Stegosaurus left the State of California on December 18th; he apologized to Congresssaurus Triceratops for not having the time to help him and Steve Beaver gather the trees that they wanted to take back to Wyoming with them. Triceratops told him "It is okay, my friend. Thank you for coming, but please stomp forthrightly before you are late getting to West Virginia."

Stegosaurus observed, "I took my friend's advice, and arrived in the State of West Virginia on December 23rd, inst;. I knew that the family reunion of the Ground Sloths, including my friends Widow Ground Sloth and Junior, would be in Greenbrier County, West Virginia where the mammal Colonel John Stewart discovered the Ground Sloth fossil there in the year 1797. He immediately informed then Vice President Thomas Jefferson, which is why it is sometimes called Megalonyx Jeffersonii. The Megatherium was discovered in Argentina in 1788, and classified by Georges Cuvier the following year. The mammals of West Virginia declared The Giant Ground Sloth to be their State Fossil in the year 2008.

As I stomped forthrightly into Greenbrier County, a jubilant Junior Ground Sloth ran up to me, a 20 foot child weighing in excess of 8 thousand pounds. "They grow up so fast ........." I thought.

"Stegosaurus !! I am so glad you are here to celebrate Christmas with us! Mama, mama, Stegosaurus is here !!"

Then Widow Ground Sloth approached me, a full grown Megatherium a little more subdued, but very cheerful.

"Delighted to see you, Stegosaurus !! Thank you for coming !! Welcome for Christmas. You know Junior, let me introduce you to our other family members. We have enjoyed living in our South African Avocado grove; but it is nice to be home again and visiting with our extended family."

"I am pleased to be here and to spend the Holiday with you and yours. Thank you for inviting me," replied Stegosaurus.

"Widow Ground Sloth led me into a wooded grove, where there were many Giant Ground Sloths; Junior followed close behind me," said Stegosaurus.

"Well, I see the party has truly begun !!" Declared a large Ground Sloth drinking from a prepared bowl of Hot Negus. "I invite you to drink with me here, Stegosaurus from this bowl of Negus, and we shall embrace the joy of the Season and welcome the birth of the Lord and Savior !!"

"Stegosaurus, I welcome you to meet my Father in Law," said Widow Ground Sloth.

"I am pleased to make your acquaintance," said Stegosaurus, trying to determine how much of the Negus the Giant Ground Sloth had consumed; he certainly was enjoying himself.

"Nice to meet you", said Father In Law. "The real Stegosaurus. Or, are you Stegosaurus Claus?"

"No, my friend, I am not Stegosaurus Claus; Stegosaurus Claus lives in Brazil; I live in Bolder, Colorado, having moved from where I was discovered in Morrison."

"Ah well, nice to meet you just the same. Come, join me in a drink of Negus. I am not as inebriated as I appear. I am approaching 11 thousand pounds; it takes a lot to put me in my cups."

"Very well," agreed Stegosaurus, and he took a drink from the bowl of Negus.

"I assume that Stegosaurus Claus will be here by Christmas," said Father In Law.

"He usually is; and I am sure Junior has been good this year," said Stegosaurus.

"Certainly," said Father In Law. "Come, Stegosaurus, have another drink with me, and then I shall introduce you to my lovely wife, Widow Ground Sloth's Mother In Law."

Stegosaurus took another drink, and Father In Law continued; "It was such a pity when Widow Ground Sloth's husband, my son, became extinct in the California tar pits a few years ago, but your cousin, Kentrosaurus, and later mammal friend Steve Beaver, I hear has taken good care of them and they enjoy their Avocado grove."

"They do," said Stegosaurus. "You have heard correctly."

Then a female Ground Sloth approached Father In Law Ground Sloth and spoke to him.

"Honey, I heard you speak of Avocados and wanted you to know the Avocados imported to West Virginia have arrived for the party, and we can now eat dinner."

"Ah, Stegosaurus! Here she is, my lovely wife, Widow Ground Sloth's Mother In Law. Dearest..." he then said, addressing his wife: "Let us invite our guest Stegosaurus to the Avocado Grove, and we can introduce him to the other Ground Sloths here at our reunion."

"Delightful!" said Mother In Law Ground Sloth. "Welcome, Stegosaurus, and Merry Christmas to you!"

"Nice to meet you, and to you the same," said Stegosaurus. Widow Ground Sloth and Junior Ground Sloth followed close behind, ready to dine on the Avocados that they themselves had brought for the party from South Africa.

"Stegosaurus, let me introduce you to more of our family members," said Widow Ground Sloth. "But first, tell me, would you enjoy an Avocado that Junior and I brought from South Africa ? It was only a few thousand years ago that such delicacies would grow here in the mountains of West Virginia."

"If you have any to spare I would be delighted," said Stegosaurus. "Thank you. I really appreciate your invitation to your family Christmas celebration. I am honored to be here with you."

"We are pleased to have you Stegosaurus," said Widow Ground Sloth. She then proceeded to say Grace before dinner, and thanked all her family and guests as well for coming to spend Christmas with her.

"We are thankful for this dinner, the time we spend together today to observe the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love and friendship of our beloved family and friends near and far across millions of miles and millions of years. Amen."

Stegosaurus and the Ground Sloths ate copious amounts of Avocados right away, and then when they had their fill, Widow Ground Sloth and Junior Ground Sloth both approached Stegosaurus.

"Remember, Stegosaurus, My in laws would like to introduce you to more of my extended family. Will you come with Junior and me?" asked Widow Ground Sloth.

"Yes, of course, " rejoined Stegosaurus.

"Now Stegosaurus, here are two of Widow Ground Sloth's cousins, Cousin the Younger, and Cousin the Older," said Mother In Laws Ground Sloth.

Then, she exclaimed loudly, to get the attention of two Sloths at the far end of the yard: "Cousins, here is the dinosaur you've heard so much about !! Stegosaurus !!"

Stegosaurus was a little embarrassed to have attention drawn to him in such a manner, for the Sloths rushed as fast as they could ( which was still pretty slow, but ) and they seemed delighted to meet Stegosaurus.

"We are so happy to finally make your acquaintance !!" exclaimed Cousin The Older Ground Sloth.

"Well, we are a few million years apart, or so the mammals say," joked Stegosaurus. "I am very pleased to make your acquaintance. It has been such a delightful Christmas, the Avocados were delightful. Thank you so much for inviting me to spend time with your family."

"You're welcome," said Cousin the Younger Sloth. "We have heard so much about you; you're an icon of the ages please tell us stories of your adventures. Have you ever met Stegosaurus Claus?"

"I have been asked this many times, but yes I have," said Stegosaurus.

Although embarrassed and shy, Stegosaurus attempted to tell the eager Sloths some of his most exciting adventures, but in humility he spent more time talking about the friends he had made and their contributions to his success.

Like Junior Ground Sloth, the Sloth Cousins were still young enough to attend the arrival of Stegosaurus Claus with much excitement and when Junior heard the mention of Stegosaurus Claus he jumped up and down with his Cousins and danced in circles with each other as they celebrated, a rare moment of excitement for a Sloth.

"Now calm down, children," said Widow Ground Sloth. "Calm down and take a moment to reflect upon the true Reason for the Season and be thankful for all that you have. Being still and reflecting upon the beauty of the world and the blessings we are given by almighty God is proper."

"You are so right, Mama," said Junior Ground Sloth. "It is unfortunate that Woolly Mammoth could not be here."

"Yes, he was invited, but Stegosaurus' cousin Kentrosaurus told me that Woolly Mammoth was meditating at the ruins of Tanis, the Biblical city of Zion. He felt this was appropriate given the significance of the Day to be there and is not aware of our invitation. Kentrosaurus advised us to ask again when Woolly Mammoth returns." explained Widow Ground Sloth. "I am sure he will come to us, or we to him, and be enlightened by his Sermon."

After spending the evening visiting with friends new and old, and overstuffed on Avocados, Stegosaurus took his leave of the party, wishing all a Merry Christmas.

"Will you not stay with us through Christmas?" asked Cousin Ground Sloth the Older. Junior and Cousin Ground Sloth the Younger also asked him to stay but he politely declined.

He was exhausted from the day's activities as well as his earlier visit with Dimetrodon and the other synapsids who live in California. He began to long for his cave in Colorado and the peace and quiet that Woolly Mammoth must now be experiencing.

However the Sloths were very persuasive, and finally Stegosaurus agreed to remain in West Virginia with his Sloth friends for the rest of the night and up until Epiphany.

He was sleeping when Stegosaurus Claus arrived, and therefore did not see his Brazilian friend OR Spinosaurus. He knew Stegosaurus Claus had been because the entire party of Sloths had been given presents of Avocado seeds, Groves of Avocado Trees, or even bushels of Avocados, for those who do not live where the trees may grow and thrive.

Stegosaurus expressed to his friends as he departed that he had never experienced a slower, or merrier Christmas in all his millions of years.

In mid December Stegosaurus received a letter from his friend Congressaurus Triceratops.

"I am so delighted to discover a letter from Congressaurus Triceratops," said Stegosaurus. "How nice of him to take the time to write in the middle of Christmas season."

Congresssaurus' Triceratops letter reads thus:

"Dear Stegosaurus,

I hope this letter finds you doing well.

I have, with our friend Steve Beaver, opened my retirement project, S. Beaver and Three Horned Lizard Greenery LLC. It has, so far, been a success the last two and a half months, and I'd like to ask your advice on a matter of great importance, if it does not take any time away from your holiday plans."

Steve and I would like to combine a business trip to the State of California with a vacation. Why California ? You may ask. Well there are specific trees I want to bring back to our shop native to California. Ones that will not grow in the Wyoming climate. Also, Steve would like to come along and meet our friend Dimetrodon at the Dinosaur and Mythical Creature Retirement Caves Complex in California. We would be much obliged if you'd come along to introduce him to Dimetrodon his fellow synapsids, and Nyasassaurus. We really enjoy your company, but if it will disturb Holiday plans you already have, we understand. Should you decide to visit California with us, Steve and I are traveling beginning on December 15th inst; We'll meet you in San Diego for dinner, if you'd like, and then we'll proceed to Culver City, and the Dinosaur and Mythical Creature Retirement Home.

With kind regards, I am your obedient servant,

Congresssaurus Triceratops WY ~ Ret."

"I did have plans to spend Christmas with Widow Ground Sloth and her son, Junior, but I thought if I stomped forthrightly, I could spend the Holidays with all of my friends. I love a good party." said Stegosaurus.

I arrived in San Diego California on December 17th, it was easy to find Congresssaurus Triceratops as he was eating a grove of Washingtonia filifera with Steve Beaver sitting on his back.

"Hello, Triceratops and Mr. Beaver!" Stegosaurus exclaimed. I stomped up to my friends as fast as I could go, which as we have established is still pretty slow, but we were so delighted to see each other.

"I am overjoyed that your business is doing well," said Stegosaurus to Triceratops and Steve Beaver.

"Yes, things are going very well, " replied Steve Beaver. "Last week we were visited by Corythosaurus; we invited him to look over our finances and confirmed that indeed we were in the black."

"Corythosaurus is a hard working and loyal accountant," Stegosaurus observed. "I am pleased that he has served you well, Mr. Beaver."

"Let us go now to Culver City and visit Dimetrodon," said Triceratops, "If you have had your fill of these delicious trees. Are you sure you don't want any, Mr. Beaver?"

"I am fine with the salad supply I brought from Wyoming, Thank you," replied Steve Beaver.

And with that, Steve Beaver and the dinosaurs set off for Culver City and it was not long before they met Edaphosaurus and Nyasasaurus at the entrance to the Dinosaur and Mythical Creature Screen Actor Guild Retirement Caves.

"Greetings !!" Exclaimed Nyasasaurus as he ran up to them. "Stegosaurus, what brings you to Sunny California this fine day?"

"I am here to visit you and all my friends in California; Triceratops wanted me to introduce our mammal friend Steve Beaver to Dimetrodon," said Stegosaurus.

"Welcome, Stegosaurus, Triceratops," said Edaphosaurus. "Triceratops, who is the mammal on your back?"

Triceratops replied, "This is Steve Beaver, a wise mammal who has helped me build my dream of owning a Greenery in my retirement from Congress. We are doing very well."

"Pleased to meet you, Edaphosaurus," said Steve Beaver. "Is this cave complex the home of Dimetrodon? I should very much like to meet him."

"Yes, it is, " confirmed Edaphosaurus.

"You look a lot like him," observed Steve Beaver.

"I do. We have similar characteristics and we're both synapsids. You will meet him anon; but first be introduced to our friend Moschops, who is also of the synapsid family, and the oldest dinosaur the mammals have discovered, Nyasasaurus."

"Welcome to California, Mr. Beaver. We have heard so much about you from our mutual friends Stegosaurus and Triceratops. It is so nice to finally meet you in person," said Moschops. "I'm a synapsid like Edaphosaurus and Dimetrodon; we all live at the Dinosaur and Mythical Creature Screen Actor Guild Retirement Home because of our advanced ages. Still, don't be fooled; we can be very spry when the situation warrants it!"

Very good to know, Moschops," said Steve Beaver.

"I would like you also to meet Nyasasaurus, one of the oldest Dinosaurs yet discovered," said Moschops.

"Hello, Mr. Beaver, I'm Nyasasaurus, as was advertised I am one of the oldest Dinosaurs from the early Triassic which makes me 240 ~ 260 Million years old; how old are you?"

"I am 62," said Steve Beaver.

"Well, you will catch up to me before long," said Nyasasaurus.

"So, where is Dimetrodon?" asked Steve Beaver.

"He's down by the seashore fishing," said Nyasasaurus. "We'll take you there, all of us, together," continued Nyasasaurus.

"Come climb up on my back," said Stegosaurus to Steve Beaver. "Triceratops will come with us to meet Dimetrodon."

"Let us all go together to the seashore," said Edaphosaurus.

And thus the Dinosaurs and Synapsids stomped forthrightly down to the seashore, as Steve Beaver ably jumped from Triceratops' back to Stegosaurus, and fit himself comfortably between Stegosaurus' spiff, sexy plates.

"I'm originally from South Africa," said Nyasasaurus. "As is Moschops; Dimetrodon came here from Texas while Edaphosaurus originally hails from the United States although he's also been discovered in parts of Europe. "

"None of us come originally from California," said Edaphosaurus though I have adopted the Texas mannerisms because Professor Cope discovered me in the same fossil bed as Dimetrodon only a few years apart."

"When I heard you wanted to meet Dimetrodon I told him you enjoyed fishing," said Triceratops. "Thus, Dimetrodon decided to do something today he knew you would enjoy... fishing," said Triceratops.

"It's nice to have common interests," observed Steve Beaver.

"Dimetrodon tries really hard to find common ground with mammals since he has mammalian characteristics himself."

Dimetrodon was soon in sight catching the sun as he sat on a rock overlooking the ocean tide.

"Hail, Dimetrodon !!" exclaimed Triceratops. "We have brought Steve Beaver to meet you."

"Oh! I am so pleased!" exclaimed Dimetrodon.

"Hi, there !!" waved Steve Beaver from the back of Stegosaurus.

"Don't worry, I won't eat youOR Stegosaurus. I know my teeth look scary, but I'm really a soft - hearted apex predator of the Early Permian Age."

"Um, okay ..." said Steve Beaver, a little uneasily.

"Look, I heard how much you like fishing so I went to the seashore today and caught you something."

"How did you know I like fishing?" asked Steve Beaver.

"I asked Triceratops .... I hope that was okay." said Dimetrodon.

"So why did you want to meet me, out of all the other prehistoric animals around today?"

"Sure, it's all right," said Steve responding to Dimetrodon's first question.

To the second, he said, "I've met a few dinosaurs by now, but I haven't met a synapsid before plus I wanted to go out to see California."

"Well, we are very distant relations, given my mammalian characteristics," said Dimetrodon. "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Beaver."

"Likewise," said Steve.

"Come look at what I caught for you, I hope you like them," said Dimetrodon.

"I am sure I will, I enjoy fishing a lot," said Steve Beaver.

"I got you something special," said Dimetrodon. "A real Texas sized gift."

"I'll take you down to the seashore," said Stegosaurus to Steve. "I'd like to get a drink of water."

So, Stegosaurus, Steve Beaver and Dimetrodon went down to the seashore, while Triceratops, Nyasasaurus and the other synapsids followed behind.

Dimetrodon went down to the rock ledge he'd been on just before Steve arrived, and pulled out a large burlap sack which had something moving in it; Dimetrodon quickly opened it with his teeth. Everyone was surprised by the contents as they were expecting fish. Only Stegosaurus missed the reveal, as he was at the seashore drinking water.

To the surprise of everyone, especially Steve Beaver, out of the sack came not fish, but two living surfers.

"Hey man, this monster I am sure, is going to eat us!" the first one exclaimed loudly.

"Help!" said the second, though they were both less alarmed once they saw Steve there, realizing that they were most likely to be saved, even with the arrival of the other dinosaurs and synapsids. A wide eyed Stegosaurus returned from the seashore, too stunned to say anything, but ready to use his cool spiky tail if the surfers were going to be harmed.

"I caught you a special treat," said Dimetrodon to Steve Beaver.

"Please don't let the dinosaurs eat us!" pleaded the second man to Steve.

"I'm not a dinosaur, but I play one on TV, occasionally," said Dimetrodon.

The surfers started screaming in fear.

"Calm down," Steve spoke to them. "No one is going to harm you."

Then, Steve spoke to Dimetrodon, "Thank you Dimetrodon, but please let these surfers go, I am a mammal, I don't eat other mammals. I appreciate your gift, your heart is in the right place, it's just that mammals, well, most mammals anyway, are not cannibals."

"Oh, really?" said Dimetrodon, genuinely surprised.

The surfers were still breathing heavy with fear, but trying to crawl away quietly.

"Please let the surfers go." asked Steve.

"I was thinking maybe I'll keep them, even though I have mammalian characteristics I still like to eat an occasional surfer from time to time even if they get stuck in my teeth."

The surfers lay down in the sand, stopped crawling and lay there, screaming. "We're going to die !!"

Steve went quickly to their side, and spoke to the surfers quietly. None of the prehistoric animals could hear the conversation, but at the end of it, the surfers got up and without looking back, ran as far away from the beach as they could get.

Then, Steve Beaver turned to Dimetrodon and said, "I know you meant well, Dimetrodon; let's spend the afternoon together fishing, I'll teach you about the kinds of fish that mammals eat."

"It's a deal," said Dimetrodon.

So it was that day that Steve Beaver made a new prehistoric friend, and Nyasassaurus turned to Triceratops and asked, "How is it that Steve Beaver is not afraid like the surfers were?"

Triceratops rejoined, "Steve has a great deal of experience in being around dinosaurs. He's also been in the Marine Corps and served in a war. He's not afraid of much, not even Dimetrodon who is very scary looking to other mammals. "

The Dinosaurs, the Synapsids, and Steve Beaver remained there socializing well after sundown.

Stegosaurus bid his farewell then, at sunset as he had to stomp back home before going to West Virginia to visit Widow Ground Sloth and her son Junior for the Christmas Season.

Final Mammoth Populations Suffered From Genetic Meltdown

Scientists Briefly Reactivated the Cells of a 28,000-Year-Old Woolly Mammoth

Virginia Tech Professor Finds, Names New Tiny Tyrannosaurus Rex Cousin

Note: The Roanoke Times website is under a paywall.

Another Bat-Winged Dinosaur Has Been Found: Ambopteryx

New Dinosaur Species With Spiky Backbone Discovered in Argentina

Fossils Of Giant New Species Of Sea Creature Found On South Australia's Kangaroo Island

"By the time I returned from visiting Wyoming happy for my friends Congressaurus Triceratops and Steve Beaver, I was very determined to remain home, stay in my cave and eat aloe plants, only going out to sharpen my cool, spiky tail. Ready to stretch and rest my weary claws, I gathered some aloe plants, and then, word arrived of a new adventure and more than likely, a new friend," said Stegosaurus.

Science is always discovering new things about dinosaurs, and even new species of dinosaurs; every day the knowledge about us seems to expand; I'm not sure of the reason why I live in a cave or why I often exhibit a handful of other outdated dinosaur characteristics; this is too much for my walnut sized brain to comprehend.Nonetheless, we all get along through our long lives, and occasionally happily meet new friends. The scientists told me in their papers that I was to expect a visitor from the country of Spain within the hour. I did wait with an increased level of anticipation; if I could read clocks, I'd have checked mine constantly. The papers related to me that the announcement of this Spanish friend's discovery had been printed on July 18th, and he had heard of my adventures and immense popularity and wanted to meet me. I do hope that I live up to my legend.

Shortly I saw from my cave the slow approach of an Ornithopod, and once I realized he was looking for me, I came out from my cave, to make myself known.

"Stegosaurus?" he asked.

"I am, are you the guest I was told to expect?" asked Stegosaurus.

"Indeed," my guest confirmed. "As soon as I was discovered and classified I stomped forthrightly from my native Spain to meet you. I have heard so much about you and very pleased to make your acquaintance."

"What is your name?" asked Stegosaurus.

"It is Oblitosaurus. "My name means "Brunel's Forgotten Lizard" in tribute to a famous filmmaker Luis Brunel ( 1900 ~ 1983 ) who was born in the Spanish province where I was discovered: Teruel Province, in the region of Aragon, in Eastern Spain."

"Ah, we will have something in common!" exclaimed Stegosaurus, "..for this is where my Spanish cousin Dacenturus was discovered a few years ago!"

"Very true, said the newly classified Ornithopod, delighted to see Stegosaurus' excited reaction.

"There are a good number of other dinosaurs discovered in the same area as myself, so much so that after I was discovered my fossil was put aside so long I was nearly forgotten, hence, the forgotten reference in my name."

"Aha!" exclaimed Stegosaurus. Science mammals with their larger brains are so smart! At least, most of the time! Can you tell me any further details about yourself?"

"Oh yes, I can!" rejoined Oblitosaurus. "The most interesting thing is, I think, that I am a newly discovered type of Ornithopod; The lead author of my study is a mammal known as Sergio Sanchez Fenollosa; there are two others, Francisco Javier Verdu, and Alberto Cobos. I am an apparently very large Ornithopod as Ornithopods go; I am about 23 feet long and I lived 145 to 150 Million Years Ago."

"Oh, we shall have a lot to talk about as we are contemporaries. I am so pleased to make your acquaintance," said Stegosaurus.

"And I, you," said Oblitosaurus.

"Now just before your arrival I was settling down to a nice meal of relaxing aloe. Do you eat plants, by chance?"

"Truly, indeed, I am a herbivore."

"Today is a lucky day, for me !! Come, good friend, let us dine together; I will be glad to tell you anything about me you'd like to know as we dine."

Stegosaurus was excited to meet a new friend. They ate aloe plants together on the hills overlooking has favorite cave. He knew he'd found the kind of friend he'd waited many millions of years to find. With a promise to introduce him to Dacenturus at his earliest convenience, they set off together to dine the afternoon into the evening hours.

When I returned from the land of Japan in late July, I certainly intended to remain in my Colorado cave and rest," said Stegosaurus. "However the afternoon following my return I received a communication from Congresssaurus Tricertatops ( Wy ) ( ret ), who told me of a celebration he was planning, and asked me, with our mammal friend Steve Beaver, to be present. I was informed that Mr. Beaver was to arrive in Colorado that very evening, and Triceratops asked if I could take him the rest of the way, from Colorado to Wyoming. I, of course, readily agreed to do so.

When Steve Beaver arrived, he said he knew all about Congresssaurus Triceratops' celebratory plans, but was asked by Triceratops to keep it secret, so that they could reveal the secret together in due time. The only hint Steve gave was that we had spoken about this secret before, on our way to Canada, but that was so long ago, and my brain so small I could not remember any details. This was okay, as I am very fond of surprises, at least good ones, anyway, and I was assured this was a good one. So, with that, Steve Beaver climbed upon my back, and we set off for the State of Wyoming. Specifically, we stomped to the State capitol, Cheyenne. It was here that we met Congressaurus Triceratops, who heartily welcomed us to his native State, where he had served as representative just over 150 years, till his retirement in the year 2018.

"Friends Stegosaurus, Steve Beaver, please be welcome !" said Congresssaurus Triceratops.

"Before we reveal our surprise, let us take a wonderful tour of the Nation's first National Forest, The Shoshone. You will find this impressive, all 2,500,000 acres. "

Being patient, and naturally intrigued by forests, I naturally agreed, especially as all the travel had made me very hungry.

Congresssaurus Triceratops became tour guide, and impressed us with his oratory skills, perfected over many millions of years in public service in many forms of Government.

"The Shoshone National Forest was declared protected by the mammals' President Benjamin Harrison in 1891, only a couple years after I was discovered; the forest protections were further expanded by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1902. The Shoshone forest is named for the Shoshone Indians, just as our State capitol, Cheyenne, is named for Indians; these tribes are native to the area. This forest is part of the Yellowstone Timberland reserve, including the Wind River Range and Gannett Peak, the largest mountain in the State. Within this area lies the Wind River Indian Reservation, where live the Shoshone Tribe, as well as the Arapahoe. Just to the South, lies The Oregon Trail, a passage significant to mammals in the 19th century West, when they traveled by brother Horse and covered wagon. The first European mammals to explore this area were John Coulter and Jim Bridger, around the year 1808. They documented the natural wildlife, which largely remains the same even unto this day. This will include, cougars, Grizzly bears, moose, elk, and of course, myself. I was discovered and classified by Professor O.C. Marsh within this State in the year 1889."

"Mummy cave here within the forest was rediscovered by the mammals in 1957; in this cave lived an early form of mammals, about 9,000 years ago, which is a long time in the lifespan of mammals. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places by President Jimmy Carter in 1981. There is a small amount of gold in this area; it was mined with limited success in the late 19th century and though the mine closed up entirely by 1907, panning for gold is still allowed here to this day. in the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps built roads, hiking trails and campgrounds, which increased visitation to the area by tourists after World War II.

As vegetarians, Stegosaurus, you and I will take great interest in the many trees native to this area; these include but are not limited to the Pinus contorta; Juniperus scopulorum; Populus tremuloides; Abies lasiocarpa; Picea engelmannii; Pinus albicaulis; and Pinus flexilis. In the lower elevations we may find Populus sect. Aigeiros; and the Salix.

"Well, this sounds wonderful," said Stegosaurus. "Can we eat any of those trees?"

"It would not be a good idea," said Congresssaurus Triceratops. " This IS a National Forest."

"Let's go somewhere where we can eat; I am feeling some appetite for a meal of grass, and there's a nice meadow where I'd like to make my main announcement with Steve Beaver."

"The Shoshone National Forest has been interesting, but I am eager to announce our plans," said Steve, who was still riding on the back of Stegosaurus.

The dinosaurs stomped to a meadow in the State capitol of Wyoming, and when they had grazed and trimmed the meadow Then, Congresssaurus Triceratops declared it was time to make his announcement, and to take part in it, Steve climbed down from Stegosaurus' back and stood beside Triceratops.

"I am here this afternoon in our State capitol of Cheyenne to announce to everyone here and to make it known to the general populace that being retired from politics, I am now a gardener, and have gone into business with my mammal friend Steve Beaver here, to open a greenery; Mr. Beaver is very smart; he told Stegosaurus and myself how we couldn't really extract sunlight from cucumbers, and thereby saved us a lot of effort that would have been ultimately pointless. Without his larger brain, we might have wasted millions upon millions of years !! Mr. Beaver has a great sense for business, which will benefit any dinosaur who wants to do well, since our brains are relatively so small. He is very skilled in growing things, particularly avocado trees, and has an interest in creating hybrid gourds."

"Thank you for your kind words, Triceratops," said Steve Beaver. "I have done many interesting things in my life so far, but I haven't yet tried going into business with a Triceratops so this will be a new adventure for us both; I look forward to working with you."

"I expect we will start by growing the trees found within the Shoshone National Forest, as well as avocados and .... your gourd experiments," said Triceratops.

"I am pleased to attempt these things with you, Triceratops," said Steve. " I am sure our business with thrive. Thank you for your trust in me, and to Stegosaurus for being here today".

And there was much rejoicing.

Bonjour, je m'appelle Loricatosaurus !!!

     

Au début du mois Septembre, il y a quelques semaines, j'ai eu le plaisir de recevoir une lettre de mon cousin Stegosaurus.  Il m'a raconté que lui et l'Agence de secours aux sinistrés Stegosaurus s'étaient rendus à Honshu, au Japon, la plus grande île du pays, parce qu'il y avait eu un tremblement de terre à l'est de la ville la plus peuplée. 4 mammifères ont disparu et 97 d'entre eux ont été blessés.  Comme elle en a l'habitude partout où elle va, l'agence de secours aux sinistrés Stegosaurus a aidé les mammifères à reconstruire leurs maisons et a prêté main forte au personnel médical d'urgence en cas de besoin.

   

Le stégosaure a réfléchi à sa visite de l'été dernier en Chine, me rappelant tous nos cousins là-bas ; il a ensuite suggéré que le Japon pourrait être un endroit où je pourrais aller me chercher, et j'ai convenu avec lui que c'était un bon endroit pour me chercher.  J'en ai donc parlé à mon mari alors que nous mangions un soir des plantes d'aloès sur du fromage, et il a approuvé la suggestion de Stegosaurus et partagé mon nouveau zèle pour les pays asiatiques.  Après notre repas, nous avons donc construit un radeau et sommes allés directement vers l'Orient.

  

Honshu est historiquement connue sous le nom d'Akitsushima, qui signifie île de la libellule. 81,3 % de la population de mammifères du Japon y vit, soit 104 millions de mammifères.  La majeure partie de l'industrie japonaise est située le long de la côte sud de Honshu ; dans le nord-ouest, l'économie repose sur la pêche et l'agriculture.  Le mont Fuji et le lac Biwa se trouvent également sur Honshu.  La question à laquelle nous répondrons ici est de savoir si je suis ici ou non. C'est ce que nous allons essayer de découvrir. En ce qui concerne le temps, Honshu bénéficie d'un climat subtropical agréable.  Traduit en anglais, le nom signifie "province principale". Le plus grand sommet est le mont Fuji, qui s'élève à 3 776 pieds

.   

Le tremblement de terre qui s'est produit le 15 mars n'est pas la première fois que la région doit faire face aux effets de la colère soudaine et violente de la Terre.  En 2011, un important tremblement de terre a fait bouger la partie nord-est de l'île de 17 pieds.  D'une magnitude de 9,01, il s'agit du quatrième plus grand tremblement de terre au monde depuis le début des relevés en 1900.  Trois réacteurs nucléaires ont fondu, ce qui a entraîné une catastrophe très importante à la centrale nucléaire de Fukushima Daiichi.

    

Le climat ici est magnifiquement subtropical, très semblable aux jours où nous sommes sortis de nos coquilles pour la première fois ; je ne saurais trop vous le recommander.

 

Mon mari et moi avons fouillé divers endroits de Honshu à ma recherche, et malheureusement, nous ne m'avons trouvée nulle part.    Déçus, nous avons décidé de nous reposer en cherchant de la nourriture.

   

Nous avons trouvé un bosquet de ciguës du sud du Japon, ou Tsuga sieboldii, qui sont des conifères merveilleux. C'était la première fois que nous en mangions dans leur pays d'origine ; nous avons ces arbres en France, où ils sont considérés comme ornementaux par nature et ont été cultivés là-bas et aux États-Unis depuis l'année 1861. Le bosquet que nous avons trouvé était un bosquet d'arbres plus âgés, de sorte que l'écorce était fissurée en carrés et était devenue assez floconneuse, ce qui est normal pour des arbres de ce type et de cet âge. Nous aimons tous les deux manger les petites fleurs rouge cerise de ces arbres ; c'est un plaisir particulier.

    

Je suis déterminé à continuer à me chercher jusqu'à ce que je me trouve. C'est la quête de toute une vie et je continuerai à chercher aussi longtemps que je vivrai.

 

Certaines choses sont éternelles, et d'autres, qui reviennent souvent, s'estompent et disparaissent, comme Apu.

 

"After I celebrated my birthday at home, I planned to remain in Colorado for some time," said Stegosaurus. "However, the emergencies of the times in which I live called me again to float forthrightly to the Orient. This time, to Honshu, Japan. It was necessary to gather together for the first time in a while, The Stegosaurus Disaster Relief Agency, for the mammals had suffered through a major earthquake there and needed aid."

"I asked all the friends who usually help me in my mammalian aid efforts, and they were eager to be of assistance. These were, of course, Rhedosaurus and his lovely wife Lady Rhedosaurus; Nigersaurus, Brachiosaurus Diplodocus, and Brontosaurus,( who is still having his midlife crisis and changed his name to Apatosaurus; ) Agathaumas and Trachodon, two of the most productive nomen dubium I know; The Moa Birds, whom I had just visited in New Zealand; Western Black Rhino and Woolly Rhino, ( I am so pleased to see that Western Black Rhino is a part of our group; it has helped him considerably in accepting his extinction. And of course, my entire college class, consisting of Stegosaurids like myself."

"The mammals who became extinct as a result of this earthquake are few but the damage to their property, their homes, is great. There was a tsunami threat due to a 7.2 level earthquake issued for the East Coast of Honshu, Japan".

"The Japanese people did not seem surprised to see us; with their legend of Godzilla, I am sure they will be to see us helping them to rebuild. It is possible that they are just so used to dinosaurs running about their cities that nothing surprises them, and they just figure that it can't get any worse. But they will be surprised yet, and I am eager to see their delight at the restoration of their homes and businesses. I'm surprised that they are not fleeing in terror."

The sauropods set themselves to work rebuilding bridges; Rhedosaurus and his wife Lady Rhedosaurus worked at preventing erosion of the shoreline; Agathaumas and Trachodon served as transportation to medical facilities for the injured; Many of my classmates knocked down trees with their cool, spiky tails so that houses could be built for the mammals; and where there were not many trees to do this with, they helped to transport wood that had been imported into the country for the purpose of building.

Western Black Rhino and Woolly Rhino gathered fruit and harvested rice so that the mammals would have something to eat as they endured the rebuilding of their city.

The Moa Birds and I helped to plant a garden, and rice beds, so that the mammals would be able to grow more food; The Moas were impressed by the versatility of my cool, spiky tail; they had seen me use it defensively before, but never as a plow.

"Nice to see you again so soon after your visit to New Zealand," said Moa Bird.

"Thank you for coming all this way to help the Japanese mammals; I know it is a far way for you, and the mammals really need our help."

"It is the least we can do. The truce that you helped broker between ourselves and The Haast's Eagles has been a blessing," said Moa.

"I see that none of you have been eaten since I returned to Colorado, very pleased to see my efforts rewarded so well."

"Thank you for your help," said Moa. "As of now, the truce holds."

While the Moas and I worked, Rhedosaurus and Lady Rhedosaurus were on the seashore hauling sand to arrest the erosion of the beach. When they had worked diligently for over an hour, they decided a break was in order. Rhedosaurus told his wife, "I will head into the sea to see if we can find some sushi for dinner; maybe if we're lucky, we'll find an elderly paleontologist in a diving bell."

"I'm glad you've taken to sushi," said Lady Rhedosaurus, "You consumption of policemen has really dropped. I'm proud of you."

"Policemen kind of taste like sushi, so it's an easy substitute," said Rhedosaurus.

"I thought they tasted like chicken," said Lady Rhedosaurus.

"That too, at times. It depends," said Rhedosaurus.

"Well, look at the work we've done from the water; I hope the mammals appreciate it," said Lady Rhedosaurus.

"I'm sure they do, the Japanese are a very polite people. I've never tried eating one, though, have you, honey?" asked Rhedosaurus.

"No, and that is only because we are here to help the Japanese not eat them; a meal of Japanese mammals would be very bad for public relations, even if they are very delicious."

"You're right," said Rhedosaurus. "I'll stick to sushi for now. But still, I have no answer to my question,"

"Ah !! You're right," agreed Lady Rhedosaurus. "I have eaten mammals before, but not policemen. I have not gained that particular taste as of yet."

While Rhedosaurus and his wife were on the beach, and I was gardening with the Moa Birds, the sauropods were having a grand time even as they were helping," observed Stegosaurus. Brachiosaurus, rather than hauling wood and stone to build bridges for a time became himself a bridge.

"Mammals tickle when they walk across you," Brachiosaurus advised Diplodocus.

"Thanks for the heads up," said Diplodocus.

"Watch, you two," said Nigersaurus; "I know what you're doing is working quite well, but we need long term solutions; and to that end, Apatosaurus and myself need your help hauling stone for bridge building. Would you please stop playing around and help us out?"

"You're right, Nigersaurus," said Brachiosaurus. "Thank you for keeping us on our toes. We do have work to do; as soon as the mammals on my back pass by, Diplodocus and I will help you."

"I don't mean to be rude; It isn't everyday that I leave the comfort and security of the Niger river and my home, but helping mammals in need is a great cause," said Nigersaurus.

"So it was that we all remained in Japan, rebuilding true to our name of a Disaster Relief Agency," said Stegosaurus. "Eventually my classmates and I had to leave in order to return to Colorado for the Fall Semester. The other dinosaurs and Megafauna remained in Japan through the rest of the summer and returned in late September.

As I floated on my raft, forthrightly home, I had a thought and decided to suggest to Loricatosaurus that she could float forthrightly to Japan and set about looking for herself," said Stegosaurus. "There's a lot of history on these islands I don't see how the potential discovery of Loricatosaurus' fossil would change or be of any harm".

Stegosaurus returned from New Zealand in time to enjoy his birthday at home in Colorado USA.

" As of June 1st, I am now 140 Million and 17. Seems like only yesterday, or maybe it was last year, when I was 140 Million and 16," said Stegosaurus.

"Well, no matter how old you are always be sure to enjoy your life. After over 140 Million years, it does seem like life goes on forever at times. My advice is to enjoy and be thankful for every moment you are given. For you never know when meteors may fall from the sky. One day you're just minding your own business eating a nice grove of Cycadaceae, and next thing you know you're on display, standing around a museum in your bare bones."

"I have been very fortunate, my friends to still be stomping around having adventures. Why don't we have some adventures together? If you come visit me soon, I will share my birthday cake with you. I really hope you like Coconut as much as I do !!"

"What adventures would you like to have? We could garden, and use our cool, spiky tails as a plow; We cold eat a nice meal of Cycadaceae, for now that I've mentioned them, I have a craving to make them my lunch; We could dance the lindy hop. It is great exercise, and perfectly celebratory for a birthday; We could sing grand opera duets together; wouldn't that be fun?

Really, the possibilities are endless and could actually go on for days; I really enjoy meeting new friends and celebrating birthdays."

In March, Stegosaurus returned from England, but he shortly decided that he hadn't traveled enough.

"England was great and it is good to be home again, but I would like to visit some other places and visit other friends. Where can I go?" he asked himself.

Stegosaurus thought, and thought, and then he thought some more. He spent a long time thinking, because thinking is hard when your brain is merely the size of a walnut.

Then, in early May, he had an idea, and upon the morning got back on his raft and floated forthrightly to New Zealand.

"It has been some time since I visited with The Moa Birds, and saw the Haast's Eagles," said Stegosaurus. "I would really enjoy some relaxing time eating the greenery in the swamps of New Zealand with my more evolved bird friends The Moas and Haast's Eagles."

The trip was long, as such trips are, but nothing of note happened. The journey was uneventful.

Stegosaurus arrived in New Zealand on May 4th, at Lake Wanaka Ray's Peak. Stegosaurus observed that the lake was beautiful, but this area was not swampy, and the Moa birds did not live there. Still, he remained for a few days drinking from the lake and enjoying a meal of grass before stomping to the swampland.

"This is a very wonderful place, I shall have to ask the Moas if I can watch them here for some of my visit.," he said to himself.

Once he had climbed upland, ( being thankful for his claws, ) he found the Moas grazing peacefully and they were happy to see him.

"Friend Stegosaurus!" exclaimed Moa. "What a grand surprise ! What brings you to New Zealand?"

"I was hoping to visit with my friends The Moas, to watch you and the Haast's Eagles," said Stegosaurus.

"Well you are welcome to watch us and graze with us," said Moa. "We are a little skittish around our friends The Haast's Eagles, as they do like to eat us from time to time but as long as they aren't trying to put us on their menu we can get along. We are mild mannered vegetarians so we forgive and forget easily."

Stegosaurus stomped around the wetlands with the Moas, where you know, the swampland is much smaller than it used to be from the late Pleistocene to the late Medieval period because so many mammals cleared it since; but in more recent times conservation efforts have taken hold because the mammals got wise and started thinking long term, something that is hard for a Stegosaurus to do. Every now and again mammals use their larger brains for very good causes, for which we are all grateful.

They all observed with great awe the giant Dacrycarpus dacryidioides, 197 feet; Stegosaurus determined he would have to bring his college classmates to New Zealand to help him eat that..... it is wonderfully majestic. The mammal government of New Zealand estimates that only 2% of its native habitat remains, most of it is conserved, with some areas still on private property. But these are long lived trees; they are older than the Moas as they were standing tall when Stegosaurus was just out of his shell; and even back then the Jurassic period, they could live up to 500 years.

Then, leaving the Dacrycarpus dacryidioides, Stegosaurus and the Moa birds stomped into the peatland forest and found the smaller but much more common Manoao colensoi, which can only grow up to about 66 feet. Stegosaurus felt okay eating some of those as they have some to spare. The Moas enjoyed some leaves from the Manoao colensoi, but they generally do not eat whole trees.

One thing that is interesting about them is that they have different leaves when they are young, from when they are older. Stegosaurus couild not decide decide which tasted better; He ultimately decided that he'd have to eat more of them to form an opinion. The Manoao colensoiIt is a resilient tree; it grows in hard soil and can grow shoots from the roots of older trees. Forests of them can be quite dense which is why I don't have any question about consuming them, given their abundance.

Then the Moas and Stegosaurus wandered into the waters to investigate the Avicennia marina in the very comfortable sub tropical North Islands. The Avicennia marina is the only tree of New Zealand able to live in the sea. subsequently Stegosaurus tried some algae, a rare treat, as such grow around their trunks and roots. Their tendency to create intertidal forests is sometimes an annoyance to the mammals who want to play in the sea, but they have some positive environmental impact for the ecosystem. They can prevent shoreline erosion during storm surges, for example. They also trap some contaminants and prevent them from going further out to sea.

After we were done playing in the water we went back to the upland, where we just grazed in relaxing silence for a time.

The silence was eventually broken by the arrival a small number of Haast's Eagles, being three. Two remained in the air while the third landed next to me. The Moa Birds looked on nervously at first, and then quickly scattered into the forest for their own safety.

"Hello, Stegosaurus ! How nice of you to visit. What brings you to New Zealand?" Haast's Eagle asked.

"I am visiting my friends the Moa Birds." Stegosaurus told him, "Which I hope you would have the decency not to eat while I am visiting. I like watching you too, as we all know I'd like to evolve someday into a bird, but I advise you to be kind to my friends remember what I did with my tail the last time!"

"I know, I am the one you struck," said Haast's Eagle, and all I wanted to do was let you know that once we saw you were here we all agreed that we would not eat your friends. When you are gone, Nature must take its course and the Moas must defend themselves but we will not attack them when we see you here. Instead, we will live in harmony so that you can enjoy watching us both; we know you will continue to use your cool, spiky tail until you evolve out of it. "

"Make no mistake, this is true," said Stegosaurus. "I appreciate your candid honesty, and thus, will apologize for having to strike you."

The Haast's Eagle rejoined to the generosity of the forgiving plate lizard, saying, "Thank you, Stegosaurus." and took flight. Stegosaruus called the Moas from the forest, and explained to them the conversation he had just had. Some of them were still nervous, but generally viewed the news as good for them. The Haast's Eagles circled beautifully as the Moas and Stegosaurus grazed peacefully. It was quite a bucolic scene.

Stegosaruus had to leave before there was a chance to graze upon the shores of Lake Wanaka; but the Moa birds promised him they would graze there with him when he returned. Stegosaurus once again got on his raft, floated forthrightly, and returned to Colorado in time for his birthday in June.

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And then, Woolly Mammoth became even more philosophical.

In February Stegosaurus decided to stomp forthrightly to the town of Maidstone in England to visit Iguanodon and his family. He had received a letter informing him that Iguanodon and his wife had reconciled their differences, and Iguanodon had left the Old North Woods in the Borough of Bromley. He was no longer living in or near The Crystal Palace, which delighted Stegosaurus; as much as he enjoyed the monuments there, he was so happy for his friends.

"I am so delighted to see you !!" exclaimed Iguanodon. "Thank you so much for coming! I have so much to tell you since last year!"

"Your letter made me so happy !!" said Stegosaurus.

"Yes, my wife and I have patched up our differences and I am now back in my native town of Maidstone. It was a rough patch, but the wisdom and council of Woolly Mammoth helped us see the light for the sake of our children. They need and deserve stability."

"I am glad you have worked out your differences with your wife," said Stegosaurus.

"I am thankful for Woolly Mammoth's council," said Iguanodon. "Come to the cave. My wife and family await."

Thus, Stegosaurus and Iguanodon stomped to a cave just beyond the City Limits.

Two young Iguanodon were eating Populus tremula leaves from a tree just outside the cave. When they saw their father they ran up to him with joy.

"Papa, papa, have you brought a guest?" they asked.

"Yes, my young. You remember Stegosaurus, don't you?"

"Oh yes, yes!" They said. "Nice to see you again, Stegosaurus. Would you like to share the Populus tremula leaves with us ?"

"If you don't mind, that would be delightful. If you see any you would like that you cannot reach, just let me know and I will stand on my hind legs for brief periods of time, just as brother horse does, to reach them for you. Just let me know."

"How kind of you, friend Stegosaurus," said Iguanodon.

"Thank you so much, Stegosaurus !!" exclaimed the Iguanodon youth.

"I will go into the cave and ask my wife to come out. She'll be glad to know you are here," said Iguanodon to Stegosaurus.

Shortly Iguanodon returned with his wife, who greeted Stegosaurus warmly.

"Greetings, Stegosaurus! Nice to see you, glad you could visit England!"

"Thank you, I rejoiced to hear the news of your reconciliation; come eat trees with us."

"Thank you, Stegosaurus, rejoined Iguanodon's wife. "When we have consumed the available Populus tremula I will bring us some Earl Grey tea, for tea time approaches!"

When Stegosaurus and the Iguanodons' had had their fill of Populus tremula the Earl Grey did appear, and as the Iguanodon young were outside continuing to graze on that most wonderful of new inventions, grass, Iguanodon and his wife gladly told Stegosaurus the story of how their troubles came about and were repaired.

"We have Woolly Mammoth to thank for our reconciliation for his wisdom and council, you see, he helped us realize that maintaining a happy marriage is a lot of work, but its worth the effort to maintain. For the children, for making manifest the love of the Lord in our midst. The Lord, the Creator, The Giver, The Healer. Jesus. Especially when all that my love Iguanodon did was absentmindedly eat my favorite Fagus sylvatica tree. They're so common here that we can replant it after all."

"While I learned not to eat my wife's favorite tree, she also agreed that if she ever had a problem with something I am doing, she would tell me about it forthwith; No more trying to guess," said Iguanodon. "Communication is a major key to happiness; Oh the children are so much happier too, as they do not have to be brought up without a stable father figure; they won't have to live in a broken cave."

"What else we learned from Woolly Mammoth is to rededicate ourselves to our faith. The shared principles inculcated by The Word of God helped to bring us together, and will help us maintain the love we have for each other," said Iguanodon's wife. "We even bring our young to Church. We want them to know that they can have a firm foundation in The Lord."

"I am so delighted for you both," said Stegosaurus. " .... and your young. Relationships are hard, and I commend anyone who puts genuine effort into maintaining them."

"Thank you, Stegosaurus," rejoined Iguanodon's wife. "Now I have brought for us, dessert ! A nice meal of aloe plants !"

"Ah, my favorite relaxing meal!" said Stegosaurus.

"Only the best for our guests," said Iguanodon. "Turns out aloe plants go well with Earl Grey."

Stegosaurus remained a guest of the Iguanodons' in England through March, and returned to Colorado in early April.

He was sincere in his compliments to the Iguanodons, and left them with such a light heart; in this hard world happy endings can be few and far between. The news of such reconciliation was very welcome.

In January, Stegosaurus paid a visit to his loyal accountant, Corythosaurus, just to find out how his various businesses had done in the previous year. Stegosaurus found Corythosaurus predictably down by the river.

"Hello, Corythosaurus," said Stegosaurus as he approached.

"Hello, Stegosaurus, what brings you to visit today?" rejoined the busy hadrosaur, who seemed distracted as he looked up at the trees.

"I was wondering if you could tell me if any of my businesses had turned a profit in the last year," said Stegosaurus.

"Sure let me finish what I am doing here and we can talk all about it," replied Corythosaurus.

"Why are you looking at the trees, are you going to eat them?"

"This stand of Betula nigra will someday be a work of art, at which I will make a profit. I am deciding which ones to take down that they might make good stock for my woodworking projects."

"They look quite delicious," observed Stegosaurus.

"Maybe so, but we don't eat these trees, they will be used to create art in my new woodworking projects."

"Are you still baking bread?"

"No, no more bread. Not as a business. I'm all about woodworking now."

"I will help you," said Stegosaurus. "Just let me know what tree you want down and I will emulate brother horse by standing on my hind legs for a brief period of time in order to knock it down."

"That would be fine, Stegosaurus, just remember: don't eat the trees; I need something to create with so we cannot dine on these trees. If you'd like for your help I'll take you to visit a few Asimina triloba that I found last week just down this very same river. The fruit of the Asimina triloba is probably my favorite new invention, at least right after Diet Coca Cola."

"That would be delightful, Corythosaurus. Thank you."

So the two dinosaurs worked together most of the afternoon knocking down Betula nigra and breaking their branches. It was hungry work, but again Corythosaurus reminded Stegosaurus not to eat the Betula nigra and be patient for the Asimina triloba which they'd go to very shortly.

When Corythosaurus and Stegosaurus arrived at the Asimina triloba just down the river, Corythosaurus asked Stegosaurus, "How are your studies going, friend Stegosaurus?"

"Oh very well. I have a mere 4 classes to go before I finish for my doctorate with a specialty in tree disease."

"Delightful. Delightful," rejoined Corythosaurus. "Let me tell you regarding your businesses, other than playing extinct in museums, your best and most lucrative endeavor remains as always your School of Dance. You should definitely keep doing this. It is what most mammals above Elementary School level remember you for, especially in Cuba."

"I'm glad to hear it. I love my School of Dance," said Stegosaurus, who then paused to swallow a bite of fruit from the Asimina triloba.

Stegosaurus then continued, "Well I remember that my attempt at apartment manager for mammals failed because mammals don't eat trees, and dinosaurs don't use money."

"The lessons of the Market can be harsh, but it was a worthy effort," observed Corythosaurus.

"I guess it would help if I'd eat more of the Pinus nigra, but there are none about just now."

"Don't feel bad, yours is not the first business to fail," said Corythosaurus.

"Well this Asimina triloba sure is delicious. I should eat more of them !!" Stegosaurus declared.

"As long as we practice conservation, what I planted will last some time yet," said Corythosaurus.

"I hope your woodworking business does well," said Stegosaurus.

"Me too," said Corythosaurus. "Speaking of the Pinus nigra, I've been trying to add more of them to my own diet in hopes that that will help my success."

"Let us eat to your success," said Stegosaurus, as he began to chew on a branch of Betula nigra.

"Wait, Stegosaurus ! STOP!! Remember, please don't eat the stock !!" exclaimed Corythosaurus.

"Oh, I'm sorry, forgive me," said Stegosaurus.

"You are forgiven," said Corythosaurus. "Just remember that eating your stock is really bad for business."

Stegosaurus and Corythosaurus continued to eat trees through the afternoon, except of course, the Betula nigra.

Later they went to the Royal Alberta Museum and played extinct for awhile, which was novel to the mammals, since the museum does not have Stegosaurus or Corythosaurus on permanent display.