Small Vocabulary

ra·pid·i·ty  (rə-ˈpi-də-tē, ra-)

n.
The quality or state of being rapid; swiftness; celerity; velocity; as, the rapidity of growth or improvement.

Synonyms: Rapidness; haste; speed; celerity; velocity; swiftness; fleetness; quickness; agility.

“Tiggers never go on being Sad,” explained Rabbit. “They get over it with Astonishing Rapidity. I asked Owl, just to make sure, and he said that that’s what they always get over it with. But if we can make Tigger feel Small and Sad just for five minutes, we shall have done a good deed.”

 

From The House at Pooh Corner by A. A. Milne

Jammin'

This afternoon I’m making jam—strawberry rhubarb jam, to be exact.

I like making jam. It is so satisfying to see those jewel-coloured jars lined up on the counter.

The first time you make it, it seems like a big project; but once you get the hang of things, it becomes a rather quick and easy project. To make it even easier, I usually prepare the fruit for the jam and wash the jars and utensils in the evening as I clean up after supper. Then I refrigerate the prepared fruit overnight. First thing next morning, before it gets hot, I make the jam. The most tiring part of the whole project is the 5 minutes of stirring, and older children’s arms work well for that.

Today I’m breaking the early morning rule, since it’s cool and rainy. I may still regret it.

I’ve done jellies, too, but I hate the juice-straining step, so now I’m a jam-onlyist.

Do you make jam or jelly? What kind do you make? Do you have any tips for making jams and jellies, or advice for first-time jam or jelly makers? If you post (or have posted) a recipe for jams, jellies, or preserves, why not leave your link in the comments of this post?

Small Vocabulary

 

im·plore  (m-plôr, -plr)

v. im·plored, im·plor·ing, im·plores

v.tr.

1. To appeal to in supplication; beseech: implored the tribunal to have mercy.

2. To beg for urgently; entreat.

v.intr.

To make an earnest appeal. See Synonyms at beg.

 

Peter gave himself up for lost,

and shed big tears; but his sobs

were overheard by some

friendly sparrows, who flew to

him in great excitement, and

implored him to exert himself.

From The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter.