The following is a work of fiction.

Not Nick Nolte's Diary, Malibu, California
December 16, 2004

Prospect

I found myself camped out on the observation deck all morning. I awoke early from a fevered dream that contained more dream than fever. I have never been to Modesto, yet I keep dreaming of the place. In my mind it has many statues commemorating the great gold rush of 1847, I wonder if this is true. At any rate, with my Nikon and sketch pad I chronicled the sunrise. The winter has begun to give us purples and blues that would tilt an amateur pallet. Most of the animals on the grounds have been reticent for a month or so, but I think I got a few keepers of a playful Oak Titmouse. Not so rare, but a magnificent sign that the tree guy has successfully turned the thicket.