Really enjoyed reading this last post of yours, Peter C; it had as you would say, such a ‘joie de vivre’ about it.  And I so agree with you about Vaira; I think she’s a great lady, as I said once before, despite the Subcommandante’s protests, the best thing that ever happened to Latvia.  I’m sure she’ll be sorely missed.

Enjoy the Uzavas alus!

Irena

PS I thought Vaira’s speeches were sounding better and better of late.  Cepure nost tev!

I must a bit belatedly add my voice to Peter’s and Irena’s on this point. Of course, I too opined that she sometimes did not make the right decision, but when eight years ago she was unexpectedly tapped for the post, my first thought was that she would be a fine president, and all things considered she was better than I expected, and, I agree, the best LV has had.

Stephen