Yes, E is for Encyclopedia and L is for Lupine! With that preamble, I will now show my archaic interests and announce I just purchased a set of encyclopedias. This in turn leads to the question in this era of the internet and Wikipedia, why would one ever spend money for an encyclopedia?  My answer is … because!

Okay, perhaps I should give a more involved answer. While growing up and into my adulthood I often liked to pull an encyclopedia volume off the shelf, perhaps “B”, or “R”, and read/browse that particular book. Normally I just opened the book to a random page and started reading.  When my Dad died eight years ago, and we sold my childhood home, I lost that option. After all, at the time who wanted (including me??) a 1960 copy of the World Book Encyclopedia?

I was mistaken in allowing the encyclopedia to be deep sixed. Although one may read Wikipedia in “random mode“, this capability is just not the same or particularly relaxing. In fact, Wikipedia describes their random mode in this manner: “The Special:Random page is a link which will automatically (and randomly) take you to any article on Wikipedia. It is useful for random page patrollers, curious readers and bored people (my italics and bolding). I like to think of myself as curious person, but not bored!  LOL.

Earlier this week while reading “H”, quite by accident I learned about Hannibal’s father, Hamilcar Barca. Apparently both father and son Carthaginian generals had a name beginning with “H”. I certainly knew about Hannibal, but definitely not his Dad. You might ask what difference it makes? The obvious answer is not much, but I enjoy learning about the world!

I did use a bit of restraint with my purchase. Molly and I have a rule that any extra money we make through writing or photography may be spent as that individual desires … no questions asked. In my case, recently I have written a a few articles for some regional magazines. Thus, I had money burning a hole in my pocket (not much … writing does not pay very well). Anyhow, as the 2023 edition of World Book Encyclopedia is about to be released (price will be over $1,000), I was able to purchase the 2021 edition for only $350 … such a deal! Apparently World Book is the only encyclopedia still in print … sorry Encyclopedia Britannica lovers.

Yup … E is for Encyclopedia and L is for Lupine!

Which leads me to one of today’s photographs … Lupines in our yard. The vantage point is about 15 yards from our dining area. If the opportunity arise, drive some Northeastern Minnesota back roads right now. The lupines are drop dead gorgeous.

Oh yes … I did find the owl family yesterday. They have moved away from the nest area and my home. It took a decent hike to find the owls, both hiking on and off trail, but here is Momma Great Horned Owl on the hunt.