Artifact

"The world's oldest multiple-page book - in the lost Etruscan language - has gone on display in Bulgaria's National History Museum in Sofia. . . [T]his book was created on metal plates that are bound together with metal rings.

"The book dates back to 600 BC . . . The small manuscript, which is more than two and a half millennia old, was discovered 60 years ago in a tomb uncovered during digging for a canal along the Strouma River in southwestern Bulgaria. It has now been donated to the museum by its finder, on condition of anonymity.

"Reports say the unidentified donor is now 87 years old and lives in Macedonia.The authenticity of the book has been confirmed by two experts in Sofia and London, museum director Bojidar Dimitrov said[,] quoted by AFP. The six sheets are believed to be the oldest comprehensive work involving multiple pages, said Elka Penkova, who heads the museum's archaeological department.

" 'There are around 30 similar pages known in the world,' Ms Penkova said, 'but they are not linked together in a book.' "

"The Etruscans - one of Europe's most mysterious ancient peoples - are believed to have migrated from Lydia, in modern western Turkey, settling in northern and central Italy nearly 3,000 years ago. They were wiped out by the conquering Romans in the fourth century BC, leaving few written records."

Source:
Bryan L. Welton
WeltonBL@ldschurch.org
801-240-0314

This came to me in a forwarded email today. --Mom

PS: Of related interest, this FARMS article.

Mendon Morning

Before the sun is up, it's out to the driveway to work along side our great neighbors, Al and Kathy. They're snow-shoveling champs, wearing their non-slip Yak Tracks.

So much snow drifts and blows off the mountain that plow trucks get stuck on our road, so they call in a mammoth road grader.

Our little snow blower hasn't been strong enough for a big winter, so we're looking at ATV's with plows. We're expecting still more snow and seriously wondering where to put it.

So, anyone want to live in our house for 18 months?

Flowers

A Salt Lake TV journalist reporting President Hinckley's funeral said a tribute of mixed roses arrived with a note:

"Dear Grandpa, We will be Grateful, we will be Smart, we will be Involved, we will be Clean, we will be True, we will be Positive,we will be Humble, we will be Still, we will be Prayerful--Because of you.
Love, Your Grandchildren."

It was so nice to see sunny weather for the funeral. Chimes in the City Hall and local churches sounded, and people who didn't attend the funeral waved as the cortege passed. Note to the Rodgers: The youth in Utah dressed up for school last Monday, too.

Deseret News picture of flowers being prepared for the Conference Center. She's carrying a display from U of U.

Our neighborhood

We notice wildlife around here. Pheasants show up daily, and sometimes deer graze along our road. But last week as I drove into town I saw something in my headlights. Deer? No, a great bull elk had crossed the road and was disappearing with his buddies. Lots of birds. The other day Rog saw a bald eagle landing at the marsh, and yesterday a fat woodpecker ate box elder bugs on our roof line.

If you visit us in winter we can go to nearby Hardware Ranch and see the elk. The herd winters over and then leaves in early spring, prompted each year by the oldest matriarch elk who seems to decide when it's time to head out.

Promise of spring

These crocuses make us happy.





Thanks, Steve and Sara

Gordon B. Hinckley

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Holding Henry

Liz and Jared let me hold Henry this week in SLC .


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Adults Only

It surprised me when I first moved into a new area that no one called or came knocking with an invitation to register to vote. In fact, elections proceeded without me. It turned out the initiative was 100% mine. I had to find out where to go (the County Clerk's office) and when, and I had to get myself there. Once I did register no one shook my hand or smiled with approval. It was all too grown up for me.

But I did it.

I understand the exasperation of young adults for our national electoral system--the number of votes don't actually elect a President. However, any vote cast makes a statement that the people are out here and that we value democracy, flaws and all. And votes do count on State and local issues.

While on the subject of government, we wish Steve well as he serves once again in the Utah House. He hasn't had time for blogging but I love to read him when he does.

And while on the subject of voting, I saw this article by Ann Coulter at the Fawsons yesterday. I've been slow to support Romney. I didn't like doing it because of shared-faith alone, but it's hard to find a candidate I like better.

Love, Mom

PS: I know you're all in various parties with various political views. In any case, speak up. : )

In the season thereof

When I bought fresh raspberries last week for the same price I pay in summer, I was slightly peeved. These berries had no business being in a grocery store in January.

As a child, summer fruits were unheard of until summer. Strawberries in spring, followed by cherries, apricots--later watermelon. In winter you sometimes thought about them wistfully but you knew you had to wait. With today's international market and hot-house gardening, there's no waiting. What have they done to the seasons!?

A few years back a TV chef, while demonstrating Thanksgiving dinner, recalled a woman who managed to serve strawberries and asparagus at TG. "No, no, no!" he said. "Save those for spring. For now, we want the full, rich autumn flavors."

Front Yard

We can just walk out our front door for great snow-shoeing.

Throw Rugs

I need new throw rugs--by sinks, washer, house entries, etc. Some consider them messy with dribbles, crumbs, etc., but that's the point. They contain the stuff that would get spread. The cotton-rag style are inexpensive; rubber-backed kind stay put and endure.