Brazil Wood Extract

 

 

"Brazilin is obtained from the wood of Paubrasilia echinata, Biancaea sappan (Sappanwood), Caesalpinia violacea, and Haematoxylum brasiletto. The sappanwood is found in India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, the latter being a major supplier of the wood to Europe during the early Middle Ages. Later, discovery of brazilwood (Paubrasilia echinata) in the new world led to its rise in popularity with the dye industry and eventually its over-exploitation. Brazilwood is now classified as an endangered species." -- Wikipedia

Opening

 

Opening the Capitol building for visitors in Colonial Williamsburg. Historic interpreters set either the Grand Union flag or, as in the case of the Governor's Palace, the Red Ensign flag outside of venues that are open to the public.

Invasion

It's cold outside. Okay, not nearly so cold as in other parts of the country. Still, it's cold enough to warrant sitting down with yet another good book and reading while enjoying a cup of hot tea. 

The book opens with Harding sitting down on the eve of the invasion with his friend and Ukrainian novelist, Andrey Kurkov, for a meal of borscht. Harding is convinced Russia is about to invade. Kurkov isn't. I'm curious to know more.