How cool is that?
In the last two days, I have attempted to answer two requests for help with Latin titles/inscriptions. The fact that I can still kinda sorta do that amazes me. I mean, I took Latin my Freshman and Sophomore years in High School -- sometime back in the Cretaceous.

Ah, well, what we learn early, we learn best. AND, they did a heckuva better job teaching languages back then in HS than they do now, I think.

My German (undergraduate study) remains better than my Latin. But my Latin is probably marginally better than my (seminary) Greek. Meanwhile, I can read Old English passably well, as well as puzzle out some stuff in Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese (mostly because of Latin study), Dutch, Norwegian, and Danish (because of German and OE study). I could probably browse a newspaper in these languages. I can recognize a little (mostly cognates) in Swedish and Russian. Hebrew (in Roman transliteration) is a matter of buzz-words only. I can exchange pleasantries and ask for a toilet, etc., in Swahili.

Meanwhile, I have friends who send me greetings in Irish and Klingon, respectively.

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News from a far country
Sassafras and I went out to Wilderstead this afternoon. We both enjoy being let off our leashes, so to speak. She wanted to explore, of course. And naturally, she got over on the other side of the creek. I followed. She went up the hill and disappeared. When I had had enough, I turned for the cabin and began calling her. When I got near the crossing, there she was, on the cabin side of the creek, looking like she was saying, "Why are you still over there?" She must have doubled back on me while I was rambling.

	Winter Woods A view over the creek. The winter sun lights the treetops, but shadows are getting long in the holler.
	She waded in the water and she got her toesies wet "Don't fence me in!" says Sassafras as she goes for a prowl.
	Upper Rapids The water table is up and the snowmelt is feeding the stream. The holler's voice returns.
	Forgotten Boundary Immense labor was required to clear the hillside and build this fence. "Come unto me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

My time in the holler restored my peace today. As we come into the home stretch of Christmas travel and busy-ness, may you find your peace. And may it rest upon you, even when you are far away from where you usually find it.

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Oenophile alert
collinsmom would like to try a dry white wine for the holidays. Says Liebfraumilch is too sweet. I'd say the same for Riesling. Any recommendations out there for dry + white?

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