The Early History of Rome

I finished this book which is a compilation of five of Livy’s books on Rome. Livy wrote 147 books. I’m content having read this one. He’s surprisingly easy to read. His language, even in translation, has verve. I’ll definitely re-read this book later in life.   Some quick extracts from underlinings: Human nature, Thucydides argued, [...]

Fifth Installment: A Thin Slice of Sky

Animals   Vaccinating the Hog   The meaning of the cliché, “he squalled like a stuck pig,” held no significance for me until the night Dad asked me to help him vaccinate. The light was poor in the musty barn. As we rustled about making preparations, the pig sensed something unwelcome was coming his way. [...]

From Tocqueville on President’s Day

“The civilization of New England has been like a beacon, lit upon a hill, which, after it has diffused its warmth immediately around it, also tinges the distant horizon with its glow.” “The foundation of New England was a novel spectacle,” not by “speculators and adventurers greedy of gain.” “The settlers all belonged to the [...]

Mountain Romance Waltz

 

Fourth Installment of: A Thin Slice of Sky

Neighbors Lou Jonas   He was part Jeremiah Johnson, part Audubon, and part soldier of fortune. Lou rented the old cabin while we spent two winters inWhitewater,Montana. He holed up with his books, guns, letters and botany collections, to outlast the winters. Bundles of dried mint hung from his ceiling. A burlap bag of venison [...]

Spanish Peaks Sunrise

   

Third Installment: A Thin Slice of Sky

EATING TO LIVE   Dad, our resident philosopher, quoted Ben Franklin: Eat to live, don’t live to eat. He also referred to the Bible: Man shall not live by bread alone. “Wheat for man” came from another holy book. These were parts of our dietary law. Napoleon said that no army marches on an empty [...]

What Causes Poverty?: More responses

I ask people the question, “What causes poverty?” Below are some answers.   A nine year-old girl: “Loss of job.”   A homemaker: “Doing a bad job. Poverty is a mindset. You can think yourself poor, a victim. You could get sick and lose your job.”   A legislator: “Poverty is a choice and a [...]

Yellowstone River Rag page 2

Yellowstone River Rag