On May 4th, Stegosaurus left his cave in Colorado and again stomped forthrightly to the State of Wyoming, returning to the greenery of his friend, the retired Congresssasurus Triceratops. Steve Beavers was there as well as visitors Trachodon and Agathaumas, who had left Colorado earlier.

“Hail and well met! Stegosaurus returns!” exclaimed Agathaumas.

“Nice to see you again!” said Trachodon.

“Welcome again, friend Stegosaurus. What brings you back to us so soon?”

“I recalled upon my last visit, however recent, that I had promised to introduce our good mammal friend Steve Beavers to some of our seafaring friends such as Elasmosaurus and Plesiosaurus.”

“You certainly can, Stegosaurus. Steve Beavers is in the greenhouse now working on the coffee plants that you and Styracosaurus requested of him,” said Congresssaurus Triceratops.

"You mean you don't mind me stomping with him forthrightly to North Carolina so soon after he returned from his vacation?" asked Stegosaurus.

"No, of course not," said Congresssaurus Triceratops. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our favorite mammal. Such a good friend of Dinosaurs as has proven his loyalty and friendship to us many times over and deserves every opportunity that can be had."

"You are generous." said Stegosaurus.

"Trachodon and I are here to help Congresssaurus Triceratops and will be here until you return." said Agathaumas.

"Thank you. My good friend. Let me visit Steve Beavers now. I will see you all shortly." said Stegosaurus.

Stegosaurus stomped forthrightly into the greenhouse and found Steve Beavers intently on work planting coffee plants as he'd promised.

"How are the coffee plants coming along, Steve?" asked Stegosaurus

"Hello, Stegosaurus, said Steve. "Good to see you. I have only just begun the planting you are way too early to eat them now."

"I will remain patient," said Stegosaurus "I appreciate your work, but I am actually here to take you, with the permission of Congresssaurus Triceratops, to visit with Elasmosaurus and Plesiosaurus, Even though you returned from a fishing trip not that long ago, we can go on another down to North Carolina. Elasmosaurus and Plesiosaurus are coming from Scotland to meet you."

"I am honored," said Steve. "I know you're not a seafaring animal, and it is very nice of you to make the effort so I can meet Elasmosaurus and Plesiosaurus. Scotland is quite a trip for them to make. Again, I am honored."

"Traveling by sea is not my favorite method of travel, I admit, but it is the least I can do to help one of my best friends." said Stegosaurus. "Thank you for working on our coffee plants. While you are working your magic, i will work on eating trees and simultaneously building a raft, so we can travel. You can travel with me, if you don't mind raft travel." said Stegosaurus.

"I will be glad to travel with you," said Steve. "We're going back to North Carolina, correct?"

"Yessir," confirmed Stegosaurus. Then he stomped up into the closest forested area, where he found groves of Populus deltoides, which Stegosaurus found to be both useful for the building of rafts, and quite delicious.

On May 14th, Stegosaurus completed his raft, after getting hungry and eating the first two he crafted.

When he was content with his craftsmanship, He called upon Steve Beavers.

"Steve, I have completed our raft; let us stomp forthrightly to the sea, and then float forthrightly through the waters until we reach the State of North Carolina."

"I will be ready to leave once I thank Triceratops and of course Agathaumas and Trachodon for helping in my absence. So recent from my last one. I appreciate this opportunity to make friends with more prehistoric animals. "said Steve.

"Of course you will be allowed to go, " said Triceratops. "We appreciate you and know that we will make sure you have your place here at my greenery when you return, full of new adventures."

"Trachodon and I excel at the tending of things green and growing. We'll take special care of the coffee plants for you, as well as the avacados. Have a safe time, and tell Elasmosaurus and Plesiosaurus hello for us." said Agathaumas.

"Travel safely, Steve and Stegosaurus! We will be excited to hear of your adventures when you return!" said Trachodon.

"Thank you everyone and farewell!" said Steve as he climbed up to ride on Stegosaurus' back.

Stegosaurus and Steve stomped forthrightly until they reached the Pacific Ocean. Then they floated forthrightly and thankfully uneventfully till they reached Cape Hatteras in North Carolina

/

From there, Stegosaurus and Steve floated forthrightly on their raft to the Atlantic Beach area, near Morehead City.

"Usually, I contact Captain Stacy here, and fish from his boat," said Steve. "But I suspect that this time I won't be fishing with The Captain Stacy Fishing Center," said Steve.

"No, sir. This is a special trip," said Stegosaurus. "You I trust," said Steve, "I look forward to meeting new friends and solving problems together"

Stegosaurus and Steve floated forthrightly in the Atlantic Ocean for some time; the seas were calm

"We must float out to the deepest waters to see Elasmosaurus and Plesiosaurus," said Stegosaurus.

"Now remember, Plesiosaurus is rather personable. but Elasmosaurus is agoraphobic, and she's very very shy."

"Okay," said Steve. And then, Steve noticed a familiar ship at sea in the distance.

"Oh, look! It is Captain Stacy!" he exclaimed. "Let's wave as we float by!"

"He will think it strange to see me with you, Stegosaurus."

"He will think it strange to see a Stegosaurus at sea," said Stegosaurus.

"He will think it strange to see a Stegosaurus at all," said Steve.

"Very fair," said Stegosaurus. "I am very odd and strange as a general rule."

As Stegosaurus' raft approached Captain Stacy's ship, Steve waved enthusaistically at Captain Stacy, who was on deck. He was first surprised to see Steve on a raft, but then noticed Stegosaurus, and at once appeared alarmed.

"I wish he could hear us," said Steve I would tell him not to worry. I should have told him I've made a habit of hanging out with dinosaurs lately."

"I'm sure it will be okay." said Stegosaurus.

"If we see the Coast Guard, I'm sure they'll be reasonable and understanding." said Steve.

Steve and Stegosaurus floated forthrightly on, and when they had long passed not only Captain Stacy, but any ship sailed by mammals, Stegosaurus announced, "Here is the spot. I think I see at least one of our seafaring friends now. They will be as surprised as any mammal to see me at sea,"

ery shortly thereafter, Steve saw what Stegosaurus saw. It was indeed Plesiosaurus.

"Hi, there, Stegosaurus! Is that indeed you? I'm surprised to see you here. You aren't thinking of becoming a seafaring animal, are you?"

"No, not at all. I leave the sea in your capable flippers," said Stegosaurus. "I have come all this way out to sea in order to introduce you to a good mammal friend of mine, Steve Beavers. He has had many adventures and accomplishments in his life, and to those, he wanted to add meeting you, and if we can, convince Elasmosaurus to say hi as well."

"We can try our best with Elasmosaurus," said Plesiosaurus. "Once you get to know her she's a real sweetheart, but really very shy, especially around mammals."

"Well let me introduce you to Steve Beavers, the mammal who can make Avocado trees grow in the Commonwealth of Virginia."

"Pleased to meet you, Steve," said Plesiosaurus. "I have heard so much of your fame that I had to swim all the way from Scotland to meet you."

"Do you live in Loch Ness?" asked Steve.

"No, you are thinking of Elasmosaurus. It has been well established by now that it is Elasmosaurus who lives in Scotland's famous loch."

"What can you tell Steve about yourself?" asked Stegosaurus.

"Let me start at the beginning. I was discovered by a mammal named Mary Anning ( 1799 ~ 1847 ) in the year 1823. This was in Dorset, England. My type A is still in the English History Museum to this day. It has been there since 1848. Ichthyosaurus had been discovered in the same rock strata that I was, earlier, in 1814. My taxon is of the wastebasket variety, but I am totally okay with that as I am in good company with Megalosaurus. In 1864, the author Jules Verne wrote about me in his book Journey to the Center of the Earth. I wasn't lucky enough to appear in the movie, some 90+ years later, but I am immortalized in the book. which I am perfectly content with. A nearly complete fossil of myself was discovered in Kansas in 1867, this was the most complete fossil of me to be found since 1823, and the first in North America.

My story is very closely intertwined with Elasmosaurus, as she is part of my family, and I would want to have her tell you her story, if she chooses; I hope you will be patient and watch with me for her to arrive."

"Of course," said Steve.

"I think I see her now!" said Stegosaurus.

"I think you're right, Stegosaurus!" said Plesiosaurus.

Everyone watched in awe as Elasmosaurus approached, only visible by the rapid rippling of the water. No animal could yet be seen. Then suddenly the iippling stopped, and graduallly, the waters became still.... right in front of Stegosaurs' raft. For some time, the waters remained still, and everyone was silent.

Then, slowly, Elasmosaurus' head appeared, rising above tthe waters.

"Um, hello?" Elasmosaurus looked up at Stegosaurus timidly

"Hello, Elasmosaurus," said Stegosaurus. "How do you do?"

"Um, I am, I am, um, well." Elasmosaurus. "What brings you to the sea? This is an unusual spot to find a Stegosaurus.

"I have traveled so far by sea for only one purpose, and that is to introduce you and Plesiosaurus to my mammal friend Steve Beavers. He enjoys the company of dinosaurs and megafauna, and is very skilled in the ways of growing plants. I will tell you something you will not believe, much more amazing than seeing a Stegosarurus at sea. "

"Steve Beaver," said Stegosaurus. can make Avocado trees grow in the Commonwealth of Virginia.">/p>

"I am a seafaring animal and rarely encounter any variety of tree," said Elasmosaurus, "Nonetheless, I am profoundly impressed by anyone of any species who can grow an Avocado tree in the Commonwealth of Virginia," said Elasmosaurus.

"Thank you for your kind words," said Steve. "Please do not be shy. I am pleased to meet you."

"I will try and tell you my story," said Elasmosaurus. "I am Elasmsaurus, and this means thin plate reptile. My fossil was discovered at Fort Riley, Kansas USA in the year 1867 by US Army surgeon Theophilus Hunt Turner ( 1841 ~ 1869 ) and it was sent to Professor Edward Drinker Cope, who was so kind as to classify me and name me shortly thereafer in 1868. When Professor Cope published his study on me, Stegosaurus' father, Othniel Charles Marsh pointed out an error made in my reconstruction: Professor Cope had my head on backwards. Professor Marsh joked with his friend, but Professor Cope did not take well to such jests, and their friendship began to sour, and evolve into a bitter rivalry commonly known as the Bone Wars. So, apparently it is so that I am the Helen of Troy of all prehistoric animals I as I started a War. Because of this, I have felt very bad, and I am very shy around most mammals from 1868 to this present day.

I am generally a total of 34 feet long, with just my neck being 23 feet long. I'm sure you've already noticed it. I have 33 sharp teeth in my triangular head; 14 on the top and 19 on the bottom. Despite early depictions of my neck as flexible, it is not by far, and I generally do not poke my head above water I stay low and let my relative here Plesiosaurus take most of the credit, the most popular of these is the idea that he lives in Loch Ness, even though I am the one true answer to this question."

"Well, I am pleased to meet you, and if my opinion counts to you, please note that I do not blame you for the Bone Wars, and you should not feel guilty about something which you cannot cause. The Bone Wars came about because of a disagreement between two, um, mammals who probably would have been determined to disagree even if the perceived impetus was not an Elasmosaurus fossil". said Steve Beavers.

"Thank you, you are very kind to say this," said Elasmosaurus softly, though the timid response was immediately followed by a toothy grin. 'If I still seem shy and agoraphobic it is because that I, like many dinosaurs, operate on geologic time. It takes a long time for us to change."

"Well, now that we're all introduced, let's go fishing!" Steve declared. Yet before anyone had begun, a familar voice was heard to say, "If you're going fishing, don't forget your friend Spinosaurus, who has come all the way from South Africa to see his mammal friend Steve Beavers."

"Aha!" said Steve. "Spinosaurus! You startled me! I remember you indeed from my visit to South Africa. "Nice to see you again. Please don't eat me."

"Fortunately, I am still feeling some Christmas spirit," said Spinosaurus. "You are safe.The apex predator of the sea ( that's me, ) will protect you."

Then suddenly and quite unexpectedly, Spinosaurus was pushed and dragged several feet by something underwater. Spinosaurus roared in pain, as the sea around him turned red with his blood. He disappeared beneath the waves, but Stegosaurus and the others knew he was stil alive underwater, as there was sudden commotion below and the sea was disturbed by waves.

"What is going on?" asked Stegosaurus.

"I will go underwater and find out," said Plesiosaurus.

"Be careful," said Elasmosaurus.

Plesiosaurus went underwater to look around. Yet before he returned the onlookers had their answer as Spinosaurus again appeared above the waves, locked in battle with another ancient serpent of the sea, Mososaurus.

"How DARE YOU come to my domain, ( the sea ) and declare yourself the apex predator when it is clearly OBVIOUS that I, Mososaurus, am the apex predator of the sea! Undisputed until recently. I will not bow to the johnny come lately Spinosaurus, who could only swim in the last flipperful of years; and that decision made by weak, land dwelling mammals!"

"Go back to Morocco, Mososaurus!" screamed Spinosaurus, the right side of his rib cage bleeding profusely.

"I can't! It is now a desert, and not fit for seafaring animals. But that's okay, because I am the apex predator of the sea! Fear me!" said Mososaurus.

"You prove my point, as to why I should be considered the apex predator of the sea though I am merely semi acquatic ... because I could live where I grew up as a young Spinosaur 70 million years ago just as well when the sea flowed there!"

Plesiosaurus again appeared beside Stegosaurus' raft. observing, "So much for the Christmas spirit, perhaps we should float on a way, and give these two some space to work out their differences."

"A wise plan," agreed Elasmosaurus.

Elasmosaurus and Plesiosaurus were first to take a safe distance back; Stegosaurus and Steve Beavers followed close behind, floating as forthrightly as they could manage.

"This is quite a spectacle," said Steve. "I wonder if we will get to go fishing at all."

"Eventually, we will, " said Stegosaurus. "We have to wait and see if Spinosaurus will be joining us .... or .... not......"

Spinosaurus went under the waves, clamping his jaws onto Mososaurus' left flipper.

Mososaurus roared in pain, but otherwise did not let the circumstances deter him from his course. In spite of Spinosaurus being clamped onto him, he swam about partially dragging Spinosaurus with him, until he could reach Spinosaurus' tail. This action did cause Spinosaurus to lose his grip on Mososaurus, and still more blood flowed into the sea.

Mososaurus saw that Spinosaurus was attempting to swim by him and then clamp onto his back using his mighty claws.

Mososaurus decided it was probably going to be a great idea to retreat to a safer position, maybe by the mammal that was with Stegosaurus on a raft.

Mososaurus knew that Spinosaurus would not put his friends in danger to attack him, so he approached the raft Plesiosaurus and Elasmosaurus were directly behind the raft.

Spinosaurus appeared on the side of the raft opposite Mososaurus, and Mososaurus was correct. Spinosaurus was battered but well, and the fight had been taken out of him, the predators considered that they had won, and their point made... for now.

"I see you are bleeding there, Spinosaurus, said Stegosaurus. "Are you going to be OK?"

"'Tis but a scatch!" declared Spinosaurus. "This is a day in the life of an apex predator, you know."

Due to this conversation, no one noticed what Mososaurus was up to. He was considering eating Steve Beaver.

"Who have we here?" thought Mososaurus. "I haven't often had the opportunity to eat a mammal such as this. What a novelty!"

Mososaurus approached quietly while everyone was distracted, thinking no one would miss one small mammal after all.

Then Elasmosaurus happened to see how wide Mososaurus opened his mouth towards Steve, and roared a warning. Steve cried out in alarm, and tried to get away, as far as he could and still be on the raft.

"Hey now, Mososaurus!" said Stegosaurus. "What ARE you thinking of doing?!? Do you know who this is?"

"Um, no. Who is this?"

"This is the famous well traveled mammal and friend of dinosaurs and megafauna, Steve Beaver."

"I have never heard of him, is he delicious?" asked Mososaurus.

We do not eat our friends!" said Stegosaurus.

"This may be a policy for plant eaters, but I do you see these teeth?" asked Mososaurus, displaying rows of sharp teeth. "Your policy is not the policy of an apex predator of the sea such as I!"

Stegosaurus was immediately concerned, and he didn't think he could get enough leverage on the raft to use his cool, spiky tail as effectively as he'd like.

Plesiosaurus and Elasmosaurus were nearby, and had sounded the alarm, but at the end of the day, they too, were predators of the sea and Stegosaurus was concerned they'd start fighting with Mososaurus over Steve, just as Spinosaurus had, even though Spinosaurus had different motives.

"WAIT!" Stegosaurus cried. "You can't eat a mammal such as Steve Beaver!"

"Oh? Why not?" asked Mososaurus.

"Because he is very wise and skilled beyond even other mammals of his kind! It would be a pity to eat such a kind and wise mammal as he!"

"Why is he so special?" asked Mososaurus.

"He's famous because he can cause an Avocado tree to grow in the Commonwealth of Virginia! Why, even right now in the State of Wyoming he is attempting to grow coffee plants in a greenhouse for me and my friends!" said Stegosaurus.

"Oh, you're right!" said Mososaurus. We cannot eat such a wise mammal as Mr. Steve Beavers it would be a great loss for mammal and dinosaur alike! What a skill it must take to grow such a tree out of its growing zone! I'm impressed, and that's saying something, because I am seafaring amimal and rarely see trees!"

"I'm sorry for trying to eat you, Steve Beavers. Can we be friends?" Mososaurus pleaded.

"I ... don't know," said Steve. You just scared me half to death."

"Fair, but you're also friends with Spinosaurus over there...."

"Whom you just tried to kill..."

"Also fair. I guess I'll just go fishing by myself. If it helps, I'll let you know I haven't eaten all the Red Snapper or Mahi Mahi."

"Well, I admit, that is very kind of you."

"Please give me a chance...."

"Mososaurs aren't known for being all that contrite," observed Plesiosaurus.

"Yet I detect a level of sincerity in those pleading eyes," said Elasmosaurus.

Mososaurus looked hopefully at Stegosaurus, and said, "Look, you can stay by the friends you trust and I will personally bring you the best fish I can find, in all of the sea, to prove to you how contrite I am."

"I will find an herbalist to make a poultice to heal Spinosaurus' wounds.... I'm sorry , Spinosaurus, maybe you ARE the apex predator of the sea.... if there is a poultice of seaweed to heal such wounds, I'll hunt for it myself.."

"I think he's really trying," observed Spinosaurus. "It seems to be the sea is large enough for at least two apex predators, and for my part I'll try to get along with you."

"Well, we can at least go fishing together," said Mososaurus.

"Okay, I will stick by Stegosaurus on our raft here, and I'll tell you what, if you can find some Sharks for me to fish for, I'll think about being friends with you, and if my coffee plant experiment works, in about 8 years, you too can have coffee plants grown in a Wyoming greenhouse owned and run by a retired Triceratops."

"Gee, that really would be swell," said Mososaurus, "I have never eaten coffee plants, but I am willing to try them."

And thus, Mososaurus gained friendship with those present, and contrary to what one might think, he actually was sincere and made a genuine effort to right the wrongs of his past behavior, as far as his status as an apex predator would let him.

Steve found himself a shark with the help of Mososaurus, and in the last week of May Stegosaurus returned to his cave in Colorado, prepared to rest a little bit before the celebrations for his milestone birthday began.

On April 1st, Stegosaurus, Styracosaurus and Edmontosaurus returned to Colorado from Wyoming. Congresssaurus Triceratops and Steve Beavers remained in Wyoming, telling Stegosaurus that he and his friends were always welcome, and please come again!

“Don't worry, friends, we may be out of coffee plants, but there's still plenty to eat,” said Stegosaurus.

“What can you recommend ?” asked Edmontosaurus.

“In times like these, I recommend aloe plants. I always recommend aloe plants for their calming properties. I have plenty in my garden, and willing to share!”

While Stegosaurus was in his garden, Styracosaurus exclaimed, “Stegosaurus, you have a guest! Corythosaurus has arrived!”

“Stegosaurus, your loyal accountant is here!” said Corythosaurus.

“Very glad to see you,” said Stegosaurus. “Welcome.“

“It is nice to see you and with some friends visiting. I am glad to join the crowd!”

“We have another hadrosaur with us,” said Stegosaurus. “I assume you have met Edmontosaurus before.”

“Indeed I have; we were both discovered along the same stretch of the Red River,” said Corythosaurus.

“So nice to see you again,” said Edmontosaurus. I actually stopped by Canada a few months ago for a visit, but you were not home at that time.”

“My apologies. Tax season is a very busy for me."

“No worries; we have millions of yours to catch up!” said Edmontosaurus.

“Excuse me if this seems paranoid, but I feel like someone else is nearby. Could it be Tyrannosaurus Rex?” asked Styracosaurus.

“Not as bad as all that,” assured Stegosaurus. “Fear not, for it is only our friends Agathaumas and Trachodon.”

“Hail, and well met,” said Agathaumas. “Sorry for alarming you, Styracosaurus.We have heard that Edmontosaurus is here and we’d like to meet him.”

“No worries at all, good friend. I was being excessively cautious.” said Styracosaurus.

EEdomtosaurus stomped up to Trachodon and said, “I feel like we have met before; surely I have seen you somewhere. Like Corythosaurus, have you ever been to the Red River in Canada?”

“No, I am not from Canada,” said Trachodon. I was discovered and classified by Professor Joseph Leidy ( 1823 ~ 1891 ) in 1856. Professor Leidy discovered some hadrosaur and probably ceratopsian teeth along the Judith River formation in Montana. These were collected by Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden ( 1829 ~1887 ) . Eventually, Professor Leidy decided that I was probably the teeth of Ednontosaurus or another fellow hadrosaur I haven’t seen here yet, Lambeosaurus. I could also be certatopisan so maybe a Triceratops or Styracosaurus! My name was meant to mean “Rough tooth” Though thanks to prominent paleoartists and pop culture I am the iconic hadrosaur, I was declared nomen dubium, and agreed that I do not exist.”

“We could well be brothers of the same species,” observed Edmontosaurus.

“I would be perfectly content with that,” said Trachodon happily.

“Well, since we are talking about ourselves, I might as well tell my story,” said Agathaumas.

I was partially discovered in Wyoming in the year 1872 by Fielding Bradford Meek ( 1817 ~ 1876 ) and Henry Martyn Bannister ( 1844 ~ 1920 ). These two mammals were searching for fossil shells in the Lance formation when I was found, and they were employed by Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden, who is part of Trachodon’s story. Meek and Bannister immediately informed Edward Drinker Cope ( 1840 ~ 1897 ) who went to the site where I was found and recovered more of the fossil bones attributed to be mine. Professor Cope named me in 1873, and my name means “Great Wonder” in Greek. This was before our friends the sauropods were known and discovered so at that time I was the largest land animal ever to be known. I was not assigned to the Ceritopcidae until the year 1889; there were some who thought I might actually be of the hadrosaur family, and in addition to that, Professor Cope did not think the Ceritopcidae could be distinguished from other taxa; the Certiopcidae were classified by Stegosaurus’ father Professor O.C. Marsh ( 1831 ~ 1899 ). Cope's decision was genuine and not part of his well known rivalry with Marsh; for a brief time I was my own taxon, the Agahaumidae; but Professor Cope began to realize that I should be part of the Triceratops family, and classified me as such in the year 1889. There were 5 other dinosaurs classified with me, but eventually they were all declared nomen dubium and the classification of Agathaumidae was eventually abandoned in 1892. I was pleased to be painted by Charles R. Knight ( 1874 ~ 1953 ) in 1897; I was so happy to be painted with a smile. It was an honor to work with him. About 5 to 10 years before I was declared nomen dubium, I appeared in the 1925 film The Lost World with Stegosaurus … truly my greatest moment. I was, however declared nomen dubium in the 1930s by Richard Swan Lull ( 1867 ~ 1957) He finished a report on the Ceritopcidae begun by Professor Marsh and John Bell Hatcher ( 1861~ 1904 ). I don’t let the fact that I don’t exist get me down; I have to remember I was immortalized with a smile on my face and know that philosphically, just because you don’t exist, does not mean you can’t do anything.”

“That’s what I like about you Agathaumas,” said Trachodon. “In almost every circumstance, you find the most positive outlook; you are always so cheerful!”

“Well, Stegosaurus,” said Corythosaurus, “I have completed your taxes, and need you to sign some documents so that they may be filed. The great news is, your various businesses and investments are doing very well, and you are still worth 44.6 million dollars."

"Wow. I went from being worth $10.00, to $42.08, and then all the way to 44.6 million!"

"Small children everywhere love you for some reason," said Corythosaurus, "But so do wealthy investors and collectors of your fossils."

"Bless my dear mother, who had the foresight to invest in broadleaf trees," said Stegosaurus.

"She would be proud today of your various accomplishments," said Corythosaurus.

"Broadleaf trees are very delicious."

"They go very well with a nice homemade bread," said Stegosaurus.

"Come, friends, as soon as I finish my paperwork, let us all stomp together into the Colorado hills, where there are some very fine dining establishments. I will show you the best trees Colorado has to offer." said Stegosaurus.

"You are always the most gracious host," said Corythosaurus.

Stegosaurus and his friends shortly stomped out as a herd and dined on several groves of Colorado Blue Spruce ( Picea pungens ). At the end of the month, Styracosaurus, Edmontosaurus and Corythosaurus returned to Canada, while Trachodon and Agathuaumas planned to visit Congresssaurus Triceratops in Wyoming. It was such a pleasant spring; Stegosaurus could hardly wait for the summer months and all the adventures that they would bring.

On the morning of February 15th Styracosaurus woke up to realize that he was out of coffee plants. Since he was in Colorado visiting Stegosaurus and Edmontosaurus had been visiting with him, he turned to his loyal friends, and said, “What shall I do now ? All of the coffee plants I brought from Canada have been eaten! Where can we obtain more? Do you have any, Stegosaurus?”

Stegosaurus rejoined, “I do not! We have, all of us, eaten all available coffee plants! However, I have an idea. Let us all stomp forthrightly together to the State of Wyoming to visit my friend the retired Congresssaurus Triceratops. Since his retirement from politics, he has opened a greenery in his native State of Wyoming, and he has as his assistant our mutual mammal friend Steve Beavers.”

“Isn't Wyoming a little cold for the growth of coffee plants?” asked Edmontosaurus, already certain that he knew the answer.

“It is, but Congresssaurus Triceratops has, as part of his greenery business a very large green house. I have been there and seen it in saurus. He and his mammal associate Steve Beavers can grow anything in that greenhouse. Let us visit our friend in Wyoming to see if we can get more coffee plants right away!”

“I should like to come along with you, as I am also out of coffee plants!” said Edmontosaurus.

“Of course, you may come with us! Let us stomp forthrightly to Wyoming at once!” declared Stegosaurus.

Therefore, the three dinosaurs set off from Colorado to Wyoming and arrived at the cave and greenery of Congresssaurus Triceratops on February 24th, on a day when the greenery was closed and Congresssaurus Triceratops could be found eating his lawn. Stegosaurus knew that his true and loyal ceratopsian friend loved that recent invention, grass.

“Hail, friend Triceratops!” Stegosaurus exclaimed.

“Stegosaurus! Brother Styracosaurus! What a nice, unexpected visit! Who is this new friend you bring to me today? Is that Edmontosaurus?” asked Congresssaurus Triceratops.

“I am, indeed, Edmontosaurus of the hadrosaur family,” said Edmontosaurus. “Nice to meet you.”

“Where is our mammal friend Steve Beavers today?” asked Stegosaurus.

“Steve has gone fishing, by a shady, wady pool, instead of just a wishin’, and he’ll be back on Monday. Stick around, he’ll be back, and we’ll all have a great time together.” said Congresssaurus Triceratops.

“We appreciate your hospitality,” said Edmontosaurus.

“Friend Triceratops, what we are hoping for is that you have coffee plants in your greenhouse,” said Stegosaurus.

“I had some, not that long ago, but alas! I have eaten them and must grow some more,” said Congresssaurus Triceratops.

“Oh dear!”, said Styracosaurus.

“Don’t worry,” Congressaurus Triceratops assured his fellow ceratopsian. “Steve Beavers will be here on Monday, and he’ll get the coffee plants growing in no time. I have never met a mammal before so skilled as Steve Beavers is in encouraging things to grow. If anyone can do this and deliver the coffee plants you seek, it will be Steve Beavers.”

On March 2nd, Steve Beavers arrived at Congresssaurus Triceratops’ greenery with his fishing pole and a cooler full of fish that he had caught.

“My good friend Steve Beavers!” said Styracosaurus. “Do you remember me?”

“Yes, I do, Styracosaurus. “We met when I went to Canada. I hope you are doing well.”

“What do you have there?” asked Styracosaurus.

“I have been on vacation in North Carolina fishing,” said Steve Beavers. “I had a great time and the catch was plentiful.”

“I am glad you like fish,” said Styracosaurus. “I am a plant eater though and would not eat any fish.”

“I will eat fish for the both of us,” said Steve Beavers.

“I have a favor to ask you,” said Styracosaurus.

“What is it?” asked Steve Beavers.

“I have come from Canada to Colorado and now here to Wyoming and in all that time, not only myself but Stegosaurus and Edmontosaurus here are right out of coffee plants. Can you, with your mammal magic, grow some coffee plants for me? I would be forever grateful,” asked Styracosaurus.

“In the greenhouse, I might be able to” said Steve. “This will not be of the quality you are accustomed as Wyoming is not in a tropical zone, but I will try my best and give it a try in the greenhouse.”

“Thank you so much!” said Styracosaurus. “I am grateful. If there is anything I can do to help, let me know!”

“I see you have brought Stegosaurus with you and a duck billed dinosaur. Who is this new friend?” asked Steve Beavers.

Edmonosaurus, overhearing the conversation stomped forward to introduce himself.

“Pleased to meet you, Edmontosaurus, how long have you been traveling with Styracosaurus and Stegosaurus?”

Edmontosaurus explained his recent travels, starting with his time in South Africa, and Steve Beavers promised to plant him a coffee plant or two, as well as many as Stegosaurus would like.

“Thank you, friend Steve Beavers,” said Stegosaurus. “You are a true friend.”

Congresssaurus Triceratops asked Steve Beavers, “How was your vacation? It looks like you caught a plentiful amount of fishes.”

“I did, I managed to catch Mahi Mahi, Atlantic Salmon, and Red Snapper,” said Steve Beavers.

“Did you see my friend Plesiosaur or Elasmosaurus?” asked Stegosaurus.

“I did not, I am sure they would have been great competition for fish.”

“If you had met them you’d really like them. Someday I will introduce you to them.”

“Thank you,” said Steve Beavers.

“Steve, one thing I’d like to ask once you are settled,” said Congresssaurus Triceratops.

“I will plant you some coffee plants as well,” said Steve.

“Thank you kindly, but I was wondering if you’d change the greeting on our telephone to advise customers that they should listen carefully because our options have not changed in 70 million ears.”

“Ah, okay. I can do that,” said Steve.

“Thank you, as a dinosaur I don’t use telephones, but I would like to make things easy for our mammal customers.”

“Before I go on and take care of the phones for Triceratops I want to tell my dinosaur friends that I will do the best I can to grow your coffee plants in the greenhouse, but I advise you also that coffee plants are usually cultivated in tropical zones, where it is much warmer, and as you know, things are not as warm on Earth as they used to be. A coffee plant may grow in Wyoming, but might not, even in a greenhouse, produce beans. Even if, best case scenario, I can manage to pull off growing coffee plants that produce beans, it will take at least 8 years to mature,” said Steve Beavers.

“I have complete faith in you,” said Styracosaurus. “I have heard that you were able to grow an avacado tree in Floyd county, Virginia, USA. If anyone can cause coffee plants to produce beans in a non Tropical Zone, it would be you. You are very well known for your plant growing skills among dinosaurs and megafauna.” said Styracosaurus.

“I am 140 Million and 19,” said Stegosaurus. “What is 8 years to me but 8 more years? Everyone be calm and patient; if Steve Beavers can deliver coffee plants that produce coffee beans, he will certainly lauded among dinosaurs and mammals of his kind, but we will all be patient and kind, and respect our good friend who will try his best for us.”

“I am thankful for the sincere effort that you will make, Mr. Beavers, and I am sure that we will be fast friends no matter what happens, success or not,” said Edmontosaurus.

“I thank you all for your good faith,” said Steve Beavers. “It is true that I once grew an avocado tree in Virginia, but that was a story of unusual success, not the norm. I know I now have a reputation, and will try to live up to it, but I can honestly make no guarantees.”

All the dinosaurs agreed and promised Steve that they understood the situation.

The visitors remained in Wyoming visiting until April 1st, after which Edmontosaurus and Styracosaurus returned to Alberta, BC Canada, while Stegosaurus returned to Colorado, in search of the warmth and familiarity of his own home cave as well as the next adventure. Along the way he made some extra money by playing extinct in any Natural History Museum he encountered upon his route, returning home to Colorado in April 1st.

Edmontosaurus departed from West Africa on February 1st, and decided to return to a country he called home for a while, Canada.

“It would be nice to vist Canada and eat a few coffee plants with my friend Styracosaurus.” he thought. “Canada is a beautiful place, though it is a bit colder than it used to be, a few million years ago.”

Edmontosaurus stopped by the Red Deer River in Edmonton, where he was discovered in Alberta, hoping to see his fellow Hadrosaur Corythosaurus, but Corythosaurus was not home; he had left a note on his cave that he was very busy this time of year, it being tax season, Edmontosaurus was hungry, but wasn't sure what trees were part of the grove Corythosaurus had set aside for his wood working business, and which were what he considered food, and he didn't want to take without asking, so he stomped further down the Red River until he found a grove of Populus tremuloides he felt were fair game, and dined heartily.

Edmontosaurus remained by the banks of the Red River until February 12th, when he decided to stomp into British Columbia and seek the company of his friend Styracosaurus.

He stopped by the City of Edmonton, where he’d been discovered in Canada, which was a lot colder than he’d remembered from his youth. Edmonton was the capital of the province of Alberta. The indigenous, or First Nations Mammals, were the first mammals to inhabit it, the first records of which date to around 1795. They were few, but they were first to establish homes there, even if they were a hunter-gatherer culture. ( Plains Indians and Woodland Cree ) The population remained sparse up until about 1870, after Rupert’s Land was purchased, formerly part of what was then commonly known as British North America, Rupert’s Land has long since been absorbed by other Nations, most of it in Canada. In fact, part of Rupert’s Land is the Southernmost part of Alberta. In a short amout of time ( as the mammal reconds, ) the area went from sparse to a thriving culture of mammals, which today numbers over five million, a number which astounded Edmontosaurus’ tiny brain.

Among those many Mammals lived Styracosaurus, at what is now the Dinosaur Provincial Park, which was part of the Red River Valley. As you may recall," related Edmontosaurus, "My friend Styracosaurus was classified by Professor Lawrence Lambe ( 1863 ~ 1919 ) in 1913. As soon as Edmontosaurus arrived at the Dinosaur Provincial Park, he looked about in hopes of seeing Styracosaurus, and it did not take long to find him. It was actually Styracosaurus who saw Edmontosaurus first, calling out,

“Hail, Edmontosaurus! Welcome home to Canada !! Welcome to my home at Dinosaur Provincial Park. Come, rest a while, and eat coffee plants with me. I shall speak to you in english, Je vais vous parler en français."

"I suppose I have too much of an American influence, given that I have also been discovered in America, for I do not speak French at all."  said Edmontosaurus.

"Very well, then, said Styracosaurus. To make things easier on you, I will speak The King’s English. Seriously, welcome home, and come dine on coffee plants with me"

 

"I accept!" said Edmontosaurus.  "Nice to see you again, Styracosaurus!"

"The coffee plants, of course, are not native to our homeland, I have to have them imported from the Arabian countries., » said Styracosaurus as he welcomed Edmontosaurus to his cave, and shared coffee plants he had stored in his cave. « How was your trip across the border?"

"Uneventful. The Mammals don’t care if dinosaurs cross borders." said Edmontosaurus.

 

"I stopped in to see Corythosaurus, but he wasn’t home. You know he’s an accountant, and is very busy this time of year."

"Very true, » said Styracosaurus." You also recently returned from other World Travels. I understand you went to Africa to visit with Woolly Mammoth."

 

"I did, but like Corythosaurus, Woolly Mammoth wasn’t home either. I happened to visit at a time he had gone to Egypt on a meditation retreat. I did spend some time visiting with Kentrosaurus, and the Iguanodon family, among others."

"Very nice," said Styracosaurus."We should all pray for World Peace."

"Would you like to travel with me to Colorado to visit Stegosaurus ?" asked Edmontosaurus.

 

"Sure !" said Styracosaurus." It has been a while since I have seen Stegosaurus and traveled to America."

 

"Shall we go now, or tomorrow?" asked Edmontosaurus.

 

"Tomorrow," said Styracosaurus. "You know what goes well with coffee plants?" asked Styracosaurus.

"... a gaood conifer. Let us both stomp into the foothills and see if we can’t dine on a few before we go to Colorado."

 "I agree that would be delicious !" said Edmontosaurus.

The two friends stomped forthrightly up into the Canadian foothills, where they found the Pinus contorta in abundance. After dining on a couple groves of these each, they moved onto Populus tremuloides, a different species of tree ( though related ) than that which Edmontosaurus had consumed on his own, when seeking Corythosaurus. To finish their meal, they dined on groves of Picea mariana, the most abundant tree in the whole province. Then, they chose a grove they hadn’t eaten, and rested under its shade, spending the evening there. In the morning they set off for the United States and the State of Colorado to see Stegosaurus.

It took some time to get to Colorado, since Styracosaurus had to use a raft to get across the water. Edmontosaurus is semi-acquatic, but even he elected to use a raft to cross the Saskatchewan River after a point, because the river is so wide.

Both of them were glad to see land again once they reached the United States, and Colorado in particular.

They were both very happy to see Stegosaurus come out of his cave to greet them once they got to Boulder, Colorado.

“Hail, Styracosaurus and Edmontosaurus! How nice to see you! What a nice surprise, I was not expecting visitors!”

“I hope we are not disturbing you,” said Edmontosaurus.

“Not at all! Please, be welcome! Welcome to America! How was the trip from Canada, come rest your claws for a while!”

“Thank you for your hospitality, friend Stegosaurus,” said Styracosaurus.

“Travel by raft always seems long, but it was fortunately uneventful.”

“I have been resting myself, uncharacteristically remaining home and letting other dinosaurs have adventures; but I am remarkably well, very hale and hearty, and no where near extinction.” said Stegosaurus.

“Glad to hear, indeed,” said Edmontosaurus.

“When I haven’t been resting, I’ve been using my Doctorate to diagnose tree diseases for my neighbors, but I do think that in the Spring I will be ready for adventures again.”

“Your cousin Kentrosaurus sends his regards from South Africa,” said Edmontosaurus, he is presently in charge of the Church as Woolly Mammoth is on a meditation retreat in Egypt.” said Edmontosaurus.

“I heard, but I was too busy being Doctor Stegosaurus to go; I know cousin Kentrosaurus gave the sermon on Sunday the 18th of January. I could not travel; I hope everyone enjoyed the sermon.” said Stegosaurus.

“They seemed to,” said Edmontosaurus. Iguanodon and his family were there from Maidstone, England.”

“I am so glad his family has repaired its rift,” said Stegosaurus. “I am so glad they have restored stability.”

And how are things in Canada, Styracosaurus? I am sorry to say I have no coffee plants to offer, but I have several varieties of tea in my garden behind the cave, and we can go stomping for a grove of blue spruce, if all the travel has made you hungry.”

“That would be absolutely delightful, Thank you,” said Styracosaurus.

“Things are just fine in the Great White North. I just hosted Edmontosaurus of course, and other than that, I spend the slow, winter months playing extinct at the Canadian Museum of Nature. I do it for the children, and hope someday they’ll like me as much as they like you.”

“I am sure you are very popular, “ said Stegosaurus. “Many small children love the ceretopsians as much as they love me, I assure you. We are’t having a contest, I hope you know.”

“Oh yes, of course. I did but your popularity among mammal children since 1877 is astounding and something to aspire to, in any case.”

“I accept your compliment, friend. Let us dine on Picea pungens! Come along Edmontosaurus!” called Stegosaurus. The three dinosaurs stomped forthrightly into the hills, to dine on delicious groves of Colorado Picea pungens, ending the evening with a nice dessert of coffee plants, Echinacea tea and aloe plants. Of course, Styracosaurus brought coffee plants to share.

Edmontosaurus and Styracosaurus remained in Colorado for the last half of February, visiting Stegosaurus for a whole two weeks. Stegosaurus gladly used his Doctorate knowledge to explain some tree diseases to his friends so that they could more easily recognize a distressed tree species and treat it accordingly.

On January 7th 2026 Iguanodon arrived at the Woolly Mammoth Holy Pentecostal Church of the Pleistocene Revival, surprised to find Woolly Mammoth was not inside the Church or in his office. When he checked the prayer garden he found Kentrosaurus at work eating the lawn.

“Greetings, Kentrosaurus, my brother in Christ!” Iguanodon called out.

Iguanodon!” exclaimed Kentrosaurus. “God love you! What brings you to South Africa and how are things in lovely Maidstone?”

“Things are fine in my beloved hometown, thank you for asking. I came here to speak with Woolly Mammoth, but I see him not about.”

“True, my friend. Woolly Mammoth has left me in charge of the Church for the time being. He has gone to the city of Tannis for a meditation retreat, as the mammals have begun fighting in Nigeria and he hopes that prayers to God will end the conflict peacefully.”

“We should all pray for peace,” said Iguanodon.

“Come, my friend, help me eat the lawn, and then we shall both meditate for peace right here in the prayer garden.” said Kentrosaurus.

“You know, “ he then continued, “You are the second guest the Church has received since Woolly Mammoth departed for Tannis. “The other visitor is a hadrosaur named Edmontosaurus. He stopped by two or three days ago, on a visit from Colorado USA, the home of my cousin Stegosaurus.”

“Was he seeking the Lord Jesus?” asked Iguanodon.

“Naturally, I spoke to him about Jesus. He told me he will return to the Church with his family and I pray for another soul to accept the Lord.”

“I hope to meet him someday when I am here. I hope someday you will be able to visit me and my family as well as my Church in Maidstone, where I am a deacon.”

“He knows Woolly Mammoth is in meditation at Tannis but I encouraged him to return this Sunday and he said he would.”

It was then that Iguanodon and Kentrosaurus began the work of eating the lawn, and when they were full they followed the example of Woolly Mammoth and then began to pray and meditate together for peace around the world. They were in such a state remaining in the prayer garden until early morning of January 11th, when Kentrosaurus began to prepare for the week’s sermon which he had already planned and prepared as a sermon on St. John 16:32 -33.

Iguanodon departed at this time, in order to bring his family back to Church for the sermon.

After bidding a farewell to Iguanodon, Kentrosaurus turned his attention again to his sermon.

Taking a break for dinner, at dusk Kentrosaurus returned to the prayer garden, and as he serenely exhibited the 8th point of similarity with Brother Horse, Kentrosaurus was surprised to be visited by Ms. Giraffe.

“I know it is late, Kentrosaurus. I hope I am not disturbing you,” she said.

“Not at all, Ms. Giraffe. Welcome to Church. If you are seeking Woolly Mammoth he is not here at present.”

“That is okay, I heard that he is in Egypt presently, and was just wondering if you were giving a sermon in his stead this Sunday.”

“Yes, I am,” confirmed Kentrosaurus. “It is upon the Gospel of St. John 16:32-33. I hope you are well and not distressed.”

“I am well, but very concerned about the future since the mammals began fighting here,” confessed Ms. Giraffe. “I’m already endangered, and there are not as many of us living megafauna as there used to be,” she said, “I don’t want to become extinct.”

“Woolly Mammoth has gone to Tannis to pray,” said Kentrosaurus. “...and I pray that you will come to Church on Sunday, hear my sermon, and your fears be healed. Blessings be upon you.”

“I am glad to hear that there will be a sermon,” said Ms. Giraffe. “I will come to Church on Sunday. Good night, and God bless.”

“Thank you Ms. Giraffe.” said Kentrosaurus. “I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. Go in peace, surrounded by the love of Christ.”

Ms. Giraffe departed to her home on the African plain, and Kentrosaurus finished his dinner, having not confessed his own nervousness about the situation. He too was concerned about war, and the destruction it causes, also, this was the first time he had been asked to give a sermon during one of Woolly Mammoth’s absences. He tried to trust in the Lord, but could not help being nervous, especially with so many counting on him, from Ms. Giraffe, to the loyal Iguanodon family, and the reported newcomer to the Church, Edmontosaurus. He said a silent prayer to God as he blew out the candle in his study and prepared to sleep.

In the early Sunday morning January 18th Kentrosaurus gathered the pages of his sermon together and nervously looked over them before leaving his office and entering the narthex of the Woolly Mammoth Holy Pentecostal Church of the Pleistocene Revival to greet the arrival of his friends and neighbors who had come to hear the word of the Lord. He saw Iguanodon and his whole family arriving; it was nice to see the loyal Iguanodon family whenever they ventured into Africa from their native England; Kentrosaurus noticed Edmontosaurus arriving behind Iguanodon and decided that after his sermon he would be sure to reach out and introduce himself to Edmontosaurus, who had come all the way from Colorado, United States.

Kentrosaurus saw some of the megafauna he expected to see, such as Widow Ground Sloth and her son Junior; Woolly Rhino and Western Black Rhino; He didn’t often see Spinosaurus in Church, but really didn’t expect it this week as the aquatic apex predator was probably resting from his recent trip around the world with Stegosaurus Claus; and he might also be particularly hungry and unpredictable since he undoubtedly had spent Christmas Eve being good and not eating the mammal children, or Stegosaurus Claus himself. Kentrosaurus also rarely saw Sister Quagga, who actually was arriving. As a well known devout atheist, she rarely remained in the Church for a sermon, but she sometimes visited the Church early before the sermon to visit with her friends, and then quietly and respectfully leave before the sermon began. Kentrosarurus hoped someday she’d stay to listen, and he prayed often for her soul. He appreciated that sometimes he’d go to the prayer garden after one of Woolly Mammoth’s sermons to find that she had trimmed the lawn of the prayer garden; she was such a kind and courteous animal and he always hoped for her the best. She was speaking with Ms. Giraffe, whom Kentrosaurus had been praying for since the visited his office at dusk.

Once everyone was settled, Kentrosaurus nervously cleared his throat and said, “Good morning, everyone, I am your groundskeeper here at the Woolly Mammoth Holy Pentecostal Church of the Pleistocene Revival. You may have heard the news that the Mammals are fighting amongst themselves here in Nigeria, the United States feels it needs to be involved to protect the lives of Christians, and while this seems like a worthy cause on the surface, we know that all war leads to suffering and to help mitigate this, Woolly Mammoth has traveled to the Egyptian city of Tannis, where he has entered a state of deep meditation, praying for peace here in Africa, and in his absence, he has left me in charge of the care of the Church. I am used to this as he has done this very worthy act before, but this time there was something new, Woolly Mammoth asked me to give a sermon this morning on peace. I have been nervous, as this is my first time, so I hope you will be inspired by the verses I have chosen to speak on today, and go out into the world as you came here today, in a state of hopeful peace. There are a few of you who have come to me recently expressing fear and concern about the future. And I confess that a country such as ours, in a state of war as it is, as always frightening and leads to much uncertainty. But I advise you to lay aside your fears and give them to the Lord Jesus Christ, He will bear them, and be your comfort and peace in these dark and difficult times. Let me begin my sermon today on the Gospel of St. John 16:32-33, which I hope brings you peace and inspires to draw around you the love of Christ Jesus. “

“Brothers and Sisters in Christ, let us turn to the Lord Jesus and give Him our burdens. Peace is with you if you are with Jesus. We are told in the Gospel of St. John that these difficult times would come upon us, that the day would come when believers in Christ Jesus would face difficult times. John tells us plainly, “They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me.“

The Lord told us this, so that when we see these things in the World coming to pass, we would recall that He had, in his wisdom, warned us that these days would come. Furthermore, He said we would be filled with fear and grief at the news of this dire, dark time such as we are living through now. We have seen worse; meteors and comets come to mind, but our present age is also an age growing equally as dark, and we must remember that any age which has a beginning must also have an end. Focus upon the Lord Jesus, and know that though His warnings fill us with fear and uncertainty, we must also know that following Him will restore His peace to us. St. John says it is well that the Lord has departed from his disciples, as this will set into motion events that will bring our Advocate to us.

“When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer;  and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned."

So, be not afraid, but be steadfast in your faith. This dark age will come to an end, and we must ever be vigilant in waiting for His return so that we will be ready to come when He calls us to Him. Fear not what others may think or say; if you are a believer and you have lived your ideal, and become the example that Jesus gave us, to hasten that day when He returns and restores Peace to the Nations in all the World. The Advocate will guide you to the Lord Jesus, and the Advocate will glorify Him, because it is from the Lord Jesus Himself that he receives the Good News which will lift the burdens from your hearts. You may weep and mourn now, while the rest of the World revels in its Worldly pleasures and delights in your pain. But, I assure you that your grieving will be transformed to joy. At first, you may not understand what others do, what they hear or see, but at the appointed time through Christ Jesus the Advocate will make all known. St. John gives us this example:

“A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy”.

A time will come, we are warned, when we shall not be near but scattered far from these lands and each other. When the Lord shall be alone; but God the Father is with Him, and at the appointed time, when Jesus returns to us, to bring Peace, we too, will be with God the Father. When this peace comes we will know all that we have come here to learn:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

So, fear not, Brothers and Sisters, for the Lord is with you even in your times of trial. He will shield you and give you strength and peace. I know these are difficult times in which we live, but when we accept the Lord Jesus Christ, he will be our protector and advocate before the throne of God. Whatever the wicked of the world inflict upon us, remember that we have accepted Jesus Christ and He will never leave us. Go in peace, this day, and make the world a better place for any and all of God’s creatures which you may encounter. Be that shining example, and it will manifest the peace you seek, and bring the light to combat the darkness around us all.”

Kentrosaurus knew his sermon was not even remotely close to the skill and conviction which Woolly Mammoth often portrayed, but he did the best he could and hoped that he had brought everyone in the Church closer to God in every way. At this point, Kentrosaurus sought to greet Edmontosaurus and hurried to the back row of pews to catch up with the duck billed dinosaur before he left the Church.

“Hail, Edmontosaurus!” Kentrosaurus exclaimed joyously. Edmontosaurus was with Iguanodon and his family, and both were intent upon leaving, but Edmontosaurus turned when he heard his name being called, and Iguanodon, who of course recognized Kentrosaurus’ voice, turned his head as well, and since he knew Kentrosaurus was particularly alert.

“Ah! Kentrosaurus! Let me introduce you to my friend Edmontosaurus. He’s glad to be here!” said Iguanodon. As Kentrosaurus approached, he gave warm greetings to the Iguanodon family, and to Edmontosaurus he said, “Greetings, It is Kentrosaurus, the groundskeeper and today, substitute preacher for the Woolly Mammoth Holy Pentecostal Church of the Pleistocene Revival. I am sure you recall our previous discussion a few weeks ago when you first visited; I hope you enjoy your visit this morning, and greet you warmly in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. “

“A pleasure to meet you again, Kentrosaurus. I am glad to meet you as I have heard so much about you from our mutual friends, the Iguanodon family. I do find your sermon to be uplifting, you convey well Christ’s promise to us, the hope of salvation through His blood.”

“Thank you for saying that, brother. I hope you will return, to hear the Word again, and in time, Woolly Mammoth will return from his meditation retreat in the ancient city of Tannis, and with his skill the Word of God will be brought to you by a true student of his Word, Woolly Mammoth himself. He is very modest and God fearing; I know you will like him but in the meantime please be glad to accept my own hospitality. Let us meet in the prayer garden in a moment, once the crowd thins out here and you can tell me all about yourself.”

“I would like that very much,” said Edmontosaurus.

Kentrosaurus then mingled with the congregation, greeting them and wishing them a very well Sunday morning as they all departed to their homes, mostly somewhere on the African plain.

It was early afternoon when Kentrosaurus ventured to the prayer garden, and found Edmontosaurus in prayer. He did not disturb his new Hadrosaur friend, instead as hce had earlier with Iguanodon, he said a prayer for peace and followed the example, entering a state of meditation. Both dinosaurs woke from their meditative state at the same time, and Kentrosaurus said, “It has been a pleasure to meet you and to meditate with you here in our prayer garden. “

“The pleasure is mine. I am glad to be here,” said Edmontosaurus. “I will be happy to tell you all about me. I am pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“Feel free to tell me your story, and I will listen,” said Kentrosaurus.

“I am a Hadrosaur originally Anatosaurus meaning Duck Lizard, but was reclassified as Edmontosaurus meaning “Lizard from Edmonton”. Edmonton is in Canada, but I have also been found mummified in North Dakota, you know, so I spend most of my time in my adopted America, particularly North Dakota. I was discovered by Professor Lawrence Lambe ( 1863 ~ 1919 ) in 1917. On average I am 39 feet long and weigh 6 short tons. I am distinctive by the fact that unlike many of my species, I was not born with a really cool looking head crest like other Hadrosaurs, such as Corythosaurus. I am from the late Cretaceous Period roughly 66 million years ago. Aside from being found in places like Edmonton, Alberta , Canada, North Dakota, Colorado, even Alaska. I have lived all over the place, and had many names. Anatosaurus and Edmontosaurus are two examples but I was also once classified as Trachodon, though once my name changed Trachodon became nomen dubium and joined the ranks of those who don’t exist, the nomen dubium. I am proud of his accomplishments and gregarious attitude. He also understands the value of public service, having worked for so long with the Stegosaurus Disaster Relief Agency, if I could be anyone else, it would be him, and not just because I once was him.”

“It is understandable, Hadrosaurs, like Stegosaurs, are very social creatures as you know we all travel in groups of like animals of many ages," said Kentrosaurus.

"Again, I say, I am very pleased to meet you,” said Edmontosaurus. When ever I visit South Africa I will stop by and listen to your inspiring sermons. You can find me all over the place as you know. Sometimes I am here in America and sometimes in Canada but if I am aware that you are looking for me, I will come here to the Woolly Mammoth Holy Pentecostal Church of the Pleistocene Revival and pay yo a visit.”

“We will be very pleased to see you again, by friend. Stay here as long as you please, a guest of the Church, and when called away to any other place in the world, carry the light of the Lord with you and know that when you come back here, no matter where else you call home, you will always have one here.”

“Thank you, Kentrosaurus,” said Edmontosaurus. “You are an exceptional preacher and a wonderful host.”

Edmontosaurus remained in South Africa at the Church through the remainder of January, departing for a visit with Styracosaurus in Canada, where he spent the first two weeks of February.

Kentrosaurus was delighted to have made a new friend and could not wait to introduce him to his cousin Stegosaurus.

On December 5th 2025 Stegosaurus Claus was at his workshop in Brazil preparing to float forthrightly on his raft to pick up Spinosaurus in South Africa so they may proceed on their annual trip around the world bringing presents, joy and goodwill to all the world. This is a routine he was very much used to as he had agreed to this arrangement with Spinosaurus for several years now.

This is why he was genuinely surprised to see Spinosaurus arrive at the door of his Workshop just as he was about to stomp forthrightly out of the door.

“Hello, there, Stegosaurus Claus,” said Spinosaurus, barely able to fit his head through the window.

“What are you doing here, Spinosaurus? I was just about to stomp forthrightly to my raft, and float forthrightly to South Africa to make sure you could accompany me on my annual trip around the world.”

“This year I decided to surprise you and show up on your doorstep to show gratitude for your continued trust in me these last few years. I know it is hard for a plant eater like you to trust a meat eating apex predator like me.”

“I know it must be hard not to let nature take its course,” said Stegosaurus Claus, “I appreciate your honesty and genuine restraint. May the blessings of the Holy Time of Christmas be with you, my friend. I look forward to our annual adventure of traveling together, provided you always remember the rule about not eating me or the mammal children.”

“I will, but before we go I must find something I can eat; something that will stick to my ribs to fortify me before our long journey,” said Spinosaurus.

“It may seem odd for a plant eater to make this recommendation, but as we are friends I will do you a kindness. May I suggest helping the mammals of Brazil to thin the herds of wild boars? It would be very helpful as the species has become invasive here.”

“A fine suggestion! A good meal, and a public service in the Spirit of the Christmas Season,” said Spinosaurus. “Pork is, after all a very traditional Christmas meal.”

“I shall return to your workshop within ten days ready to embark on our annual adventure of Peace and Goodwill. ”With that, Spinosaurus departed, and Stegosaurus Claus smiled, thinking about how domesticated Spinosaurus acted every Christmas Season. He knew better to think that Spinosaruus was perpetually changed; his nature was to eat meat, but over the last 19 years he had learned restraint in honor of the Christmas Holiday.

Stegosaurus Claus accepted Judaism as his religion, but he also kept an advent wreath beside his menorah and treated any other religion of honest faith in Goodwill this time of Season with kindness.

As he paused in reverence before his Seasonal display, he was surprised by another visitor.

“Season’s Greetings, Stegosaurus Claus!” said Tyrannosaurus Rex.

“Tyrannosaurus Rex! What a Surprise!” exclaimed Stegosaurus Claus. “Please, do not eat me, I beg of you, to recall that this is a Season of love and charity and there are many millions of dinosaurs, megafauna and mammals looking forward to my annual visit this year. I don’t want to let the mammal children down by becoming your dinner.”

“Fear not, I ate a few wild boars on my way over here; I am not planning to eat you or anyone else at the moment.”

“May I ask what brings you to Brazil during my busiest time of year?” asked Stegosaurus Claus.

“Well, honestly, I was hoping I had stomped here early enough in the Advent Season to ask you if I might accompany you on your annual journey around the World. I want to spread goodwill, cheer and love to all. I feel so moved this time of year to prove to the World that I may be a very large and dangerous predator who rules the late Mesozoic, but in spite of my reputation I want to prove that the Christmas Season’s message has a positive effect on everyone, even me.”

“Tryrannosaurus Rex, I am sincerely moved….” Stegosaurus Claus began, but the conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Spinosaurus carrying a decaptated boar in one claw, with its head in his other.

“Stegosaurus Claus!” Spinosaurus exclaimed loudly. “I know you’re a vegetarian; have you any Bay leaves or Rosemary? I’ve got a Boar’s head, and I want to make a traditional Christmas dinner.”

Then Spinosaurus saw Tryrannosaurus Rex, and he stopped stomping abruptly, dropping the Boar’s head.

“Oh. Hello, Tyrannosaurus Rex. Happy Holidays! How are things in Montana this time of year?”

“What a surprise! Glad to see you Spinosaurus. It has been a while. I haven’t seen you since you defeated me in Jurassic Park III !! Montana is a lot colder than it used to be 70 million years ago; the climate is a bit more like it used to be here in Brazil,” said Tyrannosaurus Rex. “I am actually seeking warmer weather, one of the reasons I am here.”

“I hope that in the Spirit of Christmas you will forgive me for winning our fight filmed in Jurassic Park III. Please join me for Christmas dinner, I am having a Boar’s head, and probably the rest of the Boar too.”

“Our Battle Royale was the one scene that made it worth doing the film. We’ll have to have a rematch, but after Christmas.” rejoined Tyrannosaurus Rex.

“Please, no fighting during Christmas,” begged Stegosaurus Claus, worried that the natural inlcination of the two apex predators would override any Christmas sentiment they had promised him due to this unexpected meeting of the two rivals.

“To answer your question, Spinosaurus, yes I do have Bay leaves and Rosemary in my garden. You may have some, but please don’t eat your Boar in my workshop. There is plenty of time for you to enjoy a Christmas dinner with Tyrannosaurus Rex before I must go on my annual trip around the world.”

“Will you not answer my request?” Tyrannosaurus Rex asked Stegosaurus Claus.

Although Stegosaurus Claus was not even remotely a violent Spirit, he readied his cool, spiky tail in case Tyrannosaurus Rex took the response to his question in a negative way.

“Tyrannosaurus Rex, I sincerely hope that you will not take this news badly, but Spinosarus has arrived here early for the first time ever. Usually I travel to South Africa to pick him up, but here he is already arrived, and I would hate to discourage him by asking him to stomp aside.” said Stegosaurus Claus.

“I will not put you on the spot, Stegosaurus Claus, but in the Spirit of the Season, I will make Tryranosaurus Rex a promise: If you let me travel with Stegosaurus Claus this year, I will remain in South Africa next year, and you can travel with Stegosaurus Claus on his annual trip next year.”

“How generous of you,” said Tyrannosaurus Rex.

“You aren’t afraid of Tyrannosaurus Rex, are you, Stegosaurus Claus?” asked Spinosaurus.

“Because of your generous offer, Spinosaurus, I will let Tyrannosaurus Rex travel with me in 2026.

“Tyrannosaurus Rex may be the King of Tyrant Lizards, but he also knows that I wield a cool, spiky tail, that I will use, to defend my life. I must defend myself for the sake of the young mammal children around the world who expect me to give them presents. It would break with my character to be violent, but I am thinking of the children.”

“I would cross my heart if I could reach it with my tiny hands,” said Tyrannosaurus Rex.

“Very well, it is settled!” declared Stegosaurus Claus, as he stomped into his Workshop to work on toys he was bringing on his trip this year.

Tyrannosaurus Rex pulled Spinosaurus aside and asked him in confidence, “Spinosaurus, may I ask if you can share some confidential information.”

“I am not sure,” said Spinosaurus.

“Well it can’t hurt to ask. I was wondering if you could tell me if you know what I am going to get for Christmas. I hope it isn’t another set of arm extenders. You have no idea how many of those I have.”

“You don’t want to be surprised?” asked Spinosaurus.

“Don’t be fooled by the fact that I am 30 feet tall and have teeth between 9 and 12 inches. I may be an apex predator like you, but when it comes to Christmas I assure you I am as giddy and excited as a small mammal child.”

“Okay, well, as long as you promise to keep this secret.” said Spinosaurus.

I would cross my heart if I could reach it with my tiny hands,” said Tyrannosaurus Rex.

“I have it on good authority, from the Jolly old Stegosaurus Stenops himself that all dinosaurs this year will be getting a meteor insurance policy, and the Ice Age Megafauna will be getting a comet insurance policy.”

“Oh how exciting! I need my policy for meteors renewed! I wonder how Stegosaurus Claus knows,” pondered Tyrannosaurus Rex, trying his best to look pensive.

“If there’s one thing I have learned these last few years,” said Spinosaurus, “Stegosaurus Claus knows. It’s his job to know; he always knows.”

“I shall leave you to your dinner, and head back to Montana to wait for my turn next year,” said Tyrannosaurus Rex.

“Before you go, please do dine with me, The boar you see here isn’t the only one I have; I have been hunting.“

“You mean, you would share with me?” asked Tyrannosaurus Rex.

“In the name of Christmas, I will,” said Spinosaurus.

“God bless us, everyone!” said Tyrannosaurus Rex.