Stegosaurus returned from Tibet on January 8th, very tired from all of his recent travels. He welcomed the return to his cave in Boulder, Colorado, his favorite place to rest his weary claws. He didn't even eat anything as soon as he got home ( except of course, his raft ), he simply returned to his cave and slept.

At one point, he woke up, went outside to his yard, and fell asleep again in the sun. It was in this way that his loyal accountant Corythosaurus discovered him, on the morning of January 18th. Stegosaurus was at first startled, since he'd forgotten that January 18th was the day they had set aside for Corythosaurus to discuss the results of his 2024 tax filing.

“Good morning, Stegosaurus,” said Corythosaurus. “I hope I didn't wake you. I have some important news to tell you. It is good news, too ! I'm pretty sure you won't believe me, but it is all quite true!”

“Greetings, friend Corythosaurus!” said Stegosaurus. “Always nice to see you, but please don't keep me in suspense! Tell me, what makes this year so much more exciting than any other year?”

“This year, the year 2025 is your year, Stegosaurus !!” insisted Corythosaurus.

“I have filed your 2024 tax return, and after crunching all the numbers I've discovered that you, beloved by children, studied by mammal scientists, celebrated in film and comic book, both serious and comical, you, you narrow faced roof lizard, Mr. Stegosaurus, you are a millionaire worth 44.6 MILLION dollars !!”

“What ?!?” Stegosaurus exclaimed incredulously. “How did that happen?!?”

“I am not entirely sure, my first immediate thought is it is a result of you being so humble and frugal, but then I thought some more for something told me that there was more to the story, more than meets the eye.”

“Tell me, don't be so dramatic. Has there been an inheritance? A long lost relative perhaps? I haven't read the news, I've just returned from visiting cousin Wuerhosaurus in Tibet and I am totally out of the loop. How in the world could I possibly be a millionaire ?”

“I have discovered that you have an inheritance, Stegosaurus. One we didn't know about until now. It seems that your mother made an early investment into broadleaf trees, just about the time you had come out of your shell, and the success of broadleaf trees over the last 140 Million years or so, since the early Cretaceous period has put you into another tax bracket. “ explained Corythosaurus.

“Well, isn't that something! I had no idea my mother was so concerned about my future.

Her prescience as an investor is impressive. We dinosaurs, you know, we aren't so good usually at thinking ahead. I know a lot about my father, Professor O.C. Marsh, but I don't know too much about my mother. All I can remember is that she found me one day while she was eating a cabbage patch.

I guess this means that I should be hanging around with rich people like Elon Musk, Bill Gates or Warren Buffett. I don't know, do you think Bill Gates would let me eat trees? He seems overly concerned about the environment. I also know that Elon Musk has made a lot of money making the mammals' transportation devices electric, and as we well know I am a fan of alternative fuel sources, but I am not sure given recent news that he and I would see eye to eye on a very many key principles. He does not strike me, suddenly as a supporter of my favorite candidate Eugene Victor Debs.

Maybe Warren Buffett would be more my style. We have in common the fact, for example, that we're both very old. I like finding common ground. I am not sure how old he is, but he looks like he is 140 million years old”.

“Maybe I'll buy an island, or a country, such as Greenland, or Canada. It would be great to establish the funding for a meteor detection system in this country to prevent the destructive extinction we experienced in the past.” said Stegosaurus.

“I advise you not to let your newfound riches go to your head”, said an amused Corythosaurus. “Remain the humble, altruistic, kind and gentle Stegosaurus we all know and love.”

“You're right, Corythosaurus. I appreciate your advice. There is much wisdom in what you say.”

“Let us go eat some broadleaf trees now, and we'll discuss ways in which I can use my wealth to help others as well as myself. I can think of a few honorable charities to which I'd like to donate my money and my time. There are so many causes I feel so passionately about.”

“I also advise you to be frugal and careful about how, when, and to whom you are charitable. Don't let anyone, mammal, dinosaur, or megafauna take advantage of your generosity.”

“Again, good advice, Corythosaurus. Thank you. I find it hard to think in the long term sometimes, with a brain the size of a walnut. Thank you for keeping my head out of the clouds.”

“This is my job, not just as your loyal accountant, but as a friend.” said Corythosaurus. “Now shall we go and dine?”

“Yes, indeed, let us go. I think there's a grove or two of Maples and Oaks just over the next hill.” said Corythosaurus.

The two friends then set off over the hills and enjoyed a delicious meal of Maples, Oaks, and homemade bread with Diet Coke.

Everyone in the forest lived happily ever after.

Stegosaurus returned to Boulder, Colorado and his cave on the 9th of January, and though he was glad to have enjoyed the holidays with so many friends, he was also glad to be at rest.

After several days of resting his weary claws, on January 13th he received a visit from his loyal accountant Corythosaurus.

"Is it time to file my taxes already, or have you come just to eat trees with me?" asked Stegosaurus as he saw Corythosaurus approach.

"We can do both, my friend," said Corythosaurus. "It is good to see you; how did your Holidays go?"

"Wonderful I was in California with Triceratops and Dimetrodon, and then went to West Virginia to spend time with the Giant Ground Sloth family."

"That sounds delightful. I had a nice holiday season myself." rejoined the loyal hadrosaur.

"Let us dine first before we look at my taxes," said Stegosaurus.

"As you wish," said Corythosaurus. "Where do you suggest we eat? What kind of tree is on the menu today? I'm up for anything," he continued.

"Oh, I don't know. How about we start with one of my favorites, the Picea pungens, and then stomp out forthrightly to a beautiful grove of Acer negundo that I know of," suggested Stegosaurus.

"I will gladly take your recommendation." said Corythosaurus.

The two friends first consumed a pair of Picea pungens, and then climbed a hill and then down again until they reached a marshy floodplain. Here was found a wonderful grove of Acer negundo, where Stegosaurus observed, "This is my favorite spot to eat the Acer negundo in peace. These trees grow well in urban areas, but eating in front of the mammals can sometimes be distracting because they are so surprised to see a Dinosaur. Even here, where I am the State Fossil."

"These are delicious," said Corythosaurus. "A meal this delicious for some reason I can't quite fathom, makes me feel like relating my life's story."

"Well, I will be delighted to hear what you have to share," said Stegosaurus.

"Let me drink some Diet Cola to start with," said Corythosaurus. "Would you like any?"

"No thank you," said Stegosaurus.

"Well, now, " said Corythosaurus, my life story starts a lot like yours, Stegosaurus."

"How so?" asked Stegosaurus.

"Well, one day a Mommy Corythosaurus met a Daddy Corythosaurus, and they liked each other very much. Then, one day they got together and wiggled a little bit, then I was born.

I lived 75 to 77 million years ago, a very long time, and then, one day I went down to the Red Deer River in Alberta BC, and became extinct. In was there, in 1911, that a Mr. Barnum Brown, who was also known as Mr. Bones, ( 1873 ~ 1963 ) discovered me. The name he gave me is from the Greek language, κόρυθος,(korythos), after a Corinthian Helmet, and my name literally means Helmeted Lizard. Charles Sternberg ( 1885 ~ 1981 ) discovered my two best fossils in 1912. Unfortunately Because a British paleontologist had asked for the two fossils in order to study them, he sent them to Arthur S. Woodward ( 1864 ~ 1944 ) so I took a seafaring trip on a mammal ship called The SS Mount Temple. Unfortunately the mammals were at war with each other in a war called The Great War, or World War I. On December 6th, 1916, an enemy ship fired upon us, and the SS Mount Temple was sunk; my fossils were lost.

"How unfortunate !!! I'm so sorry, " said Stegosaurus.

"No worries but thank you," said Corythosaurus. "In spite of being a mild mannered vegetarian, I am an experienced war veteran."

"You and I, we have something in common, " said Corythosaurus.

"And that is?" asked Stegosaurus.

"Like you, I am bird hipped, an Ornithischian."

"Well, welcome to the family," said Stegosaurus.

"I am directly related to other Hadrosaurs such as Lambeosaurus, and Hypacrosaurus, we have a similar skull structure and crests on our heads."

"It is a very distinctive crest," said Stegosaurus.

"Why, thank you," said Corythosaurus. "With our crests, we can call for a mate, or make other noises, such as warnings, for example if we are ever visited by your brother Allosaurus."

"How useful," observed Stegosaurus.

"The sound is similar to a brass instrument, such as a trombone. So, if I wanted I could join a jazz band."

"You live a fascinating life," said Stegosaurus.

"A fascinating life browsing for soft vegetation, drinking Diet Cola and sounding like a trumpet."

"No wonder we're such good friends," said Stegosaurus.

"Yes, friend Stegosaurus. Shall we take a break from eating, file your taxes, and then we'll gather trees I can use in my woodworking business."

"Sounds like a great idea, Corythosaurus. I remember my promise not to eat your stock."

Corythosaurus visited Stegosaurus through most of the 2nd half of January. He returned to Canada on the 26th of January.

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.