In the month of February Stegosaurus was visited in Colorado by his Spanish friend Oblitosuarus.

“Hail, good friend!” said Stegosaurus as he saw Oblitoosaurus arriving. “I am so pleased to see you, stay and visit for a while.”

“I shall, Stegosaurus I shall,” rejoined Oblitosuarus. “I have come to the United States in hopes of seeing you and explaining to you the trees of my native land while we enjoy some trees of your native land.”

“Welcome to America,” said Stegosaurus. “How are things on the Iberian Penninsula?”

“Just fine ." said Oblitosaurus. “This is where we regularly eat Fagus sylvatica I live in a forest full of them.”

“How delightful!” declared Stegosaurus.

“Have you got any forests of that depth here? What kind of trees grow there?” asked Oblitosaurus.

“Oh, we have entire forests of Picea pungens but we don't have as many forests of anything like we used to when I was just out of my shell. I miss the world I grew up in.”

“So do I, Stegosaurus. The age when we dinosaurs ruled the earth.”

“Do tell,” said Stegosaurus “What other kinds of trees grow on the Iberian Penninsula?”

“Other than Fagus sylvatica we have entire forests of Quercus robur which are quite delicious; have you ever had any of them?”

“I think not,” said Stegosaurus. “It looks like I am going to ask my college instructor if we can take my class on a Field Trip to Spain. I do so love to eat exotic species of Oak from time to time.”

“They are quite a treat,” said Oblitosaurus. “If you like other species of Oak you will love Quercus robur.”

“My favorites still remain the trees of my youth, which I first cut my cauliflower shaped teeth on when I was so young, the Cycads and their families. “I've refused to eat the Ginkgo biloba out of respect for the fact that they are even older than I am.”

Oblitosaurs laughed.

“Oh my friend, I find this so amusing! I hope you will forgive me for my laughing but I do respect a dinosaur who holds to his principles.”

“No offense taken my friend, as I am glad to have brought some levity to the situation life is too short not to laugh even if you are 120 to 140 Million and 16, soon to be 17.” said Stegosaurus.

“Now I ask, do tell, what other kind of trees are native to your homeland?”

“Well now, let me see,” thought Oblitosaurus. “We have many types of forests including more Oaks, Birch, Firs, and Beech trees. In the The Mediterranean region we have the quite delicious Quercus pyrenaica, and in that area there are groves of many types of deciduous forests. These lower, wetter areas include the lovely Alnus cordata , Willow, Ash, Elm, and Poplar groves. Entire groves, my friend! Entire groves! You have heard of that new invention, grass, correct?”

“Ah yes, introduced to it by my brother horse. Congresssaurus Triceratops enjoys it, too,” said Stegosaurus.

“We have not yet met, but I admire your friend's taste in grass,” said Oblitosaurus. “We have at certain times of the year grass called in latin Tripidium ravennae and heather. We have in the lowlands a few Ulmus Minor, and the Ulmus glabra, at the elevation of about 1400 metres we have growing Quercus rotundifolia a magnificent specimen of tree. Magnificent. The Balearic Islands contain Cyclamen balearicum which prefers to grow in the shade of evergreens. I am sure you'd enjoy them. They're one of my favorites and I can highly recommend them. Oh, I cannot fail to mention the delicious Juniperus thurifera. There are so many more but I hope this short list entices you to sometime come visit me in Spain. Bring your class, please we will all eat together.”

“I would be delighted,” said Stegosaurus. “Now let me tell you more about the trees native to my Colorado as you have come all this way to learn of them. Now I have already mentioned the delicious Picea pungens, but I think another type of tree you would like to consume would be the Pinus aristata or maybe the Quercus gambelii, given all the Oaks you eat in Spain,” said Stegosaurus. “Here in Colorado we also have the wonderful Acer negundo of which many have heard me praise in the past. There is here the Prunus virginiana …. beware Mammals! don't choke on it! “

“Oh, Stegosaurus, you have a sense of humor for sure,” observed Oblitosaurus.

“Life is too short not to, even if you are over 140 Million Years old,” said Stegosaurus.

“We also have a tree in Colorado favored by Stegosaurus Claus himself, the Pseudotsuga menziesii as the mammals often use it for their Christmas trees, Stegosaurus Claus eats them regularly. I think you will like them too.”

“I will follow the recommendations of my friend Stegosaurus. Any tree good enough for Stegosaurus Claus will be good enough for me,” said Oblitosaurus.

“Your trust in me is admirable, good friend. Let me tell you now about the Picea engelmannii, we have to go to the higher elevations to get this one, so it can get a little cold that high up. It's worth it though. If you stay around for an extended period we could stomp forthrightly to a grove of them I know of well.” said Stegosaurus.

“There certainly are a great number of trees here in Colorado USA as there are in my native Spain” said Oblitosaurus.

“Yes we have a great variety. This is enough talking for now; let us eat and I will gladly tell you more about trees another time. All this talking about trees makes me very hungry!” said Stegosaurus.

“Agreed, my friend, let us dine!” exclaimed Oblitosaurus.

Oblitosaurus did remain a delighted guest at Stegosaurus' cave in Colorado through February, March, and April, eating the trees of Colorado, while Stegosaurus enjoyed showing off his college education by explaining each of the native species to his Spanish friend.

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.

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.

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"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.