haven't done this one in a while

prompted (though untagged) by jenett

1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages).
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people.

"Usually it is discussed in terms of the concept of freedom, but this is misleading because freedom has so many connotations not relevant for this question. The decisive point is the relationship of religion and ethics. The question is whether the moral imperative is dependent on the divine grace for its actualization, or whether divine grace is dependent on the fulfillment of the moral imperative."
(from Paul Tillich's _A History of Christian Thought_ - nb there were at least five books within easy grabbing distance and this is probably my favorite)

And, let me see, I will tag plantae, freakfish, raisinbottom, apotropaic, and manintheboat. But I still think tagging is silly.

Fatal Window Mythology

A Fatal Grace, by Louise Penny
Having now read two Louise Penny books, I can say with confidence that the best thing about her novels is how well she knows the people in them. She loves her characters truly, madly, deeply, and with discernment - and by so doing, lights her writing from within.
(42/300)

Mythology Eyewitness Companion, by Philip Wilkinson and Neil Philip
It's a slight exaggeration to say I read Dorling Kindersley books for the page layout. I also read them for the pictures. A fine example of its breed.
(43/300)

Window Poems, by Wendell Berry
It's very rare that I finish reading a library book and immediately turn to purchasing it. Actually, I'm not sure I ever have before. Let that stand as a fiercely meant recommendation (at least for those of you whose hearts beat dirt and snow and trees and sky) - and I'll give the rest of my thoughts on this book a post of their own.
(44/300)

weekend animal report

I was up so late last night that I didn't get around to walking down to the library until it was almost dark. After stopping to eat ice cream and pick up dinner, it was the rest of the way to dark by the time I walked home. It's very satisfying walking on rough sapling-studded ground in the dark, having to pay attention to the feel and sound of your steps. But not very useful in terms of walking quiet so the animals don't hear you...

So, one cuddleslut cat on the way TO the library, about 60 crows (our local murder must've thrown a party), a spooked cat I accidentally snuck up on about a block from my house on the way home, a weird-sounding critter I didn't see who might've been a frog or a toad, but might've been a bird instead, and the supposition of Mr. Beaver. Which is to say, in his general area of the creek, I saw a round dark object (like a beaver head) moving purposefully cross-current. But who knows, really?

Did not get kilt by a cougar, a vagrant, or a grue.