Abckiria ("ABC book"), is the first book published in the Finnish language, on this date in 1543. It was written by a bishop and lutheran reformer Mikael Agricola while he was working on the first Finnish translation of the New Testament, finished in 1548 as Se Wsi Testamenti. Abckiria was a primer to teach reading and writing. It contains the alphabet, some spelling exercises, and catechism. The first edition had sixteen pages. A 1551 edition had 24 pages. No complete copies of either are known to exist. In modern days, the most famous part of the book is the opening poem: Oppe nyt wanha / ia noori ... In English, "Learn now, old and young, who have a fresh heart, God's commandments and the mind, so that you shall know the Finnish language. Law, it makes the soul fearful, but Christ soothes it again. So read from here good child, the beginning of learning without obstacles. Remember them all your life, so Jesus lends you his mercy." I'm not religious, but this is interesting to me because the history of the countries and cultures in that part of the world are fascinating! Credits: https://w.wiki/Umuq Photo: https://w.wiki/Umy6 Public Domain I joined the club for my second-ever actual gravel ride. I did a lot better than my first, last Thursday, because today's route was on much easier surfaces. Lots of packed dirt, with not many roots, rocks, or holes. Even some pavement. There was a little deep sand, but yesterday I put the bigger 41mm tires back on my Straggler, so it handled everything well. Whether the tires also helped leave me much less tired at the finish, I can't say, but they felt fine. I did fall due to deep sand in the parking lot, before we even started riding. After that, I kept a closer lookout! Ride Leader Albert again was very kind to me, a slower rider. Most of the time, I was able to keep up with the group, about eight riders. When I fell behind, they waited for me. Not as long this week, I think. It's not often I'm willing to drive 80 miles round trip for a club ride. I did it today because I need more gravel experience, Albert does a great job, and the weather was perfect. A good day, and the long drive was relaxing.