"It was a bright sunny day last week when I had a nice discussion with sister Quagga," said Wuerhosaurus. "I've been enjoying an extended vacation in South Africa since arriving for the funeral of Western Black Rhino in November and it occurred to me last week that Chinese New Year was nearly upon us. Being Chinese, this is a big deal for me you know."

"Glad tidings, sister Quagga," said I. Do you know what tomorrow is? Why, tomorrow is Chinese New Year! This is truly one of the largest holidays in my culture."

"Yes, it is," observed Quagga. "You should be proud."

"I am; and I am so appreciative of your hospitality as I enjoy my extended vacation here in South Africa, though I am sorry for the reason which initially brought me here. I hope Western Black Rhino is adjusting well."

"Oh he is," said Quagga. "He appears to be at least. Wooly Mammoth and Kentrosaurus have gone to minister to him."

"Now returning to the topic of the New Year," said Wuerhosaurus. "I am so glad I brought some fireworks with me in my slow boat when I arrived from China. Fireworks are a great tradition in my native land. In this, China's greatest holiday we also wear red clothing -- or in my case my scales are a beautiful crimson. I shall write poems! Will you help me write poems, Quagga? Please?"

"Why, yes, I would be delighted," said Quagga. "I am honored that you asked."

"We will drive away evil and bad luck with crimson, the symbol of fire! Have you a local bamboo grove? Let us stomp forthrightly hither and gather some for the celebration!"

"Yes, I will go with you, Wuerhosaurus," said Quagga. "I am glad to help. You know how festive I am."

"What joy!" enthused Wuerhosaurus. "What fun we shall have when in two days it is the Year of the Stegosaurus!"

"Um, ... " said Quagga.

"Why yes!" exclaimed the overjoyed plate lizard, oblivious to the pause of his interlocutoress. "Stegosaurids are by nature so joyful and funloving. You know how we love to dance, and China has a long history of many varied dances."

"Um, ....." said Quagga.

"We will dance the Dragon Dance, display our scales and our spiff, sexy plates, we'll have a ballet theatre and dance the Sword Dance....."

"Um, ......" said Quagga.

"Let us hold a lantern festival! A grand festival of lights! Let us reunite with our relatives and rejoice in the name of our ancestors! It shall be SO grand! Delightfully grand!"

"Um, ......" said Quagga.

"Yes?" said Wuerhosaurus finally.

"You know, Wuerhosaurus, not to burst your bubble, but it will soon be the year of the HORSE."

"So!" exclaimed Wuerhosaurus without any change in mood. "Whack me with my own cool, spiky tail, but you are right! It is more your year than mine! But, we do have no less than 8 points of similarity, good sister Quagga which is so many ..... I'm so smart I can almost count all the way to 8! Let us celebrate together in any case with love and joy! What a wonderful year it will be!"

"Indeed it will, good friend Wuerhosaurus. Indeed it will," said Quagga.