and often tell of the barks, yips and howls either foretelling of disaster or misfortunes, but to myself, it sounds like they're mostly having fun, announcing they have found food, and they're either calling other pack members to come join in, or more likely telling uninvited coyotes to stay away. During the recent lunar eclipse a few nights ago, it almost seemed as if the local pack was trying to tell me something was "Wrong" with their "Songs" sounding somewhat frantic and agitated. I couldn't see the event myself as the skies were clouded over at the time, but then again, I figure my interpretations are mostly based on anthropomorphizing the coyote's behavior, and a bit of superstition related to me from my neighbors.

However. I like playing music on my computer as I type, or I listen to the radio, enjoying late night talk programs. Evey once in a while, just for fun, I have a link to short film clip of Johnny Weissmuller doing the Tarzan yell, which I play loudly over the set's speakers, and it usually sends the coyotes scattering into the bushes and down the gully. Now I'm not really certain, but there seems to be one Coyote who tries to imitate the Tarzan yell. I distinctly heard one yipping "Arr Yiii Arr! Arr Yii Arr!' as he runs away. This got me to wondering if the individual was trying to imitate the Tarzan yell with intent to mock me, or perhaps more than likely he was being like The Rude Frenchman from Monty Python and The Holy Gail, telling me: "We are not afraid of your Ahhh-EEE AHH! pale and insufficient attempt to intimidate Us!"

Canine minds... Go figure. The more I understand, the less I know.

"Peace."

For now, All I have to say is, "Good job Dodgers," (And Dodgers Fans.) Wait'll Next Year.

I go into "Hibernation" now.

"Peace".

Hello fellow FA Artists, Writers, Crafters, Fursuiters and other highly creative people.

I was dismayed to recently discover that the artist/animators of "Dreamsong" had pulled all their works from FA, DA and YouTube. I'm not even certain if the artist was a man or woman or group, but I've always felt their work had a certain sensitivity and understanding of physical movement that only skilled female dancers know. I know "They" were working together to create 3-D animated short subjects that would be later adapted to Video Games and perhaps even commercials, mainly because their best works were often labeled as Tests".

My favorite works by Dreamsong were "God rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" which I would share with my friends around Christmastime. The Short "Test" featured a Cheetah-morph Chanteuse in a red, sparkly, tight fitting dress, singing the Holiday classic tune in a husky, but warm voice. And then there was the test which featured their Cheetah Lady singing "Not quite Human" which started from point to point graphics, then resolve to the fully rendered figure as the song progressed. The process would always bring a tear to my eye, and seemed influential to me as I felt it represented the best depiction of the 3-D animation process, and what this whole Anthropomorphic Animal "Thing" was all about. Well... To myself at least.

So if You're still out there Dreamsong, Good luck, and carry on.

Another thing that has brought tears to my eyes is the Atlanta Braves beating the Los Angeles Dodgers in the last run for the World Series. I should say more correctly... "Beating up" the Dodgers in order to win the Pennant. No doubt that Atlanta is a younger, stronger team, and both sides are playing really hard baseball to win the title. However the season has taken it's toll on the "Older" players, leaving more than half the Dodger's star players on the injured list. Whomever said Baseball is a "Gentlemanly" sport, has most likely never played the game through College, the Minors or the Majors.

As I type this, Atlanta needs to win just ONE MORE game to clench the series. Hopefully by the next time I write, we'll either be celebrating a "Comebacker miracle" or we'll be saying "Wait'll next year."

"Peace."

Hey all you Fantastic, Fellow FA Artists, Writers, Crafters, Fursuiters and other highly creative people!

I just discovered an animated series that I can really get into, that there is just not enough of. The animation is sharp and well done, the scripts are well written, and I really like the setting and characters. IF this series was made into a regular show, I know I wouldn't mind paying a little extra each week to watch it.

I'm referring to the 2017 vintage series of short videos titled, "Sheriff Hayseed" which follows the antics of his Anthropomorphic animal friends in the Western style town of "Troughwater". Now why do like the show? Because it has so much potential, and it reflects a time that I'm fascinated with. I mean... If it had a Steam Train featured in it, Steam tractors, or other "Steampunk" elements, I'd watch it for sure.

Maybe if a band of Centaur-horses came trotting through town? Naaaahhh... Cenauroids are really difficult to animate.

Okay. I'll shut up now.

"Peace".

Hey all you nice FA Artists, Writers, Crafters, Fursuiters and other highly creative people.

Last weekend I was invited to go out with my Brother and his lady friend "Winnie" to visit Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park. Now I hadn't been there since the late 1970s, so I was really curious to see how much the place had changed in these past 46 years or so. When I was there the "Roaring 20's airfield had just been newly installed, and I enjoyed riding the Whacky Soapbox Derby Racers, the Motorcycle Chases, the Bumper cars, and the Parachute Drop. I felt more "Comfortable" in that "New" part of the park, much as I do in visiting "Tomorrowland" in that big "Park" in nearby Anaheim. I guess there was more there I could relate to, such as biplanes, metal clad bumper cars, A real "Live Steam" locomotive, and even a door that had a sliding panel on it which would open up and a mysterious voice would ask, "Who sent ya...?"

Most of that was gone when I visited last Saturday, but I was very pleased to see that despite the ravages of crowds and time, the re-located town of Calico was still in pretty good shape. A Lot of the shops I liked to go to were re-purposed, and the rides were revamped. Even though I cannot ride roller coasters any more due to my health, I still enjoyed myself as I had a "Mission" to complete on my mind. My quest was to photograph my adventures in the Park and post pictures here on FA. Shortly before arriving at Knott's though I discovered both the camera chips I had were Full, and the last chip I was counting on was crammed full of art and images drawn by the fellow who gave me the Digital camera. Undaunted, I figured on at least collecting postcards and printed maps to show I was there, but No Dice. Because of the COVID 19 restrictions, physical maps and guides were no longer being handed out, but signs with those "Checkerboard" patterns either pointed out prime photo locations, described objects of interest, or directed folks who know how to use a "Smart" phone on the "Prime" locations for Photo Ops. Oddly, there were no Camera Shops in the park, and much to my disappointment, the Train Shop was long gone.

Nevertheless, There were quite a few highlights to my visit. I didn't find the Aveling Steam Roller, but the "Green River" 2-8-0 "Consolidated" Steam Locomotive was still running strong. Somehow or another, the two young men in the cab had that oil fired "teakettle" acting in it's best behavior, and as I took the ride around the park, I was impressed at how well skilled and "Seasoned" the entire crew of the Railroad was. Even the Ersatz train "Robbers" were a crack up with their antics and comic banter. But the Highlight of all for me was visiting the interactive dark ride called "Knott's Bear-y Tales." The ride features a family of bears who bake pies to take to the local Fair for judging and to share with other anthropomorphic animal characters. Of course to add a hint of danger and adventure to the story, a tall, thin coyote and an army of little coyotes try to steal the pies and cause mischief. Inside each car which kind of resembles a giant pie, there are four stations which have an odd looking "Popgun" that "shoots" blobs of berry jam, and a screen showing the rider's score. It's all 3-D computer generated graphics and the characters and a few props react when "Hit" by the flying Jam blips. Most of the screens worked well, and I especially enjoyed the scenes where it appeared the car and it's riders were falling from a great height.

Of course the nefarious Coyote-Almost pie thief gets his "Just Desserts" and ends up covered in Berry Goo and bits of crust, proving that he was quite the "Crumb" with his antics. I also enjoyed visiting the nearby "Company Store" where I bought several souvenir pins and a coloring book which featured postcards of the adventure. I was almost... Almost... ALMOST tempted to buy a clip on coyote tail just for the fun of it, But I didn't see any other potential "Furry" fans, young or old wearing such. I also figured that "This is the way Fursuits get started." I know that I'll soon return to Knott's to celebrate their 100th Anniversary, and NEXT TIME, I'll bring extra, empty chips for the camera, and maybe work up the nerve to buy, and WEAR that Coyote tail.

"Peace".

Hello Fellow FA Artists, Writers, Crafters, Fursuiters, Creators, Celestial Beings and any Gardeners out there.

It is a sure sign of depression when one doesn't seem to enjoy the things they used to enjoy before. Ever since the accident in April I have lost my interests in drawing, or to be more precise, I seem to lack the enthusiasm to even Finish any new artwork, which has led to great disappointment among my friends and fans. I can't quite put my finger on it, but one thing I have noticed is that when I do sit down at my drawing desk to work, I often start dozing off and occasionally fall asleep with pencil still in hand. I have been frustrated by the mess and trouble in using my Technical Pens for inking, and one of my contemporaries has suggested using everything from Glass dip pens to markers and ball point pens. I've had limited success with the latter, although I find it frustrating to get any line quality with a ballpoint pen. I guess I need to practice more. Perhaps just "Warming up" and filling a page with scribbles might help loosen me up, and help generate a few ideas as well.

I am still amazed and impressed at how some of my artistic contemporaries can continue to crank out new images, with one of my "Heroes" posting up to three new images a week. He has suggested that trying something different or new might rekindle my spark of creativity, so the big thing I need to do is get motivated and give inking my images with something other than tech pens a try. I have yet to find anything that can lay down precise, bold lines though, and I me reluctant to switch to Pigma markers as they "Ghost" when I erase my under pencils, and of course Sharpie markers are not good for archival works as they tend to "Bleed" into the paper over time, producing green haloes around their lines.

Speaking about Green things, I sort of "Inherited" a miniature Tomato Plant Thanks to my brother who was given a portable "Taco Topping Garden" of which the tomato plant became the more dominant plant. After about six months of careful watering and feeding, the plant just went "Crazy" producing tiny tomatoes, some as big as a large marble. Earlier in the week however I was very surprised to see the top of the plant looking chewed up and weedy, and I first suspected one of the local deer had made a snack of my tomato plant. I later discovered the culprit to be Green tomato "Worms", with one about as big and as thick as my thumb. I donned mechanics gloves, and plucked five caterpillars of varying size from the plant and smooshed them good. The biggest ones tried to give me a good nip, but heir defiance only made me all the more angrier. So far, I haven't found any more, but I do keep an eye on the vines looking for little green caterpillars, and the eggs. If anything, caring for the plant has given me something to do, and of course the plant has been yielding bowls of fruit, which my brother uses to make some pretty tasty Salsa.

The Pandemic restrictions have been lessened here in Pasadena, and recently I went and got fully Vaccinated. One of the reasons I did this was because I want to do a little traveling next year, and hopefully go to visit a friend in New York City. Seeing the two Lion, statues named "Patience" and "Fortitude" is one of the things on my "Bucket List" as well as enjoying the sights, cuisine, and culture of the big Eastern City with my friend serving as a "Tour Guide." But for now, the best I can do is continue to save my money, and look forward to the adventure around the middle of 2022. Stay tuned.

"Peace".

Hello fellow FA Artists, Writers, Crafters, Fursuiters, and other highly creative people.

As I type this, I'm sitting up in my "Office", "Surfing the Internet", checking out the latest art on the site, and waiting for the Fireworks show to start at the Pasadena Rose Bowl, about a half a mile away. Originally, I was planning to walk over to the edge of the Arroyo and join the crowd to watch the pyrotechnics up closer, BUT I have been having trouble with swelling in my lower legs, and I just didn't feel like taking the long walk. Schirm and I went out for Pizza earlier in the evening, and I believe the salt in the sausage and anchovies has caused irritation in my lower limbs, and I couldn't stand the thought of stumbling up that long, dark driveway with irritation in my knees.

But Schirm and I enjoyed our meal and chat, and discussed quite a few historical topics from the Spanish Flu Epidemic of 1918-1920, and the rise of radio as a popular media in the early 1930s. Our neighbors in their newly refinished house on Scenic are enjoying a party, and there's sounds of music and merry-making drifting through the windows, plus Schirm occasionally busts out with laughter over something he's watching on his Computer. I miss being with my friends and family on a holiday like today, but I figure that being here on FA amongst friends and my artistic contemporaries is the next best thing.

So Happy 4th of July to all you folks out there in the USA who enjoy the holiday, -if you haven't enjoyed it yet. And for those of you who have watched the fireworks already, May the day have been a pleasant one for you.

Earlier in the day, we had a young Dog coyote which I've nicknamed "The Bold One" trot casually across the parking lot as if he owned the place. Fortunately, Alex, Schirm's cat, was safely upstairs in Schirm's apartment. I got the impression the Coyote's showing himself in broad daylight was the Canine Equivalent of a "Touching Coup." Hopefully, my "Noisy Neighbors" from the Hill Coyote Tribe will find a safe place to hide while the Fireworks fill the skies with light and thunder.

Opps! There's the 15 minute warning.

"Peace."

Well beat the drum and hold the phone
The sun came out today.
We're born again, there's new grass on the field.
Roundin' Third, and headin' for Home,
It's a brown eyed, handsome man
Anyone can understand the way I feel.

(John Fogerty "Centerfield".)

Hello again fellow FA artists, writers, crafters, fursuiters, and all the other highly creative people. Sorry for such a lengthy absence, but it took me a while to get over the auto accident in early April, and even though I'm physically back up 84 and 9/10ths per-cent with no pain, I'm still not feeling quite right. One of the Nurses at the Hospital in Visalia told me that it might take months, if not years to overcome the shock and depression caused by the mishap, and for now the best thing I can do is deal with things day by day, as I can best handle them.

But what a perfect time for my healing as it sort of coincides with the gradual recovery of the City, State, Nation if not the World from the COVID 19 affliction and the fears brought on by the disease. Now I must confess that I have yet to get vaccinated, but signing up for the injection is foremost on my list as I want to do some traveling next Spring. The sooner the better, I say, and they don't need to bribe me with promises of tickets to sporting events or winning cash like in a Lottery. I've decided I'm doing this not only for myself, but also for my family and friends around me. Even after I get that card I might still wear my face masks as a sign that I respect my fellow shoppers in a crowded mall or passengers in a plane.

Signs of "Life" returning to "Normal" in the city are evident, but truthfully, things will never be the same as they were almost two years ago. Many of the small, specialty shops I used to frequent and enjoy browsing in are closed and gone, as well as a few favorite restaurants, But some have survived thanks to outdoor dining, and some have even expanded into properties vacated during the Pandemic. I was delighted to see that one of my favorite Burger stands is back in business, and has been renamed "Jake's" after the stand that originally opened in 1947. The next time I'm out that way I plan to check and see if the Billiards hall in the basement has re-opened, and perhaps later on, the Retro Video arcade might open up as well.

One of the more recent Highlights of these past few weeks was being able to attend the opening game at Loanmart field in Rancho Cucamonga where the Quakes and the Inland Empire 66rs met for a "Fans in the Stands" game, although seating was limited and social distancing was practiced. In a way, this made the game seem more laid back and, shall I say... "Intimate?" Without the crowd's constant roar my Jedi fan Club friends and I could conversate and enjoy listening to the game's subtle details. The quieter environ also encouraged some "Colorful" hazing of the players and the Umps from the crowd, but I got the impression everyone was having a grand time just enjoying an actual Baseball game after such a long absence. The Quakes won 4 to 2, by the way, and will continue into a shortened season, providing a means for the L. A. Dodgers team members coming off the Disabled list to get back into the action.

I also have been able to take the local buses back into town and enjoy my long walks into the city of Pasadena. One sign that things are getting back to normal was the transit lines are charging fares again, and there's less plastic sheeting surrounding the drivers. During my most recent walk on Thursday June 3rd, I decided to treat myself to a donut much as I used to do before the Pandemic and lockdowns. I thought I was lucky finding the LAST Raspberry filled jelly donut singled in a plastic clamshell box, and I also bought a diet coke to help wash it down with. I parked myself on the benches just outside the market, and reached into the bag to retrieve my drink. As I did so though, the corner of the bag caught on the plastic box and knocked it off the bench, to the flowerbed below. The impact of the box hitting -just right,- caused the clamshell to burst open and my treasured donut landed right into freshly dug up soil, amid the thorns of the miniature rose bushes. I just decided to leave the now soiled confection where it lay, as a sort of offering to Coyote, the Trickster, who was reminding me that everything isn't really all as easy as it should be.

"Neener, neenr, NEE-Ner...!" Coyote says.

"Peace."

Happy to be Alive Fellow FA Artists, Writers, Crafters, Fursuiters, and other highly creative people.

My Brother, his girlfriend, four other passengers and I went out for a day's adventures visiting the giant trees in Sequoia which turned out to have a tragic twist. On the way back home our Van was T-Boned by a pickup truck which refused to stop at an intersection. All Seven of us in the van sustained injuries of varying degrees, with my Brother seeming to get the worst of it. "Winnie" Sterling's girlfriend and I were sitting in the furthest back seat, and when the pickup struck out Van, the truck spun around and slammed with great force into the rear, Right side of the Van. At the site of the crash, we were all treated at the scene, with "Goody" one of Winnie's Cousins, My brother Sterling and I were transported directly to the nearest hospital in Visalia.

I spent four days in the Hospital with the worst of my injuries being deep muscle sprains and a cracked sternum. My Brother however ended with a fractured neck, and one of the "Process" of his neck vertebrae snapped loose. I saw my brother yesterday afternoon, and they had him in an immobilising neck brace, and he was still awaiting word from his doctor regarding his MRE scans, and the results of the scan.

Ah... The Oxycodone must be kicking in as it's getting difficult for me to concentrate on my typing. For now, All of us who were in the van are suffering different degrees of pain, but we're still very much alive. Once I get to feeling better I'll transfer some of the images into my computer, and share them here on FA.

Just remember, Seatbelts save lives. They might beat you up in the process though.

"Peace".

Grrrreetings Fellow FA Artists, Writers, Crafters, Fursuiters, Model Builders, and other Clever and Creative People!

I have a 2011 "Vintage" Toshiba Satellite which has served me well these past ten years, and it's starting to show it's age. It has gotten some sort of "Glitch" in it's system to where it won't accept Windows 10 updates for some strange reason, and whenever I try to let the new data in, I end up becoming an unwilling partner in the "Installing updates now... Don't turn off your computer" to "Couldn't install updates... Undoing all changes. Don't turn off your computer" Dance. Which means I'm stuck for a while watching that little spinner whirl around and the numbers crawling up to 100%.

Now I must say, that "Muse" has served me well through 3 moves and some rather unsettled times in my life. "She" originally was a "Hand me down" computer but the friend who gave me the laptop included software and equipment that has helped me keep the Laptop going through all these years. I use the Laptop manly to store my photographic artwork on as it's got the Vivitar photo handling program in it, and I've gotten rather "Comfortable" Using that program on that machine.

"As comfortable as an old pair of shoes", as Seasoned drivers would say about a well worn, beaten up around the edges but still easy to handle old Truck. I really like the machine and I really don't want to put "Muse" out to Pasture. One thing I really appreciate about this particular Toshiba Satellite is it's Versatility. The machine has taken just about everything I've thrown at it program wise, and despite lacking a known visual card, it handles videos, streams movies and animations quite well. It's an absolutely wonderful little machine for cruising the Internet. Also it has LOTS of handy USB ports which have been useful during downloading new photos or even playing video games.

So... Where do I start my search for a replacement, or better yet, is there a way to refurbish the machine so it could last me another Ten years? Going back to the "Old Truck" reference, Just tossing aside the old Laptop for something new and better would be like running out and buying a brand new Peterbilt 579 just 'cause the old rig's
gotten a little worn out around the edges and the tires are getting a little bald.

Y'know whad I mean?

"Peace".

Hey FA Friends, Fans and Fellow highly creatine persons.

Yes, there is now life on Mars. It's us again, and the Perseverance Lander is going to help us find out if there's still something stirring under the surface of the Red Planet.

-Kind of a nice break-away from all the awful things that have been going on here on Earth recently, Eh?

Stay safe and be well. Above all,

"Peace."

Hello fellow FA Artists, Writers, Crafters, Photographers, Adventurers, Storytellers, and other highly creative people.

A fellow FA member's journal gave me a good way to sum up 2021 thus far. Just because that awful year of 2020 has ended, the troubles and trials we faced then are still there, waiting for us to resolve them. COVID 19 with it's continuing closures and restrictions, the Election Kerfuffle, and social unrest still continue, and it might be best for us to tackle these problems as best we can, provided we can do so sanely, and without harsh violence.

I do realize things may never return to the way things were, but I have learned to adopt and adapt to the changes. I don't like seeing areas of Old Town Pasadena still boarded up, or shops I used to frequent shuttered, dark and vacant, but then again, there is the chance these places as well as new venues will return once the economy improves. Forever the Optimist, I do believe that the city will return to "Normal", but it's not going to happen overnight and it's going to take some time.

So I have noticed that things have gotten better to an extent, but for now, I'll gladly settle for things becoming Less Worse.

"Peace".

Seasons Grrrreetings Fellow FA Artists, Writers, Musicians, Crafters, Costumers and other highly creative persons.

How did that old Joni Mitchell song go? ""Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone?" Those lyrics seemed to be running through my head during one of my walks through downtown Pasadena recently. I took the bus to the big Target on Colorado Blvd. to do a little Holiday shopping, but I kept missing the busses heading back to Schirm's place, so I decided that walking would be faster than having to wait up to two hours for the return trip home. Since I was moving at a walking pace I could see things in better detail than I would see from the bus, and I noticed so many small shops and restaurants which were bustling with Holiday shoppers last year were now closed, dark and vacant. I had also forgotten about the recent restrictions on outdoor dining, so I had no place to sit down and enjoy a meal as I had been on the move all day and I needed something to tide me over until dinnertime. I ended up getting a couple Peanut Butter cups and a bottle of Diet Coke at the local Supermarket, and I made my way back towards the Rose Bowl, where I planned to enjoy my snack on the picnic benches in that area.

Walking West on Colorado I noticed several things that really bothered me. There seemed to be something missing, but I just couldn't put my finger on it. I must have been distracted in seeing gang markings, or "Tags" scrawled on the sidewalks near the Freeway overpasses and in front of a few businesses. I had noted similar markings in places around the shops in central Los Angeles during the last series of riots and looting but I was more upset with the act of defacing the city than the potential threat of becoming a victim of some sort of criminal violence. It was about the time I got to The Norton Simon Museum when I realized what was bringing up these feelings that something was wrong... Something was missing from the scene this year.

There were no Grandstands for viewing the Tournament of Roses Parade set up along the length of Colorado Boulevard this year.

Yes. One of the most famous of all of Pasadena's annual events next to the college football game in the Rose Bowl was cancelled in concerns that the gathering of crowds to view the parade could become a "Super Spreader" event. Same thing for the Football game as well. Not to be outdone though, some supporters of Pasadena have continued the celebration by posting short videos which will be compiled together into a Televised special which will be broadcast in lieu of the Parade, New Year's Morning. There will still be celebrations to bring in the New Year, but they might be a little quieter, and far less crowded than before. It's been said that it might take up to four years until things return to "Normal", but We are adaptive, clever and resilient. The Better times will return, so be patient. It's going to take just a little while longer, so hang in there.

Be safe, stay well, and above all...

"Peace".

Hello again fellow FA Artists, Writers, Photographers, Fursuiters, Crafters, and other highly creative people.

I've noticed that a few artists such as " flinters", " cervelet", and " Rawca" have been posting more art featuring centauroid characters, especially characters that are similar to the foxtaur "Garetta" that I used to enjoy drawing many, many years ago. This pleases me greatly because I was told about ten years ago that the stories about centauroid animal characters which I was sketching out had "No Future" because "Space Strips" are not very popular. Well... I can understand where the publishers were coming from because the art I was creating at the time needed to be finished quickly to keep up with schedules, and the Garetta stories were comparatively produced at a "Glacial" pace.

So sure. The Garetta, along with other centauroid foxes might be a little more difficult to draw, but I personally enjoy trying to think out how they'd move, live, form relationships and go about their daily lives. How would their houses be built? How about their Furniture? Would there be a Standard "Foxtaur Height" based on if the foxy folk were standing on all four paws or on their hind legs? Foxtaurs seem to be made to move in Three dimensions, or at least think that way, because of their build and believing that there's "more of them behind themselves besides their tails." Humans and most biped species I know have an instinctual fear of standing on ledges based on a fear of falling, but a centauroid species might not have such fear as long as they have all four feet, (Paws? Hooves?) on the ground behind them. (Dragons are still "Cool" because most Dragons I know of and draw have wings and having a fear of falling is almost unknown to them as they consider Flying a way of "Controlled falling.")

I also believe almost any centauroid furred, red blooded, mammalian based centauroid would need two hearts. Why? Well, how else could blood be pumped effectively through the upper and lower bodies? I got this idea as I was watching an animation of how the steam is used in the four cylinders of an articulated steam locomotive like the 4-8-8-4 Union Pacific "Big Boy". Actually, it might be better to use two compound type fluid pumps in this example, as the blood has to be pumped twice from higher to lower pressures. It works great on paper, but I hope sooner or later, others here on FA might be able to help me figure it out better. I do like the idea of the Garetta and other, smaller Centauroid creatures having "Syncopated" heartbeats and breathing patterns that might sound really interesting through a stethoscope.

Also, a creature with two heats might have a bit more compassion than those with single hearts, right?

It's all "Fluff and fancy" of course. As always, stay safe, be well, and...

"Peace".

Hello again Fellow FA Artists, Writers, Fursuiters, Crafters and Computer Animators.

I am now seeing a LOT of amateur animated short videos on YouTube these days, and so I have a technical question on the media. What does it take to get started? I currently have a Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 "Touch" Tablet and aside from being a great monitor, I have absolutely NO idea on how to use the thing properly. Could the tablet be used to create animation, or would it be better for creating 3-D images to use on a 3-D printer?

I hate to see it gathering dust here in my studio. I don't even know how to turn it on.

A little Help please?

And "Peace."

First of all, DON'T Panic.

Hello again fellow FA Artists, Writers, Fursuiters, Crafters and Other highly creative people.

Okay, I'm a bit troubled by the COVID 19 restrictions concerning Halloween and Trick or Treating, but I am glad to see that the WHO and other regulators have decided to suggest that folks do not partake in door to door Trick or Treating and/or going to Halloween parties, but I get the impression that folks can still dress up their yards with Spooky decorations, and give out treats as long as the sweets given in a manner that limits Human contact as best as possible. A few folks I know who are BIG fans of Halloween have figured out clever ways to drop treats into the goodie bags of the children who come a' calling on All Hallow's Eve though. Most folks prefer the practice of leaving a bowl full of treats on their porch, and put up a notice suggesting that those helping themselves should leave some for others, but we all know how that could backfire, right? One fellow has rigged up a tube that he uses to drop the treats into the Trick or Treater's bags from the safety of his second story window. I get the impression the neighborhood children enjoy playing this game of "Catch" and of course this fellow might also like to pretend he's in an episode of "12 O' Clock High." I noticed on YouTube one family has created a prop Dragon that is all lit up, breathes Water Fog "Smoke" and then on cue the creature dips it's head kindly, then drops the treats from out of it's mouth. I'm not too sure about the idea of candied dragon spittle, but just the same... Getting treats from a Dragon is like the "Ultimate Halloween Cool". Right? (Besides, I like NICE Dragons.)

But I feel I like I "Lost" Halloween this year. Halloween came early , at least in retail sales, and by late September some of the stores were flooded with spooky merchandise, and those big bags of Candies were stacked up like Sandbag Revetments around a Command Base. I ran into several transportation snags in that time, and getting to the likes of Michael's, the 99 Cents Only store or Target proved difficult, and so it seemed like whenever I'd go out shopping for props and ideas, I'd find the shelves pretty well picked over. On the other Paw, as long as I've lived here in Pasadena, the Neighborhood revelers never seem to brave the long, dark driveway to the house up here in the hills. We do celebrate the Holiday in our own way though, by ordering a Pizza and watching spooky movies on Schirm's big screen TV. Just in case the kiddies do brave that long walk up the drive, we do have treats in reserve, and I might even be tempted to give out some of my extra Hot Wheels, maybe some My Little Pony Pop Kits, or perhaps even Toothbrushes.

MuuUUU-WAH-HA HA HA HA HAAA!

Happy Halloween, stay safe and be well, and...

Peace.

Hello fellow FA Artists, Writers, Crafters, Musicians and friends.

Last Thursday the "Bobcat" fire was still raging in the Angeles National Forest which is close to Los Angeles and the adjoining communities but recent mild weather conditions have helped firefighters bring the blazes under control. On the news radio station that I like to listen to it was mentioned that the total area of acres burned is considered larger than some Eastern states. (Albeit some of the really small ones like Rhode Island... Maybe even New Hampshire.) These Late Summer fires have been fueled by "Old Growth" forests and brush which haven't been maintained in almost 100 years, where the "Natural" process of growth, fire and regrowth has been interrupted. Ever since early in September the skies above Pasadena have been darkened by smoke from these fires, creating markedly red sunrises, and more recently, a spectacularly red "Harvest" moon that rose into the nighttime skies on October first.

It was last Thursday that I pulled up the blinds in the "Office" and opened up the windows to enjoy the cooler air, when I happened to look up at the ridge just to the West of Mount Wilson and I noticed that a single spire tower had appeared near the "Saddle" overlooking the La Canada-Flintridge area, just above JPL and of course the Arroyo that runs south from the Hahamongna Watershed and the Devil's gate dam. Now it impressed me that this tower just suddenly appeared, as I had never noticed it the day before, but I'm no stranger to this type of structure as I once temped in a factory that fabricated lightweight six foot metal sections that could be bolted together, to create transmission towers up to sixty feet tall. The big trick is anchoring and securing the support wires in the ground, so I imagine the top of the ridge where the tower appeared might have presented several challenges to the crews who put it up there. Hiking up in the Mount Wilson area years ago, I have seen that the area can be rocky, and there are areas where both sides of the ridges can be extremely steep.

The location makes sense though, as it provided a Direct Line of Sight straight to the Valley below, and I figured if the fire control and operations personnel who put it up there had cameras on it, they could monitor the blazes in the Valleys to the North much easier. I was hoping that they would light it up somehow as the structure could present night time flying hazards to aircraft, especially the fire fighting aircraft and helicopters. Even though I watched that saddle on the ridge through the night, no lights appeared in the area. Much to my amazement, there was no trace of the tower remaining on the following Friday morning.

In these past few days, almost a week hence, things here in Pasadena are slowly getting back to "Normal" though. There's less smoke now, and the cooler temperatures give me inspiration to take my daily walks again. Now I must confess that because of the September heatwave where we endured nearly four weeks straight of over 90 degrees f temperatures, I darn near "Killed" myself going "Out and About", and so without my exercise, I gained a bit too much weight, which I hope I can work off once the cooler weather returns. Most folks complain that because of their lack of activity during the COVID 19 Pandemic, they have at least an extra 15 pounds to work off. I feel like I've packed on a "Quarantine Nerdy 30". I'd better get started.

"Peace."

I found this little Gem on YouTube, and it sums up my recent dealings with night time blood sucking pests perfectly. (Proper credits should go to the original animator, of course.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMS8-N3HCGI

Addendumdum: Check out kekeflipnote's gallery on YouTube while you're there. The animator has lots of funny and thought provoking short little videos, most like one to ten minutes long.

Enjoy. More later.

Greetings fellow FA Artists, Writers, Musicians, Crafters Friends and other creative people.

Friday night I was up late, inking a drawing, getting it ready to post it here on FA, and dealing with a series of severe mosquito bites that were giving me misery. No matter what I tried, I wasn't able to relieve the itching, so I decided to put anti itch cream on the worst bites, and slather my arms, legs and any other exposed flesh with "Off" insect repellant. I crawled into bed, and I was just about to drift off to sleep when a 4.5 magnitude Earthquake hit at 11:48 PM. When the first shock hit I thought one of the bigger trees might have dropped a large branch on the house, but as the shaking continued, I realized it was a small, but strong earthquake. I pulled the pillows up over my head and thought: "Really 2020?" Yeah. What with the Wildfires, Riots, Civil unrest, Storms, The Pandemic, an earthquake, and in my case "Pestilence" I could say I've been affected by most of the Biblical plagues this year.

I first thought the major shock came from the North, perhaps from the San Andreas fault, not too far from where the huge "Bobcat" fires are raging. (Insert "Shake and bake" joke here.) Turns out the epicenter wasn't too far South of Pasadena in the Rosemead-San Gabriel area, which was near the location for the 1994 Whitter Narrows Earthquake. If I recall correctly, that area is laced with faults, including a "Locked" split off that has the potential for a strong earthquake should that series of faults breaks up to relieve the pressure.

But so far, We're all okay here in the house in the hills above Pasadena. I feel a little less "Panicked" now, and perhaps I might be able to get back to sleep. (It's 1:52 AM as I type this.) Later on in the Morning I plan to get back to that drawing, and I hope to spend my Saturday working on my art. Now that I think about it, Friday afternoon we here in the San Gabriel Valley area were treated to smoke free skies, warm weather and a spectacular display of Lenticular clouds over Mount Baldy. As they say here in Southern California, it was "Perfect Earthquake Weather".

"Peace".

Hello again fellow FA Artists, Writers, Crafters, Fursuiters, Photographers and other creative type persons.

So far, so good... We finally got a break from the intensely hot and humid weather after Labor Day Monday, and I get the impression that the massive Pyrocumulus cloud kicked up by the "Wildcat" fire to the North of Mount Wilson had a hand in cooling things off and reducing the temperatures further. I was always under the impression that such "Flammengenitus" smoke plumes worked in the opposite way, acting like a wet blanket, and smothering the land below in the heat, and often creating lighting storms by themselves. The situation also makes me a firm believer in the power of Prayer, or at least positive thinking, because from Schirm's little apartment we could see the column of smoke rising and we expected the fires to crest the mountains at any minute, and roar down into the valleys. The "Santa Ana" winds which were expected in the afternoons never quite appeared, so all I have to say about that is, "We got Lucky."

I had made an appointment to go see the eye doctor a month ago, Never expecting the conditions could change so dramatically. Much like the Native American Myth of Coyote stealing fire from the Gods, and running through the dry grass, setting meandering trails of flames wherever he ran, the wiggling fire lines as seen from a distance might have helped inspire those stories in the Way back when and long ago. With the cooler weather's return, and the situation seemingly under better control, I decided to go to the doctor's and then to do a little shopping after. Unfortunately, there is still a considerable amount of smoke and ash in the air, and by the time I got back to the house, it felt like I had squirted dishwashing liquid right into my affected eye. A bit of quiet rest, and a wet washcloth over the eye helped remedy the situation. I even slept better that night.

I was planning on taking a walk into downtown Pasadena just to do a little sightseeing and window shopping, but I believe I'll hold off on that idea until my eye feels better. After all, I have a new set of eyeglasses coming in the mail, and I'd like to have a healthy set of peepers to try them out with. I still have a small collection of unfinished penciled up "Projects in progress" that I hope to finish and share with you folks here on FA soon.

"Peace".