ACK! Kevin, No apology is needed, none at all for any perceived reason. It has been obvious to me that your intent was NOT to do me some kind of emotional (?) or other harm. We, you and I and a couple of others, have opened discussion from many people using the VA-HIST list. I have the feeling that, had it not been for you and me, many people would sit comfortably without giving some of the points a second thought. The truth is, I should apologize to Anne for picking on one innocent sentence she wrote. I'm sorry, but I didn't feel I could pass up the opportunity. I took my "digs" at you, not for ill purpose or garnering an apology, but to stimulate even further discussion by others. I have no idea the background or origins of you or others on this list, but by golly there are a lot of people talking - not fighting, but talking - and they all have their views. In an ideal world people would sit down and talk like we on this list have. We have so much we can learn from each other. Like you, I believe you and I are closer in our points of view than what appears here (I never had a problem with being hardheaded and taking an opposing view for the sake of discussion). For the entire list: If I have been disjointed, confusing, or just making silly statements, I will blame my doctor. HA HA HA Among other things, he diagnosed me with pneumonia this past Friday afternoon and then proceeded to put me on some really good medication. How dare he when such good posts are being made. I have followed the "identifying terminology" thread with interest, but I just haven't been up to getting in there and seeing what kind of ruckus I can start. And I really appreciate the people mentioning their good memories about gardens, markets, helping others, etc.; these are magical, historical moments and need to be remembered. Who knows, maybe tomorrow I will feel better and find something else to ramble on about. Tom Eastern Shore & More Forum http://www.easternshoremore.com/forum/ > It is of course possible, perhaps even likely, that I have > misinterpreted Tom's intention. In crafting my posts here, I > have tried to keep in mind the larger issues that I see being > raised in recent conversation. My intended audience has been > the list-serv as a whole, not any single individual. When I > riff off of one individual's post, it is because the errors I > think I see in it strike me as getting at something larger and > worthy of public comment. If I have, in the process, done > violence to Tom's arguments (as I hope I have not), then I > offer my sincere apology. That was not and is not my > intention in posting. To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html